Does the Playstation Move Work in the Dark?

Mucu from GOS writes, "This was by far one of the most asked questions when I got my hands on the Move. Well, I just decided to try it out and the results are in. Watch the video to find out if you will be able to get your Move on with the lights out.

[FanOfGaming]

Interesting...

Edit: watched the video, awesome, I don't play with light on most of the time anyway lol

IT WORKS

[FanOfGaming]

I want more experiments mucu -- like: Will it blend? lulz

[Bigpappy]

So does any spot light in my home. Whats the point?

[TheTeam06]

Well, the Eyetoy and Kinect don't, so they were testing it out to see if the Move could do it like the Wii can (although I'm pretty sure Sony mentioned that it would work in the dark already, hence the glow).

That was the point.

[DORMIN]

I guess this article is informational for those who didn't know, but if any of you watched videos of Move at E3 showroom floor, you would notice that most of the booths were dim to no lighting.

Its actually a cool aesthetic having the LED light on the controller, especially when they make it work with games like Sorcery.

[SeNiLe911]

actually, the Kinect should work in the dark no problem since it has an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

"The depth sensor consists of an infrared projector combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor, and allows the Kinect sensor to see in 3D under any ambient light conditions."

But a video proving it would be nice to see.

[RageAgainstTheMShine]

On top of Move working in the dark, that LED sphere's light is what makes data processing for the PS Eye the fastest.

Tom Cruise's gloves in Minority Report have LED lights. The move is like its prototype.

[ExplosionSauce]

The Kinect cam works in dark/dim lit rooms, but to be able to work in completely dark rooms like the one shown in this video would still be kind of hard. You could argue that the light emitted from the TV may be enough for Kinect, but an external light source may still be required.

Wii works because of its IR sensor and Move works because of the track-ball. The human body, without either of those things would be hard to track on camera.

[rroded]

o rit it dont work even with the lights on...

ha take that you bubble popping kinect supporters!!!

[RedDragan]

@SeNiLe911

:|

Ambient lighting is not dark

[AssassinHD]

The glow of the TV creates ambient light. You were not expecting to use the Move with the TV off were you?

[Anon1974]

I use a 1080p home theater projector in my den. The less light the better, but I learned that even though the PS eye camera is able to see in the dark, most of the software I had bought for it thus far didn't do nearly as well in low lighting as it did when I could turn on the pot lighting, thus effecting my projected image.

Again, just another reason why I think Move will be right for me.

[jadenkorri]

that we won't see an article "kinect, will it work in the dark".

[cliffbo]

the PSEye cannot see in the dark, it's the MOVE controller's light it sees. that's why it works and Kinect can't

[rockleex]

Mainly because of the light cast from the TV.

But if a PS Eye game has dark gameplay sections too, then you're outta luck.

[DarkTower805]

but with Sony you don't even have to doubt if it will work in the dark, sitting down, close or far. They take that much care into their products that we know if they release it, then it's pretty much good to go.

Can't wait to get my Time Crisis on in the dark.

[Rumor]

....LULZ :3

[Mr Logic]

"Ambient light conditions" does not = darkness.

[SeNiLe911]

neither is the room with the glow of a TV on you, creating "Ambient light conditions".

[nveenio]

Nowadays, with computers being what they are, the term "ambient light" means less "available light" and more "evenly distributed light". So, when we say, "There's a lot of ambient light here," we're actually making reference to the fact that everything seems to be lit very evenly and indirectly. The light from a TV wouldn't normally be considered a source of ambient light because it doesn't light evenly. It would more resemble a spot or flood light.

[SeNiLe911]

Well in theory, Kinect should work in Total Darkness thanks to the infrared projector. Just like Infrared Cameras and Night Vision Goggles, they can see in pitch black darkness.

Howstuffworks http://electronics.howstuff...

[-SIXAXIS-]

@SeNiLe911: But in theory the Kinect should work while sitting down as well...

[SeNiLe911]

and it shall, if the game or application was made to.

Don't expect to play Dance Central sitting down though. LOL

I wounder if I would get more agrees if I stop stating facts and start making up stuff that makes no since at all. Ahh, who cares!

