Revolution controller unveiled

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:07 am

http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651301p1.html

OK, a motion detector setup with the main "controller" unit which looks like a remote control.

One-hand operation unless you attach some extension like a separate analog stick.

We need a "scratches head" emoticon here.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:16 am

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

f***in Nintendo LOL

mobiggins · Post by **mobiggins** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:54 am

Strange thing is that Nintendo have been at their most revolutionary when their products were the most mainstream. Everytime they're gone out on a limb (virtual boy, ROB, N64) they've bombed, whereas the NES, SNES, and GameBoy have been industry trailblazers without being all that original. Still, you always have to give Nintendo the benefit of the doubt. We'll see. I like the Cube, I think it's a great system that suffers from the same wonky controller that the N64 did.

The new controller looks interesting, but how are you going to play old-school SNES games on it? It's only got two face buttons?

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:06 am

Well depending on how hard it would be to support this controller, this could kill 3rd-party support, especially from companies like EA whose business model is cross-platform games.

I'll give it a chance but in the end, will the Nintendo first-party games be good enough to overcome any deficiencies in this controller?

Or maybe, Mario 128 or whatever they will call it will make great use of this controller (the way Mario 64 did with the N64 controller). Maybe Miyamoto will be vindicated once again.

Either that or people will throw these things in a fit of anger and not being tethered, they'll be damaged or cause a lot of damage.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:12 am

Hey! I've got this controller already. How cool is that? Nintendo is allowing us to use our existing TV remotes to play Nintendo games!

Dear lord, Nintendo...what the heck are you thinking?! That's one of the dumbest 'innovations' I've ever seen. They must've rehired the Virtual Boy designer for this one...

b_assassin · Post by **b_assassin** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:33 am

Given all of the secrecy and hype about this controller, it is no surprise that many people are going to be puzzled and/or unimpressed by it. I can't say I totally get it, but I think I'll try it out before proclaiming the stupidest most non-innovative thing ever ever evar.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:43 am

Yeah Nintendo is pretty crazy and out there which is why I love them....I'll reserve judgment until I actually get to use the thing in my own two hands...

But off the top of my head that seems pretty darn odd and weird and not such a good decision. I'm sure Nintendo games will work well for it but it just seems weird for about anything that would need to be ported.....

Nintendo has done it again.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:25 am

b_assassin wrote:Given all of the secrecy and hype about this controller, it is no surprise that many people are going to be puzzled and/or unimpressed by it. I can't say I totally get it, but I think I'll try it out before proclaiming the stupidest most non-innovative thing ever ever evar.

Totally agree.

I think it looks VERY interesting and am VERY intriguied by it. I am sure it will be used in conjucntion with some extremely fun, innovative games. Is it a different approach? Yep. Is that a bad thing? Nope.
I am a bit shocked at all of the negative reactions so far in here. I guess people really do fear change.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:39 am

Spooky wrote:
b_assassin wrote:Given all of the secrecy and hype about this controller, it is no surprise that many people are going to be puzzled and/or unimpressed by it. I can't say I totally get it, but I think I'll try it out before proclaiming the stupidest most non-innovative thing ever ever evar.
Totally agree.

I think it looks VERY interesting and am VERY intriguied by it. I am sure it will be used in conjucntion with some extremely fun, innovative games. Is it a different approach? Yep. Is that a bad thing? Nope.
I am a bit shocked at all of the negative reactions so far in here. I guess people really do fear change.

People can be too accepting of change as well. I think people's reactions are pretty normal after looking at that thing. I was hoping for a more traditional controller with some sort of stylus functionality like the DS. You can't tell me that this new controller doesn't look awkward as hell to hold. Maybe it's the best damn way of controlling a game ever but my initial reaction upon looking at it is that it is the dumbest thing anyone in the videogames industry has ever done and will likely ever do. Did they hire EA to make a controller? That's a total gimmick.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 9:44 am

Interesting design, but looks extremely uncomfortable. There's a reason why controllers are ergonomically made. It's too flat in my estimation.

I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo introduces couple different controller designs down the road.

btmmayor · Post by **btmmayor** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:12 am

Spooky wrote: I am a bit shocked at all of the negative reactions so far in here.

When has there ever been positive reactions to a Nintendo product here? Remember the DS introduction? Funny stuff in those few threads.

Instead of just kicking out basically the same console with more horsepower, Nintendo is bringing something new to the table and taking the "console war" in a direction that actually matters. Its now not just about brand names, mascots and polygon pushing power.

If its not successful it might very well drive Nintendo into the ground, but if they had just kicked out the Gamecube 2 with a more standard controller and more power, would their chances really be any better?

Boltman · Post by **Boltman** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:14 am

Spooky wrote:
b_assassin wrote:Given all of the secrecy and hype about this controller, it is no surprise that many people are going to be puzzled and/or unimpressed by it. I can't say I totally get it, but I think I'll try it out before proclaiming the stupidest most non-innovative thing ever ever evar.
Totally agree.

