According to Microsoft exec Shane Kim it will be. The motion control system, first shown at last week's E3 show, could potentially change everything. Or it could be an EyeToy style novelty. As you would expect Kim goes for the former.

Conceptually, the launch of Natal will be like the launch of Xbox 360. It's going to be that big. We're not just going to ship it when the hardware and software are ready. We have to make sure that there are enough content experiences that are really good. That's similar to how you would think of the launch of a new console. It's got to have a great launch line-up. That's the same thing here.

Is this the first step to Microsoft having a two-pronged console strategy? The Xbox 720 - or whatever - for the traditional gamer, complete with Live Arcade for the ever-growing casual gaming market. And the Natal for everyone else? Given the cost implications this is unlikely but Kim definately feels Natal can break the mould.

We're not focused on this generation's casual gamers or even PS2 people who haven't upgraded. This is about the 60% of households were a video game console doesn't exist… the problem is that the controller is a barrier for some people and now with Project Natal we completely eliminate that.

The Wii, and especially Wii Fit, has mopped up a lot of this traditionally non-gaming audience. Will Natal really grab even more market share? Is the Xbox brand really going to appeal to a household that is so uninterested in gaming it doesn't even have a Wii? The games will be crucial here of course. The equivalent of Wii Sports for the Natal is a must. And yes, a fitness game or two wouldn't go amiss. But something uniquely Natal will be the key to breaking through. Anyway, what do you think?