A real Revolution? Let's all hope.

[ASSEMbler]

http://assemblergames.com/images/articles/rev.gif


Game sales are down.

Endless sequels, lack of innovation, and a feeling of a lack of progress with the
new console generation.

"It's the same thing, but it looks a little better"

What does a company that does not believe in the current industry trends do?

Offer them all the fun from the past, with all the power of the future.

Case in point: Xbox 360. In the months since launch some of the downloadable
games have outsold some games sold in stores.

However the Xbox 360 wasn't sold as a retro compatible console. It's quite the
opposite. It's a modern supercomputer God in a box. So why are the retro games
outselling some of the new ones? How is a $3 download outselling a game that
cost millions to make and has high end graphics?

Nostalgia and gameplay.

People like what is familiar to them, and remember the feelings associated with
those experiences. The young gamer doesn't want pac-man. However, a
person in their 30's or 40's will drive a half hour to play pac-man on an old
arcade machine in a bar. What one considers good gameplay is relative to
one's prior gaming experience.

Just ask a 2d fighting game fan about new fighting games. The distain is
palpable.

So what do you do when so many age groups have different opinions and
tastes?

Covering all the bases with retro gaming.

It is evident to me this morning that nintendo is clever. Very, very clever.

Retrogaming has now evolved from an afterthought (like arcade on live) to a
key feature and selling point.

Re-read that.

With the Iwata's GDC announcement, emulation is one of the key selling
points for the new console. Not a side note, but a major part of the console's
design and appeal.

The nintendo revolution is designed to be a retrogaming monster.

Nintendo has already said it's not solely about graphics.
It's about gameplay and gaming experiences.
What better experience to offer the consumer than to have all their beloved games in one place?

Dad has the retro and can play the son's new games. Mom has her poker or
sudoku. Sister has nintendogs. There are also games designed for all of them
to play together. They can all take part in each other's games if they want to,
and no one is tied to one kind of gameplay. All on one machine.

Powerful new gameplay of the future.

A PS3 or XBOX 360 controller will always only be a controller.

The new revolution controller interface is key.
Suddenly the controller isn't a controller.

It's a firehose. It's a fishing rod. It's a gun. It's a key. It's a sword.
A baseball bat. A frying pan.

In short, revolution is designed to appeal to every gamer on the planet.

From day one, what do you get?



Nintendo games
Super Nintendo Games
Nintendo 64 games
Sega Genesis Games
NEC Turbografx 16 games (PC engine)
Gamecube Games (Resalable as budget titles for use on revolution)
Revolution Games
Online originals
Cutting edge new games and everything old you've loved.
Thousands of games you love on release day.
Simple and easy to use as a remote control.

Nowhere anywhere near $399. Affordable to the masses.

Revolution.

Have you really thought about the name? I didn't until today.

This is not a company known for boasting or airs.
This is a machine being called a revolution by the artisans of the
gaming world.

Could it be? Could it really be?

Could gaming change fundamentally forever? A real honest to God revolution?

So you either don't believe or hope. I choose to believe.
My trust and hopes are placed on those who have created the game

experiences that all others are judged by. Who refuse to follow the industry
and set us free with devices like DS.

I hope the revolution comes. I really do.

[Borman]

Extremely well written, and I couldnt agree more

[WolverineDK]

I must agree too .

[PhreQuencYViii]

I haven't been excited for a new game console since Dreamcast and maybe DS. Excellent article, let's just hope the zillions of other people don't look down upon it "because the controller looks like a remote."

[babu]

very well-put. http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/images/smilies/eusasmiles/eusasmiles/clap.gif
Now we just have to pray to [insert what ever you belive in here] that they don't screw this up. thought with so much right how can it go wrong :)

[RyanGamerGoneGrazy]

Assembler, that article brought a tear to my eye,you've explained Nintendo's philosophy perfectly



Ryan

[Rabid Peanut-Butter]

Well written and I completey agree.

[madhatter256]

I couldn't agree more as well. I do see the Revolution as a true gaming console that, this time, can appeal to all gamers. With Nintendo marketing their mascots in Hot Topic, it is "cool" to show off your gaming past. Whereas Sony and MS are battling over graphic power, features, lots of flash and fling, like Hollywood. Nintendo is now marketing themselves as the 'underdog' in the industry, the hardcore company rather than sell their console by how many polygons its going to push, megahertz, etc.

