Author Topic: Watch Out Wii, Here Comes Fusion (Read 8160 times)

MaryJane · « **on:** October 23, 2006, 03:28:49 PM »

This is pretty F'n gay.

This has the potential to destroy the uniqueness of the Wii. Sony and Microsoft wouldn't even have to develop their own controllers with this, MS could just buy them out and put it on the 360 following the potential of the Wii's success.

This is probably the worst news I have ever heard concerning the Wii.

Maybe it'll be nothing but its potentially catastrophic.

Arbok · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2006, 03:37:11 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: MaryJane
This has the potential to destroy the uniqueness of the Wii.

Unlikely. How many developers have been known to support third party controllers? ...exactly.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2006, 03:42:20 PM »

I really don't think Nintendo has much to worry about at the moment, but in the future they should consider getting the rights to the technology but as of now it has these things going against it.

1. Like Arbok said, not many developers will support a 3rd party controller
2. It still is unproven
3. There are no games being built around it unlike Wii
4. I get the impression it is not wireless (the wireless controller of those seems to use basic accelometers)
5. It could be overly expensive

Flames_of_chaos · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2006, 04:13:12 PM »

I think these things will be more of a headache that something amazing since even in its concept stages it lacks one thing - uniform focus. Compare and contrass it with the wii-remote the wii-remote maybe one of the most basic controllers we have seen since the NES days (looks wise) but its easily expandable to match a play style (example nunchuk, classic controller or Ubi's steering wheel) while these fusion things apparently require seperate controllers for X game.

So since we have that down heres is the main comparison.

Wii remote ($40) + expansion peripherals (if needed) (~$20)

Fusion ( im going out on a limb on prices)

Controller (40 - 60)
sports controller (35 - 60)
Game that works with the controller (40 - 50)

So the main rough difference is that the Wii-remote is a center piece of a console (like all standard controllers for a console) so there will be more focus with development arround the controller while with these Fusion controllers it seems that it will just be used for one game or only one type of game and whats worse is that these controllers look like to have little to no expandability to them so this means you will need to buy seperate controllers for one type of game which is unacceptable.

Edfishy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2006, 04:31:09 PM »

Heheh, the "Fusion" sort of reminds me of the silly little Analog sticks on the PS1 in that they're there, but they just don't work. I highly doubt developers will take the extra bit of time to properly work out the gesturing bugs involved with the controller.

Not to mention the issues of packaging the controller with the game or making sure people actually spend the time and the money to find the controller and buy it seperately.

On the other hand, Nintendo's controller is the primary focus of the Wii, so those who develop for the Wii can gaurantee everyone will have one and use it.

I don't know about the '360, but I can bet you that the PS3 will support the device if only for Sony to be able to say, "Wii can do anything you can do better".

Epitaph · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2006, 05:02:30 PM »

It was also demonstrated in a square room, I wonder if it will work with furniture around the room? Everyone knows sound travels differntly in all environments.

Strell · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2006, 05:39:36 PM »

Well if it works and works well, I'd expect Sony and or MS to latch it up pretty quick.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about this is that Nintendo specifically said "We will take the steps to ensure our technology is not copied and get copyrights," or something to that effect.

Well what the hell good is that for if someone just does it a different way?

I don't think they have a lot to worry about at the present, but this could easily spell disaster if devs realize it's profitable to aim at other consoles (assuming dev time can be kept at a minimum, which is something that would have to be investigated).

Don't get all arrogant now, Nintendo.

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2006, 05:43:35 PM »

How will household pets react?

Will they roll over and explode?

vudu · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2006, 05:57:38 PM »

Oh Noes!

The Wii is doomed. D00M3D!

KnowsNothing · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2006, 06:01:50 PM »

I actually had one of those Play TV baseball things, my brother got it has a Christmans gift a while ago. You know what? It was stupid but it was fun. I loved playing it with him.

Wii sports is going to be awesome =D

JonLeung · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2006, 06:07:21 PM »

I actually posted this in another topic earlier - the one about Wii Sports as a gateway drug, I think - I suppose I could've made a whole new topic about it... :/

The problem with them is that they're too specific. And has been mentioned, third-party devices aren't ever supported well. You need something like the Wii Remote that can handle all kinds of games.

