A few months ago, Microsoft released their answer to motion-control gaming: the Kinect. Although it hit stores back in November 2010, many gamers still do not have one of their very own.

The Kinect is a great item that every gamer, especially Xbox 360 owners, should mount proudly above their TV.

Microsoft’s motion control system is great because, unlike the Nintendo Wii and Playstation Move, which rely solely on motion-sensing controllers, the Kinect uses a camera and your own body to play games, and it does so surprisingly well.

Although it can be a challenge to find room to stand the necessary six to 10 feet away from the camera, once you do this you can literally become a part of some amazing games.

The Kinect does lag a little on larger television screens. There was lag on my 50″ HDTV, but it was nothing game changing. Many sources who own larger-sized HDTVs have complained of the lag, although none of them have felt it was reason to disown their Kinect.

The few games currently available for the Kinect more than make up for the lack of quantity with their superior quality.

Some of the most fun I have ever had gaming was while playing “Dance Central,” a fun dance game that shows you step by step how to do some of today’s most popular dances.

“Kinectimals” is an adorable animal game in which you not only physically interact with some amazing creatures, but also go on fun adventures. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill pet game.

There are a host of great exercise games currently available that force you to work hard and do the moves right because the Kinect is tracking your every limp.

Some fun interactive sports games are also available.

There are a lot of titles for the Kinect, but only a few worth mentioning. As is the case with all motion-control games, the quality of the motion sensing depends on the quality of the game, and a few of the games currently available for the Kinect are poorly made.

I highly recommend the Kinect to anyone trying to lose weight because the dance games are fun and an amazing workout, while the exercise games are equivalent to having your own in-home personal trainer.

You cannot slack while using the Kinect because if you do not do the moves correctly and completely, you will not get credit.

For those who wonder which of the three motion-control systems is best, know that the Kinect cannot be compared to the Playstation Move or Nintendo’s Wii. Both the Move and Wii use a controller held in one hand, while the Kinect uses your entire body.

The Kinect can be bought in stores such as Target, Best Buy and GameStop, as well as countless places online. The console sells for $149.99 and includes a game.