The new Microsoft Kinect is the Xbox 360's response to the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation Move. The major difference is that the Kinect doesn't require a handheld controller -- its camera-based technology responds directly to body gestures, voice commands and facial recognition.

The Kinect launched last week, backed by a $500-million ad campaign. However, our tech-oriented buddies at Engadget and Joystiq are less than impressed with the new product.

Engadget only gave the $149-device a 6 out of 10, citing its problems operating in smaller rooms and ultimately concluding, "We think there's some fighting spirit inside that glossy shell, but it's definitely got a lot of growing up to do first."

Joystiq was equally meh, reiterating the point that the system isn't going to really work for those who have smaller homes or apartments, also criticizing it for running slowly at times and not recognizing users when they wear glasses.

We guess the good old handheld controller will live to fight another day.