Will the Revolution Controller be revealed at TGS? [Archive] - Page 3

studvicious

09-16-2005, 10:47 AM

My good people, please read this clip from the above posted article and relax. 8-)

--------------------------

Eurogamer: How is the controller going to work with games that aren't designed specifically for the Revolution - multi-platform titles and so on?

Jim Merrick: We're producing a classic-style expansion controller, based on traditional designs like the Gamecube controller. It's like a shell with a hole in the top into which you slot the freehand-style controller, and then you can play third-party ported games, and retro Nintendo games you've downloaded.

So there's that option - but even while it's inserted into the classic-style shell, the freehand controller will still be able to sense positioning and so on, so there are more options too.

It's something that's just as true for the DS - not every game uses the DS's unique features. But some multi-platform titles do, like The Sims 2 for example. We hope other developers will do the same and look at ways their multi-platform titles can make use of the Revolution's features.

Eurogamer: Some critics have voiced concerns about compatibility issues with all the different television standards around these days... Will the Revolution controller work with all types of tellies?

Jim Merrick: I guarantee it. It works with LCDs, plasma screens, projectors... Everything. It's not like the old lightgun technology, where you had the classic problem of requiring a CRT screen. But this isn't working on a scan line basis, so there are no issues there.

Eurogamer: Is the freehand-style controller your trump card, or have we got more exciting stuff to look forward to?

Jim Merrick: Let's just say we have more surprises in store.

IntvGene

09-16-2005, 10:47 AM

I think this discussion has been fun and all, but it'll really depend on the feel and how easy it is to use. The shell is a good idea, and as long as it is supported and is standard, it may work for them. I just worry about it not being supported like the Xbox harddrive.

Good point on the Mac there, Yoshi... but I don't think that Nintendo is going to be content being third place forever.

Hey, I thought virtual reality helmets/glasses were a great idea, but look how far they went. LOL

s1lence

09-16-2005, 10:54 AM

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.

Fine Stu, making me look stupid LOL, I'll just stick with Disney's DDR.

PapaStu

09-16-2005, 11:06 AM

Captain Wrong

09-16-2005, 11:08 AM

I have a strage respect for Nintendo in so far they have the sack (or is it they've completely lost it?) to do something completely different. They may be crazy and this could be another gimmick, or they may be brilliant. Time will tell.

I think it's funny that so many people are crying about this. Not suprizing, but funny. I want to try this myself before I make a judgement. Furthermore, SHOW ME THE GAMES!!!! I mean, how can anyone really predict anything without seeing the real games, not tech demos.

I guess that's kind of the bottom line for me. Yeah the controller is part of the whole pacakage, but am I the only one who still cares about the games?

Cmosfm

09-16-2005, 11:09 AM

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?

My sentiments exactly.

The video blew me away, I'm expecting a lot out of this, Nintendo has never dissapointed me before, not even with the Virtual Boy.

I think this is where my money is going next year, forget the 360 & the PS3...Revolution is where it's at, I'm pre-ordering as soon as I get the chance. Oh man, I'm having flashbacks of the times I was hyped out the ass for the Dreamcast and N64.

Link_Chrono

09-16-2005, 11:14 AM

I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first saw it. But after seeing the video, I can safely say that I've NEVER been this excited about a console. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on this. :D

PS2Hawk

09-16-2005, 11:18 AM

Daria

09-16-2005, 11:23 AM

its totaly garbadge..
thats another dumb idea by nintendo...

And so quotes the boy with the Sony screen name. x_x

PS2Hawk

09-16-2005, 11:25 AM

its totaly garbadge..
thats another dumb idea by nintendo...

And so quotes the boy with the Sony screen name. x_x

YES MY OPINION MUST ALWAYS BE COMBINES WITH MY NAME WHEN I AM NOT MENTIONING PS3 OR XBOX360

just give it up you nintendo sheep..

Link_Chrono

09-16-2005, 11:27 AM

@_@

Did you miss the part about the analog stick that plugs into the main part of the controller? Or the "shell" that would allow you to play games the traditional way?

anagrama

09-16-2005, 11:28 AM

Comedy gold.

Cryomancer

09-16-2005, 11:28 AM

Yes, liking the prospect of new stuff in an era of total stagnation is SOOOOO sheep of us.

edit: damnit this is a fast topic

PapaStu

09-16-2005, 11:28 AM

its totaly garbadge..
thats another dumb idea by nintendo...

how the hell will you play games like Zelda and mario platformers ?

fuck just forget nintendo... they just keep coming up with BS again and again... where are the fucking games we have been wating for this generation..

Yeah, it sucks doesnt it. Them coming up with such BS LIKE 3-D platforming games..... I bet you complained about those then too because they wern't 2D.

PS2Hawk

09-16-2005, 11:30 AM

PapaStu

09-16-2005, 11:32 AM

Yes, liking the prospect of new stuff in an era of total stagnation is SOOOOO sheep of us.

edit: damnit this is a fast topic

too much sheepage to argue here especially at digitpress.com

bottom line I hate the controller.. I just don't like the 2 hand concept...

Then how do you play any of your other controllers? That one handed ASCII RPG controller for the PS doesnt work on all THAT much.

Daria

09-16-2005, 11:33 AM

s1lence

09-16-2005, 11:46 AM

Cmosfm

09-16-2005, 11:56 AM

Yes, liking the prospect of new stuff in an era of total stagnation is SOOOOO sheep of us.

edit: damnit this is a fast topic

too much sheepage to argue here especially at digitpress.com

bottom line I hate the controller.. I just don't like the 2 hand concept...

