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Product SummaryBrand: Sony Audio: English (Unknown) Release Date: 2010-09-17 Platform: PlayStation 3 Model: 98058 Color: One Color Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Product features: - Accurately tracks your every movement. Precisely tracks both fast and subtle movements
- Sphere?s light provides visual feedback during gameplay
- Vibration feedback is felt during specific actions
- Pair with navigation controller (sold separately) in compatible games
- Charge the controller and automatically pair with the PS3 system via a USB cable
Video Game Reviews of Playstation Move Motion ControllerCustomer Review: Move: The Glowing Orb of Awesome Summary: 5 Stars
I am a fairly die-hard Playstation person, for the PS2 because of the killer game selection, and for the PS3 because Sony didn't back down an inch when it came to technology, pumping the best of what could be had into the device--the Move is no different.
Starting from that aspect, for any who would complain about the price of the device, paying $50 for the amount of technology in this controller is like stealing. It has all the features one could really hope for... every button the Dualshock has save the shoulder buttons(and, of course, the directional buttons... for obvious reasons) plus the new 'move' button and trigger, full bluetooth connection capability, a more than sufficient battery life(not sure exactly how many hours, but it's lengthy...the 'trickle charge' via the USB also takes fairly long. The battery is the superior lithium-ion variety), and vibrational feedback to boot--those being just the outward features. I'm not totally versed on all the accelerometers and sensors within the device, but I know it does have a robust range of them...directional accelerometers to tell your speed and angle, and the camera + awesome glowing ball to give you un-paralleled position accuracy, as well as that position along the z-axis, which is one of the huge advancements over the Wii controllers. In addition the device has the capability of knowing relative position w/o the camera being turned on at all, so you can navigate the PS3 menus, etc, without the camera/calibration. Technologically the device is top-notch...I'm sure more advanced sensors could have been added, but I think they have the compromise between necessary technology for extreme accuracy and price/size well balanced.
From an ergonomic/aesthetic viewpoint, I couldn't be happier with the Move. I will confess to thinking the glowing orb at the top is very cool, though that could just come from knowing how much it adds to the accuracy. Oh how I wish I could change the color to my liking (it's said that it chooses a color to give the best precision... though I'm not sure pink--which has always been the first color it has chosen for me--is necessarily the best color for the numerous different situations I've played in). But I suppose that's trivial in terms of actual game play.
Seeing the move in person for the first time, it is very aesthetic overall...streamline, smooth black finish. Very light-weight, and very comfortable in the hand. The 'move' button is placed perfectly for your thumb, and while the trigger is slightly less than perfect of a feel, it has yet to be a hindrance--it's in a very easy to push position. The trademark Playstation controller buttons are plenty easy enough to press, also with the thumb...though you will need to memorize which one is where. The start and select buttons are placed a little oddly, flush with the surface, and on the sides, level with the rest of the buttons. You won't need to press them too often, so it's not a big deal...though I have accidentally pressed the start button several times, usually when trying to make a really epic smash hit in table tennis of Sports Champions(it never ruined the round for me or anything like that). The wrist strap is, well, a wrist strap, and it does it's job...I've never felt like it was in the way. I never actually snap the clip closed though, as it's frustratingly hard to undo because of the direction that you have to flip it. The strap does it's job just fine with the clip slid close to your arm but not snapped.
Setting it up isn't too bad, though I admit I am not a huge fan of the Playstation Eye--at least in mine's rather new lifetime, the cord is stiff and can make it pretty hard to get the Eye facing nicely the way you want it. I've had to use tape before to get it to stay put. I have more to say on the Eye's performance, but I'll hit on that later.
Other than plugging in the Eye(which may annoy some people...it takes up a USB slot on the PS3. I'm just not sure exactly how else it could be done...?) and getting it pointed correctly, setting it up and using the Move is very simple. You connect it to your PS3 via bluetooth just as you do with the Dualshock controllers. Each game has their own calibration routine, none of which I've had any complaints against. I've heard quite a few complaints about how often you have to calibrate in games like Sports Champions...but have no idea why anyone is bothered by it. It can take less than a second after doing it a few times, and I sometimes wonder if maybe a bit more thorough calibration might make some games I've played overall more accurate. I, personally, would welcome it. If there's any time-related complaint, it's the load times on the games, which have been rather lengthy on both games I've played (The Shoot, in particular). I guess that is the game's fault though, not the Move's.
Then there's performance. Here's what really matters. Did they utilize and apply all of the well engineered technology and hardware well? The answer is yes. It's not without faults, but overall I am very, very pleased with what this thing can do.
If you want the quickest version, the number one thing that makes the Move hard to use? Forgetting that you're playing a video game. More specifically, forgetting every little short-cut technique you used to succeed while playing with the Wii. I can't even count the number of friends I've seen play gladiator battle with t-rex arms, swinging the controller around with their wrist, confused why they aren't doing well. Often the games are so challenging because their non-electronic real world versions? They are challenging.
