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[Ghost of Bill Gates]

And quote...

"Games already pretty much have reached the point of photo-realism."

That's as clear as it can get. That's his opinion, that's fine. And his larger point may be completely valid. But this statement? No.

True.

I haven't seen photo-realism..

 

[ge-man]

Nintendo is probably not getting an exclusive of that magnitude until they can prove to third parties that they actually have an audience a game like that deserves.

How do you do that when 3rd parties aren't looking your way in the first place?

I think what really needs to happen is that Nintendo needs to bite the bullet a couple of times and really out bid for the others for some key exclusives. They also need to avoid the whole delay bullshit as well. As great as RE4 is, that was something Nintendo needed a couple of years ago when there was something that you could momentum going for the Gamecube.

 

[Bishman]

How do you do that when 3rd parties aren't looking your way in the first place?

I think what really needs to happen is that Nintendo needs to bite the bullet a couple of times and really out bid for the others for some key exclusives. They also need to avoid the whole delay bullshit as well. As great as RE4 is, that was something Nintendo needed a couple of years ago when there was something that you could momentum going for the Gamecube.

I totally agree. If RE4 came out a year ago, GC would have more momentum than it does now (wait... does the GC have any momentum to start with?). After listening to Iwata's key note address and Reggie's interviews, I believe Nintendo has learned they need to have that RE4 early in the life of the Revolution. Now all we can do is wait and see if Nintendo has learned from their mistakes.

 

[AssMan]

Sorry, but mainstream gamers outside of internet gaming readers won't dig whatever Nintendo throws out next generation. They just don't like their first party games. It all comes down to 3rd party developers.

 

[Bishman]

Sorry, but mainstream gamers outside of internet gaming readers won't dig whatever Nintendo throws out next generation. They just don't like their first party games. It all comes down to 3rd party developers.

This is why Nintendo will make new IPs and make sure that important 3rd parties are on board.

 

[OG_Original Gamer]

I doubt Capcom will renew that Resident Evil exclusivity deal either. In short, Nintendo has a shitload of work to do even if the Revolution looks like a Ferrari.

Well, the same could have been said during the end of the N64, but here we are today gamers that have experienced one of the best games of this generation on a Nintendo console. I understand your pessimism but, Reggie, Iwata have both mentioned RE4 in their interviews and Iwata in his keynote speech. If I had to take a wild guess, I would say Nintendo has already inked a deal to get the sequel for Revolution. Reggie has been on this forum, and I believe he has seen the RE4 thread(as a guess I may add). When making comments about Nintendo and future, everyone refers to the past. The past left with Yamauchi, next-gen is the gen we will trully see a change in Nintendo.

The new franchises in development, obviously are for Revolution. I figured this out a long time ago. The Revolutionary feature was probably built around a new franchise, just like Mario64.

 

[AniHawk]

Reggie has been on this forum

What?

 

[Odnetnin]

What?

:O Reggie! I wanna have your babies.

Seriously... why is soundwave05 so negative? Anyhow... we don't know shit and I'm done with the thread. Later.

 

[Red Dolphin]

:O Reggie! I wanna have your babies.

Seriously... why is soundwave05 so negative? Anyhow... we don't know shit and I'm done with the thread. Later.

Isn't Deg still banned?

Nah I think soundwave05 is being VERY realistic and un-biased. Good to see. Not being overly negative to the point of being ridiculous like Deg. I agree with basically everything he has said.

It's hard to see where Nintendo can go wrong next gen. They will have essentially fixed all problems that have been associated with their last 2 systems. What major blunder can they make next gen? If it's going to be a mistake of the magnitude of cartridge format, purple console or lack of DVD, it will be to do with their "revolutionary" feature.

I would love to see Retro do a great FPS for the launch. Like someone mentioned, Metroid Prime 2's multiplayer is definately not a true indication of what kind of FPS they could do. The Metroid controls and mechanics just don't work in multiplayer. Just like Winback or Metal Gear Solid just wouldn't /haven't worked in multiplayer.

 

[Odnetnin]

Isn't Deg still banned?

Nah I think soundwave05 is being VERY realistic and un-biased. Good to see. Not being overly negative to the point of being ridiculous like Deg. I agree with basically everything he has said.

