Nintendo Revolution Controller Revealed @ TGS2005 - Pics Are Here - OMG Its a Remote

[JayPatel]

From IGN

# Revolution controller looks like futuristic television remote.
# Glossy white design.
# Looks Apple iPod inspired.
# Controller is held in one hand. Attachments in the other.
# Attachments connect to the bottom of the controller. Iwata shows analog stick attachment.
# Thinking about packing Revolution with the main controller and attachment, Iwata says.
# Controller acts like a mouse in real-space 3D. Pefect for FPS games!
# Future attachments planned.
# Can sense where you point it
# Use it for aiming in FPS games

http://gamecube.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3143782

[jerryhussain]

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05375/live-from-tgs-iwatas-keynote-20050915074553984.jpg

[Ryan]

ummmmmm....

Gyroscopic feedback controller would have been better....

[JayPatel]

http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/hardware/previews/revcon/revcon_screen005.jpg

[jerryhussain]

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05375/media.jpeg

[JayPatel]

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/3356/media2op.jpg

[jerryhussain]

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05375/media2.jpeg

[Ryan]

Reminds me of that Philips CD-i system that Nintendo had a partnership with way back

[jerryhussain]

Revolution Controller Finally Revealed

An expansion port on the bottom of the unit allows for add-on hardware to compliment this "remote controller" (our word for it, not Nintendo's), like a second controller piece Nintendo demonstrated that comes equipped with an analog stick and two trigger buttons (currently labeled Z1 and Z2, for those of you keeping track). When the two controller pieces are attached, the so-called 'Nunchaku' configuration (the two bits are connected by a short cord) can work similarly to current controllers, just with the second analog stick replaced by actual movement of the Revolution controller. Nintendo also mentioned that the controller stick could be slipped inside other, more conventional controller shells, dance mats, bongos, or other peripherals.

A large "A" button sits in the prime spot under your thumb on the face of the controller, with a "B" trigger on the back of the unit for your index finger. Otherwise the button configuration is an interesting mix of old and new: standard D-pad up top, near the power button (to turn the Revolution console on and off), Start and Select in the middle, on either side of the intriguing "Home" button (Nintendo wouldn't go into detail, but sounds like it has to do with navigating system menus, which will be important given the Revolution's promised WiFi connectivity), and two more buttons near the bottom labeled "a" and "b." These last two may seem uncomfortably low for your thumb until you turn the controller 90 degrees and it becomes just like an old 8-bit NES joypad, with the D-pad under your left thumb and "a" and "b" under your right. (Don't forget-Nintendo has promised downloadable versions of their classic games for the Revolution's "Virtual Console.") Nintendo mentioned the button names and their exact sizes could still change slightly before production, but what you see here is close to the final design.

Elsewhere on the controller, the four lights at the very bottom represent which player it belongs to, and that hatch on the back is the battery compartment. (The prototype Revolution controllers we saw used regular batteries just like the GameCube's WaveBird wireless controller-and last a similar amount of time, according to Nintendo-but reps wouldn't say for certain if the final unit would use batteries or some rechargeable option.) The effective maximum range for the wireless controller is expected to be somewhere between 10 and 15 feet. A variety of different colored controllers were on display, including red, lime green, white, gray, black, and silver. Finally, rumble functionality is built in to the controller.

The Revolution Controller Demos: How It Works.
Alright, so enough about sticks and buttons and lights-how does this crazy new controller actually work with games? To answer that question, Nintendo's legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pikmin, you name it) walked specially selected members of the press through a series of hands-on technology demos. These were not real Revolution games (all the names for the demos are ours)-they were super-simple, graphically crude offerings designed solely to show off different aspects of how the controller can work. Here's a rundown of what we saw, along with our thoughts on each:

A firing-range-like contest where two players compete to see who can shoot randomly appearing squares first. Aiming is done by pointing the controller itself at different points on screen, pulling the B trigger to fire.
IMPRESSIONS: A great demonstration of how intuitive the controller can be-pointing it to aim felt perfectly natural, right from the very first second, just like with a light gun. It always shot exactly where it felt like I was aiming, and was incredibly responsive to even slight wrist movements-I barely had to move my hand at all.

Grab a pole and lower it into a 3D pond full of fish. Keep the line steady and when you feel a nibble from the rumble of the controller, pull it up quick!
IMPRESSIONS: An interesting showcase of the controller's 3D movement detection-you position the fishing pole above the pond by moving the controller forward or back, left or right in actual space, then lowered the hook by lowering the controller. It was a bit difficult to keep it steady in the water, but flipping the controller up when you got a bite, mimicking the motion of pulling up a fish in reel life, was a little thrill that just felt right.

Two players guide rotating sticks through a side-scrolling maze of tunnels and moving obstacles, gathering coins and avoiding touching the walls. (A lot like the PS1 game Irritating Stick, and exactly like the import-only GBA game Kuru Kuru Kururin.)
IMPRESSIONS: Another demo that needed no explanation, you just "got" it immediately-move the controller in whatever direction you want the stick to go. As a 2D game that requires exact movement (the caves get really narrow in parts), this one reinforced how precise and steady the controller's movement detection can be. Another interesting tidbit-if your controller fell outside the detection "box," the demo had an arrow pointing off the edge of the screen in that direction so you could get it back in the correct space.

Exactly what it sounds like: Two players each control a flat stick on either side of a rink by moving around their controller, pushing a puck back and forth, trying to keep it out of the goal on their side.
IMPRESSIONS: A bit sloppy and more sluggish than the other demos, this one was supposed to show how you could put "english" on the puck by twisting the controller but in practice it didn't work as well as in other demos (and I'm not saying that just 'cause I kept scoring on my own goal...wait...OK, actually it is partially because of that.).

Two players drag or push a ball to their opponent's basket by making the ground under their controller-maneuvered cursor dip (by holding "B") or rise (by pressing "A").
IMPRESSIONS: This was oddly fun-you could try to move the ball by either making a hill next to it and pushing it along, or making an indentation for it to fall into, then using it to drag it across the court. When you got close to the basket, turning an indentation under the ball into a hill suddenly would fling it up into the air.

A simple demonstration of depth perception-the player searches for a particular pokemon on a giant map filled with the creatures (ala Where's Waldo), zooming in by pushing the controller towards the screen and zooming out by pulling away from it.
IMPRESSIONS: Nothing much to say here except that, as a Nintendo rep commented, you can see how this might be put to use for aiming a sniper rifle in a first-person shooter.

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.

Nintendo saved the best for last. This was the first section of the GameCube game Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, retrofitted to be compatible with the Revolution controller and its analog add-on piece (the "Nunchaku" set-up mentioned earlier). As on the Cube the analog stick controls movement, but instead of holding down a button to look around, you simply point the other controller in the direction you want to aim.
IMPRESSIONS: At first, I was standing up and swinging my hand all around to aim - and my arms got really tired really quick. But once I sat down and relaxed, resting my hands on my legs as I would with a normal controller, everything clicked. It wasn't perfect yet - the Revolution controller functionality had just been added recently and wasn't bug tested or polished, so every so often the view would "spaz out" for a couple seconds - but it was enough to get me excited. As odd as it may look holding the two separate controller pieces, one in each hand, looking around felt incredibly natural, even more than my preferred PC-style keyboard-and-mouse setup. I have to wonder about precision and speed in multiplayer games, but for a more deliberate single-player game like Metroid Prime - and the series is already confirmed for an appearance on the Revolution - this setup already has huge potential.

The Revolution Controller Design Philosophy
So why has Nintendo decided to brazenly break with tradition and the conventions of every other modern console in creating the Revolution controller? According to Mr. Miyamoto, it was part of a conscious decision to make something simple and straightforward enough to reach out to a new audience. "We want a system that takes advantage of new technology for something that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can pick up and play. [Something with a] gameplay style that people who have never played games can pick up and not be intimidated by. We wanted a controller that somebody's mother will look at and not be afraid of."

Of course, Nintendo has no intention of leaving their traditional audience behind, and Mr. Miyamoto is quick to add that the controller is already well suited for a number of popular genres. "[We aimed for something] that is simple enough for everyone," he says, "but also something that people who've been playing games for years will be satisfied with."
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3143782

Looks awesome to me.

[P__S__2]

That is the stupidest thing ive ever seen.

[jerryhussain]

hehe, someone's deleting posts. ;) :cheesygri

[JayPatel]

http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-23521-2567-x-x-x&tag=gs_hp_flashtop_read

another preview. I like it. gonna pick up a Revolution just to experience it

[JayPatel]

hehe, someone's deleting posts. ;) :cheesygri

having the same pic across 2 posts would be stupid now wouldnt it?

[Ziggy007]

Bye Nintendo, it was nice knowing you. You just dug your own grave. This does not look fun or convenient at all...

[jerryhussain]

having the same pic across 2 posts would be stupid now wouldnt it?
Yes but someone's slow today. ;)

I'm might scratch off 360 or PS3 from my list. Waiting to see how their "Wi-Fi" works and their online distribution of classics.

[Tsukagi]

Yea..looked kinda dumb to me...but then..noticing the B button on the bottom..the only advantage of this is that u can play w/ 1 hand.

meaning....1 free hand to eat, drink, hit your buddy...other things ..

[astrojax]

I'm still going for the 360 but DAMN I wanna try this!

[taro-chan]

Bye Nintendo, it was nice knowing you. You just dug your own grave. This does not look fun or convenient at all...
it looks more comfortable then the ps3 controllers. (still havent figured out what are the horns for)

also.. how can a controller be "fun"..... explain that.

[McLaren]

Wow at first I thought this was the stupidest thing i ever saw, but then i read the article on how it works and it sounds pretty cool. I really like the idea of turning the remote sideways and using it as a regular nes pad.

[Cruel_Angel]

I like it, oddly enough I like it. When N64 came out, I had the japanese version right away and i had this analogue stick, and I was like this thing is really weird, but it just made more and more sence as you got used to it. Looking at this thing, it seems like with the types of games nintendo plans to bring out, why not~ DS is pretty addictive with it's games, I can imagine using the analogue gyroscope thingy and moving something around in free space. It's fresh, i was reading about it and their reasoning was, games are just becoming more complex, just adding more and more to the already pre existing genre. 3d games are just 3d games with better graphics these days besides gameplay, but still from Mario 64 to God Of War, the concept is still the same. Something new comes this way a brewin. I'll buy into it, but then again, i'm gona buy into every next gen console.

