Will the Revolution Controller be revealed at TGS?

[Dimitri]

I wonder how much the 3D hand movements will play in actual game design. I can just see trying to pull off a dragon punch and accidently belting player 2.
I've belted player two while playing Samba de Amigo before.

He still gives me crap about that. :/

[sabre2922]

I wonder how much the 3D hand movements will play in actual game design. I can just see trying to pull off a dragon punch and accidently belting player 2.

LOL LOL LOL


positive:

Matt Casamassina, IGNcube: I was pretty skeptical when I first heard about and then saw the Revolution controller. Actually, I really didn't know what to think -- and this is a position that I'm sure countless readers find themselves in even as they comb over the new details. But I have got to hand it to Nintendo. It didn't wuss out and deliver a modified Wave Bird with title sensors. This Revolution peripheral is something totally new and unlike Microsoft and Sony, both of whom are content to deliver nearly identical renditions of their controllers over and over, Nintendo is really pushing the boundaries. I just got finished writing a piece that explored the possibilities of this new device and I have to say I'm really, truly excited. I'm downright psyched, to be frank. If the Big N can make good on the controller's potential, it's really going to expand the way we play games, from first-person shooters to pet simulators and racers. The controller might actually live up to the console's codename. Hats of to the Big N for putting itself out there. Can't wait to see some games.

Negative:
Like I said earlier, as games have become more sophisticated and given us more control over more things to do, we've gotten use to using more and more buttons. The usage of thumbstick buttons on PS2 and Xbox was a quiet innovation, like the right analog stick, that we're all used to at this point. This controller looks short of buttons, especially since the little A and B buttons on the bottom of the remote stick can't be pushed with any human fingers that I've ever seen if you're holding it pistol-style like we see in the pictures. EA's extremely popular sports games and Ubisoft's military themed games are notorious for using every single moving part on a game controller and the creators of those games just aren't going to have that many options with the Revolution controller from what I can tell.

Positive:
The motion sensing portion of the device isn't the surprise, and in fact, I was expecting it months and months ago. It's something that's done extraordinarily well in Wario Ware Twisted and Kirby's Tilt 'n Tumble on the handheld, so Nintendo has clearly proven that it can whip out some fantastic ideas that use this input. I honestly can't wait to see some of the ideas that Nintendo's R&D have already created with the device. Wario Ware Revolution, here we come.
-------------------------------------------------------------
other comments:
I'm still very worried about this controller's application to a wide variety of genres, but color me excited. This will definitely make playing games on Revolution different from 360 and PS3. With my current consoles, I buy cross-platform games for the most powerful machine (Xbox) and snap up the exclusives on PS2 and GameCube. But something like this could really make Revolution versions of games stand out. Of course, there's that not completely unfounded worry about Nintendo being able to sustain a steady stream of games for its next machine, whether first- or third-party. But ignoring those doubts, I'm very excited about the possibilities with this thing.

-------------------------------------------------------------
There's so much we don't know! I don't expect every game to be like Steel Battalion, but I also don't want to pay $90 per title just to get some new analog stick layout. You know? It just seems a bit too impractical.

:hmm:

[petewhitley]

How's Nintendo dictating what you want? If you want flashy visuals there's already two consoles providing that experience for you. For the rest of us that feel there's something lacking, we have Nintendo's new approach. So sorry that three major comapanies aren't catering to your specfic desires.

You're missing my point, and taking it somewhat personally or something x_x

Gaming controllers have evolved since the days of Atari to the current standards out of the needs of the games they control. Gimmicky control schemes dictated by the need to be "unique" as opposed to the needs of current games and developers have historically failed to take off (see the Intellivision controller, see the Powerglove, see those silly yellow buttons on the N64 controller, etc.). The current trends in gaming don't necessitate this sort of control style. Did you really feel something was "lacking" before Nintendo showed off this controller? I haven't heard people screaming out "Get rid of these damn Dual Shocks!" Today's controllers work well for today's games. That's not to say some great games can't utilize this control scheme, but it's change for the sake of change, and at this point the gaming industry isn't going to steer itself where in the direction of Nintendo's specific desires. Remember: form follows function.

[Anthony1]

I'm not so much dissapointed in the concept that they are going with, as I'm dissapointed in the ergonomics of the design.


This thing looks like your standard remote control for a TV, but much thicker, and it looks kinda heavy. Really hard to pass judgement on this thing without holding it in your hands or at least seeing a video of somebody playing a game with it.


For certain types of games, I think it will be pretty amazing, and for certain types of games I think it might be horrible. I still don't totally understand how this thing is going to work. For example, if I'm playing a racing game like Need For Speed: Most Wanted with this controller, how exactly will I be doing it? With only one hand? The idea of controlling any kind of racing game with just one hand is a very bad idea in my book.


I like the idea behind baseball games and tennis games and golf games, in terms of this controller really revolutionizing those kinds of games from a control standpoint, but I hope that somebody comes out with a 3rd party version of this controller that would actually feel like you are holding a baseball bat or tennis racket. Go pick up a regular remote and try to pretend it's a bat or tennis racket. It's kinda goofy. But if it actually had the grip of a tennis racket or bat or Golf club or whatever, I think it would be pretty cool. Like having a handle for a sword if it's a Zelda game or whatever. That would be pretty smooth.


One thing that I was really hoping for with this controller, was some real deal tactile feedback. Nintendo started the whole rumble thing with Starfox for the N64, and I was hoping that they were going to take rumble to the next level with real tactile feedback.

In fact, I can envision one day, that when we play games, we will actually wear a special shirt and pants that actually have all kinds of tactile feedback sensors all over them. Imagine playing a Ghost Recon game, and you are shot in your left wrist, and you immediately feel a stinging sensation in your left wrist. That would be pretty freaking next level.


If you think about it, interacting with games is all about the senses that we have. Right now, we are seeing things and hearing things, and somewhat controlling things and feeling slight rumbles, but there are a number of senses that just aren't even being touched, and I look forward to the day when we add more senses to the mix.


Can you say Smellovision?

[JB Lars]

OH NOES! IT'S TEH DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!

Bring it on. Nintendo's profitable, even with the last two console "failures". I can play games with "normal" control on other machines. I can't wait to see what this can do.

Hell, where do I go to buy Nintendo stock? With all the sky-is-faliing over this, the price is gonna have to drop. I wanna be laughing when the Revolution still does what every Nintendo machine is designed to do: Play games and earn money.

[JB Lars]

In fact, I can envision one day, that when we play games, we will actually wear a special shirt and pants that actually have all kinds of tactile feedback sensors all over them.

You gotta be kidding. I already ruined one pair of pants when the dogs came through the window in the first "Resident Evil". Now you want me to contend with pants that have electricity?

;)

[sabre2922]

OH NOES! IT'S the DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!

Bring it on. Nintendo's profitable, even with the last two console "failures". I can play games with "normal" control on other machines. I can't wait to see what this can do.

Hell, where do I go to buy Nintendo stock? With all the sky-is-faliing over this, the price is gonna have to drop. I wanna be laughing when the Revolution still does what every Nintendo machine is designed to do: Play games and earn money.

I hope your right I just dont think its going to happen that way this time around.

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I don't like it.

[Ninja Blacksox]

http://www.gamer-talk.net/images/article/editorials/matt/powerglove.jpg

"I love the Power Glove... It's so bad."

-A Boy

[thegreatescape]

Sort of reminds me of Edison. In the prime of his career he was a brilliant inventor giving us things like the lightbulb, but by the end he was trying to communicate with the dead and building concrete chairs.

Side note; Any one that claims it will be good for racing games is smoking crack, or doesnt actually play racing games.

[poopnes]

People with 100"+ projector screens need not apply. I don't think this will work for you.

Now that I've said that...

Everybody check out the Teaser video that was shown during the speech HERE (http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334p1.html). Also notice how the controller in the video is not the same that they showed. It has two extra buttons Z1 & Z2 on the top. And the two buttons on the end are labeled X and Y. Interesting--you heard it here first. ;)

You know I could probably fill pages up with my thoughts and questions regarding this, but I wont. I just want to say a few things:

1) Thank you, Nintendo. You have opened the door for new ideas and concepts.
2) Damn you, Nintendo. For basically killing traditional Mario and Zelda games. They just wont work.
3) Arm fatigue. It's inevitable. And it's the scariest part of this for me.
4) It is damn sexy.
5) I don't think this will fly in America. Seems to fit well for Japan though.
6) Pilotwings is a perfect fit. And I think Tony Hawk would work really well too. You'd have to simplify it a bit, but just think how you'd actually control the balance, etc.

Meh, that's it for now...

And thank's to Planet Gamecube for responding back FAST and clearing this up for me:
"Z1 and Z2 are the triggers on the analog stick module (i.e. the left
nunchuk). X and Y are just alternate labels for the small a and b buttons.
I'm sure Nintendo just hasn't decided what to call them yet.

Jonathan Metts
Director, PlanetGameCube.com"

Left nunchuk? That's great. Let the name calling begin. =)

[Anthony1]

People with 100"+ projector screens need not apply. I don't think this will work for you.




And what the hell is that supposed to mean? Just because I have a Movie Theater in my Garage, it doesn't mean that I'm not cultured. It also doesn't mean that I'm a hardcore graphics whore that has no interest in the Revolution.


Oh, yeah, I guess it does. LOL






Just kidding. :D

[Avenger]

my first reaction was tears...not really, but close...i couldnt believe what i was seeing, it was like some sort of nightmare...but as i read about everything it could do, I realized just how awesome the Revolution is going to be...we are gunna see so many wicked Rev only games I can't wait...the possibilites are endless, you can attach so many different things to that 'remote'

I cant wait to start chopping people up with my Rev controller in some sort of Fantasy Sword game :), and that thing is gunna be even better than KB&M for FPS!

I Heart Nintendo

[poopnes]

People with 100"+ projector screens need not apply. I don't think this will work for you.




And what the hell is that supposed to mean? Just because I have a Movie Theater in my Garage, it doesn't mean that I'm not cultured. It also doesn't mean that I'm a hardcore graphics whore that has no interest in the Revolution.


Oh, yeah, I guess it does. LOL






Just kidding. :D

I knew I'd get your attention. =) But seriously I don't think the Rev will work with that kind of set up. Since these "sensors" have to be put on or under the TV. But they haven't said much, so what do any of us know? Just a heads up.

[Avenger]

im sure it will be fine to place the sensors in front of you without a tv there, they should still pick up your movement, its just more convenient to have them on/around your tv

[Hypnotuba]

Of course, I can't comment on the quality of the controller until it actually is, well, available . But I had a couple thoughts:

How does it work for a 4-player game? Can one set of sensors read the locations of multiple controllers, or do you need to have separate sensors? I wonder if positioning will be awkward with a few people, say, if they have to each be in front of their own sensor, etc.

Also, assuming I don't get one at launch, my first experience would be at an in-store display, and I can picture that being troublesome, knowing that people might mess with it (although they'd probably have the sensors inside the kiosk). And finding the right spot for playing might be weird.

But maybe I'm just thinking about how hard it was sometimes to get a light-gun calibrated right. I guess this is a lot more advanced than a Stunner. :)

[Avenger]

the way i see it working is that it has a switch to say if your 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th player...and the sensor will work for all of them cuz having 4 sets of sensors would just be ridiculous...

Im excited to get me one of these :)

[RCM]

As always final judgement will come after i've used it. I do dig the new possibilities this controller is promising. Hopefully 3rd parties will jump on this. We bitch about lack of originality, developers do too. Hopefully we can all finally be able to shut up for awhile.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[Gemini-Phoenix]

I really hope this isn't an infrared controller as well, as it could be quite laggy. Especially after the wireless WaveBird controller. Why could they not just keep the WaveBird design and just expand on that? Sony and MicroSoft have more or less stuck with their two classic designs.


I'll also add that the build quality looks really poor. I can just imagine the extra add-on's snapping out of their "Home" whilst playing. I can also foresee third party developers creating "Traditional" style pads too, to keep consumers happy. As there clearly WILL be a demand for a traditional style controller


And is it me, or has anyone else noticed the distinct lack of buttons here? I see an "A" button, and a "B" button underneath, but there are so many other buttons missing. What? No triggers? Will this also mean that newer games will be very simplified? This'll be an xtra nail in the coffin for third party developers (Such as EA) who will inevitably decide NOT to develop for the Nintendo due to the controls being too different from Xbox and PlayStation ones, which tend to share the same amount of buttons, and similar button configurations as each other.