I don't think it's so much the fact that you don't like it, it's that you're so anti-nintendo that you're finding reasons not to like it.

Ok, this controller uses 2 hands to play! I don't like it! You're not very smart are you?

God forbid Nintendo give us something unique, different and fun to play. Anyone that watches that video and still says it doesn't look at least a little bit fun is delusional.

kainemaxwell

09-16-2005, 12:05 PM

Very impressive! You can usually count on Nintendo to bring something new and innovative to the masses! Where's the video at?

Cmosfm

09-16-2005, 12:08 PM

Very impressive! You can usually count on Nintendo to bring something new and innovative to the masses! Where's the video at?

It was here, I swear it, and then I scoured the thread for it again to show a friend, spent 30 minutes looking for it, and I can't find it again for the life of me.

s1lence

09-16-2005, 12:11 PM

Here it again

http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html

Lord007

09-16-2005, 12:17 PM

Call me a sheep X_x

Call me a blind follower 8-)

But all I can say is Nintendo has shown us the future in terms of user interface. I can't wait to see what 1st party titles they come up with to support this!

If you can't see the possibilities of this technology, then perhaps you are the blind one.***

***This post not directed at anybody in particular.

Flack

09-16-2005, 12:19 PM

I kind of pulled a Kaine here and jumped to the end of the thread without reading some of it, so forgive me if I retread anything that's already been said. Here's my opinion on the controller, the Nintendo Revolution and the future of Nintendo itself.

It's been said (by many of us on these forums, in fact) that there is not enough diversity among consoles, particularly the big three. In the early days, there were clearly drawn lines between consoles. NO one ever confused Atari's Football with Intellivision's back then. Even ported games like Pac-Man looked significantly different depending on the console -- again, no one in the history of mankind has ever confused the Atari 2600 and Intellivision versions. Even the consoles looked different back then. My "current gen" gaming shelf has four consoles on it.

What systems are missing these days are personality. If you can get the exact same Billy Bob's Hunting Excursion on all three consoles, then where's the character? Where's the individuality? Where's or originality? And more importantly, why would you, as a consumer, prefer one over the other two?

Nintendo is in a unique marketing position. They have proven with the Gamecube and the DS that they can release quirky games, less games, and niche games, and still maintain a portion of the market. Can they sell the amount of units that Microsoft or Sony can? Nope -- at least not these days. But it looks to me as though something else is going on.

As we all know, marketing expensive add-ons is a kiss of death. Look at hard drives. One comes in the Xbox -- therefore, developers know across the board their programs can utilize it. We've seen Xbox games do neat things with it, the least of which are essentially unlimited room for saving games, downloading add-on levels, and importing your own music into games. And, as we know, homebrew hackers have found some interesting things to do with it as well. :D

Now compare that to the PS2. Consumers were hesitant to buy an expensive add-on hard drive to play one or two games, which made developers hesitant to develop for it, which lead to a huge hardware flop which is now used by seven people for playing FF whatever and tens of thousands of kids for running HD Backup. Something definitely went wrong there.

My point is, if Nintendo marketed this new controller as an add-on, no one would ever own one. People wouldn't develop for it, people wouldn't buy it, and that would be the end of that. However, by including it in the core package, that gives developers a fighting chance who want to develop for it. Not every DS game HAS to use the touch pad, but if developers decide to include it in their game, it's there.

The only way to tell the difference between a gimmick and a revolutionary change is by waiting. I see this move as an attempt to break away from the pack and create some individuality once again. Maybe that change will be rewarded by consumers and maybe it won't. I think we can all agree that the best selling games (Madden?) aren't always the best games -- maybe Nintendo is using that in their marketing strategy.

Other than that I'll just say it looks interesting, and leave it at that.

Hep038

09-16-2005, 12:33 PM

I give the Big N credit, they zigged when everyone else zagged. And that means it will be a boom or bust move. Or they have decided that they are happy being in 2nd or 3rd place. Actually if is a lot easier to figure out your market when you go for a specific group instead of the whole heard. A good example of this is me, After seeing the controller there is no way I will buy one on launch day. I will be a more wait and see consumer, I will decide between PS3 and 360 for my first system, and then see if Nintendo can convince me to buy their system over the loser of PS3 vs. 360. I will eventually get all 3, but its more of a race to be my second next gen console. If PS3 and 360 are clones of each other I can easily see myself picking up a rev over one of the other units. Just to play something different, but it will really be up to the games. First look I do not like the controllers, but now more than ever software will decide which second unit I buy.

norkusa

09-16-2005, 12:42 PM

Are they serious? It looks like a remote for a massage chair.

Cryomancer

09-16-2005, 12:42 PM

Anyone got the video in non-quicktime that I can actually download instead of stream?

s1lence

09-16-2005, 12:52 PM

sorry, double post.

s1lence

09-16-2005, 12:53 PM

I downloaded it from that link. It has a choice to download or stream. Its on the right side.

THATinkjar

09-16-2005, 01:02 PM

Anyone got the video in non-quicktime that I can actually download instead of stream?

I'm downloading http://downloads.advancedmn.com/~media/tgs2005/revkeynotetgs.wmv. It is a bit slow, though.

mjluther

09-16-2005, 01:18 PM

Guess I'm crazy, but this thing looks great to me. The possibilities are mouthwatering.

davepesc

09-16-2005, 01:39 PM

Wow.

