Post by: RickPowers on May 12, 2005, 08:02:30 PM
By now, everyone knows just about everything there is to know about Xbox 360. Nintendo, on the other hand, has kept a fairly tight lid on the details of their next console, codenamed Revolution. All that has been known until now is that it will feature wireless connectivity, similar to the Nintendo DS.
Today, Perrin Kaplan (Nintendo's Vice President of Corporate Affairs) has divulged some info about Revolution to The New York Times. The article is mostly about Xbox 360, but Kaplan did give some interesting information on two facets of Revolution, including it's size, described as horizontal, and no taller than three stacked DVD cases. That's pretty small, but why use DVD cases as a frame of reference? The answer will make many Nintendo fans quite happy.
Unlike GameCube, the new system will play DVD's, Ms. Kaplan said, and will feature a wireless controller. It will play GameCube games as well as a new class of high-definition games, with new emphasis on online play.
Gamers, rejoice.
Post by: RickPowers on May 12, 2005, 08:28:20 PM
As for standard wireless controllers, it's great to have that confirmed, but it was pretty much as expected, given Nintendo's fantastic Wave Birds.
The real gem here was the high-definition comment, something Nintendo was cautious about with GameCube. Microsoft has certainly raised the bar, and there is a certain amount of parity in terms of features that gamers will expect.
If you read between the lines a bit, however, there is more cause to be excited. If Perrin is willing to start talking about the size of the unit, that means the hardware must be nearly finalized, so there is little reason that Nintendo would continue to hold back the system at E3.
Five days left ...
Post by: Savior on May 12, 2005, 08:31:45 PM
more? playable? who knows, Shock the World Nintendo!
Post by: Ian Sane on May 12, 2005, 08:37:31 PM
I hope they do the controllers like the Xbox 360 which apparently allows you to plug the controllers into the console to charge the battery and play games at the same time (an idea they OBVIOUSLY stole from me).Rick's right though. If they know the size then they've got something pretty finalized. Kaplin couldn't say anything if all they had was a dev kit.
This blurb of news was perfect timing. Everyone saw the Xbox 360 and went "meh" so Nintendo releases some minor info and everyone's excited.
Post by: BigJim on May 12, 2005, 08:38:04 PM
Modern PC games like Half Life 2 fit on a DVD and look killer in high-res modes.
There's definitely a lot of hardware parity with Xbox here. Nintendo can't give consumers any excuse to dismiss Revolution. While I hoped for a shockingly small mac mini-sized unit, it may be considered a "toy" to some again.
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 12, 2005, 08:38:45 PM
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 12, 2005, 08:46:17 PM
say it with me now,
Nintendo shall set you FREE!! [/preacher mode]
Post by: StrikerObi on May 12, 2005, 08:47:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Wireless better be through an adapter like the GC...I want my cord controllers!
If anything it'll probably be like Xbox 360. Wireless with an option to wire it to the sytem to charge. Though, if you look on the Xbox 360 website you'll see that they are also planning a corded controller.
Post by: MaleficentOgre on May 12, 2005, 08:59:57 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 12, 2005, 09:01:32 PM
(Uh oh, that sounded like Ian-speak! Arg!)
Post by: ThePerm on May 12, 2005, 09:03:04 PM
OUR forums when they found that idea...i could have sworn somebody came up with it here.
SIZE COMPARISON
http://theperm.tetrametrics.com/Images/revolution.jpg
3 dvd cases next to a gamecube
Post by: BigJim on May 12, 2005, 09:13:52 PM
Someone had to say it... What if Revolution could double as a pseudo-portable, with optional battery and screen? It'd cost a lot more than PSP total, but.... damn my imagination to Hell.
But if they did it with GameCube, it just seems even more possible with Revolution. I'd say a console/portable hybrid could be revolutionary... Makes the idea of speaking to other Revolutions and the DS more interesting.
Post by: ThePerm on May 12, 2005, 09:16:20 PM
The stance Square Enix takes on the new networking plan in relation to Revolution is the most intriguing. "What increased our interest further," states Wada regarding the networking plan, "is that the next step is already being prepared for Revolution." Nintendo's networking plan is, according to Wada, "not just a portable, not just a console -- it's exactly what we wanted in that it's the birth of a completely new platform."