I think it looks VERY interesting and am VERY intriguied by it. I am sure it will be used in conjucntion with some extremely fun, innovative games. Is it a different approach? Yep. Is that a bad thing? Nope.
I am a bit shocked at all of the negative reactions so far in here. I guess people really do fear change.

I'm to lazy to retype this, so I'll copy/paste my post from OS here......

I think that controller is bad, I can care less about companys trying to seperate themselves in the controller department.

I want what I am used to, not something I have to relearn, people nowadays try to reinvent everything, some great things just dont need reinventing.

I was not going to buy the Revo anyways, thank goodness that I dont have to use that bastarized controller. I really dont need to play a newest version of Zelda / Metroid / Mario / Mario Kart / etc etc..... Same ol' rehashed sh!t every year.

If my son or daughter wants one, then for them, sure I'll buy it, but I wont be playing jack on it.

If I want to DL old school games from back in the day, I'll do it and play them on my PSP.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:21 am

There are videos of people using the thing. Looks like they're having fun, waving the thing like a gun or using it like it's a sword. But they don't show how those motions and gestures translate on the screen.

Has Nintendo proven that all the different genres of games implied by their video would work with this thing or are they depending on developers to meet the potential?

The other question is, Nintendo has already said the Revolution will not compare with the X360 and PS3 in graphics capability (not having HDTV support for instance). Could the cost of this control scheme have taken dollars away from using more expensive GPUs, for instance?

btmmayor · Post by **btmmayor** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:23 am

Boltman wrote:

I want what I am used to, not something I have to relearn, people nowadays try to reinvent everything, some great things just dont need reinventing.

Forward thinking at its finest.

For those of you who "want what they are used to" here is clip from a Eurogamer article that addresses the issue of 3rd party compatability:

--

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

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

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

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

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:34 am

Here's the link to the video (in the middle of the page):

http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2005/09/16/443527.html

At first glance, I'm intrigued, but I don't see it being a good idea. I really like Nintendo consoles and support the decisions they make because they usually have games, and games only, in mind. But, IMO, sometimes they try to go too far outside the box and I think this is another example. However, they do mention that there will be add-ons that the tradtional controllers for legacy systems and I have no doubt that there will be a more traditional version of a controller for Revolution as well. They would be shutting out too many thrid party developers by not having more buttons and something more traditional to use.

Basically, from watching the video, I don't think I will like this controller if it is indeed the primary controller for the new games. Maybe it's me, but it seems like too much work. I play games to relax. If I wanted to over exert myself I would go exercise or play sports. I don't really want to tear my rotator cuff or need to have Tommy John surgery from playing videogames. I don't think I could do the rehab.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:41 am

Using that controller could be a part of the rehab.

Actually, one impression I read was that initially, the writer flailed the thing around a lot playing Zelda but then relaxed and cut down his motions and used more efficient gestures to accomplish the same tasks.

But they're still refining the accuracy of how gestures translate to on-screen movement.

If you look at newbies with controllers, they are pushing too hard on the buttons, they have all kinds of awkward body lean, etc. Maybe this is something that once people are used to, will feel more relaxed and natural.

If it isn't, then there will be arm and shoulder fatigue and it could be a bust. Has Nintendo studied this issue or have they been more focused on engineering details?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:10 am

wco81 wrote:ff it isn't, then there will be arm and shoulder fatigue and it could be a bust. Has Nintendo studied this issue or have they been more focused on engineering details?

I think they've been too busy trying to rip off liberally from the iPod school of design.

This thing basically looks like the bastard offspring of an iPod and a TV remote, disguised as a video game controller.

Take care,
PK

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:18 am

I've always preferred my controller to be as invisible of an interface as possible, so that I forget that I'm actually holding or using one, and am just able to focus on the gameplay. Nintendo is very big on making the controller and/or peripherals part of the game experience. While I admit some of these types of things are fun (Maracas, drums, etc) almost all are very limited, gimmicky, and usually, IMO, are not worth the added expense.

However, if you can't compete graphically, I suppose it makes sense to go gimmicky. Next up, the Kirby face lattice that makes your on screen hero inflate when you puff out your cheeks, and the Mario Ass Pads that register when you do a butt-bomp in your living room.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:05 pm

Time will tell of this turns out to be a dud or the next evolutionary step. At least they are trying something new and different.

I find it funny that Nitendo is getting so much heat here for this, while at the same time people are b&*ching in another thread about Madden 360 being so much the same.

I'm glad somebody is going out on a limb to try and take gaming a step forward. Without ideas like this, gaming will get old after a while, and people will move on to other things to entertain them. The 360 and PS3 are nothing more than slight upgrades. Just like we get every year in software we are now getting from MS and Sony every 5 years in hardware.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:07 pm

I am sure EA looked at that controler and just decided it was not worth porting next-gen games over to the Revolution, unless every game is set default with "Easy Play" as the only control choice.

