This is your guide to everything you need to know about the PlayStation Move: how it works, what it costs, and what games you can play on it.
What Is The PlayStation Move?
The PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3. It consists of a wand-shaped controller the player holds in his or her hand topped with a plastic orb that emits light in various colors.
How Does The PlayStation Move Work?
The PlayStation Move works in conjunction with the PlayStations Eye camera to track the movement of the controller in the player's hand. The orb at the tip of the controller emits light that can easily be tracked via the camera, while the orb's particular shape and size help facilitate distance calculations. In layman's terms, the PlayStation Eye can determine how far away the orb is by gauging its relative size.
The Move also contains a pair of inertial sensors that allow the controller to sense motion and rotation.
Check out Kotaku's full PlayStation Move review for our opinion on how well the controller performs.
When Does The PlayStation Move Launch?
The PlayStation Move will be released in North America on September 19, 2010. It launches in Europe and most Asian markets on September 19, and the Japanese release is scheduled for October 21.
How Much Does The PlayStation Move Cost?
The cost of the PlayStation Move depends on what equipment you already possess. We'll be using North American pricing for this guide. International pricing may vary.
If you do not own a PlayStation 3, then you'll want to pick up the PlayStation 3 Sports Champions Move Bundle, which includes a PlayStation 3 console, a PlayStation Move controller, the PlayStation Eye camera, and a copy of the Move game Sports Champions. Retail price is $399.99.
If you already own a PlayStation 3 but nothing else, you'll need the PlayStation Move Bundle. Retailing for $99.99, it includes the PlayStation Move controller, a PlayStation Eye camera, and a copy of Sports Champions.
If you already own a PlayStation Eye, which was sold on its own as well as being packaged with the PlayStation 3 game Eye of Judgment, then all you will need is a PlayStation Move controller, which will run you $49.99.
It bears noting that many Move games will require the PlayStation Move Navigation Controller, a wireless handheld device featuring several buttons and an analog thumb stick that costs $29.99. Note that you can use the normal PlayStation 3 controller as the Navigation Controller, though it's not optimal.
What Games Are Launching With The PlayStation Move?
Sony and third-party developers have come together to create a strong lineup of launch titles for the PlayStation Move, both as retail releases and downloadable games on the PlayStation Network. Here's a look at what to expect when the PlayStation Move hits store shelves.
Retail Games
EyePet
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Virtual Pet
Release Date: September 7
Price: $39.99
EyePet is a game that uses augmented reality to project a furry virtual pet into your living room. Released in Europe last year, Sony delayed the release of the game in North America to add PlayStation Move support.
Read Kotaku's Impressions of EyePet.
The Fight: Lights Out
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: October 26
Price: $39.99
The Fight: Lights Out lets the player explore the seedy world of underground fighting. Think Fight Club, but whatever you do, don't talk about Fight Club.
Read Kotaku's early impressions of The Fight: Lights Out.
High Velocity Bowling
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: September 21
Genre: Bowling
Cost: $39.99
High Velocity Bowling is a bowling game that can be played with the normal PlayStation Controller or the PlayStation Move.
Read Kotaku's impressions of High Velocity Bowling.
John Daly's Prostroke Golf
Publisher: O-Games
Genre: Sports
Release Date: October 5
Price: $49.99
It's golf, with John Daly.
Kung Fu Rider
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Racing
Price: $39.99
Kung Fu Rider is a wacky racing game in which the player races downhill through the streets of a Chinese city in everything from an office chair to a baby stroller, while using kung fu moves to avoid the crowd.
Read Kotaku's review of Kung Fu Rider.
Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest
Publisher: Warner Home Video Games
Genre: Action Adventure
Release Date: September 28
Price: $59.99
Travel with Middle Earth's human hero Aragorn on his adventures through some of the biggest battles of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Your PlayStation Move controller is your sword as you battle on horseback and on foot.
Racquet Sports
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Sports
Release Date: September 14
Price: $29.99
It's tennis, badminton, squash, beach tennis and table tennis for the PlayStation Move.
Read Kotaku's impressions of Racquet Sports.
The Shoot
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Shooter
Release Date: October 12
Price: $39.99
The Shoot turns the PlayStation Move into a light gun. Players shoot targets as they travel across a number of action movie-themed locations.
Read Kotaku's impressions of The Shoot.
Sports Champions
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Sports
Release Date: September 7
Price: $39.99
This is the PlayStation Move's answer to Nintendo's Wii Sports. Compete in six different sporting events: Table tennis, volleyball, archery, bocce, disc golf, and gladiatorial combat.
Read Kotaku's review of Sports Champions.
Start the Party
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Price: $39.99
Release Date: September 7
Genre: Mini-games
Start the Party feature more than 20 different mini-games for the whole family to play, including spear fishing, ghost hunting, and robot armada crushing.
Read Kotaku's review of Start the Party.
TV Superstars
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Party
Release Date: October 26
Price: $39.99
TV Superstars places up to four players in five different fake reality television shows, including the fashion-centric Frockstar and the daredevil program Let's Get Physical.
Read Kotaku's impressions of TV Superstars.
PlayStation Network Titles
Echochrome ii
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle
Release Date: Fall 2010
Price: TBA
The follow-up to the excellent PlayStation Network game Echochrome features full Move support, 100 puzzles, and the ability for players to create and share their own puzzles online.
Read Kotaku's impressions of Echochrome ii.
Tumble
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Puzzle
Release Date: September 19
Price: TBA
Developer Supermassive Games brings this building block game to the PlayStation Network, challenging players to stack blocks using the Move controller.
Read Kotaku's review of Tumble.
What Existing Games Will Work With The PlayStation Move?
Many existing titles will work with the PlayStation Move controller either right out of the box or via a downloadable patch.
Heavy Rain: A Move edition of the game will be released at retail, while a path will make sure existing owners can join in the motion controlled fun. Read our impressions.
Resident Evil 5: A downloadable patch will grant Move support to owners of all Gold Edition versions of Resident Evil 5 for the PlayStation 3. Read our impressions.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11: Move support is built in. Read our impressions.
Toy Story 3: PlayStation Move support is built right in, making this an excellent title for families with younger children. Downloadable mini-games will take advantage of the Move controller.
Should I Buy The PlayStation Move?
Will you love the PlayStation Move or hate it? That all depends on you, but you can check out what we loved and hated right here to help you decide.