I'm certainly interested in trying this, but I have several concerns.

1: What if I don't want to swing my arms around to play games. I just want to chill on the couch.

2: Will the motion sensors be accurate enough to tell how much I'm moving the controller. If the article is correct and moving it forward would be like the gas pedal in a car, 6 inches would matter a lot. And what If I move it fast, will it keep up?

3: The cord attaching the analog stick looks awful short. How do I use the stick and do the YMCA at the same time?

goatdan

09-16-2005, 01:46 PM

Wellll...

I think that this is Nintendo officially losing its mind. They could've gone with the kiddie market still (yes, I know that their games aren't kiddie games, but they had a good market there...), and been okay there. They could've gone with something new that would've attempted to break them into the mainstream like I thought they would've -- a relatively normal controller with a SUPER cheap system was what I thought it was going to be... something like how the Wonderswan was able to capture a decent size of the market in Japan by offering a super-cheap handheld system. Sure, it was behind the times a bit, but they were able to publish a ton of cheap games for it and take a sizable portion of the market.

That's what I expected the Revolution to be all about, honestly. $20 new grade-A games. Power just slightly better than the GameCube, but access to tons of old games online for very cheap fees (a buck or two apiece). A console that cost around $150 at launch, and would get cheaper as quickly as it could.

Now, I expect a much higher price tag, as well as games that will cost the same as the other guys. And truth be told, I don't know how many new gamers this will attract. If I have an option between something that I know and something completely different, and the prices will be comprable... I'm going to go with what I know.

The idea of having periphreals (sp?) for each of the games worries me too. Current gen controllers, even third party, cost about $20.00 per. Am I going to want to pay $50 for a game and $20 for a controller extension so I can play it?

Whoever said that the other controllers aren't going to be supported as much is right. We've seen all the "special" controllers for other systems. Fishing controllers, dance mats, keyboards, the Saturn 3D controller, flight sticks, driving wheels... they aren't supported widely, and since there isn't usually a set "standard" to support. Sure, some people love games like DDR and the EyeToy, but how many people have actually published more games that take advantage of this technology? (Feet of Fury excluded ;) )

Oh, and for anyone saying, "well, the main part of the controller is already going to be there, you just need to add something new!" that doesn't mean it's going to be cheap.

I'd also just like to point out that the big thing about the Rev that we heard before was the backward compatibility thing. Well, beyond the NES you'll need to get a different periphreal for the various systems. The SNES / N64? Not enough buttons place near each other. The GameCube? I doubt they'll program every game to take advantage of it. I was expecting something between the N64 controller and the GameCube controller, and now we'll have to pay for the games AND for the controller.

So we're going to have a new system from Nintendo that makes a lot of people curious, but will be very hard for them to convince people to purchase for a high price. Add to that third party support -- you can't honestly tell me that many third parties are going to look at this and say, "Oh yeah, it will be awesome to port ____ to that controller!" The GameCube had this huge problem that it's controller, while one of my favorites of all time, was one that third party developers simply didn't want to devote time to devolping intuitive. I think that a lot of people will skip over this controller completely, figuring that it won't work with their games.

In the end, I don't see this thing getting many games. Yes, it will have some great games... but not many.

It's going to be polarizing, and its definitely true -- Nintendo isn't in it to win it anymore. (Note to Nintendo fans -- this doesn't mean they suck. It means they aren't trying to be number one any more, and I don't think anyone can debate that considering they've come right out and said it.)

And personally, I plan on waiting this one out, and either picking it up at clearance prices or not at all. While I love Nintendo's games for the most part, I know that I am not going to want to do play games like that. I like to play games while relaxing and not moving my hands. I think this sucker will have some really fascinating games, but not any that I can play in the fashion that I play games in now. And since that's how I like to play games, I don't see myself changing. Maybe Nintendo can convince me otherwise, but at this point, I'm skeptical to say the least.

Finally, most of the demo games, while showing interesting stuff didn't exactly floor me by coming out with stuff that was exactly new or that I saw an easy way to turn into a bigger game. Ping-Pong? Nice, but not that special. Basketbowl? Interesting concept, but once you've done it I don't think it would be that great to do it again. The sword fighting was about the only thing that looked truly special (imagine a Star Wars game with this and lightsaber versions of the controller!) but that is a concept that can only be taken so far.

Beyond that, it'll be great for FPS games, but sports games -- one of the biggest selling points of a console -- can anyone think of a good way to control basketball like that? Or football? Or hockey? There is going to be a problem there.

The only thing that I see as a beacon of light is that when we originally saw this system, we saw ports for four GameCube controllers with it. If Nintendo includes that as a supportable feature, then they have a bit of an extra... one that I think will end up being used a LOT more than the pack in.

classicb

09-16-2005, 02:19 PM

So much has already been said so I don't think I can add anything new.

I will say this people I know that don't play games (my mom, roomates, girlfriend) love the DS. Yes even my mom likes the DS because she doesn't have to worry about all the bottons she can just touch the screen. I can see allot of my non gaming friends really getting into this new controller.

It just looks fun.

suckerpunch5

09-16-2005, 02:20 PM

In response to some of the "conventional controller" complaints, there is a "shell" you can place the revolution controller in, that is much more like the wavebird controller. So, you don't have to buy another controller, just put the one you have in the wavebird shell, and you are playing in a more conventional style.

I've gotta admit, when i first saw this thing, I thought "Nintendo has lost their minds." But the more I read, the better this sounds. I think it is going to be really cool.