I think Nintendo ar playing games with us, and this may just be ONE controller design which they plan to release. I bet (And hope) they have a secret up their sleeve which they will anounce later closer to the Revolution release date. That announcement being the fact that they do intend to have a proper "Traditional" controller, and this is only the remote control fo rthe Revolution which CAN double up as an extra controller if you so wished. Which is probably most likely.

[Hypnotuba]

the way i see it working is that it has a switch to say if your 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th player...and the sensor will work for all of them cuz having 4 sets of sensors would just be ridiculous...

Yeah, that would be bad, but I wonder how well the sensors can pick up 4 different controllers for Smash Bros., as some people would be sitting at the left or right edges of the sensors range. Unless you have to play sitting single-file. :)



Im excited to get me one of these :)

Me too! At least it's something to wonder about. Xbox360 and PS3 are easy to get -- super graphics, HDTV, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that, and it is exciting, but I don't feel like reading about them much. I'm content to wait until they come out.

But the Revolution has me wanting more info NOW, and leaves me imagining what the possibilities are for the system.

[njiska]

I really hope this isn't an infrared controller as well, as it could be quite laggy. Especially after the wireless WaveBird controller. Why could they not just keep the WaveBird design and just expand on that? Sony and MicroSoft have more or less stuck with their two classic designs.

From everything i've seen and heard i'd say it's a save bet that this controller isn't IR. But then again it's got one of those giant IR lens thingys so who knows. I figure it's just some extra function though, since Nintendo has already done such a great job with the Wavebird.

[Icarus Moonsight]

All I can say is that I'm excited. The controller is plainly simple yet modular to allow developers to expand it to the proper complexity to fit the app. Nintendo has obvoiusly cut themselves from the herd with this new "paradigm". They made some outlandish promises and they delivered. The design will resonate well in mass market (I suspect) due to the iPod-iness futuristic/minimalist look. It suprises me, alot, to see so many of our own @ DP see this as The End or the final nail. I belive that Nintendo is deliberately setting themselves apart from the other guys... they tried to play ball with the GC and look where that got them. It's called the Revolution for a reason guys... sheesh.

If Nintendo does fall away, I'm sure the PS3 or 4 will adopt many parts of the "new paradigm" and everyone that ignored the Rev. will be all "Sony is teh Roolz yo!"

I remember a time, not long ago, there was a change called analog. Most people (that I knew) that played games were all "WTF!?!" then too. Funny thing is analog controls predated digital. It's circular people... everything old is new again... given time. I thought this was the retro-gamers manifesto. Maybe I'm just naive on this one?

Now for the other side of the coin. This does have the potential to end badly for Nintendo. It may be too much change from convention too soon. It could even alienate or intimidate gamers... again, only time will tell.

Still, I can't wait to play this thing! Gimmee the different, weird and new. I can handle it. :)

[Cryomancer]

I like it.

/me imagines the special edition or third party addons, like...LIGHTSABER BLADES. Holy FUCK would I buy a star wars saber battle game if my controller could be all glowly and work right.

Can anyone else sense a DUCK HUNT remake as a pack in? I know I can. And the idea of turning it on it's side is great too, and the analog unit...awesome (could probably use more cord though).

I am so onboard with this shit. But they better make my goddamn Mother 3 this round.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

It came to me on the drive home. X_x

A Star Wars game on the Revolution. O_O

A Star Wars game where the controller IS your lightsaber. :eek 2:

Mary, mother of Jesus. I may get this at launch too if such a beast is revealed to be forthcoming. @_@


EDIT: Hey, great minds think alike!

[Avenger]

if you think about it...the PS3 and the 360 are the same damn system...standard console, standard games, standard controllers, which was the same for PS2 Xbox and Gamecube...no wonder Gamecube got knocked out. there isnt room for 3 identical systems in the market...yes they all have exclusives but any game could be doneo n any of the systems.

Nintendo's got the right idea, let Sony and Microsoft do the same old stuff. they will both do fine. but with the Revolution guve us something DIFFERENT, something to make us say "hey i have a 360, and hell i even have a PS3, but I REALLY want a Revolution also"...

This is the same thing that they did with the DS....which by the way just keeps getting better and more unique with every release...

Just wait, its gunna be sweet :) I'm looking forward to something new

time to brainstorm all the possible games, and hell yes for a lightsaber game, you know they will do it, its probably the first thing every Star Wars fan thought when they saw the controller!

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'd like to add that I'm VERY happy that I'm not the only one with a racing mind of possibilities! Thanks guys! I'm with ya 110%.

[THATinkjar]

Nintendo. Oh, Nintendo!

They've only gone and done it again! They've changed the playing field... yet again! I love the controller! I love their thinking! I love Nintendo.

I just pray to God that people don't ignore the Revolution, liked they ignored the Game "lunchbox" Cube.

[THATinkjar]

We need a poll, people. I want to see what the general opinion is.

By the way, I don't really want to dig through this thread, but IGN has a a four-page piece on the possibilities of the controller. You can check it out here (http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651224p1.html)

[GarrettCRW]

Nintendo is absolutely fucking insane.

And right now, I love them for it.

Anyone remember how insane people thought Nintendo was in 1983-1985, especially in America? Those times are here again. Everything changes. Either Nintendo falls on their ass like everyone thought they would with the NES, or they take over the world again.

I think I'm buying a console on launch day for the first time ever.

@Cryomancer and PDF: You just know some dork at Lucasarts has already thought of that. Such a game alone would make Lucasarts and Nintendo millions. Dare I say it.....billions?

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

@Cryomancer and PDF: You just know some dork at Lucasarts has already thought of that. Such a game alone would make Lucasarts and Nintendo millions. Dare I say it.....billions?
God, I hope they've thought of it and are working on it as we speak. I've been tingling ever since the thought hit my brain. That goes back to me coming back from my first showing of Star Wars and running around the house in my white "Luke Skywalker" bathrobe waving a flashlight around. That would be utter, perfect video gaming bliss.

Not to mention I'd get to be five again. :D

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Since the Snes, Nintendo has strived to be different. Adecision which time and time again has crippled the company. Hmmm, let me think for a moment...

Virtual Boy ~ Completly different. Failed.

