Hands-on: Sony PlayStation3 Move controller

I was very skeptical of the Sony PlayStation Move, an add-on accessory that gives the PlayStation3 video game console intuitive, motion-based gameplay. I was expecting nothing more than a knock-off of the innovative—and industry-changing—Nintendo Wii console.

Although I wasn't totally off the mark, the Move controller does enough as a motion-sensitive PS3 device to set itself apart from the gaming experience of the Wii. But, there are quite a few drawbacks to consider.

In order to play with the Move, you'll need a few accessories. The Move motion controller is $50, and since some games allow you to use two controllers in tandem, you may want to pick up an extra Move. You will also need the $40 PlayStation Eye, which has been on the market since 2007.

The PlayStation Eye was Sony's first venture into motion gaming for the PS3. Initially its main appeal was that for certain video games it digitally captured players and placed them onscreen. The camera also features a microphone, which enables voice recognition, audio and video chat without the use of a headset on the PS3.

To its bag of visual tricks, the PlayStation Eye has added the ability to track the location of the Move motion controller—specifically, the colored ball on the tip of the Move controller.

But to keep the Eye on the ball, proper set up of both camera and controller is very important. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't provide a clip to mount the Eye camera to the top of a flat panel television, so I had to improvise. And as I discovered, you really need to stand the recommended 8 feet from the TV (and camera) in order for the system to calibrate to you and your movements. But once I had the camera in place and positioned myself correctly, the controller synced with my PS3 Slim easily and tracked my movements very well on the screen.

The functionality of the Move controller is highly dependent on the game you are playing. Like Nintendo's Wii remotes, the Move controllers for the PS3 can be anything from a magic wand to a ping-pong paddle. However, unlike the Wii remote, flicking your wrist to achieve a full motion on-screen is not an option.

While playing Sports Champions, I found that using two move controllers enhanced the experience. For example, one of the games I played involves sword-and-shield combat against a virtual gladiator. Using just one controller for both weapons can be a little tricky. But with a Move controller in each hand, I could wield my sword and shield independently and more efficiently to defeat my virtual opponents.

Compared to the Wii, the PlayStation's graphics are far superior. And there are other niceties that Sony's Move with the Eye camera offers to PS3 players that can't be matched by Nintendo—yet.

For example, in a demo of EyePet, a game that creates a virtual pet animal, the Eye camera allows you to use the Move controller to activate various on-screen tools to create and interact with your pet. But, the camera can also digitally place you on-screen as part of the interaction with your digital pet. (See video below.)

Still, such flexibility in gameplay does come with a price, of sorts. My PS3 console, for example, has only two USB ports. Since the PlayStation Eye takes up one connection, I'm left with only one USB port to charge any other PlayStation controllers.

Also the number of Move-compatible games is still limited, with only 30 expected by the end of this year, compared to Nintendo's well-established library of hundreds of game titles for the Wii.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment is price. A Move controller and an Eye camera costs about $90 with Move-compatible games costing about $30 to $40 each. So for PS3 owners, the total price of adding on Move accessories—about $130—comes pretty close to buying a complete Nintendo Wii system (about $199). And if you don't have a PS3 system, retailers offer bundle packages—typically including a PS3 console, a Move controller, an Eye camera and a Move game—for about $400. That's just over double the cost of a brand new Nintendo Wii.

Bottom line: The Move, despite its challenging set-up, could be a great addition for current PS3 owners. Its motion-sensitive capability makes the PS3 gameplay more interactive, a big plus for any dedicated gamer. But if you're just getting into gaming and want an inexpensive means of motion-based video game play, we say slide on over to the Nintendo Wii.

We'll revisit this craze of motion-control gaming soon since Microsoft's take, the Kinect for Xbox360, will become available in November.

For more helpful information on choosing a system, see our buying advice on video game consoles.

—Matt Ferretti

—Paul Eng