It's hard to see where Nintendo can go wrong next gen. They will have essentially fixed all problems that have been associated with their last 2 systems. What major blunder can they make next gen? If it's going to be a mistake of the magnitude of cartridge format, purple console or lack of DVD, it will be to do with their "revolutionary" feature.

I would love to see Retro do a great FPS for the launch. Like someone mentioned, Metroid Prime 2's multiplayer is definately not a true indication of what kind of FPS they could do. The Metroid controls and mechanics just don't work in multiplayer. Just like Winback or Metal Gear Solid just wouldn't /haven't worked in multiplayer.

Oh, I agree. I don't think Soundwave is even remotely in the same league as Deg. At least we're having a discussion here; unlike Deg. Its like Soundwave is looking at it as glass half empty while I'm looking at it from the other way. I just feel that everyone's "willing" Nintendo to fail when things are looking up. Especially since its come a way since the REV, no third party and Iwata's misunderstood/mistranslated speech in the last month.

I was surprised to see this thread resurface though. I really am interested to know Nintendo's concrete plans for next gen. Especially when its the one we know least about. When is E3?... The wait is unbearable.

 

[psycho_snake]

How do you do that when 3rd parties aren't looking your way in the first place?

I think what really needs to happen is that Nintendo needs to bite the bullet a couple of times and really out bid for the others for some key exclusives. They also need to avoid the whole delay bullshit as well. As great as RE4 is, that was something Nintendo needed a couple of years ago when there was something that you could momentum going for the Gamecube.

Its goign to be the same for Zelda. Its being released way too late. The Zelda being made now should have been made instead of Zelda: TWW. Zelda: TWW was a fantastic game and gave GC a good of a push, but if it was the realistic Zelda being released, then GC would have much more momentum.

 

[Azih]

Unless EAD themselves start making the kind of games that grab mainstream headlines then there is no hope for Revolution making a huge impact. It can be a decent supporting console for a PS3 or Xenon owner however and turn a profit for Nintendo.

 

[wazoo]

I totally agree. If RE4 came out a year ago, GC would have more momentum than it does now

If RE4 was out one year ago, it would not be the same game.

 

[ge-man]

If RE4 was out one year ago, it would not be the same game.

That's true, but that's where Nintendo is caught in a vicious circle. They wanted a mature system seller, but they couldn't get it until the GC was one the way out. And to add insult to injury, that game is not an exclusive now.

Nintendo does need to show that 3rd parties can benefit from their system, but that's hard to do when most of them are ducking out of Nintendo's way. They will need to shell out for a few titles during the next gen, and they need pressure those they work with to get their stuff out at time. Nintendo was burnt by most of their partnerships this generation, and it's this reason why I think that they are now no longer keeping 2nd parties around and our pursuing these seemingly flimsy deals with companies like Namco and Konami.

 

[gamergirly]

How do you do that when 3rd parties aren't looking your way in the first place?

I think what really needs to happen is that Nintendo needs to bite the bullet a couple of times and really out bid for the others for some key exclusives. They also need to avoid the whole delay bullshit as well. As great as RE4 is, that was something Nintendo needed a couple of years ago when there was something that you could momentum going for the Gamecube.

GC and Revolution arent the same system, and neither are the approaches Nintendo is giving to each. Nintendo has just started giving out dev kits(as they said depending on what stage developers are at), and key licensees already have them.

Given that, how can many devs develop for a system they dont even have kits for yet? Nintendo has apparently just issued them.....

 

[Red Dolphin]

Oh, I agree. I don't think Soundwave is even remotely in the same league as Deg. At least we're having a discussion here; unlike Deg. Its like Soundwave is looking at it as glass half empty while I'm looking at it from the other way. I just feel that everyone's "willing" Nintendo to fail when things are looking up. Especially since its come a way since the REV, no third party and Iwata's misunderstood/mistranslated speech in the last month.

I was surprised to see this thread resurface though. I really am interested to know Nintendo's concrete plans for next gen. Especially when its the one we know least about. When is E3?... The wait is unbearable.

It's looking really good now for Revolution I have to say. But then again, we thought the same when GameCube was known as Project Dolphin. Gamecube looked to fix every mistake from the N64. Optical disk format, far better 3rd party support, more titles from Nintendo with less delays etc. But we ended up with a whole bunch of new mistakes like ridiculous kiddy looking console, 1st party titles of lesser quality, overmilking of Mario-themed games, no online etc.

