Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

Natal release date, price leaked?

British reports peg the Xbox 360's motion-sensing peripheral as launching next November at an artificially low £50 (approx. $83) price point; 5 million-unit initial shipment expected.

Source: British industry site MCV.

What we heard: When it unveiled Project Natal at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, Microsoft did not announce a release window for the new camera-based, controller-less motion-sensing technology. However, with Sony saying it will launch its rival LED-controller-based system next spring, it was widely assumed that Microsoft would also be targeting a 2010 release.

Today, MCV announced with typical self-promotional enthusiasm that it has learned details about Project Natal's launch. It cited unnamed sources who attended a behind-closed-doors meeting with Microsoft, which is apparently making the rounds at British developers and publishers to lay out its plans.

Project Natal will reportedly ship next November. But how much will it cost?

Project Natal will reportedly ship next November. But how much will it cost?

Unsurprisingly, those plans call for Natal to go on sale during November, the month when Microsoft traditionally launches new initiatives like the upcoming Twitter-ific, Facebook-friendly, and Last.fm-loving Xbox Live fall update. Microsoft also plans a sizable initial shipment of 5 million units, about one Natal for every seven of the nearly 34 million Xbox 360s that have been sold to date.

One thing that is surprising about Microsoft's reported plans is Project Natal's price. While early analyst guesses were in the $100-$150 price range, MCV's sources claim that Microsoft is pushing to make the add-on just £50 (approx. $83). The company is allegedly "trying to get as close as possible to [an] 'impulse buy'" price point for the add-on, despite it packing such complex features as voice recognition, facial recognition, and three-dimensional real-time motion sensing.

The official story: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Given Microsoft's history, the November window seems likely. The confident-but-cautious initial shipment number also appears to be in the ball park.

That said, the "impulse buy" price point seems questionable. Microsoft is infamous for its inflated accessory prices, which it just reinforced by locking out all third-party 360 memory units. Would a company that charges $150 for a 120GB hard drive, $100 for a wireless network adapter, and $40 for a 512MB memory unit sell something as advanced as Natal for under $100?

Then again, Microsoft has shown no qualms in the past about taking deep losses to introduce new hardware. In its rush to bring the 360 to market, the company accepted a hardware failure rate that ended up costing it over $1 billion in warranty extensions and widespread criticism from consumers.

Also, if Natal is priced too high, third-party developers may be reluctant to get on board. "I think they said they were going to ship Natal with every Xbox when they actually launch the thing, so everybody will have one," declared Epic Games vice president Mark Rein last month. "And then they are going to sell it to everybody who doesn't have one. Or try."

229 Comments

  • rmongjoco

    Posted Jun 12, 2010 5:35 pm GMT

    MS has hyped NATAL and then leaked an exorbitant price.
    So that when they release the real price it deserves (probably 50-70)...
    ... people will think its a steal!!
    MS thinks we're that stupid ...
    ... Well, I'm not biting.

  • aezamana0

    Posted Apr 14, 2010 5:35 am GMT

    the games for natal are fable 3,burnout paradise,Tony hawk and many mor

  • dovberg

    Posted Apr 2, 2010 12:26 am GMT

    they will probably give us a "shocker" with their new console to replace the wii along with showing off the 3ds.

  • codenameaf7

    Posted Feb 27, 2010 4:07 pm GMT

    One thing is for sure -- after the release of this, the Wii will plummet in cost. And if the Wii is still going to be around and selling by the end of next year, I will be very surprised.

  • tbs76

    Posted Jan 11, 2010 10:04 pm GMT

    If they keep Natal at $99 or less, I am definitely getting one for my 360. I know alot of other people who will buy this as well if the price is right. I think the technology and potential of this device will be astonishing. If you don't believe me, go check out the video of Milo by Lionhead Studios. Some amazing and freaky stuff there.

  • blackdiamond91

    Posted Dec 21, 2009 2:51 pm GMT

    The future is finally here!! And here I was thinking that we be in flying cars and teleporters by now...

