The Revolution is coming...

[Fats]

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed more details of the next-gen Revolution console, focusing on the company's plans to make online gaming more accessible and overhaul the way controllers are designed.

Speaking to Japanese weekly Nikkei Business, Iwata-san confirmed that Revolution will feature wireless LAN capability and said he hoped it would make playing games online easier for consumers.

"The next-generation console will follow along the same line as the DS [for wireless LAN]," he said. "The ideal is for users to be able to connect to the Internet without having to think about it."

Iwata-san touched on online play in his recent speech at the Game Developers' Conference, where he confirmed that the Revolution would feature wi-fi technology as a standard feature.

He went on to reveal that the Revolution had received more positive developer reviews than expected, confirming that Nintendo wants to do everything possible to keep development costs low. As part of these plans, the Revolution will use the GameCube's application program interfaces.

Itawa-san did not discuss recent rumours of a DS-style touch screen controller, but did say that controllers for current consoles "may satisfy the hardcore gamers, but they've become too difficult for more casual gamers.

"For the next-generation console, we plan to introduce a friendly user interface so that, for example, a mother who's watching her child playing a game might say, 'Oh, I'd like to try that too,'" he said. "However, user interfaces are devices that can easily be imitated by other companies, so I can't reveal any details right now."

The full unveiling of the Nintendo Revolution is expected to take place at this year's E3 in May.

www.eurogamer.net

"For the next-generation console, we plan to introduce a friendly user interface so that, for example, a mother who's watching her child playing a game might say, 'Oh, I'd like to try that too,'"

Having Childish games on their systems hasn't exactly worked wonders for Nintendo, so why on earth does Iwata think that mothers playing their consoles is going to give them anymore credit for mass market appeal? I just don't know...

[HGwells]

Wifi out of the box is cool. I hope Sony and Microsoft follow suit *If it isn't already planned*. The rest is usual Nintendo jargon.

"Itawa-san did not discuss recent rumours of a DS-style touch screen controller, but did say that controllers for current consoles "may satisfy the hardcore gamers, but they've become too difficult for more casual gamers."

Please is that's why Consoles and PCs have converters that enable you to use Playstation pads? :roll:
As usual it will be sweet for first party Revolution games but, as for third party.........

[Fats]

Honestly... This Satoru Iwata almost talks as much arse as Steve Bulmer... :shock:

[The_One]

Honestly... This Satoru Iwata almost talks as much arse as Steve Bulmer... :shock: If you haven't noticed already, Iwata is the Japanese version of Ballmer :lol:.

[Domination]

I don't know, guys, I'm a little interested in what Iwata has in store for us with the new controller. Who knows, maybe it will be a lot better than what we are using, not that the current design we are using is of any problem. But you have to think, it was Nintendo that introduced the current formula for the triggers, face buttons, direction pad, and analogue stick on the controller, and they seem to have worked quite well for the industry. Others just tweaked it a bit. As much as I hate the direction they continuously target, it's still a bit difficult for me to really doubt these guys on innovation.

[GUNDAMSEED]

He think's controls have to much buttons , also they are to complex WTF is this crap i know people who are 11 playing GTA that know how to use a ps2 control to full use is this guy crazy . i think he also forgetting that most gamers are 14-36 if they don't how use control for ps2, xbox or GC well we live in sad world .

[The_One]

@Domination: Hmm... Good point. When it comes to controllers, Big N definately gets the crown for innovation... Sure, DualShock is ergonomic, but I guess it really was Big N that came up with the analogue stick for its N64. Sony just copied it and put two on the new DualShocks (if you remember the original controllers, they didn't even have two analogue sticks).

[axia777]

I still like Nintendo, besides their many faults. But I do have high hopes for the next-gen Nintendo system. I have owned every Nintendo system and have had fun on every one. So give the Big N a chance. They look like they are still in it for the long haul. Besides, I want a next-gen Metroid!

[Z]

it was Nintendo that introduced the current formula for the triggers, face buttons, direction pad, and analogue stick on the controller
yes, but being the originator doesn’t count. Being the leader is what does. Who cares that Yankees invented TV, I pick a HDTV WEGA any day. Has anyone in the world got an American TV? Does anyone want one?
Gamers are still disputing on the worst controller: Xbox’s or Cube’s. I personally vote N64- I could swear E.T. made it.

a mother who's watching her child playing a game might say, 'Oh, I'd like to try that too,'
major turn off!

And the answer to too many buttons: simply don’t use them all- duh!
You can make a game that uses only a button. But why deprive the rest of the world? Examples are the old museum games, and very simple games that only use 2 buttons plus directions. You can also make specific controllers for certain games like the drums for Donky Konga. They worked out great!



I want a next-gen Metroid!
That is what’s selling Ninty systems- the games.

I am excited about what ninty will do with Rev. I like “new”. I immediately buy ay game with a new concept or feature no matter how good or bad it is. For example I immediately bought these titles for enabling voice recognition: Lifeline, SWAT and SOCOM (well, SOCOM for more than that obviously)
I also got EyeToy the second it came out, and even got Harry Pothead just because it has EyeToy minigames.

Bottom line is, if Rev gives anything new, I’ll get it immediately. Note that DS doesn’t cut it for me.

And yes, Sony has confirmed WiFi for PS3.

[Fats]

An interesting if somewhat speculated article ::

http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/nintendo-revolution.htm

Sorry for anyone who has read it before...

[Robert]

There's talk that the Revolution's controller will be a touch screen.

RUMOR #2: The Nintendo Revolution's controllers will be DS-style touch screens.

Source: This month's issue of Game Informer magazine.

The official story: "Nintendo does not comment on rumors or speculation"--Nintendo spokesperson.

What we heard: According to the latest Game Informer, Nintendo is planning something very different for the controller for its next-generation console. "There is no analog stick or shoulder buttons. The touch screen on the face of the controller is designed to be fully customizable, so the developer can configure the buttons any way they see fit, or in other cases will not use buttons at all, instead opting for virtual levers and or other stylus-related inputs." The article goes on to cite sources that say that "Nintendo is actually requiring developers to take advantage of unique touch-screen aspects if it wants to get approval." It also says many publishers are "skeptical" of the concept. Sound insane? So did the DS--before it sold nearly 5 million units. Plus, the very name "Revolution" means Nintendo has something industry-shaking planned for the next generation. "It wouldn't surprise me if Nintendo was that crazy," said one source close to the company.

Bogus or not bogus?: We'll go out on a limb and say this could very well be not bogus, though we won't know for sure until E3.

Source (http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/25/news_6121112.html)

[julps31]

He think's controls have to much buttons , also they are to complex WTF is this crap i know people who are 11 playing GTA that know how to use a ps2 control to full use is this guy crazy . i think he also forgetting that most gamers are 14-36 if they don't how use control for ps2, xbox or GC well we live in sad world .Yeah I guess he's talking about the older people :lol: . We al know that little kids know how to play games. But just try to get your grandma to win a game. She probably couldn't get a hang of it if her life depended on it.

An interesting if somewhat speculated article ::

http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/nintendo-revolution.htm

Sorry for anyone who has read it before...Yeah i've seen that before. I was thinking about posting it myself.

[RolandG]

I actually quite liked the presentation he recently gave, which included Elektroplankton and Animal Crossing DS.


I was playing Galaga and Bomberman on the NES at a party yesterday the whole night through and it was kind of odd how much fun it was to use the two button controller.


I think it's great that Nintendo is taking gaming in a fun direction again. The Xbox 2 and the PS3 already are doing a good job at pushing the current gaming style forward. Why should nintendo just release the same games.