Wada finishes off on the note of support from Square Enix: "From here on, we'll have to challenge ourselves with content in response to what Nintendo offers. We would like to give strong support."
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 12, 2005, 09:19:30 PM
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on May 12, 2005, 09:25:16 PM
Post by: Savior on May 12, 2005, 09:34:06 PM
When the Third Pillar was announced i thought it would have been a hybrid, based on the fact that Nintendo had those LCD Screens at E3...
but i dont nececarily believe it can be that realistic... especially when it comes to battery concerns.
I also dont think its that 3D Glasses thing so who knows
Post by: Robageejammin on May 12, 2005, 09:54:38 PM
anyway, very exciting stuff. Not drowning in hapiness over the whole DVD thing though. Its cool but i feel like Nintendo's thing was to go against the whole "turning video games into extreme media devices" idea. Now its like they were just kinda late with it.
But whatevers good for the biz i guess
Post by: Gamefreak on May 12, 2005, 10:00:30 PM
I'm way more excited about the 360 at this point. I hope Nintendo can compete at E3. Just get the online service right, and keep up technologically....
Post by: PaLaDiN on May 12, 2005, 10:05:34 PM
Which is cool, because he said in some mailbag that if he started showing excitement for the Rev, we'd know it would be good.
Which is crappy, because whatever excites Matt IGN is likely to suck.
Post by: pudu on May 12, 2005, 10:07:51 PM
1. They surprise us beyond our wildess expectations and ACTUALLY deliver, crushing the competition with it's innovative approach
2. They release something like the DS with very mixed reviews and opinions and create an even smaller niche for themselves this next gen.
(there would be a third option where they match the xbox 360 in most ways and deliver another plain jane console with the same old features but this simply isn't going to happen)
Anyway I am REALLY hopping they throw us a bone at E3...otherwise I will finally have proven my suspicion they get some sort of sick pleasure out of teasing us fans...revealing promises of greatness and then chuckling as we all go nutts, pulling speculation out of the smallest news as we disect it to death :S
Post by: Darkheart on May 12, 2005, 10:11:58 PM
Post by: King of Twitch on May 12, 2005, 10:14:57 PM
Post by: Darkheart on May 12, 2005, 10:18:32 PM
Quote
If it's going to be that small, maybe they could put suction cups on the bottom of it so I can stick it to the side of my TV and save even more space
Bad Bad things will come of that especially nicknames:
SuckyBox
LeechCube
TehSuxoors
Suctocube
BJcube <--- motto for it " Yes yes its what we call nintendo's revolution; the Bjcube, the first game system to suck, yet bring you happiness and pleasure like never before" Insert Reggie Rant
Post by: King of Twitch on May 12, 2005, 10:19:26 PM
Post by: ThePerm on May 12, 2005, 10:31:17 PM
Post by: Darkheart on May 12, 2005, 10:33:26 PM
Post by: Hybrid Hunter on May 12, 2005, 10:33:51 PM
Go go Nes Rev!
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on May 12, 2005, 11:04:55 PM
BUST OUT THE NEXT-GEN DUCK HUNT!!
Post by: Noble~Feather on May 12, 2005, 11:21:05 PM
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on May 12, 2005, 11:36:47 PM
.
Post by: Nephilim on May 12, 2005, 11:37:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ThePerm
http://theperm.tetrametrics.com/Images/mockup2.jpg
atleast we know your mockup supports LAN
Post by: RickPowers on May 12, 2005, 11:43:34 PM
Post by: Dryden on May 13, 2005, 12:53:31 AM
So, what Sony and Microsoft have to divine is this: is Nintendo keeping their cards close to their chest because they've got the winning hand - or are they just waiting to see how badly they've lost?
www.patadox.com
Not bad, and fairly unbiased.
Post by: The Omen on May 13, 2005, 02:42:19 AM
Quote
Right now, I'm going to assume they mean standard or dual-layer DVDs. The format war between HD-DVD and Blu-ray is still going on, and Matsushita (Panasonic), supplier of the GameCube's disc drives, is on the Blu-ray (Sony) side of the fight. If Nintendo is looking to extend that partnership, then the format used might be up in the air, especially with the HD/BR unification talks still going on.
