New Nintendo controller defeats purpose of console gaming?

[tranCendenZ]

A lot of people play games when they have some free time and want to relax - often they are tired, burnt out from work, etc, and just want to lay down, chill out, and play a game.

But think about it, this is not really possible when using the new Nintendo controller. When laying down on your side or on your stomach (common positions for playing games when not sitting), your arms and hands have a limited range of motion. In addition to that, keeping your arms outstretched and 6" apart link - the positioning required to use the new Nintendo controller - is uncomfortable and quickly fatiguing when laying on your side/stomach. On top of all this, the outcome of your success in the game depends on your physical positioning. So if you just want to kick back, lay down, and game, you will probably get sore arms and frustrated using the new Nintendo controller.

One of the major advantages of using a console over a PC is that you are able to relax on your couch and play a game. (on a PC you need to sit/stand to operate a keyboard/mouse). This advantage is lost with the new Nintendo controller, as you will be restricted to certain positions similar to a PC (probably sitting or standing) in order to succeed at the game without giving yourself muscle cramps.

In addition, there likely will be no option to use a standard controller for games that are made for the gyro-remote Nintendo controller - it would be similar to trying to play Nintendogs or Pac-Pix without a touchscreen - and developing two entirely different gameplay mechanics for both the gyro-remote and a controller would be too costly.

So for many, I think the new Nintendo controller may defeat one of the purposes of gaming - the "chill" factor - as now you will need to be seated in a position where both arms/hands have full range of motion and will not get tired from frequent motion or being outstretched. Impractical, to say the least.

 

[Axyon]

I think the Revolution's definitely following in the footsteps of the Gamecube, in that it's less of a 'chill-out' console than the PS2/3 and Xbox/360, and more of a party console or something that you play for bursts of hi-octane fun. The fact that it's going to be selling very cheaply implies that Nintendo really wants you to buy it alongside one of the other two consoles for some alternative gaming that they simply can't provide.

 

[Reginald]

So for many, I think the new Nintendo controller may defeat one of the purposes of gaming - the "chill" factor - as now you will need to be seated in a position where both arms/hands have full range of motion and will not get tired from frequent motion or being outstretched. Impractical, to say the least.

I'm not sure you can say that until you have tried it. Sure, it may turn out that you are right, but I can't imagine all games will require elaborate arm motions. Quite a few games will probably operable from your lap, requiring only very minor alterations with your hand.

 

[tranCendenZ]

I'm not sure you can say that until you have tried it. Sure, it may turn out that you are right, but I can't imagine all games will require elaborate arm motions. Quite a few games will probably operable from your lap, requiring only very minor alterations with your hand.

Try laying on your side or stomach and holding a controller as you would normally when relaxing. Now try holding that controller absolutely still for 30 minutes. Now try holding a controller in each hand still for 30 minutes. That is the problem when laying down (side or stomach) with the new Rev controller.

 

[Reginald]

When playing console games I never lie on my stomach. I can't control it that way anyway.

I guess it's because I'm warming to this controller more than others because I normally play my Gamecube jammed up with friends on the sofa. Which necessitates a lot of moving the controller around and using it as a weapon when beaten.

 

[Gray Fox]

The eye toy was even more intensive and it was a succes.
Besides people play games more and more activly. Gaming is becoming a lifestyle. There are more and mroe games out there that are very deep, take up a lot of concentration. And a controller that lets you move more, lest you do mroe comlex things, hence lets you immerse more in the game is a good thing.

Plus history has shown that people prefer to buy thing that are specifically designed for what they were supposed to do, instead of machines that do a lot of stuff but do them badly. Now the ps3 and xbox 360 are certainly going to be good at games( as good as it predecessors),and are going to have a lot of extra possibilities.

Now thet revolution is will not have that much extras but it's going to do what it was designed for extra good. Nintendo just needs "one" good game that becomes a hit that can only be played with that controller to make people think it supperior to it's competition. One game that makes them think that the standard controller is just not adequat enough for their needs.

 

[tranCendenZ]

The eye toy was even more intensive and it was a succes.

The eyetoy did good for an addon, but no one would want the Eye Toy as their primary game controller. Further, virtually all of the eye toy games are exactly the same thing with different characters. And now, after the gimmick has worn off, sales of eye toy have plumetted.

The main problem is - how many to "actively game" for the majority of their gaming? That removes the chill factor, which is one of the major reason many people game.

 

[OCybrManO]

That's because the eyetoy is extremely limiting in the amount of interaction you can have with it. It can basically just tell if something is moving and where it is on an X & Y plane. That limits your gameplay choices to... well... hitting things. The Nintendo controller is much more sophisticated and supports expansions.

 

[Stigmata]

And Trancendez, PLEASE keep in mind that there's also a "controller shell" addon to the remote, that'll have the functionality of the Gamecube controller whilst retaining the remote's gyroscope/motion-tracking features for optional use in games.

IGN's got a makeshift concept of it on their 'Cube front page.