[jerryhussain]

Action Games:
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651224/revolution-controller-the-possibilities-20050915064635339.jpg



Adventure Games:
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651224/revolution-controller-the-possibilities-20050915064636449.jpg



FPS Games:
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651224/revolution-controller-the-possibilities-20050915064635027.jpg



Racing & Flying Games:
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651224/revolution-controller-the-possibilities-20050915064634792.jpg



Sports Games:
http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/651/651224/revolution-controller-the-possibilities-20050915064634324.jpg


I love this thing already. :twisted:

[RSD]

http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2005/09/16/443527.html
for a german video
my first impressions were like WTF this is crap. then i thought about it and considered it pretty cool. then i saw the video and thought. this isnt a video game system. its for fat american kids to get some exercise

[RSD]

but.... this would be kickass for the mario party games

[DVST8]

Ahhh MARIO PARTY! wonder what MP7 will be like!

MMmm noticed the new Mario Kart as well. Hopefully it's better than it's previous gc version. Love the new paste your face feature.

[RSD]

wioth 2 remotes u can play agaisnt urself lol. pffft who needs ai players

[numb555]

Wierd, ... But i can see it working... Also don't fret, as you always have the GC controller ports on the Revolution. Well I said I would get the Rev. even if it was Miyamoto's turd wrapped in a box. :) This doesn't change my mind 1 bit.

Though I'm still scratching my head on this one, but very curious of what the potential is.

[jb22]

I think this is a bold but good move on Nintendo's part. Atleast there is one company out there trying to actually bring the gaming industry forward and have gaming as we know it evolve a bit.

I think that from a business stand point Nintendo knows that they can't lose the same amount of money that Sony and MS can afford to, so they are forced to do something to make them stand out and in way be an alternative for the gamers. And I think this is good for gamers and I can only hope that developers will back this. I mean if you were a game developer, a good game developer who enjoyed creating unique experiences for people, wouldn't you be drawn to this? If it were just Sony and MS, the only thing I think we'd see was better graphics but the same old games rehashed over and over again.

I also think that this give the Revolution a purpose in the next generation. I mean some may think it's bad that there won't be as many cross platform games for the Revolution, but isn't that a good thing? Do you really need the same game across threee platforms, what's the point of that?

I can only see something like this enhancing the gaming experience, I mean getting physically involved in a game is the next step? I mean, when you played as a kid, didn't you move around and act out what you were imagining? So what makes people think this is stupid if in fact it seems like the most basic repsonse to an engaging experience? I mean if you go into a big arcade, say Sega City, some of the best arcade games are the ones that sort of get you physically invloved.

And to all the people who think this is stupid, why do you honestly think it is? Is it becasue it's a different approach to gaming? Do you really want to continue playing the same games just with better graphics for the next 5 years or so? Aren't you glad that a company is doing something with some thought put into it other then how many cpus can we fit in the box?

I have to say, I've been into games for a long time, but to be honest I really had no interest or excitement for the next gen of consoles. Yes, their will be better graphics but that only does so much. This news about the Revolution is the first thing about the next gen that has peaked my interest, and as of yet is the only system I'm actually interested in.

So maybe each console will live up to their name sake. The Revolution just might turn out to be a revolution and change gaming and bring it into the next century where as the 360 will just be going around in circles rehashing the same thing over and over, and the PS3, it'll prove that someone at Sony's marketing department knows how to count.

[ProfessorChaos]

to people who think this new design is "different from the ordinary" well..it is and i think its a step in the right direction for nintendo. people who say "wow POS nintendo" its only because ony or microsoft couldnt think of it. and if you say that, you weren't going to even consider the revolution anyways so what's the point?

[Sgt_Strider]

I'm not actually convinced this is the way to go. Hopefully as launch approaches, there will be demo systems for me to try out.

[JayPatel]

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

video from IGN

[DVST8]

Glad to know that NINTENDO is "thinking outside of the cube" . Im getting myself a n.rev for sure =) ..


one last thing, someone mentioned that the Rev supports GC controllers? or at least has GC controller ports? if so...that also makes my day =)

[TenzoR]

Revolution will be cheap and affordable anyways :) more reason to get one

[taro-chan]

Glad to know that NINTENDO is "thinking outside of the cube" . Im getting myself a n.rev for sure =) ..


one last thing, someone mentioned that the Rev supports GC controllers? or at least has GC controller ports? if so...that also makes my day =)
has 4 gc controller ports

after watching the video... zelda would so own with that remote...

[sfu_lifer]

http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-23521-2567-x-x-x&tag=gs_hp_flashtop_read

another preview. I like it. gonna pick up a Revolution just to experience it
Yeah, me too. Especially if they don't overprice it *cough* GB Micro *cough*
Exactly why I got a DS. I'm looking for something quirky and beyond the existing games we're seeing now that has had not much improvements other than AI and graphics.
People laughed at the DS, look how easily folks have taken up with it. This does prove that Nintendo is trying to expand gaming. I think the Revolution will be more successful than the Gamecube.
I was playing Madden 2006 on my DS today. I actually look at the 2nd screen more than the in-game graphics since it's a lot easier to see the X's and O's and relate their positions (which are blotchy pixels but decent enough). Sure they real console game had this too but they were far too tiny to notice.
I can't wait for the next gen to arrive. Sigh, it looks like I'll have to nab all 3 consoles yet again in the next 5 years as the prices drop.

[DVST8]

Check out Mario Kart Gran Prix! (Arcade) theres some cool info about the game and VIDEOS!

http://cube.ign.com/articles/647/647284p1.html


Not feelin how they decided to add Pacman, his wife and kid and the red ghost to the game. Kinda kills the whole Nintendo feeling. But thats my opinion.

Interesting to know that they added a webcam like feature to put your face
on top of an existing mario kart character. :cheesygri

[Sheky]

Mark my words, Nintendo will rue the day they came up with this design. Consoles sales are dictated by the software support they get and how will they get any support from 3rd party with a pad like this is beyond me. They're essentially asking all third parties to create unique games for their systems. What are the odds of that happening? You mean you don't want ports of MGS, Madden and GTA? No software support, no userbase; no userbase, no software support. They won't get unique games from 3rd parties and any and all 3rd party software will play like crap with that pad.

A pad like this fundamentally changes what type of games could be played and how they could be played. How will you play fighters on this? Sports? Real FPS? Stealth? They're deevolving back to a two button design al la NES? They're out of their minds. Games are going to get more complex whether they like it or not. Unless they're hoping first party games will carry them through (it won't, look at the Cube) they're dead in the water.

[DVST8]

Mark my words, Nintendo will rue the day they came up with this design. Consoles sales are dictated by the software support they get and how will they get any support from 3rd party with a pad like this is beyond me. They're essentially asking all third parties to create unique games for their systems. What are the odds of that happening? You mean you don't want ports of MGS, Madden and GTA? No software support, no userbase; no userbase, no software support. They won't get unique games from 3rd parties and any and all 3rd party software will play like crap with that pad.

A pad like this fundamentally changes what type of games could be played and how they could be played. How will you play fighters on this? Sports? Real FPS? Stealth? They're deevolving back to a two button design al la NES? They're out of their minds. Games are going to get more complex whether they like it or not. Unless they're hoping first party games will carry them through (it won't, look at the Cube) they're dead in the water.


Tifa's hot, lol but asides from that, I praise nintendo for going a different route. Kinda reminds me of what Bill gates said " If everyone is going the same direction, stop... and go the other way" It's nice to see Nintendo taking the Initiative on the future of controller development.

[Geese_Howard]

wow I love it and I'm a tradionalist, those who dont like it, think of it like this you have ps3 and xbox360, for something different and unique think revolution, god bless nintendo

[DVST8]

wow I love it and I'm a tradionalist, those who dont like it, think of it like this you have ps3 and xbox360, for something different and unique think revolution, god bless nintendo

AMEN! :cheesygri

[sfu_lifer]

AMEN! :cheesygri
Hear hear.
As for playing it traditionally, the analog portion is still there to be hooked up.
The controller comes standard with the "remote" and the analog attachment. You'll kind of lose one analog stick and one button but otherwise, the "traditional" controller is intact. Plus the Revolution will come with 4 Gamecube ports in the back. I think Nintendo covered their bases quite well.

[ElvishMerchant]

It's beautiful. Tonight... my friends & I looked at a picture of the controller then went out for dinner. We speculated on how it would work and whether it would be a success or failure. After coming home & reading dozens of reviews on various sites, and watching the video myself, I'm convinced that this will be a revolution. Granted... Sony & Microsoft will still have huge market shares with their damn racing/fps/sports/crap games they re-hash over and over each season... with the core of their market being the people who are unwilling to change and experience new things... but hardcore gamers will flock to the revolution for it's unique gameplay, and as Nintendo stated... so will many non-gamers. They did it with the DS, they will do it again with this. By the time the Tokyo Games Show ends, Nintendo will be overwhelmed by requests for dev-kits. Nintendo is back in full force to prove that they made this industry and are here to stay.

[felix]

Here's IGN's take :
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651224p1.html
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651275p1.html


While the idea is catchy, i don't see how it could be comfortable to hold and grip. Especially for smaller hands. I mean we have two hands for a reason.

I could see how it's easier for simpler games though, and making it easier for multi-tasking with the other hand. And i guess old Gamecube controllers are still backwards compatible? What's the word on that?

[sfu_lifer]

Here's IGN's take :
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651224p1.html
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651275p1.html


While the idea is catchy, i don't see how it could be comfortable to hold and grip. Especially for smaller hands. I mean we have two hands for a reason.

I could see how it's easier for simpler games though, and making it easier for multi-tasking with the other hand. And i guess old Gamecube controllers are still backwards compatible? What's the word on that?
Well it was announced at the last E3 but no mention of it yet. If the ports are still there then yes.
People are already saying the developers for both the DOA series and the rumble roses series (not to mention the outlaw series) are already gearing the games for one-handed gaming :D

[chdude3]

Well, it certainly is revolutionary. Nintendo have stated in the past that they don't want to compete with Sony and Microsoft per se; they didn't really get there with the Cube, but this sort of cements it.

It'll be a Catch-22; ports of games from other systems (traditional games) could be difficult if you've got to adapt the control scheme to the new controller. Perhaps if they state that an old Cube controller is a requirement.

It's risky for Nintendo. Hopefully their handhelds will continue to generate money so that they can continue to try and innovate like this.

[felix]

Revolution Teaser Video (09/15/2005)
http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vids_1.html

[sleepyguy]

pretty neat but i think it's lame imho... plus with the exlusion of hdtv, the revolution is already sunk... niche market. I might get one when it drops to $70 like i did for the gamecube.

[poppa]

If Nintendo receives stronger support from third parties, then I'm sold! If it uses batteries, hopefully there will be no issues.