DS ~ again, totally different approach, yet people don't seem to be impressed, and would just as well just have the games without the touchy bit

N64 ~ Possibly one of their success stories, although they started to separate themselves from the pack by developing a controller that was designed around their own first party games, and not third party games, hence (As with the GameCube) why many large third party developers chose not to bother developing for the N64

GameCube ~ A huge leap in the wrong direction where controllers is concerned. MicroSoft and Sony standing to the standard 8+ button configuration, whilst Nintendo decide to go for less buttons, meaning third party games were significantly altered for the Cube.

This is the same mistake that Sega made with the DC, and we all know what happened to that.



A console is only as good as the games it has, and the developers it has making the games. If the controller is too different, less developers will develop games for it.

Companies like THQ and EA must now be shitting themselves, knowing that they have either a hard time ahead of them, or chosing to only develop games for two out of the three consoles.


However, it does offer a few (But not many) doors to a few unique games, and perhaps a few LE peripherals. But I still think everything Nintendo does is to suit thmselves, and sod everyone else, hence why most of the better games on the GameCube are first party games.

[hydr0x]

wtf is up with all these negative opinions, seriously, on every other gameing board i've read they are positive about this controller, even the big Sega/Sony/MS fans, and now i check in here i read all these statements from disappointed nintendo fans?!??! i don't get that at all

now, please, those CD-I comments are just stupid, or am i just wrong when thinking the CD-I did not have 360° movement and tilt control????? the first 3 pages in this topic all sound like you guys haven't thought a single second about what you can actually do with this

i agree, it's kinda ugly, ergonomically it might not be perfect, fatigue is a problem, but, hey, just IMAGINE the possibilities: move link with analog, control his weapons by moving the controller, that's just awesome. and just imagine a tennis game. I know, some traditional genres are fucked by this, but hey, you know, i have like a few thousand classic platformers to chose from, so why in gods name don't we appreciate the fact that they are trying something new??? and wtf, no mass appeal?? you must be kidding me, as long as people can still sit on the couch while playing (and they can, despite what some are bs about the controller) they will buy it, and haven't you seen new gamers play??? they ALWAYS move the controller, and now they actually are doing what they are supposed to do when doing this :)

[GarrettCRW]

God, I hope they've thought of it and are working on it as we speak. I've been tingling ever since the thought hit my brain. That goes back to me coming back from my first showing of Star Wars and running around the house in my white "Luke Skywalker" bathrobe waving a flashlight around. That would be utter, perfect video gaming bliss.

Not to mention I'd get to be five again. :D

And, just think: the Rev is supposed to be online ready. What's better than beating down Vader at his own game? ;)

[zmweasel]

Companies like THQ and EA must now be shitting themselves, knowing that they have either a hard time ahead of them, or chosing to only develop games for two out of the three consoles.

Quite a few companies are already developing games for only two of three consoles: PS2 and Xbox. They'll just move up to the PS3 and Xbox 360.

-- Z.

[hydr0x]

Companies like THQ and EA must now be shitting themselves, knowing that they have either a hard time ahead of them, or chosing to only develop games for two out of the three consoles.

please, before you bs around like this, go out and READ, there have been statements made by both companies (and others), and they are positive, also, what the heck do you think? that nintendo kept this secret until now? what are you smoking man? (ah, sorry, i forgot, your an alcoholic, you already told us that) of course the pubs and devs knew about this for a while already (which past statements of a few people clearly show)

@all

just so you know, i'm actually quit sceptic about the thing, i have to see how each genre works before i get excited, but hell, i can't believe all this negative statements, especially seeing how positive the feedback on other sites is, i guess it might come from the fact that we are retro gamers and are sad because a few genres might die....

[Gemini-Phoenix]

The GameCube controller is the reason why companies like THQ and EA have neglected the GameCube lately, and focus more on the PS2 and Xbox

The same thing will happen with the next-gen consoles, and Nintendo will once again be left in third place with nothing but their first party games to keep them afloat


And I can just see so many frustrating and infuriating moments where the motion sensitive controls are concerned. There will be plenty of "Controller hitting walls" moments" :angry:

[poloplayr]

I am quite literally speechless.

[sabre2922]

REGULAR PPL WILL NOT BUY THIS THING :/

Some of us gamers might out of curiosity or some kind of hardcore devotion to Nintendo wich is why on some "other" boards you get flamed for posting anything negative about this.

I hate to be the harbinger and all but here goes:

This will not win over any of the mass of casual gamers that make up over 70% of the market they will pick up either an Xbox360 or PS3 the Revolution will turn out to be a novelty item and 3rd parties will NOT flock to this system in fact most of them will put out maybe ONE Revolution title for every 4-5 Xbox360 or PS3 games.
Many of the most popular franchises will stay on either PS3 or Xbox360 while Revolution gets left out in the cold.

Once again I HOPE im proven wrong I really wanted Nintendo to succeed with the Revolution but I dont see it happening no matter how much I WANT IT TO HAPPEN.

Youve got to remember that this isnt 20 or even 10 years ago. the stakes are much higher for a company like Nintendo to take major risks like this than when the NES was release(digital pad) or even the N64(analog stick).

They are no longer the dominating force in the industry and havent been for many years now they can no longer bend developers to their will and change the industry like they did so many years ago or expect the rest of the developers/publishers to fall inline when their are greener pastures for them.

This isnt 1985 or even 1995 anymore the game has changed and Nintendo can no longer change the game on their own when the big fish in the sea are circling and already have the advantage.

ITS NOT GOING TO PAY OFF THIS TIME.

Sure its admirable of them to once again attempt to blaze thier own trail and change the world but the world has changed without Nintendo Nintendo doesnt know it yet but they will.

[MarHel78]

I actually like the controller and am eager to see what good comes off it, but I'm also concerned about 3rd party support.... What Gemini said about the GCN controller is true, and frankly, I chose the PS2 version with games like Splinter Cell purely because of the poor button layout of the GCN controller.

But maybe there will be 3rd party controllers with a more traditional design... I for one expect a good Arcade Stick or at least controller, just like Hori had for the Cube.

[poloplayr]

I cannot get over the fact that Nintendo has the biggest set of balls in the universe. When was the last time any of us were truly surprised by one of the big gaming firms?

