Kinect gets UK release date

Page last updated at 08:49 GMT, Tuesday, 17 August 2010 09:49 UK

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By Dan Whitworth
Newsbeat technology reporter

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See Xbox Kinect tested by Radio 1 listeners

Xbox has revealed the UK release date for its new hands-free motion control system Kinect.

It will hit the shelves on 10 November, five days after the US.

Making the announcement ahead of Europe's largest video game conference, Gamescom, Xbox VP Chris Lewis said the launch will transform their business.

"We're already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share," he said.

Instead of the traditional buttons and triggers people will control their game play by using their body movements and voice.

'Bit surreal'

Radio 1 listeners Sam, a 22-year-old electrician from Leeds, and 18-year-old student John, from Suffolk, have had a sneak preview.

Sam said: "It's a bit surreal to begin with but once you get used to it it's just ace."

There are a few problems with accuracy but as a whole new experience it's quite good

John, 18, student

For people who already have the Xbox console it will cost £129.99 and come with one free game.

John says that price is a little too high: "The technology itself is pretty good but £130 is a bit too much for me.

"There are a few problems with accuracy but as a whole new experience it's quite good."

Kinect works by using three cameras and a microphone to register people's movements which are then translated into game play.

It's gamers like Sam and John that Xbox is hoping to win over because it's going to face serious competition this autumn from big rivals Sony and Nintendo.

In September Sony's new control system Playstation Move will hit the shops.

Nintendo's new 3DS hand-held console is also due out before March next year, possibly in time for Christmas.