  • muner1985_basra

    Posted Dec 16, 2009 3:00 am GMT

    god work xbox360

  • megamaster32

    Posted Dec 11, 2009 8:17 pm GMT

    theres going to be a few flaws when it comes out first this thing will be sold out completly and second if people dont have enough room to move around using a small tv the hd tvs big ones would work very well with this game but im so getting this when it comes out

  • aliasghar96

    Posted Dec 5, 2009 12:36 pm GMT

    I wish project natal was on ps3

  • zwgiantsfan

    Posted Dec 2, 2009 12:50 pm GMT

    Sounds (and looks) like the greatest thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm syched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • maelstrom

    Posted Nov 26, 2009 3:11 pm GMT

    GOT IT! The name of the song when the chick is chatting with her friend (on the video) is Slow Runner - Break Your Mama's Back. In case anyone else was wondering what it was.

  • JP-

    Posted Nov 25, 2009 2:38 am GMT

    hope they put a big ass cooler on it so that green light on the front doesnt turn red

  • gorillaboy058

    Posted Nov 24, 2009 11:49 pm GMT

    I think that ps3 motion controllers will be a better more accurate way for hardcore gamers to go. before someone comes out with a PS fanboy quote, I play both, and often. It just looks like there is gonna be alot of problems with interaction glitches.

  • Avenger1324

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 1:22 pm GMT

    launching NEXT November? taking its sweet time.

  • namdar

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 11:13 am GMT

    I lost my xbox 360 to the ban, sold it all with all my accessories... Buying a brand new one next year and going completely legit for project Natal!!!! In the mean time I'm happy to play MW2 on the PC giggity

  • necronaux

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 9:56 am GMT

    It all depends on what games are available. Hate to see it as a slicker version of the Wii.

  • XenoLair

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 9:39 am GMT

    Id pay 20-30€ max for nathal if you ask me...

  • KaizerJinn

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 7:52 am GMT

    ...this is really weird moving around like that. if WII didnt win me over with it's motion controller i highly doubt this will... BUT i must admit the voice recognition is pretty cool. =)

  • PixelAddict

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 7:07 am GMT

    I remain marginally interested. Tell me more, ambassadors of Natal...

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 16, 2009 12:19 am GMT

    @steelmouth I happen to like using a controller, I dont wanna move around and all that BS, plus I use my PC monitor for my 360. As for broken controllers, that only happens to jerks who mistreat their gear.

  • LorenaLarue

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 7:08 pm GMT

    Microsoft did mention that the 360 is to have a 10 year life span, and with its competitor pushing for a motion controller too Microsoft would have to secure its future in motion controlled games. I think it makes sense to sell it at a loss

  • NiteShadeX

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 3:49 pm GMT

    Hmm, I like the notion of motion controls, but I don't think major developers should embrace it as much as they do.

  • hollow56771

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 11:16 am GMT

    I'm not buying Natal until there alot of good games to play on it not just one good game ALOT of good games for it before i waste my money on it

  • gnrlstuart

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 6:27 am GMT

    i wonder how natal intensive games will be distributed, via the arcade, or in full retail purchases, maybe both.

  • steelmouth

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 5:47 am GMT

    and the so called hardcore gamers dnt worry am sure ms can throw in a brick or useless piece of wood/plastic (u pick) that you can hold and pretend you using your valuable irreplaceable controller while in actual fact natal is jst sensing your hand movement to play ur FPS aka the halos, cods and gears

    think about it, a dummy controller while you adjust to the fact you dnt need it,no more buying battries,no more broken controllers

  • steelmouth

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 5:38 am GMT

    I for one am very excited and looking forward to natal and i hope Ms was being modest abt it and it actually does way way much better than what they saying, I hope it blows all that came before it (360 and ps3) and just becomes its own console (ms next gen console)

  • tbs76

    Posted Nov 15, 2009 3:50 am GMT

    I hope someone at Microsoft is reading these forums cause I for one will guarantee my purchase of Natal if you keep it $100 or less. I have many friends who feel the same. Keep the price down and make sure you have a couple of killer titles to represent the devices capabilities and you will have these things flying off store shelves. That Milo demonstration had me sold!