Now Nintendo is going to have an awesome wireless internet gaming, more sophisticated and sleek looking console, better marketting (if DS and recent GCN marketing is anything to go by), and basically matching the competitors feature for feature. But the big question is the risky new "innovative" feature. I really hope it's something great, and even if it's not, as long as it isn't going to effect support for the system like some of Cube and N64's blunders.

Oh and I "bumped" this old topic because I had it bookmarked and only just got around to finish reading it! Too much to read on GAF

 

[SomeDude]

I would like for Nintendo to get better 3rd party developers to help with there franchises. There hasn't been a 'good' main Mario game in years. I think Mario 128 is going to be one of those games that ends up like Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. It will be innovative, but it will probably be a really short game based on some weird way of controlling Mario that gets old fast.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

GC and Revolution arent the same system, and neither are the approaches Nintendo is giving to each.

GCN:
-N64 ('cos of PSone's dominance, DC's launch & PS2's hype train) was abandonned very fast, even by Nintendo themselves
-The "Dolphin Project" initial announcement was exciting and many expected good things
-Rumors of MS's "X-BOX" was distracting people inside & outside of the industry though
-Mr. Yamauchi (with his goal being to fight back in Japan) totally ignored the MS threat taking potshots at X-BOX every chance he got
-The DC was starting to become bargain bin hardware as PS2 hype & Sega's debt caught up with them...this doesn't effect GCN dirrectly, but since Sega is an OG game maker and they go belly-up in hardware it INSTANTLY puts that same stigma on Nintendo as if "they're next"
-Nintendo's old Japanese-mainly focus with the "Dolphin Project" is ALSO what led to the poor decisions in console design/color
-SpaceWorld: the "Dolphin" is revealed...MANY were disappointed by it's kiddy design
-MS confirms the X-BOX rumor and with BRILLIANT timing they unveiled it to wowed gamers...there were naysayers, but ultimatly MS's X-BOX was *already* being taken more seriously by the industry...MS scooped up ALOT of "Dolphin" hopefuls after they were all let down by the SpaceWorld unveiling
-NCL plans 3 *KEY* announcements before the GCN launch in Japan (RE exclussivity, FF return to Nintendo systems, full Namco support), but only one of them ended up happening 'cos Sony bought stake in Square (again, at the perfect time) delaying that announcement and Namco also delayed their announcement for GCN support
-NCL had to "clean house" with Nintendo's western 2ND parties as they either were unproductive or running wild: MS bought Rare, Retro was practically rebuilt from scratch and then bought by Nintendo, Left Feild (and later SK) were dumped, leaving Nintendo without the "back-up they had in the N64 days...this time/money/effort could've been better spent on solidifying their stance with 3RD parties, but Nintendo had no choice but to clean up the 2ND party mess
-Before the GCN even launches the press has already pegged it the kiddy console 'cos of it's fisher price controller & color scheme...the public and the industry/retailers/gamers/publishers/developers...they all saw it this way
-In seeing it as a
-Launch advertising for GCN...plain and simple...SUCKED!
-Lack of online focus, lack of DVD and talk of connectivity & games-only really gave Nintendo the appearance of not being up to snuff with the "big boys"
-MS goes on spending sprees galore...and since the X-BOX was already seen as more serious (while GCN just looked silly) publishers were willing to follow MS more than Nintendo
-Sony has marketshare, MS has mad cash...it's a wonder GCN didn't die soon after launch
-Zelda hopefuls were CRUSHED when the GCN Zelda revealed as cel-shaded
-CAPCOM 5...we all know the story
-Super Mario Sunshine commersial...that set Nintendo back a couple of pegs BY ITSELF
-FF:CC is a great game, but crippled to most due to the connectivity aspect
-RE exclussivity (while not destroyed yet) was already doubtful with the Gun Survivor & online Outbreak planned for PS2 (and NOT for GCN)...it was pretty much CAPCOM's way of saying to PS2 fans: "sit tight, don't buy a GCN for RE, it'll eventually end up on your PS2 in the end" and with advertisments like "Resident Evil...BACK on PlayStation" it just solidified that theory...developers wanted to support GCN, but publishers wanted to suckle from the serragate teet of Sony
-Other "exclussive" games on GCN soon follow similar suits
-Sega drops sports line-up on GCN
-RE4 (the best outside effort on GCN) was announced as non-exclussive, not only before the game even came out but also before the Christmas shopping season...sabatoge