Jive3D

09-16-2005, 02:23 PM

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*.

Nintendo actually didn't develop the power glove - it was created by a team of guys on the Syracuse University campus [In college, I lived a few houses down from the house where they lived - known as the place where the power glove was made]. Nintendo/Matel just bought the technology from those guys and released it.

This controller has been developed exclusively by the N, for a long time. I've got faith in it.

NE146

09-16-2005, 02:26 PM

[quote=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*.

Actually I think the motion detection would be something more similiar to the device in Wario Ware Twisted.. which if you try it is pretty darn amazing. Works at any angle really.

I'll give Nintendo the befefit of the doubt on this one. They are known to innovate, so here's your innovation. Try it out.

After all they did invent the D-Pad. :)

PDorr3

09-16-2005, 02:29 PM

When I first saw the pic I was like wtf is that shit. After watching the video and reading and listening about how it works (especialy the demos that gamespot played) I think this controller will be really awsome to use. Sure it looks weird as hell, and it appears to be uncomfortable, which Im sure its not, but imagine the possibilities....and how the hell will we control a SSB game? what about all the adventure and platformer games? just think of being able to control swinging the direction of links sword, and how awsome goldeneye 2 (prays) will control.

Overall I am really looking forward to the way this thing will work out. Noway near what I had expected, but definitly not a letdown.

Push Upstairs

09-16-2005, 02:46 PM

The idea of having periphreals (sp?) for each of the games worries me too. Current gen controllers, even third party, cost about $20.00 per. Am I going to want to pay $50 for a game and $20 for a controller extension so I can play it?

As soon as i saw that port on the back and that picture with the added part plugged in i knew there was going to be trouble. I just know Nintendo is going to make you buy accessories to play games.

I cannot stand having to buy one shot accessories to play 2-3 games...something Nintendo likes to do alot.

I also cannot stand having to pay *MORE* money to get some standard functionality out of my game system (hello SP headphone adaptor!).

Gemini-Phoenix

09-16-2005, 03:01 PM

Once upon a time it used to be simple. Either Nintendo Or Sega. 8bit or 16bit it was Nintendo Or Sega.

Then the 32bit revolution came along. everyone wanted a piece of the action, except Nintendo who was holding out for the 64bit genre.

All the rest were beaten to submission cruelly by Sony's PlayStation, which continued it's domination to slaughter Sega's two 32bit (32x & Saturn), and 128bit (Dreamcast) efforts to submission, as well as Nintendo's 64bit offering (N64), and contenders from Atari (Jaguar), Panasonic / Goldstar / LG / Sanyo (3DO), Commodore (Amiga CD32) , and Phillips (CD-i)

Now, we seem to have a choice of three. Something we have had for a few years. Now not everything is as simple as "Black and white" - Now we have a shade of grey inbetween to choose from.

We all accept the market is not big enough for three contenders. We also know from experience that anyone who dares to drift from the path is severely punished, as many company have found out already. Nintendo will not learn, and will end up crying over their defeat due to a stupid decision made by stupid Jappanny men in black suits.

Word to the wise ~ The British and American public will not and shall not succumb to this stupidity. Maybe a few will adhere to the uniqueness of this controller, but themasses will demand a "proper" controller as an alternative, as teh Japanese did in ragards to the original design of teh Xbox controller, causing the development of the controller S...

classicb

09-16-2005, 03:05 PM

Word to the wise ~ The British and American public will not and shall not succumb to this stupidity. Maybe a few will adhere to the uniqueness of this controller, but themasses will demand a "proper" controller as an alternative, as the Japanese did in ragards to the original design of the Xbox controller, causing the development of the controller S...

are you not reading the information on the "shell" you can snap that remote controll looking thing into a more standard controll design.

davepesc

09-16-2005, 03:10 PM

I have not seen this shell, please post a link.

Either way, it sounds like a lot of work to use a normal controller. And wouldn't you end up having to wave around this "shell" too?

classicb

09-16-2005, 03:21 PM

petewhitley

09-16-2005, 03:31 PM

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.

Years and years of industrial engineering and design show that to be false. Form follows function; it's as simple as that.

For everyone so excited about this control scheme: go buy a Xavix (http://www.xavix.com/). This technology already exists in gaming, and it's failing miseraby.

Avenger

09-16-2005, 03:39 PM

in the press release they said you will be able to attach a standard sort of revolution controller into the expansion port on the bottom of the 'remote' so you can play more conventional games...and itll also be used for playin the old games...imagine having an addon for NES/SNES/N64 where the addon looks like the actual controller for the system...id love that

davepesc

09-16-2005, 03:54 PM

I have not seen this shell, please post a link.

Either way, it sounds like a lot of work to use a normal controller. And wouldn't you end up having to wave around this "shell" too?

I haven't seen any pictures of it yet, I've only read it about it.

Anybody see these pictures yet?

http://pickledvellum.com/skin01.jpg

http://pickledvellum.com/skin02.jpg

Wouldn't the base of your thumb keep hitting the power button? LOL

classicb

09-16-2005, 04:00 PM

Muscelli

09-16-2005, 04:50 PM

:/ I dont think it will be as great as it seems.. sadly though, this wont make a huge impact on the market.. Seeing there are those who love the controller and those who hate it.

Jasoco

09-16-2005, 05:21 PM

Finally! I have now read the entire thread.

I was afraid "Revolution" was just a name to get peoples attention.

