Topic: My REVOLUTION CONTROLLER THEORY + 3D Rendering (56k Warning!)

[Kirby_PopStar]

http://www.mikelim0.cjb.net:1337/e3/Other/JamesMontagna.jpg

This is a model + theory about the Nintendo Revolution I made in my spare time. So far, the feedback on other forums has been great. What do YOU guys think about it? Can you think of any other ideas of how this technology could be used?

[IceCold]

Well done - you must have put a lot of thought in to this. I think Nemo had something similar to it - maybe he'll be able to share with you a few things.

I have some questions though.

How would you emulate the X&Y / C buttons on it for backwards compatibility? I know that you said you could squeeze the handles, but that would hardly be a substitute.

It's a lot harder to hold two separate controllers than one. Your hands would get tired easily, and it really wouldn't be comfortable. Also, it would be extremely easy to move around those controllers involuntarily. It is impossible to hold something in your non-dominant hand especially completely still. In situations where you would neet to be very sensitive with your controls (so that you son't fall off something for instance) it would be difficult.  

[KDR_11k]

I don't think they'd tie the gyros to actual movement, just camera control, aiming, etc.

[Kirby_PopStar]

Thank you. It doesn't need to support GameCube games... The Revolution has ports for GameCube controllers already. I'm pretty sure Nintendo won't make the Revolution controller able to work for the GameCube games, thus not having to limit themselves in any way for the Revolution controller.

Also, maybe a final render or design of the controller could be slightly smaller and more manageable. I know my mock-up is not 100% ergonomically designed at the moment. I invision that it could also include a strap to your hand so you can let go, and be comfortable, yet still have the controller in finger reach. To stop involuntary movement of the gyroscope, most tilting would rely on the fact that you're either squeezing the grip at a pressure that would be gentle, yet intentionally squeezing, or holding down a trigger button.

Also, while the gyroscopic technology is certainly good for changing the camera and aiming, why should they set limits on themselves? It COULD be used for moving around, but I'd assume most of the time not. Like in my Zelda example, the control stick still moves Link.

[Strell]

You know, I have to admit, that the ideas you made up are absolutely astounding.  The idea of gyros and moving your arms around to simulate ingame actions is damn brilliant.  Climbing ladders, the Icarus bow, etc.  A controller with two separate parts?  Absolutely mind numbingly brilliant and I must admit it would tie in greatly with Nintendo's "look at the DS" model.  Particularly I love the idea of two handed movement for FPS games.  I personally despise control methods for those, but I love gun games, and I feel that I would be a much better player if I had some sort of light gun-like controler.  It even brings in the idea of 3D/virtual reality gaming a bit closer, but without going overboard.  The Nintendo ON video was a nice idea and all, but it's not practical because no one has the needed space to move around in for a game environment, and also the player cannot replicate the moves of the game character (who in the hell can jump like Mario?).

I mean, it could be taken a bit further, but I only have one idea.  And this is a little thing but I'll mention it anyway.  With RPGs, given that the game is less action oriented, sometimes I'd like to be able to control it just with one hand (use the other for snacks, etc).  So this would be quite possible with this setup - the left one could have the buttons assignable, so you could perform execute/cancel commands easily and move around.  It's not revolutionary by any means (the PSOne had controllers like this, I think the SNES might have also), but it's still something else that could be factored in.

In fact, having seen this controller, I am going to very pissed if Nintendo's isn't at least as amazing, in terms of control, as this one is.  This goes above and beyond anything on controller interfaces yet seen.  It's almost like the transition from 2D to 3D.  Where Microsoft and Sony would be stuck in thinking of a stationary 2 handed controller approach, this idea would absolutely floor them in terms of fluid design and mechanics.

I must admit, very impressive.  I can only hope the Rev's controller is half as engaging as this.

[IceCold]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
I don't think they'd tie the gyros to actual movement, just camera control, aiming, etc.