[BigPenguin]

Yes, the IR projector and CMOS sensor would work in pitch darkness. But the Kinect also needs its RGB camera to work. It has one of those shoved up inside it as well.

[Theonik]

Of course it would work in the dark. The thing has a glowing ball in the end ffs.

[The Lazy One]

why would it not work? There's a reason they stuck bright glowing balls on the end of the controllers.

[KingME]

As long as the bulb on the end of move is on, the why would one think it's in the dark. I would think that move works better in the dark.

A better question would be does move work under very bright conditions, like perhaps on a sunny patio on a bright sunny day.

[n4gno]

"It's not in the dark
As long as the bulb on the end of move is on"

lol. imagination of fanboyz is endless (he can't see "start" button on his controler, but he's not in the dark, poor xfanz)

[ARBitrator]

He's not the one being tested for working in the dark. The damn controller is.

Just because the guy can't see the start button doesn't mean the PS Eye can't see the 60 watt light bulb on top of the controller, pull your head out of your butt.

One of the primary basis for move is that the camera can see the bulb, do you not think it's easier to see something that is lit up is by viewing it in the dark.

Can you see a glow in the dark 1 inch ball sitting on a table at 200 yards? No! I bet you can if they turn the lights off. Get it?

[goflyakite]

I don't know why this was a "most asked question". The light would be more recognizable in the dark.

[avengers1978]

I already have my sports champions bundle reserved, IMO it is going to be a very nice addition to my already great PS3 gaming.

[DarkSpawnClone]

Does the Playstation Move Work in the Dark?

Duh!! -__-

[Natsu X FairyTail]

of course it works. Sony wouldnt release something knowing it wouldnt work in the dark.

[TheColbertinator]

Sony should release a solar-powered flashlight

[Kamikaze135]

Lmao

[Qui-Gon Jim]

http://www.amazon.com/Solar...

Battery charged by solar cells.

[2FootYard]

Are you asking me?

[Focker420]

Works in the dark - Yes
Works sitting down - Yes
Works with baggy clothes - Yes
Works any distance from tv - Yes
Works with 4 players - Yes

[Agent_Cody_Banks]

Works for Sony- Yes

[Focker420]

In my dreams

[DSI]

Works when I move my hips - no
Works when I move my feets - no
Works when I move my legs - no
Works when I move my head - no
Can tell when I jump as opposed to when I just raise my hand - no
Works when I give it a command - no
Works with nothing in my hand - no
Works in very bright light - no
Affordable with 4 players - no
Have very many true launch titles - no
currently being over hypes by PS3 fanboys - Yes
Same thing as the wiimote - yes
Needs a camera to do what wiimote does yes.

[MisterAV]

yes to all, it has a camera for that, hasn't it?

[DSI]

Nice try, but you know damn well that that's Bullsh!t

[Blaine]

This is the FIRST video that popped up when I typed "eyetoy" in youtube search:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

You think PS3's Eye can't do what PS2's could, and more? It's really hard right now for me not to insult your intelligence, but I'll resist.

Now STFU and move on.

[A change in the wind]

Has games that actually interest the core gamer - Oh, you bet.
Killzone 3- Yes
Sorcery- Yes
LBP2- Yes
Time Crisis- Yes
Resident Evil- Yes
Heavy Rain- Yes
Sly Collection- yes
Socom-Yes
Wow, that`s a lot of good games.

[blusoops]

RTS Games - yes
Ruse - yes
Under Siege - yes

[xX TriiCKy Xx]

I'm buying sorcery on day 1. That game will be amazing.

[Nathaniel_Drake]

Wouldn't you say Ape Escape appeals to the core gamer? So that to.

[crazyclown]

June 2010 List - Not updated

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2010...

