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Microsoft formally announced the Kinect on Sunday evening with the aid of a performance by Cirque du Soleil.

Previously known as Project Natal, the Kinect plugs directly into the Xbox 360 and contains dual-cameras that are capable of tracking 48 points of motion without requiring gamers to use peripherals. The idea is that the Kinect will become the hub of home entertainment systems with titles and software for hardcore gamers while also attracting non-traditional gamers such as young children and the elderly to the Xbox. Exactly which game studios are backing the system have yet to be communicated, although titles touted Sunday by Microsoft include Kinect Sports, Kinectimals (an animal sim), Joyride, and Star Wars. Pricing, a release date and further details were not announced, although that’s hardly surprising considering Microsoft has its big E3 press conference scheduled for Monday morning.