Although I still doubt Nintendo will be more successful than Sony and MS, but I'm sure they'll break out even and clean like last time.

[joehax]

while its nice to see the large catalogue of games from previous generations, what are their goals on next-gen gaming? are we going to see another bunch of Game Cube-esq games with a bunch of SNES, MD and TurboGfx games as a time-waster between seldom third party releases?

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

Absolutely. The only layer I would add is the word on the dev kit being only $2000 (is that really confirmed?). So if Nintendo makes them easy to get and you combine that with:

Online originals
as a means of distribution for tiny developers and you've got the chances for something totally different from how video games have been done for the past 10 or 15 years at least.

I only know that the Revolution is the first console since the Dreamcast that I've had any real interest in. Like you guys say, I guess I only hope it all comes out as cool as it could be.


...word is bondage...

[1080Peter]

Very eloquent. Makes me confident that Nintendo is a contender, whether they want to be or not. I could easily see the XBOX 360's market share slipping if they don't get more aggressive.

I sure hope obscure, but good titles aren't overlooked from the Genesis/TG-16 front.

[Phinn]

Sorry to be the one voice of dissent, but a load of old games, an innovative (but untested) controller design and a cheap price tag aren't necessarily going to make me rush out and buy a Revolution. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather see Microsoft crash and burn then Nintendo, but I don't think Nintendo have done enough yet to convince me that they can play with the next-gen big boys.

[cahaz]

Sorry to be the one voice of dissent, but a load of old games, an innovative (but untested) controller design and a cheap price tag aren't necessarily going to make me rush out and buy a Revolution. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather see Microsoft crash and burn then Nintendo, but I don't think Nintendo have done enough yet to convince me that they can play with the next-gen big boys.

Its the other way around for me, Sony and microsoft havent convinced me that they can play the next-gen big boys, but id like to understand your point of view on this. Is power all there is to have?

[Sally]

It's pretty well known that i'm not a big fan of nintendo these days, but i must agree with assembler. If nintendo can provide everything they've promised, they will truely change video games forever.

It's revolution or bust for nintendo, and i think they're the only company who could pull it off. The question now lies with the consumers. Are they willing to buy what nintendo is offering?

[Phinn]

Its the other way around for me, Sony and microsoft havent convinced me that they can play the next-gen big boys, but id like to understand your point of view on this. Is power all there is to have?

It's not really a power issue, it's money. Let me explain what I mean.

Both Sony and Microsoft have come into the console business late with a stack of cash to support them, Microsoft especially.

Sony are currently King of the Gaming Hill and there's no obvious reason why they shouldn't continue to be so - they have a high-powered console, loads of developer support and the PS3 is coming off the back of the PS2, the world's most popular console.

Microsoft has lost hundreds of millions on the Xbox, but they can afford to play the long game since they have virtually bottomless pockets. I think they'll still be playing second fiddle to Sony with the 360 though.

Nintendo has carved itself a niche, surviving thanks to its last two consoles essentially being family-orientated - appealing to parents with low prices and to children with its kid-friendly games. They made 'em cheap, sold 'em cheap and thus made money. Nintendo has also been never seriously challenged for the handheld market until the PSP came along (but to be fair, Nintendo seems to winning that battle).

The Revolution represents a step away from this tried-and-tested formula. They seem to be directly challenging Sony and Microsoft with their next-gen offering. Not only that, they appear to be doing so in a way that could seriously crash and burn. I can't help but think that they'll be alienating a lot of their consumers without gaining any new buyers.

Innovation is all very well, but familarity is safer. Companies can't afford to mess up a console these days - look what happened to Sega. I'm with ProgrammingAce - it's make or break time for Nintendo and they're playing a risky, risky game.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

The Revolution represents a step away from this tried-and-tested formula. They seem to be directly challenging Sony and Microsoft with their next-gen offering.
It seems to me that if there's one thing Nintendo could be said *NOT* to be doing with the Revolution, that's it.

