Meet the Revolution's controller.

[Pococurante]

The X-Box 360, for all its stupidity, is also converging the Internet with a Set-Top Box. The Media Center? Also goodness which I can get great use out of.

Agreed. Which is exactly where our console friends misunderstand the trend.  A special purpose game machine with a few danglies is not going to eclipse a general purpose machine.  Right now that general purpose machine is the PC.  Consoles are becoming PC-ish - hell the next one's *are* PCs.  Stereos are becoming PC-ish, little more than circuitry integrated into the host platform.  Television is already well on its way to being a PC with onboard DVRs.

When my physical interface lets me do the taxes, pay the bills, catch some Daily Show, watch the video someone emailed me, play a few rounds of WoW with my kids, etc.... then it's going to look suspiciously like a keyboard with peripherals.  Not a trendy vibrator.

Consoles are a footnote to the path of convergence.  Not the focal point.

I think a few of us are misunderstanding the direction of the game industry.  Yes right now a lot of folks would rather produce for a few platforms.  But then there are game devs that think they're going to roll in Blizz-like money piles selling games for mobile phones.  Foolishness. In short anyone walking away from the PC games market is simply making opportunity for companies that want to expand revenue AND reduce production costs, not just reduce production costs.

[WindupAtheist]

And lo, the internet did say "LOL!"

http://nintyrevcontroller.ytmnd.com/
http://revolutiontv.ytmnd.com/
http://nintendowins.ytmnd.com/
http://nindancedotdoop.ytmnd.com/
http://nrc.ytmnd.com/

[HaemishM]

Consoles are a footnote to the path of convergence.  Not the focal point.

They are the focal point for games makers wanting to turn game licenses into multi-media brands.

I think a few of us are misunderstanding the direction of the game industry.  Yes right now a lot of folks would rather produce for a few platforms.  But then there are game devs that think they're going to roll in Blizz-like money piles selling games for mobile phones.  Foolishness. In short anyone walking away from the PC games market is simply making opportunity for companies that want to expand revenue AND reduce production costs, not just reduce production costs.

Mobile games are profitable, and can be great funding apparati for other games. PC games will be more nichified so long as convergence machines become more prevalent and consoles keep being profitable. Of course, this next console gen could also be the harbinger of the next great video game crash, seeing as how none of the consoles have impressed me for shit over the previous gen.

[Pococurante]

Your last statement is the only one applicable to consumers.  Businesses have to do more than market goods that meet internal business goals - they have to sell goods that satisfy a demographic and raises barriers to adoption of competing businesses.  If EA decided Monday morning to never distribute another PC game again they'd simply become another Atari.

[Strazos]

PC games use the keyboard and mouse because they are there and because PCs do not come with a controller. That doesn't make it a good idea to play games with them.

A KB and Mouse combo is better than a controller for a lot modern games, ESPECIALLY anything played from a FPS view.

Anyone who thinks they are better at something like Halo with a controller is a fucktard and should be summarily shot.

[voodoolily]

First of all, since most of you are primarily PC gamers, I offer a reminder that some of us prefer console games because a) they're more couch-friendly (without Sky's blinged-out system) and b) we are tired of keyboards because we spend all day working/fucking off at them. Second, lest we forget the system is called the Revolution. Perhaps Nintendo shot themselves in the foot by insisting that they are the new wave (as they've done in the past, evidenced by their drastically evolving consoles since the beginning), but I for one welcome a brand new toy, not just a shinier version of the old one. And a toy is really all it is.

I've gotten used to using a new controller before, and I'll do it again. I think that oftentimes what we percieve to be flaws in a controller are actually flaws in the programming itself; like games where you can't automatically position the camera directly behind you with the push of one button (I get dizzy having to swing the camera around manually with the analog stick, and dammit I shouldn't have to!). Or games where you jump before the cliff but the game thinks you were too late and you fall in the ravine. It doesn't matter which button does the job, as long as doing the job is enabled.

Yes, this controller is totally different. So the fuck what? Are we really untrainable monkeys?

[WindupAtheist]

Yes.

[HaemishM]

If you played MMOG's, you'd have known the answer to that question before you asked it.

[Shockeye]

[Margalis]

It would have been a lot better if it just came with a mouse and keyboard. And a hard drive. And your choice of video cards, sounds cards, RAM, etc. That would have been great.

What I look for in a console is something I have to play at a desk. Desk = fun!

[schild]

We joke about them coming with all that stuff, but I would kill for a unified platform that remained constant. Game may actually get some use out of a computer instead of maybe or maybe not running. The problem is standardization. Throwing a hard drive, keyboard and mouse on a console is one step closer to destroying the PC.

Something i look forward too. I'm tired of gaming at a desk.

[Yegolev]

Congrats to Margalis for being level-headed about this news.  This isn't anything to freak out about.  Of course, this is not a community where we come to be level-headed, so that may not be what we are looking for.

I skimmed the article and read up on the commentary.  I think the reactions are too negative, but I'm not going to tell someone what to think.  Of course, I'll have to use one before making a concrete statement, but it looks great.  I am sure that N has done usage testing, so I am not too worried.  I remember being sort of intimidated by the NES controller at first, and it was certainly tough on my hands at first.  Many cases of "Nintendo thumb" later, not only can I open pickle jars with my thumbs, I don't have any issues with that style of controller... that style being the one that dominates today.

I guess what I am saying is that if I got used to the damn NES controller, then the SNES shoulder buttons, then the tiny analog stick and trigger introduced on the N64, and eventually evolved into someone that can mow down crowds in GTA:SA with horrific efficiency using the god-awful number of control surfaces on the DualShock II, then I will certainly be able to adapt to this.  The part I acutally think I am going to dislike is the short cord between the two halves.  That shit should be longer or also wireless.  I can see myself all spread out on a beanbag, lazily blasting metroids.  Just need a bowl of bacon in my lap.

Or I'll just use my Wavebird.  The fact that Cube controllers are supported really negates any fears I might have about the new controller.  Plus, the inevitable MadCatz POS that will come along... in fact if history is a guide, this controller will inspire (arguably better-designed) features in future controllers if nothing else.  Like the D-pad, the analog stick and the trigger.

With that filed away, I think that this controller would be great for RE5.  Maybe RE4 too, but you'll want to buy the "Director's Cut" or whatever.

A KB and Mouse combo is better than a controller for a lot modern games, ESPECIALLY anything played from a FPS view.

You are exactly right and this is why I dislike console FPS so much.  A controller is shit for that sort of thing, but at least everyone is crippled in the same way.  I submit that I could out-aim you in Quake if you used a mouse and I used a laser-pointer.  I'd also have less wrist strain.  That practice in the cineplex is going to pay off for the kidz.

[Shockeye]

I look forward to trying out the new controller. Whether it works for me or not is something I'll find out.

[MrAsh]

I'm holding out on all judgement for it due to the fact there hasn't been a controller of this type that has the features it does. It may be brilliant; it may be horrible. But no one can form an opinion based on facts about it because there's nothing to compare it to yet. There are things that may be vaguely similar, but a direct comparison isn't possible. So, I'm giving it a five out of sheer neutrality. It's a very flexible five through and will definintely change.

If there is one system that I think will live or die based on demo units in stores, it's this one.

[Jain Zar]

The Gamecube demo units got me to buy that system, so it is certainly possible.  The controller felt smooth and silky, and Rogue Squadron 2 was all awesome looking and such.

Im gonna go wait and see on this one.

[AcidCat]

The evolution of the console controller reached it's pinnacle with the Dualshock for Playstation: Easy access to as many buttons as any sanely-designed game should ever need, plus analog sticks in an accessible but non-intrusive location.  Everything else has just been varying degrees of too big, too complicated, and too ugly.

Very, very true.

[Bunk]

I'd always assumed that Quality Control would prevent a company from ever releasing a truly useless controller with the console. That was until I met the Xbox - Sputnik Head Controller. I couldn't even reach all of the damn buttons, the stupid thing was so freaking huge.

Mind you, there was also a time when I assumed that consoles would always come with two controllers and a free game by default...

[voodoolily]

You are exactly right and this is why I dislike console FPS so much.  A controller is shit for that sort of thing, but at least everyone is crippled in the same way. 

Not very different, methinks.

[Murgos]

We joke about them coming with all that stuff, but I would kill for a unified platform that remained constant. Game may actually get some use out of a computer instead of maybe or maybe not running. The problem is standardization. Throwing a hard drive, keyboard and mouse on a console is one step closer to destroying the PC.

Err.  Did you live through the last 25 years and the open architecture revolution or were you in kind of a daze?

There are dozens of proprietary systems, a big obvious one being any line produced by Apple.  There are real reasons why they aren't what you think they should be.

[schild]

You missed my point, but it's ok. The Xbox is the closest thing to a unified PC platform for games, but even then it's immensely underpowered. The 360 is the next step in that direction without a keyboard and mouse. The Phantom on paper - without the bullshit streaming service for games is where I'm going - it's a good idea.

[ahoythematey]

For those who may not read Corpnews.

[schild]

For those who may not read Corpnews.

You mean, for those of us who actively avoid IGN.

[WindupAtheist]

Q: Can you give us an example of how it might work in a game?

A: Sure. Imagine a fishing game in which the pointer essentially becomes the fisherman's pole.

No.  Fuck you.  Give us an example of how it might work in a game that people would actually buy.  Oops, you can't.  The only interesting bit of information in there is the fact that you'll be able to plug this abomination into a shell that makes it into a real controller.

[ahoythematey]

For those who may not read Corpnews.

You mean, for those of us who actively avoid IGN.

Oh right, I forgot that f13 is the zenith of class and maturity.  Just admit you are being a douche because Nintendo is doing this.  Nobody seemed too up in arms when Capcom did it with Steel Battalion for one game at probably the same price($200).

WUA: They did give examples, such as Metroid Prime 3 or Luigi's Mansion 2.  The thing also has force feedback, which gives me a great deal of hope that the Revolution will see some new version of the Time Crisis series without requiring me to purchase yet another goddamn lightgun, or maybe even Point Blank if Namco loves us.  And it could even work as a substitute for old-school stuff like Yoshi's Safari or that Battlemech superscope game, which I foolishly sold back in the day.

[schild]

Ahoy, calm the fuck down. I was merely pointing out the fact that Corp linked to somewhere that Blues News linked to on IGN and you said that it was for those of us that don't read Corp. It had nothing to do with the controller. But I've realized the problem here, you designed the controller - it's why you've taken it so personally.

Edit: And last night I realized my big problem with the new Ninty controller. It's the sort of thing you sell as an accessory (as it DOES have limited use) - or bundled with a game, like a DDR Mat - I'd have much rather them put a Wavebird or two into the retail Revolution box. Wouldn't that be an insane idea. Put two controllers into the retail box. We haven't seen that in more than a decade.

[ahoythematey]

I agree, it would be great if they reverted back to the old-school method of a world-class game and two controllers.  Also, considering the backlash I see the initial controller design is giving I'd suggest they package each system with the "controller-shell" they have planned, so developers can develope with that in mind too and not worry about having to build game schemes around the unique components if they don't want to.

I suppose I am being a bit combative, but I see the controller backlash and keep remembering how people reacted to the first Spaceworld videos of windwaker, which I thought were amazing myself.  It seems like Tom is rich man now because everybody owns one of his jumping-to-conclusions mat.

[Llava]

I look forward to trying out the new controller. Whether it works for me or not is something I'll find out.

And after having a day to think about this, I've decided the same thing.  I genuinely hope it works.  But I hold no illusions that Nintendo's system will once again lack many of the titles that you see coming out for other systems that make you think "Oh shit, I want to play that game!"

Sometimes, it sucks not being able to afford to buy every major system.

[plangent]

Well, I was actually at TGS and saw Iwata-san's presentation.  If you haven't seen the promo video displaying how the controller can be used you can watch a streaming copy here.  From what I saw, I think the Revolution is going to be a fantastic platform.  Obviously it is still in early development, but the concept is brilliant.

The "direct pointing device" in the tip of the contoller allows the console to track where on the screen the controller is pointed, how far from the screen it is, and what angle it is being held at.  This will allow for tennis games where you swing the controller like a raquet.  Action RPGs where you swing the controller as a sword.  Resident Evil type games where the controller acts as a flashlight.  FPS games where the controller acts as a gun.  The possiblities for this system are really mind blowing if the tracking and responsiveness can be fine tuned.   From the hands on reviews I've read it sounds like they are well on their way to doing this.

I saw the demos for the 360 and the PS3, but I left the show wanting a Revolution.

[WindupAtheist]

"Swing your controller as if it was the sword/racket/pole" is a gimmick, unless this controller can somehow strive to halt itself in midair, thus providing resistance.

[plangent]

Well, if you've ever swung a tennis raquet you'll notice that it's not inertia that stops it but your arm's range of motion.  There will be a rumble pack though, so you'll be able to feel it when you hit the ball.  I see your point about how it would relate to a sword, but these are video games.  A certain amount of suspension of disbelief is required.

I understand the skepticism here and I share some myself.  I too remember the power glove.  It's all about whether or not they can pull it off, but the concept is, imo, undeniably brilliant.

[MrHat]

"Swing your controller as if it was the sword/racket/pole" is a gimmick, unless this controller can somehow strive to halt itself in midair, thus providing resistance.

Some gyro's and accelerometers do that easy.

[eldaec]

The damn thing reminds me of those dodgy game systems they stick on the back of the aeroplane seats on long haul flights.

That isn't good. Obvioulsy.

[Margalis]

I saw the demos for the 360 and the PS3, but I left the show wanting a Revolution.

I think the next gen of console games is going to be a low.

The NES basically invented modern gaming after the crap that was Atari. (Even at the time I thought Atari was kind of crappy) The SNES/Genesis brought good 2D graphics into the picture.

Similary, the first-gen 3D consoles (PSX, N64 and Saturn, obviously PSX moreso than the other 2) introduced 3D gaming, and the follow-ups again raised the graphics bar above what was pretty craptastic with PS2.

The thing is, 2D games today don't really look all that much better than SNES games. Yes, they look better, but not leaps and bounds better. Similarly, the jump from PS2 to PS3 looks nothing like the jump from PS1 to PS2. PS1 games look like the NES of 3D, most of them are just terrible looking.

The next generation of systems has what? Nothing. HD! Wow. What a joke. We get games that don't run as fast as they could solely for the benefit of the small section of the population that has HDTV, and that's the big "innovation"? Higher resolution - yay! And a whole bunch of warmed-over sequels. Typical Boring Driving Game 4, Future FPS 3, Ho Killer 5, Bouncing Boobie Fighter 4.

The "next generation" of games at this point is pretty indistinguishable from the current generation. I find it really hard to believe that anyone is truly amped about the next generation of games. The XBox launch list is a joke, and I'm sure the other systems won't fare much better. I have no doubt that the next Zelda will totally and completely own the entire next generation. None of the "next generation" games look like they couldn't just come out tomorrow with slightly worse graphics.

So far that's what the next gen is. The games you play today, only you have to buy another console and pay more for the games, and the plus side is higher resolution. At least on the Nintendo front they realize this.

Why would you buy a next gen system? Only because you have to if you want to play the games for it. That's it. Because the games might as well all be GC/PS2/XBox games. They are basically just current generation games with a switch flipped that let's you only play them on new hardware. Nothing we've been shown says otherwise.

[plangent]

Well, don't get me wrong.  The graphics I saw in the Xbox and PS3 demos were stunning.  The next generation is taking a step forward.  But they aren't stepping much farther than the PS1 to the PS2.  And the lineups I saw were the same games you can play on the Xbox or PS2 with better graphics.  Some of the new Live features they're planning look interesting, but the Revolution was the only thing at the show that left me saying, "Wow, that's fucking cool!"

[schild]

Demos exist to make the most brilliant examples of something. Just like Yoshi Touch and Go seemed like a great demo for the DS, it made for a shitty game. I have a Ping Pong thing from E3 that I have to review that's pretty damn fun, but it's still just a gimmick and provides limited appeal.

But really, that's all it comes down too. The neat new stuff in the controller is gimmicky and I'll still say they should have just put the motion sensor in a wavebird.