 

[tranCendenZ]

And Trancendez, PLEASE keep in mind that there's also a "controller shell" addon to the remote, that'll have the functionality of the Gamecube controller whilst retaining the remote's gyroscope/motion-tracking features for optional use in games.

IGN's got a makeshift concept of it on their 'Cube front page.

The problem is not the shape or configuration of the gyroscope/motion tracking, its that the motion tracking will be part of the game itself.

When in a postion like this:
http://www.the4cs.com/~corin/photos/2003/FamilyGatheringChristmas2003/screen/2003122715181.JPG
http://www.jazzcat.co.za/nielen/p_ch/images/Kuier - 50.JPG

How are you supposed to make precise movements with a gyroscopic controller? It's difficult to even keep the controller in one position nevermind move it around precisely when your hands have no "rest" position (i.e. your lap) and are essentially floating in midair.

 

[TheSomeone]

You shouldn't play video games on your stomach, that's terrible for your back, stomach and most of all neck.

When playing sitting down you should have your elbow on your knee and the remote in your hand. It takes only slight movement to move, no sweeping motion.

I think it's time we get better gaming habits.

 

[tranCendenZ]

You shouldn't play video games on your stomach, that's terrible for your back, stomach and most of all neck.

When playing sitting down you should have your elbow on your knee and the remote in your hand. It takes only slight movement to move, no sweeping motion.

I think it's time we get better gaming habits.

That's all well and good but most don't play video games to help their physical posture & shape. If they wanted to do that they wouldn't be playing games at all.

 

[Cole]

It's difficult to even keep the controller in one position nevermind move it around precisely when your hands have no "rest" position (i.e. your lap) and are essentially floating in midair.

Sensitivity control. Maybe a button for the game that you can press so you can move the controller around...like a pause button...

Tran, it may not be absolute perfect for long time gaming(well anyway you need to get the **** outside)., but it does open up a wide array of new things.

How about an RTS that dosn't have it's interface cut down and it still extremely easy to use? That would be amazing. With the Revolution that is easily possible.

Now try holding that controller absolutely still for 30 minutes. Now try holding a controller in each hand still for 30 minutes. That is the problem when laying down (side or stomach) with the new Rev controller.

If the game requires you to keep the controller still for 30 minutes, why not just set it down someplace? I doubt the games with the revolution will require you to keep it still for over 2 minutes .

 

[Cole]

And if you want to see the kinds of things you woudl be doing with the controller watch the damn Vid's you wont be holding it still.

 

[bam23]

I think the Revolution's definitely following in the footsteps of the Gamecube, in that it's less of a 'chill-out' console than the PS2/3 and Xbox/360, and more of a party console or something that you play for bursts of hi-octane fun.

Wavebird parties ftw. Let's you chill out just as much as you can party.

 

[SimonomiS]

Also, I doubt it's supersensitive and a tiny movement will knock you out of place, the sensitivity may even be configurable, so holding it totally still may not completely necessary.

 

[TheSomeone]

That's all well and good but most don't play video games to help their physical posture & shape. If they wanted to do that they wouldn't be playing games at all.

Of course, but they shouldn't harm it either.

Whatever, it's your old age.

 

[Cole]

Hmm.. for the threads title...I'd have to say,
New Nintendo controller adds a new purpose to console gaming.

 

[The Mullinator]

I never liked relaxing while playing a game, thats why I have always preffered the sitting position when playing PC or any other console game. I like my games intense and full of emotion. With that in mind the PC for me at least defeats the purpose of any current generation consoles and will probably defeat the purpose of buying either the 360 or PS3 as well. With the revolution being so different however I will have an actual reason for buying it instead of just heading straight for my PC.

Basically this is what has guided my gaming purchases for a number of years now. If I can get the same experience on my PC as I could get on a console then I won't buy that console. Thats why I have always been a big Nintendo fan, they have always offer more that I can't get on a PC than any other competing console.

 

[Sui]

TranCendenZ, you sound incredibly lazy

I always sit up when playing games

 

[Axyon]

Wavebird parties ftw. Let's you chill out just as much as you can party.

Hell yes, nothing better than some Mario Party craziness without wires.

 

[Reginald]

Hell yes, nothing better than some Mario Party craziness without wires.

I'm not the only one? :E

I also just had a thought: Wario Ware: Revolution :bounce:

 

[Stigmata]

I'm not the only one? :E

I also just had a thought: Wario Ware: Revolution :bounce:

... :E

 

[Reginald]

"Pick the nose" :E

 

[Stigmata]

Super Mario: Virtual Slap

 

[Reginald]

Spank the Donkey :E

 

[Warbie]

I also just had a thought: Wario Ware: Revolution :bounce:

That was the first thing that sprang to mind

We all know it's going to happen - and how awsome will it be \o/

 

[Reginald]

I'm going to go and play Touched and imagine my Stylus is a Revo controller. Then pleasure myself over the opportunities.