[ryanvb]

This reminds me of the Power Glove... Hopefully it will work a little better than that ill-fated device. I do salute Nintendo for their balls and I'm going to reserve full judgment until I try it, of course, but this seems like a clunky way to interact with a game.

[XXXG-00W0]

Very very nice system. I am wondering Squaresoft will develope RPG game like FF series base on this system because it will make the game experience so cool.

Ok, one more item must purchase when it first come out.... PS3 and Revolution. Oh... man.... I am going to broke. I must save hugh dough from now on. :lol:

[McLaren]

This reminds me of the Power Glove...

http://theculturalgutter.com/videogames/pleasurecircuit22-web.jpg

"I love the powerglove.. it's so bad..."

[CodecX81]

You avatar-thieving, cheese eating liver monkey.

[(Bean)]

I hope revolution will do well - that said you know I enjoy Nintendo games.

They certainly have addressed the look of the system - which in the white, in my opinion, looks better than either the 360 or PS3. Simple, SMALL, and elegant. Something that I think helped the PS2 esp. in Japan.

The remote idea looks awesome as far as innovation, I can already picture playing certain types of games with it - and to play the old nes games all you have to do is turn it sideways and you have a nes controller.

For certain games I love the idea of playing one handed (golf) - leaving the other had free for snacking or just relaxing.

I think there is no lack of buttons when you have the analog thing plugged in. As well we have no idea what other add ons they have in store - they may have specific ones for racing, sports etc...

The other thing to consider is that now - people don't just have one system - Most everyone I know that play games have two. I think Nintendo will fit in great even if they don't have all the same games as Xbox and PS3. I got my gamecube to play the unique games - I buy my sports, racing and cross-platform games on the Xbox. I like my Cube more than my Xbox for the unique games. I also find there are more must own games for Nintendo as opposed to must try (aka rent or trade-in) games for my Xbox. I do think that Xbox had a real advantage with the online but if Nintendo does it right I think that will be taken care of with Revolution. Can you picture some of those great Nintendo games online - Mario Kart.

I think that if Nintendo hits its mark as it hopes every gamer that has 2 systems (most now) will have the Revolution for the unique games and gameplay and either an Xbox or PS3 for the 3rd party (which will be on both).

As for the non HD support - while I think it would be nice, 1st Nintendo has said their focus is not graphics rather on fun unique gameplay. 2nd I think that HDTV still has limited dispersion. A very small percentage of people I know have HDTV and of the several people that do what they watch on it (DVD's, TV) is not HD. I also think that any person that will not buy a fun game or system based on the fact that it doesn't support HD is not a gamer but instead either a graphics or tech lover.

As far as the HD argument couldn't it be made against 360 for not including either HD DVD or Blueray technology?

[Headhunter]

Wicked, I've always wanted to use an iPod Shuffle to play games.

My initial reaction, word for word was:

That is the stupidest thing ive ever seen.

And the economic reality is:

Nintendo will rue the day they came up with this design. Consoles sales are dictated by the software support they get and how will they get any support from 3rd party with a pad like this is beyond me. They're essentially asking all third parties to create unique games for their systems. What are the odds of that happening? You mean you don't want ports of MGS, Madden and GTA? No software support, no userbase; no userbase, no software support. They won't get unique games from 3rd parties and any and all 3rd party software will play like crap with that pad.

And the general gaming public's reaction will be:

http://theculturalgutter.com/videogames/pleasurecircuit22-web.jpg

"I love the powerglove.. it's so bad..."
So's your acting! :lol:

[jerryhussain]

Wicked, I've always wanted to use an iPod Shuffle to play games.

My initial reaction, word for word was:
That is the stupidest thing ive ever seen.


And the economic reality is:
Nintendo will rue the day they came up with this design. Consoles sales are dictated by the software support they get and how will they get any support from 3rd party with a pad like this is beyond me. They're essentially asking all third parties to create unique games for their systems. What are the odds of that happening? You mean you don't want ports of MGS, Madden and GTA? No software support, no userbase; no userbase, no software support. They won't get unique games from 3rd parties and any and all 3rd party software will play like crap with that pad.
Simple Solution:

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05375/rev_glove.jpg

Seriously, its ok if didnt like the controller but that doesnt mean you should go ahead and say Nintendo is doomed.

[Headhunter]

Seriously, its ok if didnt like the controller but that doesnt mean you should go ahead and say Nintendo is doomed.
Don't get me wrong, I'm going to buy one and the idea is cool.

I don't think it's going to have profits anywhere near the other next-gen systems, though.

[chdude3]

pretty neat but i think it's lame imho... plus with the exlusion of hdtv, the revolution is already sunk... niche market. I might get one when it drops to $70 like i did for the gamecube.Funny... People keep saying about the Xbox 360 and it's HD that HD just hasn't penetrated that far into any market yet, and so it's a waste of resources to be forcing support for it.

[tonychau]

At least some 3rd parties are understanding the concept.

Nintendo pulls back the curtain on its off-the-wall and yet oddly intriguing new controller. What do pubs and devs think?
by Matt Casamassina

September 15, 2005 - During the Tokyo Game Show 2005, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata unveiled the company's refreshingly original and slightly scary new Revolution controller, and likewise stated the philosophy behind it.


"Every gamer who plays. Every one who used to play. Even those who have yet to play. Nintendo is your bet."
The Revolution input mechanism, which is as far from a conventional controller as could be possible, more resembles a television remote with a touch of Apple style. The white, glossy device interacts with motion sensors on television to enable players unexplored full 3D freedom of movement in games. By pointing and manipulating the controller, gamers can do everything from run, jump, spin, slide, shoot and steer to accelerate, bank, dive, kick, throw and score in "… a way never experienced in the history of gaming," according to the Big N.

"The feeling is so natural and real, as soon as players use the controller, their minds will spin with the possibilities of how this will change gaming as we know it today," explains Satoru Iwata, Nintendo president. "This is an extremely exciting innovation - one that will thrill current players and entice new ones."

"Nintendo has long been a trailblazer, and this controller design reinforces that reputation," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO of THQ. "We enthusiastically support Nintendo's next console because we believe their approach of continual innovation is very much in line with our own strategy of creating unique and innovative games for the next generation of hardware."

"What we're seeing from this controller is the same thing we saw with Nintendo DS," said Chuck Huebner, Head of Worldwide Studios, Activision.. "It's a system that's designed with an eye on enticing new players to the video game industry, and that's something we firmly support."

"Game control is essential - it's the area where perhaps the most game-play improvement can be made," said John Schappert, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Electronic Arts Canada. "While our portfolio represents a full array of titles across all genres, I think our sports titles might be the first to immediately take advantage of what this novel 'freehand' type of control has to offer."

"We were among the first publishers to see the control design in action," said Serge Hascoet, Chief Creative Officer of Ubisoft. "We're excited about the new controller and are looking forward to taking advantage of its innovative aspects."

[Yesdear]

Turn it on it's side and you have a original Nintendo Controller for those classic games you can download.

[Headhunter]

Turn it on it's side and you have a original Nintendo Controller for those classic games you can download.
That's cool as a concept, but should Nintendo really be designing parts of the Revolution with deep legacy in mind?

[tonychau]

Love the innovation controller. Congrad to Nintendo for new bold move in the gaming industry.

This will definitely make playing games on Revolution different from 360 and PS3. I'm very excited about the possibilities with this thing.


Main Controller Features

3D Pointing. Sensors understand up, down, left, right, forward and backward.


Tilt Sensitive. Controller can be rotated or rolled from side-to-side.
Buttons Included. Has a trigger on its backside, face buttons, and a D-Pad.
Buttons Included. Has a trigger on its backside, face buttons, and a D-Pad.
Multifunctional. Has an expansion port which can be used with different types of controller peripherals. Analog stick with two trigger buttons planned for left hand.
Wireless. Totally wire-free. Currently there are no details on the max distance, source or power, or otherwise.
Rumble Built-in. Included as a standard in all the controllers.




http://images.spong.com/news/r/e/revolution175623m.jpg

---Hope we don't have to wait too long!


Nintendo Europe’s Jim Merrick understands the battle Nintendo is about to face. “It’s a communication challenge,” he told us on the ground in Japan this morning. “We need to get across how this is going to work – we’ve done our bit. Now it’s in the hands of the press. You need to actually play the Revolution to understand how it works – you need to play Metroid Prime 3 in the nunchuck style to appreciate just how different an experience this is.”

Merrick continued, “Look at the success of the DS. When we originally announced it had two screens back in January of last year, we didn’t explain the input mechanism we had included. We waited until we had the machine in playable form at E3, waited until you could put your hands on it – fully understand it.”

[sfu_lifer]

Don't get me wrong, I'm going to buy one and the idea is cool.

I don't think it's going to have profits anywhere near the other next-gen systems, though.
Well, Nintendo didn't have as many sales as the Xbox software wise and they're making profit. The Revolution hardware will not be a money pit. Sony and MS will be subsidizing. I am willing to bet the Revolution will at least be $100 less than MS's premium bundle with game prices the same as what we see now.
Casual budget gamer will be Nintendo's focus. Yeah, it will be just as niche as the GAmecube is now but that won't stop me on launch day :)

[tonychau]

I totally agree with you, why classic two-buttons (AB) remote-controller, C'mon Nintendo, at least 4 (YZAB) buttons, support up to SNES. :twisted:

That's cool as a concept, but should Nintendo really be designing parts of the Revolution with deep legacy in mind?

[bluetroll]

friggin SICK!

[divx]

Revolution will be cheap and affordable anyways :) more reason to get one

a console is only as good as its games
a console is only as cheap as its games

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm not really sure what the big fuss is.... Nintendo has pioneered every major controller innovation that we take for granted today. If Nintendo says this controller will work, then I for one am willing to put my faith in them. *YES* the power glove sucked... I'm one of few who personally expereinced the extreme suck-titude of the power glove, but show me even ONE company that hasn't made a mistake like that? Look at Sega, they made so many mistakes like that, they had to quit hardware manufacturing (and JUST when they got it RIGHT too!). Nintendo told us they would revolutionize gaming, and they will.

It's too bad Halo is XBox exclusive, because I would LOVE to give Halo a try on those controllers!! :cheesygri

[(Bean)]

Don't worry I am sure it won't be long till Xbox and PS3 have there copies - of course suddenly the Xbox and PS3 fanboys will change there story "O this is the greatest thing ever - so much better than Nintendo - it has a green X on it or a blue light ooooo"

[divx]

Don't worry I am sure it won't be long till Xbox and PS3 have there copies - of course suddenly the Xbox and PS3 fanboys will change there story "O this is the greatest thing ever - so much better than Nintendo - it has a green X on it or a blue light ooooo"

still, both m$ and sony made their console to be backward compatible, while big N keep coming out "new and exciting" consoles that uses a different propriatory media, booooooooo

[tonychau]

Imagine playing horror games holding this controller on one hand as flashlight, that will be some experience to flash your light to the dark unknown and shock as hell! :twisted:

Imagine playing Fighting games with a flick of the wrist could up make them jump, then a flick of the wrist to the right would make them move right, a flick to the bottom would make them move left, then a flick down would block.



