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Game Forum / Nintendo / Game Boy / September 2005Understanding the Revolution Controller
http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651559p1.html Understanding the Revolution Controller If you use two pointers, can four people still play? How will Revolution handle more conventional games? We've got the facts. by Matt Casamassina September 16, 2005 - Nintendo's Revolution controller has set the videogame industry abuzz with excitement and in some cases confusion. One glance around popular community message boards proves that gamers are both blown away by the possibilities and simultaneously scratching their collective head about how the peripheral might interact with more traditional software. The device is so dramatically different from the accepted norm that we'd be surprised if readers weren't thrown for an initial double-take. But once the details about the new controller sink in, it's not difficult to see the gameplay possibilities lurking just beyond the horizon. We've combed over all the controller details and put together a handy list of facts about the peripheral that, we believe, will help clear up any misconceptions about what it does and doesn't do. As readers will see below, the Revolution's input mechanism is thoroughly flexible and preemptively ready for any type of gameplay challenge. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What exactly is so special about the Revolution controller? A: The Revolution controller may look like a stylish television remote, but there's a lot more to the device than its glossy exterior suggests. The remote-like peripheral, which has been called the "free-hand style controller" and "pointer" by Nintendo, interacts with two motion sensors placed on the left and right sides of a user's television. The marriage transforms the pointer into a virtual wand of sorts, enabling users to move objects and characters in games simply by moving the peripheral. The sensors read the pointer's every move in real-time space. They can detect up, down, left and right motion, and also translate forward and backward depth. The controller's sensors also recognize twisting, rotating and tilting movements. In short, any motion made by arms and wrists can be translated to Revolution games. The free-hand-style unit also comes standard with three gameplay-specific face buttons, three menu-specific buttons, a D-Pad and an underbelly trigger. In addition, the unit's bottom shell can be removed, revealing a slot for expansion peripherals. Nintendo has several add-ons planned, some of which we'll detail below. The pointer is completely wireless and features built-in force feedback. Gamers can rotate the free-hand-style unit on its side to play NES software on Revolution. 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. Gamers simply make a casting motion to send the line flying and pull back on the pointer to tug a fish upward once it has taken the bait. In a sequel to Luigi's Mansion, the pointer might be used as a flashlight. Gamers point to the area they want to illuminate and Luigi's flashlight spotlights it. Voila. In a tennis game, the pointer becomes the racquet. Players swing the device as they would a racquet to smash tennis balls back at opponents. The list goes on and on and the options only increase when the peripheral's expansion functionality is considered. Q: What kinds of expansions are planned? A: Wide assortments of peripherals are possible, but thus far Nintendo has only officially confirmed two of them. The first is an analog stick/trigger unit that Nintendo has dubbed the "nunchuck-style controller." The second is a conventional controller cradle/shell. Nintendo has also indicated that it might like to explore other expansions. It used Donkey Kong style bongos and a light gun as examples. Q: What does the nunchuck analog/trigger unit do? A: The small, ergonomic peripheral attaches to the bottom of the pointer by way of a short cable, and is easily grasped in one hand. The device features a single analog stick on its top side and two triggers, labeled Z trigger 1 and 2, underneath. The unit extends the functionality of the pointer and really shows its usefulness in certain genres, particularly first-person shooters. Imagine the possibilities. With the analog stick in one hand, users move Samus Aran around the environments in Metroid Prime 3, freeing up the pointer to act as the heroine's gun. The result is a level of control so responsive and accurate that its closest rival is a PC/mouse configuration. Incidentally, Retro Studios created a demo of this very setup that was at TGS 2005 previewed to a select group of editors, IGN included, and it was very impressive. "Our current plan is for each [Revolution] hardware system to be sold with the free-hand-style controller and the nunchuck-style expansion controller," confirms Nintendo of America's senior director of public relations, Beth Llewelyn. Q: What does the conventional controller cradle/shell do? A: This add-on makes it possible to play Revolution games in a more traditional manner. The shell is designed