Sony delays PS3 motion-sensing controller launch

Last August, Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai placed a tentative launch window of spring 2010 for the PlayStation 3's upcoming motion-sensing controllers. It seems Hirai's original estimate has turned out to be too optimistic, with Sony confirming today that the new controller's release date has now been pushed back to sometime in the fall of this year.

According to a statement from Sony, the motion-sensing controllers--which as yet don't have an official name--will arrive in "fall 2010 in Japan, Asian regions and countries, North America and Europe/PAL territories." In the statement, Hirai said, "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."

The delay pushes the PS3 controller's launch closer to the Xbox 360's tentative date for Project Natal, with Xbox division chief Robbie Bach pegging a holiday 2010 release for Microsoft's motion-sensing system. As for what games will initially support the PS3 controllers, Hirai outlined some key titles during last year's Tokyo Game Show, including Ape Escape, Echochrome 2, Eccentric Slider, Sing and Draw, Champions of Time, Motion Party, The Shoot, and Tower. Other games such as Pain, Flower, Hustle Kings, High Velocity Bowling, and Eye Pets will be made compatible via downloadable updates. Capcom has also confirmed that the "Alternative Edition" of Resident Evil 5 will feature motion-sensing control compatibility for its Japanese release.