Xbox Kinect Finds New Purpose at Walmart

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Key Takeaways

  • Kinect 2.0 had a relatively short lifespan, but fans found other uses, like using it for security purposes at Walmart.
  • The Kinect has been repurposed for non-gaming functions, like medical and surveillance applications.
  • Fans miss the Kinect’s original functionality and wish Microsoft would create new games that support it.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast who grew up with the Xbox 360 and its revolutionary Kinect, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I hear about this motion sensor being repurposed for non-gaming applications. The Kinect was more than just a peripheral to me; it was a window into a future where full motion controls were the norm and gaming immersion reached new heights. From sports games to dancing titles, the Xbox 360’s Kinect brought an unprecedented level of fun and interactivity to my living room.

A user stumbled upon a Walmart where they were using an Xbox One’s Kinect for something other than its intended purpose. Many people believe that the Xbox One’s Kinect was a missed opportunity because the Kinect on the Xbox 360 demonstrated a great deal of potential, particularly in body tracking. It showcased how full motion controls could revolutionize gaming, and it became popular in numerous sports and dancing games. However, the second version of the technology, Kinect 2.0, seemed disappointing when that generation of gaming ended.

During the Xbox One’s lifetime, the Kinect 2.0 had limited impact; however, creative owners discovered innovative methods to leverage its motion-sensing capabilities. Intriguingly, one enthusiast once witnessed the Xbox Kinect being employed in a medical setting. Remarkably, consumers have endeavored to adapt the Kinect to various sectors unrelated to gaming. A gamer recently pondered about the purpose of a Kinect they spotted in their local Walmart store.

Reddit user Vectormus inquired about when Microsoft or Xbox began giving Kinect devices to Walmart for security purposes, attaching a picture of a Kinect resembling a CCTV camera overhead. User TheMicroburst noted that it appears Walmart has been doing this as far back as 2013. It’s interesting to note that using such systems in this manner isn’t entirely novel, since an airport previously used the Xbox Kinect for surveillance. A fan suggested that employing these devices could be cost-effective because they can be purchased for around $20 or less at GameStop.

How the Kinect Is Being Used for Other Purposes

A common observation among comments is that the Kinect has experienced more success as a non-gaming tool than its intended purpose. User matt2085 shared an experience where a physical therapist utilized this technology to analyze their posture. Meanwhile, user brokenmessiah humorously noted that in real life, they’ve rarely encountered the Kinect being used for its original purpose. Despite Microsoft discontinuing support for the Kinect quite early, many supporters expressed nostalgia for its functionalities, as contemporary systems do not endorse or accommodate it in new games.

As a devoted gamer, I fondly remember playing “Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator” with the Kinect back in 2021. Although it seems improbable that we’ll be getting new titles anytime soon, it could be beneficial for Microsoft to realize that this technology hasn’t been entirely discarded. One significant point from a recent Reddit post is that it’s heartening to see the Kinect can still provide valuable applications rather than ending up as part of some careless landfill.

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2024-12-02 13:53