Xbox Kinect Buying Guide

The Xbox Kinect is Microsoft's entry into motion-based gaming and it competes with systems like the Nintendo Wii and Playstation Move from Sony. The Kinect is different in that it uses a series of cameras and lights to track your body movement and uses it to interact with the game you see on screen. Compare that with Sony and Nintendo's systems which require controllers or other devices to interact with the system.

Kinect games are typically casual/party type games where you can learn and compete with each other in dancing, sports and fitness games.

In late November 2010 it was confirmed that there would be a Star Wars Kinect game (think light saber action!) coming in 2011 and rumors of a Gears of War Kinect game which would bring a different type of gameplay to the full body system.

The Kinect sensor, pictured above, is a device made up of one camera and two invisible (infrared) light projectors built-in that "watch" a room by filling it with light and watching your skeletal system (elbows and knees etc.) move. By measuring how long it takes for the lightwaves to return to the Kinect it can tell how far away from the system you are helping make gameplay more accurate.

Using these cameras, the Kinect makes it easy for you to control on-screen menus by swiping your hand side to side. You can also command your Xbox through voice commands using its array of microphones. Using these microphones, you can use Xbox Live and control things like browsing movies and tv shows like ESPN, music and game selection.

Geeky Fun Video: The video to the upper right is a great video that shows off the invisible to the naked eye infrared light the Kinect uses to detect movement.

Yes. "Older" Xbox 360s, or the first generation Xbox style as shown to the right, work just fine with the Kinect but the Kinect sensor requires connection to a power outlet AND the Xbox 360 in order to work with first generation style Xboxes.

Compare that with the new "Xbox 360 Slim", which you can find in bundle form with the Kinect sensor or by itself. The new Xbox 360 Slim features a quieter design, new sleek black console design and a Kinect port. The Kinect port is a single cable that both powers and connects the Kinect sensor to the Xbox without needing another outlet.

Aside from the previously mentioned ability to navigate your Xbox Live dashboard using voice commands with Kinect, another feature is Video Kinect. Video Kinect is an intuitive, easy to use way to video chat with friends from across the country or even the world. 

To use the Video Kinect feature you'll need:

1. Kinect Sensor
2. Xbox Live Subscription

The Kinect sensor is going to be one of the hottest holiday gifts in 2010. With the biggest gift giving holidays approaching, be sure to grab a Kinect sensor while you still can. If you weren't able to find a Kinect sensor while shopping in the store or online, consider an Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle or try tracking one down on eBay.

For your convenience here's the latest auctions on eBay for the Kinect sensor:

As noted at the beginning of our guide, the Xbox Kinect offers many casual gaming and party game experiences. Game types include dance, family games (see Kinectimals below), fitness and much more. Here's a closer look at three of the most popular Kinect games available today:

Kinect Sports is a party game similar to Wii Sports. There are six primary games you can play in Kinect Sports:

• Soccer
• Beach Volleyball
• Bowling
• Table Tennis
• Track and Field
• Boxing

With 20 different challenges and numerous mini games, Kinect Sports offers a lot of replay value. Based on reviews the most popular sport in Kinect Sports is Track and Field while the least favorite tends to be table tennis.

Dance Central is considered the new standard in dance games because it combines the hottest new music with professionally choreographed dance moves.

Using Kinect, Dance Central can keep track of your arms, legs and hips as you move along to the on-screen dance moves and tell you how well you're doing. It comes with an impressive track mix too including:

• Cascada - Evacuate the Dancefloor
• Christina Milian - Dip It Low
• The Commodores - Brick House
• Dirty Vegas - Days Go By
• Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne - Down
• Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie
• Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out of My Head
• Lady Gaga - Just Dance
• Lady Gaga - Poker Face
• Lipps Inc - Funky Town
• M.I.A. - Galang '05
• Nelly Furtado - Maneater
• Nina Sky - Move Ya Body
• No Doubt - Hella Good
• Pitbull - I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)
• Rihanna - Pon de Replay
• Salt-N-Pepa - Push It
• Snoop Dogg/Pharrell - Drop It Like It's Hot
• Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - Crank That (Soulja Boy)
• Wreckx-n-Effect - Rump Shaker
• Young MC - Bust A Move

Kinectimals is the most family friendly game on the Kinect to date. It offers a gaming experience kids will love where you can interact with an animal companion through the Kinect.

For example, you can have a baby Bengal Tiger pet who knows how to roll over, play dead and can be run through an obstacle course. There are 20 different types of animals you can meet and befriend in the game.

To keep the game fresh you can also explore the tropical island you're on and discover treasures with your new companion.

If you have an older Xbox 360 and are looking to upgrade or just can't find a Kinect sensor in time for the holidays, the Kinect bundles offer a great advantage: a built-in Kinect port. This port means you won't have to connect your Kinect to a power outlet.

All of the bundles come with a Kinect sensor but there are two big differences: storage space and style.

The 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle comes with a smaller amount of storage space so you won't have as much room for things like movies, tv shows and game saves. 4GB should be sufficient for light users. To distinguish the 4GB model from the larger 250GB model the 4GB comes in a matte black finish.

Compare that with the 250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle which offers the same Kinect port and sleek styling as the 4GB but adds significantly more space and a piano black, glossy finish.

The 250GB Xbox 360 is ideal for someone who wants to take advantage of Xbox Live including movies, tv shows, music videos and full game downloads. You'll also appreciate the added space as you continue to use your Xbox over the years.

Here are the latest Kinect bundles available for sale on eBay: