Nintendo One Handed Controller
Nintendo plans one-handed joypad:
Taken from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4251720.stm
http://media.cube.ign.com/articles/651/651334/vid_1249127.html - Video Link
The controller aims to be just like a TV remote
Nintendo has unveiled the controller for its new Revolution game console.
In a demonstration at the Tokyo Game Show, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata showed off a wireless controller that closely resembled a TV remote control.
Motion sensors on the controller translate its movements into game action, allowing it to be used as a virtual sword, baseball bat or racket.
Although the Revolution's controllers are public, Nintendo has yet to reveal details about the console's hardware.
Mr Iwata said the controller resembled a remote control because that device was familiar to so many people.
"Its intuitive form allows both experienced and new gamers to stand on the same starting line," he said during his keynote address at the show.
Mr Iwata said the Revolution controller and console was aimed at converting new users to gaming who were scared off by the fast pace of existing games.
"If we can't do that, we might as well stand back and watch the market die off," he said.
The wireless sensor-studded controller is a break with the past because before now most game consoles have used a two-handed device studded with buttons.
The Revolution's controller can be used to fight with on-screen weapons such as swords or control vehicles and characters but was also capable of representing quite delicate movements, said Mr Iwata.
Satoru Iwata revealed the controller at the Tokyo Games Show
During the demonstration during Mr Iwata's speech, the controller was seen being used by players to conduct an on-screen orchestra, play a virtual musical instrument and even use an in-game dentists' drill.
The slim controller can be used one-handed or can be fitted with an extension cord that links it to a familiar thumb-controlled joystick.
Nintendo's Revolution console will be released in 2006 but it is likely to appear after launches by rivals Microsoft and Sony.
Earlier this week Microsoft announced that its Xbox 360 will launch in the US on 22 November, with Europe and Japan following at the start of December.
Great article, thanks. I worry that this type of controller will leave many disabled gamers behind, as happened with the previous generation (PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Dreamcast) due to the reliance on analogue controls.
Looks very interesting though.
OGHC is a (very entertaining) blog about an old lady who loves games. She expresses some doubts here about the ergonomics of the new controller for people with arthritis:
http://oghc.blogspot.com/2005/09/grandma-to-nintendo-what-hell-are-you.html
Personally, I don't think it will be a big deal, since likely you will be able to use it perfectly with slight wrist movements, instead of swinging your arm around until it dislocates. Here's hoping you'll be able to adjust the sensitivity.