This is a great post from someone on other game forum:

AlexandriaZ wrote:

I was thinking about it, people don't buy Nintendo consoles for games that not exclusive to it anyways. This console would fit just nicely being a complimentary system to a PS3 or XBOX 360. This fit's nintendo's goal to allow games that would have low barriers for new people to get into the hobby. I guess like me, most of you guys are strongly into games, so we cannot understand or feel how the complexity of games ultimately limits the market from people who are not into it in the first place.

I guess I am the only one excited about the possiblities. This controller would be perfect for Horror games. You could use the controller as a flashlight, then a second player could be the person holding the gun, so it has a low barrier for enjoyment. Thus allowing people to enjoy a Horror game that wouldn't dare to with such a complex controller. Not to mention it would allow player interaction in games that would never be possible otherwise. Imagine playing Treasure's sin and punishment on the revolution. Player number 1 with the first controller controlls the moving action and player number 2 is the shooter. Then imagine playing a flight game where the controller basically acts as a joystick. Then there is super smash bros, with a flick of the wrist could up make them jump, then a flick of the wrist to the right would make them move right, a flick to the bottom would make them move left, then a flick down would open up the shield. Then the A and B buttons are still there with an ease of use that makes gaming much easier and more intuitive.

The genius in the design is that it has unlimited uses. There could be so many ways to innovate games in so many genres. It allows movement in games that for the longest time only complex button operations could do. What takes a normal controller 8 buttons to do, a revo controller could do it with 4 buttons a D-pad, motion sensor, gyroscope, and an analog stick. Not to mention it looks and should control like a dream.

So I don't know about you guys, but this is absolute freaking genius on Nintendo's part. Get something we already have, then make it have applications in gaming that could never be afforded before.

[Ryan]

I don't think Nintendo is in the video games business anymore... they are in the toy business. Be interesting to see how that works for them...

Strange to design a system around Wario Ware if you ask me...

[mogwai]

well this is sure to be one huge hit... or one massive miss
way to put yourself out there nintendo

[XXXG-00W0]

IMO, there is no hardware company is in the game business anyone except software company. They sell the game console just like VCR or DVD player as electronic. So, I think Nintendo will be going stronger share game's market when this console release. Also, I think it is good idea to make less buttons on the controller. Instead of using button on the controller, it is using the motion sensor since some of the games use extra button to control movement only. In deed sometimes we need extra button, that's why the "Nunchuck" analog unit controller has an extra buttons at the front. See below:

http://media.nintendo.com/mediaFiles/ygUrLWfBbkLmSZw4qpbZBkHWwhfjOrfc.jpg

One thing is concern me the most, I fear it is using IR signal on the controller.

[hyperion]

I don't like it. -Me, a random consumer

[jerryhussain]

I don't think Nintendo is in the video games business anymore... they are in the toy business. Be interesting to see how that works for them...

Strange to design a system around Wario Ware if you ask me...

Consoles are toys. Especially when the 360 comes in white, PS3 comes with the batarang controller and so forth. :cheesygri

One thing is concern me the most, I fear it is using IR signal on the controller.
They couldnt have implemented the technology without IR. :|

[XXXG-00W0]

They couldnt have implemented the technology without IR. :|

How about Bluetooth???? Well, BT is not the hit in Japan anyway so I think you are right. :idea:

Edited: Just thinking a little bit deeper you are absolutely right. Blueetooth is no direction all and very hard to pin point where on the screen but IR can. :lol:

[Txiasaeia]

First thoughts: imagine using the controller like a switchblade in-game: flick it open and go to town. How about a racing game where the controller is the steering wheel? I've not used a modern gyroscoping controller so I have no idea how accurate it would be; the only GC game I regularly play is F-Zero GX, and anything to make that game more accurate would be terrific. This controller's supposed to be backwards compatible, too...

Imagine two controllers for a bow & arrow game? Or tactile feedback in something like Eternal Darkness when you slice through zombies & other Lovecraftian horrors?

Something that I'm surprised nobody (including reviewers) have mentioned is compatibility with DS games - the remote can be used like a stylus, right? So the Revo might have a DS Player attachment later on too. Interesting... Well, so much for growing up and stopping playing games ;)

[(Bean)]

still, both m$ and sony made their console to be backward compatible, while big N keep coming out "new and exciting" consoles that uses a different propriatory media, booooooooo

Actually I think you are a little mixed up. From all reports it is Nintendo that has confirmed it will be backwards compatible - not just to the gamecube games (these discs can be played in the Revolution as well as the Gamecube memory cards and controllers), but also almost all the Nintendo library right back to the NES will be downloadable - if you don't call that backwards compatible I don't know what is.

On the other hand Microsoft rumors were first no backward compatibility (then the backlash came) then limited compatibility to big titles. But the truth is right now no one knows - I was speaking with the Microsoft rep on Wednesday and he said he doesn't even know yet even if it will be backwards compatible. The problem is not a matter whether they have the power the emulate but the switch from Nvidea to ATI has caused some licensing issues from what I have been told.

As far as Sony I have no idea what they have said yet. But I think backwards compatibility between the PSone and PS2 was both a blessing and a curse - I mean there was Zero innovation between the 2 systems basically a more powerful PSone with the same controller with at few upgrades stolen off the N64 (the system that was out when the PSone was). Now there new controller comes out - certainly not as innovative as the Revolution and absolutely no better looking.

Till we have all 3 systems in our hands though everything is speculation. I will not decide on the PS3 or 360 till both are out - though right now I am leaning toward the 360. But unless Nintendo really blows it I will get a Revolution - online Nintendo games - Nintendo classics anytime - new unique games - probably cheapest of the three. I am speculating this will be a definite buy for me

[P__S__2]

That is the stupidest thing ive ever seen.


Now that I think of it, I really like it haha.

[chdude3]

Looks like you'll be able to plug other peripherals into this funky beast, so it may not be all that bad for more "traditional" games.

I'm certainly not going to write it off until more information is out. Even better if I can play with it a bit before buying!

[sk8]

HAHA, this is hillarous.

[Headhunter]

You know what I don't understand?

Why not also introduce a controller that's very similar to the standard 4 face buttons/2 or 4 triggers/dual analog sticks setup? Would Revolution gamers really object to another $30 for another pad if it meant getting most 3rd party releases AND the Revolution's exclusive titles?

OR, at least announce "HEY! Since you can plug in the GameCube controller, you can use that for 3rd party titles!"

This absolutely defies logic.

[c h u d]

You know what I don't understand?

Why not also introduce a controller that's very similar to the standard 4 face buttons/2 or 4 triggers/dual analog sticks setup? Would Revolution gamers really object to another $30 for another pad if it meant getting most 3rd party releases AND the Revolution's exclusive titles?

OR, at least announce "HEY! Since you can plug in the GameCube controller, you can use that for 3rd party titles!"

This absolutely defies logic.

They have already stated they are releasing a controller that has the Revolution 'remote' plug into the centre of it - like the VMU on the Dreamcast. So you will be able to use that, and it will still have the 3D functionality.

[Fantaz]

"Rumble Built-in. Included as a standard in all the controllers."

http://www.goodvibes.com/products/p4351b.jpg

[wanted]

A remote ??!??!?!??!?! :lol:

[jerryhussain]

They have already stated they are releasing a controller that has the Revolution 'remote' plug into the centre of it - like the VMU on the Dreamcast. So you will be able to use that, and it will still have the 3D functionality.
http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05376/rev_concept_334.gif

Not official, made by a fan.

[felix]

still, both m$ and sony made their console to be backward compatible, while big N keep coming out "new and exciting" consoles that uses a different propriatory media, booooooooo
I thought Revolution is backwards compatible with Gamecube. At least they now realize their mistakes and won't be using cartridges again.

I've not used a modern gyroscoping controller so I have no idea how accurate it would be; the only GC game I regularly play is F-Zero GX, and anything to make that game more accurate would be terrific.

It won't make it more "accurate", that's for sure. I had the Microsoft freestyle tilt controller for PC (yes, i know it's different than on console) and i didn't like it at all. Very difficult to play vs. using keyboard or control pad. I'm sure anyone who's ever used one would agree.

[elty]

I lost my interest in console after SFC (SNES)

This is the first time I regain interest in console again.

Once again, Nintendo just prove it is the only remaining console company that try to innovate.

Honestly, can you tell me the difference between PS1/PS2/PS3 besides hardware? Everything is the same, only the graphic is better.

Honestly, maybe 80% of the game for Nitendo DS does not really ultilities the touch screen effectively. However some of the game that actually designed for it surely is better than the single screen version.

Revolution will still be compatible for tradional game, however they just open up a new market, and redine the definition of gaming.

[JayPatel]

ign mockup

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

[Fantaz]

I'm pretty sure Metroid will be Revolution's killer app. Also can't wait for Zelda and Mario among others.

But if they're all about innovation than why don't they start up some new franchises instead of just these Mario Golf and Zelda Fishing games?

[poppa]

I'm pretty sure Metroid will be Revolution's killer app. Also can't wait for Zelda and Mario among others.

But if they're all about innovation than why don't they start up some new franchises instead of just these Mario Golf and Zelda Fishing games?

Probably because games with Mario/Nintendo characters are needed to sell decently (with some exceptions of course) with their niche market.

[MrDisco]

i wish the big N best of luck b/c frankly i like their games and their family-oriented stance (and an industry dominated by only 2 players isn't necessarily a good thing). I gotta say though this controller design does not look appealing.

How many 'revolutionary' controllers and add-ons has Nintendo come up with that have gone nowhere?

-Robbie
-Power Glove
-Virtual Gameboy
-Donkey Kong bongo drums
-Power Pad
-Light Gun

Is this going to be another one-hit wonder only to be quickly replaced with a traditional controller?

[demha88]

what a pos

[taro-chan]

what a pos
a comment i expect from a 10 year old.
thanks.

that ign mockup looks like a wavebird... lol.

[TheTik]

ewwwww. COMEE ON MIYAMOTO!!! COME ON MAN! a romote....wow

[Draff]

I'm pretty sure Metroid will be Revolution's killer app. Also can't wait for Zelda and Mario among others.

But if they're all about innovation than why don't they start up some new franchises instead of just these Mario Golf and Zelda Fishing games?

What about all of the new DS games? Warioware? Pikmin?