Remember what people thought when the DS was revealed. (See link on Page 2) "OMG! TEH NINTENDO IS STUP1D!!!1" all because of what they thought would be a gimmick. Most people condemned it before even seeing any games. Fast forward almost two years since the unveiling of the DS idea and what do we have? "Nintendogs" selling systems all over the world. Hell, I just bought a copy last night myself. (Lab & Friends)

This in itself proves Nintendo isn't completely stupid. They don't just say "Hey, let's do something completely different" without making sure they do it right. That said, I have faith. I don't know how exactly this will affect the industry or what "Revolutionary features" will rub off into the future of this and the next generations, (Like how the Control stick came out, "OMG! WTF NINTENDO???" when everyone was using the D-Pad's. Or when the D-Pad came out when everyone was using joysticks.) but it will be interesting to watch.

I can answer one question -- I imagine that someone (maybe even Nintendo themselves) will make a wireless 'traditional' controller to allow games that are ported over to the Revolution by third party companies from the XBox 360 and PS3 to be played. You HAVE to. This Rev controller is just TOO DIFFERENT to allow anything to be ported over.Obviously Nintendo's first party games will be very unique. But people rightly believe there won't be many cross-platform games on the Rev. I don't see this as a problem. How many people only have a GameCube? Or only have an Xbox? Or a PS2? Many people have at least two systems. The Revolution is aimed at those people. N says the Rev is supposedly some sort of console/handheld hybrid. While vague, it does sort of make sense. Game companies will still make games for the thing, they'll just treat it like a separate entity. The Xbox and PS2/3 are one entity. The consoles. The DS, PSP and GBA are three others. The Rev will simply add a fourth to those three. The console ports of games are usually the same exact game designed for one system and ported across to the others. All the same features and the same look. But the portable versions are always different. The DS version always looks different than the GBA version and the PSP version. Why? Because the systems are so different they have to be created differently as each of those systems has stuff the others don't have. So in other words, if companies treate the PS3/360 as one entity with one version of the game, the DS as another with another version of the game, the PSP as another, the GBA as another and the Revolution as yet another with some new ways to play, there will most definitely be some cross-platform games. I don't know about you, but I highly doubt EA will overlook the Revolution. Not when there's money to be had. Rest assured we'll get our Revolution Madden 2007, (Sadly) or out Sims 3 Revolution or whatever.

Hell, this could be the best move Nintendo ever made. It's too early to tell. But I can't wait for my next issue of Nintendo Power. (Bought it to get a Pikmin 2 players guide.)

I for one am actually even more stoked about the Revolution than I was before when I figured it'd just have some normal Cube controller with a touch screen or something.

On that subject, remember, with that port on the end of the "remote", third parties can make add-ons for the Revolution, I totally expect to see some sort of Touch Screen add-on from Nintendo. Also, one site mentioned that there will be a "sleeve" to slip the remote and analog side into to make it more like a regular handheld controller that should function the same way, except instead of control stick #2, you have motion sensors.

Congratulations, Apple, I think you will definitely change the industry... I mean Nintendo.. sorry. (Who doesn't see the resemblance between the two companies?)

This is the end....the only end my friend :guitar:
Ok that is offically the best thing to be said on this subject yet. Well done.No it isn't. It's the most ignorant piece of drivel I've read thus far in this whole thread.

I'm excited that we aren't getting Gamecube2. I was worried about this next-gen of videogame consoles being another round of upgraded graphics. We have finally made a step in GAMEPLAY. If this specific example works or not, we will see. But whether you like it or not, your idea of a controller has been changed.Well said.

For everyone so excited about this control scheme: go buy a Xavix (http://www.xavix.com/). This technology already exists in gaming, and it's failing miseraby.Yes, but Nintendo has one thing over them. "WHO THE FUCK EVER HEARD OF XAVIX?" Maybe that's why it's failing? Because it's not a company most people ever heard of.

fpstream

09-16-2005, 05:30 PM

You can use the laser pointer like Nintendo did! To shoot themselves in the foot!

HyrulianHedgehog

09-16-2005, 05:31 PM

I can't wait to see RTS/Adventure/RPG games using this controller. Imagine playing Baldur's Gate on the Revolution! Not the sucky action Dark Alliance, but Tales of the Sword Coast and Shadows of Amn. I'm salivating already! For the first time we might have a decent RTS game on a console.

I just hope that you don't have to do a kind of dance to play. You should be able to sit on the couch and point at the screen, not stand up and work up a sweat.

klausien

09-16-2005, 05:33 PM

I haven't read through every post yet, so please forgive me if I repeat something. I think everyone who loves video games has to vent on this, be their feelings positive or negative.

I am flabbergasted, even more than I was with the DS, but I really like it. I will say that is has taken me some reflection, but I am definitely on board now.

Two things of importance that many might be missing that I learned from the IGN article on playtesting the thing (lucky bastards!) and the pictures & video:

1) The controller is generally shown in Japanese hands. It is a lot smaller than most of us are envisioning, and still could go through some changes before the final is released. Hopefully they will keep it small because that is one of the coolest things about it.

2) Nintendo will be offering an attachment that places the rectangular piece in the center. There will be standard controls on this to facilitate N64 & SNES play. This also allows a combination of the truly 3D control AND standard control. Imagine the possibilities!?!?!

This also makes for a $nice$ add on too. You can play NES out of the box with the wand, but SNES & N64 will require an additional hardware purchase. This is one of the ways Nintendo will make their money, in addition to what constantly builds up with the downloadable content. Hopefully they will go with a cellphone game-esque pricing model as opposed to something like what Sony has done with UMD movies vs. DVDs.

