Nintendo Revolution controller -- more deets, pics

Here's some more Nintendo Revolution controller pr0n for ya, plus a few more details on how the thing actually works: its main features are going to include 3D pointing, via sensors that pick up the directionality of the controller — similarly, it will also be tilt sensitive. Included buttons are the familiar D-Pad, face buttons, and a trigger on the backside of the unit. As noted before, the controller will tap into multifunctionality via separate attachments which plug into an expansion port at its base; the analog stick controller pictured here will also have two trigger buttons. Rumble is of course built-in, and the unit and its attachments are completely wireless. This prompts some concern over how the controller is going to stack up in FPS-type games due to the inherently slower response time of a wireless versus a wired controller. Pics of the controller all decked out in colored suits after the jump, which reminds us to remark on the fact that everything is otherwise reallllly white.

[token @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

What happened to the gorgeous black? Too Sony for them? Well, since they seem to be taking a page from Apple's color scheme, maybe they can still make the black Revolution ala iPod nano.

[lazymegaman @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

You have to admit, the red looks pretty badass.

[Brandon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

This controller, along with the genius ideas developers come up with for it will revolutionize the videogame industry, mark my words.

[Harrison @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I don't know about this one. I have always been a Nintendo fan, but I don't know how they're going to pull this off.

[evo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Huh? A wireless controller is not "inherently slower" than a wired controller. Responsiveness/latency due to data transmission is about bandwidth and the amount of signal required to be sent (small for a controller). There is no reason at all that a wirelss controller would need to be slower than a wired controller.

[John Bennet Ramsee @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Its slower by such a fraction of a second, that if you can really tell, then you must be HIGH ON CRACK!

[jsis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Controller? That's a freakin REMOTE!

[ken fager @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

No. Bad Nintendo. No.





(Too much Nintendogs lately.)

[Spank Master @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

So what do you do with your other hand?
Is this controller 'hot coffee' compatable?

[D_X @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

if you check out the nintendo.com article here
http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=TfyOgnUc7zB-ZlzdQvMhKJOgS5LsR2nK&page=other

and look at the pictures...you'll see that badass black along with several other colors

btw...I think it'l be a good gaming generation

[Ben Hou @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

it justs begs the question

How the heck do you use it in a game that requires 2 hands to mash buttons?

[aheen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO!!!!!!!!!

http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334p1.html

[pdk @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

wow. jesus didnt they already make a lightgun?
with the first nintendo?
i dont want to play updated duckhunt.

bad move.

[D_X @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

if you check out the nintendo.com article here
http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=TfyOgnUc7zB-ZlzdQvMhKJOgS5LsR2nK&page=other

and look at the pictures...you'll see that badass black along with several other colors

btw...I think it'l be a good gaming generation

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Or maybe it wont work for FPS because it's basically the NES contoller in the shape of a tv remote.

[Feeble @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

1up has a good story of this at
[url]http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3143782[/url]

i must say im actually pretty impressed, i really really want to have a go.

this better not be a fake, thats all i can say.

[Holt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

What if a person is left-handed? I can push buttons with my right hand, but my left hand controls motion. If I'm required to move a mouse in mid-air with my right hand I'll suck so badly at the games. Plus, I can't just switch because then everything would be backwards. This just doesn't make sense to me.

[ZildjianKX @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Well, this officially just killed Xbox 360's marketshare in Japan.

The lackluster keynote Microsoft did just got totally killed Nintendo's announcement.

There is no way that Nintendo will be #1 this round in Japan, so they are going for a firm #2 position. They know most of Japan will pick up a PS3 which will be similar to a Xbox 360 and pick up the Revolution as a second console.

The fact that the Japanese love Nintendo and niche, unique, interesting games just seals the deal. Microsoft's gaming division is to Nintendo as Microsoft's Windows division is to Apple, they'll just never get it.

[D_X @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

LOOK AT THIS PICTURE DAMNIT
http://media.nintendo.com/mediaFiles/RTDEO19TMBl0V7lJQchYWB9AztiwdCpz.jpg

left handed dude holding green controller

you'd have to hold the analog stick, or other accessory in your right hand...sorry

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

If color bothers you there is a variety of colors including black which is featured on the nintendo's official website.

