Square Enix President predicts Wii HD for 2011, doesn't see big impact for PS3 and Xbox motion controls
By Paul Miller 
posted September 21st 2009 12:12PM
posted September 21st 2009 12:12PM
Sure, they sound like the words of a man who hasn't begun development of any motion-controlled titles for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, but we're still intrigued by President of Square Enix Yoichi Wada's statement (he's the guy on the left) that the motion control additions to the PS3 and Xbox 360 aren't that big of deal. He cites the other "pillars" of console use (like video playback) that somehow make motion controls a minor player -- though we'd say the Wii's sales numbers would beg to differ. Speaking of the Wii, Yoichi thinks all three major consoles will start to look rather the same by 2011, when believes the Wii followup will hit the market -- in line with other rumors we've heard for the "Wii HD." Three "HD" consoles with similar input options and similar graphics output certainly sounds like a boon for developers, we just hope there are enough similarities in the control systems and enough "impact" in PS3 and Xbox motion control sales to make mega triple-platform motion-controlled blockbusters feasible.
[Via Joystiq]
[Via Joystiq]
Yoichi Wada's statement
"Present game machines already have a lot of functions: they are a network terminal, a Blu-ray or DVD player, and a gaming machine. Compared to these three pillars, the [new motion] controllers are quite limited, so the impact may be small. They are an extension of the gaming function"
Mr Wada said he rated the technology in devices such as Microsoft’s Project Natal controller very highly. “As a user interface it’s fantastic and I think it will become standard,” he said.
Their immediate effect on the console market might turn out to be greater if compelling games are released. However, games that use motion control are quite difficult to design, Mr Wada said.
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I'll have to say I agree 100% with that
Dude looks like Lloyd from Entourage.
Sounds right. Nintendo is pretty reliable about their consoles having a 5-year life cycle, whether that tradition behooves them or not.
I guess I'm fucked. Everything is becoming motion controlled or I have to stand in front of a camera and talk to a screen.
My cousin let me borrow his Wii so I could play Zelda, gave it back the next day. It made playing the game more of a chore than entertainment.
I like a regular gamepad or mouse & keyboard. Motion control and Natal will lead to new ideas and such, but they're not for the gamer who likes to lay down and relax while playing a game.
AGREED!! haha, i unfortunately bought a wii because i thought it would be fun, but i was wrong... The Wii IS fun though, its just so damn annoying to have so much emphasis on motion control... For example, the BEST games that i have played for the Wii are the ones that have little or no motion sensor control (ie. Smash Bros. Brawl, Metroid, Zelda) so seeing as the 360 and PS3 are gonna have motion control as an "add-on" then thats just perfect... motion sensor controls are fun to play with, but not as a main medium to game with...
when is final fantasy coming out? the only reason i bought the ps3 was because of final fantasy....now that FF is coming out for xbox i have lost all faith in ps3 and sony.
seriously....ps3 fanboys know what im talking about.
You only say this because the only thing the Wii doesnt have going for it now is the graphics. If the Wii goes HD all of the haters will have lost their main hating point.
Is that Lloyd from Entourage?
The PS3 isn't going anywhere, Wii and 360 have their ups and downs but the PS3 is sticking in there. I mean come on, free online play? Why bother pay to play a game you already paid for? And now you can get a PS3 for FREE, just follow the link. Sign up for something you want anyway and get a PS3, simple right?
http://www.gamesncs.com/rd_p?p=192108&t=9528&a=13190-splaystation&gift=13190
'to make mega triple-platform motion-controlled blockbusters feasible.'
Why would it not be feasible? If all three consoles have similar user input and comparable graphic output it would absolutely be feasible. Successful is the thing you have to worry about, not probability.
they had to release a "HD" version because "HD" is huge catch phrase right now. If you throw "HD" on anything it will sell despite if it is high definition or not. Just watch nintendo will show huge sales in the first few weeks of this device getting released. I suggest you buy stock now.
He looks like lloyd from Entourage.
I say to the hell with motion controls! Let's start getting into mind controls shall we?!
Thats a nice suite that Mr.Wada has :)
That suit looks kind of like the Immortals armor in 300. Very cool.
That the guy on the right has an erection?
Stop making life sized replicas and start making an HD remake of FF7!
Autostereoscopic graphics should be making the push within the next decade. That's going to be a bigger deal than HD.
WRONG! In 2011, Nintendo will release the red, blue, and purple models of the classic Wii.
Who cares about HD on the Wii.....without decent online, it's a yawner