Cheers to them for making things differently

[Robert]

The problem with Nintendo isn't that they're innovative, that's good. It's just that they make innovations that nobody wants. All of them are too wacky and gimmicky. If they innovated in a good way, then maybe they'd still be #1.

[Domination]

it was Nintendo that introduced the current formula for the triggers, face buttons, direction pad, and analogue stick on the controller
yes, but being the originator doesn’t count. Being the leader is what does. Who cares that Yankees invented TV, I pick a HDTV WEGA any day. Has anyone in the world got an American TV? Does anyone want one?
Gamers are still disputing on the worst controller: Xbox’s or Cube’s. I personally vote N64- I could swear E.T. made it.

Of cources it does. We're still using the formula aren't we?

[Z]

yes, we are using that formula, so? Does that make Ninty the world leader? You will be surprised to find out that most inventions are still being used the same way since they first appeared; cars still have four wheels and a round steering wheel, etc. Henry Ford may have invented cars, but Hell if it isn’t the Germans that make the most luxurious ones.
My point is, from a gamer’s perspective, I don’t care who invented gaming, analog, D-pad, rumble, etc. I care about who is considered the best right now.

Of course Ninty is still a very good game company by the way.

[Domination]

yes, we are using that formula, so? Does that make Ninty the world leader? You will be surprised to find out that most inventions are still being used the same way since they first appeared; cars still have four wheels and a round steering wheel, etc. Henry Ford may have invented cars, but Hell if it isn’t the Germans that make the most luxurious ones.
My point is, from a gamer’s perspective, I don’t care who invented gaming, analog, D-pad, rumble, etc. I care about who is considered the best right now.

Of course Ninty is still a very good game company by the way.

It has less to do with leadership than what it does with them pulling the strategy off. Step back from the picture and listen to what I am saying for a second. Some are doubting Nintendo's success in building a better controller because they are last. The point is, they pulled it off dozens of times before with others mimicing their formula. Rather they get the number one spot or not (which is highly unlikely), building a better controller is still within there power.

[Mitri]

i don't care if they make a bettrer controller or not. unless they make better decissions i won't have one. tell me who is going to buy a WHOLE CONSOLE just because it has a better controller? i have gotten used to bad controllers and so have millions of other gamers.

[Charlie]

The problem with Nintendo isn't that they're innovative, that's good. It's just that they make innovations that nobody wants. All of them are too wacky and gimmicky. If they innovated in a good way, then maybe they'd still be #1.

My thoughts exactly. After Touch Screens, Bongo Controllers, built in sencors for GBA games, and the possibility of more touch sensitivity, I'm not sure how much more innovation I can take. Especially if it alianates more people.

[Z]

building a better controller is still within there power.


That may be true, but their last entries were awful. Even their handheld is basic for more than a decade.
In any case, I still have interest in their quirky-ness

[Domination]

i don't care if they make a bettrer controller or not. unless they make better decissions i won't have one. tell me who is going to buy a WHOLE CONSOLE just because it has a better controller? i have gotten used to bad controllers and so have millions of other gamers.

Mitri, I'm not say you should purchase their next console or anyone for that matter. Hell, I doubt if I'll purchase their next console judging the direction they are heading in. That's beside the point, though. What I'm pointing out to you is they may succeed in building a better controller because their pass history has shown pretty much that these guys' formula was able to work and is still being used by even the top console makers of today.

[Domination]

building a better controller is still within there power.


That may be true, but their last entries were awful. Even their handheld is basic for more than a decade.
In any case, I still have interest in their quirky-ness

I agree, they were. But when you fall, you should not stop there. You should get back up and keep on riding until you get it right, and I believe that's what these guys are doing.

[HGwells]

Like with the DS some have fallen for Nintendo’s ploy hook line and sinker. This Joypad like the DS's touch screen is their only selling point.