[Holt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Yeah, I saw that picture...just didn't make sense how that would actually work. I figured it more for PR bull than actual gameplay example.

[ZildjianKX @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Sorry, my comment was suppose to read:

"The lackluster keynote Microsoft did just got totally killed BY Nintendo's announcement."

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I think it's a neat idea. I would like to see the analog part also be wireless. I could see many games being played with just that part with one hand.

Also what was the person who is worried about slow response thinking. Both the 360 and ps3 are shipping with wireless controllers.

[Adam P @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Nintendo has just marked itself for death. TOD: 2006. COD: The lamest controller ever.

I thought the PS3 controller was the worst controller ever conceived by man... Sony your position has just been usurped..

[Jake @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Nintendo what are you trying to pull off. I thought ps3's controler was weird. Xbox 360 has the only normal controler. Go 360 4 sure!

[Luke @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Instead of continuing to slowly die of a terminal illness, Nintendo raises a .357 to its mouth and hesitantly pulls the trigger. You will be missed, Nintendo.

[den @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

you guys don't realise that this thing is awesome. it's AWESOME. it's more natural to use something like this than to be cramped up and hunched over a 'traditional' controller. And who says they aren't ALSO coming out with traditional controllers? don't you see that the 'motion-action' aspect is additional, all your regular buttons and D-pads & analog controllers are there. Look close, see, they are all there. and there are triggers too. think about it guys, you only have ONE thumb on each hand anyway.

[antun @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

very slim and look artistic

http://mybabyshoes.blogspot.com

[Grandpa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

OMFG we are STUPID and JAPAN is SMART.

WATCH THE VIDEO before you post.

Brilliant.

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I agree with mcrhup..... what is UP with that??? Be safe, people!

[Grollicious @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Do you need a license to perform dentistry with your Nintendo? First title I'm personally going to pick up...Fly Swatter 2K6!

[Ghazi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

i am not sold on the concept yet but atleast their presentation video was kikass esp compared to the ms promo video with twenty people getting green-d up when they press the power button. that was really lame... as far as the controller, i think the novelty for this wear off pretty quickly esp with adults because it will get really tiring really fast.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

um nintendo realy wants to die?

[J Lugo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

this control is the coolest thing ever check out the video on how it works and you will be freeked out its a peace of art a whole new world to gameng cant wait for those shooter games : )

[blah @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

WHAT THE HELL THIS THING IS IDIOTIC AS F***!!!!! WHAT THE HELL IS nintendo THINKING. NOT ONLY DOES THE revolution SUCK!!! BUT THEY GIVE A CRAPPY A$$ CONTROLLER! YOU CAN'T SIT FAR FROM THE TV BECAUSE THE CONTROLLING WILL BE LIMITED TO THE ACTIONS WITH YOUR SWINGING. AND WHAT THE HELL THIS THING LOOKS LIKE IT COSTS $10 FROM A GROCERY STORE. I THINK THAT THE nintendo fan boys WILL BE DISSAPOINTED. AN BUTTON OPTIONS SEEM LIMITED TO ONLY "A" DURING FAST PASED GAMEPLAY!!!!! WHERE THE HELL IS THE ERGONOMICS? THIS THING IS GIVING ME CALLOUS PALMS!!!!!! AND WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THAT 6IN. WIRE THAT CONNECTS TO THE REMOTE LOOKING THING? ARE THEY FOR REAL? OMG!!!! I HAVE SO MUCH TRASH TO TALK ABOUT THIS DUMBASS CONTROLLER. BUT THIS IS SO RETARDED

[Anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I actually think this controller rocks. Sweeet!

[bleh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Projector or LCD screen?
They seem to be marketing towards the flatscreen since thats the consumer norm, but seeing the video makes me think playing on a 120" screen that takes up your entire wall would be the most immersive gaming ever known.

Regardless, I'm very impressed. It was pretty much what I expected as all their hints lead to these features, but needless to say, Nintendo did not let me down in the least. I will most certainly be buying a Revolution.

