The video game market is very robust and has been doing well compared to other markets during the poor global economy. When the Nintendo Wii debuted years ago, it quickly became the most popular console due in large part to its innovative motion control. 

Despite Nintendo's early success and exceptional demand for its Wii console, recently sales of the Wii have started to slump significantly. Nintendo profits slumped 23% in Q3 in part due to softening demand for the Wii. Sony tried with the initial launch of the PS3 console to offer its own motion control via its standard game controllers, but the feature was ignored by many gamers and developers. Sony has been talking about its upcoming motion controller that was initially expected to hit store shelves this spring and was delayed until the fall for a while now. The reason for the delay according to reports at the time was to give game developers a chance to ready more software that would work with the new motion controller.

Sony has now gone official with its motion controller called PlayStation Move. The Move system includes three pieces counting the motion controller, the sub-controller, and the PlayStation Eye camera. The combination of the three devices allows the PS3 to detect the precise movement, angle, and absolute 3D position of the move controller when players are playing a game.

Sony says the Move controller has unmatched accuracy with a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and a terrestrial magnetic field sensor along with the color changing ball that the PlayStation Eye camera follows. The system lets the gamer provide input to the game with action buttons and an analog trigger and be rewarded with rumble feedback and different colors from the sphere attached to the Move controller.

The Move sub-controller device is designed for one hand use and has a curved design with an analog stick and directional buttons for controlling a game character. The Move controller and the associated sub-controller are more than a little reminiscent of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Power for the devices comes from a lithium-ion battery like the one used on other wireless controllers for the PS3. Sony reports that Move is to be supported by 36 game developers and more than 20 games will be launched this year dedicated to the Move platform or at least supporting it. The Move sub-controller can be replaced with a Dualshock or Sixaxis controller, but the camera and Move controller are required.

Sony has tagged the Move controller with product code CECH-ZCM1 and confirmed the fall 2010 release date. The retail price of the controller has not been set at this time and it will come in black only. Move controllers will weigh about 145g and measure 200mm x 46mm. The Move sub-controller is produce code CECH-ZCS1 and will debut this fall. No MSRP has been set for the sub-controller, which measures 138mm x 42mm. Among the third party companies supporting the Move system are Activision, Capcom, Disney Interactive, Konomi, Majesco, EA and many more.