14 DAY TRIAL // Images taken from a variety of online retail outlets in Sweden suggested that they were ready to take preorders for the motion tracking Project Natal from Microsoft and shocked a few gamers by adding a pretty high price tag to the new device, which is set to be officially launched at some point during the fall of this year. But Microsoft has said that there's nothing true in the pricing showed and that the company has other plans for the launch.
Aaron Greenberg, who is an official spokesperson for Microsoft, told fan site Planet Xbox 360 that “Our retail partners are not yet aware of details on pricing for ‘Project Natal’ and pre-order placeholders are purely speculation. We will share price details with partners and the public as we get closer to launch, but are working hard to bring ‘Project Natal’ to consumers this holiday, and it will work with every Xbox 360.”
The Swedish sites seemed to say that Project Natal would cost about 200 dollars, which could mean that even the most hardcore Xbox 360 fans would be hard pressed to find a reason to get it. Both Microsoft and videogame publishers, like Activision and Electronic Arts, must be hoping that the new motion tracking system is adopted by as many gamers as possible, as quickly as possible. Analysts have suggested that the initial price should be around 50 dollars and Microsoft is also probably planning a bundle for new buyers.
When it comes out, Project Natal will face off against the PlayStation Move from Sony, which is a motion tracking solution for the PlayStation 3. The Japanese manufacturer has suggested that a bundle with the device and some games might will cost under 100 dollars. We'll get to know more about both of them before the E3 trade show is over.