But gee whiz, how are they going to pack their revolutionary stuff into that thin a package?
The format war is long over, with the final specs due sometime within the next month. Sony and Toshiba decided against the war, and joined forces, taking the best of both formats and combining them. I would hope that means play on standard dvd players. The Revolution will hopefully be using these discs.
I am very excited about the new console. I can't wait until E3 frankly.
Post by: gally on May 13, 2005, 03:15:10 AM
So what exactly was it, why did it suck, and what did Microsoft do wrong there?
Post by: Dasmos on May 13, 2005, 04:59:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: The OmenQuote
Right now, I'm going to assume they mean standard or dual-layer DVDs. The format war between HD-DVD and Blu-ray is still going on, and Matsushita (Panasonic), supplier of the GameCube's disc drives, is on the Blu-ray (Sony) side of the fight. If Nintendo is looking to extend that partnership, then the format used might be up in the air, especially with the HD/BR unification talks still going on.
But gee whiz, how are they going to pack their revolutionary stuff into that thin a package?
The format war is long over, with the final specs due sometime within the next month. Sony and Toshiba decided against the war, and joined forces, taking the best of both formats and combining them. I would hope that means play on standard dvd players. The Revolution will hopefully be using these discs.
I am very excited about the new console. I can't wait until E3 frankly.
Yeah i just did a whole physics project on Blu ray vs HD-DVD I even included information about the PS3 ;__;. Then they decided to combine formats my teacher asked me to do an extra credit report about it. But i couldn't find any relvant information. I needed that extra credit......
I would have thought Blu Ray would have been the best option....it would have been even better seeing as panasonic was vying for it!!
Post by: Nile Boogie on May 13, 2005, 05:12:17 AM
Props to Ian Sane for the wireless controller-plug--in-to-charge-thing, he said that a few good weeks ago(I smell lawsuit). This is almost too much anticipation for me to handle. Couple E3, Episode III and my vacation all back-2-back-2-back and I think I going to collapse.
Post by: BigJim on May 13, 2005, 05:26:16 AM
gally: See the 360 threads for talk about the show.
Post by: NWR_Lindy on May 13, 2005, 05:33:55 AM
The segment with Sway at XBox headquarters made me cringe. Actually, so did Leto interviewing the two guys from Rare. It was a whole lot of fluff with a bunch of FMV clips, and not enough actual gameplay details. For example, a demonstration of the new XBox Live service would have been nice. They completely glossed over that.
It was a live-action equivalent of the phrase, "OMG THE XBOX 360 IS TEH BESTS EVAR!!!!11!1!!! LOLL!!!11!!"
Post by: couchmonkey on May 13, 2005, 05:50:17 AM
I'm hearing that a lot of the games aren't really impressing people graphically. A lot of folks are blaming this on the developers, which is probably part of it, but I think we're finally beginning to see what Nintendo and a lot of other folks have believed all along: there's not that much left to improve. This will be the fifth generation since the NES, and I think the hardware manufacturers are putting in 20% of the effort of those five generations to squeeze out maybe 5% meaningful extra performance.
Edit: oh yeah, this is supposed to be about Nintendo!
I'm glad to hear about DVD playback. Like someone else said, I was glad Nintendo left it out this generation, it felt like it was making a statement, but that didn't pan out in terms of sales. I think it's worthwhile to include it just to match the other company's specs.
Post by: joshnickerson on May 13, 2005, 05:58:46 AM
Post by: RickPowers on May 13, 2005, 06:45:03 AM
By now, everyone knows just about everything there is to know about Xbox 360. Nintendo, on the other hand, has kept a fairly tight lid on the details of their next console, codenamed Revolution. All that has been known until now is that it will feature wireless connectivity, similar to the Nintendo DS.