to look and function like accepted "regular" controllers, such as the Wave Bird. After its bottom casing is removed, the Revolution's free-hand-style remote is inserted into a gap in the middle of the controller shell. Gamers can then use the shell as they would a traditional controller, with a notable difference: the pointer remote's sensory functionality remains active. As a result, gamers get the best of both worlds: more buttons and two analog sticks along with motion-sensing operations. In a Revolution version of Madden Football, gamers might be able to use the combo to control players with the shell's analog sticks and execute pinpoint passes with the pointer's improved accuracy. Nintendo has not yet released official imagery of what the controller shell might look like. However, we've created a mock-up (above) based on what we know of its functionality. The real controller shell is likely to connect to the free-hand-style pointer in a very similar fashion. Please note that we realize our model is not entirely to scale, but this is the best we could do on short notice. Q: What do all of the buttons on the free-hand-style pointer do? A: The main controller features a D-Pad, an on/off switch and several different face buttons, three of which are dedicated solely to gameplay. Directly below the unit's D-Pad is an oversized A button. Farther down are two more buttons. In officially released screenshots, these buttons were labeled "a" and "b" respectively. However, when Nintendo president Satoru Iwata held the controller up at his Tokyo Game Show 2005 keynote speech, the buttons were clearly labeled "X" and "Y." The buttons were also labeled "X" and "Y" in Nintendo's Revolution controller promo video, which suggests that the final product is much more likely to use the letters. "The [Revolution controllers shown] are still prototypes so there may be slight changes in the final versions," says Nintendo's Llewelyn. It should be noted that the oversize A button is used for primary action functionality. It might be used to make a character jump in a first-person shooter, for example. The X and Y buttons are more likely to be used when the controller is turned on its side in order to accommodate classics NES games. Located in the middle of the controller are three menu-ready buttons: select, home, and start (from left to right). Nintendo has not yet explained what the home button is used for, but it is likely to bring up a Revolution's central operations page -- something akin to Xbox Live. From here, we suspect gamers will be able to manage their downloaded software or go online, among other things. The only other thing of note on the face of the controller are the blue LED indicators, bottom, that show what controller port the unit is wirelessly using. The underbelly of the controller features an ergonomic indent directly opposite the top's D-Pad. This area houses the B trigger, which is also considered a primary action button. This button, easily accessed by players, might be used to fire a weapon in a first-person shooter or to grasp an object in a god game. Q: Does the Revolution's free-hand-style controller use batteries? A: Yes, although the specifics in that regard are still being determined. We suspect that the unit will use rechargeable batteries and that a charging dock station will be made available either with the console or sold separately. Nintendo may have chosen to attach add-ons to the unit with cables instead of wirelessly in order to avoid further battery issues. Q: Can users wield two free-hand-style controllers with Revolution games? A: Yes. Nintendo's Revolution controller promo video shows players using two pointer controllers to execute various gameplay tasks, such as beating virtual drums. Q: Can four players wield two free-hand-style controllers each? A: No. Only four free-hand-style controllers can be used total, according to Nintendo. Therefore, if one person used two pointers in a multiplayer game, only two additional people could play, each with one pointer. Q: Won't potential light gun add-ons fail to work correctly with Revolution owners who use high-definition televisions? A: No. Revolution's sensory technology does not interface with TV scan lines, as is the standard with traditional light guns. Because of that, light gun games are entirely possible with Revolution regardless of television type. Q: Has Nintendo revealed all the features of the Revolution controller? A: No, we don't believe so. Certain secondary features still remain hidden. Nintendo itself may be defining these features even as it tests and reworks the controller. Q: What does the conventional controller cradle/shell do? A: This add-on makes it possible to play Revolution games in a more traditional manner. The shell is designed to look and function like accepted "regular" controllers, such as the Wave Bird. After its bottom casing is removed, the Revolution's free-hand-style remote is inserted into a gap in the middle of the controller shell. Gamers can then use the shell as they would a traditional controller, with a notable difference: the pointer remote's sensory