The GCN, despite being a great effort by Nintendo and definatly fulfilling more promices than the N64 ever could just received blow after crushing blow...some Nintendo did to themselves, some 'cos Nintendo had no choice! I'm sure that there's more that I missed. Not all of the points above were my own beliefs, it's just mostly what I saw people, mainstream buyers & industry people saying. IMAGE is Nintendo's worst enemy and the advertising, press, games, strategies and the console ITSELF was a testiment to that. At a time when Nintendo NEEDED to look serious, they looked silly.

The Revolution should hopefully rectify all those mistakes and not repeat them. I think Nintendo is more serious about it than they were with GCN. I think they realize now the importance of: online, timing, not having just a Japanese focus, console design, acknowledging the competition, the appearance of power, advertising better/more, convergence features, etc. without loosing their main goal of focussing on games & innovation. Plus I think they will fill out the GCN's life more fully than the the N64 which is good 'cos it shows they're willing to keep going and 'cos of BC on Revolution.

 

[MacGuffin]

This is the revolutionary idea I would like to see...

Dual Touch Pad controllers. Perhaps no buttons at all, cept for shoulder buttons. One screen under each thumb, when the game turns on the button configuration set either A) by the game's manufacturer or B) yourself would be brought up.

 

[Cold-Steel]

Revolution having backwards compatibility means that right out of the gates Nintendo has got a value winner with the first adopters crowd.

Also taking into account that it will most likely be a very sleek looking device with Wi-Fi functionality and a likely emphasis on the wireless theme will ensure a win/win situation at launch.

I'm more interested in the most important questions now:
1) What storage medium is Revolution using? Is it capable of 9GB (minimum)?
2) What GFX and CPU is Revolution using? How much RAM is in the system?
3) How many 3rd parties are onboard? What 3rd party exclusives are coming?
4) What makes the Revolution a "revolution"?

Nintendo has demonstrated that they are going to take the competition seriously. Now they have to demonstrate that they will match their opponents game-for-game.

 

[ImNotLikeThem]

This is the revolutionary idea I would like to see...

Dual Touch Pad controllers. Perhaps no buttons at all, cept for shoulder buttons. One screen under each thumb, when the game turns on the button configuration set either A) by the game's manufacturer or B) yourself would be brought up.

I wouldn't though. besides the fact that touch screen panels are incredibly difficult to program for more than one input at once (which would completely eliminate multiple button presses) there is something about being able to feel the buttons, where they are, how much force you apply, especially to an analog stick, to outright replace it with a touch panel. this is many people's main disagreement if you will with the DS. touch screens are good for touching, especially while youre looking directly at it. not multi function, fast paced, quick response gaming. You need some sort of feedback when you press a button to know you actually pressed it. touch screens (in thier current state) do not have this capability.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

I've been thinking about the revolutionary control(ler) for the longest time now. Drawing doodles, speculating here and there. I think most definatly there will be gyro motion control...which brings up something very difficult about the Revolution and coinsides with what Nintendo has said recently. I believe they've said that it'll be "so different" that it may scare some away and they've also said that it would be difficult to convey how different it is.

If it does indeed use gyro motion control I think it SHOULD be a two peice controller (one for each hand) which really may be quite different or odd to gamers/game-makers alike which is why they may be concerned in that regard. But to really use the full range of a gyroscopic controller (freely holding at different angles, moving, swinging, rotating, pivoting, etc.) it would be very difficult to do this with a one peice controller. Which brings up another issue altogether. There are going to be some more traditional games that may not benifit from gyro control and developers may just want a "normal" controller for such game types which means Nintendo should probably offer two different controllers, which again, may be the reason why they've said what they've said about it. It'll be difficult for Nintendo to convey the idea of having two different controller types as well as having a two peice controller.

On a side-note...I think gyro's are what the *main* Revolution is. In the past others, as well as myself, have tried to think (probably too hard) about what the features of the controller interface will be and what this revolution is. It may *just* be gyro motion control, and really that would be enough 'cos as I said in the paragraph above, this would mean a whole new type of controller: the two peice controller.

