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Project Natal Officially Named

Xbox 360

14th June 2010, 1:11pm
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Italy blows the whistle, and the major E3 announcements are sent off with a red card. Microsoft today have inadvertently released adverts on to an Italian website showing off the two major announcements expected at their E3 2010 press conference in less than 24 hours.

Here are the two major announcements, leaked just moments before their official unveiling:

  • Project Natal is officially named "Kinect", a play on words, blending both Connect with Kinetic.
  • Microsoft will be releasing the Xbox 360 Slim, with built in wi-fi and a 250GB HDD.

The slim console, as far as we can tell, does not include Kinect in the box, but we expect some bundles on launch, and they should both be here by christmas.

Check to the right for pictures of the Italian website advert. Full translation below:

Presenting the new Xbox 360.
250GB Hard Drive.
Incorporating Wi-Fi Functionality.
Compatible with Kinect.
Live Today. Ready for the future the technology of tomorrow.

 

*Update* - Officially confirmed by Major Nelson in a tweet.

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Reader Comments:
Master Chief
Posted by Master Chief 14/06/2010 2:23pm
Hands up if you think it was called 'Move' originally.. haha
G-Train
Posted by G-Train 14/06/2010 4:17pm
I liked Natal more....
insanopointless
Posted by insanopointless 14/06/2010 4:34pm
Chief you may be right

Natal I think sounds too much like giving birth to something and conjures up unpleasant images of placenta and nasty stuff. That's probably just me.

I can see what they're aiming for with Kinect - kinetic energy, connecting, a bit of the Wii vibe with kin connecting kinetically. I mean, I'll give them points for the multiple meanings, but it just doesn't sound right to me.
Master Chief
Posted by Master Chief 14/06/2010 5:00pm
Picssss added of Kinect with logo
insanopointless
Posted by insanopointless 14/06/2010 5:11pm
I don't mind it as it appears on the thing itself, but the big blocky purple one not so much.

Just by the games announced so far, I really don't think we're the demographic at all here.

P.S. Is it really US$189?
Master Chief
Posted by Master Chief 14/06/2010 5:16pm
I am more interested in the dashboard control system and compatibility with future AAA titles like Fable 3. Also it will have apps like the fish pond on ipads, stuff to screw around with.

Official price hasn't been announced as far as I am aware, but I would expect it to be under $150US unless they want it to fail massively haha
nshady
Posted by nshady 14/06/2010 6:18pm
New system looks cool I guess. Not sold on the name but coming from Wii I can't really point fingers.
insanopointless
Posted by insanopointless 14/06/2010 7:50pm
Wii works 'cause it's short enough I reckon.

The dashboard interface will be cool, it would be even nicer if they had one custom built for the natal (they might, I dunno). And yeah, Fable as well. Butttt that's enough to sell me on it just yet. I'll get there eventually, I don't doubt, but it's not a day one yet.
G-Train
Posted by G-Train 14/06/2010 8:47pm
Natal I think sounds too much like giving birth to something and conjures up unpleasant images of placenta and nasty stuff. That's probably just me.



Well I didn't think about it like that till now - Thanks alot!