Nintendo Announces Revolutionary Revolution Controller

// September 16th, 2005 // Fun Whatnot, My Stuff, Newsy Goodness, Technology Bits

Yesterday Nintendo announced at Tokyo Game Show, details about the controller for their next-generation video game system, titled “The Revolution.” On first glance the controller looks lame, but the distaste ends there. The more I see and read about this thing the more I want to get my hands on it.

In what I’m certain will be a hugely controversial move, the basic controller is one handed and looks more like a remote than a controller. However, a chip inside the controller can track its position and orientation. This allows physical movements of the controller to be represented as in game motion or general input. Imagine slashing a weapon or aiming a gun just by pointing.

You can also switch to the ‘Nunchaku’ configuration where an expansion controller plugs in for the other hand giving additional buttons and an analog stick. The two controllers are then connected by a short cord.

In my opinion, the key to this controller is that anyone can pick it up and start playing. It is fundamentally intuitive. Don’t believe me? When was the last time you handed someone a controller and watched them leaning and moving the controller all around in front of them? Sure this is usually parents, girlfriends, or generally non-gamer types (obviously there are exceptions to those stereotypes), but I want the whole family to actually be able to play games together. I want to fish with nephew, fight with my niece, play party games with my grandmother, etc. Currently the console is something I turn off when people come over, it would be a lot of fun to have anyone play.

But it’s not just for beginners, this interface is far more natural for first person shooters. Aim with one controller, walk with the other. The uses of this are endless, hopefully the games are made available.

Finally I am actually excited about a next generation system. If Nintendo can produce the right selection of games satisfying all different types of gamers, advanced especially, the Revolution could in fact revolutionize the industry.

Don’t think Sony doesn’t realize the industry is changing, just look at their involvement with the DDR pad, the Eye Toy, and microphone input. They are trying this too, but haven’t realized the simple answer is a massive improvement of the basic controller. Microsoft just doesn’t get it at all. They are addressing only the “bigger and better” sort of needs. That will only take them so far. This combined with much higher anticipated price points could finally put Nintendo back in the game.

From GameSpot:

Overall, despite its unorthodox appearance, the Revolution controller has a comfortable feel. The assorted demos on hand also indicated that playing Revolution games will be a more active, physical experience than playing current-generation games. Whether a player uses the pointer mechanic to actively control onscreen action or uses two hands to take advantage of attachments, the Revolution controller will likely change how games are played.

Still don’t believe me? Skeptical? This is just an Ad, but it shows a level of fun I haven’t found with a group of varying skill leveled friends since Super Smash Brothers…

Must Watch Video on IGN

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6 Responses to “Nintendo Announces Revolutionary Revolution Controller”

Mike says:

September 17, 2005 at 11:08 am

You know that is very true, the only game I’ve been able to get my family and girlfriend into is
Katamari Damacy since it has very simple controls. Just push both analog controler sticks, kinda like a tank. I can’t wait for its sequel We Love Katamari.
Matt says:

September 18, 2005 at 9:36 pm

“When was the last time you handed someone a controller and watched them leaning and moving the controller all around in front of them?”

Wario Ware: Twisted! for the GBA comes to mind. Perhaps that was a preview?
Mike says:

September 20, 2005 at 1:17 pm

http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=165
No Sheep » says:

April 12, 2006 at 10:24 pm

[...] Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications George Harrison confimed that there will be 20 games at launch of the next generation system currently codenamed Revolution. According to NintendoRevolution.ca, 1/3 of those games will be coming directly from Nintendo. [...]
No Sheep » Play Duck Hunt or Just Kill the Dog says:

May 21, 2006 at 9:42 pm

[...] As we all patiently wait for the Nintendo Wii, one of the potential games we’re all hoping for is a new Duck Hunt. This seems like a no-brainer with the controller. Anyway, while we all wait until the end of the year for that, check out these two online Duck Hunt games right now: [...]
No Sheep » We Love the Wii says:

November 22, 2006 at 11:52 am

[...] Sunday was launch day for the Nintendo Wii in North America. I have been waiting in anticipation for this since the revolutionary controls were first announced. With all the hype and my own personal excitement leading up to this, I greatly feared that I would be underwhelmed and overall let down. I’m here to say that is not the case. [...]

No Sheep!