We knew that Microsoft’s “Project Natal” was just a working title, but much like Nintendo’s Wii (née – Revolution) we’d grown a bit attached to the placeholder moniker. So it was with some trepidation that an advance leak (the night before Microsoft’s big pre-E3 press conference) of what may be the peripheral’s true name hit the internet, along with seeming confirmation on the rumored Xbox 360 Slim.
Italian website, Console Tribe, was sporting an embedded ad earlier this evening (since removed) showing a newly redesigned Xbox 360. The ad mentioned a 250GB hard drive and built-in wi-fi (finally!) as well as compatibility with something called “Kinect.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put two and two together that this is the final name for Natal.
As if further confirmation was needed, USA Today ran an interview (again, now pulled – way to not pay attention to embargos, guys!) with Kudo “Did you ever wonder what the bottom of an Avatar’s shoe looks like?” Tsunoda and Marc “I don’t get a memorable quote with my name” Whitten where they not only referred to the motion controller by that name, but also outed some of the compatible software:
- Joyride – the long-unheard-from avatar racing game first (and last) shown at last year’s E3.
- Kinect Sports – a sports-themed mini-game set with “boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, track and field, soccer and table tennis.”
- Kinect Adventures – this is where the river-rafting game in the recent Natal …damnit, Kinect video with Parade writer A.J. Jacobs came from (this name change is going to take some time).
- Kinectimals – a pet training game involving over 20 different animals, including lions, tigers and cheetahs (pets? or just breeds of big cat? Not that we’re protesting cats, mind you).
- Dance Central – MTV Games is putting this (obviously) dance themed one together.
I’m sure further details will be forthcoming at the presser tomorrow, but for now we want to hear your opinions. What do you think of the new PC case-influenced 360 design? How about Kinect? We all ragged on Wii back in 2006 when the name was revealed, but we got used to it eventually. Hit the comments below and let us know!
[Via: USA Today; Console Tribe]
That is seriously the ugliest thing I have ever seen.
So you’ve never seen an Alienware computer before?
EDIT: Also, “Kinect” is a terrible name.
I actually don’t mind it, personally. The case redesign, that is. The jury’s still out on Kinect.
There is only one reason I would even consider buying one of these…….wi-fi built in. It’s about goddamn time MS. The case looks OK, and the name will grow on me I’m sure.
Really? Wi-Fi is the motivating factor for you? Not the possibility that it’s not completely broken like the old ones? :P
great news guys, i have come to bless you with some insider knowledge! i have an informant! he is my uncles cousin twice removed, old college roomates brother. and he told me the reason they were able to make the 360 slimmer, was they took out all the useless stuff like the fan and heatsinks
Kinect… I think I liked Natal better. But then I’ve had a year for Natal to grow on me, so we’ll see.