Here's, let's create an articifially limited set of options for what Nintendo could do in the coming generation:

1)continue making kiddie games (I think this is a totally false description of what Nintendo does, but let's go with that description for the sake of argument)

2)actually try to directly compete with Sony and Microsoft game for game and spec for spec (and consequently, dollar for dollar)

3)introduce all the innovations they have with the Revolution and forge a new path

From those options, which would actually prefer? Which do you think stands the best chance of success. In the long term.

Granted, there's other conceivable options, but you don't really seem to be arguing that they should do something different from any of those, but that they should be more conservative and not rock the boat so much.


...word is bondage...

[ASSEMbler]

Consoles are rapidly becoming pcs.

Nintendo knows they should never be a pc.

[Soda]

Oh boy! More retro gaming! All the time people they be asking me what's gonna drive the future of the industry, and all the time I be telling them it's retro games man! Super Mario Bros. never gets old! Is it any surprise that sales of new games are down? Hell, the innovative games that the Revolution promises will probly suffer from the same low sales as the new games on any other console. Seems like Virtual Console is just creating an ungodly amount of compitition for developers to contend with, because who wants to play New Idea 1 when you can retreat back to Same Old Stuff 5?

[Taucias]

Well written post Assembler, but I already have all the forementioned consoles except for the Revolution. The controller is an excellent piece of design, just as the N64's was, but I want to see something really unique made for the console, not the franchises and rehashes that are the trade mark of Nintendo these days.

It's curious Nintendo juxtapose old with new, emulator machine with something very interesting.

The DS has shown there is a market for new ideas in the games industry. I just hope Nintendo make proper use of this innovation, rather than Mario, Zelda and Metroid with a magic wand.

[Warakia]

Great article! I would really like to see Nintendo accomplish everything they are setting out to do. If they do I see them carving a new niche in the gaming market - built on the foundations of the serious gamers money. Then perhaps this new market Nintendo is aiming for will become the main, most fruitful market. Then we might just see a revolution in the industry.

And utterly agreed that the fact that consoles are becoming PC. That is a very large turn off for me.

Oddly the only thing that holds me back about the Rev is the controller(!) while I would like to see it open new doors, the reality is I spend 50 percent of my gaming life with a sanwa modded arcade stick in hand. Of course the rev will not replace that, but I don't see traditional fighters coming to the rev, without a serious add on for the controller (but who knows!). Maybe the rush of SFC fighters might give us a arcade stick - and then we will be cooking!

With all that said, maybe I don't want my fav genres of 2D fighters and shooters on the rev. I think I would like to play some new genres, that only the rev will offer. As long as they do not neglect the RPG like with the GC I'm sure Nintendo can't go wrong with the game choice this time round.

It is odd that Nintendo seem to be doing everything so right, without revealing the actual Revoluton games. I am so sold on the design, controller, retro games, and potential price that the actual games have less riding on them. You already know you are getting some great (retro) games with the machine that anything next gen is something of a bonus. I just hope the games match the ideology of the system.

[Szczepaniak]

Well said! I think you've summed up the thoughts of many people, very eloquently.

This news about the Rev is good, for so many different reasons.

[sean]

I think Nintendo has another strategy that has not been mentioned yet. If you are the proud owner of a PS3 or a 360, you will more or less be playing the same or similar games. A Nintendo system for many hardcore gamers may be that "second system" due to it's exclusive games and low price. Think about it, if you had a PS3, why get a 360 if it has a slightly different NBA game or some generic FPS, or the latest half-assed rip-off of GTA? A Revolution will have some game you might want to actually play with someone else.

Personally, I don't really care if a game is in 2d with 4-bit graphics, if it has addictive gameplay or a good story, I'm all about it. Look at how many people purchased GBAs for all those great Castlevanias and RPGs.

[NeoAux]

I agree with this post fully.Nintendo already sent a wake up call with the DS.They smartly took a step back in the 90's to watch the competions moves and now there ready to pounce.

Prepare yourselves its gonna be a fun winter.Could one dare to think
the big N could end up on top again.No one thought the DS would stand up against the mighty PSP.

[XerdoPwerko]

Sir... my hat comes off. This is exactly my thought about the games industry and nintendo's current role.

And your article has pretty much summarised it perfectly.

Bravo.

