Nintendo Controller (must read if you play videogames)

Wow, this thing is NUTS. Nintendo has either just revolutionized videogames for real, or just sealed their own fate. This controller is unlike anything you've ever imagined. It looks like a remote, but the controller senses its position in 3-D space. There is also an extension for a separate piece for your left hand with a traditional analog stick plus two "trigger" buttons (flat buttons like the PS2, not real triggers like XBox or Gamecube). The remote looking part has a button trigger underneath and then you can see the top. It also has two buttons at the bottom. The console (codenamed Revolution) is backwards compatible with every Nintendo system ever made, and they will be allowing downloaded games on their network. If you turn the remote on it's side, you can see how it would function as an original NES controller.

Now,for more traditional types of games, the system uses the same inputs as the Gamecube, so you can use that controller or a Wavebird with the system. But the exciting part is the new controller. There is a "shell" that they have not shown yet which will allow you to put the remote into it and turn it into a more traditional controller. The reason they haven't shown it though is they want to focus on the new control possibilities in the remote controller. Some of those include, being able to control things in true three d space. The remote can sense when you turn it right or left, when you move it up and down, or in and out. On top of that, it senses the speed, and if you tilt the controller in relation to gravity. Also, the remote can funtion as a light gun type device allowing you to point at objects on the screen to interact with them. Rumored and almost certain would be a shell to all it to turn into a steering wheel.

If you're still with me, lets take a look at this thing:



Alright, that's the remote. Notice particularly that you can use it in either hand. Also notice the distinct lack of buttons, this is all very intentional. You have your main A button, and the directional pad which could also function as four buttons. There is a B button underneath, probably much like the N64 trigger. It's wireless, and as I said, it can "see" what it's looking at on the screen.



This is what the thing looks like with the analog extention. This piece does not sense itself I don't think, and as I said, at the "top" of the piece there are dual triggers much like the PS2 Dual Shock controller. I think this pic is in the hands of a child, as it looks much smaller here....



To help visualize a little, here is a mock up of a potential steering wheel extention, the possibilities are really endless though.



Notice the steering part hooks into an expansion port built into the bottom of the remote part.

And here is an idea of what playing a game might be like with this remote controller.

 

Nintendo lost its collective mind a decade ago. The only thing they could do to surprise me now would be to make a good decision.

 

nintendo is now the pusher of niche games that only 200,000 people would find entertaining. Playing stuff like Donkey Konga, where you beat drums might be cool to the general person for like 15 minutes, the the appeal dies quickly. This shit will get old and doesnt even sound that great to begin with. I'm sure we'll see a lot of 3rd party developers laugh at it and not want to setup cross platform games for it.

 

As a Nintendo fan I have to admit I am biased, but as a videogame player I am trying to impress the control possibilities this controller opens up. You could have a golf game where you swing the remote like a club, baseball game like a bat of course, a virtual pool game, I mean there are so many different types of games that could really benefit from a new control method. It looks awkward when you first see it, but it also becomes an intuitive control, so that everyone can play videogames. Take a look at this video to see the controller "in action" for some play ideas that Nintendo is trying to promote. Also keep in mind these people are actors, and not actually playing ANY game. For this thing to really work, the technology has to have incredible accuracy and feedback visually. If either are off, this will be the worst controller ever made.

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

 

Yes, I couldn't agree more. We won't see traditional 3rd party games on this machine, but as a player who has grown fairly bored with videogames as a whole, this opens the door for NEW ideas etc. The problem with that, is that Nintendo WILL finish in third place this generation. People will not buy this machine over an XBox 360 or a PS3. The traditional gamer will choose between these two systems, and then some of them will pick up the Revolution. If the Rev is as groundbreaking as I think it could be, it will go from there and likely revolutionize controls on every machine. If not, it will be a niche market of the remaining Nintendo supporters and early adopters.

Either way, it was the only chance Nintendo had at winning this generation, coming up with something crazy, and I'm glad they tried something new. If you've played the GBA game Wario Ware Twisted, you have an idea of what this control scheme could feel like, only on a much more limited basis. I also agree if all it gets are gimmicky and mini-games, it won't do well. This thing will need some strong word of mouth, and it makes you wonder if/how they will do kiosks to let people try it for themselves. No mainstream person would buy this blind without trying it I don't think. It just looks too foreign.

 

It seems that Nintendo realizes that some people will want a regular controller though, since IGN says the revolution will be released with both the remote controller and a addon shell that looks like the gamecube wavebird. They made a mockup pic. If it uses the same features, then all is fine again. Go Nintendo...I hope it doesnt turn out to be the next Power Glove

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

 

It's gonna be a while before they beat this bad boy.

 

The Gamecube controller blows the PS2 controller away, IMO.

More comfortable, less buttons, easier to use, and Im a fan of the triggers on the Gamecube controller and xbox controller.

That said, Im a PC Gamer at heart, and feel 10x more comfortable with a keyboard and mouse than I do with ANY console game controller.

 

yeah, but sony killed it..

new ps3 controller

 

I have a freind who went to E3(he loves anything sony) and said that the new ps3 controller is the most uncomfortable controller he has ever felt. If they actually release this controller then they are making the same mistake xbox did when they released the Duke(the XL controller) when it first launched. I actually think the xbox360 controller will be better. It is made by logitech, or at least on thier design. Logitech made the most comfortable wireless controllers for the ps2 and xbox.