Sony Corp has unveiled its new motion-controlled video game system, pitching it to both casual and hard-core gamers alike, as the company looks to ride one of the hottest trends in gaming.

The new system will help Sony keep pace with rivals Nintendo Co Ltd, which pioneered gesture-based gaming, and Microsoft Corp, which is launching its system later this year.

Sony new PlayStation Move controller is used with its Eye gaming webcam, translating users' motions into actions within games on the PlaySation 3 (PS3) console. Move, which resembles a TV remote with a colourful ball stuck on the end, Sony said at a media event on March 10. The company said 36 third-party developers and publishers are supporting the Move platform.

Sony will release more than 20 games that are dedicated to or supported by the system. Nintendo Wii kicked off the craze for motion-controlled gaming, making the console and active games such as Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort into huge hits with casual gamers. Microsoft has already unveiled the Natal body-gesturing gaming system for its Xbox 360 console, which the company plans to have in stores for the holidays. Nintendo Wii kicked off the craze for motion-controlled gaming, making the console and active games such as Wii Fitand Wii Sports Resort into huge hits with casual gamers. Microsoft has already unveiled the Natal body-gesturing gaming system for its Xbox 360 console, which the company plans to have in stores for the holidays.