Today, Perrin Kaplan (Nintendo's Vice President of Corporate Affairs) has divulged some info about Revolution to The New York Times. The article is mostly about Xbox 360, but Kaplan did give some interesting information on two facets of Revolution, including it's size, described as horizontal, and no taller than three stacked DVD cases. That's pretty small, but why use DVD cases as a frame of reference? The answer will make many Nintendo fans quite happy.
Unlike GameCube, the new system will play DVD's, Ms. Kaplan said, and will feature a wireless controller. It will play GameCube games as well as a new class of high-definition games, with new emphasis on online play.
Gamers, rejoice.
Post by: RickPowers on May 13, 2005, 06:50:42 AM
Anyhoo ... I'm personally betting on Nintendo adopting HD-DVD as it's disc format for Revolution, which would indeed allow playback of standard DVD discs (as well as GameCube discs, based on the same technology), and DVD playback is an added bonus
As for standard wireless controllers, it's great to have that confirmed, but it was pretty much as expected, given Nintendo's fantastic Wave Birds.
The real gem here was the high-definition comment, something Nintendo was cautious about with GameCube. Microsoft has certainly raised the bar, and there is a certain amount of parity in terms of features that gamers will expect.
If you read between the lines a bit, however, there is more cause to be excited. If Perrin is willing to start talking about the size of the unit, that means the hardware must be nearly finalized, so there is little reason that Nintendo would continue to hold back the system at E3.
Five days left ...
Post by: KDR_11k on May 13, 2005, 06:57:17 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 13, 2005, 07:01:47 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on May 13, 2005, 07:49:52 AM
Oh yeah. Microsoft stole my idea about wireless controllers plugging into the console to get recharged.
I think I said something else about liking the size and stuff.
I like how some key issues regarding the Gamecube have already been addressed. People complained about no DVD-playback so they added it to the Rev. People complained that the Cube discs were smaller so they went with something more standard. People complained about no online so right here from the get-go they're talking about online play. People complained when Nintendo removed the component connection so here they are talking about HD games. And finally people didn't like the shape of the Cube so they made it smaller and more horizontal.
Although we don't know much yet they haven't revealed something where my response is "oh man, they're STILL doing that?" Anything they screwed up on the Cube hasn't been revealed to still be screwed up on the Rev so obviously they're learning something.
Post by: RickPowers on May 13, 2005, 07:52:23 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on May 13, 2005, 08:39:49 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on May 13, 2005, 09:18:00 AM
Something tells me Microsoft is gonna have the physically biggest console yet again this generation.
Post by: Savior on May 13, 2005, 09:20:51 AM
Quote
In its final form, Revolution will be about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer. The versatile Revolution will play either horizontally or vertically, allowing the user total flexibility in setting up a gaming session wherever they have a television.
Wow, we knew the thickness, but the length is tiny too!
Post by: thame^ on May 13, 2005, 09:22:25 AM
Quote
Nintendo, the world leader in video game innovation, has stated loud and clear that they are not to be overlooked in the next generation home console race with the revelation of several unique features of the company's next console system, code name Revolution, to key media outlets.
According to the early information, Revolution will combine powerful technology and gaming-focused features in Nintendo's smallest home game console yet.
In its final form, Revolution will be about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer. The versatile Revolution will play either horizontally or vertically, allowing the user total flexibility in setting up a gaming session wherever they have a television.
Thanks to Nintendo's hardware development partners IBM and ATI, the small system will be packed with power that will enable it to wow players with its graphics. Nintendo's legions of loyal fans will be happy to learn that Revolution will be backward compatible, playing both Nintendo GameCube 3-inch disks along with its own standard, double-layered DVD disks in the same self-loading media drive.
In the next generation, the addition of the Internet will be important to all consoles and particularly important to Nintendo. Revolution will be wireless Internet ready out of the box.
There's much more to Revolution that will be revealed over the coming months, but the combination of its compact size, wireless Internet, backward compatibility, quick start-up time and quiet, low-power operation add up to the start of a great game system. Get ready for the Nintendo Revolution in 2006!
edit: partially beaten
Post by: Savior on May 13, 2005, 09:24:28 AM
Post by: mantidor on May 13, 2005, 09:28:52 AM
Post by: PaLaDiN on May 13, 2005, 09:30:15 AM
At this point all I want is a screenshot of the console itself, assurance that the console will have better specs than X360 and confirmation of U3 engine compatibility.