I confess, that's easier said than done. It's hard to just play like it's real life when you are looking at a screen, and holding a short, thick wand after just casting 'lumos,' instead of hefting a true disc golf/ping pong paddle/gun/ball etc. The real equipment obviously feels different, has resistance, and never, ever makes errors...which, of course, the Move does. It will occasionally do something very unrealistic, or hinder you from playing quite like you would in the real world, which will sort of shake your faith in the device and tempt you to try to trick it with your beloved Wii techniques. But overall, it's best to play like it was for real. Which will make you tired, and sore, and I love it. The fun factor is 7 of 5 stars.
I will put forth my number one complaint though... and we're back to the Eye. I believe that the Eye is the number one thing holding back the power of the Move controller. Yes it does it's job well... but I think that Sony would've been better off to have produced a higher-grade camera, with much higher picture quality, 120 frames per second instead of 60, and a broader scope...and, yes, one that is easier to place on the top of your TV or entertainment center. Don't get me wrong, I was actually rather surprised with how well the Eye does... I thought 2 player gladiator battle would be a nightmare both upon my person and my Move controllers, but you can actually stand a fairly good distance from each other. But I was really disappointed with how crummy the pictures it takes of you are, and it could definitely be a better experience if the width and, more especially, height of the frame was larger. For the time being, placing yourself just right(plenty of room around you and a proper distance from the camera) alleviates these problems...but I would be more than happy to dish out double the current $30 for the Eye if it improved the Move experience as much as I think it could.
While this is technically a review of the Eye, it is directly connected to the Move's capability, and I feel like it is the only weak link in the Move's performance...the controller itself has yet to disappoint me in any way, shape, or form. Have the games? Here and there, yes... I feel like they could have been implemented a bit better, and look forward to when a game maker really squeezes the Move's power for all it's worth. Does the Eye disappoint? Yup. But the Move itself is phenomenal to use.
Even with any shortcomings the games and Eye surrounding it may have, the Move is incredibly fun to play with, and extremely impressive in every way. I consider it to be worth every penny, and highly recommend it.
A tip in purchasing: I think Sony is trying to keep the supply down to increase demand, as you may be able to tell by several websites with the Move still in stock having jacked their prices up. You can find it at $50...just keep looking. Make some calls. Walmart is where I was able to find it. You really should have no trouble finding the $100 bundle with the Eye and Sports Champions.. it's the motion controller alone that most stores can't quite keep on the shelves right now. And I definitely suggest buying at least one additional controller... for example, gladiator battle is pretty lame without the second, and playing with a friend is often half the fun.
Feel free to ask any questions, I'll get back to you asap.
Description of Playstation Move Motion ControllerPlayStation Move redefines motion gaming with the most immersive and realistic gaming experience only possible on the PlayStation3 system. The simple, easy-to-use controller captures a full range of motion giving you ultimate control over how you play the game. With a diverse selection of games and new ones launching all the time, you can enjoy hours of fun with friends and family. PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Move Navigation controller and PlayStation Eye camera*, PlayStation Move enables sophisticated motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. Concurrent with the release of the PlayStation Move components, both Sony and third-party game developers will release a slew of PlayStation Move compatible games designed to meet the tastes of casual and hard-core gamers alike. PlayStation Move controller. View larger. | Unmatched Motion-based Controller Accuracy The cornerstone of the PlayStation Move system, the PlayStation Move motion controller combines advanced motion sensors, a dynamic color changing sphere, vibration feedback, and an easy to use button interface to provide the ultimate in motion-based gaming. Equipped with a three axis gyroscope, a three axis accelerometer and terrestrial magnetic field sensor, PlayStation Move motion controller tracks the precise movements and the angle of the controller. The PS3 system also detects the absolute position of the controller in 3D space by using PlayStation Eye camera. Highly sensitive movement tracking can be accurately traced back to the game, allowing intuitive gameplay as if the player is within the game. The PlayStation Move also features the familiar PlayStation controller button orientation, for seamless play from the very first use. Key Features - Works with PlayStation Eye camera to accurately track player position.
- Includes action buttons of DualShock 3 and Sixaxis wireless controller for direct input.
- Sleek and Wireless.
- Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery.
- Advanced motion sensors in the controller precisely track both fast and subtle movements.
- Color of the sphere's light provides visual feedback during gameplay.
- Vibration feedback is felt during specific actions.
- Bluetooth technology supports wireless gaming.
- Simultaneously use up to four motion controllers with a PS3 system.
- Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A - Mini-B).
* Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy PlayStation Move motion controller on PS3. | Additional Screenshots:  Advanced motion sensing. View larger. | |  Navigation controller compatible. View larger. | |  Color changing sphere. View larger. | |  Easy to grip & strap secured. View larger. | | |
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