Nintendo is probably having a difficult time not only to try to come up with a way to convey (and convince us) of it's worth...not just in presentation...but also 'cos it's going to be difficult to actually have gamers play it at E3. Think of it, let's say Nintendo can and really wants to have Revolution playable at E3. In the past, they could just nail the controller into the demo kiosk, but now (with free-roaming wireless gyro tech.) Nintendo may be having a hard time coming up with a secure method for show-goers to play and to experience the gyro tech. fully. That's why it may not be out on the show floor (Nintendo's "hard to convey" comments, along with Reggie dodging the issue of Revolution being in playable form) but instead, being shown behind closed doors.

I would like to show you sketches of my updated controller interface called the "GameGrip" in where there's a left and right "grip" players hold and can be ergonomically used with gameplay methods that range from traditional to revolutionary. I had an idea (back before the Nintendo 21 rumors) for a sensory feel button...and I also liked the notion of having a built-in mini touch screen...but I think people here didn't think Nintendo would go for it due to price/battery issues and they may be right. So I have a newer idea for this two fisted controller that fits with what Nintendo is or may be doing:
-wireless (wavebird, GBA wireless, DS wireless, Revolution wireless...most likely everything will be wireless from Nintendo from now on)
-gyro's (Nintendo's investment/interest, technology that's not new, but new to gaming)
-feel/rub (Nintendo 21 rumor, technology that's not new, but new to gaming, the recent Nintendo "touching" mantra)
-expansion slot (Nintendo 21 rumor)
-mic/headset (DS, Mr. Iwata's comments)
-no D-Pad or normal buttons (not traditional control, Mr. Iwata's comments)

I'll post it here later...I'm go off to work now.

EDIT: typed too fast, forgot stuff

 

[DrGAKMAN]

EDIT: Meant to preview...ended up double posting...sorry.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

I'll let the pics do the explaining but if you need more read the post above (that I posted like last week...sorry, been too busy to finnish my concept) or just ask me. This is still sorta rough and I've had controller doodles up here before, but this is the best (and most doable) one I've come up with.

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Concept...

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Description...

 

[Chittagong]

I'll let the pics do the explaining but if you need more read the post above (that I posted like last week...sorry, been too busy to finnish my concept) or just ask me. This is still sorta rough and I've had controller doodles up here before, but this is the best (and most doable) one I've come up with.

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Concept...

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Description...

I'm scared that if would I disassemble that controller I couldn't assemble it again.

 

[Enigma]

I'm scared that if would I disassemble that controller I couldn't assemble it again.

I did that to my old Thrustmaster DP3 joystick. Took it apart to fix a button, and that was the end of that. Never was able to get everything back where it was supposed to be.

DrGAKMAN: It's a cool controller, but how would Nintendo ever be able to sell extra/replacements at a reasonable cost? That seems way to expensive.

 

[captainbiotch]

I'll let the pics do the explaining but if you need more read the post above (that I posted like last week...sorry, been too busy to finnish my concept) or just ask me. This is still sorta rough and I've had controller doodles up here before, but this is the best (and most doable) one I've come up with.

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Concept...

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Description...

Nice, I imagined the nearly the exact same controller a while back. Mine didn't have a lightgun and could play gc games, but yours is better. Perhaps an SD card port and it would be perfection.

 

[Kon Tiki]

I like the idea of detachable parts. Freedom mode would be great for PunchOut.

 

[Azure Dream]

Why would the GamePal be wearable? Geeky ID tag?

 

[fse]

Why would the GamePal be wearable? Geeky ID tag?

Yes, it will also say "I never got laid" on it. Quick way to find Nintendo fans.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

Yes, it will also say "I never got laid" on it. Quick way to find Nintendo fans.

Like your avatar?

Anyways...no one HAS to wear it, I just like the idea of having you're own personal icon or avatar on like your keychain or necklace. It'd be like taking your online personality and wearing it on a lil' gadget. That is all.

 

[AniHawk]

I'll let the pics do the explaining but if you need more read the post above (that I posted like last week...sorry, been too busy to finnish my concept) or just ask me. This is still sorta rough and I've had controller doodles up here before, but this is the best (and most doable) one I've come up with.

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Concept...

Nintendo Revolution GAMEGRIP & GAMEPAL Description...

