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Controller-free gaming system 


DUBAI — There are two things that have changed about video gaming. One, it is no longer the couch potato’s sole preserve, and two, you don’t need a joystick to play your video games anymore. Kinect, Microsoft’s new controller-free gaming system is all set to be launched in the UAE on November 10. Priced at the Dh699, the Kinect sensor comes as a cam style add-on peripheral for the Xbox 360. This revolutionary new gaming experience uses a natural interface comprising gestures, commands, or presented objects and images.

“We have freed the gamer from the last barrier that stood between him and his gaming experience — the controller. The Kinect is about learning and playing on the go, the way it was always meant to be,” said Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division, Gulf, as he showcased the technology for the first time in the UAE on Sunday.

With more than 15 gaming titles to be available at launch, the Kinect promises to integrate all your entertainment options from movies, television and music at the wave of a hand. This all-immersive experience aims to attract a new community of gamers who have shied away from the traditional console gaming platform.

Microsoft executives believe the new system will open a window into living room around the world as gaming now becomes a more socially inclusive affair with more women and children participating than ever before.

The new batch of games which includes Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Joyride will retail at a price of Dh199. Microsoft also revealed details of the new bundle offerings that will allow customers to indulge in some controller-free fun fest — the new Xbox 4GB and 250GB consoles each packaged with a sensor and Kinect Adventures will be available for Dh1399 and Dh 1650 respectively.

anshuman@khaleejtimes.com