Microsoft Project Natal motion controller for Xbox 360!

Microsoft announced at its annual press briefing at the E3 Expo that Microsoft wants to turn your Xbox 360 into a full-fledged entertainment hub. Microsoft finally took the wraps off the that rumored motion controller we’d been hearing about. Apparently the small, black device — codenamed “Natal” — will allow for an astoundingly wide range of actions by utilizing a group of sensors (the box itself sits beneath your TV), and the accessory will be capable of juggling multiple users during a single session.

Microsoft showed a video that showed how the game system could be used to control games such as fighting or skateboarding games. You can scan your own skateboard into a game and then use it to ride on in a skateboarding game. The aim is to get more people to play games who would otherwise be intimidated by a traditional game controller with tons of buttons.

Microsoft says the device won’t be released during 2009. We’re working on snagging some face time (literally!) with a demo unit, so stay tuned… E3 is off to a wild start!