After the unveiling of the new Microsoft “kinect”(aka, project Natal) controller for the xbox 360 at the E3 conference recently, the pricing of the new device has been kept a secret, even though, an early autumn release is promised. Now, we see that the unit is available for pre-order on Microsoft’s own Online Store for $149.99. Walmart and GameStop have touted this price for some time now. The price includes the sensor device itself, a manual, a power supply cable and supposedly a Wifi extension cable (this is weird, as the device reportedly works via physical connection to the console).As no official notice of the MSRP has been made, this could be as official as it gets folks.

For all those out their not in the know, KINECT is Microsoft’s answer to the Wiimote by Nintendo, and the Sony Move for the PS3 (also unveiled at the E3). Whereas the other two use input devices held in the hand, and moved around like a wand to register motion on the screen, the KINECT has foregone controllers completely in favor of a gesture-based UI, that senses the users motions via a collection of cameras and audio recognition devices all neatly integrated on the KINECT’s bar like sensor.