The 1up impressions seem mostly positive, as are impressions from people over at TGS (including non-Nintendo fans).

If you want to call this a 'pos', at least wait until you've seen it either i) working, ii) used it yourself.

[McLaren]

Here is the first demo of the controller :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/mousedown/revo.swf

[frogiforus]

hehe interesting link ... about the controller though..... im pretty sure its going to be hard to play a soccer game on it... or a hockey game ... moving your conroller and then aiming into a net with your hands eh i dunno hopefully theres a slot to plug in the old nintendo mannets or backwards compatability with old big wavebirds atleast...

[sfu_lifer]

Here is the first demo of the controller :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v507/mousedown/revo.swf
Funny link :)
As for playing sports games on this, I think it's very intuitive. For soccer, think of the analog portion of the nunchuck configuration as moving the player and the "wand" as the pointer to who you want to pass to. Click on A to shoot or B to pass. Flip the controller for a lob pass and flick it sideways for a quicker pass.
To shoot as well, you can point to which part of the net you wish to kick to.

Same deal with hockey. It's pretty limitless in terms of how you can accomplish what we have been doing by pressing buttons. People with disabilities may be left out though as the movements required may be too much.

[frogiforus]

Ive always been a number one nintendo fan but this time i dunno ... looks like i can break that manette pretty easily ... and that little wire thing looks cheap and ugly ... also if your playing a passionate game and your hands happen to pull apart or ur use to holding ur manette with one hand to do something... ur either gonna hit someone in the face with one half of that thing or snp the wire in half ... i understand they went wireless so why that ugly wire? ... looks like some sort of sex toy to me lol...

[frogiforus]

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

[poppa]

Ive always been a number one nintendo fan but this time i dunno ... looks like i can break that manette pretty easily ... and that little wire thing looks cheap and ugly ... also if your playing a passionate game and your hands happen to pull apart or ur use to holding ur manette with one hand to do something... ur either gonna hit someone in the face with one half of that thing or snp the wire in half ... i understand they went wireless so why that ugly wire? ... looks like some sort of sex toy to me lol...

I don't think Nintendo has let many people down with their build quality. *knocks on GC* Maybe they will include a "break away" cord like the Xbox. The controller cord automatically disconnections from the console if you trip on the wire because there's a bridged connection.

[Headhunter]

Not feelin how they decided to add Pacman, his wife and kid and the red ghost to the game. Kinda kills the whole Nintendo feeling. But thats my opinion.
I agree, but it's also cool to enlarge the universe. If it built up to a Nintendo vs the World version of Mario Kart (add Sonic and friends, etc to the World side), I'd be down for that. Then we would also get those respective worlds as racing tracks, and so on.

32 player racing mayhem on Nintendo Online!

[(Bean)]

I agree, but it's also cool to enlarge the universe. If it built up to a Nintendo vs the World version of Mario Kart (add Sonic and friends, etc to the World side), I'd be down for that. Then we would also get those respective worlds as racing tracks, and so on.

32 player racing mayhem on Nintendo Online!

Actually I think the reason that pac-man is in it is because the Arcade version the game was given to NAMCO to make. Namco = pac-man. If they could get sonic and gang that would be cool. Never know Nintendo has really reached out to 3rd party with the gamecube - they know Mario sells so they are letting other companies capitalize on that ei. new EA NBA Street

[Fantaz]

But I wonder, will Nintendo still be around to make another console after Revolution?

[(Bean)]

But I wonder, will Nintendo still be around to make another console after Revolution?

It’s really funny that you should say that - after all it was said after the N64, it was said after the Gamecube - and now the Revolution isn't even released yet and here we go again. The thing people have to realize is Nintendo doesn't run there company badly - they are in the game to make money. They are not in the same situation as SEGA before they collapsed - Nintendo is not going to fall into the same mistakes. Nintendo makes a profit on their systems from day one, maybe a marginal one, but a profit. They realize that they can't afford to build a system that is going to be a loss leader for months or even years. They also I believe have traditionally sold the most 1st party software sold per system. So there strategy is inline with there company size - they are a video game company - period.

On the other hand both microsoft and sony have big coffers and can afford to build a system more powerful than people can afford to buy, because they can subsidize it themselves knowing in the long run they will make money. This also means that they attract the 3rd party companies because of number of units. This means they don't have to have a lot of killer first party apps – in fact it is actually better if they just have a couple because this means that 3rd party sell better.

I think Nintendo will be around along time yet as long as they are smart enough to play their game. If they start just throwing around cash like MS or Sony and the system fails they will go down in flames. But if they make systems with fun and unique games they will be success full.

I mean they have several successful systems around right now:
GBA
GBA SP
DS
GAMECUBE - yes not the number of units of XBOX or PS2 but still make lots of money on 1st party games - a good step in finding their new place in the Video game world

[chdude3]

A very well thought out response, (Bean).

[Headhunter]

Actually I think the reason that pac-man is in it is because the Arcade version the game was given to NAMCO to make. Namco = pac-man. If they could get sonic and gang that would be cool. Never know Nintendo has really reached out to 3rd party with the gamecube - they know Mario sells so they are letting other companies capitalize on that ei. new EA NBA Street
I knew that about Pac-Man's addition, didn't really see a problem with it as long as Nintendo doesn't mind.

I keep waiting for Nintendo to buy Sega (err, Sammy) and have a Mario vs Sonic game.

The thing people have to realize is Nintendo doesn't run there company badly - they are in the game to make money. They are not in the same situation as SEGA before they collapsed - Nintendo is not going to fall into the same mistakes. Nintendo makes a profit on their systems from day one, maybe a marginal one, but a profit.
It's surprising how few people realize this, and how few of those who hear/read it end up believing it...

I think a lot of the criticism stems from the belief that Nintendo can innovate and revolutionize without giving up on the traditional gaming audience. There's no good reason IMO for Nintendo to leave out relatively cheap additions such as HDTV support, if that plus the GameCube controllers would be enough to offer traditional 3rd party game developers the option to port over.

I think Nintendo will be around along time yet as long as they are smart enough to play their game. If they start just throwing around cash like MS or Sony and the system fails they will go down in flames. But if they make systems with fun and unique games they will be successful.
It's strange that a company known for their financial prudence ends up taking some of the wildest risks. Abandoning online play and a real selection of mature games for the current generation have been controversial, and I think shortsighted decisions on Nintendo's part.

Sometimes it isn't about what's good for business now, it's about sacrificing a little time and money up front to lay the groundwork for future rewards.

[JayPatel]

I hope they reconsider like they did with the name of the DS. I liked the Revolution nametag

Nintendo goes Apple white. New console new looms.
by Matt Casamassina

September 15, 2005 - With new pictures of Nintendo's Revolution console and controller hitting on Thursday evening, some new truths became apparent. The first is that Nintendo seems to be leaning toward at the very least launching its next-generation console in the colors black and white. While it chose E3 2005 to blow out the machine in the color black, all recently released pics of the system show it in glossy white. It looks like an Apple designed product, to be sure, which has to make the Big N happy since Apple designs are always top notch.

The second immediately identifiable revelation is that Nintendo's codename for the console, Revolution, appears to be on the out. While the company used the branding on its platform at E3 2005, all mentions of Revolution have been removed from the latest pictures of the system. The Big N has always said that Revolution was only a codename, but some fans suspected that the company might renege on that statement and stick with the name all the same -- it incidentally originally said the same of Nintendo DS and ultimately stuck with the title. The removal of the Revolution branding from the console lends credence to rumors that Nintendo is nearing a point when it will announce an official name for the machine -- a day that cannot come soon enough because it also means that IGN can launch an official channel for the platform.

Stay tuned for much more on the Revolution console and controller.

[CanadianN00b]

I'm still going for the 360 but DAMN I wanna try this!

Yeah, I was considering getting the XBox 360 because of the Media Center/Computer functionality and everything but I might stay a NintendoFreak. :D

And for all you naysayers, how about reading the article and not just taking a look at the purdy pictures? :P

[CanadianN00b]

Mark my words, Nintendo will rue the day they came up with this design. Consoles sales are dictated by the software support they get and how will they get any support from 3rd party with a pad like this is beyond me. They're essentially asking all third parties to create unique games for their systems. What are the odds of that happening? You mean you don't want ports of MGS, Madden and GTA? No software support, no userbase; no userbase, no software support. They won't get unique games from 3rd parties and any and all 3rd party software will play like crap with that pad.

A pad like this fundamentally changes what type of games could be played and how they could be played. How will you play fighters on this? Sports? Real FPS? Stealth? They're deevolving back to a two button design al la NES? They're out of their minds. Games are going to get more complex whether they like it or not. Unless they're hoping first party games will carry them through (it won't, look at the Cube) they're dead in the water.

You do realize that if the 3rd party wanted to be traditional, they could easily make the games for the Rev. as the controller has the joystick attachment (they call it the numchuck, lol) for the other hand so you'll be basically holding a PS3/X360 controller. :P

[(Bean)]

I think a lot of the criticism stems from the belief that Nintendo can innovate and revolutionize without giving up on the traditional gaming audience. There's no good reason IMO for Nintendo to leave out relatively cheap additions such as HDTV support, if that plus the GameCube controllers would be enough to offer traditional 3rd party game developers the option to port over..

As for HDTV support, I do think it will alienate some of the tech junkies - but if they choose not to buy a system that has great games based on whether or not it has HD - they're not gamers anyway - and it will be their loss. The other issues involved are I don't think the Revolution will be a graphic powerhouse so even with HD it wasn't going to surpass the 360 and PS3 graphically. Also HD just isn't everywhere yet - many many of my gaming friends don't have HD - if you want to take advantage of HDTV you have to spend a lot of money besides the tv. I think even Microsoft realizes HD is a limited thing at this point - aren't they offering a package without HD support?

When it comes to controllers if you were coming out with something new/innovative that you had spent a lot of time and money developing - would you focus on the new or how your system is like all the others. Nintendo DOES have slots for gamecube controllers so if they want to port they can - the other thing is they have also stated they are bringing a traditional controller add-on that the new one will slide into like a VMU (already mentioned in this thread). I think though that 3rd party companies would be foolish not to make their games on Revolution standout buy using the new technology.

For more infor about the controller:
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651559p1.html

It's strange that a company known for their financial prudence ends up taking some of the wildest risks. Abandoning online play and a real selection of mature games for the current generation have been controversial, and I think shortsighted decisions on Nintendo's part.

Sometimes it isn't about what's good for business now, it's about sacrificing a little time and money up front to lay the groundwork for future rewards.

