Going by the Tuesday reports from the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft intends unveiling a sophisticated motion-sensitive controller for its Xbox 360 gaming console.

Microsoft’s motion controller – unlike the Nintendo Wii controller, which is hand-held – will be a video camera that would observe the movements of the console players, thereby allowing them to control games by moving their arms, legs and head. A simple move of the hand can help players navigate through screens, and gestures like raising the thumb can trigger gunfire!

WSJ reports say that the camera, which makes use of 3D technology to provide enhanced accuracy than its predecessors, will likely be sold independently of the Xbox in the beginning. The device would probably hit the markets next year, though there are chances of it being showcased at the Los Angeles E3 game industry conference in June. 

The motion-sensitive camera is supposedly based on the Z-Cam technology developed by the Israeli start-up 3DV Systems, which Microsoft acquired in February. Launched in 2007-end, the Z-Cam can reportedly perceive depth and sense the distance of an object or a person is from the screen.

However, as per WSJ, “the camera is based on technology that Microsoft developed inside its sprawling research arm,” with the report also adding that “Microsoft also recently acquired...3DV...which has developed a 3D camera and holds related patents.”