functionality remains active. As a result, gamers get the best of both worlds: more buttons and two analog sticks along with motion-sensing operations. In a Revolution version of Madden Football, gamers might be able to use the combo to control players with the shell's analog sticks and execute pinpoint passes with the pointer's improved accuracy. ______________________________________ OK. I feel a lot better about this. The conventional controller cradle/shell sounds great. Craig > OK. I feel a lot better about this. The conventional controller > cradle/shell sounds great. > > Craig I really don't get the lukewarm reception and people being more concerned how conventional games are to be played. Nintendo have taken a risk, and come up with a new way of playing, if it works as well as described, possibly conventional games won't be as enticing. Imagine a tennis game, as well as hitting and adding power, you'll be able to add top/back spin in the same fashion as you would with a real tennis racket- with a twist of the handle. If the mechanics of the game work well, it'll relegate future versions of Virtua Tennis on the PS3 and Xbox360, however advanced graphically to the level of pong. Maybe the this version of the controller won't be as sophisticated as we wish, but at the very least it's a start and an eye opener for industry on what's possible besides improvements in graphics.. ..and on top of that, the back catalog of Nintendo games will be available! Genuine innovation in gaming+traditional gaming+value for money, what more do people want?!! > I really don't get the lukewarm reception and people being more concerned > how conventional games are to be played. Nintendo have taken a risk, and > come up with a new way of playing, if it works as well as described, > possibly conventional games won't be as enticing. don't worry, nintendo loves new ways of playing games. Virtual Boy, anyone? >> I really don't get the lukewarm reception and people being more concerned >> how conventional games are to be played. Nintendo have taken a risk, and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > don't worry, nintendo loves new ways of playing games. > Virtual Boy, anyone? Yes, but it's Nintendo risk, not ours. Either it'll work like some of their previous ideas, or it will crash and burn like some others. Some people like new ideas and a fresh outlook, even if sometimes there's a risk of failing, and some people like to be safe and do the same thing again, and again, and again..... > > OK. I feel a lot better about this. The conventional controller > > cradle/shell sounds great. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > Genuine innovation in gaming+traditional gaming+value for money, what more > do people want?!! Yes but changing the way we play games might work for some games, not others. You example of Tennis could apply as well to Golf, but how about team sport games (football, basketball, hockey...) ? So for those you still need a traditional controller. Antonin >Yes but changing the way we play games might work for some games, not >others. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Antonin who says you do?  Signaturegamertag: chrisflynnuk Live Line-up: To Be Updated When I Can Be Arsed. > Yes but changing the way we play games might work for some games, not > others. Its a new console with a new input method - I'm sure some type of games will die, but whole new styles of games will surface including improvements over old,(FPS, RTS, Sports). If people want a conventional system, the Xbox360 and PS3 will be available for them. What's the point of Nintendo offering the same? Besides they obviously don't have the resources to compete at sony/microsofts game. We've got a real choice next generation and it's a good thing IMO. > You example of Tennis could apply as well to Golf, but how about team sport > games (football, basketball, hockey...) ? Why not, you've got the analogue stick in one hand to control player movement and the remote for shooting/passing(and that's ignoring the buttons).If we want to play a lazy port from the likes of EA, we've also got the option of a rumoured cradle adopter for the remote. > So for those you still need a traditional controller. Its also got a NES-style traditional control, already on the remote. >>Yes but changing the way we play games might work for some games, not >>others. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Its also got a NES-style traditional control, already on the remote. It's amzaing how all these people aer crying about all the games they won't be able to play. They don't seem to care about all the games they haven't even thought of that are now possible with a controller like this. "But, but... how will I play Halo? *sniff*" joemono > It's amzaing how all these people aer crying about all the games they > won't be able to play. They don't seem to care about all the games they [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > joemono Exactly, Looking at games charts is proof enough, people just want more of the same. And what's there to complain about - if it doesn't live up to its potential, we won't buy it, simple. At least it's given people something to talk about besides - OMG DID YOU SEE THE TRAILER. MGS4 and RIDGE RACER ROKZ!! > > It's amzaing how all these people aer crying about all the games they >> won't be able to play. They don't seem to care about all the games they [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Exactly, > Looking at games charts is proof enough, people just want more of the same. I think it's more a case of "the market is full of boringly similar titles so people stick with brands they know." Choobs SignatureSir Chewbury S. Gubbins "Dreamers come and go but a dream's forever" Gaming Diary: http://www.nelefa.org "Roll for initiative, monkey boy!" It's amzaing how all these people aer crying about all the games they won't be able to play. They don't seem to care about all the games they haven't even thought of that are now possible with a controller like this. "But, but... how will I play Halo? *sniff*" joemono _______________________________ What games will people be able to play that they can't play now? I find it hard to get excited about games no one has thought of. What about people who never play sports games since sports should be played for real?. Craig > It's amzaing how all these people aer crying about all the games they won't > be able to play. They don't seem to care about all the games they haven't [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Craig What about RTS games?, the pointer could act as a mouse which is plenty for playing an RTS.... a new take on horror survival games like they hinted at in the video.... how about finally having a true 1st person fighting game, or even 3rd person over-the-shoulder?.... this controller would be stunning for RPGs in a comfort issue (never thought RPGs needed both hands to play).... perfect control for FPS games, I can't wait to play a solid FPS with this thing..... imagine how cool Pikmin could be with this controller... and last but not least we may have a return of top notch light-gun games. Sure it may limit some types of games but thats what the controller cradle is for. If nintendo plays their cards right they will be able to do *anything* the others can and heaps of stuff they can't. f.ck, I can't believe im excited about a nintendo product..... have pigs started flying yet? Wurm > If the mechanics of the game work well, > it'll relegate future versions of Virtua Tennis on the PS3 and Xbox360, > however advanced graphically to the level of pong. No it won't. People still play and enjoy the likes of Tony Hawks on a controller, even though peripherals like dance mats and snowboards are available for games. >> If the mechanics of the game work well, >> it'll relegate future versions of Virtua Tennis on the PS3 and Xbox360, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > controller, even though peripherals like dance mats and snowboards are > available for games. But the accessories at the moment for the likes of Tony Hawks are basically a control-pad with a suitably designed shell to mimic realism - so you might as well just use the pad! The revolution controller is more than just point left/right/up/down to replace the d-pad movement. I'm hoping it will bring a completely fresh approach to gaming ideas. Or maybe it will be crap, I dunno. What I do know is that Donkey Konga would be half the game without the bongos! >>If the mechanics of the game work well, >>it'll relegate future versions of Virtua Tennis on the PS3 and Xbox360, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > controller, even though peripherals like dance mats and snowboards are > available for games. Do you find playing DDR/Samba/Donkey Konga etc. etc. any fun with a joypad? As much as people rave about VT, there's really very little to it, even Super Tennis on SNES was more varied and challenging. People might still enjoy playing it with a pad, but compared to how it /could/ be played it'll could seem fairly backwards in comparison. Depends on how such a thing'd be executed, but I know which way I'd rather be playing, if it were possible. Signature[ste] "Throw me your matches 'cause I like to burn stuff" > Do you find playing DDR/Samba/Donkey Konga etc. etc. any fun with a > joypad? As much as people rave about VT, there's really very little to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > how such a thing'd be executed, but I know which way I'd rather be > playing, if it were possible. It might well be better, but that wouldn't make more conventional pads obsolete. Whilst a steering wheel is the best way to play a driving game, I still have no problems playing driving games with the D-pad on a controller. The same goes for playing FPS's - it is far, far better on a mouse and keyboard but I have no problems playing them on a controller. >>Do you find playing DDR/Samba/Donkey Konga etc. etc. any fun with a >>joypad? As much as people rave about VT, there's really very little to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > It might well be better, but that wouldn't make more conventional pads > obsolete. I don't believe anyone siad it was, more that it could make