I want to see someone accidentally put that bowling ball through their widescreen TV. Okay, that's mean. But it'll probably happen, if they do end up making these.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2006, 08:24:48 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Strell
Well if it works and works well, I'd expect Sony and or MS to latch it up pretty quick.

I think the thing that bothers me the most about this is that Nintendo specifically said "We will take the steps to ensure our technology is not copied and get copyrights," or something to that effect.

Well what the hell good is that for if someone just does it a different way?

I don't think they have a lot to worry about at the present, but this could easily spell disaster if devs realize it's profitable to aim at other consoles (assuming dev time can be kept at a minimum, which is something that would have to be investigated).

Don't get all arrogant now, Nintendo.

Welcome to the real world of Business, even if you try your best to protect something there will be others who will figure out a way around what you developed and patented.

Mikintosh · « **Reply #12 on:** October 23, 2006, 09:59:57 PM »

Sony and Microsoft aren't positioning the PS3 and X360 systems to receive Wii-like games, and in fact that would hurt the message they're putting out to combat all the Wii press: that we're the same popular games you enjoy now without the weird motion-sensing.

It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility, but I can't think of a time where a 3rd party peripheral's made any impact in how the 1st party makes it systems and games.

TrueNerd · « **Reply #13 on:** October 23, 2006, 10:11:39 PM »

Prediction: In a month, this thread and this controller will be buried in a desert, never to be seen again.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #14 on:** October 23, 2006, 11:32:49 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: TrueNerd
Prediction: In a month, this thread and this controller will be buried in a desert, never to be seen again.

You may easily be right, but I think it would be wise for Nintendo to consider utilizing this technology for its next console in 4 or 5 years. So it doesn't hurt to recognize this is out there and it does have some potential.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #15 on:** October 24, 2006, 06:39:54 AM »

Looks stupid, like a dental appliance.

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2006, 06:51:16 AM »

It was either Pelican or Madcats who released a controller with identical functionality to the sixaxis PS3 controller as a peripheral for the PS1. It actually worked with Warhawk 1 (WH3 was shown at E3 using the controller).

How well did THAT peripheral do? Considering it was a 3rd party product and no one backed it, horribly.

These things are huge and clunky, which completely defeats the purpose of having a single remote-sized controller be your gaming interface. Their size and awkwardness alone will keep most people from buying them and I'm sure the pricetag will prevent the rest.

Nerd is right. These controllers will be long forgotten in no time.

couchmonkey · « **Reply #17 on:** October 24, 2006, 07:12:30 AM »

Interesting thing on theWiikly: their resident business geek is claiming that this controller set is the focus of the latest FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) campaign from Microsoft. "The controller is a sparkling innovation" hasn't scared away consumers so, "The controller is coming to other consoles!" is what's new. He even goes so far as to imply that Microsoft funded the development of these thingies. I'm not so sure about evil Microsoft conspiracy theories, but I think he's at least right about MS latching on to these as a new FUD attack against Nintendo.

Here's why this controller doesn't matter:

1. huge-arse sound emitter the size of a couple of toasters is a pain
2. these controllers are a third party peripheral, Wiimote is part of the basis of an entire console - this is emphasized by the fact that these controllers are shaped like sports equipment rather than using a generalized controller design
3. Wii is more than just the controller: it's also about pricing, size and efficiency, WiiConnect 24, the virtual console, and the Wii Channel OS

Unless one of the other consoles openly adopts this technology before Wii has a chance to become really popular, it just doesn't matter.

Rhoq · « **Reply #18 on:** October 24, 2006, 07:13:45 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
It was either Pelican or Madcats who released a controller with identical functionality to the sixaxis PS3 controller as a peripheral for the PS1. It actually worked with Warhawk 1 (WH3 was shown at E3 using the controller).

How well did THAT peripheral do? Considering it was a 3rd party product and no one backed it, horribly.

These things are huge and clunky, which completely defeats the purpose of having a single remote-sized controller be your gaming interface. Their size and awkwardness alone will keep most people from buying them and I'm sure the pricetag will prevent the rest.

Nerd is right. These controllers will be long forgotten in no time.

