Analyst Predict Prices of Motion Controllers - The UpStream

Our good friend Michael Pachter, AKA Mr. Predictions, recently did what he does in regards to the new motion controllers coming out next year from Microsoft and Sony, and the prices might surprise you.

We'll start with Project Natal, since that is the one everyone is so excited about. He believes that, since the device is simply a three-lensed camera and all of the motion control is actually performed by the console itself, the device will retail for only $50. Now, based entirely on the cost to manufacture, I would have to agree with him here. However, Microsoft has been billing Natal as the revolutionary end to games as we know them, and therefore I can't see them charging the same price as, say, a controller, for the messiah of gaming. I am going to put it somewhere in the $80-$100 range.

Sony's "Sphere" (rumored name for the glowing ice cream cone), on the other hand, Mr. Pachter believes will be a little more. The technology is similar to the Wiimote, in that you have wireless devices in your hands, plus the need to interpret the data and the movement. Add to that the fact that the PS3 uses Bluetooth as its standard, and every Bluetooth device has to pay royalty to use the technology per device (not per model). When all is said and done, he believes the Sphere will weigh in at $100. Considering cost to manufacture, the precision of the controls and Sony's apparent need to be the most expensive on the block, I again think he is off by a little. In this case, I'm guessing the $120-$150 range is more accurate.

Here's the good news: it's all guessing! Let us know what your guess is for the price of the new devices in the comments section below.