Since the recent Tokyo Game Show where Nintendo unveiled the barmy off-the-wall concept of their new controller, there's been an awful lot of hatred going around about this "travesty" of a console they're cooking up for us.
I too thought it a little bizarre at first, but after watching the subsequent promo
video and reading up an awful lot about it, I'm truly psyched. This has the potential to take gaming into a whole new direction we've never seen before, and even if it fails, it'll prove an interesting and entertaining failure in its own right.
With all that in mind, I wanted to clear up a few misconceptions about this thing. It's a shame to see innovation shot down in flames like this (IGN Boards, I'm looking at you), particularly when a) it's not even out yet, and b) when, well, half the arguments and complaints are just flat-out false. Let's run through the most common ones, shall we?
This isn't a Controller, it's a Fuckin' Light Gun
 | | No, it's not the new iPod |
|
No, no, no. It's amazing how many people have misunderstood how this thing works; it's very much
not just a simple "point at the screen and shoot" deal. People calling it a remote control just flat out don't get it.
As well as the usual buttons and D-pad controls, the Revolution controller also responds to movement. This means the console can sense when you raise it, lower it, tilt it, and swing it. Think of it like a 3D mouse.
In fact, I can explain this better if you play along with me; pick up your PC mouse right now and rest your wrist on your lap. Now rotate it around, and imagine this in fact moved your cursor. No mouse pad, no flat surface...just rotating it around in mid-air. This is the basic concept of the Revolution controller, except it's also wireless (unlike my crappy mouse...).
Now the fun begins. Imagine moving that mouse in an FPS environment, with it controlling your view in all directions. But also imagine if tilting it left and right let you lean in the game as well.
 | | The joypad attachment is always available when needed, giving you additional abilities in games such as character movement |
|
The Revolution's controller then includes an optional add-on joystick for moving and strafing, perfect for emulating the WASD keys on a PC keyboard, and it's quite clear that when put together, this system has not only the potential to blow away the flawed dual analogue control system of console FPS games, but also the long-loved mouse and keyboard setup of PC titles too. It really is that good.
But this system isn't just about FPS games by any means. In fact, its possibilities are endless. The Nintendo demonstration shows off 15 or so amazing ideas for games on this thing, but the most interesting to me are the sword-fighting and tennis games. Imagine slashing and hacking away at your telly - or better still - your mates. It already sounds like the best beat 'em up ever, and ideas like this give the Revolution an almost VR slant to it.
Then there's the add-ons. We're told it clicks into additional peripherals with ease, giving the controller much enhanced capabilities as needed. Web fans are jumping all over this and already coming up with stunning (but fake) ideas for such contraptions, a bunch of which can be found in our
forums (boy do I love the idea of that steering wheel add-on). This general concept of having different possible snap-on controllers for each game means every single one can feel a world apart from the next.
Fine, from what we're told, light gun functionality
is in there too, but it's not the main purpose of the controller by any means, just another feature. It's just one a ton of ways with which this controller can be used, so most definitely don't expect to just be pointing at the screen and playing Duck Hunt all day.
How About That Wrist Cramp, Eh?
Wrist cramp will be no more a problem than on current systems. As touched upon above, there's really no need to hold this thing out in an abnormal way.
Yeah, the promo shows tons of people waving it around and pointing it this way and that, but in practice you'll be able to rest it on you knee like you do with your current controllers. In fact, many journalists who had hands-on time with the controller at Nintendo's recent unveiling specifically commented on this very fact; apparently, it worked perfectly rested in their lap. Next.
The Revolution Won't Be Able to Play "Normal" Games
Completely and utterly false. We've been told a more "traditional" controller shell will be available, one which the Revolution controller simply slots into, instantly becoming a simple gamepad (and wireless, at that). There's a mock-up of this also up on the
boards which IGN created.
What's great is the Revolution controller's advanced functionality could still function just fine in one of these controller shells. As a result you could see games using the standard controller, but still reacting to movement and tilting. If ported games add in this functionality, you could see cross platform titles on the Rev that outshine its fellow counterparts. Again...the possibilities...
Third Party Support Will Be Terrible
Now while it remains to be seen whether this argument holds any merit, developers are already
speaking out and pledging their support to the system.
Whether they follow through or not, part of me wonders if this even matters. While I'd love to see Ubi-Soft, LucasArts, Valve, etc. making games specifically for the Revolution controller, even if they don't we always have Nintendo - still one of the greatest developers of all-time. Let's be honest, Nintendo are pretty much releasing all major Gamecube games themselves right now, and that's still tricking along nicely.
At the end of the day, even if you do end up buying this thing solely for just Nintendo games...is that such a bad thing?
It's Too Big a Leap Forward
 | | Imagine playing a game like Jedi Knight, but with actual hacking and slashing |
|
Who says? Advancement is a good thing, especially in the entertainment industry. The sky is the limit with the Revolution, that's what's so exciting about it!
Besides, the Nintendo DS proved you can release a bizarre, off the wall concept that still holds some merit and massive potential. That machine still needs a kick up the arse with some more killer apps, but in just the few instances where we've seen its unique capabilities put to good use, it shines like nothing else.
And believe me when I tell you, any innovation the DS brought to the table will be near redundant compared to what the Revolution will be capable of. We'll see things never before imagined possible in home entertainment...and certainly not in our living room.
Too big a leap? That sounds like the aging ramblings of a scared old man to me. Okay, so while it's too early to proclaim the Revolution the future of video games, the sheer balls for specifically making such a drastic leap into unknown territory should be admired, not scolded.
This Will Kill Nintendo off For Good
 | | As with the PS3, both the Rev (and its controller) will come in a wide range of colours |
|
Quite the contrary, this is an excellent business move for Nintendo. Up until now the console wars have been considered a three-way gang-bang, with Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all going head to head to see who's SUPER BAD ARSE AND COOL. Many (including myself) had pretty much placed Nintendo third in that race before the starting gun even fired.
Now that we see what's planned for the Revolution though, Nintendo's master plan suddenly becomes obvious; they really aren't competing in that race at all. Leaving Microsoft and Sony to square off against each other, Nintendo are going off in their own, unique direction.
As a result, consumers won't be picking between the three consoles...nope, they'll be grabbing a Revolution
and one of the other two. It really does offer something you won't get on the X360 or the PS3, and in that regard it's a killer move by Nintendo; it gives them massive market-share potential.
And let's not forget the appeal this system has to snare newcomers into gaming, those who fear the current 20-button controllers and find the whole thing a bit bewildering. The simplicity of moving and pointing is just the kind of gateway gaming needs to open up its doors to more of a mainstream audience. That's good for everyone.
 | | Actually Revolution is merely a temp name - the official title has yet to be revealed... |
|
People hate change - it's human nature. Perhaps that explains all the hostility towards Nintendo's announcement. I'm sure such Neanderthals will be perfectly content with their PS3 next year.
Personally I now have a reason to splash out on all three next-gen systems though, and I hope Mr PS3 has fun hitting his archaic gamepad buttons while I'm physically punching and kicking around my living room.
Bring on the revolution!