Gone are the times when Nintendo could tell a company like GAME "If you stock Sonic 3. We won't ship Mario Bros 3 to your store."
This is the same company that gave us the SNES and N64 and now all of a sudden powerful hardware doesn't matter?
Nintendo believe they can't compete with Sony and Microsoft when it comes to hardware, their strangle hold on retailers has been removed by Sony. Their franchises are seen as "kiddie" and aren't that important to most gamers anymore. They now believe they have to have a Gimmick to push their product. The Gamecube pad sucks a smart move would be to improve on it. Take in to account gamers complaints and improve it in the revolution but, no that won't get the presses attention. So they come up with "current joypads are okay for hardcore gamers but not for casual gamers. So why don't we make it even more complicated with a touch screen".
If i buy the Revolution it won't be because of it's super pad. It'll be because i still enjoy some of Nintendo franchises.

Give your Mother a Nokia 3210 and a Sony P910i. 99% of the time she'll pick the Nokia 3210, with it's basic way of inputting commands and not the P910i which has a touch screen.

[RolandG]

I don't really think that it's about being number one to them right now.

Of course most of the stuff they are doing doesn't appeal to hardcore gamers, but there other people who think that the DS is cool and makes gaming fun again instead of depressing (something which I can honestly say I've experienced after turning off my console after a few hours).

The PSP is great, but I agree with Nintendo that it isn't really combating with the NDS.

The DS is just something different and fun. Just look at their touching is good website http://touchingisgood.com/.

Nintendo is hip again. Elektroplankton looks awesome and even Warioware touched has a crazy style.

So if Nintendo can pull it off to create a console that isn't directly up against the PS3 and the XBox, like they did with the DS in the handheld market, they could very well succeed.

After all I buy a Nintendo console because of the great games they are producing. After you've reached a certain age you really just can't be bothered to always get excited about the next great military first person shooter.

Of course the games Nintendo makes don't appeal to everybody, but that is their charm.

I wish them sucess and really hope that they are daring, because why should I buy a Revolution to play GTA and so on. I am sure my PS3 is going to handle that department just fine.

I really can't understand why people are getting angry at Nintendo for trying out new things. This sort of behaviour just seems very short sighted to me (no offense).

After all it's Nintendo that shaped things with Super Mario Bros. (1+3), Mario 64 and their Gamecube titles are excellent too (just think about the new Legend of Zelda, Windwaker, Metroid Prime, Pikmin, Paper Mario and so on).

All business aside, I just don't know why Nintendo should suddenly drop the ball on delievering great games on their Nintendo Revolution.

As long as they make enough money to survive and keep producing great games. Everything is fine. they don't need to be number one. and if you think that being "number one" should only be measured through sales..well it's really your loss then. And just because the NDS isn't selling as many unites as the Psps or the ps2 doesn't mean it's not successfull. People want the DS and they are buying it.

over and out

[The_One]

As long as they make enough money to survive and keep producing great games. Everything is fine. they don't need to be number one. and if you think that being "number one" should only be measured through sales..well it's really your loss then. And just because the NDS isn't selling as many unites as the Psps or the ps2 doesn't mean it's not successfull. People want the DS and they are buying it. Of course, I agree with you there from a gamer's perspective. However, to companies that need MONEY to survive, being number one does mean having the most sales, despite what others tell you otherwise.
I agree, they were. But when you fall, you should not stop there. You should get back up and keep on riding until you get it right, and I believe that's what these guys are doing.They'll keep getting up and riding alright, until the day they go bankrupt :lol:.
My thoughts exactly. After Touch Screens, Bongo Controllers, built in sencors for GBA games, and the possibility of more touch sensitivity, I'm not sure how much more innovation I can take. Especially if it alianates more people. The thing is, Touch Screen hasn't been used to its full potential... And considering how the Bongo Controller can only be used for one game, it's pretty much useless in the first place. Of course, there are plenty of other games that have a specialized controller (RE and Onimusha comes to mind), but they generally don't sell like hot cakes.