[Giuliano Riosa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I have always wanted a new remote for my tv!

[narco @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

My first reaction was: totally lame. It looks uncomfortable, and as the mighty David Lynch is often accused of: it's as if Nintendo is doing something way out there for the sake of being way out there. If that makes sense.

But after watching the video, I must say i am impressed. It looks like it would take some time to get used to, but it looks very fun, Quite frankly, I am glad Nintendo is putting out something so dramatically different compared to the competition. I think they totally deserve their "Revolution" title. But I will still have to try it out first before I etch my words in stone.

Also, I wouldn't doubt if Nintendo also released a separate "regular" controller for games ported from the PS3/Xbox360.

Fishes,
narco.

[Lazy American @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I have an NDS and I have to admit I really do like it, especially the backwards compatability with gba games. The touch screen and voice control is innovative, but sometimes you are just tired and just want to to only mash buttons not talk out loud to a machine looking like a crazy idiot "SIT! SIIIIIT. DAMN DOG!" ANyway point is I think this is also innovative, but I am hoping you can still play games without having to fight an invisible swordsman in front of you by making huge slashing motions and the like. Anyone knw for sure if this will be possible or not?

[Jeffrey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Ok, the video is pretty sweet and does more justice than words. I still have a couple questions...

This controller looks like it'll allow for a totally different kind of gameplay experience... but what happens when I got 3 of my buddies over at my house and we want to play a FPS on my 30" tv against each another? I can just imagine all of us crowded around the TV beating the crap out of each other while we act out everything! What if its malee?!

Is the area of interaction limited by the size of your TV like the powerglove?

Also, does anyone else think that the remote is just bad design when a game calls for it to be used one-handed? I cant channel surf as fast as I could work something more organic/form fitted. It seems that if the buttons were layed out on a curve my finger could sweep across it would be more elegant. I can just imagine how sore my 1st thumb joint will be from traveling up and down the remote.

[Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

GG traditional joypads.

[Drewjames @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

actually, this is the real controller... Satoru Iwata thinks it's the best yet. can't imagine why...

[Drewjames @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

sorry, here it is...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e4/Silicon_Dildo.jpg

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

This is interesting for sure, but I have one concern. I have big hands, and any of todays controllers are too small to be comfortable. For example the Gamecube controller is ok, but my thumb really cramped up after a while because of the odd positioning for my heands. I hope they make a big version for these lady pleasing hands.

[db @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

This looks like a fucking novelty item.

It doesn't seem like a really ergonomic design, just something so that people will say, "What is that?"

The controller may be revolutionary, but it seems to me that it is more likely to be more of just a novelty item, like the DS, which is actually incredbily hard to get used to.

Maybe it's just me, but I think's digging it's own grave by not being a game company but instead a toy company. Only their toys are way too expensive for kids too buy, and way too toy like for gamer to want.

[octorok @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

GENIUS!! In a few years, everybody will be ripping off the idea...

Well done, Nintendo!

[Frank Wolf (a.k.a. Bane) @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

When does a �Fan Boy� become a Flaming Queer Groupie? It is when your �Hero� can do NO wrong and you Idol Worship Him, Her or It no matter what! Wait to try the DAMN thing and if it SUXs or is great, Say so. That goes for PS3, X-360, Mac and PC �Fan Boys� err Groupies too!

PS Have to admit, that video is very impressive ;^)... But never mind all that! Try it when you can and make up your own mind.

[bchris4 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

wow after watching the video this really does look pretty revolutionary, at least if its motion tracking is anywhere near as sensitive as the video suggests.

being able to swing the controller around in a 3d space, hmmmmmmmm...that would be really great if you could also see things in the 3d space with, i dont know, maybe a NINTEND ON VIRTUAL REALITY HELMET!!! IT COULD USE THE ATTACHMENT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CONTROLLER!!! ITS REAL!!! LOL at least i hope so

[Hasan Bazerbashi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Ya it looks like a remote control, but look, if you rotate it to the left you get a normal joystick look, right?