The very well-known motion-sensing gaming controller device “Kinect” is officially available this coming February 2012. The Kinect for Windows will be released in 12 countries, according to Kinect for Windows General Manager Craig Eisler.

Image From: blogs.msdn.com

Craig Eisler said on a blog post, “we are announcing that the new Kinect for Windows hardware and accompanying software will be available on February 1st, 2012 in 12 countries (United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom), at a suggested retail price of US $249. ”

I know that you’re thinking of the higher price of Kinect for Windows compare to the Kinect for Xbox 360, that is due to its development as a “stand-alone” system, according to Eisler.

He said, “The ability to sell Kinect for Xbox 360 at its current price point is in large part subsidized by consumers buying a number of Kinect games, subscribing to Xbox LIVE, and making other transactions associated with the Xbox 360 ecosystem.”

How I wish that the suggested retail price of Kinect for Windows will be the same or lower than the SRP when it lands here in the Philippines.

But, Eisler noted that later this year, they will offer a special price at US $149 for Qualified Educational Users only.