The best part of that is the detachable/lightgun thing. I realize you're trying to fit as many ideas as we've heard, but the gyrotrollers working like that would rock for FPSers.

 

[soundwave05]

That's cool Gakman. I dunno if all that stuff would be cost efficent (probably cost like $40-$50 for a second controller!), but it certainly shows some possibilities. Realistically, I don't think an LCD display is happening, especailly since Nintendo will probably want players to buy a DS or GB Next for such functionality.

But I wonder what would happen if Nintendo scrapped face buttons entirely, and gave such a "grip" controller two or three trigger buttons per side (one each for your first three fingers) instead. Certainly, you'd be able to press more buttons at the same time.

Even though I think its gimmicky, the idea of "touch sensation" is an interesting one. Maybe keep that but make the analog sticks touch sensitive rather than the buttons.

BTW, wasn't there an N64 game which allowed for you to use two N64 controllers at once (two analog sticks and then the two Z-trigger buttons)?

 

[AniHawk]

BTW, wasn't there an N64 game which allowed for you to use two N64 controllers at once (two analog sticks and then the two Z-trigger buttons)?

GoldenEye certainly had dual controllers as one of its control schemes.

 

[soundwave05]

GoldenEye certainly had dual controllers as one of its control schemes.

Wow I never knew that. I thought Sin & Punishment supported it but not GoldenEye.

I actually pulled out my N64 and held two controllers in that position. Definitely there could be 2 more "trigger" buttons there for your finger to access.

And for "feel" sensitivity, why even bother with buttons, let the entire controller or certain parts of the controller give off feedback.

That is kind of gimmicky, but then again so was the rumble pak. And it would be a nice sales tool, especailly to see the reactions of non-gamers once you give them the controller and they realize they can "feel" certain sensations over their hands.

I have to wonder though whether the technology for haptic feedback/"feel senstation" is really that good yet.

A few other ideas to maybe consider:

1.) A trackball perhaps? Especailly if all the buttons were moved to the backside of the controller as trigger buttons ... Might offer some interesting possibilities.

2.) Tension resistant buttons. Y'know in Luigi's Mansion instead of being able to just press that analog button all the way down, imagine (say you're trying to suck down a tough ghost), the button gave off resistance and you have to push just hard enough to catch the ghost. If you push too hard, you lose the "vacuum stream", push too softly and the ghost gets away. So the player has to exert the right amount of pressure.

Its similar to your car pedals (brake/acceleartion), you can "feel" how much pressure to exert, you just can't push down on the brake all the way with no resistance.

 

[ThongyDonk]

Hows about if you had a small track ball type device where the Dpad is. And instead of the stick

You get full functionality of analogue control, but I feel you’d have more control you could move small amounts, spin to gain speed, be cool as a steering device in a racer. Try it with your thumb, holding what you imagine to be a controller and using your thumb to move about?

 

[Kiriku]

I don't know about gyro controls....it sounds funky in theory, but I recall hearing about those controllers not working well at all (especially not with games requiring precision), and that your arms take a hit from playing games having to swing your controller around or lean it in awkward angles for an extended period of time. If they're really sticking with this idea, I hope they've developed it a lot further than other hardware manufacturers, otherwise it probably will end up as nothing more than a gimmick in a few party games and similar.

 

[DrGAKMAN]

http://www.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=40625

I've basically moved the "discussion" over there, please come.

Chittagong & Enigma...
If you guys mean to disassemble it to clean it there's always a risk of not getting stuff back together...most people don't just disassemble stuff. If you mean taking the GRIPS apart for freedom mode I've thought of that. The right GRIP plugs into the side of left GRIP and has a release lever that works like an edject button almost. The GAMEPAL screen plugs into the top of the left GRIP and even when releasing or plugging the right GRIP from the left GRIP the screen doesn't get in the way there. As far as replacement parts go Nintendo has had tons of gadgets/peripherals in the past so I don't see a problem. If you mean replacing a whole GRIP (right or left or both) then you'd have to buy a new set...even though they're a two peice controller if you break one it's like breaking the whole side of a regular controller, so it would have to be replaced. Nintendo makes durable products so I don't see this being a biggy.

captainbiotch...
There's plenty of buttons/controls to play GCN games really...go to the other topic and I show how ports from other systems are even possible. As far as an SD card goes...eh...probably too expensive. I think the Revolution console will have a HD and DigiCard slots, so SD is definatly possible that way. I'm already re-thinking this concept in a couple of areas, one being the GAMEPAL screen is not GBA size nor will it act as a "GBAmini" on it's own. It'll be it's own unit...which won't have as much flash memory as an SD card, but certainly will add function with it's touchscreen.

