PlayStation Move Starter Bundle

by Sony

Product Features

• Bundle hardware is compatible optional hardware, sold separately, including additional Move motion controllers
• Affordable starter bundle for the Sony's motion-controlled gaming system, PlayStation Move
• Includes the PlayStation Move components, the PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera peripheral
• The PlayStation Move motion controller features standard PlayStation navigational button for easy in-game movement
• Includes a copy of the Multiplayer PlayStation Move game, Sports Champions

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002I0J4NE
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 17, 2010
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (343 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #46 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > Action
  • #93 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > All Games

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The PlayStation Move starter bundle is the best way for owners of existing PlayStation 3 consoles to quickly and more affordably experience Sony's new motion-controlled PlayStation Move gaming technology. The bundle consists of the cornerstones of the PlayStation Move system, the PlayStation Move motion controller and the PlayStation Eye camera peripheral, along with the PlayStation Move multiplayer game, Sports Champions. Bundle hardware is compatible optional hardware, sold separately, including additional Move motion controllers, the Move navigational controller and the PlayStation Move charging station.

Everything existing PS3 owners need to get on the Move.
View larger.

Move Into the Action

PlayStation Move is the world's most accurate motion gaming experience. So whether you're spiking a volleyball, shooting an arrow, or defending yourself in a gladiator dual, your every move is translated into the game with complete precision. With party games perfect for family game night, creative titles for kids, and astounding experiences for core gamers, PlayStation Move will change the way you play. It's the most immersive gaming experience ever, and it's possible only on the PlayStation 3 system.

Game a whole new way with the PlayStation Move system.
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The PlayStation Move System

The PlayStation Move starter bundle includes the building blocks of the PlayStation Move motion-controlled gaming system: the Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye Camera. Equipped with a three axis gyroscope, a three axis accelerometer and terrestrial magnetic field sensor, during gameplay the PlayStation Move motion controller tracks the precise movements and the angle of the controller, while the PlayStation Eye camera, aimed at the player, allows the PS3 system to detect the absolute position of the controller in 3D space. Together this facilitates the highly sensitive movement tracking and intuitive gameplay that projects the user on-screen and provides realistic and responsive movement and actions in-game. The PlayStation Move motion controller also features the familiar PlayStation controller button orientation, for seamless play from the very first use.

Sports Champions

Sports Champions is an action-sports game for PlayStation 3 that combines the strengths of the PlayStation Move motion controller and the PlayStation Eye peripheral to provide gamers with true 1:1 motion controlled sports related gaming action. Designed with both casual and hard-core players in mind, Sports Champions features six events ranging from table tennis, to gladiatorial combat, and contains three varied gameplay modes and 10 playable characters to assume as the player and up to three friends battle for the glory of capturing the in-game Champions Cup. Additional features include the ability to utilize two Move controllers simultaneously in events, 720p video output, PlayStation Network support and more.

What's in the Box

• PlayStation Move motion controller (wireless)
• PlayStation Eye camera
• Sports Champions Blu-ray game

Additional Screenshots

Fun with Sports Champions. View larger.

PlayStation Eye Camera. View larger.

The Move motion controller. View larger.

Use with other Move games. View larger.

Product Description

PlayStation Move Starter Bundle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

424 of 441 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Near-Complete Starter Pack, September 17, 2010

By 

A. Dent "Aragorn" (Minas Anor, GD) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PlayStation Move Starter Bundle (Video Game)

The Starter Bundle makes it quick and easy for those who already have a PS3 to get an idea of what Move is about. Depending on what you already have on your PS3 and of what/how you are planning to play, all you may need could be just the Move controller and nothing else or you may want to order some additional controllers instead of this bundle.

If you don't have a PS3, then the PlayStation 3 320GB System with PlayStation Move Bundle should be the way to go.

WHAT YOU GET, WHAT ELSE YOU MAY NEED/WANT

Briefly, this is what you get in with this bundle and I will make it very short because there's a lot of info. at the Amazon page:

* Move controller, of course

* PlayStation Eye camera (must have for the Move to work)

* Sports Champions (Ping Pong is simply awesome, some of the games play much better with a second controller)

* A disc with Demos which should be available at the PSN store as well

Depending on how you are planning to play your games, this is what you don't get but may end up buying eventually:

- One more additional Move Controller (some games will either require two controllers or will play better with two)

- Navigation Controller(s) (you can use the DualShock in your left hand but it feels weird)

- One or more extra USB wires if you don't have enough already to charge your new controller(s) OR

- Dedicated charger, especially if you have more than one Move controller and/or Navigation controller(s)

GO FOR THE STARTER BUNDLE OR NOT?