playing with a conventional pad seem over simplistic (that's not really the right word for it - less advanced maybe better?) in comparison. > Whilst a steering wheel is the best way to play a driving game, I > still have no problems playing driving games with the D-pad on a controller. > The same goes for playing FPS's - it is far, far better on a mouse and > keyboard but I have no problems playing them on a controller. Same here re: steering wheels/pads, but I can still appreciate that the wheel is the better way to play really even though I never choose to play that way (mainly due to not having enough driving games to warrant buying a wheel more than anything). Can't play an FPS with a joypad to save my life, unless thay have some sort of auto aim which kind of defeats the object.... Signature[ste] America: The country where it's OK in a videogame to shoot whores in the head and steal their money, but two fully clothed characters simulating sex can get the same game removed from the shelves. > I really don't get the lukewarm reception Remember how badly everyone ragged on the DS? The "gimmicky" design? And now that there are a few good titles out there, what do people say? Gamers can be just as conservative as any other group. They fear what they don't understand. It took a while for them to understand the DS, but now they get it. Right now, they don't understand the Revolution. Once we have good games that use it, they'll accept it. Well, except the trolls. >>I really don't get the lukewarm reception > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Once we have good games that use it, they'll accept it. Well, except > the trolls. I agree, people ragging on a a company that is making a genuine effort with creativity seems very strange to me and I think says more about the people posting than Nintendo. The only criticisms I hear are by people who haven't bothered to imagine or investigate the possibilities offered "How will I play Halo?", "I'm not going to wave my arms around" etc. - when it's clear that an fps would be more than perfect for this and that it's proven that very little movement is needed at all. Sure it's funny looking but ask yourself? Do you have a closed or open mind when it comes to new things? Are you going to become one of those old people who sits and complains about new fangled technology and how it used to be? The only criticism that I have is that it's a bit sterile looking - but since Nintendo's last 'fun' looking console wasn't exactly a success in comparison that's a logical move. > Right now, they don't understand the Revolution. > Once we have good games that use it, they'll accept it. Well, except > the trolls. but no one understands it... except for a few, no one has played the games.. it may be great it may not be... but your blind assumption that there will be good games is no better than the person assuming it will be a crap gamesplaying experience. cNp > but no one understands it... except for a few, no one has played the games.. > it may be great it may not be... but your blind assumption that there will > be good games is no better than the person assuming it will be a crap > gamesplaying experience. > > cNp I don't think there has been a big-name console in history which hasn't had at least a few good games. Its a pretty safe assumption to make. We can crap on it all we want if it turns out to be rubbish, but while we have little idea of how it's going to pan out, what's wrong with being hopeful for its potential? > We can crap on it all we want if it turns out to be rubbish, but while we > have little idea of how it's going to pan out, what's wrong with being > hopeful for its potential? Cynicism, years of disappointment, crushed wills, the N64... :¬) I hope it is good, I hope they do more than just Mario/Yoshi/Kirby Motion Sensor Tennis; But I've been buying Nintendo consoles since the SNES and this is the first round of consoles I won't buy the Nintendo model until it proves itself. Mebbe I'm just too old. cNp >> I really don't get the lukewarm reception > > Remember how badly everyone ragged on the DS? The "gimmicky" design? > And now that there are a few good titles out there, what do people say? Considering that 44% of all game sales in Japan last week were DS titles, I'd hardly call it a gimmick anymore. ;-) I'm not sure if the gaming press has changed it's tune, but people are speaking with their pocketbooks. > Imagine a tennis game, as well as hitting and adding power, you'll be able > to add top/back spin in the same fashion as you would with a real tennis > racket- with a twist of the handle. Or Soul Calibur where you use the controller to actually weild the sword... > Or Soul Calibur where you use the controller to actually weild the > sword... My kids' play room will be a shambles if the Tennis idea comes to fruition, much less Soul Calibur Revolution... Nick Signature#include<stdio.h> /* sigmask (sig.c) 20041028 PUBLIC DOMAIN */ int main(c,v)char *v;{return !c?putchar(* /* cc -o sig sig.c */ v-1)&&main(0,v+1):main(0,"Ojdl!Wbshjti!=ojdlAwbshjti/psh?\v\1");} |
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