First-Party Titles

* Beat Sketcher (Fall 2010)
* SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs (Fall 2010)
* EyePet™ (Sept. 2010)
* Kung Fu Rider™ (Sept. 2010)
* Sports Champions (Sept. 2010)
* Start The Party!™ (Sept. 2010)
* echochrome ii (Sept. 2010)
* Tumble (Sept. 2010)
* Hustle Kings (Oct. 2010)
* The Fight: Lights Out™ (Oct. 2010)
* The Shoot™ (Oct. 2010)
* TV Superstars™ (Oct. 2010)
* High Velocity Bowling (Oct. 2010)
* PAIN (Oct. 2010)
* Heavy Rain® (Oct. 2010)
* SingStar® Dance (Nov. 2010)
* Little Big Planet™ 2 (Nov. 2010)
* Sly Collection (Nov. 2010)
* Heroes On The Move (Working Title) (2011)
* Killzone®3 (2011)
* Sorcery (2011)

Third-Party Titles

* John Daly's ProStroke Golf (OG International) (Fall 2010)
* Racquet Sports (Ubisoft) (Fall 2010)
* The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest (WB Games Inc.) (Sept. 2010)
* Brunswick® Pro Bowling (Crave) (Sept. 2010)
* Resident EviL®5 Gold Edition (Capcom) (Sept. 2010)
* RUSE (Ubisoft) (Sept. 2010)
* Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 (Electronic Arts) (Sept. 2010)
* Time Crisis: Razing Storm (Bandai Namco) (Sept. 2010)
* Toy Story 3 (Disney) (Sept. 2010)
* Kung Fu Live (Virtual Air Guitar Company) (Oct. 2010)
* NBA 2K®11 (2K Sports) (Oct. 2010)
* Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos (Crave) (Nov. 2010)
* Disney Tron Evolution the Video Game (Disney) (Nov. 2010)

[shadow2797]

"Works with 4 players - Yes "

Depending on the game. If the game requires two peripherals per person (Nav or second Move controller) then you're only going to have a max of 3.

[lace]

You have to admit though that's nitpicking at what is a pretty solid product from what we've seen.

[rdgneoz3]

You'll never have to buy a Nav, you can use a DS3 in its place if you want to save money (which you should have enough of if you want to complain about buying a Nav which is optional).

[The Lazy One]

His point stands though. The PS3 can only have 7 wireless peripherals at a time. If each person needs two regardless of what they're using then he's right. I can't think of a game that would require so many players and so many controllers though.

[exnihilonihilfit]

That all comes down to game design. Most games that would have four players wouldn't be games that require all four people to have two hands. The only four player games in existence which require that level of controller sophistication are fighting games, e.g. smash brothers, which everyone would rather play with a traditional controller anyway. I'd say shooters too, but those have largely been relegated to just having online multiplayer, or maybe at home 2 player, at most.

[iPlayGamez]

he is absolutely right the move Cant do 4 player (offline) that has the navigation controller. i think this would be a big deal for Move native games as you would not be able to simply have 4th player use a DS controller without a move. but when it comes to shooters, that you know will require a navigation controller, you will not be able to have 4 people use move but their would certainly be a person who doesnt want motion controls because my friends dont dis motion controls then all of the sudden change their mind because of move.

EDIT: @jerethdagryphon
is it possible to have an extra blutooth port via usb? if so it could be possible to have 4 player move games. i think the only reason one hasnt been created is becuase there has been no point til move

[jerethdagryphon]

actually its 3 players with navigators 4 if its just move due to bluetooth controller limitations
its limited to 7 devices controlled by one chip i tihnk

or it it the max that can be connected is 7

either way

3 move 3 navig is what they said

[DSI]

Interesting point, someone should look into that. Very interesting point.

[air1_got_raped]

U MAD?

[Octo1]

Was not really a concern but I am glad to know that it will work in poor to zero lighting condition.

[JoeReno]

Because my PSeye looks like sh!7 in low lighting

[Reefskye]

MY PSeye is ok looks grainy with artificial light but for £25 its a good quality cam then again I use it on my PC as well, you cant get a cam like the PSeye on PC for £25 they all rubbish

[ChronoJoe]

Of course it does. What do you think the light is for?

Did they think the PS would have more problems tracking a glowing ball of light in contrast to a dark background? Damn, stupid articles.

