Iwata on Revolution: Less Powerful, More Popular.

**Aquanox** · 10-03-2005

G4 interview with IwataThe exclusive interview with Iwata we mentioned last week is now up on the G4 web site, and there are some interesting statements made therein. The two most important points: the Nintendo Revolution will be less powerful than the PS3 and Xbox 360, but it will “be held and appreciated by so many people more than the people who love to play with the [other systems],” thanks to the addition of new, traditionally non-gaming audiences.

To clarify the console-power remarks, Iwata did concede to Geoff Keighley (pictured here) that the Revolution won’t have as impressive tech specs as its next-gen rivals, and that hardcore gamers would probably buy one in addition to the PS3s and 360s in their lives. What he did claim, however, was that people won’t be able to “tell such a huge difference” between the systems’ visuals on “an ordinary TV set at home.” Questions concerning HD sets were not directly answered.

Keighley’s nearly 23-minute interview with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata covers a lot of ground, but the points above are bookended by some other interesting facts. For instance, the Revolution will launch in 2006 at a lower price point than the 360 and PS3 (because the price “must be affordable for non-gamers as well”); Nintendo has not decided yet whether to include controller adapters (or “schemes”) for free with the system; and keeping promises made to GameCube owners about launching Twilight Princess on the current-gen platform.

At any rate, Geoff cuts to the chase after some chitchat about casual gaming and controllers at around the 7:30 minute mark, so skip there if you want the video goods.

To be honest, I think that Nintendo has the hardest path ever in this generation. I hope they manage to succeed, or at least, stay in the hardware business.

Source: joystiq.com

**Lefein** · 10-03-2005

I bet they'll do just fine. A lot of people are thinking about getting a Revolution. Nintendo did very well at the TGS for establishing a place in the next generation for themselves. As long as the controller is precise, I think it will go over well. I wonder how much the Rev will be? If they can make it to the $150 mark within a few years, then it will certainly be the second console of choice for hardcore gamers and the console of choice for families.

This could be a very good thing for Nintendo. Perhaps the GameCube didnt do so well because it was too much like the other consoles in overall design. Aesthetically it didnt stand out. The box itself was small and lightweight, but people dont necessarily buy a console on those kind of things. Nintendo needs to do something different and they are set to deliver.

**Nikorasu** · 10-04-2005

Yea, as long as Nintendo delivers with this controller, they'll do just fine in the Next Gen, even without the best graphics... and mind you, they claim you wont see much difference on standard TVs. ^_~

So, this is the FULL video of the interview... thats awesome... since they only showed like half of it on G4 when I watched their special.

Here is a direct link to the video... for anyone that hates those embedded video players, cause sometimes they dont work in all browsers... or they just suck with ads commercials... (^_~ enjoy, i had to dig through the sourcecode and asx junk to get this link.)lol
http://media.g4tv.com/video/tgsiwatainterview_300.wmv

**The Chocobo Kid** · 10-04-2005

I'm sure they will do great in sell like less. that might sell alot more this time.

**apc6** · 10-06-2005

I'm getting a revolution...I've actually lost a lot of faith so far in the PS3, and Microsoft's entire attitude also pisses me off so I am for sure not going with them. Bring it on Nintendo

**Nikorasu** · 10-06-2005

LOL, Don't get me started on Microsoft's attitude... I hate MS in general... but they said some stuff today that really pisses me off...
They were saying stuff like that "For sure, PS3 will cost $1000"... those arseholes... all microsoft is good at is spreading false hype and tricking people into getting their products.

**Lefein** · 10-06-2005

Can we stay on topic please?

**The Chocobo Kid** · 10-06-2005

NIntendo might be less powerful but it's ok. the games will look the same as ps3 and xbox. also the games is what matter to people and nintendo understands that. too bad they didn't do it like sony did.

**Lp Chris XII** · 10-06-2005

When playing a video game, I don't think about how boring the game is because it has bad graphics, but in cut-scenes or anytime where I'm just watching, THAT's when graphics come to my mind. With a console like the Revolution which will have us waving our arms around to attack our artificial enemies, I'm sure most people won't have time to worry about the visuals being lower quality than GOW or MGS4.

**The Chocobo Kid** · 10-07-2005

Originally Posted by Lp_chris12

When playing a video game, I don't think about how boring the game is because it has bad graphics, but in cut-scenes or anytime where I'm just watching, THAT's when graphics come to my mind. With a console like the Revolution which will have us waving our arms around to attack our artificial enemies, I'm sure most people won't have time to worry about the visuals being lower quality than GOW or MGS4.

That's true, I guess you can be right about something's. people will not care to much when they are geting a work out.

**Lefein** · 10-07-2005

I agree, LP, people will be having too much fun running around and being crazy to worry about the bump mapping on the MIP mapping of the vertex shader pipeline energy flux capacitor on the three billionth polygon on Links Nose.

**Blake** · 10-07-2005

flux capacitor on the three billionth polygon on Links Nose.

So....I take it you just got done watching "Back 2 the Future"...yes?... no?...maybe?

**Lefein** · 10-07-2005

No, I just felt it was appropriate. I've never seen people so juiced about pixel shader pipelines in my life. So, I kinda wanted to poke fun at that.

**sevendesigns** · 10-09-2005

Am I the only one who think this controller is stupid? I don't play games to be jumping around the room. In fact, I play video games to escape reality, and to be as lazy as possible. I play to relax. I play to get sucked into another world. If i'm jumping around and swinging my arms, i'm reminded that i'm actually playing a video game. I don't like that feeling. I don't know. I hope they can do well, but I don't see the point of this.

**c.a.p** · 10-10-2005

Originally Posted by sevendesigns

Am I the only one who think this controller is stupid? I don't play games to be jumping around the room. In fact, I play video games to escape reality, and to be as lazy as possible. I play to relax. I play to get sucked into another world. If i'm jumping around and swinging my arms, i'm reminded that i'm actually playing a video game. I don't like that feeling. I don't know. I hope they can do well, but I don't see the point of this.

As I and many other people on these forums have said before, the trailer was exagerated. Have you even read about the controller? The tilt sencors are so sensitive that you don't have to actually move around like that. And if you ask me, this would make you more apart of the game. When you move the controller, a character moves a gun the same way you do on screen, adding a lot more immersion to the game. Don't knock it before you try it.

**XxScarfacexX** · 10-10-2005

I wonder what the Revolution kiosk are going to be like.

**sevendesigns** · 10-10-2005

Originally Posted by cap_826

As I and many other people on these forums have said before, the trailer was exagerated. Have you even read about the controller? The tilt sencors are so sensitive that you don't have to actually move around like that. And if you ask me, this would make you more apart of the game. When you move the controller, a character moves a gun the same way you do on screen, adding a lot more immersion to the game. Don't knock it before you try it.

Yes, but it's a whole different experience all together with this 'controller', that I don't wanna be part of. When I play, I don't wanna be bothered. I play consoles because I dislike computer gaming with a mouse and keyboard. To me, that's luxary compared to what Nintendo are trying to do with this new controller.

Besides, the games that I enjoy most can't be enjoyed with this controller, no matter how much they try to convince me. Instead of people going online to find cheats codes to their favorite game, I can see them going online to find easier ways to use the controller. Doesn't sound like fun to me.

**c.a.p** · 10-10-2005

Originally Posted by sevendesigns

Originally Posted by cap_826

As I and many other people on these forums have said before, the trailer was exagerated. Have you even read about the controller? The tilt sencors are so sensitive that you don't have to actually move around like that. And if you ask me, this would make you more apart of the game. When you move the controller, a character moves a gun the same way you do on screen, adding a lot more immersion to the game. Don't knock it before you try it.

Yes, but it's a whole different experience all together with this 'controller', that I don't wanna be part of. When I play, I don't wanna be bothered. I play consoles because I dislike computer gaming with a mouse and keyboard. To me, that's luxary compared to what Nintendo are trying to do with this new controller.

Besides, the games that I enjoy most can't be enjoyed with this controller, no matter how much they try to convince me. Instead of people going online to find cheats codes to their favorite game, I can see them going online to find easier ways to use the controller. Doesn't sound like fun to me.

Easier ways? What's easier than pointing in a direction to aim that way? In a shooter on a standard controller you have to reach out of the way and use the analog stick to move your aim, with this, all you do is move the controller in that direction to aim, and that doesn't take your thumb away from the action buttons on the controller like an analog stick would. Or if you want to swing a sword on a standard controller in different ways, you have to press all different kinds of buttons, but with the Revolution controller all you do is move the controller in that direction. This simplifies things a lot, it doesn't complicate them. Also, have you ever used the eye-toy? Many people will tell you how fun that is even with all the movement, and Revolution doesn't even require half the movement that does. I think Nintendo made a good decision here.

**sevendesigns** · 10-10-2005

I don't like it. I mean, I applaud Nintendo for trying something new. But, in all honesty, this doesn't really please me. I don't play video games to move my controller around to control the action on screen. Remember the olden days, when we'd move the controller all over the place, thinking that it'll help us win? I grew out of that when I turned 10.

I'll most likely own a Revolution someday, but i'm just telling you how I feel about this 'controller'. It's like moving your right foot in circles (clockwise) off the ground, while trying to draw a '6' with your right hand at the same time (try it sometime).

**The Chocobo Kid** · 10-13-2005

Originally Posted by sevendesigns

I don't like it. I mean, I applaud Nintendo for trying something new. But, in all honesty, this doesn't really please me. I don't play video games to move my controller around to control the action on screen. Remember the olden days, when we'd move the controller all over the place, thinking that it'll help us win? I grew out of that when I turned 10.

I'll most likely own a Revolution someday, but i'm just telling you how I feel about this 'controller'. It's like moving your right foot in circles (clockwise) off the ground, while trying to draw a '6' with your right hand at the same time (try it sometime).

Nintendo is taken a risk here. so to give people something new to try out.

**sevendesigns** · 10-19-2005

That's great and all. But i'm sure those people will grow tired of it, imo.

**c.a.p** · 10-19-2005

Originally Posted by sevendesigns

That's great and all. But i'm sure those people will grow tired of it, imo.

Why? People didn't grow tired of the d-pad, analog, or rumble. Those are all standard now. I believe this could be the next great innovation in video games.