Sony postpones launch of new 3D motion controller

Sony has postponed the launch of its still unnamed motion controller to late 2010.

Sony president Kazuo Hirai explained that the delay will allow the company additional time to ready a “varied lineup” of motion controlled games.

“We will continue to work to have a comprehensive portfolio of attractive and innovative games for the Motion Controller, not only from SCE Worldwide Studios but also from the third party developers and publishers, whom we have been working closely with,” claimed Hirai.

Samit Sarkar of Destructoid opined that the postponement was hardly unexpected and “surprised no one.”

“Spring is right around the corner, and we haven’t seen any sort of promotional push for the thing – let alone actual working games, Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition (known as Gold Edition in North America) and E3 tech demos aside,” wrote Sarkar.

“So much for getting a half-year head start on Microsoft’s Project Natal, which is currently slated for a holiday season rollout. Expect more details on the controller and its games at the mid-March Game Developers Conference, or more likely, E3 2010, which will take place in mid-June.”

According to Xbit Labs, the PS3 motion controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that detects the controller’s angle and movement held in the user’s hand.

The controller works in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye camera, while the sphere placed on the top of the controller tracks its absolute position and provides visual feedback to users by changing colors or illuminating patterns.

The new controller is also equipped with a rumble feature, which is reportedly similar to the PlayStation DualShock series controller.