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 11:55 pm GMT

    @ joevit I agree, this is ok for ppl who want to move around and stuff but not so much for me, too lazy lol.

  • joevit

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 11:22 pm GMT

    I'll put cash on it that if PS3 had this, it would be ok. But it's a 360 thing and it's not ok. What about that stupid PS3 stick thing coming. Natal is a lot better than that. If Natal really sells at 60 bucks, then the stupid PS3 stick should be 5 bucks. To tell you the truth. My kids might like natal, I think it's cool but I don't wanna stand up and move when I play games.

  • Narco0825

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 10:13 pm GMT

    mmmm expensive gimmick from Microsoft that we be hyped for 4-5 months and then disappear into the ether

  • jeffv541

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 9:54 pm GMT

    Natal is the stupidest idea in gaming history. I can honestly say that I believe that, and I think the 360 was 10X better than ps3..

  • Kyleve

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 9:02 pm GMT

    If this is really as good as it seems, then i may actually buy an xbox.

  • Groove60

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 8:51 pm GMT

    While you may not agree with the console this is coming out for or how much this is going to cost, you have to admit its a step in the right direction. Full motion with no controllers would be a fun feature if used correctly. However, I just like the fact of them using it on the dashboard, and vocal recognition for certain features. Like I said, if used correctly...

  • Cornholio89

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 3:40 pm GMT

    This will be the coup de grace that will finally seal sonys fate.

  • chiggins28

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 11:03 am GMT

    haha, the video makes it look amazing. if it really works that well, then it should be worth the money.

  • Neilo_

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 9:31 am GMT

    if it actally works like it does inthe video i will be mad impressed

  • FarmFreshDX

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 8:04 am GMT

    Everyone who thinks this is stupid can look at it this way: it'll extend the lifespan of the 360 by a whole lot, which means more normal games for the rest of us without having to buy a new console.

  • shenron43

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 6:47 am GMT

    I hope its around $83, but I'll buy it no matter how much it costs.

  • ChidoriBoyU

    Posted Nov 14, 2009 12:46 am GMT

    i don't think what's said is true i mean we're talking about M$ here and you're telling me it's gonna be 83$ yeah that's a nice joke

  • jaggy400

    Posted Nov 13, 2009 11:50 pm GMT

    i don't see them integrating natal into any of my preferred games, atm it seems like a console add-on for the sake of the novelty

  • X-RS

    Posted Nov 13, 2009 8:13 pm GMT

    why would it not even cost more than ONE game!!!???

    ...idontthinkso...

  • InsertWittyID

    Posted Nov 13, 2009 12:04 pm GMT

    I don't really understand the appeal. I realize this is going to be far more sophisticated, but if I wanted motion controls, I'd rather have that wand thing Sony's putting out. Even a Wii-mote seems better since you actually have something in your hand as a point of reference.

  • monson21502

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 11:50 pm GMT

    i just wish i coulda seen sony`s face when they watched ms`s e3 show. i bet they ran down the basement at sony HQ and said omg 360 is gonna kill ps3.. what do we do!!!. and that young dude reached in the closet and said will this help? showing the boss the ps wand. he said no it needs a glowing sphere on the top of it so the ps3 eye can see it

  • eal-zubieri

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:17 pm GMT

    the wireless adapter is more expensive then natal if its true i will buy one for my xbox.

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:02 pm GMT

    Did you know that Bill gates made over 150 dollars a second? So if the man was walking down the street and saw a 100 dollar bill on the ground, it was not worth his time to bend over and pick it up. Pretty crazy.

  • joeborg14

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 6:29 pm GMT

    I'm skeptical, I hope it's not a Wii rip off, which I think it will be.

  • Asemco

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 6:08 pm GMT

    CoD would be so awesome. I get to practically run on the spot and aim at people. Cool if u you shoot by making noises. >:3
    "PETEW! PETEW!" *Ka-Chink!* D: Natal Now!

  • IbnLaAhad

    Posted Nov 12, 2009 5:49 pm GMT

    Natal looks awesome, but I keep thinking its wayyyyy ahead of our time. I'm gonna stick with Sony's magic wands though.

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!