Heh, Rick.
Hmm... self-loading? Somebody tell me what that terminology means. Is it the sliding disc tray (press a button and it loads itself) or the suck-in-the-disc slot?
Post by: xproductionz on May 13, 2005, 09:41:30 AM
Post by: BiLdItUp1 on May 13, 2005, 09:44:12 AM
Quote
The Xbox 360 thing on MTV was a total embarrassment. I hope Nintendo watched it closely and learned what NOT to do.
To say it was a total embarrassment is a gross understatement. Those thiry minutes of basically nothingness made me remember why I hated MTV so much in the first place. The most annoying part was when that self-styled gamer was drilling the Perfect Dark team over polygons per character, framerate, etc...it was so wrong. And then showing the actual machine for about two seconds. (Which, I believe, is friggin ugly - also, it looks like it could only be oriented vertically.) They didn't even show the controller, only people using it, and then from odd angles.
As for the new revelations- I was pretty happy when I saw them in the NYT this morning...but I hope that HD format support isn't dead. It'll be just like last gen, in terms of Nintendo being the odd-one out. It's possible that it hasn't been announced because of the ongoing HD format unification talks that are happening. (Supposedly an official announcement is coming on Monday.)
Still, the fact that it has by and large countered the new Xbox specs is a good sign. Using double-layered DVDs is still bettter than sticking with the tiny 3-inch discs. It could have an effect on the price. In that same NYT article, it said that next-gen games are expected to cost $60 to $65 each- possibly because of the higher costs incurred by using an HD format disc.
Now, whether developers and the gaming public will be interested remains to be seen, but at least Nintendo hasn't given up...
Post by: Ian Sane on May 13, 2005, 09:47:15 AM
Cool. That's a minor feature but's nice to have nonetheless. The Xbox 360 can do it. The PS2 can do it so I assume the PS3 will be able to as well. So the Rev should be able to do it. Matching the competition is very important and I've been ragging on Nintendo forever for consistently not doing that. I'm really liking all I'm hearing so far. Now let's hope the controller isn't a power glove because right now that's one of the only things that could sink my excitement. Nintendo's trying this time and I like it.
Though how would this work for backwards compatibility? The PS2 has a little edge that holds the disc when it's on its side. I assume that here there will be two different disc sizes so how will that work? With a top loader that's easy to do but I don't know how they can do that with something that can be placed on its side. Obviously they HAVE figured something out but I'm curious to know what.
Post by: easy_g on May 13, 2005, 09:48:32 AM
I'm not sure what they mean, but with such a small system, i doubt there is room for any extra motors required to operate a disc tray that comes out or one that sucks in the disc. Most likely it will be like the PStwo and have a lift cover. Which also goes along with the idea that it will consume very little power and be quiet.
I jus treally hope that Nintendo can manage to fit some awesome hardware inside a package that small. Because if it isn't at least a little more powerful than the Xbox 360, that's just one more notch against people buying a Nintendo console, especially considering how much later it is coming out.
Post by: jasonditz on May 13, 2005, 09:54:54 AM
Something I'd like to see: Bootable firewire or something on the back so they could offer expansion hardware. I'm picturing little mini top-loading devices that could allow backwards compatibility with other Nintendo systems.
C'mon guys, you know you could build a top loading NES player that plugs into this thing for practically nothing, and there's a huge market there.
Post by: mantidor on May 13, 2005, 10:01:46 AM
where? I havent seen any Rev specs at all.
Post by: Famicom on May 13, 2005, 10:08:11 AM
The Rev is sounding quite microscopic! That's cool since I don't have much console room underneath my TV, even after I remove the GC from the mix.
Post by: couchmonkey on May 13, 2005, 10:10:12 AM
I'd prefer not to feel like an Xbox fan watching MTV. Edit: *Agrees heartily with Bill's post below.*
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 13, 2005, 10:10:30 AM
Post by: PaLaDiN on May 13, 2005, 10:19:00 AM
Which means when they started working together, graphics cards were less advanced.
