Channel 5

Microsoft Kinect

G-Rating

Rating of 5

The basics

Previously known as Project Natal, Microsoft Kinect is a motion-sensing camera for Xbox 360 that detects body movement, before replicating it on screen. The result is a controller-free gaming experience using physical gestures and movements.

The good

This game-changing piece of kit of does away with the need for controllers, and feels gloriously futuristic as you move your entire body to control your Kinect games. The kit sits under your TV, and almost always works without a hitch. After installing a software update for your Xbox and a quick calibration, you’re ready to rock. The Kinect will scan you and quickly recognise your every move with no apparent lag and the gameplay feels completely natural and intuitive, whether it’s a virtual steering wheel or a martial arts title. There are 19 games good to go from Kinect launch, so there’s enough choice for everyone. They’re a bit more simplistic than usual Xbox titles, echoing Wii games and revolving around motions like running on the spot, or steering in Kinect Joy Ride. Kinectimals is unbelievably cute, Kinect Sports is hilariously good family fun and Dance Central is one of the games of the year for party fun.

The bad

For the seasoned Xboxer, used to Halo and Mass Effect 2, Kinect titles may feel a little flimsy, but then it’s targeting a different market. It’s also not a super-slick design – the unit is a foot wide and several inches deep. But it's just about as subtle as it could be for the size. You’ll also have to have a decent amount of room to flail around in front of your TV.

The bottom line

For the price, Microsoft Kinect will transform your Xbox from a serious gaming hub into a console capable of delivering spades of family fun. And there’s still so much potential in the sensing tech that we’re sure to see even more greatness in the future.
Buy now on Currys

Microsoft Kinect is tagged with kinect, microsoft kinect and Xbox360. Select a tag (kinect, for example) to find everything on The Gadget Show about the subject.

User comments (51)

Leave a comment

This comment has been removed.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

Paul

Believe me, when you try the Kinect out for real you will be AMAZED!!!! It blows the Wii out of the water, and the Sony Move and is nothing at all like the Eye Toy. This is an awesome must have piece of kit!

Report as inappropriate
Moro

Kinect is great i've tried it out in Convent Gardens, wonderful piece of tech, must have gadget for christmas kicks the sony move thing right off the shelves, and plus there is a fighting game and a first person shooter just check on youtube.

Report as inappropriate

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment has been removed.

This comment has been removed.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

Anonymous

play station move sucks. I have kinect and it is amazing

Report as inappropriate

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment has been removed.

Anonymous

Speech recognition is amazing. You don't need to program it at all.

Report as inappropriate

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment has been removed.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

This comment is awaiting moderation.

Join Channel 5

Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:

  • Create lists of your most wanted and owned products
  • Leave article comments without having to re-enter your login details
  • Get updated with all the latest gadget and car news

Leave a comment

Please note that we will not expose your email, but we might use it to email you back. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.
* mandatory field

  • Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini

    The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini is hardly a new concept: a portable keyboard add…

  • Samsung Galaxy S4

    The Samsung Galaxy S4 is a blockbuster in every sense. It’s a giant phone with a whopping…

  • Nokia Lumia 520

    Nokia’s been incredibly busy of late, outing new feature phones and top of the line metal…

  • Retro Duo Portable V2.0

    If you’re old enough to recall the days of the SNES, then the idea of playing a portable version…

  • Wacom Intuos5

    Thought your iPad was good for doodling? It ain’t got nothing on this here slate. The Wacom…

  • Nokia Lumia 720

    The Nokia Lumia 720’s the Goldilocks phone in the Finns’ line-up. With a 4.3-inch screen,…

  • Sony Xperia SP

    Here comes the mid-range Sony Xperia SP, hot on the heels of its super-charged bigger brother, the…

  • Asus Memo Pad Smart 10

    Meet the Asus Memo Pad Smart 10, one of a new breed of full size, full fat and low priced Android…

  • HP Envy x2

    HP's got a tiny titan on its hands with the HP Envy x2, a tablet-laptop hybrid that leaves the Asus…

  • Soundcast Outcast

    The Soundcast Outcast is a wireless speaker system that can take on the weather and you can plonk it…