Topic: Wii compare!

[Ian Sane]

"To that point, I wouldn't mind if they sold three packages:

- Just the Remote
- Just the Nunchuk
- Both in one package for a small discount (say $5 off or something)"

I think ideally they should always come packed together but are sold seperately online so that if one breaks you don't have to replace both parts.  But aside from cost in order to have a standard for all games to follow they have to sell both together.  Otherwise a developer has no clue what the hell everybody has.  If I make a multiplayer game I can't assume that everyone has both components.  Maybe they just have extra remotes.  Now I either have to limit my game to just using the remotes or risk the game not having as much appeal because not everyone can play it.  There needs to be one standard controller, not two (or three if you include the classic controller).

[RickPowers]

I can't believe I'm about to agree with Ian, but here goes ...

I agree ... making the Nunchuk an optional attachment immediately brings all of the problems for developers that you might expect.  The cost to play their game just rose.  This is partially alleviated by including one in the box, and perhaps Nintendo thinks that the "core gamer" will be the only ones with need of additional Nunchuks.  Regardless, it makes it unnecessarily difficult on the developer.

Unless that was the point.  I speculated early on that Mario Galaxy might be a Remote-Only game, as a way to show developers how to build games around the new interface.  Turned out this wasn't the case (Mario uses the Nunchuk too), but I think Nintendo is looking at the attachment as being a mostly core-gamer peripheral.  Maybe even a "gateway" for casual gamers that want to learn to play other things too.

[BigJim]

Quote
Originally posted by: wandering
Ugg, once again people ripping into Nintendo for no reason. If you don't own a time machine that's YOUR fault, not their's. Nintendo isn't forcing you to buy a time machine, it's just an option that's there for those who have one.

I thought the Flux Capacitor was included. How else was Nintendo able to take GWN back to June and allow them to present live blogging coverage from this alternate universe?  

[Strell]

I think the only reason it is separate is to keep cost down.

The nunchuck carries no wireless functionality, much like the classic controller.  So they connect into the wiimote in order to gain that ability.  This keeps addon prices down.  I mean, the classic controller is essentially a wavebird for $20 at this point.

Plus, because the controller is split, if one piece were to malfunction (you broke it), then you'd be pissed to drop $60 for both.

I think this is one of those things that can be seen negatively and postively, much like the AA vs rechargable battery pack debate.

[UltimatePartyBear]

Quote
Originally posted by: Strell
Plus, because the controller is split, if one piece were to malfunction (you broke it), then you'd be pissed to drop $60 for both.

That's definitely a plus.  Every time I've ever replaced a controller, it's been because the analog stick was worn out.  The remote is unlikely to wear down at the same rate.

[BigJim]

I guess the problem is Nintendo still sees the nunchuk as an optional accessory, like the classic controller. While we more conservative types see it as essential.

[RickPowers]

Well, I feel sorry for you suckers.  I'll just go down to the Nintendo office here in Washington and go to the parts department.  The always have accessories cheaper than in the stores.  That's where I originally got my black and gold N64 controllers from.  No box or anything nifty like that, but hey, I'd just throw that crap away anyway.  Besides, this way, I won't slice off my gaming fingers with the ridiculous razor-plastic they'll pack the damned things in.

[WuTangTurtle]

god i hate those razor-plastic things, i wouldn't be surprised if someone took Nintendo to court over having a finger sliced completly off their hand by it.

I think everyone has bled from those things, i know i have.....

[Ian Sane]

"god i hate those razor-plastic things, i wouldn't be surprised if someone took Nintendo to court over having a finger sliced completly off their hand by it."

If they sued Nintendo for it it would be because it happened on a Sony product and Nintendo would already have warnings everywhere but would lose the case regardless.

Is it possible to open those things without scissors?  Hell I'd imagine there are some scissors that come in those cases.

[iMoron]

Quote
Originally posted by: RickPowers


... making the Nunchuk an optional attachment immediately brings all of the problems for developers that you might expect.  The cost to play their game just rose.  This is partially alleviated by including one in the box, and perhaps Nintendo thinks that the "core gamer" will be the only ones with need of additional Nunchuks.  Regardless, it makes it unnecessarily difficult on the developer.

Well... you know, the console will come with the Wii-mote and the Nunchuk... I think that developers will have no problem at all considering that set-up since every console owner will have at least one Nunchuk. Besides... a good deal of Virtual Console games will need the classic controller. If it sell for $20... or $25 considering it has 2 analogs, for the completeness of old games, thats an extra expence that I will take without complain. I don't see this as much of a problem.

