Let's Kinect This Christmas!
The Xbox Kinect makes a fantastic holiday gift for video game enthusiasts
If you're not familiar with video games, you may not know the term Kinect. If you're shopping for anyone who owns an Xbox 360 console, though, they almost certainly do.
Kinect (code named Project Natal) is Microsoft's newest technological advance in the video gaming system, and its November release comes just in time for the holiday season.
What is Kinect?
Kinect is a new add-on for the Xbox 360 system. In other words, to use it you already have to own an Xbox 360 console, so it's no good buying it for someone who doesn't unless you expand the gift to include a new Xbox.
So what does it do? There's actually quite a lot of buzz about this simple looking object, a horizontal bar on a motorized pivot that you stick underneath your TV. Basically, it's a motion sensor, but Microsoft has worked hard to make sure it's not just a carbon copy of the Wii motion sensor. While the Wii requires controllers to work, the Xbox Kinect will be able to pick up physical gestures and even facial expressions.
Aside from the obvious game applications, the Kinect lends itself to a variety of other interesting features. For example, players will be able to navigate their homescreen (or dashboard) with gestures and voice commands. They will also be able to video chat with other Xbox Kinect users.
Kinect Games
Although these features are pretty cool, most people who own an Xbox 360 console use it for one main purpose: gaming. That means that if you buy someone a Kinect, it's a nice idea to also get them a game to go with it. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of Xbox games coming out at the same time as the Kinect. A few choices might include:
-For families: Adrenalin Misfits, a snowboarding game that puts the Kinect through its paces and offers good humored fun for everyone.
-For dance enthusiasts: Dance Central, a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) type game with lots of song options and great dancing fun.
-For exercise: EA Sports Active 2.0, a sequel to the popular Wii Fit title that encourages activity and weight loss.
-For older gamers: Fighters Uncaged, a game that mimics street fighting brawls and lets players use the Kinect to physically participate.
So how much?
As with most video game systems, the Kinect usually comes bundled with a game (which can save you the trouble of choosing one from the list above). That combo will probably cost around $150. It's not a low budget item, but it's not ridiculously expensive, either, especially considering that your average new video game is about half that all on its own.
Overall Verdict
They're already selling new Xbox 360 console bundles together with the Kinect, so whether you're shopping for a new gamer or someone who just can't get enough video games, the Kinect makes a great Christmas gift for any age group or experience level.