80

Conclusion: We like it

With Kinect, Microsoft set out to do something more ambitious with motion control than Sony did with the Move and Nintendo did with the Wii: Kinect turns your entire body into an Xbox 360 controller. And with the right games — and the right furniture layout — it actually works. Kinect also adds voice control to the Xbox 360, and when it's handled well, it can be a real game-changer for anyone used to punching buttons to swap weapons or order a squad member to attack an enemy.

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90-Day Price History

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$99
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$80

Critic reviews

7.3
10 reviews
  • Ergonomics / comfort
    6.5
  • Accuracy / responsiveness
    7.5
  • Durability
    8.0

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User reviews

8.2
52 reviews
6.0
Engadget Nov 4, 2010

The Kinect as hardware is great, but there's plenty of room for software engineers and UI designers to improve. And speaking of room, if you're worried about cramped space, you might want to get a measuring tape before shelling out $149.

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8.0
PC Mag Nov 4, 2010

Kinect gets you groundbreaking technology that tracks your full body lets you use your voice to control your Xbox, and opens doors for new, exciting gameplay experiences. If you have an Xbox, Kinect is a must-have add-on that's more than worthy of our Editors' Choice Award.

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7.0
CNET Nov 3, 2010

With its impressive body tracking and unique, controller-free experience, Kinect is great for casual gaming parties and workouts--assuming you have enough room to play it.

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7.0
Wired Nov 4, 2010

The software that drives the current version of Kinect leaves a lot to be desired, and even if Microsoft fixes these early problems, the hardware labors under some perhaps insurmountable limitations.

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6.0
Joystiq Nov 4, 2010

For all the talk of revolutionizing the Xbox 360 experience and making gaming more natural/ accessible, it's bordering on absurd how broken Kinect is when it comes to something as simple as working in your home. If Kinect does work for you, congratulations...

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9.0
Pocket-Lint Nov 4, 2010

It sounds cliche, but Kinect really is a truly revolutionary way of interacting with your games console...Kinect shows that the future of gaming can be without buttons, as long as you’ve got a big enough lounge to enjoy it in.

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8.0
CNET UK Nov 4, 2010

Kinect won't cater to the hard-core gaming market -- it's just not accurate enough. But it's rollicking great fun. Exhausting and ridiculous, you're guaranteed a giggle if you get the kids involved or set it up at your next party. Just bear in mind that you'll need plenty of space.

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8.0
Gear Live Nov 8, 2010

based on our time with Kinect, we think that it should instead be looked at almost as a whole new console, and a whole new way of playing games. It's just such a cool device that opens up and displays the possibilities that the future holds.

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7.0
TechRadar Nov 4, 2010

...it's not a perfect product by any means, and many hardcore gamers out there are going to be disappointed by it. However, we think it's an impressive piece of technology, and in the months and years ahead we envisage it spawning some truly revolutionary games.

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8.0
Digital Trends Nov 4, 2010

Kinect is not for long time gamers, but rather casual players, and that is where the Kinect shines, because at the core of everything is the one simple fact that the Kinect is fun.

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4.0
michaelscarn michaelscarn

Out of all of the consoles and their respective motion controls, Xbox Kinect sounded the coolest on paper. Unfortunately, it rarely performs as advertised. Constant recalibration is required, say goodbye to your coffee table, and pray you live in a large house. I am giving it at least a four out...

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5.0
Brandon Brandon

Its a still mostly a gimmick. I wouldn't recommend that anyone pay full price for one but if you can do a Costco exchange or are in the market for a new xbox anyways, go for it. Kids will probably love it. But in the end it will collect dust right next to your Wii.

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