If you read Page 2, he says to imagine controlling Mario with the gyros. He says "Imagine, gently gripping the left or right control while tilting in a particular direction would make Mario start walking that way. Tilt a slight bit further, and Mario will run. The control stick could move the camera."

This is not using it for camera control, it is using them for movement, and it would require a lot of precision, as I said.

Quote
Originally posted by: Kirby_PopStar
Thank you. It doesn't need to support GameCube games... The Revolution has ports for GameCube controllers already. I'm pretty sure Nintendo won't make the Revolution controller able to work for the GameCube games, thus not having to limit themselves in any way for the Revolution controller

Well, Reggie said you would be able to play all the other consoles with only a Rev controller, so...

[KDR_11k]

I can't see page 2, it doesn't load for me.

[Pittbboi]

It's a nice rendering job, and a nice idea that looks good on paper, but that's it. I hope Nintendo doesn't come up with a controller anything like this. People keep dismissing the fact that, while it's a cool looking idea, a controller like this (where you have to keep your hands and wrists still and make precise movements while moving your digits) would be a great strain on the muscles and nerves in your hands. You couldn't play a game with that controller for any long period of time. If Nintendo did this, you'd see a whole new generation of people with carpal-tunnel syndrome.

No matter what the concept, Nintendo needs a controller that, for the most part, remains static, so gamers can hold it in a manner that's comfortable to them.  

[stevey]

It been done some 3rd party maded one that look just like it for the cube and even before that sega make one like that for the sg.

The gc port is only for gc game you play rev., n64, snes, nes, and hopefuly sg. game with the rev controller and the revolutingary part of the rev is NOT THE CONTROLLER OR HOW YOU USE IT BUT IN THE GAME THEMSELF. nintendo not showing it because sony and ms controller suck.

[Don'tHate742]

Wow, that looks pretty similar to my concept design.

The only problem I have with your controller mock-up is that it doesn't allow ALL games to be played.

If you added:

Another joystick to the left controller
More face-buttons to the left controller
A D-pad to the right controller
Triggers to the back of the controllers (while still keeping the squeeze grip)

Then you would have a marvelous controller that plays all games but also games that have yet to be invented.

[MrMojoRising]

That would seriously be awesome if in a FPS you could aim two guns at different targets fairly easily.

I don't expect whatever Nintendo has to be quite as "out there" as this.  Although there are some really cool ideas and such, I think with all the chatter of being friendly towards non-gamers that it would still look somewhat more conventional.

[nemo_83]

I want the new controller to not be a novelty way of controlling the games we can already control with a regular controller.  I want the new controller to allow you to do things in games you could do no other way.  I understand why you trimmed down the facial functions to just one grouping on each side because you don't want to have to think about your thumbs too much while you're thinking about using your arms to control things.  Things should be balanced.  Simply put, you need face buttons on each side.  One ones side an analog stick and the other side a trackball button.  

My most critical complaint is that having squeeze grips makes things more complicated.  It should be straight forward.  You shouldn't have to press anything to make the gyro work (unless there is an on/off switch).  Its just like how we had to hold down a button to look in Metroid.  Plus you have to concentrate on using more digits.  The only two digits that should be used regularly are the thumb and trigger finger.  The middle finger should be viewed as secondary.

You made a nice rendering, but I believe you should spend more time thinking about the mechanics, making them simple, translucent, immediate, and accessable.  

[Dasmos]

Impressive.......

[Flames_of_chaos]

Here's another problem with your design - price point, Nintendo will have to make a afordable controler at a 24.99 - 29.99 price point. Remember how quickly the gamecube controlers went from 34.99 to 24.99. Also Nintendo likes to keep consoles, accessories, controlers and to an extent memory cards cheap enough that the majority of consumers can buy them.

[KDR_11k]

Remember how quickly the gamecube controlers went from 34.99 to 24.99.

They're still 35 Euros here.