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Youve got to remember that this isnt 20 or even 10 years ago. the stakes are much higher for a company like Nintendo to take major risks like this than when the NES was release(digital pad) or even the N64(analog stick).
The stakes in 1985, in bringing the Famicom to North America, were much higher than the D-pad. The industry was dead. Nobody, at a retail buyer level, wanted to touch video games with a ten foot pole. The D-pad was probably the least of anyone's concerns, either the retail distributors' or Nintendo's.

With all due respect, and I'm really pointing this out for the sake of historical accuracy, not out of any great love for Nintendo, the stakes were never higher than that. This is a company that's well acquainted with risky moves. :)

[sabre2922]

Youve got to remember that this isnt 20 or even 10 years ago. the stakes are much higher for a company like Nintendo to take major risks like this than when the NES was release(digital pad) or even the N64(analog stick).
The stakes in 1985, in bringing the Famicom to North America, were much higher than the D-pad. The industry was dead. Nobody, at a retail buyer level, wanted to touch video games with a ten foot pole. The D-pad was probably the least of anyone's concerns, either the retail distributors' or Nintendo's.

With all due respect, and I'm really pointing this out for the sake of historical accuracy, not out of any great love for Nintendo, the stakes were never higher than that. This is a company that's well acquainted with risky moves. :)

Ok umm u didnt quite get my point and with all do respect your wrong historically speaking.

You see when Nintendo first released the NES in the U.S. it was in very small quantities and it was a surprise success and there were NO HIGH STAKES my friend Nintendo had the whole thing to themselves BECUASE OF THE CRASH if it wasnt a success they would fall back on making card games the way Nintendo had done for a hundred years HISTORICALLY SPEAKING. ;)

It was an experiment for Nintendo with the NES of course it paid of in spades the WHOLE INDUSTRY (what was left of it anyway) laughed at them videogames as a whole had been declared dead by the mass media.

I remember all this becuase I LIVED THROUGH ALL OF IT not cause I read bout it in some retro magazine or a half-assed quickie flashback article in EGM.

[Zubiac666]

The GameCube controller is the reason why companies like THQ and EA have neglected the GameCube lately, and focus more on the PS2 and Xbox

The same thing will happen with the next-gen consoles, and Nintendo will once again be left in third place with nothing but their first party games to keep them afloat



what are you smoking?
THQ already confirmed that they release REVO software.
btw: über-ROFL @ your "Sega made the same mistake":Since N64 release I read/hear that sentence again and again and guess what:Nintendo ist still here and they are doing damn fine.You can NOT compare those two companies for godssake.
and did you even read the "hands-on"-impression from ign,1up and co?All of those who actually played with the rev-controller at TGS said it's incredible and feels astonishing natural(they played several demos which showed how the controller can be used....a stage of metroid prime 2,Super Mario Sunshine where they flew with mario around etc).
!
DEMO: PILOT WANGS
Manipulate a biplane through the air, trying to fly through rings scattered around the Isle Delfino hub world of Super Mario Sunshine.
IMPRESSIONS: This was about all the different ways the Revolution can detect tilting the controller. It was as if the controller was the airplane itself - as long as your movements weren't too sudden, the on-screen action would mimic your movements with very little lag time. After about a minute I was pulling dramatic dives and loop-de-loops, bullseye-ing plenty of rings.




gimme,gimme......GIMME :D


ps: After reading the "you could walk around as Luke Skywalker and swing your lasersword for real"-comment I nearly became horny. :embarrassed:
good god...THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!!11!!eins!!one

[Sylentwulf]

Personally, the first thing that jumped into my mind:
The cord between the additional controller better the hell be longer than what they've shown.
Buttons?! Are we back to the nes era with 2 buttons and a d-pad? WTF is that?
Projection, plasma, lcd, rgb, computer monitors. Where do these people fit in? Will the sensors have a big setup thing where it says how big your tv is and how far away you're sitting? One set of sensors for unlimited amount of controllers, or am I really gonna have 20 sensors lining my tv (cause that won't happen)

and the usual - good god why did they make it a remote control? What POSSIBLE advantage is there to not making it controller shaped? That couldn't have kept the long-obvious-revolutionary-controller-motion sensing in a standard shaped controller? I was expecting a broken in half gamecube controller, one half in each hand, with motion sensing. So I wasn't far off, but I wasn't expecting a frigging TV remote. :/

I forsee many many gimmick games, like what the poor ds has been going through since launch. Tons of games with NO substance. Just a crapload of "Look you can MOVE YOUR CONTROLLER! HOW COOL IS THAT!?! Akin to the current slew of "look you can TOUCH THE SCREEN!?!" games on the ds that are all great fun for the first 20 minutes, then just flatout stupid.

[joshnickerson]

I cannot get over the fact that Nintendo has the biggest set of balls in the universe. When was the last time any of us were truly surprised by one of the big gaming firms?

Just what I've been thinking. You wouldn't see Sony or MS try something like this, risking everything. Only Nintendo. They've got MASSIVE BALLS. They've got such a huge set, they probably rent a warehouse in Tokyo just to store them in, that's how huge their balls are.

I'm holding judgement until I see some actual games, but I'll put it like this... a year ago, I was certain the DS was going to fail.

[Jive3D]

Somehow I doubt that we'll be seeing Street Fighter __ on the new Nintendo system.

as much as I'm lifting up one eyebrow about this news - I've VERY excited to see some launch games. :hmm:

[Oobgarm]

My initial thought: WTF?

After reading about it, and seeing the demo video: WTF?

I don't see this really turning things around and bringing Nintendo back to its former glory--I see it as trying too hard to be different than the rest. I was all about the DS, but I think this is just a bit too much.

[IntvGene]

I appreciate the fact that Nintendo has balls for creativity.. especially in this day and age.

What strikes me as odd is that they have to regain some of the core market now, as they are trailing the other two big systems. And to me, this is the last thing that they should do. I mean, who wants to give that thing a chance? From the looks of it, I'd need at least a ten-minute tutorial on every game. A casual gamer is gonna say "Where they hell is my 18 button, three joystick controller that rumbles when I get hit?... the one with the kung-fu grip?" I don't understand how this helps them regain the hearts and minds of the average gamer.

People don't like change, and from what I've read in news reports, Sony is thinking of changing their controller after the boomerang crap design they have now for the PS3.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/09/16/news_6133405.html

I bet Sony will make it look more like the current controller, and take it in the exact opposite direction that Nintendo's going in.