I don’t really understand what you are saying here – you say they take the wildest risks then you say they need to sacrifice time and money – I think that is what they have done with the Revolution – time and money. It certainly doesn’t take a lot of time to make the PS2 or PS3 they are the same machine just with more power – even the boomerang is the same controller in a different shape. Funny thing is the original was just an extension of the SNES controller – ZERO innovation.

I personally don't think the M for Mature on the front of a game makes it fun. Nintendo makes fun games you have to admit - if they aren't you cup of tea so be it. Also while Nintendo is not big on the Mature titles, for those that were they did try to include some in the cube library right from the start with Eternal Darkness.

As for online – it was a mistake – even they admit it. They are including it out of the box with the Revolution.

In any case with the Revolution time will tell – but I certainly don’t see it as a right off. Probably though for people who don’t care if a game is fun but care that is has HD and is M rated then I guess Revolution is not for them.

[Headhunter]

As for HDTV support, I do think it will alienate some of the tech junkies - but if they choose not to buy a system that has great games based on whether or not it has HD - they're not gamers anyway - and it will be their loss. The other issues involved are I don't think the Revolution will be a graphic powerhouse so even with HD it wasn't going to surpass the 360 and PS3 graphically.
I agree that dedicated gamers will likely find their way to the Revolution, but Nintendo shouldn't rely on the hardcore fans so much. They aren't really expanding their audience, the way Sony and Microsoft is trying to do.

The PS2 has weaker graphics than the X-Box and GameCube IMO, but it's still by far the best selling console...

Also HD just isn't everywhere yet - many many of my gaming friends don't have HD - if you want to take advantage of HDTV you have to spend a lot of money besides the tv.
Broadband didn't have huge saturation in 2001 either, that didn't stop Microsoft and Sony from making multiplayer a selling point (dialup isn't exactly capable of handling large multiplayer battles).

When it comes to controllers if you were coming out with something new/innovative that you had spent a lot of time and money developing - would you focus on the new or how your system is like all the others.
Why can't Nintendo do both? The initial message should have been akin to: "Here's our great new controller, but don't forget that we'll also support the traditional style of controller based gaming." Throwing in a bit about plugging the new one into a shell near the end isn't exactly prominant.

I don’t really understand what you are saying here – you say they take the wildest risks then you say they need to sacrifice time and money – I think that is what they have done with the Revolution – time and money.
Nintendo should sacrifice the generous amounts of development time they afford themselves. The N64 came out after the PS, the GameCube after the PS2 and X-Box (by 3 days, but still), and now the Revolution will be last after the X-Box 360 and PS3.

Why did Nintendo develop the DS and Game Boy Micro? Why are they putting out products in arcades? Why do they spend so long on their 1st and 2nd party games, resulting in delays of months and even years? Shouldn't they put everything into making the Revolution the best it can be, as fast as possible?

They should sacrifice money by offering more value for free; classic Nintendo gaming should be free (or pseudo-free, such as earning credits by buying Revolution titles to spend online). Playable game demos should be offered for free (they offer very few, and I've had to buy something to get a preview disc). Online play should be free (this one is actually happening with 1st party titles, which I applaud them for).

They should sacrifice projects like the DS and GB Micro, which provide cash infusions but diverts the company from the console market they desperately need to regain ground on. Nintendo needs to watch their profit margins a little less tightly.

It certainly doesn’t take a lot of time to make the PS2 or PS3 they are the same machine just with more power
They have to make significantly more powerful machines that are ahead of $1000+ gaming computers upon release, and do it for a fraction of the price. That does take a substantial amount of time for R&D as well as manufacturing...

I personally don't think the M for Mature on the front of a game makes it fun. Nintendo makes fun games you have to admit - if they aren't you cup of tea so be it. Also while Nintendo is not big on the Mature titles, for those that were they did try to include some in the cube library right from the start with Eternal Darkness.
I agree, and own almost every Nintendo developed GameCube exclusive (outside of their sports and party gaming). That said, M rated games are an increasingly important part of the video gaming demographic that Nintendo has only made a few inroads towards; aside from Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil and the Mortal Kombat titles, do they even have notable M rated releases?

As for online – it was a mistake – even they admit it. They are including it out of the box with the Revolution.
They're including online capability, but they haven't laid out an online strategy the way Microsoft has with the 360. Sony hasn't said much either, but their PS2 track record shows that they can handle online.

I was really hoping for something more substantial about the online gaming facet of the Revolution...

In any case with the Revolution time will tell – but I certainly don’t see it as a right off. Probably though for people who don’t care if a game is fun but care that is has HD and is M rated then I guess Revolution is not for them.
Don't get me wrong; I'll be there at midnight on opening day to pick one up. I'm simply frustrated that Nintendo is consistently late and consistently last in so many aspects of North American gaming.

[jb22]

Why did Nintendo develop the DS and Game Boy Micro? Why are they putting out products in arcades? Why do they spend so long on their 1st and 2nd party games, resulting in delays of months and even years? Shouldn't they put everything into making the Revolution the best it can be, as fast as possible?


They should sacrifice projects like the DS and GB Micro, which provide cash infusions but diverts the company from the console market they desperately need to regain ground on. Nintendo needs to watch their profit margins a little less tightly.


Nintendo can't ignore the handheld market, it's almost the same situation as Apple and the iPod. It just makes them to much money to ignore. Did you know that Nintendo held off the Game Boy Advanced for a few years because Game Boy colour was still selling so well.

The DS is a different device then the Game Boy, and in regards to the DS, is a mean of showing consumer and developers that Nintendo is focused on creating unique and at their core pure gaming experiences.

As for Nintendo is a Japanese gaming company, so their approach will and should be different then say MS and Sony which are more corporate. I eman just compare the focuse of the different companies. From what it looks like, Nintendo's focused on creativity and innovation. MS is focused on X-Box Live Market Place and creating more ways for developers to make money as a means to draw them to developing for their system (Not so good). Sony, seems to be focued on power, and IMO hardcore gaming.

I hope thati n the end, the one thing that developers get from Nintendo is that they start to expand their ideas of what a gaming experiece can be. Creativity is good, even if sometimes it doesn't work out so well but we'll have to see how things turn out.

[Sheky]

You do realize that if the 3rd party wanted to be traditional, they could easily make the games for the Rev. as the controller has the joystick attachment (they call it the numchuck, lol) for the other hand so you'll be basically holding a PS3/X360 controller. :P

I know you can plug in a Cube pad, but will it ship with one? If they don't ship with one, they're essentially saying this remote is our main pad, so our main games will play with this. What kind of marketing strategy is that? Not to mention the Cube pad is not something to write home about...

Secondly, why would 3rd parties want to develop for them when they don't seem to care about how third party software will play on their machine? This attitude is quite apparent in the prior media choices as well as their design of the Cube pad and now their insistance in maintaining it. Asymmetry is not a good thing regardless of how Miyamoto thinks he can make a game where you can use only one button to have "fun". No system can survive on only first party software. If Nintendo didn't have Pokemon and a virtual monopoly on handhelds for the longest time, they would've been gone long ago.

[Headhunter]

Nintendo can't ignore the handheld market, it's almost the same situation as Apple and the iPod. It just makes them to much money to ignore. Did you know that Nintendo held off the Game Boy Advanced for a few years because Game Boy colour was still selling so well.
That's a good analogy; Nintendo focuses on their handhelds while their home console struggles, Apple focuses on their handhelds while their desktop systems struggle.

As for Nintendo is a Japanese gaming company, so their approach will and should be different then say MS and Sony which are more corporate. I eman just compare the focuse of the different companies. From what it looks like, Nintendo's focused on creativity and innovation. MS is focused on X-Box Live Market Place and creating more ways for developers to make money as a means to draw them to developing for their system (Not so good). Sony, seems to be focued on power, and IMO hardcore gaming.
It can't be that hard for every system to be a functional gaming machine with online/social aspects, without stifling innovation. Ironically enough, the SNES/Genesis had all 3 of those things: robust gaming systems, online with a variety of 3rd party pay-per-month services including downloadable games, interesting twists like Sega's multitap cartridge and Nintendo's FX chip.

I hope that in the end, the one thing that developers get from Nintendo is that they start to expand their ideas of what a gaming experiece can be. Creativity is good, even if sometimes it doesn't work out so well but we'll have to see how things turn out.
That works for me, I'm just not sure it'll work for Nintendo.

[jerryhussain]

That's a good analogy; Nintendo focuses on their handhelds while their home console struggles, Apple focuses on their handhelds while their desktop systems struggle.
Neither Nintendo's home console dept. nor Apple's desktop sales are struggling. Last time I checked, Nintendo was still making the most profit from their home consoles dept. and Apple's market share (desktop) is on the up. ;)

The comparision of Nintendo to Apple is perfect IMO, both arent the dominant players in their respective areas but both always try to innovate. :)

[Headhunter]

Neither Nintendo's home console dept. nor Apple's desktop sales are struggling. Last time I checked, Nintendo was still making the most profit from their home consoles dept. and Apple's market share (desktop) is on the up. ;)
Struggle for mind and market share, anyways.

The comparision of Nintendo to Apple is perfect IMO, both arent the dominant players in their respective areas but both always try to innovate. :)
Pretty much!

[(Bean)]

I know you can plug in a Cube pad, but will it ship with one? If they don't ship with one, they're essentially saying this remote is our main pad, so our main games will play with this. What kind of marketing strategy is that? Not to mention the Cube pad is not something to write home about...
.

I am sure it won't ship with a cube pad because I really don't think you will need it much. Because the remote and add on that comes with it IS the MAIN pad. They are innovating because they want to be unique therefor as I said it would be foolish not to use it. Think of it this way if someone said that there were 3 systems they were all gonna have the same games all gonna play the same way - except #1 is most powerful #2 is next and Revolution is least - why would you buy the Revolution. On the other hand if someone said #1 is most powerful, #2 has best online setup, #3 has very fun and UNIQUE games that stand out as different. Then you have a choice - for me powerful means very little because some of the best games I have played and continue to play don't compare graphically to the current ones. I do LOVE Xbox live and I don't think PS3 or Revolution will beat that. I also want to play these unique games on Revolution. When I think of Revolution I don't think of Sports games. I don't think many others do either as the best hockey game isn't even made for the cube (lack of support).

PS I think the cube pad is awesome - far better than the PS2 pad or the first Xbox pad (which was so bad they pulled it).

Secondly, why would 3rd parties want to develop for them when they don't seem to care about how third party software will play on their machine? This attitude is quite apparent in the prior media choices as well as their design of the Cube pad and now their insistance in maintaining it. Asymmetry is not a good thing regardless of how Miyamoto thinks he can make a game where you can use only one button to have "fun". No system can survive on only first party software. If Nintendo didn't have Pokemon and a virtual monopoly on handhelds for the longest time, they would've been gone long ago.

