I think that MS is overhyping this a bit, but that's fine. It's their right to be salesy.

But will this have an effect on winning this generation? LOL, no.

I can't think of any add-on that has ever became a game-changer in the marketplace, or even grown into something that I would consider "big".

The wii's motion sensor technology works the best, b/c it
A. comes with every purchase of a console
B. is basically mandatory that the mtion sensing thing be available to use so developers will pay a lot of attention to it
C. (relates to A) is cheap. If it comes with a console that costs $250, then the extra price it adds is probably nil

So, for right now, Natal looks to have the impact that the Powerglove or Eyetoy did, which means it won't amount to much.

And for what it's worth, I think that MS needs to develop a motion technology, but imho it should be one kind of like Ninty's, a wand-based kind of system so you avoid all the extra costs and make they should make it included in every 360 , so that developers will actually produce games for it.



All in all, I think that MS deserves a grade of a D or F for Natal, as it will be a waste of resources.

to all:

Arcade sku has already secured MS second place

IS it me or Kimasshole has just said this ... ?

fixed

Bold words. MS obviously has lots of faith in Natal. As can be seen by their statements of treating the launch of Natal as a launch of a new console. Complete with a bevy of titles.

Having cameras, sensors, etc is going to cost a lot...probably more than $100. I dont see how the heavy price requirements will make MS win this war, but whatever

Firstly, to suggest that this isn't a reaction to the Wii and to be able to do it with a straight face is quite admirable. Even if Microsoft had this in development before the Wii was released I have a feeling that it may in fact have been meant as a PC control interface rather than specifically for the Xbox 360, but there is no way to know one way or the other.

Secondly hyping it as the second coming is almost a necessity because if Natal doesn't get an initial surge of consumer adoption it is never even going to get off the ground. If it doesn't get an install base why would developers bother making games for it and if it doesn't have good games support it's never going to see widespread adoption.

i think like others have said it will secure 2nd place for m$ for a second gen in a row. :)

I don't think that it will matter any more than the Eyetoy thingy.  

Usual PR bluster, I expect worse when it's closer to release.