If atachments stay bellow the $30 dollar mark, preferably $25 or less, it won't be all that bad since it will mostly make the game experience a complete experience... And the atachments will work with a good deal of game types... you won't need to worry soo much... And, think about third party hardware manufactures! They will make a killling by selling replicas of old controllers, many will wecome those!

Now... I think we will se a $199.99 price for the Wii in 6 months time... no game included! Hopefully it will (should) include the Nunchuk atachment... if not then developers might have to focuse on wii-mote or asume the player is willing to get the nunchuk if the game needs it... I don't see this as a problem though since  Nunchuk will cost so little by itself...

I do agree that a $50 combo of wii-mote and nunchuk would be nice... but there is loots of tech and the Nintendo quality behind each accesory that justifies the price...

[RickPowers]

Quote
Originally posted by: iMoron
Well... you know, the console will come with the Wii-mote and the Nunchuk... I think that developers will have no problem at all considering that set-up since every console owner will have at least one Nunchuk. Besides... a good deal of Virtual Console games will need the classic controller. If it sell for $20... or $25 considering it has 2 analogs, for the completeness of old games, thats an extra expence that I will take without complain. I don't see this as much of a problem.

The problem we're talking about is for MULTIPLAYER games, iMoron.  Sure, there's a Nunchuk in the box, but you still need $180 in accessories to play a four-person multiplayer game.  Along with the $50 game, and you've almost DOUBLED the cost of the Wii to play one game.  Sure, you can amortize the cost out over more games, but that's still pretty steep.  It's the same reason why I have only two wireless controllers for my Xbox 360 and not a full complement of four.  Drop the Nunchuk requirement, and suddenly, you can afford another game with that $60.

Which do you think third-party publishers would prefer?  More game sales for them, or more money in Nintendo's pocket in the form of required accessories?

[Kairon]

I don't think they have a choice. The march of technology and features makes the controllers more expensive than they used to be.

With X360 controllers, you're looking at $120 wired (which is actually impossible, because only two controllers can be wired into the X360 at any one time!) or $150 unwired to play 4 people. With the Wii you're looking at $120 wiimote-only or $180 with nunchucks for four people.

Actually... it's easier to go multiplayer on the Wii than on the 360. 120 dollars in Wiimotes beats out buying an extra 360 wireless and two wireds at $130!

Now, one can only wonder about how expensive a PS3 controller might be? It has tilt, analog everything, bluetooth wireless, AND a built-in Li-Ion battery.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com  

[iMoron]

... for the GameCube to play 4 player games with Wavebird is about $160 (asumming the price of $40 each)... $120 asumming the GC came with one.

For the 360 it is four wireless players starts at $200 ($50 dollars each)... or $150 asuming you got the $399.99 360...

... and the Wii... Well... like Kairon said, $180... for 3 sets of controllers ($60 the set)...

Now... remember, multiplayer games start at two players! The diference is of $10, for a more advance controller... And, not all games will use it... so it could be $10 less than the 360 for a mutiplayer game...

The games will make it worth every penny...

Also, like Kairon said, wonder about the PS3 controllers... they could come close to $60.

At the end of all, wii wiin!  

[IceCold]

Quote
Turned out this wasn't the case (Mario uses the Nunchuk too)

A good thing too! We wouldn't want the franchise that pioneered analogue control to go without it, would we?

BTW, it's great seeing you post so much, Rick, even if it's only for a day..

[Blue Plant]

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Originally posted by: IceCold BTW, it's great seeing you post so much, Rick, even if it's only for a day..

Likewise, to me he's been one of the welcome voices of reason in today's craziness.

[RickPowers]

Thanks, guys.  You didn't think I'd really miss this, did you?

Stay tuned, there may be a bit more of me before too much longer, however short-lived it might be.

[WuTangTurtle]

Personally I'm fine with the controllers price, because the way i see it is Wii system is cheaper, games are cheaper, online will be free, etc.  I can't say the same for the other consoles.  In the end Wii owners will be getting the best bang for their buck hands down.

.......(waits for Ian to rip my post to pieces)

(edit)
By the way totally agree about the Sony's fault/Nintendo sued.  It's happend already and it'll happen again.

[EasyCure]

im wondering if Wii will have a health and safety screen like the DS but adds "drastic movements are not required to enjoy this game, nor are they recommended in confinsed spaces" to prevent a lawsuit.

you know, one where a kid will punch out his friends eye trying to box his buddy in Wii Sports and the parents will try to get money from Nintendo. its bound to happen