To break this down - first Nintendo does care about third party developers - they have made strong inroads with many - even lending them their franchise characters to help them sell games. Link to soul caliber, Mario and friends to EA sports, Mario Kart to Namco - the list goes on. They have also helped to finance the games that these companies make for the Cube - as well as sent over programing help. I don't think it is unreasonable to want the 3rd party to develop unique games for the Revolution - and I think some will. But if they want to port that option is there. Thing is I highly doubt I will buy a port on the Revolution - I will buy unique to Revolution games. For either the 360 or PS3 I will buy the port - which ever it is made for.

I don't think the Proprietory disc was a great idea but I don't think it held alot of developers back. As well I think better copy protection makes developers happy (maybe not consumers but developers). Yes the cartridge was a terrible idea but thing was at that point they were on top - they thought they had the world by the tail and could make no mistakes. They were in the position that Sony is now - and notice what sony is doing to inovate - NOTHING. They are not setting the bar in unique play or in online. They are staying the same in hopes to keep there LARGE LARGE LARGE lead in the industry. I truly hope it comes back to bite them this generation - because taking a hit will help them to realize they have to move forward. Just like it did for Nintendo.

If Miyamoto says he can make a fun game using your finger to poke your eye - I would give it a try. How can you question a guy that has so few flops in his long long history of success. Show some respect for a games genius and atleast wait till you try it.

Also saying that if Nintendo didn't have Pokeman or the handheld market it would fail is like saying if Sony didn't have the PSone it would fail or if McDonalds didn't have the bigmac it would fail. I mean they did - of course a company would fail if it didn't have its successes. Why would they just bow out of the handheld market - it makes them money - just look what sony is doing PSP. If they didn't think there was money in handhelds Sony wouldn't try. If pokeman at very little cost brings in tons of money which they can use to help finance 3rd party games for the cube - thats great.

[jerryhussain]

More mock ups:

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05370/gun4qc.jpg

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05370/revfish.jpg
(For fishing)

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05370/revshell7.jpg

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05370/revzapper.jpg

http://xs46.xs.to/pics/05370/wheel2.jpg

[Lange]

I owned the NES, SNES and in University my roommates and I bought a PS2 which I quickly got bored of and rarely played. This is the first time since the SNES that I have really been interested in purchasing a game console.

I think it's different and I think it has a ton of potential. We all know that when we started playing games on the NES we would move our entire bodies with the controller, tilting far right to try and get Mario over some gap. This is a natural way to play games and it will attract a lot of people for the first time, and pull me back in after having contributed no dollars to the industry for a very long time.

For what it's worth.

[Sheky]

Thing is I highly doubt I will buy a port on the Revolution - I will buy unique to Revolution games. For either the 360 or PS3 I will buy the port - which ever it is made for.

This is what I was saying before...the machine is not conducive to ports and that's what a system needs to win. Nintendo cannot rely only on first party software. And they're slowly cutting themselves out of the market with this kind of strategy. Sure, a lot of people own 2 to 3 consoles, but there are lots that own only one. If the consumer is in the market to buy only one console, what can Nintendo offer them aside from a nifty interface on first party titles? I love the fact that you can play last gen titles on the Rev. But is the average one console consumer going to pick the NES Ninja Gaiden over the Xbox360/PS3 version?

Moreover, I'm not certain the Rev can handle proper ports even if the interface issue is resolved, given the horsepower Sony and MS have under their console. Nintendo has repeatedly made statements in the past indicating that hardware is not as important as "fun" or "innovation". But they're wrong. A lot of fun is being hampered by hardware limitations, in particulars to proper AI and physics. Why not put out a machine that'll match the power of the competitors AND offer a conventional and innovative interface? It just seems like Nintendo is not in the race to win but more about being in the race for the sake of it, since by all indication, they'll finish third again.

[jerryhussain]

This is what I was saying before...the machine is not conducive to ports and that's what a system needs to win. Nintendo cannot rely only on first party software. And they're slowly cutting themselves out of the market with this kind of strategy. Sure, a lot of people own 2 to 3 consoles, but there are lots that own only one. If the consumer is in the market to buy only one console, what can Nintendo offer them aside from a nifty interface on first party titles? I love the fact that you can play last gen titles on the Rev. But is the average one console consumer going to pick the NES Ninja Gaiden over the Xbox360/PS3 version?

Moreover, I'm not certain the Rev can handle proper ports even if the interface issue is resolved, given the horsepower Sony and MS have under their console. Nintendo has repeatedly made statements in the past indicating that hardware is not as important as "fun" or "innovation". But they're wrong. A lot of fun is being hampered by hardware limitations, in particulars to proper AI and physics. Why not put out a machine that'll match the power of the competitors AND offer a conventional and innovative interface? It just seems like Nintendo is not in the race to win but more about being in the race for the sake of it, since by all indication, they'll finish third again.
Nintendo always underestimates the power of their console where as Microsoft & Sony always overestimate the power of their consoles.

And keeping in mind Carmack's comments that both 360 & PS3 are about as powerful as a top end PC today, I dont think the gap between these three systems is as huge as either Sony or Microsoft would like it to be.

I have no doubts that Revolution will be the least powerful of the three consoles (given its size) just that the gap may not be as huge as I originally assumed.

[duggyb]

I think this is a bold but good move on Nintendo's part. Atleast there is one company out there trying to actually bring the gaming industry forward and have gaming as we know it evolve a bit.

I think that from a business stand point Nintendo knows that they can't lose the same amount of money that Sony and MS can afford to, so they are forced to do something to make them stand out and in way be an alternative for the gamers. And I think this is good for gamers and I can only hope that developers will back this. I mean if you were a game developer, a good game developer who enjoyed creating unique experiences for people, wouldn't you be drawn to this? If it were just Sony and MS, the only thing I think we'd see was better graphics but the same old games rehashed over and over again.

I also think that this give the Revolution a purpose in the next generation. I mean some may think it's bad that there won't be as many cross platform games for the Revolution, but isn't that a good thing? Do you really need the same game across threee platforms, what's the point of that?

I can only see something like this enhancing the gaming experience, I mean getting physically involved in a game is the next step? I mean, when you played as a kid, didn't you move around and act out what you were imagining? So what makes people think this is stupid if in fact it seems like the most basic repsonse to an engaging experience? I mean if you go into a big arcade, say Sega City, some of the best arcade games are the ones that sort of get you physically invloved.

And to all the people who think this is stupid, why do you honestly think it is? Is it becasue it's a different approach to gaming? Do you really want to continue playing the same games just with better graphics for the next 5 years or so? Aren't you glad that a company is doing something with some thought put into it other then how many cpus can we fit in the box?

I have to say, I've been into games for a long time, but to be honest I really had no interest or excitement for the next gen of consoles. Yes, their will be better graphics but that only does so much. This news about the Revolution is the first thing about the next gen that has peaked my interest, and as of yet is the only system I'm actually interested in.

So maybe each console will live up to their name sake. The Revolution just might turn out to be a revolution and change gaming and bring it into the next century where as the 360 will just be going around in circles rehashing the same thing over and over, and the PS3, it'll prove that someone at Sony's marketing department knows how to count.


wOw.....very well said....and personally i agree with you 100%.

THNX
Duggy

[(Bean)]

This is what I was saying before...the machine is not conducive to ports and that's what a system needs to win. Nintendo cannot rely only on first party software. And they're slowly cutting themselves out of the market with this kind of strategy.

Porting and 3rd party support are not the same thing. They can have 3rd party support without it being ports - unique games made just for the revolution - and already several BIG game companies are stepping up. I do agree with you that a system cannot be number one without 3rd party support but this doesn't just mean ports. Even now do you enjoy a port of a PS2 game on the Xbox - usually the first thing you notice is how it doesn't measure up to Xbox standards of graphics or online play. A 3rd party game made just for your system is best. As to how many Revolution will get - at this point it is up largely to the consumer - how many people pick up a revolution - the more that do - the less likely that 3rd party can ignore. On 3rd party support I don't think the interface or power will decide - it is us.

Moreover, I'm not certain the Rev can handle proper ports even if the interface issue is resolved, given the horsepower Sony and MS have under their console. Nintendo has repeatedly made statements in the past indicating that hardware is not as important as "fun" or "innovation". But they're wrong. A lot of fun is being hampered by hardware limitations, in particulars to proper AI and physics. Why not put out a machine that'll match the power of the competitors AND offer a conventional and innovative interface? It just seems like Nintendo is not in the race to win but more about being in the race for the sake of it, since by all indication, they'll finish third again.

Interface issue IS resolved - don't worry about that. As to power its true Nintendo often UNDER estimate on the other hand MS and SONY over estimate (LIE) about specs. Look at what Sony has said about PS2 wereas what Nintendo said about CUBE (fun not power) and even now some actually believe that the PS2 is more powerful. It doesn't take a genius to see that is not the case. While I in no way believe Revolution will be more powerful it will be powerful enough, close enough to port, if that is the direction they want to go.

As to finishing third, last, whatever - I think that has a lot to do with perception. If all you count is systems sold that maybe the case - but if you count games sold, innovation, other factors they may not be as far back as some think.

I think the biggest challenge that Nintendo has - is not the hardware, is not quality of games, it is simply that there are many who won't give Revolution a chance. Whats cool with their friends is Playstation so they don't give Nintendo a try. I hope the look of the Revolution helps with this but time will tell.

TO everyone who looks at this thread - Give the Revolution a try - don't just write it off. If its not for you, fine but decide for yourself not based on what others say

[Kerlo]

One game that I think will improve if released for the Revolution would be Katamari Damacy!

lol..... I wonder if they'll make a Mario version of it . . . :lol:

[Evil Techie]

so this uses gyroscopic sensors to detect position and orientation?
does it use wifi and so on?
how does it account for such a big range of motion and the space needed for movements

very intriguing piece of technology

[Headhunter]

As to finishing third, last, whatever - I think that has a lot to do with perception. If all you count is systems sold that maybe the case - but if you count games sold, innovation, other factors they may not be as far back as some think.
Nintendo has been profitable so far, but they'll find it hard to stay that way if their market share keeps shrinking.

I think the biggest challenge that Nintendo has - is not the hardware, is not quality of games, it is simply that there are many who won't give Revolution a chance. Whats cool with their friends is Playstation so they don't give Nintendo a try. I hope the look of the Revolution helps with this but time will tell.
I absolutely agree, but there aren't enough of us risktakers to keep the Big N afloat; they need casual fans.