The Motion Controller and the PS Eye are the minimum needed to bring 'Move' to a any PS3 console. No exceptions. If you already have a PS Eye then the controller alone is the only purchase necessary. On the other hand, to fully enjoy certain games, you may want TWO Move Controllers. This starter bundle makes sense if you don't have the Eye already and you are into the type of games that Sports Champions has. You could still get it and then sell the Eye if you already have one. The same goes for the Sports Champions. It comes sealed so you can sell it as 'new' and recover some funds in the process.

MOVE'S MOTION CONTROLLER

The Wikipedia has a very thorough review of the technology inside the controller - impressive. It's probably worth going there to get an idea of what's under the hood.

From a user's point of view, the Move could be viewed as approximately the right side of the DualShock 3 where the motion tracking function is the R3 analog stick, R1 is the MOVE button and the R2 becomes the Move's T(rigger). You also get the 4 Square/Circle/X/Triangle, in a square (not 'diamond') formation, the PS button as well as the START and SELECT. So far, the most used buttons during gameplay were the MOVE and the T(rigger).

In addition, you get a wrist strap. At the opposite end of the microphone-shaped Move there's a USB Mini-B port for charging and another port that seems to be proprietary - must investigate.

The controller is quite substantial as far as both size and weight - I like that and liked its being shaped in a way that makes it easy to grab and hold. Very much like a microphone or a very thick magic wand; NOT a remote control.

Based on my experience so far, Move's ability to track your motions far surpasses anything that I'm aware of in the gaming universe. Every single movement, up/down, left/right, toward/away and wrist rotation are accurately captured and almost instantly reflected on the screen and so is acceleration that would usually translates as 'force' in games such as sword fights or ping pong. In addition, there is haptic (tactile/rumble) feedback, a little too weak in the games I played so far, making the gaming experience that much more realistic.

I am not writing a lot about the Eye camera because... it's just there and it's not the subject of this review. For as long as it can see you, it simply does its part so that you may enjoy your game.

THE GAME

Sports Champions consists of 6 separate events where you play through one of the available characters either against the other characters provided by the game or against another player - will need a second Move controller for that. As expected, there are levels of difficulties, medals and various bonuses.

PING PONG shows Move's nothing short of amazing ability to track its controllers position in 3D space and, better, even detect moves such as wrist rotation and to track acceleration as 'force' and do it in real time. Playing Ping Pong is challenging, fun, frustrating and addictive. My entire arm, from wrist all the way up to the neck hurts already and I'm not even done with the Bronze Medal challenge yet (almost there).

ARCHERY is probably second most popular, at least in our household. We like it because, unlike PING PONG, we don't sweat a lot while playing it. ARCHERY is also one of the 3 included games that make it quite clear that you will be much better off with TWO Motion Controllers. Some of the challenges look quite cheesy - shooting at floating money bags but we've spent some time playing it and it's likely that we are going to play some more in the future.

The GLADIATOR SWORD FIGHT game, even more than ARCHERY would benefit from TWO Motion Controllers - one for the sword/axe and a second for a shield. With one controller only, you must pull the trigger to raise and use your shield or use the sword otherwise. Yes, Sony gave us BUTTONS but the game is ten times more realistic when you actually push your shield forward the way you would actually do it in real life rather than pull the trigger to raise the shield and, at the same time push the Move button while making a 'push' motion.

BOCCE... ever played it? I have a couple of times. Plays well with one controller but it can be a little boring. Good simulation.

FRISBEE GOLF is not bad. Actually played it in real life on the course we have at the nearby state park. It's a little slow but it's good relaxation after you sweat yourself out on PING PONG or GLADIATOR.

VOLLEYBALL, again, can be so much better with two Motion Controllers. Also, be careful if you play in a room with low ceilings or anything that hangs from the ceiling like a ceiling fan or a priceless crystal candelabrum.

Considering that Sports Champions is an early game, my expectations were not that high but, surprisingly, Ping Pong exceeded my expectations. I've been playing real Ping Pong ever since I was 11 or 12 so I probably know what I'm talking about and the Move version of Ping Pong is GOOD. As for the others... sword fight, not so good. Archery was okay, Bocce was so-so, Frisbee Golf not too bad.

For the games I've played so far, this is NOT a couch experience. On the Sports events I was sweating after a few minutes and my Move arm is now hurting from the wrist all the way up to the neck.