[kevster]

anyone else seen this news

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526963/20060324/index.jhtml?headlines=true

sounds great

[vanadium]

The Revolution is the first Nintendo system I'll ever have preordered (when it becomes available), and the first I'll have purchased within its generation. Shit, at the price points I'm hearing, I may even have to get a second as a Christmas gift for my brother.

Also, this is the first system _ever_ that my wife's been just as interested in as I am. That's a big, big plus. The DS she got for free hooked her 6 months ago and she's excited to try the new controller scheme out.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Console -> PC comparison. Ever since the first Xbox, that's the direction it's been going, and largely the reason why I didn't get an Xbox for a good long while until I could mod it to my liking.

I can't wait. :)

[Topic Archive]

http://assemblergames.com/images/articles/rev.gif


Game sales are down.



Depends on who you believe or where you get your figures from.

...I can produce figures that show game sales going through the roof for the last quarter, but thats a seasonal trend that will no doubt slow down through summer as per usual.





Endless sequels, lack of innovation, and a feeling of a lack of progress with the
new console generation.

"It's the same thing, but it looks a little better"




Some people like sequels, some don't, most tend to like things looking 'better', thats life.





What does a company that does not believe in the current industry trends do?




Panic!





Offer them all the fun from the past, with all the power of the future.

Case in point: Xbox 360. In the months since launch some of the downloadable
games have outsold some games sold in stores.

However the Xbox 360 wasn't sold as a retro compatible console. It's quite the
opposite. It's a modern supercomputer God in a box. So why are the retro games
outselling some of the new ones? How is a $3 download outselling a game that
cost millions to make and has high end graphics?



I'd like to see your 'baseline' $$$ figures for d/l games 'outselling' store bought games, but I digress.

The 360 was designed to run whatever you like, some peeps like old stuff some like new. Some like the convenience of being able to d/l an 'instant' game rather than travelling to the stores, some wouldn't care if they never saw a disc ever again providing they got their game via d/l when the highstreet store was closed in the evening.




Nostalgia and gameplay.

People like what is familiar to them, and remember the feelings associated with
those experiences. The young gamer doesn't want pac-man. However, a
person in their 30's or 40's will drive a half hour to play pac-man on an old
arcade machine in a bar. What one considers good gameplay is relative to
one's prior gaming experience.

Just ask a 2d fighting game fan about new fighting games. The distain is
palpable.

So what do you do when so many age groups have different opinions and
tastes?

Covering all the bases with retro gaming.

It is evident to me this morning that nintendo is clever. Very, very clever.

Retrogaming has now evolved from an afterthought (like arcade on live) to a
key feature and selling point.

Re-read that.

With the Iwata's GDC announcement, emulation is one of the key selling
points for the new console. Not a side note, but a major part of the console's
design and appeal.

The nintendo revolution is designed to be a retrogaming monster.




What a nightmare.

Being 38, I grew up with video games from the start to where we are now, the last thing I want to do is play pac-man, especially on new H/W!

...I suppose that's where people 'our' age differ, we are not 'retro gamers' we are gamers that remember games from the past, 95% deserve to stay there.




Nintendo has already said it's not solely about graphics.
It's about gameplay and gaming experiences.
What better experience to offer the consumer than to have all their beloved games in one place?

Dad has the retro and can play the son's new games. Mom has her poker or
sudoku. Sister has nintendogs. There are also games designed for all of them
to play together. They can all take part in each other's games if they want to,
and no one is tied to one kind of gameplay. All on one machine.

Powerful new gameplay of the future.




That sounds like 'marketing' speak, not necessarily real life.

You are generalising people into pigeon holes, which can easily be turned upside down i.e I don't want to play retro, or my sons games, my wife doesn't want to play poker.





A PS3 or XBOX 360 controller will always only be a controller.

The new revolution controller interface is key.
Suddenly the controller isn't a controller.

It's a firehose. It's a fishing rod. It's a gun. It's a key. It's a sword.
A baseball bat. A frying pan.




Stunning.

...Whatever it looks like it still needs to be a controller.





In short, revolution is designed to appeal to every gamer on the planet.

From day one, what do you get?