While I don't think the "Fusion" controller will have much of an impact - I wouldn't dismiss it's status as a 3rd party accessory, either. If the Wii is a success, that alone would give Microsoft and Sony both a reason to embrace and support it. A 3rd party solution would be cheaper than years of their own internal R&D.

MaryJane · « **Reply #19 on:** October 24, 2006, 07:46:05 AM »

My biggest fear isn't this being utilized as a third party controller, although with the Wii's success that could be still be trouble. My concern is MS or Sony making it first party.

Maybe I was just being paranoid, I'm thinking a little more clearly since I posted the original topic, but I still say it's not cool for Nintendo, this takes away(if MS or Sony picks it up) Nintendo's whole "we're not competing with the other guys" thing.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #20 on:** October 24, 2006, 08:25:43 AM »

Ever since Nintendo revealed the remote (without any games which I thought was odd) they have run the risk of having someone copy their idea. In fact it happened with Sony though they didn't do that great of a job of it. To be truly successful the Wii needs content. It will not succeed just on the novelty of the new controller. There needs to be great games made for that controller. That is what maintains Nintendo's edge. Others may copy their idea but if they make great games for their controller before the copycats arrive and maintain their momentum they'll be fine. They have the head start. It's their decision as to how they're going to make use of it.

Kairon · « **Reply #21 on:** October 24, 2006, 08:28:56 AM »

Great post Ian!

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

couchmonkey · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2006, 08:33:46 AM »

Well, on the "we're not competing with the other guys" point, I agree that MS or Sony picking up this tech could be bad for Nintendo, but there are still a lot of problems for the competition. They would have to convince users and publishers to switch to this new controller after they have already sold users on the old style of controllers and games. Is there any guarantee that the 6 million current Xbox 360 owners will go for motion control?

If current users don't go for it, then Nintendo is suddenly the company with the head start - over a year spent developing games and planning marketing around motion control. If Sony or MS acted really fast and brought something like this to the market in March (along with the games necessary to sell it!), Nintendo's lineup would already include 40-50 games that use the controller and Nintendo would probably have over 5 million users.

Besides that, Wii is cheaper, quieter and smaller than the other consoles, and it offers some nifty online features in it's operating system. Those may not seem like big points to hardcore gamers, but they may be big plusses to the new consumers Nintendo is targeting.

vudu · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2006, 09:24:02 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: MaryJane
Maybe I was just being paranoid, I'm thinking a little more clearly since I posted the original topic

Gee, I wonder why you were paranoid?

MaryJane · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2006, 11:08:37 AM »

If MS were to release the Xbox720 2years from now it wouldn't be too difficult for them to start using this technology now and have it ready for then, of course they would undergo the same launch troubles as last year, but it worked then and could work again.

It would be least practical for sony to pick this up as they said Nintendo's way of motion sensing wasn't what consumers wanted at E3, saying that their controller used the traditional two handed style everyone is used to without the need for the external sensor bar. Then again Sony makes deals with the devil all the time so they could do this too.

The worst part about all of this I think is that the success or failure of the Fusion or it being picked up by another company(*more on this later*) depends largely on the success or unlikely failure of the Wii.

*Whose to say some other company won't decide to jump into the console market, which could also be a result of the success of the Wii, you know hey if the Wii was successful because of the motion control, what if Hewlitt-Packard decides to buy the Fusion or just it's technology and use it to make a console of thei own. Now if the PS3 is also successful at it's ridiculous price and long list of unneccessary features, what if HP decided to make a console more powerful than the PS3, with motion control and release it in 3 years, even 4 years would likely be profitable, as that is most like when the 720 would come out. They could get a leap on the competition and have what even I would have to consider as a "best of both worlds" product, of course you and I know the software is more important than the hardware, but that's not what the general public knows. If you were to ask all the press people who are praising the Wii what games they're going to buy at launch I can almost guarantee they wouldn't be able to name more than 3 games, and one would likely be a launch window game, not an actual launch game. All the press is excited about is the console itself not the software, they see they software as an extension of the hardware, I see it as the soul of the hardware, each game is a new personality.

Anyway, I'm done ranting for now.

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Author Topic: Watch Out Wii, Here Comes Fusion (Read 8160 times)