I wonder if it works in bright sunlight though? Not that anyone would play it in bright sunlight... probably.

[Mucudadada]

A lot of people were asking me, so I decided to try it out. Sorry for just confirming some stuff 0.o

[MikeGdaGod]

i'm wondering what happens when you move around and the sphere is blocked by your arm or the way you move your body.

you should make a video on that

[popup]

They could have used infra red lights I suppose.... but then you wanna have the lights to freak your neighbours out;)

[shqype]

Sony has already created a solution for that occurrence.

If the Move sphere is temporarily blocked for any reason, the Move calculates its likely position based on its last known position and the way it was traveling before it disappeared.

In other words, moving the Move out of the Eye's field of view (or some other obstruction) will NOT be a game breaker!

[jerethdagryphon]

kkep trying anythine and everything the more odd the better there will be people who try to use it in awkward positions

actually theres a good one

will it work if the pseye is oppposite a large mirror like on a wardrobe or something

with reflectings and stuf

[ChronoJoe]

A lot of people are stupid, unfortunately.

[nveenio]

At first, I was like, "No sh!t, Sherlock," just like you. It seems obvious that it would work in the dark. But then I watched the video and I noticed that the video camera being used to record was really enhancing the glow of the ball. It made me wonder if it might have even a little effect on judging distance from the camera, since the glow would be more/less pronounced as the PSEye tried to adapt to fluctuating light conditions cause by...you guessed it...the Move itself.

So, it's not REALLY a stupid question...it's just not one many people would think to ask because the answer seems obvious.

[Park_Triolo]

... but as much as I like the PS3, I really don't like the fact that the reflection of the light orb on the move-controller is visible on screen whenever you play a game. This obviously is not a problem on the Wii.

[Neko_Mega]

Oh? because the Wii doesn't use any light for it or even a cam for the controller. Oh yeah just want to point out that most likely you can turn it off were it won't do that.

Their is already been alot of videos showing no light in the background from the Move.

[Darkfocus]

I'm pretty sure he's talking about the physical remotes reflection on tv's that have glass over the screen.

[Rumor]

...

[mac_sparrow]

This can be affected by multiple things, including the angle that the PSEye is aimed in, as well as lighting conditions.

[Ace_Man_6]

This is the dumbest comment I've ever read in my life!

[KingKionic]

I thought this was self explanatory by looking at the glowing sphere .

[Neko_Mega]

I got to say ChronoJoe is right, no duh it works in the dark. We even talk about this at GameStop today an it's because the light from the controller that makes the PSEye pick it up.

The best thing to ask is "Does The PSEye work at scanning your face"?

Or does it work with games that need you to move around and it tracks you moving (Not talking about the controller).

[Focker-420]

I'll just leave these here...

http://gamer.blorge.com/201...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

edit: Oh and this...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

... you were saying??

[Neko_Mega]

Trash, you didn't get what I was saying uh?

What I was saying "Does it picking up your movement in the dark". But thanks for the lame time wasted with those videos.

[dkgshiz]

Then all the camera would detect would be the PS moves light source.

[Pandamobile]

Why wouldn't it work in the dark? If anything it would probably work better in the dark. If the camera tracks the actual light on the end of the PS Move controller the bigger contrast difference between the bright light and the dark background would make for improved tracking.

If it the camera tracks an IR signal then it would make no difference what kind of lighting environment you were in.

[OpenGL]

Exactly. If it didn't work in the dark what would be the point of the glowing ball?

[xX TriiCKy Xx]

For squishy goodness. :D

[PandemicPrawn0]

So a good test for the move would be a room with large windows and lots of sunlight.

this is like trying to show how much better a flashlight works in the dark.

[Mucudadada]

I can do that. Look for that vid soon!

[shadow2797]

I feel bad for anyone who games or watches movies in a room with a lot of sunlight. The glare would be enough to drive me crazy.

[Pandamobile]

Set up a couple lamps in the background and angle and position yourself in front of a window during the day time.

I'm sure Sony's worked out any of the bugs this might have caused, but just for the sake of argument.