Nintendo games
Super Nintendo Games
Nintendo 64 games
Sega Genesis Games
NEC Turbografx 16 games (PC engine)
Gamecube Games (Resalable as budget titles for use on revolution)
Revolution Games
Online originals
Cutting edge new games and everything old you've loved.
Thousands of games you love on release day.
Simple and easy to use as a remote control.




That list is fine providing you like titles released on those machines, if not you are buggered!

...Shame that the dev companies got burnt by the GC, otherwise that list could of been 4 times as long.





Nowhere anywhere near $399. Affordable to the masses.

Revolution.

Have you really thought about the name? I didn't until today.

This is not a company known for boasting or airs.
This is a machine being called a revolution by the artisans of the
gaming world.

Could it be? Could it really be?

Could gaming change fundamentally forever? A real honest to God revolution?

So you either don't believe or hope. I choose to believe.
My trust and hopes are placed on those who have created the game

experiences that all others are judged by. Who refuse to follow the industry
and set us free with devices like DS.

I hope the revolution comes. I really do.




I hope it's a decent machine, no reason why it shouldn't be, I love/own ALL of their previous and current machines, so the outlook is good, but 'hey' after all is said and done it's only another games console, not the cure for cancer or world peace.

[Ringo]

Two questions.

Where do we store all these games we download and do we have to delete ones we've paid for for new ones if we run out of space? Memory cards get expensive over time and that adds cost to these games. How do we protect our investment(again)?

I'm assuming its going to be a wireless internet connection due to lack of NIC on the machine. Is that going to be fast enough for multilplayer Rev games?

[the_steadster]

Two questions.

Where do we store all these games we download and do we have to delete ones we've paid for for new ones if we run out of space? Memory cards get expensive over time and that adds cost to these games. How do we protect our investment(again)?

512mb Flash built in, SD card storage. So you can double the 512 to 1gb with a 512 SD card for about £20. Not bad, and will be perfectly adequate for most people, particularly when the largest games are likely to be N64, so 64mb.


I'm assuming its going to be a wireless internet connection due to lack of NIC on the machine. Is that going to be fast enough for multilplayer Rev games?
Well it works fine over DSL/cable with PS2/XBL doesn't it?
DSL/Cable =~2mbit, Wireless =~20-56mbit, depending on distance.

[_skitzo_]

To think, I thought I was the only one felt of a let down when a next gen machine selling point is past gen games, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of being able to bring back some titles I missed, or can not find. But if Nintendo is proclaiming Revolution because of old tired software, I guess I will miss that train.

Does this really sound like a Real Revolution? not really, if I spend $400 dollars on a console to relive yesteryears, it will be Revolutionary if they show me next gen stuff.

[karsten]

AS ALWAYS, PEOPLE WILL GO WHERE THE GAME THEY LIKE WILL GO. (this is the maximum truth ;) )

in my example i have yet to choose my next generation console:

i love rpg, (Final Fantasy, Dragon Warrior, Suikoden, Growlanser, ecc ecc), driving games (better saying gran turismo, actually), strategic games (like FFT, disgea etc), 2d fighting games (KOF) and soul calibur/edge/whatever it is... Winning eleven, Metal gear saga.

so, how can i choose? Revolution won't move me if i can't see anything NEW GENERATION that i like coming. you can play emulators on pc or a modded xbox without paying for them (awful i know) or on the real hardware.

the ones i listed up there are the games that can make me buy a new system. The system that pleases me more with games will win.

tought i "fear" it'll be PS3 :( nintendo was AWFUL at getting proper support fron third party developers, so far..... i cheer up for ninty (for i loved the SNES) but i'm not optimistic at all.

Karsten

[Phinn]

It seems to me that if there's one thing Nintendo could be said *NOT* to be doing with the Revolution, that's it.

Here's, let's create an articifially limited set of options for what Nintendo could do in the coming generation:

1)continue making kiddie games (I think this is a totally false description of what Nintendo does, but let's go with that description for the sake of argument)

2)actually try to directly compete with Sony and Microsoft game for game and spec for spec (and consequently, dollar for dollar)

3)introduce all the innovations they have with the Revolution and forge a new path

From those options, which would actually prefer? Which do you think stands the best chance of success. In the long term.

Granted, there's other conceivable options, but you don't really seem to be arguing that they should do something different from any of those, but that they should be more conservative and not rock the boat so much.


...word is bondage...

