Iwata: ‘Revolution user interface not yet decided’ – Plus Lots More on New Home Console
Fresh interview is most revealing to date.
In a recent interview with Business Week, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, fresh from his GDC keynote has offered what is perhaps the most telling indication to date of the future of the firm’s home console push.
When asked specifically about the user interface of the Revolution, perhaps the most talked about aspect of any videogame console ever, Iwata-san said, “The new interface will allow some new forms of innovation. Already, you're seeing changes in Nintendo DS, which has a microphone, input pen, and touch screen. We have a number of candidates for a new interface but are not ready to reveal them. All I can say right now is that whatever we choose will be intuitive and easy to use for everyone.” It had been assumed that the finalised outline of what the Revolution will comprise had been reached. According to this statement, things are still to be nailed down.
The Nintendo president goes on to explain the thinking regarding the much-mooted inclusion of a microphone in Revolution. “It certainly makes a game better to have voice commands, because it can alter how the game is played. But the fact of the matter is, to realise voice commands, all you have to do is install a microphone. We realise a few of our competitors are already thinking of following us on this, so it will not be a defining feature of the new console. We may or may not use the microphone in the new [Nintendo Revolution] interface.” Again, it must be stressed that SPOnG is surprised that this element of design has not been bottomed. Of course, Iwata-san is likely to be playing his cards close to his chest.
It was again confirmed that the first development kits for Revolution are already with certain studios. “Development kits are already out there, depending on which stage you're talking about. All I can say right now is "in the near-future" for the basis platform information they will need to get started on games,” hinting that ‘The Revolution Secret’ has not been divulged to anyone at this point in time.
In SPOnG’s recent exclusive interview with the Nintendo president we put it to him that the Revolution might be nothing more than a computer in a box. Given the mention of “...the basis platform information they will need”, this seems unlikely, hinting that there is indeed a key defining factor.
Of course, stay tuned for everything Revolution related on SPOnG, as it breaks.
When asked specifically about the user interface of the Revolution, perhaps the most talked about aspect of any videogame console ever, Iwata-san said, “The new interface will allow some new forms of innovation. Already, you're seeing changes in Nintendo DS, which has a microphone, input pen, and touch screen. We have a number of candidates for a new interface but are not ready to reveal them. All I can say right now is that whatever we choose will be intuitive and easy to use for everyone.” It had been assumed that the finalised outline of what the Revolution will comprise had been reached. According to this statement, things are still to be nailed down.
The Nintendo president goes on to explain the thinking regarding the much-mooted inclusion of a microphone in Revolution. “It certainly makes a game better to have voice commands, because it can alter how the game is played. But the fact of the matter is, to realise voice commands, all you have to do is install a microphone. We realise a few of our competitors are already thinking of following us on this, so it will not be a defining feature of the new console. We may or may not use the microphone in the new [Nintendo Revolution] interface.” Again, it must be stressed that SPOnG is surprised that this element of design has not been bottomed. Of course, Iwata-san is likely to be playing his cards close to his chest.
It was again confirmed that the first development kits for Revolution are already with certain studios. “Development kits are already out there, depending on which stage you're talking about. All I can say right now is "in the near-future" for the basis platform information they will need to get started on games,” hinting that ‘The Revolution Secret’ has not been divulged to anyone at this point in time.
In SPOnG’s recent exclusive interview with the Nintendo president we put it to him that the Revolution might be nothing more than a computer in a box. Given the mention of “...the basis platform information they will need”, this seems unlikely, hinting that there is indeed a key defining factor.
Of course, stay tuned for everything Revolution related on SPOnG, as it breaks.
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Comments
Ditto 14 Mar 2005 13:43
1/18
Ha.
So that's why they can't release anything about the Revolution.
They don't know what it's going to do yet!
So that's why they can't release anything about the Revolution.
