Sony PS3 Augmented Reality Controller

It seems that merging the real and the virtual is all the rage at this year’s E3 show. Hot on the heels of Microsoft’s Project Natal announcement, Sony has demonstrated a prototype of its new Playstation 3 Motion Controller 3. It looks very impressive.

The new controller works in conjunction with the Playstation Eye camera to track its real time movements in 3D space. This can then be converted by the PS3 into all manner of in-game objects: anything from a spray can or a sports racket to a samurai sword or a laser rifle. Or you can simply pick up and manipulate objects in the virtual environment. Since the system uses the Eye the user’s image can also be inserted into the game.

Kaz Hirai, President of Sony Computer Entertainment, said:

The motion controller we demoed today, it raises the bar in terms of accuracy in 3D. It’s all about the accuracy and tracking

The PS3 Motion Controller is due to be available to buy next year.