While the hype over motion detection software has died down a bit, the most recent technology–besides next-generation consoles coming out in the following years– behind both the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360′s Kinect is rather impressive. It was only a decade ago when the GameCube, PS2, and original Xbox graced the forefront of the gaming dynasty, as well as marked the birth of many of our favorite titles. I’ll first dissect the innermost workings within the Wii, then move onto the Kinect.

Nintendo was, by far, one of the first well-known, commercialized developers to make use of motion control via the Wii. An ADXL330 accelerometer stars as the foundation to the Wii Remote, giving it the ability to sense acceleration through the x, y, and z axes; moreover, the device tracks the user and where they’re pointing at all times, of course, managed by the PixArt optical sensor. Click here to buy a nintendo wii and give it a try!

Just look at all that hardware…

A combination of a camera, infrared projector, and special tracking microchip are the basis for the Xbox Kinect, also employing such technology as facial and voice recognition to enhance the gaming experience. Up to two active players can be identified in the gamut of the camera, yet its capacity is only limited by how many persons can fit inside its parameters. Want to try it out? Take a look at Xbox Kinect from Argos.

The biggest, most glaring difference between the Wii and the Kinect is the basic concept of interpreting one’s movement. That plastic-based remote synonymous with the Wii puts forth a different slant on games than the Kinect does. Some people do enjoy using a substantial handheld device while others prefer to go hands free–honestly, jumping around or dancing about your room immersed in some game will probably end up with you smacking your partner or the ceiling light, with or without a controller. At least that’s been my experience!

Motion detection technology is and all, but what lays ahead in the future? What’s going on with the up-and-coming consoles? Well, Nintendo’s newest, shiniest gadget has been circulating through news feeds for some time: it’s called the Wii U. The Game Boy-esque tablet dominates the whole image of the Wii U, a fresh, if not slightly safe addition. Microsoft’s highly elusive project “Durango” might be the anticipated Xbox’s 720, evident successor to the 360 model. Windows 8 may be used in conjunction with the 720, which would ultimately expand the capabilities of yesteryear by large. On the other side of the spectrum, Wii U is keeping it simple, designed with larger, kid-friendly buttons and smooth, rounded edges.

No release dates are set for either console. So, as gamers often are forced to do, we must wait until the day comes that we unwrap the packaging of gaming’s next wonderful surprise.