 

[AmishSlayer]

If I ever had a really tiring day of work when I worked in the outside yard for Menards and went to my friend's house to play some 2v2 mario kart gp's and hang out...if anything the gaming gave me a 2nd wind.

My friend and I get hit by lightning and a blue shell as the last lap starts (we both yell curses at the top of our lungs and sit even closer to the edges of our seats), we fall to 4th, with superb driving and good luck with weapons, we gain our way to 2nd and on the final stretch my friend throws a banana forward and lands it right on the opposing team's kart sending them spinning off the wooden bridge at the end of DK's mountain lvl. We cheer as we pass them and jump out of our seats while the other friend throws his controller at his couch and storms off saying, "F*ck that I'm getting a f*cking coke".

I forget all about how tired I am when I play high-energy competitive games like this. I can't see how that same thing wouldn't happen if I was even more involved in the game (be it steering a steering wheel, slashing a sword, or aiming a gun).

 

[jonbob]

I'm skeptical about this; they seem to be hoping that a more 'fun' controller will lead to more interesting ways of interacting with games. Unfortunately, as I discovered with my DS, this strategy is easy to **** up.

I stopped playing my DS because I got fed up with drawing things. Mario was good but didn't use the touchscreen, while Warioware seemed little more than a collection of minigames that held your interest for about five minutes like so many flash games on the interweb. I think the problem is that using a pen-type implement with any appreciable degree of precision simply isn't conducive to fast-paced games.

Perhaps the simpler pointing and waving of the revolution will be better, but I'll still want a good long play on a mate's before I spend anything. I can't help feeling that somehow the DS was just an experiment to see if this sort of thing would take on, and at the end of the day I don't have a great deal of faith in Nintendo's ability to deliver good games plentifully. Metroid and Mario are all well and good but I want more than two games on my shelf, having a massive back catalogue will be nice but is no substitute for new stuff.

 

[Cole]

I can't help feeling that somehow the DS was just an experiment

The DS was sort of an experiment... It was ment to be an experiment.

Jonbob watch the damn trailer for the kind of games that would be possible.

 

[Warbie]

It sounds like you didn't give the DS a chance, jonbob, or play any of the decent games available (bar maybe Wario Ware, which is designed to be played in 5-10 min bursts, and certainly not for everyone)

The reason the DS has been such a huge success is because its touch screen it is both immediately accessible, drawing in casual/non gamers, and so refeshingly unique, something that is quite rare these days (especially in this industry). Friends of mine who have absolutely no interest in video games have been captivated (if only for 30 mins or so) by multiplayer Band Bros., or Electroplankton or Yoshi's Touch and Go, or ....... etc. I've also found myself turning to the DS when my PC and other consoles have been boring me (something which is happening more and more of late). Even old classics like Advance Wars have been completely rejuvinated by touch screen control, and are all the better for it.

If one thing is certain - it has given us 'more interesting ways of interacting with games'. Infact, all of the games that are worth owning on the DS, of which there are many, would only be possible, or work as well as they do, on the DS. The best part is that most of the exciting titles and features (online play play in particular) have yet to come.

I agree on one thing, the DS was an experiment. Nintendo laughing all the way to the bank, coupled with a great future line-up from many developers, is a good indicator of whether it has been a successful one.

Maybe the DS wasn't for you (it was always designed to be a multiplayer/pickup and play console) Maybe the Revolution won't be either. But give credit where credit is due. Who else do you see trying to innovate these days? Who else done as much for the industry (in terms of software and hardware) as Nintendo? Even if the Revolution flops (we can all remember the Virtual Boy), they still deserve recogntion for trying. Their track record is filled with so many more triumphs than failures - so let's all have a little faith

//edit (i'll bet anyone here a tenner that some of the very best games to appear next generation will be exclusive to the Revolution)

 

[Cole]

I'd love to see RTS's floating to the revolution. I will probably pick up the revolution just because it's soo neat and innovative. The current gen consoles really bored me overall because it was just a graphical step from the previous gen. Every console but the Revolution seems to be the same thing. Just a graphical step.

My Pc + Revolution == Long time of Happyness!

 

[Gui!]

I agree with mineral, comps (well my comp) surpasses ps3 and 360, i care not for them, Nintendo have got it right, something new and exciting, looks top notch

 

[Axyon]

I agree with mineral, comps (well my comp) surpasses ps3 and 360, i care not for them, Nintendo have got it right, something new and exciting, looks top notch

No they don't, no yours doesn't. The Xbox 360 and PS3 technology will be at least a few months ahead of PC technology on their releases. It happens with all consoles.

 

[Warbie]

It's not the technology that's most attractive about these new consoles either - it's the games available for them that will never see the light of day on the pc.

 

[Gui!]

I suppose im being bias because i would choose a pc anyday over any of the new consoles, but my point is surely consoles should be more inventive and not just keep upgrading graphics, ram, hard drive ect... this leap forward by nintendo should be met with arms wide open. It is a big risk they have made and they should be given credit for that. Its a more interesting way to game in my perspective because no other console has ever tried it. Im telling you this is the way forward.