I prefer them to go with option 3, but my point is in choosing to go with option 3 rather than option 1 (btw I said 'kid-friendly', not 'kiddie', there's a big difference) then they're taking a risk.

Anyway, as I said in my original post, they haven't done enough to convince me that they are being that revolutionary. Old games and a new controller doesn't cut it for me.

[hl718]

Nintendo wants to sell Revolution?

Convince Konami to release Dracula-X via Virtual Console.

Promote the hell out of it.

-hl718

[SovietStriker]

NEC Turbografx 16 games (PC engine)!!!!!
Wow i didn't know this was going to be included!
Dungeon explorer without multitap!!!! YES

[1080Peter]

All our questions will be answered come E3: game footage, controller(s) specifics, console and download pricing. Whatever loose ends need tying up!

[Fabrizo]

That was beautiful ASSEMbler :crying: :clap:


It is odd that Nintendo seem to be doing everything so right, without revealing the actual Revoluton games. I am so sold on the design, controller, retro games, and potential price that the actual games have less riding on them. You already know you are getting some great (retro) games with the machine that anything next gen is something of a bonus. I just hope the games match the ideology of the system.

Very true. I havn't seen footage or pictures for even a single game yet, but Im completly hyped for the system none-the-less. If nothing else, the idea of all these retro systems being supported amazes me.

I loved (and still do) SNES, but I always despised its random save-obliterating occurances. Genesis is the only system I've ever played which I can honestly say despite liking the games I detest the system (yes, the physical system) and won't touch it. N64 had some great games, but even though I got used to the bad textures and fog I could never get over the acceptance of 20fps or lower in most of the games. And TurboGrafx I never had the privelage of playing. The Revolution is set to solve all of these delemas.

[Metal_4evr]

I like the idea of having the old game libraries available but what about the controller(s) to play them? Last time I checked the revolution controller doesn't exactly seem to be suited for things like the SNES or Genesis 6 button games...

[Taucias]

Nintendo have stated that older style controllers will be able to plug into the handheld wand thing. You won't have to use the wand for every game.

[kammedo]

Truly real. Damn real. Retrogaming is the key to the future. You can see it everywhere, actually. From emulation to Retrogaming markets in general. Gaming is not only technological innovation. Gaming is fun, too. So if there's no new technology quantum leap in sight (which is what the actual situation looks like), you have to find new ways of entertainment. The world of videogames is huge. Enormously huge. Who said its not fun anmore to play Dunk'n'Dribble on an Old Atari 2700? Or a pitfall game? It looks alot like the vine industry : you have the new entries, but they will never get you the good taste the classics bring along. Poco ma sicuro.

[cahaz]

To think, I thought I was the only one felt of a let down when a next gen machine selling point is past gen games, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of being able to bring back some titles I missed, or can not find. But if Nintendo is proclaiming Revolution because of old tired software, I guess I will miss that train.

Does this really sound like a Real Revolution? not really, if I spend $400 dollars on a console to relive yesteryears, it will be Revolutionary if they show me next gen stuff.


Uh... the revolution isnt the virtual console, for me, anyway. Virtual console is a nice addition, but the controller is the reason why it will be my first nintendo console i will buy new, at the release date.

[Johnny]

AS ALWAYS, PEOPLE WILL GO WHERE THE GAME THEY LIKE WILL GO. (this is the maximum truth ;) )

in my example i have yet to choose my next generation console:

i love rpg, (Final Fantasy, Dragon Warrior, Suikoden, Growlanser, ecc ecc), driving games (better saying gran turismo, actually), strategic games (like FFT, disgea etc), 2d fighting games (KOF) and soul calibur/edge/whatever it is... Winning eleven, Metal gear saga.

so, how can i choose? Revolution won't move me if i can't see anything NEW GENERATION that i like coming. you can play emulators on pc or a modded xbox without paying for them (awful i know) or on the real hardware.

the ones i listed up there are the games that can make me buy a new system. The system that pleases me more with games will win.

tought i "fear" it'll be PS3 :( nintendo was AWFUL at getting proper support fron third party developers, so far..... i cheer up for ninty (for i loved the SNES) but i'm not optimistic at all.

