There are three big names in gaming consoles: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.Sony offers the Playstation (PS3) range,Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Wii.There is considerable action happening around 3-D, with Nintendo unveiling the first portable gaming console.You won't need special glasses to play games in 3-D on Nintendo newest handheld device, 3-DS, but it's not available right now.The technology behind the 3-DS requires viewers to sit at a certain angle and distance from the screen.
The latest Playstation from Sony, PS3, has all the features to play 3-D games.Through a firmware, all existing PS3 can be upgraded to 3-D.This firmware is available on the Playstation website (playstation.com) free of charge.You'll need a 3-D TV and 3-D glasses along with the PS3 to enjoy 3-D gaming.
Compared to earlier versions (PS2 and PSP handheld), PS3 is a top-level version that's way beyond a gaming console.It becomes a central playback device in your house that can play Blu-ray movies and DVDs, and has built-in Wi-Fi and a large storage space for games, movies, music, videos and photos.Its built-in Blu-ray player shows HD movies at 1080p.
PS3 costs about Rs 19.990.But, "it's a value-for-money device as it features Blu-ray playback, HD gaming, 120 GB hard disk space, Net compability, capability of playing photos and music and showing on TV.Also , one PS3 can talk to another PS3 and share the game.Add to that 3-D compability ",says Athindriya Bose, country manager-Playstation, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
Microsoft Xbox 360 is also 3-D capable and 3-D games for the system are available today.Jaspreet Bindra, regional director, entertainment and devices division, Microsoft Corporation (India),says, "While others focus their efforts on 3-D as the market evolves, Microsoft is more excited about growth and innovation potential of controller-free games and entertainment-an experience you can get only on Xbox 360.Kinect will add value to the future of 3-D gaming by making it more interactive and fun."
The Kinect's motion-sensing technology for Xbox 360 dispenses with handheld andinstead makes you the controller.It senses your movements, your gestures as well as voice and changes the way you play and experience entertainment.
The Kinect sensor is claimed to be the world's first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software sll in one device.Unlike 2-D camera and controllers, Kinect tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions, even a difference of emotion in your voice.Kinect will let you play driving games, for example, by simply moving your hands as if turning a car's steering wheel.