Project Cafe Controller to Use 6-Inch Touch Screen (confirmed)

[RCM]

I'm not sure what to think of this. Unnecessary, maybe?

"Nikkei newspaper in Japan confirmed today what has long been rumored, that Nintendo's Project Café console would utilize a controller equipped with a touch screen panel and built in camera.

The new controller will include a six-inch touch screen which the newspaper says will allow tablet-like functionality. The device can also be used a portable game system. It will run on a rechargeable battery.

The camera will allow for games that will let players create avatars of themselves, similar to the 3DS Mii creator.

Nikkei (which is sort of like the Japanese version of the Wall Street Journal) referred to the console only as the "Wii's successor," and says the console was developed as a response to the growth of the tablet and smartphone market. Apparently, Nintendo's hope is that a controller that works as a self-sufficient handheld system will appeal to casual gamers. The console is slated for release in the "latter half of 2012.""

SOURCE: http://www.1up.com/news/Project-Cafe-Confirmed

[Rickstilwell1]

Ha, I wonder if this means people won't buy the 3DS because if they buy this console they get both a console and an additional free handheld in the package that just happens to be the console's controller?

[NostalgiaHunter]

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

[RCM]

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

Don't assume that at all. They'll fully support 3DS along with Wii, DS/DSi, Wii HD and the Wii HD handheld. They should come out with another add-on next year just to match Sega's stupidity in the early/mid-90s.

[RP2A03]

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

They're not that stupid. Since it needs to have some semblance of affordability and Nintendo will not sell at a loss; I would not expect the controller to be much more powerful than the GBA, or maybe the DS at the most.

[Oobgarm]

I see promise in "take it and go" gaming that ties into the console titles. I like this idea. I'm sure that Nintendo will have this implemented in such a way that will ensure everyone will find it amazing and will sell shitloads at launch.

Likely myself included.

[Bojay1997]

I'm not sure what to think of this. Unnecessary, maybe?

"Nikkei newspaper in Japan confirmed today what has long been rumored, that Nintendo's Project Café console would utilize a controller equipped with a touch screen panel and built in camera.

The new controller will include a six-inch touch screen which the newspaper says will allow tablet-like functionality. The device can also be used a portable game system. It will run on a rechargeable battery.

The camera will allow for games that will let players create avatars of themselves, similar to the 3DS Mii creator.

Nikkei (which is sort of like the Japanese version of the Wall Street Journal) referred to the console only as the "Wii's successor," and says the console was developed as a response to the growth of the tablet and smartphone market. Apparently, Nintendo's hope is that a controller that works as a self-sufficient handheld system will appeal to casual gamers. The console is slated for release in the "latter half of 2012.""

SOURCE: http://www.1up.com/news/Project-Cafe-Confirmed

I think you are misusing the word "confirmed" and calling Nikkei similar to the WSJ is a stretch. While they are both financial papers, the Nikkei prints rumors on a regular basis with regard to upcoming products and industrial projects. Having seen references to several companies I have worked for over the years in their pages, I can say with certainty that they are often incorrect. The paper may have "confirmed" it in an article, but they don't have a confirmation from Nintendo and they declined to cite a specific source. I suspect it might have some truth, but I would hesitate to over-analyze the revelation.

[substantial_snake]

So if this article is correct then this new controller would be like taking the VMU and PocketStation concepts to the "next" level. Interesting.

Depending on how this is utilized in games this could be the first Nintendo system that would interest me since the SNES.

[RCM]

I think you are misusing the word "confirmed" and calling Nikkei similar to the WSJ is a stretch. While they are both financial papers, the Nikkei prints rumors on a regular basis with regard to upcoming products and industrial projects. Having seen references to several companies I have worked for over the years in their pages, I can say with certainty that they are often incorrect. The paper may have "confirmed" it in an article, but they don't have a confirmation from Nintendo and they declined to cite a specific source. I suspect it might have some truth, but I would hesitate to over-analyze the revelation.

Their words, not mine. Voice your concerns over at 1UP!

Regardless, I wouldn't be surprised if this is what they're coming out with, or something close.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I wonder if it will be compatible with Wiimotes.

I just can't imagine them abandoning that innovative tech so soon.

[joshnickerson]

I can see a new controller with a tiny touch screen (possibly less than an inch in diameter), but nothing monsterous like a six incher, especially since the console will continue to support motion control, and Nintendo would never do something to cannibalise sales of their handheld systems. I call bullpoopie on this until Ninty's press conference. Now to watch in amusement as the internet goes apeshit.

[NayusDante]

I'm starting to wonder just what exactly the console is going to be. If the controller is essentially a standalone unit, it's possible that the console is more like a laptop dock than anything else.

I didn't expect the controller to have substantial integrated hardware beyond what you'd find in an older Android phone. Today's announcement seems to imply that it's a somewhat decent device on its own, or at least that's how I'm reading it. Tuesday is going to be interesting...

[leatherrebel5150]

I just imagine a controller that can be used as a portable being used for some not so interesting game elements, like the pokewalker, where you get a bonus item or something for walking around with it. Could be a big fail.

[Kellhus]

*breathes deeply*

Ahhh... I love the smell of fresh gimmicks in the morning. Can't wait to not buy.

[Leo_A]

The way I envision it in my mind is that the screen on the controller just streams what the console sends it (With perhaps a remote play feature using the internet also being available).

I don't think it's going to be a self contained portable.

[Rickstilwell1]

Yeah I was just being sarcastic with my 3DS comment. Of course people will buy it just because it is Nintendo. It will probably sell instantly after Zelda and Mario come out for it. The Wii is so different I wouldn't be surprised if this new gaming machine wasn't a Wii 2 at all and Nintendo just keeps their Wii out as a separate line.

[c0ldb33r]

I'm really concerned about this. Console controllers are already way too expensive. If you start adding other shit to them, the skies the limit for pricing.

Hopefully there's a lot of good single player games because I won't be buying additional controllers.

[Paet]

I've been waiting for a controller like this since Dreamcast, and that was over ten years ago.
POLL: Is Nintendo's touch screen Project Cafe controller a better innovation than the Wii motion controller?
Vote: http://www.wepolls.com/r/326324

[The 1 2 P]

I can't wait for E3 so that we can finally find out how much of all of this is true and whats nothing but rumors. Only 10 hours left until Microsoft's conference and roughly one day until Nintendo's.

[NayusDante]

Does anyone else get the feeling that the controller is really the console, and the router-looking thing is the "cafe?"

Everyone brings their laptops to the cafe...