[gluv65]

Its not going to work in bright light, that is already known, Dr. Marks already shown this to kotaku around GDC time, and besides no one playes in bright lights any way. Gamespot wasn't able to show off socom 4 move because of their direct bright lights on the PSeye. Kinect will suffer the same problem. Direct bright lights will mess up the contrast and distort the sphere.

[CobraKai]

The glares actually did drive me crazy. I had to get some blackout curtains. I dunno anyone who can play with that much light.

[CharlesDCI]

Good experiment. Keep it coming so we all know what we are buying.

[Chucky2003]

why do you think that ball glows,that is one of its purpose,seriously i realize this the first time i saw it,the camera is tracking only the light of the ball

[unicronic]

PS Move in the dark = great experiences with games like Dead Space Extraction, Dead Space 2, Red Faction Armageddon just to name a few.

[tiamat5]

That is good to know. The Move is even more flexible and versatile then i thought. Sunlight shouldn't be a problem unless you have your T.V. directly facing a window or a huge picture window behind you.

[blade206]

now this is why i love this site

[SpLinT]

duuhhh its following the light. of course its gonna work in the dark

[clintos59]

I thought ppl already knew having sex in the dark has been going on before the birth of christ? Only difference nowadays is there are toys u use for more variety of ways to enjoy your love life & the playstation move = (aka) glowing dildo works at night/day/afternoon heck u can even use it as a flashlight in the dark incase your condom slips off & u need to see if its still on lol. PS Move FTW. Day 1 for me & my lady should love this lol (hope she doesnt love this dildo more then me lol).

[-SIXAXIS-]

Seriously, are you 6?

[iPlayGamez]

lol your condom slips off i think you need to get a smaller size

[xtremexx]

i think it was obvious that it would work in the dark because of its light, however does the kinect work in the dark?

[hazelamy]

well kinect uses an infrared light source and measures the time it takes for the light to return so i would imagine kinect would work in the dark, for the motion tracking games at least, it wouldn't be much use for video chat in the dark.
and yeah, with that light on the end there really shouldn't have been much doubt about move working in the dark, also it looks like it could make a handy light source in a power cut. :)

[USEYOURFIST]

thanks for the video tis great to have it confirmed AND it really helped to show off the 1:1 alot better then what i have seen previously and has me more excited for it now.

[BannedForNineYears]

What kind of retarded question is this?
Of course it works in the dark!
It works better in the dark actually.
It tracks the colors/lights on the orb.
Being in the dark makes it stand out more. -_-

And as for the gyros.....Those are unaffected by lighting. v_v
obviously.

[Meowhammad]

Kinetic doesn't work when your skin is dark...

[edub1026]

Seeing and hearing that it works in the dark are two different things. I have a PS3 but I don't believe everything Sony and many other people tell me. For the people that are good with hearsay alone I wish you the best.
Thanks for the video the lighting in my apt. sucks, now I have no worries.

[deerain]

Is this a joke it tracks the ball that's lit up ummm i am only guessing but yeah I am sure the camera can see that.

[jneul]

the ps move actually prefers the dark environment over a bright one, and yes it works i tried it out myself, the only game/s so far you will need lighting with is fight:night as it tracks your head and your arms and gt5 has head tracking

[Unbiased_gamer]

I wonder if the light that comes from the TV is enough for games with head tracking like the Fight game? The light reflected from the Move controller shouldn't be a problem since most new TVs have anti-glare surfaces like my LCD does.

[C0MPUT3R]

Blunted Light Saber FTW!

[TheObserver]

The real question is: Will it blend?

[PS3-247]

It only does dark

[SpinalRemains138]

I'm not one to get excited about moton controls. They're just not my thing, but this does show how much pride SONY takes while developing their products. Everything SONY makes is always top notch. Excellent quality.

[Claudinho69]

ps3: it only does work in every condition.

