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[choplifter]

Manufacturing a Revolution
Nintendo's new console may change the way we play games. Will it also change the face of third party accessories? We go in depth with the heavy hitters of hardware.
by Mark Bozon

January 20, 2006 - Fresh from its latest meeting with Nintendo, NubyTech was anxious to talk about its plans for Revolution. NubyTech, known for its acclaimed Resident Evil chainsaw controllers, is currently readying itself for a more focused attack on the peripheral market. While many details are still hidden in the depths of Nintendo, it is obvious that while the new console offers gamers a chance to interact with games in a new way, it also is forcing manufacturers to design new ways of bringing interactive entertainment home. Paul Chen, President of NubyTech, sits down with us to discuss the ups, downs, and mysteries of the Nintendo Revolution.




Paul Chen: We went up to meet with Nintendo to discuss various topics including Revolution. Obviously there is a lot of uncertainties as of yet, but we were able to learn a bunch of different things that may be useful in this interview.

IGN: Well first off, what did you think the first time you had a chance to check out the Revolution controller, either hands on or simply at the unveiling at TGS?

Chen: The first time we looked at it, it was extremely exciting to see something so different and innovative. I don't think it is innovative from the sense that "oh it is just a remote control," I think more so from the standpoint that it has such unique features. The way it interfaces with the game and the way it can add additional interactive elements to the game. That's the part that is truly exciting. The other part that is truly exciting comes from the point that it would bring a different consumer to the platform as opposed to just your traditional "game consumer." This is something that a more casual consumer who doesn't play games all the time such as a mom, or a family could get into. We were excited to see something that was so unique.

IGN: Have you had a chance to go hands on with the device yet, or simply caught press releases and the TGS unveiling?

Chen: Hands on, yes. We saw it and were able to discuss a lot of the features directly with Nintendo. How we are going to proceed depends on what type of third party program they put together. They haven't structured that as of yet, but we are very hopeful that we can do some very unique things together. We would like to complement their assortment rather than simply make a value version of it. Know what I mean?

As opposed to some of the other third parties, NubyTech is not going to be about just saying "Ok, we are going to make the cheaper version of the Revolution controller," we are more about creating products that are licensed by Nintendo, work within the Revolution, but also complement the experience. Different, but still working within the Revolution.

the other page and a half right here: http://revolution.ign.com/articles/682/682470p1.html

 

[DrGAKMAN]

I was thinking about this...the attachments to the Revolution controller that is. There's Nintendo's standerd analog stick attachment of course, but I think that someone should also make other attachments in order to reach more people:
-centipede/millipede trackball
-iPod clickwheel
-analog D-PAD

 

[Oblivion]

As long as we're on the subject, were there any good third party peripherals for the GC? Many that I've tried really sucked. That's why I stick with Nintendo's own stuff.

 

[MaddenNFL64]

Nintendo Licensing 3rd party accesories? has it happened ever?

And I really wouldn't touch a 3rd party revmote.

 

[KyotoMecca]

IGN Anaysis Exclusive! Talking about the essence of ourselves: what feature idea shall we come up with today? You vote! Poll here! Here's 1000 words of bollocks to make our freelance quota / to keep our fulltime job, meanwhile.... oh, is anyone still listeneing? Rest case.

 

[DDayton]

Nintendo Licensing 3rd party accesories? has it happened ever?.

Uforce
PowerGlove
The Asciipad
Logitech Wheel
... and lots of other controllers and things.

 

[Notorious_Roy]

As long as we're on the subject, were there any good third party peripherals for the GC? Many that I've tried really sucked. That's why I stick with Nintendo's own stuff.

The Hori digital pad (controller in SNES controller shape) is brilliant. I've used it for GB Player and I will use it for SNES downloads on the Revolution.

 

[cvxfreak]

If the Revolution controller is infinitely customizable, then I expect to see a slew of third party games for it.

And maybe iSkin equivalents, too. Maybe companies can add "weights" for people who prefer a heavier feel for a game than the relatively light one the Rev offers. Something like that.

 

[mrklaw]

Hori Clip on golf club!

Ascii sword attachment

Joytech feather duster extension!

 

[D3VI0US]

People who got the Hori controller are dumb when you could just get a Dualshock to GC adapter for $15. I mean if the controlled didn't have that terrible fucking GC button layout it might be worth it.

 

[Notorious_Roy]

People who got the Hori controller are dumb when you could just get a Dualshock to GC adapter for $15. I mean if the controlled didn't have that terrible fucking GC button layout it might be worth it.

Dude, you serious? I HATE the Dual Shock controller. Besides, nothing wrong with the Cube button layout.

 

[Deleted member 284]

People who got the Hori controller are dumb when you could just get a Dualshock to GC adapter for $15. I mean if the controlled didn't have that terrible fucking GC button layout it might be worth it.

Hori/SNES dpad >>> Dual Shock dpad....plus, if someone didn't have a Dual Shock, why should they spend $40 for an adapter/DS when they can get a Hori Pad for $15 to $25? Please expand on why these people are dumb. Plus, I think GC owners will adapt very easily to the "terrible fucking GC button layout".

 

[Bartman3010]

Despite the existance of the pad in the states, its not very widely availible. I had to order it from some seller on Amazon and, thank god he came around, otherwise I wouldnt own two of them...

 

[Hydro_Alexis]

The Hori digital pad (controller in SNES controller shape)

I wish the revolution joypad shell looks like that then beat em ups would still be allowed to be played, by the way is the control import friendly? would it work on a pal gamecube?

 

[John Harker]

I expect EA/NubyTech to come up with a magic wand-themed controller for Harry Potter come time the next movie comes out.

That is bank.

 

[DDayton]

I have two Hori GC pads... and, well, something just seems "off" about them. The buttons and joypad both seem to "stick" when I try to use them.

 

[bumpkin]

IGN Anaysis Exclusive! Talking about the essence of ourselves: what feature idea shall we come up with today? You vote! Poll here! Here's 1000 words of bollocks to make our freelance quota / to keep our fulltime job, meanwhile.... oh, is anyone still listeneing? Rest case.

16 part feature on the ShenMue demo. The DEMO. Yeah, pot and kettle much?

Anyway, yeah... Articles like this are silly. I can't see myself having a great deal of interest in having thirteen different shells for my Revolution controller for different types of games. I'll slum it without them and be just fine.

 

[Ristamar]

I have two Hori GC pads... and, well, something just seems "off" about them. The buttons and joypad both seem to "stick" when I try to use them.

I think the buttons are fine, but I agree that the d-pad definitely doesn't match up with standard Nintendo controllers. It's pretty average.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

i don't care if its a 3rd party like Hori or Nintendo themselves, but someone needs to bust out a wireless SNES control pad, with identical dpad and button layout, fuckin fast. Revmote will be fine for NES games, Wavebird for GC and N64, but we need some SNES lovin if the Virtual Console is going to be worth a damn.