E3 2010: Kinect set for November launch

Microsoft has confirmed that Kinect will launch at retail this year in November.

The controllerless input device – previously known as Natal – was given its final moniker at a dazzling pre-E3 event.

No price or further SKU details were announced. Those details are reserved for tomorrow, where Microsoft will outline its new business plan a the firm’s annual E3 press conference. MCV will be out in force at the show to bring you the crucial information as it comes through.

Microsoft has yet to put in detail its launch plans for the device – though typically if it isn’t a global launch in November then Kinect will likely be released in the US first and Europe shortly after.

The launch details confirm an MCV story published eight months ago, where senior sources explained that Kinect would launch in November.

However, the same sources suggested the price of Kinect will be at around 50 – a price which other sources have disputed, suggesting a change of strategy at Microsoft.

Before the announcement was made, a rush of web reports and leaks pointed to Kinect as the new name for Natal.

Earlier this evening an Italian ad on a consumer games site outed a new-look 360, and claimed the device, with wi-fi as standard and 250GB storage, is compatible with Kinect.

Further reports on the developments can be found below:

USA Today confirms Kinect name and games
New report details support from MTV Games, LucasArts, Disney

Double-SKU for Xbox 360 Kinect?
Latest report says Microsoft camera comes in two flavours – most expensive costs $189 (129)

Xbox ‘Kinect’ and slim 360 leaked by ad
Italian ad touts potential peripheral name and new-look 360 console hardware

Star Wars and Disney properties set for Kinect
Games starring ‘favourite’ characters heading to Microsoft motion-sensor

Nintendo ‘set things in motion’ for Microsoft’s Kinect
Format-holder credits rival for breaking barriers between players and controllers