[goats]

i do agree that regular ppl (madonites and haloites) are less likely to buy the revolution now, though i think it was unlikely they would buy it in the firest place. However, i think that its good for nintendo AND the whole industry to break away from the norm and try something more different than just new graphic engines. One thing that I wonder is how the hell are you gonna be able to play nintendo's library of old games with this new controller? I thought that was gonna be one of the revolutions big draws, but now I am not so sure.

[MarHel78]

I think that's why you can plug the old GCN controller into the unit.... to play the old games. And the NES games can easily be played using the new controller sideways, with D-Pad and A,B buttons.

Don't remember right now: could you only plug in the cube controllers, or the N64 ones as well?

[WanganRunner]

WOW

I just watched the video and saw the pics for the first time. WOW.

Far as I'm concerned, Nintendo has a winner here. I haven't been this excited about a Nintendo idea since Mario 64. The first-party games for this will be UNBELIEVABLE.

And with that said, this DOES NOT AFFECT their third party situation in the least. That's WHY they have a second set of controller ports for Wavebirds, etc... Their third party situation will likely be about the same as it was on Gamecube, which is "okay", not terminal, not great, but "okay". But I think that the best first-party Nintendo games EVER will come out of this idea.

Who do I write the check to?

[PapaStu]

For the price increase on both system and games all you're getting from Sony and Microsoft is bigger and better specs. Whoopee new graphics cards.

But that's what I want. That's what alot of people want. Better looking, more detailed, bigger games with smarter AI. Why does Iwata think that the industry is stagnating? Gaming continues to increase in profitability and popularity, globally if not locally in Japan. New gaming genres (in a large part driven by spec increases, ala GTA) continue to change the face of gaming. You can't shake the feeling that Nintendo is telling us what we want. It's not even that big of a jump in control (hello Powerglove); it's just big enough to alienate 3rd parties and discourage cross-platform ports, just as the N64 cartridges did and to some extent the custom GameCube disc format did. This is a forced evolution in control, and as such, it stands less likely to revolutionize anything.

THIS is what nintendo does. Did they ask anyone before they released the analong stick on the N64 and created THE game that all 3D platformers would then be held to in comparison? They revolutinized the industry with that.

I am in total agreeance with Daria's first post. I will get this at launch.

Everyone is shitting on its shape and saying its too much, its to different. Thats fine to think, but without that next step we will continue to have the same control schemed games.

And the earlier posts about those who are saying that they wont play stuff with a Cube controller on the 'next' system. Ya all better put your fucking PS2 AND PS3 controllers down. The Dual Shock 2 is just the Dual shock with button sensitivity. Hell its in the SAME CASEMOLD. The PS3 controller beyond wireless... offers you a smooth boomarang look, no new buttons, no new control feelings. NOTHING. The X360 looks like a wireless and slightly case modded Type-S controller. Thats also not much in the Innovation department, but hey, as long as its all the same who gives a rats ass.

So far when ANY other control scheme has been developed for the other systems (Eye-Toy comes to mind) It recieves what Sony tends to do with its perhifials. Short support. And due to that lack of support it died. Where are all those games with Eye-Toy support in em? I can count less than a dozen american releases and dont get me started with the HDD for the PS2 and its whopping 2 games of support. Wheres the PSX? Still in Japan where its dead there too. because of a lack of support.

Innovation is what in the end run will keep people buying. The easy innovation is the graphic cards, because we LOOK at games, but once we realise that hey, this is basically doing exactly what my XBox or PS2 or Cube is already capable of, then why buy? Like all big businesses the gaming industy will just as easily fall into that rut of making the same stuff year in and out. Look at the glut of stuff in japan, sales are down there for a reason. American developers dont take lots of risks and we get lots of GTA style clones and sports rehashes.

It was about time for a new jolt. If some developers actually get innovative with this, the controller is going to be fucking amazing. If not Nintendo will still have its loyal following and they will still pull yearly profits as they take their next steps down the road.

[Lothars]

Well I think it's time I posted my opinion

I am of the opinion that this controller is going to be awesome

I am pumped for it, I honestly think it's a way better Idea than the PS3 and Xbox 360 rehashed controllers,

well they may be good, I applaud Nintendo for this move and look forward to buying one on launch day.

but than again when I use it maybe I won't like it, I do reserve judgement for when I use it but I am still pumped for it, I can't believe everyone that is saying this is a big failure this is anything but a failure, Great Job Nintendo

[Daria]

You're missing my point, and taking it somewhat personally or something x_x

Not at all, aparently you're just missing *my* point.



Gaming controllers have evolved since the days of Atari to the current standards out of the needs of the games they control.

And is there any reason to believe that they won't continue to evolve?



Gimmicky control schemes dictated by the need to be "unique" as opposed to the needs of current games and developers have historically failed to take off (see the Intellivision controller, see the Powerglove, see those silly yellow buttons on the N64 controller, etc.).

And how about when the gimmick does suceed? Games have evolved greatly with the inventions of such devices as the mouse and the analog stick. Hell everyone screamed gimmick when the DS was revealed and it's not doing too shabbily now is it?


The current trends in gaming don't necessitate this sort of control style. Did you really feel something was "lacking" before Nintendo showed off this controller?

Exactly it's the current "trend", that's a very temporary phrase you're using there. Gaming technology will continue to evolve, but not if companies like Sony and Microsoft are content on simply upgrading their machines with bigger and better graphics cards. Yes it's the "safe" route in a buisness sense, and that's why they'll always continue to follow it.

And did I really? Yes, the most fun I've had this generation has been with Nintendo's "gimmicks". Jungle Beat, Zelda Four Swords, and the majority of the DS library. I love nothing better then a game or system that strives to do something new. I've certainly have enjoyed conventional games as well, I always will. But I don't see why there isn't room in the industry for both. It's as ridiculous as the notion that there isn't room for both 2D and 3D development when they provide two vastly different forms of gameplay.

Which BTW was anyone really tired of 2D gaming when Nintendo released the N64? And look how the industry's embaced 3D gaming now.

But I digress, I've been very disapointed in the PS2 library, and for me that means it's RPGs but I don't think the complaint is isolated. The games have become so damn blah and are simply rehashes of the same old thing- with few notable exceptions. I find myself continually buying Nintendo and keeping up with Sony and Microsoft out of the habit of collecting.


