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E3 is here again! The excitement as usual is unbearable, what-oh-what will be revealed this year. We find it interesting that so little is known about any big announcements expected this year from anyone. Does this mean that there will be surprises on a major scale from all parties? A new Mario from Nintendo perhaps?

Let’s revisit a rumor that we have been following closely for quite some time now that just doesn’t go away…motion controlled gameplay on true next-gen consoles! The month of May has been blowing up with new information that leads us to believe (yet again) that it will finally be revealed this year. Follow along to see what the buzz is all about.

First Engadget got tipped off that Microsoft is building a “sensor bar” of sorts, but instead of detecting the waggles of Wiimote-like controllers, it detects full body movement and sound, sans controllers. We reported recently that Microsoft has been heavily linked to a potential acquisition of 3DV Systems, a motion-detection interface company. Coincidence? I think not…

Next, The Wall Street Journal of all places confirmed that Microsoft is developing a new Xbox 360 motion sensing camera that allows players to control games with full body and hand gestures. The paper’s sources claim that the peripheral uses proprietary 3D technology that gives players more accurate control over games than previous cameras like EyeToy. Additionally, unlike the Wii, it won’t require players to physically hold any hardware to control on-screen actions.

Most recently, a patent application for a “magic wand” device emerges that Microsoft’s chief technology officer J Allard filed in November 2007. According to the patent application, the device can “utilize one or more sensors from a collection of sensors to determine an orientation or gesture in connection with the wand.” It is also said to be able to detect the person holding it and automatically display their avatar on screen, and communicate in “a manner similar to a cellular phone or walkie-talkie with other wands,”.

But Sony won’t be left out of this game either. According to Variety, several sources are saying that Sony’s much rumored motion sensing controller for the Playstation 3 is real, and that it will likely be unveiled at E3 as well! One of these sources has apparently seen the device and, two of whom are familiar with Sony’s plans to show it at E3 next month. Rumors that Sony will come out with a motion sensing device have abounded for over two years, ever since a patent was first reported on in January of 2007.

One thing’s for sure, motion controlled gaming is the future of gaming. While it won’t replace the gamepad completely anytime soon, it definitely adds a level of gamepay that’s one step closer to a Holodeck. Problems with the Wii became apparent quickly after launch; you can’t mix virtual world gaming with 5 year old (or older) hardware and graphics. This along with not having true 1:1 motion control that has required them to try to sell yet another add-on, Nintendo has caused most to feel like motion controlled gaming is just a gimick that only attracts shovelware games. Microsoft and Sony will be more than happy to pick up the dropped ball and take it to the next level, to redeem the excitement Nintendo started.

If you want to take a look at all of the overwhelming evidence we have dug up on motion controlled gaming coming to the big two, hit the links below (newest to oldest). Yup, we’re obsessed.

Peter Moore on MS and Sony Motion Plans

Xbox 360 Motion Controller Detailed, and DS Gets Motion Too

Xbox 360 Motion Controller Rumors Resurface, Is Microsoft Buying Motion Tech Firm?

E3 ‘08 Forgot The Next-Gen Motion Controllers

E3 2008 Set To Bring Wii-like Gaming To Next-Gen Consoles

Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 Motion Controller Confirmed as In2Games Technology

Xbox 360 Wiimote Deep In Development

True Next-gen Gaming With A Wiimote!

How The Wii Game Controller Actually Works