Topic: Backwards compatible you say but...

[HereticPB]

It means that Nintendo has to be limited in their ways of creating a controller! Will they use the same controller? will they create a new one?

If the next system is backwards compatible will it have the same connectors so you can switch out controllers?

Hardtimes for Nintendo to figureout!

HtPB

[Hostile Creation]

There are various Dreamcast ports for Gamecube, and games like the original Metroid.  It should be easy enough.

[PIAC]

that or use the same plug as the GCN controller, but redesign the controller, so you can still plug GCN ones into the SuperHyperUltraShineyEntertainmentSystem (SHUSES!) and then obviously have the new controller aswell

think i mentioned an idea like that somewhere else?

[The Omen]

If there are changes to the controller, i'm sure it'll be more buttons, not less, in which case it would be easy to adapt , even using the new controller with old games.  

[EggyToast]

Nintendo has said that they really like the GC controller's layout and would like to stick with it in some form or another, and it really is basically the same type of design that's out there with the other consoles.  2 analog sticks, some buttons, some shoulder buttons.  They may add more buttons, but, err, that makes it easier to play older games, not harder.  Think about it -- they have a Z button, so they also have a, I don't know, Q button, over the left shoulder button, so you have Z and Q.  That doesn't affect older games.  Say they include some buttons on the inside "wings" where you grab the controller -- older games, and arguably some newer games, won't use them, so no problem there either.  I mean, look at the games out now that don't even use X, Y, or Z.  and hey, the next controller may even have a larger D-pad.

They'd only have a problem with backwards compatibility, it'd only be if they got rid of one of the analog sticks, or dropped half the buttons.  I don't see that happening.

[Benjo221]

I think backwards compatibility is really the only way to go if Nintendo wants to beat out Sony in the next round.  For the PS2, it was a no-brainer for all of the PSOne owners to stick with Sony for their next-gen console: it came out early and had amazing graphics that no other console had, AND you could keep all of your old games!  What a good idea.

I really don't think I'd hesistate to buy the next-gen Nintendo if I could bring my Gamecube games with me.  That would just be way too awesome, and apparently not all that hard to do (see PS2).  That little extra effort by the Big-N would help their sales A LOT, and would keep Nintendo/Gamecube fans loyal.

In terms of the controller issue, I just don't see it as that big of a problem.  I think the GC controller is one of the best ever, save the Z button, in terms of look, feel, and playability.  The only changes I'd make are with the Z button (a Q button would be nice, that's funny btw) and the size of the D-Pad.  Otherwise, I'd keep it the same, even the shape.  When Nintendo first launched their GC site, the designer of the controller said that he wanted to create something that felt so good in your hands, that you don't even notice it's there.  I would say that this is true for the GC controller.  It's awesome, and they should keep it for the next system, with only slight modifications if needed.

[Bloodworth]

I think that if they can keep the controller port compatible, this won't be an issue.

[Bartman3010]

Maybe make the D-pad half the size of like a MicroCon's GCN pad. I swear, that D-pad is huge and super-sexy. One of the better 3rd party controllers out there. (Okay the control stick sucks...but Sonic Mega Collection couldnt've been sweeter.

If they were to fix the Z-button, perhaps make it finger length like the N64/SNES's shoulder buttons are. Or maybe bend the shoulder buttons back a little for more room for the Z button?

Edit: Hmm..one other thing. What about the C-stick. Other than making the top like the other control stick should they move it? I always wondered what it'd be like if the C-stick was at the top right of the buttons and just across from the other stick. Sort of an N64 feel (Maybe rotate the A, B, X, Y buttons so the thumb adjusts correctly?

Eh I'm just making things complicated.

[Mario]

Very good point Heretic, it would be interesting to see how Nintendo handles this.

I think they should put a trigger on the back of thier next control pad, like the Z button on the N64.

[DRJ]

I would like to see two tiggers under the handles like on dreamcast controllers.  

[oohhboy]

[ThePerm]

you know right underneath the wings where the d-pad and the c-stick are instead of putting a logo they could put two buttons...you could use them for pinball and switching weapons....also the q button is a must. and of coarse a better d-pad.