Karsten

Totally agree with you. This is exactly why i haven't got a Xbox or plan to have a Xbox 360. And it's exactly why i have a PS2 and plan on getting a PS3.

Sony has the most variety of games on their consoles. Everytime someone mentions Xbox, it's always the same games. Halo, DOA, Ninja Gaiden, PGR and Forza. (i would add Panzer Dragoon Orta and Outrun2). Those games are great but won't make a system a success on their own.

The Revolution/Go is already on my wish-list, but the price of this retro games feature (each game cost, and so on) will be a very important starting point to see if it gonna succedd or not.

[Alchy]

It seems strange how many of my mates who are army FPS/sports gamers are saying they'll be getting a Revolution on the side. Sitting around talking football, drinking beers and playing Ghost Recon on Xbox, it took me a little by surprise when everyone in the room kind of casually agreed they'd pick one up around launch if it cost £150 or less.

I think once most people see a video of how the controller could work as opposed to what it looks like in a photo, something clicks and the potential becomes obvious.

So what does the rumour mill think is going to be the remaining revolutionary feature?

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I prefer them to go with option 3, but my point is in choosing to go with option 3 rather than option 1 (btw I said 'kid-friendly', not 'kiddie', there's a big difference) then they're taking a risk.
I don't see how anything we know about the Revolution rules out that Nintendo will continue to make *EXACLY* the kind of games they always have. They just might have a new control mechanism is all (I say might because I still think it's pretty likely that most games--including many from Nintendo themselves--will use traditional control methods, just like many DS games do).


Anyway, as I said in my original post, they haven't done enough to convince me that they are being that revolutionary. Old games and a new controller doesn't cut it for me.
Add in ultra low cost dev kit, online game distribution, DS connectivity and who knows what else. Does any or all of that amount to a "revolution"? I don't know and I don't care. Personally, I can't wait for Nintendo to officially change the system's name just so people will stop whining, "what's so revolutionary about this, what's so revolutionary about that?" If you like what you've heard about the system and you think it brings some interesting possibilities for enjoyment, then don't worry about whether it's revolutionary, just say you're looking forward to it.


...word is bondage...

[zappenduster]

the thing that makes me thinking nintendo should have a large amount of money in the back alone from the sale of the handhelds since they wherent as technology challenging as the home consoles and so cheaper to produce ?

[modrobert]

Endless sequels, lack of innovation, and a feeling of a lack of progress with the
new console generation.

"It's the same thing, but it looks a little better"


If you live to be old enough most stuff (games, music, movies) will either be a remake or retro in some way, but not in the eyes of the young.

I have this "theory of cycles" where everything come back in one way or another within a couple of decades, so to fit in and never feel bored of remakes/reruns (or any other form of dejavu) one should not live to be older than 30 years. ;)


BTW;

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1917325398721852884&q=christmas+N64

OMG!

[Shadowlayer]

Nice one assembler, but honestly I see a shorter, simpler anwer to the revo concept: fanboyism

Since the pokemon whore-out, nintendo has been living from just 2 things: the GBA and the fanboys.

The GBA obviously represented the major part of the profit (since it was the only portable for quite some time) but the console division (GC) was mainly supported by nintendo fanboys.

So, if everybody is makings cadillacs, what can you do? you start making corvettes, which are not so powerfull as the caddyes, yet their are wuite cheaper.

The revo is a low-end console (for this generation) but capitalizes in 3 main spots:

*Fanboys that buy old stuff and will constantly download the old games from the net.

*Non-gaming people, like elders and those who buy games for their cellphones. The revo is affordable to them and the gameplay is simple (shit, release Rez on this one and you got all those MTV kids and potheads hooked to it)

*a cheap console: with the costant cuts in the GCs price nintendo found something, and that a lot of people who already had a Xbox or a PS2 bought the GC as a secondary console. The reason was simple: there were a few games that are must-buy and the console was so cheap it didnt hurt your pocket.

Honestly I think SEGA could have done the same: take the DC, pump more power (like the new SH7 and VR4, so it would be compatible with DC games) to make it a little more powerfull than PS2 and GC, add internal memory (or the capability for that, like the revo does) an exterior redesing, some gizmos (like a wireless controller with headset port) and presto! you've the revolution.

Too bad SEGA is too broke to do it:-(