I haven't heard people screaming out "Get rid of these damn Dual Shocks!" Today's controllers work well for today's games. That's not to say some great games can't utilize this control scheme, but it's change for the sake of change, and at this point the gaming industry isn't going to steer itself where in the direction of Nintendo's specific desires. Remember: form follows function.

.... Actually that cliché could be taken to either side. If you saw the controller as the invention of the function then the form, or the games will follow. I think game devoplers by nature are creative people, and that this controller should be exciting to them. Artists enjoy a good challange, they enjoy creating something new. This controller gives them absolute freedom and I think we can expect to see some exciting things developed with it in mind.

The game industry will continue to advance as technology advances. It's hardly "change for the sake of change". As long as the hardware provides limitations on creation, there's room for improvement. Is this weren't true we'd still be playing exclusively in 2D as it was good enough at the time.

[Daria]

REGULAR PPL WILL NOT BUY THIS THING :/

Regular people love DDR and the Eye Toy. And they love it in droves. Give me a break.

[cr0n0]

Revolutionary indeed!!! What an awesome and slick looking peripheral. I can't wait to see the possibilities this will bring forth from Nintendo as well as other third party companies.

Thye have COJONs and I applaud them for it.

[njiska]

You know, good or bad, this thread proves one thing about Nintendo's decision. They've certainly got us talking and that's definitely good for them. This controller is gonna be getting attention for a long time to come.

[IntvGene]

Regular people love DDR and the Eye Toy. And they love it in droves. Give me a break.
Those aren't the standard methods of controlling every game on the entire system. They're niche games... and while they do make considerable success, the major difference is that these control methods are used for a single game, or sets of games. You can still pick up a standard controller for playing everything else.

And if you think that innovation is driving sales, take a look at the sales numbers for August.. EA dominated the game sales, capturing 43% of the market share, mostly due to a crappy, rehashed football game. If Nintendo was smart, they would make their next controller out of pigskin, and allow you to throw it at the TV. ;)

Nintendo is indeed creative and I'm not disputing that. But, there are few creative companies out there, and even fewer who are already interested in making games for the Revolution. How many other companies are taking advantage of the EyeToy or the DDR mat? And, how easy is it going to be to make multisystem games with this control scheme?

[TheSmirk]

Revolutionary indeed!!! What an awesome and slick looking peripheral. I can't wait to see the possibilities this will bring forth from Nintendo as well as other third party companies.

Thye have COJONs and I applaud them for it.

Agreed, I like what they've been doing as far as pushing/changing controls and then affecting how games are designed (ala DS,N64 analog, hell even Virtual Boy, at least someone tried it :)) as a result. I'll be watching this very closely

[Jive3D]

Holy moly, I just watched the video.

WOW! Playing Tennis looks awesome! Playing the drums with two controllers!!

I'm ready for this thing

(just get shenmue III on it and I'm totally sold ^_^)

[anagrama]

Screw yer virtual lightsabers - what this means is that Yuji Naka can finally make Air Nights :D

[pacmanhat]

Props to Nintendo for taking chances and doing something different. I think it looks like an absolute blast, and while I'm sure not everyone will agree, no one can deny that the Big N deserves a lot of credit for being bold and daring enough to do something like this - not because it's necessarily the "most powerful/sweetest" system, but because it's a new direction that nobody has tried before.

And THAT is why I'll be picking up one of these as soon as I can.

[Damion]

Wow, Here I was expecting a something like a touch screen controller. this is far from what I expected. But he is right. personally I'm looking at the 360 and PS3 and getting a sort of mental yawn when I think about playing them. Don't get me wrong the eye candy is nice. But I haven't seen much that would keep my interest.

I think (as the Square Enix rep said) this is a bold move and it will be interesting to see what Developers do with it.

[s1lence]

Regular people love DDR and the Eye Toy. And they love it in droves. Give me a break.
How many other companies are taking advantage of the EyeToy or the DDR mat?

Oh come on, Britney's Dance Beat rocks. :D

[YoshiM]

My goodness, this has been a hot thread.

I was quite skeptical when I first saw the controller. A remote control. What. The. Hell. How are you going to control modern games with that?!

Then I read the article. Very, very interesting. Lots of possibilities here. Obviously some people are so mentally engrained in the "now" they can't perceive something different as "fun". Here's a possible example of what the future could hold.

The Adventure Game Genre: Pretty much dead for a while (Sierra tried to revitalize Kings Quest, but that didn't work). Now hints of this old PC standby are reemerging in new forms like Indigo Prophecy. Image taking this further with the Rev:

Example: Medical game-Paramedic says to player "You! Check that man's pulse!" Player moves their onscreen hand to the patients neck, feeling the beat through the controller. With a button press the player notifies the paramedic that the patient has a pulse and is then instructed to prep the patient for moving. Rev controller is used to grab the gurney straps and fasten them.

Example: Detective game-The player has to search for clues in a house, looking for weapons to a murder case. Using the controller to move the game character's hand, the player makes their avatar "feel" along a wallpapered wall. The player receives a pulse in the controller which indicates a rough spot in the wall and further investigation (a button press perhaps) reveals a hole. Pushing a button to invoke the "grab" command, the character sticks their finger in the hole and with a twist of the controller, opens a hidden panel behind the wallpaper. The player then grabs and releases items in full 3D, twisting the controller while holding the item to view them in 3D (like Shenmue).

Miyamoto joked about an airplane controller. Why not take this idea one step further?

-Steering wheel: snap the controller into the middle of the wheel, a small thumb nub stick or buttons to allow the player to easily shift gears.

-Flight stick: Snap the controller behind the stick and you have full flight movement.

-Light gun: snap the controller onto the "barrel" of the gun and there you go. Have the space for the controller set low enough so that a person can properly aim down the barrel.

A Zelda game would be an interesting concept. There's a game at a local hotel/waterpark that has you fight bad guys with a katana. You hold the sword in a "sensor zone" and you can swing it about to slash, stab and parry. I think I dropped $10 on it ($2 a pop) because it was so fun and so immersive. I see Zelda being the same way only you have control of where Link goes. The puzzle aspect alone is mind boggling.

The whole concept sounds gimmicky but these days it seems gimmicky works. That's what arcades are these days: loads of gimmicks. Light guns, boat oars, dance pads, soccer balls, boxing gloves, new ways to interact with games. Will the games be short? Maybe but it seems Nintendo is striking gold with their mini, or should I say neo-arcade, game approach (Warioware comes to mind).

