Microsoft Changes Gaming Forever With the Xbox Kinect

Just years ago, hardcore gamers and rival console makers dismissed the Nintendo Wii's interface, which allowed players to control the on screen action with their bodies, as a child's gaming console. Buoyed by the phenomenal success of the Wii and its mainstream acceptance by users outside of the usual gaming demographic, Microsoft has jumped on the ship and redirected the course, taking gaming far into the future with its remarkable new sensor called the Xbox Kinect.

The Kinect makes completely hands free wireless gaming possible. No gloves, wristbands or other devices need to be worn by players. Instead, a sensor camera captures the players body movements allows them to physically act out the game. Like something out of a science fiction film, the Kinect allows players to become human avatars, essentially breaking down the so called fourth wall.

The device requires at least six feet of distance between the player and the Kinect sensor. This has led to some criticism of the device from people living in small quarters, but many Kinect users living in small apartments have reported success with the device just by moving some furniture around, so with the exception of perhaps some extreme cases, most people should be able to accommodate the Kinect's distance requirements in even below average sized spaces.

Gamers who already own a compatible Xbox 360 can just buy the Kinect sensor as an add on, but Kinect is also available for purchase as a set bundled with new Xbox 360 consoles. To ensure the best compatibility, gamers may wish to buy the bundled set and sell their old Xboxes through online classified ads or auction sites.

Of course, a video game console is useless without a large library of compatible games. The Kinect doesn't boast a huge selection of games yet, but with the device taking the gaming world by storm and with the power of Microsoft behind it, it's just a matter of time before the floodgates open and Kinect games overtake the market. The current game selection feels like Nintendo Wii games rehashed, but the improved gaming experience provided by the Kinect makes it just different enough to be exciting.