Microsoft has officially introduced its controller-free game peripheral; Kinect for Xbox 360.
The long-awaited add-on, pictured below and formerly known as "Project Natal", has been described by Microsoft as the "future of fun" and promises "an entirely new way to experience entertainment in the living room".
Revealing the unit's final design and product name ahead of what's expected to be a feature-packed Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Microsoft demonstrated Kinect to media but hasn't yet provided details regarding price or availability.
Equipped with a camera, audio sensors and motion-sensing technology, Kinect emits an array of beams that hit objects in its path and bounce back to the device. Using an on-board processor, the device is then able to map an image of everything in its field of view. According to Microsoft, Kinetic is accurate enough to track 48 points of movement on the human body.
Designed to allow users to interact with the Xbox 360 games console through voice or physical gestures, Microsoft will be hoping to widen its appeal to casual gamers. A market currently dominated by the Nintendo Wii.
"People who are intimidated by a controller or game pad will finally get to unlock some of the experiences that are possible in the living room, gaming and non-gaming alike," said corporate vice president of Xbox Live Marc Whitten.
At least a dozen Kinetic games are expected to launch alongside the device - including a Star Wars title that allows gamers to manipulate the Force using their hands, as well as the ability to wield an imaginary light sabre.