TO everyone who looks at this thread - Give the Revolution a try - don't just write it off. If its not for you, fine but decide for yourself not based on what others say
I'll see you in line at midnight come launch day. :)

One game that I think will improve if released for the Revolution would be Katamari Damacy!

lol..... I wonder if they'll make a Mario version of it . . . :lol:
Heh, there's already a Mario DDR, so why not? We can roll through and destroy Bowser's kingdom or something.

so this uses gyroscopic sensors to detect position and orientation?
does it use wifi and so on?
how does it account for such a big range of motion and the space needed for movements
You deploy a sensor onto your television, which then wirelessly detects your console's movement and button input. It's pretty slick.

[Evil Techie]

You deploy a sensor onto your television, which then wirelessly detects your console's movement and button input. It's pretty slick.


actually im asking for something more technical and detailed to satisfy my hungry curiousity.
thanks for trying though
i suspect it wont be infrared sensors they will be using

[The Digital Dolphin]

actually im asking for something more technical and detailed to satisfy my hungry curiousity.
thanks for trying though
i suspect it wont be infrared sensors they will be using

I believe it's BlueTooth, deffinately not infrared! ;)

[jerryhussain]

I believe it's BlueTooth, deffinately not infrared! ;)
Yep, Bluetooth is confirmed.

I'm assuming the IR looking output is for detecting the angle, distance from the reciever. Dont quote me on that though. :razz:

[Headhunter]

actually im asking for something more technical and detailed to satisfy my hungry curiousity.
It's Bluetooth, the movements required by the Revolution controller means there isn't the kind of consistent LOS that infrared requires.

[Sgt_Strider]

I believe it's BlueTooth, deffinately not infrared! ;)

Just curious, where did you read that it's using bluetooth? I don't see any bluetooth mentioned in the previews.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just curious, where did you read that it's using bluetooth? I don't see any bluetooth mentioned in the previews.

I can't remember :confused:

I've been completely inundated with info from various sources... but my friend who is 10x the gamer I've EVER been (and I WAS a gamer at one point in my life) has been raving to me about how happy he is it's BlueTooth. I'm FAIRLY certain I saw it on one of the reviews I read as well... but I can't remember. I know the info goes all the way back to when the system was unveiled though.

[Headhunter]

I'm FAIRLY certain I saw it on one of the reviews I read as well... but I can't remember. I know the info goes all the way back to when the system was unveiled though.
Same here, I remember seeing it on one of the top gamer sites...

[jerryhussain]

I can't remember :confused:

I've been completely inundated with info from various sources... but my friend who is 10x the gamer I've EVER been (and I WAS a gamer at one point in my life) has been raving to me about how happy he is it's BlueTooth. I'm FAIRLY certain I saw it on one of the reviews I read as well... but I can't remember. I know the info goes all the way back to when the system was unveiled though.
Here you go: ;)

The Revolution controller may look like a stylish television remote, but there's a lot more to the device than its glossy exterior suggests. The remote-like peripheral, which has been called the "free-hand style controller" and "pointer" by Nintendo, interacts with a sensor bar placed above, below, or near televisions. The bar contains two sensors that communicate with the controller using Bluetooth technology. The marriage transforms the pointer into a virtual wand of sorts, enabling users to move objects and characters in games simply by moving the peripheral. The sensors read the pointer's every move in real-time space. They can detect up, down, left and right motion, and also translate forward and backward depth. The controller's sensors also recognize twisting, rotating and tilting movements. In short, any motion made by arms and wrists can be translated to Revolution games.
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651559p1.html

[(Bean)]

Here you go: ;)

Quote:
The Revolution controller may look like a stylish television remote, but there's a lot more to the device than its glossy exterior suggests. The remote-like peripheral, which has been called the "free-hand style controller" and "pointer" by Nintendo, interacts with a sensor bar placed above, below, or near televisions. The bar contains two sensors that communicate with the controller using Bluetooth technology. The marriage transforms the pointer into a virtual wand of sorts, enabling users to move objects and characters in games simply by moving the peripheral. The sensors read the pointer's every move in real-time space. They can detect up, down, left and right motion, and also translate forward and backward depth. The controller's sensors also recognize twisting, rotating and tilting movements. In short, any motion made by arms and wrists can be translated to Revolution games.


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


Thanks - everytime I read about how versitile it is I am impressed.

[tonychau]

It coming on PS4 when Sony has steals it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/08/PS4.JPG

[(Bean)]

It coming on PS4 when Sony has steals it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/08/PS4.JPG


LOL

Couldn't be more accurate! Once sony steals an idea its GOLD to all the fanboys who have been blasting it as terrible on Nintendo.

hehe

[wedgin]

Everyone worries about Nintendo's standing in the videogame world, when really they have no need. They made lots of money with the Gamecube, even though it was the least popular of the big three consoles. Xbox was an absolute disaster financially, yet everyone still stands behind them. Nintendo works to be innovative and sell gaming to new consumers instead of selling to the hardcore gamers. It's an interesting perspective. Microsoft and Sony are preaching to the choir. Nintendo is actively seeking out new users for their products and to introduce new people to gaming instead of selling to the core audience they know will already buy it regardless. They'll be the cheapest console on the market, so alot of people will buy it as a second console, just like alot of gamers have done with the Gamecube. Nintendo will always have interesting, console exclusive games that will appeal to gamers of all sorts.

[poppa]

they worry because they care about Big N (despite some may not want to admit it for their ego)

[jerryhussain]

It coming on PS4 when Sony has steals it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/08/PS4.JPG
That Kutaragi bastard ! That list is incomplete (J Allard). :cheesygri

[tonychau]

hope this work.

I wonder how would you do a upper cut? :D

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/drummer3992/revo_btch_slap.gif

[sleepyguy]

I have a feeling there may be lawsuits of some sort coming soon... imagine a violent fps where your character is weilding knife of some sort... acting out the violent precedure is much more involving than pressing a button. Just my 2cents.

[tonychau]

don't worry, most game developer's companies have a legal department to look after it.

There is always the Disclaimer at the beginning of the game, which nobody read.

Same thing with photographic graphic from PS3 and X360 if the games get too "real" to life, blood or violence.

I could see the first launch titles would be mostly sport titles with swinging a bat, fish rod or your golfclub.

Here is a bloody accessories for GC's Resident Evil 4
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2005/news/02/16/re4chainsaw_screen001.jpg

I do agree with you, with the remote controller from Nintendo Rev now is more then an act and thought!

[Evil Techie]

Here you go: ;)


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

thanx, thats what i wanted to know

[chdude3]

I have a feeling there may be lawsuits of some sort coming soon... imagine a violent fps where your character is weilding knife of some sort... acting out the violent precedure is much more involving than pressing a button. Just my 2cents.I think Nintendo was also forced to give out fingerless gloves when players of the original Mario Party (like myself) got blisters from the stupid analogue stick spinning games! :)

[(Bean)]

New gun controllers idea:


http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/653/653867/controller-concepts-gun-games-20050926040502125-000.jpg

http://cube.ign.com/articles/653/653867p1.html

[_pOtEnZa_]

man, cant wait to get my hands on this, i wonder if thell rls sex games where you have to wank the controller ROFL

god my wrist hurts just by looking at how much motion it will take to play a boxing game *sigh*

nowthless a gr8 inovation once again for nintendo, way better than the boomerang ps3 lol

[Ziggy007]

Have any of the fanboys realized that Nintendos plans to make you buy a hundred different add-on type things just to use this controller properly? They have spent less time talking about the controller now than its capabilities when combined with some other random Nintendo piece.

So basically you can buy the Revolution at a cheaper price than the 360 or PS3 and then pay the difference in controller peripherals, or just get the better console from the start.

[sleepyguy]

They are pretty much all like that... look at the 360.. BS that you can't use the original xbox controllers on it. I'll wait until all of them drop to the $200 price range... well the Nintendo one to drop to $75 :)

Have any of the fanboys realized that Nintendos plans to make you buy a hundred different add-on type things just to use this controller properly? They have spent less time talking about the controller now than its capabilities when combined with some other random Nintendo piece.

So basically you can buy the Revolution at a cheaper price than the 360 or PS3 and then pay the difference in controller peripherals, or just get the better console from the start.

[tonychau]

Yes Nintendo is going to plan all different configuation of controllers and add to the game price. BUT if I remember correctly PS2 Eyetoy with the game or Taitio Drum Master is the same price of a new release game, so who actual benefits here??

Need more example?
1) Donkey Kong Bongo with game
2) Mario Party 6 with Mic
3) DDR with dance mat
4) All PS2 Eyetoy with games ($14.99 from TRU sale, try to beat that on a regular game)
5) Taitio Drum Master ($14.99 from TRU sale, try to beat that on a regular game)
6) GBA Pinball with Motion sensor thing

I won't worry about it when the next generation all games price could start at $70 cdn (unconfirmed) because the "detail" photographic context and longer developing time. I will second thought about investing my money in this hobby soon enough.

Tony

Have any of the fanboys realized that Nintendos plans to make you buy a hundred different add-on type things just to use this controller properly? They have spent less time talking about the controller now than its capabilities when combined with some other random Nintendo piece.

So basically you can buy the Revolution at a cheaper price than the 360 or PS3 and then pay the difference in controller peripherals, or just get the better console from the start.

[taro-chan]

Have any of the fanboys realized that Nintendos plans to make you buy a hundred different add-on type things just to use this controller properly? They have spent less time talking about the controller now than its capabilities when combined with some other random Nintendo piece.

So basically you can buy the Revolution at a cheaper price than the 360 or PS3 and then pay the difference in controller peripherals, or just get the better console from the start.
I argee with tonychau. Nintendo will probably package the shells with the game itself. You can probably buy those on their own as well (for multiplayer).
You forgot about the Guncons. One came with each game (ie Time Crisis).

[(Bean)]

Time magazine does:

5 New Things That Will Blow Your Mind

Guess what made the list. Here is the article, check it out.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1118338-2,00.html

[Angultra]

Now the newbs won't look ridiculous when they move their whole body with the games!

...actually, now we'll ALL look ridiculous.

[Headhunter]

Now the newbs won't look ridiculous when they move their whole body with the games!

...actually, now we'll ALL look ridiculous.
Gamers unite! :razz:

[gdhannah]

Ahhh MARIO PARTY! wonder what MP7 will be like!

MMmm noticed the new Mario Kart as well. Hopefully it's better than it's previous gc version. Love the new paste your face feature.

Yeah. Maybe they can finally do better than the SNES version of Mario Kart. I've bought 3 nintendo consoles for mario kart games that didn't live up to the original (n64, GBA, & GC).

[gdhannah]

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

video from IGN

Cool video. I like the idea that they don't show you the games - even though you've never seen the controller, you know what they're doing from the actions and sounds.