The Playstation Move Buyer’s Guide

I’ve decided I want to buy a Playstation Move. What are my purchase options?

If rumors of shortages are to be believed, locating some of the different Move components may be difficult for the first few weeks following launch. Fortunately, Sony has adapted a modular approach to the Move, meaning players may experience the capabilities of the peripheral by having only two devices: a Playstation Eye camera and the Playstation Move motion controller. For players who don’t already own the Eye camera, the $99 Move Sports Champion Bundle is the way to go- you get the Playstation Eye,  a single Move controller and Sports Champions, arguably the best launch title. Don’t feel compelled to spend $30 on the Navigation Controller- it’s not necessary to play any of the launch games. If you really want to use a standard controller to steer through menus, your Sixaxis or DualShock 3 works fine.

One caveat- while not required, two Move controllers are supported in Sports Champions‘ Archery and Gladiator Duel diversions. For each of these two recreations players can hold a Move controller in each hand to elevate the experience. If you have the cash, purchasing an extra unit may be the way to go. Just don’t buy more than four different controllers- the Playstation 3 will only recognize up to four units Move input devices (any combination of Move and Navigation devices)

What functions does the Move Controller support?

The Move’s controller’s three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer are slightly more robust than the already impressive specification of a Wiimote enhanced with the Wiimotion Plus peripheral. Several titles, from the Disc Golf game found in Sports Champions to Tennis in Racquet Sports display true 1:1 motion with no observable lag. Additionally, the orb on the top of the controller allows the Playstation Eye to track the unit in the environment. While rare, occasional glitches can happen- Racquet Sports once told us that it could not ‘see’ the controller, despite the device being directly in front of the camera. Although Sony recommends being between three and ten feet away from the camera, detection in Tumble would sporadically drop when the controller was three and a half feet away.

How do I set up the Move Controller?   

Shrewdly, both the Move and Navigation controller come equipped with internal rechargeable batteries. Once removed from the package, players should use the mini-USB cable which is used to charge their DualShocks (an additional cable is not included) to prepare their Move Controller for play. As soon as the device is done charging, a press of the PS button pairs the controller to the system, allowing the peripheral to be ready for play.

Can I navigate the XMB with the Move Controller?

By holding down the “T” button on the back of the controller, horizontal and vertical swipes allows players to traverse the Playstation 3’s menu system. While sliding across the core icons in the XBM was speedier than with a standard controller, it was also less accurate. Entering a code in the Playstation store took about the same amount of time as using the familiar DualShock.

How is the Build Quality?

The Move Controller shares the level of craftsmanship as the DualShock 3. From the feel of the plastic to the amount of spring in the “T” (trigger) button, the motion controller feels like a well-made Sony peripheral. Beyond the level of quality, two aesthetic choices were surprising: the decision to not replicate the customary diamond shape of the cross, circle, triangle, square buttons and insetting the start and select buttons on the side of the controllers. While these two keys are distinct enough to prevent accidentally triggering, they are also concealed enough to oblige talking your eyes off the screen.

What launch titles are recommended?

While initial reports declared Sports Champions to be little more than a WiiSports clone, it’s six diversions (Beach Volleyball, Disc Golf, Archery, Table Tennis, Gladiator Duel, and Bocce) are surprisingly detailed and quite gratifying. The game’s only serious omission is the lack of any online multiplayer.

Hopefully, Tumble will become the Move’s sleeper hit. As the peripheral sole downloadable entry, the title offers a substantive amount of enjoyment for ten dollars. Players use an onscreen move controller to stacks blocks of various materials as high as possible. A solid selection of puzzles, and even destructible levels elevate Tumble above mere tech demo.

Despite a protracted initial setup EyePet has an undeniable family appeal. Filled with collectables, games, as well as Tamagotchi-like regimen, players feed, pet, and bathe a virtual pet. While gamers might have seen other titles (from Seaman to the plethora of animal care games which fill the DS library), the level of interactivity as well as quality of animation is quite dazzling.

We’ll have full reviews of the Move launch lineup going live across the next several days.