Leap Motion Controller Launching in May for $79

Less than a year after turning heads with its sleek, proof-of-concept technology, the Leap Motion controller will make an appearance in Best Buy stores all across the country on May 19, with a price tag of $79. The company will also open up the system's  exclusive app store,  Airspace, in mid-May — offering users immediate access to new software applications after unboxing.

"We're really excited," says Michael Zagorsek, VP of Product Marketing for Leap Motion. "To be able to have a product within a year of having been announced is really great."

The system itself has been on sale through the company's website since the system's debut last year, with an initial preorder price of $69. Zagorsek assured that those who pre-ordered back when Leap Motion still awaited production will get preferred shipment for their continued loyalty, and that all online pre-orders will begin to ship on May 13. He added that after unboxing, Airspace will give plenty of interesting software options on release. Leap Motion has partnered with thousands of developers for product software, including 3D design software company Autodesk and paint program Corel.

"When you plug the Leap in for the first time, it's not just a simple way to control your computer," Zagorsek adds. "There's so much you will be able to do with it."

For those eager to get their hands on the Leap Motion controller before the mid-May release date, the company has promised an interactive experience in Austin at this year's South by Southwest. Attendees will be able to take advantage of the Leap Motion's gesture control capabilities in a live demo setting, a much bigger showing than the company made at CES in January.

"It will be our first opportunity for the broader public to get their hands over the device," Zagorsek says. "We think South by Southwest has the kind of vibe and community that's passionate about the things that we are doing."

This has been a fast-paced year for the Leap Motion team. Last month, they announced and integration partnership with ASUS all-in-one PCs, to be shipped in 2013. The Leap Motion controller system is compatible with PC and Mac and is already available for pre-order via the company website and Best Buy.

Lauren Hockenson is a tech reporter and 8-bit enthusiast who dreams of being a wizard. She can be found on MyIGN at lhockenson or on Twitter at @lhockenson.

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