Sorry but I just do not care for that controller and it is yet another step toward Nintendo driving away what few sports gamers they have playing their systems.

At least with the Jaguar pad I could play games and call someone at the same time.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:09 pm

I like the idea of it quite a bit for swordplay and even baseball titles, but the idea of flicking the controller up to make mario jump makes my wrist hurt just thinking about it. Still, I'm sure there'll be a handful of games where it's really well utilized, and I appreciate the unique approach. I don't need three systems that basically do the same thing this time around.

Noledog · Post by **Noledog** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:13 pm

in 30 seconds during a conversation with a co-worker, i spat out 5-6 ideas you could do with this controller that would be impossible with any current console controller.

Boltman wrote: I was not going to buy the Revo anyways, thank goodness that I dont have to use that bastarized controller. I really dont need to play a newest version of Zelda / Metroid / Mario / Mario Kart / etc etc..... Same ol' rehashed sh!t every year.

that is one of the worst excuses for not buying a console i have ever heard. but everyone here is willing to buy the next version of madden, ncaa, gran turismo, ww2 shooter, etc.

some of the best gaming experiences i have had this generation of consoles is on the gamecube. the number of games might not up there and the graphics might not be in HD, but jeez, the gameplay is original and one of a kind.

imagine you are playing the latest zelda, animal crossing or whatever, you step into a town and they are having a festival. you deceide to hit the midway and play a few minigames. lets see....you could play ring toss, darts, skee ball, shoot water in teh clowns mouth, drop the sinker in the fish bowl, etc. so what if you have to get off the couch.

just because this controller doesnt fit the current mold and let you play madden or the latest free roaming gangster game...who cares. what if the next madden focuses on this controller, you sit in the pocket in 1st person view and are actually throwing the pass now. what about a golf game where you are swining the club (saw the video of them playing tennis) instead of pressing a button 3 times.

if it wasnt for the NES gamepad, we might still be using a joystick as a controller. dont forget that before N64, everything was digital. now everyone has 2 analog sticks.

i wouldnt be surprised that by chirstmas 2006, sony and MS have some controller that is movement based.

edit - the more i see about the 360 the less i am interested in one. why in the world would i want to pay 700+ to play games i can basically play now. for 50 bucks i can turn my current xbox into a media center extender, which i find the most compelling reason to get a 360.

there is no solid info on the PS3

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:18 pm

Again, I'm all for forward thinking, but my hands/arms are uncomfortable just looking at this thing.

Also, how easily/often do you think that cord will break or fray? With nothing solid to hold each part in place I can easily see someone's hands going in two different directions, putting a lot of tension on that rather short cord. Also, keeping both hands/arms in the same relative position independently for extended periods of time...again, seems like a lot of work.

Obviously, without having actually using it I will hold final judgement. But, from what I've read and seen I can't envision it being anything but a gimiick and a failure that won't appeal to the masses. Again, they mentioned having more "traditional" adapters available, so I will hold out hope that there will be something different for the Revolution to use as a standard controller.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:24 pm

NINTENDO IS THE MATURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Married guys find additional use for Nintendo controller to please their wives after years of married sex.

DO NOT CLICK THE LINK IF PEOPLE ARE NEARBY
http://sigdepot.nhldepot.org/8Blink9/RevolutionGame.jpg

tsunami · Post by **tsunami** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:30 pm

Noledog wrote:imagine you are playing the latest zelda, animal crossing or whatever, you step into a town and they are having a festival. you deceide to hit the midway and play a few minigames. lets see....you could play ring toss, darts, skee ball, shoot water in teh clowns mouth, drop the sinker in the fish bowl, etc. so what if you have to get off the couch.

just because this controller doesnt fit the current mold and let you play madden or the latest free roaming gangster game...who cares. what if the next madden focuses on this controller, you sit in the pocket in 1st person view and are actually throwing the pass now. what about a golf game where you are swining the club (saw the video of them playing tennis) instead of pressing a button 3 times.

I understand what you're saying...but IMO, doing all that doesn't sound like fun or the reason I am playing videogames in the first place. If I need to do that much physical activity I'd rather not play...I could do other things. And, now I have to make sure I have enough space around the TV to run around and swing my arms and body? And, how will multi-player work? People will have to play in separate parts of the room. I sure as hell don't want to get accidently punched in the face because my friend is trying to make his character move left.

Again, I'm all for Nintendo's creativity. But, moving too far out of the box makes for a "niche" experience (ala Donkey Konga, DDR, the game with the maracas, etc.) and I am not convinced the general public is going to buy into this. Maybe it will be hot in Japan...but I certainly don't think it will be in NA.