They don't know what it's going to do yet!
ann0uk 14 Mar 2005 14:44
2/18
Good on Nintendo, it is about time someone tried something new in the video games market. When i look around all i see are the same games, most of them are made by EA which is probably the most un-inovative company out there. I like Sony and their platforms have been good, but i feel that things are just repeating themselves and Iwata is true that better graphics ALONE are not the answer. The Nintendo DS has me excited probably more than PSP (although this does look good) and i am surprised with the amount of critism i see on internet forums such as these, lets give the system some time and with new software and the free wi-fi its going to be very interesting. As for Revolution, this is tricky, i am quietly optomistic about this but i dont want Nintendo to go the same route as Sega, a day when Nintendo is no longer in the Video Games Market will be a very sad day indeed, and it will be greedy monopolizing firms like microsoft that have blood on their hands. Come on Nintendo.
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Jayenkai 14 Mar 2005 17:51
3/18
I don't understand how useful a Dev-Kit would be, if you don't even know what the controller's going to be like?
Still, good to know they haven't 100% decided yet. Plenty of time for new stuff to be created ;)
Still, good to know they haven't 100% decided yet. Plenty of time for new stuff to be created ;)
fluffstardx 14 Mar 2005 19:34
4/18
It's easy: just tell them the basics. Analogue joystick, this many buttons. Go work.
tyrion 14 Mar 2005 19:41
5/18
ann0uk wrote:
the free wi-fi its going to be very interesting.
Lst me just stop you there. I don't think anybody would offer free Wi-Fi Internet access. The costs would be quite large. What I believe this is talking about is a free Internet service that would be accessed through the DS's Wi-Fi interface and also through a Wi-Fi enabled broadband router.
I don't think Nintendo will be shelling out for a Wi-Fi enabled broadband router and an ADSL subscription for every DS user.
tyrion 14 Mar 2005 19:43
6/18
fluffstardx wrote:
It's easy: just tell them the basics. Analogue joystick, this many buttons. Go work.
Analogue joystick, four main buttons, two shoulder tiggers and a d-pad.
GameCube controller or XBox?
I think the shape of the controller and its buttons will be quite important.
claudioalex 14 Mar 2005 20:21
7/18
I dont understand,
how is that even Iwata doesnt know the design and interphase of Revolution, and on the other hand there are already develpment kits for Revolution in hands of compnies?
i think Iwata wants to mislead the rivals` knowledge about revolution to avoid a copycat, or may be this revolution is just a huge propaganda based in a joke.
how is that even Iwata doesnt know the design and interphase of Revolution, and on the other hand there are already develpment kits for Revolution in hands of compnies?
i think Iwata wants to mislead the rivals` knowledge about revolution to avoid a copycat, or may be this revolution is just a huge propaganda based in a joke.
Pandaman 14 Mar 2005 22:22
8/18
Obviously Nintendo has no idea what the controller will look like guys. In fact, they have the ENTIRE system completely modeled and finished an entire year before it is to be released. They're just using it as a paperweight around the office until they release it.
Smelly 15 Mar 2005 11:35
9/18
Adam M wrote:
Ha.
So that's why they can't release anything about the Revolution.
They don't know what it's going to do yet!
So that's why they can't release anything about the Revolution.
They don't know what it's going to do yet!
WRONG!! They dont know what the controller will be yet...
auzdafluff 15 Mar 2005 12:44
10/18
Iwata wrote:
"It certainly makes a game better to have voice commands, because it can alter how the game is played. But the fact of the matter is, to realise voice commands, all you have to do is install a microphone. We realise a few of our competitors are already thinking of following us on this, so it will not be a defining feature of the new console."
Did this stick part stick out at anyone? Now I don't know whether its because its misinterpreted or he just doesn't know but voice tech has already been used in this generation. He makes it sound like its something that will have never been used before until the next gen.
Did this stick part stick out at anyone? Now I don't know whether its because its misinterpreted or he just doesn't know but voice tech has already been used in this generation. He makes it sound like its something that will have never been used before until the next gen.
config 15 Mar 2005 12:51
11/18
I believe Iwata-san is refering to full voice control, rather than simply transmitting voice data over the net, a la Live.
Joji 15 Mar 2005 16:56
12/18
I think there is a possibility of you being able to voice command the thing but I reckon the main interface will be a Wavebird2 wireless controller.
