The latest wave of ‘active’, motion-sensitive gaming systems means that people can now get fit and healthy in the comfort of their own living rooms

IF I’M HONEST, I approach the idea of motion-sensitive games controls with two things in mind. First, a little scepticism. After all, previous attempts at motion- sensitive controls haven’t been the most accurate in the world. Second, fear of making a complete and utter fool of myself by flailing around like a lunatic.

Thankfully, the scepticism was, on this occasion, unwarranted. However, the massive problem with testing out the new Kinect system from Microsoft was that the particular title I was playing was being projected on to the side of a building in Los Angeles, complete with photographs snapped of us playing the game looking like an unco-ordinated, sweaty mess.

Loss of dignity aside, motion-sensitive gaming has been gathering momentum, with everything from children’s games to sports and fitness titles gaining fans.

Microsoft is putting its weight behind Kinect, formerly known as Project Natal, as a way to open up the console to a whole new market. With Kinect, your body becomes the controller, and a series of cameras and microphones recognise movement and voice to reproduce it on screen. It’s ideal for casual gamers who may be intimidated by the regular controllers, and also for making gaming a more active hobby.

The Nintendo Wii has had this market cornered for some time, carving out a niche for itself as the anti-couch-potato games system when it launched in 2006.

But where Nintendo led, the other console makers have followed, and then some. Starting from September, Sony will bring in its own motion-sensitive controller to the PlayStation 3, and Microsoft will introduce Kinect in November.

This means that all three systems will have active gaming, making it possible for people to have a more healthy lifestyle in the comfort of their homes.

When it unveiled Wii Fit in 2007, Nintendo was careful not to make any health claims about its game. Although professionals were used to develop every aspect of the system, it wasn’t seen as a replacement for exercise. Using the system wouldn’t automatically turn you into a toned, fit exercise addict.

However, there were plenty of others willing to test out Wii Fit as a fitness aid. Using the game and its motion-sensitive Balance Board might help improve your balance, and it was possible that regular use would improve your overall fitness.

It turned out to be a good move. The popularity of Wii Fit has spawned a whole host of fitness-focused games, including Your Shape from Ubisoft, which uses a camera to track your movements. Fans of The Biggest Loser,the US-based TV show, will recognise trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels on the cover of the interactive Biggest Loservideo game, also for the Wii.

And Nintendo’s Wii Fit Plus has already got the backing of the National Health Service in Britain. Last year the health service gave the system permission to use its Change4Life logo on the box, the first time it has given a video game that level of endorsement.

The introduction of the rival Sony and Microsoft systems mean that gaming is no longer a sedentary past-time. The PlayStation Move is also targeting the family market. Sony has opted to keep the controller but has ditched the wires, so you can take part in virtual sports activities such as archery, even if you have never picked up a bow and arrow in your life.

For something a little more strenuous though, EA’s Active game has become a popular addition. Originally for the Wii, the game was developed in collaboration with Bob Greene, who is also known as Oprah’s personal trainer, and uses the motion-sensitive controller, the extra nunchuks controller and a leg strap to monitor movement.

The game was recently the subject of a study carried out in a US university, which found the games – Sports Activeand Sports Active More Workouts– passed by the American College of Sports Medicine's fitness guidelines for an effective workout.

The study was carried out by Dr John Porcari from the University of Wisconsin. It concluded that using the game could improve aerobic capacity and body composition, as long as it’s used on a regular basis and as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

“ACSM sets key guidelines on what constitutes a healthy, active lifestyle, recommending that individuals perform 30 minutes of moderate- intensity exercise five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise three days per week, as determined by specific heart-rate and oxygen consumption criteria,” said Dr Porcari.

However, the next version of the game, due out later this year, will take it a step further. Available for all three consoles, the new version will bring in a heart-rate monitor and motion sensors for arms and legs, to track your movements.

The Kinect version will use the controller’s cameras to monitor movement, making it controller-free.

If fitness games such as Sports Activeand the upcoming Your Shape: Fitness Evolvedfor Kinect aren't your thing, games such as Dance Centralon Xbox or Just Dance 2on Wii will help you work up a sweat without intentionally doing a single squat or lunge.

You may have to check your dignity at the door, however, even if only temporarily.

Microsoft

Microsoft’s answer to the craze for motion-sensitive games, the Kinect controller uses a series of cameras and microphones to register your voice and movement, translating it into actions on the screen.

Originally unveiled as Project Natal last year, the games company showed off more titles at this years E3 games exhibition and revealed the controller’s official new name.

The Kinect will launch with 15 titles in November, including family-aimed games such as Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals Virtual Pets, Dance Centraland Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.

It is expected to cost €149.99.

Sony

Sony decided to keep the controller, at least partly. The new Move controller combines with the PlayStation EyeToy camera to help track movement. A sub-controller, similar to the Wii’s nunchucks, is needed for some games.

The Move controller was already delayed after Sony decided it wanted to wait until it had a decent line-up of games. One game that will support Move is Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, which will allow you to play golf simulators as they should be played.

It will cost €59.99 for the bundle, with Move controller, the EyeToy camera and a starter disc, but the sub-controller will be extra. The Move controller on its own will cost €39.99.