BTW, why is everyone so gung-ho for a console to be "on top"? This is by-gone market thinking of the past. Even with Sony on top and Microsoft gaining ground, the big N isn't losing money. If Apple can survive in a Windows world, Nintendo can keep doing their thing.

I'm very interested in this console. If the software is able to actually utilize this technology, I think the industry will be quite surprised.

@sabre: Um, a good chunk of us on this board DID live through the Crash. PDF is correct that the stakes for Nintendo in 1985 were pretty high. Originally, if I'm not mistaken, Nintendo was going to release a variation of the Famicom but didn't get much retailer interest because those people were still financially burned from the Crash. Nintendo had to approach the US differently by redesigning their system to look more like a component (hence the toaster design), not associate the name with video games (Nintendo ENTERTAINMENT system, even naming NES cartridges "paks" instead of "cartridges"), and spruce it up with a soon-to-be-dropped accessory like R.O.B. The initial test release in I believe New York in 1985 probably set the executives and retailers on edge until the stuff flew off shelves.

Go back to watching your G4 Icons show :P :D

[pacmanhat]

Is there any place that details how the motion detection works? I'm hoping that its ability to detect movement works better than recent efforts *COUGHsilentscopelightrifleCOUGH*, or for that matter, Nintendo's previous efforts *COUGHstupidshittypowergloveCOUGH*.

[JWKobayashi]

Gimmicky control schemes dictated by the need to be "unique" as opposed to the needs of current games and developers have historically failed to take off (see the Intellivision controller, see the Powerglove, see those silly yellow buttons on the N64 controller, etc.).

And how about when the gimmick does suceed? Games have evolved greatly with the inventions of such devices as the mouse and the analog stick. Hell everyone screamed gimmick when the DS was revealed and it's not doing too shabbily now is it?


I agree with the "gimmic". Really, the only thing to be added to this generation of controllers is the addition of wireless connectivity (which has been done before).

Innovative ideas becoming the standard is nothing new. Look at past generations for an example:

SNES : Addition of shoulder buttons
N64 : Addition of analog control & force feedback
PS: Addition of a 2nd analog contol stick

All of these "gimmicky" additions have found their way into mainstream gaming as staples of the controller.

I like Nintendo's new controller. Alot. But, that being said, I agree with some people here that it might be too "out there" for the casual consumer. However, the point here is that while the Revolution may not sell well, the innovation from the controller will find itself being integrated into other systems in the future.

Also, don't doom the thing into you see some games for it. If all we see for launch games are glorified tech demos, then naysay by all means. As much as I don't like to wait, I say that we have to wait and see what is coming out for the system.

[Pedro Lambrini]

I have to say that I'm liking it! We now have something truly new in the next generation to look forward to instead of 'faster, bigger, better' all the time.

As far as traditional play styles go Nintendo have already stated that they will release shell-like controller. This will be a fairly standard controller which the 'remote' controller will plug into. Here is a link to an interview with Jim Merrick:

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=60917

Hopefull, people will stop crying about it not being compatible with 'standard' games... :)

[PapaStu]

Regular people love DDR and the Eye Toy. And they love it in droves. Give me a break.
How many other companies are taking advantage of the EyeToy or the DDR mat?

Oh come on, Britney's Dance Beat rocks. :D

But it doesnt use the pad!!!!! Get it right buddy! ;P

Sega has put stuff out for the EyeToy as has a few others (Nicktoons racing) and Konami's DDR Extreme has an Eyetoy playable mode in it.

[Daria]

Regular people love DDR and the Eye Toy. And they love it in droves. Give me a break.
Those aren't the standard methods of controlling every game on the entire system. They're niche games... and while they do make considerable success, the major difference is that these control methods are used for a single game, or sets of games. You can still pick up a standard controller for playing everything else.

*snip snip*

My only point was that they were, as you conceeded, considerable sucesses. And that the casual gamer does indeed love an interactive method of gameplay. Some of these people don't even need a regular controller or conventional games, as I've seen them support entire arcades with their DDR fanaticsim.

Sabre2922 was implying that the casual gamer wouldn't have anything to do with this system. I however think he's wrong. And just wait until those Madden fans realize they can "throw" the ball with the revolution controller. If there's one thing a pig skin aficionado is going to love is the immersion in his sport. Just tell them they can actually throw Peyton Manning's ball and they'll come running.

[studvicious]

If Apple can survive in a Windows world, Nintendo can keep doing their thing.

Well said, a great comparison.


or for that matter, Nintendo's previous efforts *COUGHstupidshittypowergloveCOUGH*.

Nintendo didn't make the glove.

[JWKobayashi]

Screw yer virtual lightsabers - what this means is that Yuji Naka can finally make Air Nights :D

Holy shit! How sweet would that be?

Controller the thing like a little airplace and do flips and whatnot.

I'll be waiting for Nights.

[THATinkjar]

The only thing I would say, is... my right arm is going to get very tired.

[Sylentwulf]

Personally, the first thing that jumped into my mind:
The cord between the additional controller better the hell be longer than what they've shown.
Buttons?! Are we back to the nes era with 2 buttons and a d-pad? WTF is that?
Projection, plasma, lcd, rgb, computer monitors. Where do these people fit in? Will the sensors have a big setup thing where it says how big your tv is and how far away you're sitting? One set of sensors for unlimited amount of controllers, or am I really gonna have 20 sensors lining my tv (cause that won't happen)

and the usual - good god why did they make it a remote control? What POSSIBLE advantage is there to not making it controller shaped? That couldn't have kept the long-obvious-revolutionary-controller-motion sensing in a standard shaped controller? I was expecting a broken in half gamecube controller, one half in each hand, with motion sensing. So I wasn't far off, but I wasn't expecting a frigging TV remote. :/

I forsee many many gimmick games, like what the poor ds has been going through since launch. Tons of games with NO substance. Just a crapload of "Look you can MOVE YOUR CONTROLLER! HOW COOL IS THAT!?! Akin to the current slew of "look you can TOUCH THE SCREEN!?!" games on the ds that are all great fun for the first 20 minutes, then just flatout stupid.

[Daria]

Projection

If my silent scope rifle can work with my wide screen projection tv I'm certain the Rev can.