Sony have officially unveiled their PlayStation Move PS3 add-on at this year’s GDC. The Move controller resembles a microphone and the press shots show its orb-like top glows one of four different colours; we assume this is to identify different players in and out of gaming! Sony is touting the device for its incredible level of precision and almost non-existent (1 frame) lag, which was evident at the press conference during live demos. It makes use of the PlayStation Eye to track user’s movements.

For games that require the use of an analogue stick a Wii Nunchuk-like (but wireless!) secondary controller is used. This allows the PlayStation Move to be used during RPG’s and first person shooters as Sony demoed with SOCOM 4 …exciting stuff!

The press conference showed the device being used for various types of games; obvious applications were sporting games as Sony revealed Sports Champions, a collection of sports games similar to the Wii Sports compilation Nintendo offered at its Wii launch. The level of precision offered by the Move promises to make the sports simulations seem even more realistic.

Sony went on to show off a game called Gladiator Duel which made use of two motion controllers, one in each hand, to truly immerse a player in combat action. The backwards compatibility of the new tech was displayed with Little Big Planet getting the Move treatment.

Also demoed was Sony’s new Move Party title which uses the PlayStation Eye camera and Move controllers to create an exciting augmented-reality style gaming experience.

This product looks like a real winner and Sony seems eager to see this new technology in people’s homes with its US pricing strategy. This autumn, for under $100 users will be able to get their hands on the PlayStation Move starter kit which includes the PlayStation Eye, a Move controller and a game. The PlayStation Move will also be available on its own or bundled with a new PS3 system although pricing for these options was not announced.

We can’t wait to get our hands on this new technology – it looks terrific, and with all the major game developers signing up to the tech, it could be a real Wii-beater…fingers crossed Japanese pricing will be as pleasing!