Microsoft and Sony may have been late to the next-generation controller scene, but the Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation 3 Move are next-generation platforms facing off head-to-head.
The PS3 Move sold 4.1 million units since its global release in mid-September, and analysts believe it will have a higher adoption rate than the Kinect. Meanwhile, the Kinect has sold 2.5 million units since launch, and Microsoft is reportedly having a difficult time keeping up with demand. Company officials said Microsoft will likely meet its anticipated goal of 5 million sold by the end of 2010 -- and the device is available in more than 60,000 different stores spread across 38 nations.
Microsoft also launched a $399 Xbox 360 Kinect bundle to help attract new Xbox 360 gamers.
The ability to "hack" the Kinect platform, which Microsoft claims it left open on purpose, opens up the possibility of even higher unit sales while engineers dabble.
The PlayStation "Move" launched in the fall with strong individual unit sales, and Sony released PS3 Move bundles as well.
As Microsoft and Sony compare Kinect vs. Move sales, Nintendo sold 1.5 million Wii and DS units in a single week. The game company also announced the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game that has become the first Wii title to reach 4 million units sold.
Nintendo said it wouldn't slash Wii prices this Christmas, but launched a red Wii and Wii Remote Plus bundles for consumers.
Microsoft and Sony have clawed their way back into the console race, but the Move and Kinect may not lead directly to new sales. Until casual consumers become more familiar with the platforms, Nintendo has time to continue selling its lower-priced Wii console.
