Microsoft has christened its motion-sensing game system "Kinect” and says it hopes gesture-based gaming will make its Xbox more family friendly and prolong the life of the games console.

Showing off several yet-to-be-released games at the E3 gaming conference, Microsoft displayed a driving simulation in which passengers rock their bodies to flip the car into cartwheels, and a Star Wars game with motion control of a Jedi knight.

The three-camera set-up, which allows for completely hands-free games and control of the console through voice commands, is designed to appeal to casual players and newcomers rather than hardcore gamers, analysts said.

"There's only so much headway you can make until you bring mums into the equation. There's lots of kids and mums who want to have an interactive experience together," said Mike Delman, vice president of global marketing for Microsoft's interactive entertainment division.

Kinect, previously codenamed Project Natal, is expected to be available by the end of the year.