Sit back and admire what Nintendo has in store for us this generation: The DS with its touch screen, The GB Micro which is TRULY pocket sized (and is going to make a KILLING. People are actually excited about it.) & now the "Revolution" and its frankly mind expanding controller. Relish this. It is for US, the people who don't want more of the same with better graphics.

Final Thought: Imagine Rez with this thing. You could actually get up and groove with the avatar! My head is going to explode!

studvicious

09-16-2005, 05:55 PM

On that subject, remember, with that port on the end of the "remote", third parties can make add-ons for the Revolution, I totally expect to see some sort of Touch Screen add-on from Nintendo.

I seriously doubt that. From the very beginning they've said that the Rev and the DS will be able to communicate through wi-fi. (Think GBA adapter/controller thing) but MUCH cooler.

Daria

09-16-2005, 06:54 PM

Am I going to want to pay $50 for a game and $20 for a controller extension so I can play it?

Aren't Sony and Microsoft already talking about charging $60 - $70 per game? If Nintendo charges the same price for a game bundled with the controller ad-on I'd say it's the better deal.

njiska

09-16-2005, 07:05 PM

classicb

09-16-2005, 07:11 PM

Donkey Konga and Jungle Beat were both sold for $49.99 with the Bongos.

I think it's a little early to be speculating prices of add ons

anagrama

09-16-2005, 07:59 PM

Hell, I had absolutely zero interest in the next-gen systems before this, and despite the initial "what in the HELL?" reaction many others seemed to share, this has really got my interest piqued.

Look at it this way: How many times, here and on every other vg board in the wolrd, have you heard people lamenting about the lack of innovation and the dreaded 'casual' gamer ruining today's industry?

Nintendo have obviously been looking at this, realised they are not going to be able to compete for that market on an anything approaching an even level with Microsoft and Sony, and have besically said "Screw it." - instead, they're producing a genuinely innovative product that will attract the attention of anyone who *doesn't* just want sports games/driving games/GTA clones, and while that may not be a majority, it is a significant minority and certainly enough of one to be profitable.

To all the nay-sayers and "WTF?"-ers: go back to your PS2s and XBoxes: Nintendo doesn't expect or want you to buy this, and are quite happy about that. Just don't be surprised when you see Sony & Microsoft copping some or all of their ideas further down the line.

dan2357

09-16-2005, 08:04 PM

Well Im thinking how they said there would be ways to get credits or such to purchase old games. I imangine that if you buy an extension retro controll, it will come with some free downloads, to help justify the purchase.

Is the revolution just going to end up being an all in one
XaviX, the video of the people playing reminded me of people infront of the display in best buy.

Vectorman0

09-16-2005, 08:20 PM

If this thing does end up launching with a pricepoint below the other two, which it will, it will surely snag potential buyers. Nintendo also is going to have a huge portion of their entire library available as well, which is another big selling point. The only turn off I see is the intimidating controller. I bet that there will be demonstration videos playing on store TV's and GC Kiosks in the near future to change some peoples minds.

hezeuschrist

09-16-2005, 10:58 PM

Man, quite a thread.

Anyways, for those of you willing to crucify Nintendo for this, have a gander:

http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651559p1.html

Q: What does the conventional controller cradle/shell do?

A: This add-on makes it possible to play Revolution games in a more traditional manner. The shell is designed to look and function like accepted "regular" controllers, such as the Wave Bird. After its bottom casing is removed, the Revolution's free-hand-style remote is inserted into a gap in the middle of the controller shell. Gamers can then use the shell as they would a traditional controller, with a notable difference: the pointer remote's sensory functionality remains active. As a result, gamers get the best of both worlds: more buttons and two analog sticks along with motion-sensing operations. In a Revolution version of Madden Football, gamers might be able to use the combo to control players with the shell's analog sticks and execute pinpoint passes with the pointer's improved accuracy.

Nintendo has not yet released official imagery of what the controller shell might look like. However, we've created a mock-up (above) based on what we know of its functionality. The real controller shell is likely to connect to the free-hand-style pointer in a very similar fashion. Please note that we realize our model is not entirely to scale, but this is the best we could do on short notice.

http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651559/understanding-the-revolution-controller-20050916041026412-000.jpg

ianoid

09-16-2005, 11:38 PM

Fascinating company, this Nintendo.

Just to be a hatemonger, I have little respect for you card carrying Nintendophiles (which implies hating all other consoles because they are not Nintendo, and listing the reasons why you hate all the other companies doesn't make it any more reasonable.) Boring!

This controller with it's similarity to the original NES pad is oa big surprise. Will it be sunk like other mercury switch controllers in the past? Or is the technology read for us? This is much more interesting than the DS, which should probably be called the 2GBA+t.

goatdan

09-17-2005, 01:06 AM

classicb

09-17-2005, 01:32 AM

Man, quite a thread.

Anyways, for those of you willing to crucify Nintendo for this, have a gander:

(*delete interesting picture...*)

The question remains in my head... why don't we see that as the standard release, and the "remote" thing that they want to do can be a seperate release.

who's to say that we won't? As of now the "shell" thing is spoken of as a add on but who knows maybe it will be included. It sounds like the "shell" will be needed to play SNES/N64/Cube games as well as multi platform games so maybe they'll bundle it with the system at launch.

you know most of the news out there on the net is speculation from images and some hands on experince with demos but Nintendo is still keeping allot information secret.

