Sony Computer Entertainment has slammed the brakes on its PlayStation 3 motion controller. The Tokyo-based company pushed back the controller’s release to the fall, about the time that rival Microsoft plans to launch similar Xbox 360 technology dubbed Project Natal.
The motion controller will be made available in Japan, Asian regions, North America, and Europe/PAL territories in the fall, Sony said. It added that the delay involves several factors, including making changes to the device.
“The decision to release the new motion controller in fall of 2010 was in efforts to deliver consumers a comprehensive portfolio of software titles to choose from at launch,” said Sony spokesperson Julie Han. “The development of games for the motion controller is well under way and we’re working closely with our third-party developers and publishers as well as our first-party studios to deliver innovative games for the motion controller launch.”
Delaying the launch will also allow consumers to use the motion controller on all PS3 games rather than just new games. “We will be launching new games for the motion controller as well as updating select games that are already available by adding motion-control functionality,” Han said.
Some observers said pushing back the launch of the controller lets Sony take more time to perfect the device so the design, user interface, and software are all in sync and working perfectly. Others say the delay is to take the spotlight away from Microsoft’s Project Natal.
“It’s always hard to say what is the real cause behind a delay, but given the buzz and enthusiasm around Project Natal and what Microsoft is doing, it’s not surprising that Sony may want to make sure it has a compelling answer to what Microsoft is doing,” said Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret.
Project Natal, which was introduced by Microsoft…