Microsoft’s PR machine has sprung a couple of leaks on the eve of the E3 video game mega-conference in Los Angeles: A USA Today report that seems to have since been taken down identified the motion and voice controller previously known as Project Natal as the Kinect. Microsoft later confirmed the moniker. Also, a quickly pulled Italian ad identified a slimmed-down Xbox 360 with a 250gb hard drive.

Microsoft seems to be positioning Kinect as an answer to the Wii, and Sony is folllowing suit by introducing its Move controller. Gamers, are you willing to shell out more dough for some arm flailing on your non-Nintendo consoles or a slimmer 360?

Reports: Natal dubbed ‘Kinect;’ new Xbox 360 on deck [USA Today via CNet]

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