I can't wait untill Nintendo tells us more or even better shows us some games.

Wavelflack

09-17-2005, 01:32 AM

Pretty much what I was thinking. Maybe Nintendo will be the first company to go back to the "old days" and pack in TWO controllers with the system.

As for the thing itself? I suppose it's revolutionary, but so would a system with a five pack of buttplugs included in the box. "Revolutionary" doesn't necessarily equate to "excellence". I'm personally disappointed that it's not a VR system of some kind. How many more years am I going to have to wait before that happens? They thought about it in the 90's, and since then it has been a back burner issue. I don't understand why. The technology is there (all things are calculated and rendered in 3D anyway), the hardware is there (color LCD/ plasma screens are cheap these days), the games that could use it are there.

I wanted REAL VR.

I guess I'm of a split mind.

1. It's different, and will necessarily require a different approach to games. This could be the start of something new.

2. It's not the quantum leap (in the colloquial sense) that I was expecting. I've been listening to Nintendo and their misleading information since Zelda 2 had a "chip shortage". I have a tape with Nintendo Game Counselors telling me that the SNES was actually faster than the Genesis. I have EGM magazines with specs for the SNES CD. I have Project Reality articles alluding to the technology behind Jurassic Park's graphics being a part of the system.

I suppose I simply dislike extremists in either camp. The Nintendo haters are shallow, and the Nintendo apologists are naive.

Daniel Thomas

09-17-2005, 02:02 AM

I've got my thoughts on Nintendo Revolution on my new weblog, so feel free to walk over and pay a visit. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Excerpt:

"Let's get straight to the action: Nintendo's Revolution controller is the most important invention since the microprocessor. Yes, you heard that right. The first Great Invention of the 21st Century.

"The way that humans interact with computers is going to completely change. Everything we've become accustomed to going to become extinct. Just think about that for a moment; think about how you interact with your computer, your television, your media center, your games console. Fold up the space car, George Jetson, and welcome to the future.

"Don't think about videogames for a moment. Think about Steven Spielberg's Minority Report. For that film, Spielberg consulted with scientists and futurists to depict the most accurate depiction of life 50 years from now. In the future, we see Tom Cruise manipluate computer images, not with a keyboard or mouse, but with a glove, with the movement and grace of a symphony composer.

"That is how we are going to interact with computers in the future. And Nintendo Revolution is the first great step in that direction. That's what I'm talking about."[/color]

Anthony1

09-17-2005, 02:04 AM

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.

So are you saying that they are going to have Madden play from a First Person Perspective?

Because, how the hell are you going to throw the football with that controller? When you throw something that is going to leave your hand, like a baseball or a football or a basketball, there is something known as "follow through".

The only time you can have a "follow through" is if you actually throw the thing and it leaves your hand. I can just see the lawsuits now! People throwing their remotes at the TV with extreme force, or throwing them accros their living room and hitting somebody in the head.

The one thing that you would be able to do accurately, would be to do pump fakes. And the reason that would be accurate is because in a pump fake, the ball doesn't leave your hand. I just don't see them using the controller like that. The controller will be used as a bat for baseball (no brainer), a glove for baseball (maybe), a hockey stick in hockey (likely), tennis racket in tennis (absolute certainty), golf club in golf (extremely likely), maybe even boxing gloves in boxing (maybe special gloves that can be purchased sepeartely for a really hardcore experience).

But anything that leaves your hand, will be kinda hard to do, because of the "follow through" type thing. I mean, I guess you can kinda fling your arm like you are going to throw and not throw, but the motion will be off from a real throw.

But for games like Tennis, Baseball (bat and maybe even glove), Golf, Hockey and Boxing, this could be unbelievably revolutionary.

Ah, revolution ary. :D

Anthony1

09-17-2005, 02:10 AM

As for the thing itself? I suppose it's revolutionary, but so would a system with a five pack of buttplugs included in the box.

LOL

Now that was some funny shit!!

lendelin

09-17-2005, 03:32 AM

I know this is a heated and premature discussion due to the lack what we know and lots of hopes. Nevertheless:

1) Discuss this controller in the context of a handheld/portable system. It is absolutely futile to discuss controller abilities for games like Madden or Zelda or Star Wars. (like I read on this board and IGN and other sites)

This controller was designed for a system which doesn't intend to play these games. You won't get them on the Revolution; and if you don't trust me, trust Miyamoto. Last week he said that Twilight of the Princess for the Cube is the last Zelda as we know it. How much more straightforward can Nintendo get?

You won't get a traditional Super Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Resident Evil or Madden because the system targets another audience, it was never intended to compete with the PS3 and 360.

2) The controller seems to be ideal for handheld games; for shorter, more approachable games which give gamers a quick game fix. It is ideal for a Super Monkeyball and Warioware and has lots of other potentials (like for sports games with simplified gameplay engines); but it's not ideal for complex adventure games like Zelda (moving, lock-on, backflipping), Resident Evil, Metroid as we know it, and almost every triple A title I can think of.

I cannot imagine to move my hand and press buttons at the same time with that thing which limits its potential for a LOT of games which will be developed for the 360 and PS3.

3) The 'shell'-thingie is ridiculous and inconsistent; what is left of the revolutionary control scheme if I can play the (same?) games with a standard controller. Furthermore, if the revolutionary sensory movement is still intact when this shell we almost know nothing about is attached, how can I control the movement with the controller and press buttons at the same time? This won't happen.