Time will tell but I have faith Nintedo will pull off something cool with Revolution. E3 is getting closer, not long to wait now.
Time will tell but I have faith Nintedo will pull off something cool with Revolution. E3 is getting closer, not long to wait now.
vault 13 16 Mar 2005 05:48
13/18
Even though I don't think graphics are the biggest decider for me when looking at games, %75 of the gaming populace is made up of jocks, kids, gansta ghetto kids who play Madden and GTA, et al. There not gonna wanna control an italian plumber by voice or fly Kirby around with strap on wings.
Smelly 16 Mar 2005 08:33
14/18
%75 of the gaming populace is made up of jocks, kids, gansta ghetto kids who play Madden and GTA, et al.
Who are well catered for by the other two companies. So surely simple econnomics dictates that rather than trying to get a 3rd of the 75% (which'd only make up 25% anyhows), and failing due to the other 2 taking up the majority of that market. Then you should go for the 25% who arent that type?
.. and in the process try to bring in non-gamers like mums and dads and little sisters to make up an even bigger proportion of the market share?
Gamers thinking they understand business without even grasping simple to understand concepts like the above make me giggle.
Smelly 16 Mar 2005 08:35
15/18
vault 13 wrote:
%75 of the gaming populace is made up of jocks, kids, gansta ghetto kids who play Madden and GTA, et al. There not gonna wanna control an italian plumber by voice or fly Kirby around with strap on wings.
Who are well catered for by the other two companies. So surely simple econnomics dictates that rather than trying to get a 3rd of the 75% (which'd only make up 25% anyhows), and failing due to one of the competitors already taking up the majority of that market. Then you should go for the 25% who arent of that type?
.. and in the process try to bring in non-gamers like mums and dads and little sisters to make up an even bigger proportion of the market share?
Gamers thinking they understand business without even grasping simple to understand concepts like the above make me giggle.
Ditto 16 Mar 2005 09:05
16/18
vault 13 wrote:
Even though I don't think graphics are the biggest decider for me when looking at games, %75 of the gaming populace is made up of jocks, kids, gansta ghetto kids who play Madden and GTA, et al. There not gonna wanna control an italian plumber by voice or fly Kirby around with strap on wings.
This is why Nintendo need to fund some adult game development as well as keeping their kiddie franchises.
I think that the Revolution will flop unless Nintendo gets it's act together.
Smelly 16 Mar 2005 09:27
17/18
Adam M wrote:
This is why Nintendo need to fund some adult game development as well as keeping their kiddie franchises.
I think that the Revolution will flop unless Nintendo gets it's act together.
Well depends on your defintiion of "adult". In my opinion games like gta only appeal to kiddies and teens.
Nearly all of the cube owners i know are in their 30's and love playing "kiddy" games (as you put it) like mario.
but as i said before.. why go for the same market as the other ones are going for? But if you want "adult" games (i.e. games for kids with violence and stuff).. look at resi-evil 4 and eternal darkness.. Or do "adult" games only count when they're crap?
Ditto 16 Mar 2005 13:49
18/18
Yeah, I'd agree with that, however Nintendo's main focus with games hasn't been anything other than kids. Some adults may watch the Loony Toons, but they're designed with kids in mind.
I don't sticktly mean adult adult nudity, sex, violence games but games that are "popular" at the present time. For example FPS and RPG genres.
Nintendo still produce games derived from what people were playing in the 90s.
Important Edit
This month Personal Computer World have reviewed the Nintendo DS. Their main summary of it was that it doesn't stand a chance against the PSP, however that it will do well in the market Nintendo are aiming it at, kids. The magazine states that the DS was obviously targeted at children.
I don't sticktly mean adult adult nudity, sex, violence games but games that are "popular" at the present time. For example FPS and RPG genres.
Nintendo still produce games derived from what people were playing in the 90s.
Important Edit
This month Personal Computer World have reviewed the Nintendo DS. Their main summary of it was that it doesn't stand a chance against the PSP, however that it will do well in the market Nintendo are aiming it at, kids. The magazine states that the DS was obviously targeted at children.