Society & f_elz...
I know having a personal Nintendo I.D. unit isn't exactly what everyone wants to wear, but by having one in your pocket or on your keychain it'll beep in the vascinity of another GAMEPAL instantly alerting us "N-nerds" of each other's presense. That way you could meet up with them and add each other to your "PAL List" to meet up later online or find out what systems they own or the kind of games they like. Plus I really think having a personal avatar on the screen and/or "ringtone" in the unit would be appealing...just as celphones have appeal with their special ringtones and picture phones.

AniHawk...
The light gun sensor I added just for rail shooters or even FPS's. I dunno if they would really be neccessary if gyro motion control is good enough, but just incase I added them anyways. The light gun isn't really detachable...or maybe you meant that the GRIPS are detachable from each other giving them a more gun-like feel. I dunno if you noticed but I added what I call a base button at the bottom of each grip...in past light gun games you had to do something goofy to reload...but with the base button you just slap the bottom of it like you were sliding in a clip into a handgun to reload.

soundwave05...
Thanks for your posts, you always seem open to discuss speculation and I appreciate that. The cost...may be a concern, but I'm estimating that (since the GAMEPAL screen is sold seperatly) that the GAMEGRIP could be sold for $40 which isn't much more than the current WaveBird (which is sold for major profit BTW).

The screen is an option...Nintendo has wanted to release a mini unit for a while now (Pikachu, Pikachu Color, PokeMon mini, etc.) so why not give it some function for the GAMEGRIP? I think such a mini touch screen could go for about $20, so that if game makers really wanna explore connectivity they can give it to people who don't want to get the NDS or the next GB. And Nintendo should include such a device with the Revolution package making the appeal for it even better. I also made the device hotswapable so even if you have multiple players they could share the screen for certain games if need be.

Getting rid of the face functions is too risky IMO. Ports & traditional games could say goodbye and games (for the most part) are played with your thumbs...the idea is to get old-school gamers and non-gamers alike back into gaming.

I have thought of adding "sensory feel" (not "touch sensation", HA HA HA) functions into or even buttons onto the stick, but with the digital clicks (like dual shock sticks) I'd see that as being too difficult to play with. I'm not too sure if haptic is really what I'm thinking or if that technology is really good enough for it's cost to add too much to gaming. But rumors abound that the Revolution controller won't have a D-Pad or normal buttons and another rumor suggests the buttons will be like warts with rubable skin over them...hmmm. As far as resistance feedback goes...I don't think that's doable as I can see people breaking their controllers trying to fight with it and the power/battery consumption would be too too much.

soundwave05 & ThongyDonk...
BTW I already have trackballs on my design.

Kiriku...
I'm already re-thinking my designs *again* as I said with battery replacement issues, GAMEPAL size issues, bla bla bla...but you also bring up another issue. What if gyro motion control isn't that great? I think it is the "revolutionary" feature they've been talking about 'cos it explains why Nintendo is having a tough time trying to present it (E3 showroom floor security problems, the idea of a two-peice controller, etc.), but still...what if that's not what the "revolution" is?

So what is the "revolution" if it's not gyro motion control? Maybe it's an ultra tilt pak built-in or a gyro/tilt hybrid technology. If it's tilting (only on a much grander scale than in the past) then that may make the costs cheaper...but is that the "revolution"...or maybe it's a combination of things like wireless, online, touch screen, tilting and the "sensory feel" or "GAME EYE" thing? Who knows now?

You also bring up a good point for using a gyro controller...it may be tiring. Alot of people do NOT want to flail in front of their TV screen to play a game...I mean some games would be great for it like swinging a baseball bat, shaddow boxing for Punch Out!, aerobics/fitness games or even dance games...but not for all games. I mean sitting comfortably on your couch tilting your controller to-and-fro isn't so bad so maybe it is just a tilt pak. Together with other "revolutionary" features and stuff like a pedometer and a light gun sensor could end up being used for stand up and sit down gameplay and may be way cheaper to boot???