The shell is probably intended for the playable Cube and N64 games. In combination with the sensory control it doesn't make sense.

4) The Revolution won't be a competitor to the 360 and PS3 and isn't intended as such. You can't demonize or hail N in such a context. It is an attempt by N to put the most powerful handheld/portable on the market, and it will be a great competitor for the PSP.

This way N will strenghten its healthy economic leg in the handheld business, and gives up the traditional console business. A smart and sound economic move by N instead of pulling a Sega 'all-or-nothing-game.' It wouldn't have made sense for N to put out another traditional console after the losses of the N64 and GC for the last nine years.

5) The marketing strategy for N and therefore the control scheme for the Revolution and the system itself makes perfect economic sense. They're going with smaller, shorter, less expensive, unique, and maybe even innovative games after the hardcore crowd and the extreme casual gamer and the so far non-gamer.

It makes sense because the market potential is there.

First, the hardcore gamer, extreme casual gamer, and the non-gamer are very similar in their tastes. The spoiled and jaded hardcorer regards the Revolution as an interesting variety to existing systems, and wants less complex, shorter games with unique entertainment value like puzzlers and a la Warioware. The same goes for the extreme casual and non-gamer. It is the old horseshoe model. When you go to the extremes, they converge and become similar.

The hardcore console crowd and extreme casual gamers are potential revolution owners.

Second, the potential of third party support is there. In times of steadily rising development costs smaller developers look for a platform which gives an opportunity to develop cheaper games. The big developers might contribute with slimmed down versions of the big titles.

The crucial Q remains the good use of the 'new' control scheme (like the second screen for the DS) for all the games. The success or failure of the system depends on the innovative use of the control scheme. This is the true risk. How well the controller works, we don't know and has to be seen. How good or bad third party support for the new system will be has to be seen. Great N games alone won't be enough for sure.

Overall, this is the final good bye of N for the traditional console business. An smart business move by N. As such, N has to be given a chance to survive -- not in the console business, but in the handheld business.

The console business will be fought over by Sony and MS, the portable/handheld business will see the fight between N and Sony. I see a chance for N to remain the driving force in the handheld business with the Revolution.

Avenger

09-17-2005, 03:45 AM

sorry buddy but speaking as a harcore gamer myself, i dont think the "'shell'-thingie is ridiculous and inconsistent"..i think its brilliant...it means that not only will the revolution be able to play completely new and innovative games, it will be able to play all the genres we know and love, in new innovative ways...AND if the game is all in all better suited for a 'normal' controller...then bam, you just pop it into the shell and your good to go...

Nintendo has got every angle covered, and with the expansion pack at the bottom of the 'remote' the possibilities keep growing and growing...all thats left to see is what the graphical potentional is.

and whos to say these 'normal' controllers are the best way to play games?....lets see...the PS2 cotroller sure doesnt look like either: a gun, a tennis racket, a sword, a fishing pole, a magic wand, a car, a boat, a plane, a golf club, a hockey stick, or a baseball bat & glove (the list could go on and on), but we use it to control these sorts of objects on screen everyday, so whos to say the revolution controller isnt better suited to control said items...

I think if you really think hard enough, you'll see just how amazing this is going to be.

and yea, the Rev could have awesome Star Wars/Zelda/Madden games...it has the potential to do any game

edit: i guess i missed something in your post, i dunno, its late, but how do you see the Rev as a handheld system?

lendelin

09-17-2005, 03:48 AM

Nintendo's Revolution controller is the most important invention since the microprocessor. Yes, you heard that right. The first Great Invention of the 21st Century.

That is ridiculous nonsense. This thing is nothing, but absolutely nothing new.

hydr0x

09-17-2005, 04:30 AM

Furthermore, if the revolutionary sensory movement is still intact when this shell we almost know nothing about is attached, how can I control the movement with the controller and press buttons at the same time? This won't happen.

wth?? i'm not sure what you are saying here. Do you think it's technically not possible to have the movement detection work when the thing is attached to a shell? that's BS! or are you saying people won't be able to press buttons while moving the thing?? that's just BS too, ever noticed new gamers ALWAYS move the controller while pressing buttons, and yes, they move it the right way, it's just that the system did not detect this until today ;)

Chronodriftersx

09-17-2005, 04:51 AM

So are you saying that they are going to have Madden play from a First Person Perspective?

Because, how the hell are you going to throw the football with that controller?

you'll likely press a button to let go of the ball or "let go" go of a button to release the ball. But I'm waiting for racing games more than anything else.

I cannot imagine to move my hand and press buttons at the same time
Tell that to the dogfighting pilots who would shoot their machineguns while looking through crossheirs and flying at the same time. Believe it or not context rich controll such as the Rev controller is the future. I congratulate the design, having a controller that utilizes multiple axis of spin inside of their controller (as opposed to the single spin of the analog sticks) and then taking that controller and optionally sticking it inside another controller is the revolution and what is meant by context rich movement. A controller inside a controller inside a controller. Their gyro will allow you to interface inside a 3-d world, in that the gyroscope gives you 2 axis of spin combined with the nutation of the controller itelf adds a third dimension to exist in. Then add the spin of the analog stick to get another. Nevertheless your post is very unusual but regardless this isn't a a debate that is as heated as you made it out to be (NWC thread is ^ that way). So by all means if you want to post odd and maybe contrived as such stuff that's fine, this controller was meant to get panties in a bunch..