Just look at that game on the PSP that uses a tilt sensor, is it fun? Hell yeah, is it innovative? Sure. See, Nintendo has to make innovation that's FUN, not innovation that has practical applications but aren't fully utilized (e.g. Touch Screen).

Anyways, gotta essay to write for on Eugenics (any help is appreciated :P, nah, just kiddin'). Later guys.

[Robert]

Another innovation made by Sony that was FUNCTIONAL and not something wacky and stupid, was using two analog sticks to control Ape Escape. That had never been done before. And since then, every controller has had two analog sticks. So there.

[Charlie]

The thing is, Touch Screen hasn't been used to its full potential... And considering how the Bongo Controller can only be used for one game, it's pretty much useless in the first place. Of course, there are plenty of other games that have a specialized controller (RE and Onimusha comes to mind), but they generally don't sell like hot cakes.

Just look at that game on the PSP that uses a tilt sensor, is it fun? Hell yeah, is it innovative? Sure. See, Nintendo has to make innovation that's FUN, not innovation that has practical applications but aren't fully utilized (e.g. Touch Screen).

Sony isn't comissioning a tilt sencor for Murcury, they scraped that idea and just told them to use the analog stuck. And though it may have been inovative and fun back when Kirby: Tilt and Tumble came out, its not something I'm going to want to do over and over again (though I do think its time for a sequal of some sorts).

The touch screen dose have potential, but so far all I can see it as is a faux button pad, faux drawing tablet, and faux controll-pad/analog-stick. I was so estatic when I got my DS it was almost funny. I riped that sucker out and played it with much apreciation. Two weeks later I had the biggest feeling of underwhelment that I've felt in atleast 5 years. The best use of the touch screen I've seen as of now was from Metroid Prime: Hunters. Super fun game, but it gave me a cramp 30 minutes later after trying it out for the first time. And though the touch screen is a new way to play games, it isn't going to make things as dramatically different as Nintendo is making it out too be (in the long run).

I do belive inovation has to happen and that its about time someone starts doing it. Its just the way Nintendo is going about it isn't right in my opinion.

[Robert]

I was so estatic when I got my DS it was almost funny. I riped that sucker out and played it with much apreciation. Two weeks later I had the biggest feeling of underwhelment that I've felt in atleast 5 years. The best use of the touch screen I've seen as of now was from Metroid Prime: Hunters. Super fun game, but it gave me a cramp 30 minutes later after trying it out for the first time. And though the touch screen is a new way to play games, it isn't going to make things as dramatically different as Nintendo is making it out too be (in the long run).

[The_One]

Sony isn't comissioning a tilt sencor for Murcury, they scraped that idea and just told them to use the analog stuck. And though it may have been inovative and fun back when Kirby: Tilt and Tumble came out, its not something I'm going to want to do over and over again (though I do think its time for a sequal of some sorts). Aww... Shucks. It would've been better will a tilt sensor, but I guess you couldn't play on the bus or anything that moved eh?
@Robert: Why did you quote him without replying :?:

[Robert]

It was exactly my thought about the DS, so there was no reason to reply, I couldn't of said the same thing better.

That was allowed at the forums I previously visited as well, and if it breaks a rule here, it won't happen again.

[The_One]

Ah, don't worry about it, it's not in the rules. I was simply curious why you did that, since we don't see that often (if ever) in this forum. Just carry on as usual ;).

[Robert]

Woo!

Anywho. Yeah. Nintendo is way ahead of the time. They should stick to awesome first party support and normal games, instead of making games that you control by thrashing the controller around.

You: Oh yeah, I'm so winning! I'm in the ZONE, son! In the ZONE!!
/Jerks controller to the left, killing the character by walking him into magma
You: OMG NO!!!
/Throws controller to the ground make the character dive deeper into the hot boiling magma and selects "No" on the Continue screen when he hasn't saved since the first level (Him being on Level 30)

Ouch.