Just being devil's advocate.
Post by: vudu on May 13, 2005, 10:45:24 AM
QuoteWhich means when Microsoft came along, ATi said "Hey, look at all this cool stuff we did for Nintendo. You want it?"
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Ninty started working with ATi LONG before MS did
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 13, 2005, 10:55:15 AM
Two separate teams worked on the systems...
Post by: PaLaDiN on May 13, 2005, 11:06:13 AM
Ian doesn't seem to be negative anymore, so I'll be your lightning rod of hate.
Post by: Bill Aurion on May 13, 2005, 11:12:43 AM
DO NOT DAMPEN MY GLEE!
Post by: Ian Sane on May 13, 2005, 11:19:29 AM
And all it takes is Nintendo to not do stupid stuff. We'll see how E3 goes though. I'm still concerned about what the Revolution's big "secret" is. But the stuff they have shown is cheering me up so much that I'm more willing to cut them some slack and be optimistic.
As for graphics the Rev comes out later. The later a console comes out the better its graphics are. It's just common sense. Plus looking at the Xbox 360 shots I'm thinking graphics from a technical perspective really are starting to plateau and art direction, animation, and attention to detail is what's going to make the difference graphically.
Post by: Caliban on May 13, 2005, 05:29:48 PM
Post by: ruby_onix on May 13, 2005, 06:07:41 PM
Quote
Two separate teams worked on the systems...
Just to elaborate...
Silicon Graphics designed the N64/Project Reality's "Reality Engine co-processor". Then Silicon Graphics went out of business, so all the best people formed "ArtX".
ArtX designed the GameCube/Dolphin's "Flipper" graphics chip. But before the Cube launched, ArtX got bought up by ATi, and became a "team" within ATi, so it was said that ATi made the Flipper.
The SGI/ArtX team of ATi is working with Nintendo again on the Rev, while MS is working with another part of ATi.
Post by: Shin Gallon on May 14, 2005, 08:50:28 AM
Post by: ThePerm on May 14, 2005, 09:22:31 AM
just how nintendo got kirby'd ati got kirby'd too
Post by: Artimus on May 14, 2005, 09:25:36 AM
I don't get all these anti-wireless (internet too) feelings.
Post by: ThePerm on May 14, 2005, 10:01:19 AM
Post by: Shin Gallon on May 14, 2005, 10:02:42 AM
I just wish we were given the choice instead of being forced to use wireless.
Post by: Artimus on May 14, 2005, 10:14:29 AM
And I think a charge-chord is extremely liekly, anyway.
Post by: Shin Gallon on May 14, 2005, 10:17:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Artimus
Rumble is like the most overrated controller feature ever...
And I think a charge-chord is extremely liekly, anyway.
I happen to like force feedback. When it's used well (Metal Gear Solid series) it can really add to the experience.
Post by: Artimus on May 14, 2005, 10:28:57 AM
Post by: Renny on May 14, 2005, 10:38:43 AM
Post by: ThePerm on May 14, 2005, 01:10:15 PM
Post by: Kamek_X on May 15, 2005, 08:52:33 PM
Post by: ThePerm on May 15, 2005, 09:42:18 PM
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on May 15, 2005, 10:27:24 PM
Post by: Pale on May 16, 2005, 05:49:03 AM
Post by: Shin Gallon on May 16, 2005, 08:53:55 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kamek_X
All I know is the WaveBird is the best wireless out there when EGM put it to the test, matched up with the wireless controllers for PS2 and XBOX. One thing you can do is mess with your neighbors with it. My Neighbor down the hall was playin his Cube and uses the Wavebird. I just so happen to remember his set number. I set my Wavebird to the same number and next thing I know is he's shouting"What The Hell!" Oh and there was that Soul Calibur 2 tounament going on at my friends house. When it dawn to me that I had my Wavebird in my backpack full of games. I turned it on and started to go through the dial until I found my friends number. Oh it was priceless seeing his ass getting kick and saying stuff like theres something wrong with the controller. (Evil Laugh) Bwa ha ha ha ha! I know thats mean but I could'nt resist.
You're not helping my opinion of wireless controllers, you know ; )