[matey]

TRY GOING IN ANOTHER ROOM IN THE HOUSE IF U ARE DOWNSTAIRS GO UP STAIRS AND SWING IT SEE IF IT WORKS BECAUSE WIIMOTE WORKS UP TO 100FT I TRIED WII IN THE GARDEN AND IT STILL WORKED WHATS THE BARRIER ON THAT MOVE BECAUSE WIIS IS MASSIVE 100 square ft

[mushroomwig]

Right, because 100 square foot is something that people really require.

[jerethdagryphon]

100square feet is 10 foot by 10 foot or the size of a decent living room

100x100 =10000 square feet or 3 decent houses

wii will work upto about 30 foot because of the ir beam effectivly your using invisible laser pointers

dont belive me take a phone switch on the video camero mode turn on wii sensor look at the beam

works on g2s anywasy
the farther you are from the sensor the less precise it is because of relitive movment

at 10 foot a 1 inch movment changes the position of the sesor field by about 1 foot so you have to use smaller motions to get the same effect...

yea for digression

[AssassinHD]

You tried your Wiimote in the garden? Why? What is the point of having a functional controller with no TV to look at?

[Mikey Mike]

People have no common sense. Do people not read any more, SONY announced last year that Move works in the dark and explained why.

[darren_poolies]

Was it not obvious that it would work in the dark, I thought it would work even better in the dark as the PS Eye wouldn't get 'confused' by other lights? Because correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the main way the Eye tracks the Move is using the light on the ball?

[AngelorD]

will a big glowing ball be visible in the dark?

[Jack Klugman]

Does look like it will work in the dark.. But what is up with that lag?? And don't pretend you don't see it.

[EXID]

just wait for it now. some idiot is gonna make an article that says it doesn't work in some unrealistic condition, like: "HEADLINE: the move doesn't work!!! ARTICLE: it turns out the move doesn't work very well if you wrap it in tin foil, submerge it in water, and are 100+ yards away while in a lead box." i mean, i don't think sony would put a glowing orb on the controller if you couldn't use it in the dark.

[Sasuke159]

What about Kinect Microsoft does it work in the dark.

[Blaine]

It's a GLOWING orb of LIGHT!

[Neurotoxin]

Jezzzus on a cracker people on here need to lighten up, flagging my comment as trolling is actually pathetic. Considering i only own a ps3 and don't like move i would only find a use for move in some other useful way. Like Anal.

[Blaine]

and I won't bother checking. That being said: just because you own the console, doesn't mean your comments can't be trolling. Especially since you openly admit to not liking the Move, which leads me to believe you would be trolling it.

[CoreGamer]

the light coming from the move looks like it would kinda gives me a headache. I hope there is always some dualshock support on any of the good move games.

[Blaine]

will support DS3, I know that. I don't know about Sorcery though! And I don't think there'd be a point to playing Sports Champion (or whatever the title of Move's Wii Sports equivalent is) with a DS3...

[Lazyeye79]

What idiot wonders if a light bulb works in the dark. If anything it will work better in the dark because there will be no other light to confuse the PSEye. People amaze me.

[AssassinHD]

My uncle's girlfriend once asked me if it was safe to operate a hairdryer with wet hair. No lie.

[bonglover]

Kinect is starting to look like it's dead out of the gate. Move seems better, still waaay late to the party though

[Sarobi]

Its the glow the camara picks up, so of course its going to work lol

[lex-1020]

When you say the Night vision or Infared goggles work in pitch black you are wrong. 1st there is no such thing as pitch black because there is always a source of light. 2nd Night vision and Infared simply take any light source and amplify it (why you don't look at bright lights with them on.) The problem with Kinect being a infared camera (if thats true) is that the glow from the tv 1st generally doesn't reach four feet away powerful enough to light up a target and 2nd if it does it is incredibly powerful and looks like nothing more than a white blob on night vision and infared camera.

[btk]

Well if you understand a little bit about the tech it would be obvious. It will work better in the dark.

The Move controller is not affected by light, and the PS Eye component - well - it is tracking a glowing light ball. So in the dark the contras will be even better than in brightly lit conditions.

But I guess the questions why and under which conditions Kinect/ Wii is having problems will spill over to the Move PS Eye. So it is good to have it answered.