Microsoft's long-awaited Kinect motion-sensing system for the Xbox 360 videogame console will hit the Japanese market in November, the company said Wednesday, as competition in the sector heats up.

Scheduled for a November 20 release, Kinect uses a 3D camera and motion recognition software to let people play videogames using natural body movements and voice commands, and does not require hand-held controllers.

The launch comes as rivals Microsoft and Sony look to close in on Japan's Nintendo, which pioneered motion controls with its hit Wii consoles in2006.

Boasting total lifetime sales of more than 70 million units, a record in Nintendo's history, the Wii has easily outsold Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 since its2006launch.

The Xbox 360 has sold 40 million units worldwide, Microsoft said.

Kinect was developed by Microsoft under the code name Project Natal and unveiled in June at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. It is expected to launch in the United States on November 4.