MY RATING

It's 5 stars for the technical merit, ease of setup and for the overall experience. Hopefully, lots of good games will be coming quickly.

332 of 361 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Can't Stop Moving!, September 27, 2010

By 

Persian Poetess (California) - See all my reviews

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PlayStation Move Starter Bundle (Video Game)

Length:: 3:11 Mins

Positives:

Intuitive design.

Excellent precision.

Realistic anti-waggle feedback.

Almost no detectable delay.

Negatives:

Obnoxious disco ball light.

Bundle comes with only 1 controller.

You must have plenty of space to play with it.

253 of 284 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sony hits it out of the park ... well almost, September 18, 2010

By 

Damodar Chetty (Minnesota, US [www.swengsol.com]) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PlayStation Move Starter Bundle (Video Game)

In a nutshell - the Move brings the motion tracking of the Wii to the awe-inspiring graphics engine of the PS3. It's enough to make one salivate at the possibilities.

Please note that I'm rating this primarily from a family/kid oriented perspective (given how we use it in our home), and not as a hard core individual gamer. This is just my opinion - for what it's worth - and I don't intend to offend anyone's sensibilities. My intent is not to stoke a PS3 vs. Wii war, and I'm just using the Wii as a comparison point, given my personal experience with both systems.

While I was an early Wii adopter, most of my game investments have been for the PS3 (Bioshock 1 & 2, Infamous, Fallout 3, IL2 Sturmovik, Valkyria Chronicles, ...), primarily for the depth of gameplay and graphics that it makes possible - especially on large screen televisions.

Well, the Move signals that the PS3 has finally caught up with the Wii and in many ways has actually surpassed it.

Unfortunately, though the implementation of the Move is technologically a 5-star, the fun quotient for this particular game is closer to a 3-star - especially when a kid-oriented audience is concerned.

What is awesome about the Move?

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1. The Playstation Eye Camera actually follows the bright light at the end of the controller, so is able to sense the minutest movements in all three dimensions. It is actually fairly uncanny how well it tracks your movements. This brings an air of realism to games that is sometimes unreal!

2. The accompanying games are well executed and quite bug free - a huge feat in itself. In addition, the games seem to have an amazing amount of physics realism that really begins to get challenging at harder difficulty levels. For instance, with archery you need to consider the parabolic trajectory of your arrows which gets progressively more important as the targets move farther out from you.

3. The motion controller acts as a navigation controller so you don't need your DualShock PS3 controller. Press the "T"rigger button, and then use horizontal/vertical gestures to navigate the PS3's XMB interface.

What bothers me about the starter bundle?

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1. There isn't a single game that can be played simultaneously by a family of 4. I remember very fondly the family tennis games with the Wii - but that's not going to happen here. The only games that support 4 players, require each player to take turns in sequence (i.e., Bocce Ball and Disc Golf).

It's also a pity that the games are fairly limited in number - no tennis, bowling, or even golf.

2. It comes with only one motion controller.

This is a problem because some of the games in the pack really require 2 controllers for it to be fun. For example, without a second controller games like archery devolve into a point-the-controller exercise, which is rather fatiguing for small arms. For adults, Gladiator Duel feels a bit silly with just one controller.

3. Gone are the friendliness of the Mii characters. The characters on the Move starter pack are mildly annoying - and even quite aggressive in jeering at you when they win - which was off putting for my youngest. Fortunately, you can shut them up with a click of the Next button.

In addition, you can't customize your avatars - which used to be a source of endless amusement for kids (and parents) when using the Wii.

4. Each time you play, you start with a predefined character (Kenji, Giselle, etc.), and these characters are shared across all family members. As a result, kids don't get to have a "personal best" score associated with their own character. This was a key draw for us on the Wii, as we kept trying to better each other's scores. Unfortunately, Sports Champion doesn't give us the same emotional attachment to a character - and there's no permanent digital scoreboard that let's the kids feel superior to us.

Conclusion:

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If I were rating just the hardware, I'd give it 5 stars. My rating is for the overall enjoyment that my family and I derived from the starter bundle.

In summary then, we liked the Move - but with some caveats.

1) It isn't a game changer for family evenings - we'll still use our Wii for that.

2) I'm awed by the technical brilliance of the Move, and I'm waiting for games that will take full advantage of it.

In the meantime, it definitely is a fun curiosity that I'm sure I'll use occasionally.

Happy Move-ing!

~Damodar.