Accessory firms braced for Project Natal

New peripherals based around Microsoft and Sony’s upcoming motion-sensing controllers are expected to drive the accessory market forward.

At least that’s according to the specialists, who are already turning their attention to Microsoft’s Project Natal, as well as Sony’s new motion-sensing controller, which were both revealed at E3 earlier this month to much acclaim.

One of the biggest challenges for peripherals firms is keeping up with changing technology, particularly the trend toward interactive gaming started by Nintendo and now embraced by Microsoft’s Project Natal,” said dreamGEAR’s COO Richard Weston.

Logic3’s sales manager Paul Croucher added: From all the recent revelations at E3 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, motion sensing devices and add-on accessories for these devices will be the main focus in the future.”

The success of Nintendo’s Wii has provided a significant boost for the peripherals sector, with big sales of add-on accessories such as tennis racquets, guns and fitness aids.

And as a result, a number of new competitors have entered the sector looking to capitalising on its success.

With the continued growth in the accessories sector there are more manufacturers around bringing products to market,” explained Hubb Accessories sales manager Mel Jones.

Such competition is not always a bad thing, of course – it keeps us constantly striving to improve and innovate our products to stand out from the crowd. You don’t get anywhere by standing still.”