Nintendo Revolution to include a touchscreen controller?

by Ben Zackheim { Mar 18th 2005 at 4:39PM }

Mr. Hat writes in that this month's Game Informer may let the cat out of the bag about what's so revolutionary about the Revolution.

Hasn't this been done before?

Mr. Hat writes…

For months and months we've all been wondering what the new and "revolutionary" aspects of the Nintendo Revolution would be. It looks like we finally have an answer… I just got the newest issue of Game Informer today, and there's a pretty lengthy article in there about everything the magazine knows so far about the next generation consoles. Hidden pretty well in there is the Nintendo update-

"However, Nintendo may have to pull a rabbit out of it's hat to become a major player in the next generation. That rabbit, GI has learned, *is a touch screen*. A source at a major development studio recently revealed to us details regarding Nintedo's devlopment kit for the Revolution…

The most shocking is that the Revolution *Uses a touch screen as it's controller. There is no analog stick or shoulder buttons. The touch screen on the face of the controller is designed to be fully customizable. So, the developer can configure the buttons any way they se4e fit, instead opting for virtual levers or other stylus-related inputs.*"

This makes perfect sense- even though the touch screen is currently being utilized with the DS, it's still a technology that hasn't been widely used before. This also speaks to Iwata's statement that developers may be wary of the new technology- after all, we've spent a decade expecting to control our characters with some kind of D-Pad or Analog stick. This would change everything, and could potentially scare people away. I'm betting that this is for real.

Anyone else get Game Informer out there? Is Mr. Hat high?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ben Sanborn @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

is it a magazine ?

if so, april fools

Bud @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I heard the controller was going to consist of a dinner plate and utensils all wired to the console. This will attract casual gamers who are put off by complicated control systems and will gravitate toward interfaces with which they are familiar.

Eddie @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Sounds like April fools but rather clever theory.

Makes sense but I dont want to be so close to a big screen so I can click it.

I hope this isnt true.

Edward Zieba @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

3: I'm assuing the screen is on the controller (it IS the controller!) rather than the screen you've hooked the console up to.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I have a hard time believing this.

mr.hat @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I have reason to think this isn't an April Fools, one, because April Fools articles are almost always stand alones, and number two because there is already an April Foolsy section in the magazine called Game Infarcer.

keltainen susi @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

This is false, nintendo has stated that revolution will NOT have touch/second screen..

Allthough if this was true, which I highly doubt, It could work(controlling 2d & FPS games in ds is absolute gaming heaven), but it wouldn't really be that revolutionary thing..

Knowing nintendo, "revolutionary" thing about revolution stays in shadows until they annouce it at e3.

Nintendo, surprize us once again!

encnone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

"Makes sense but I dont want to be so close to a big screen so I can click it."

I believe there would be two screens.. One as the controller in your hands and the other, your tv set. I'm guessing that's the rumor being implied here.

Eddie @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

See I dont understand why they even started this two screen thing. Our two eyes focus on one thing.

When there are two screens, I usually forget about the other.

rockinstockin @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

"This is false, nintendo has stated that revolution will NOT have touch/second screen.."

Where did nintendo say this? link?

Wai_TungLeung @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

But it's not April let alone the first of April, it is therefore classified as a hoax. Don't people have calandars anymore? :-S

ethan1134 @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Although this info may be false, the GAME INFORMER magazine does says this. I guess we'll just have to wait until E3 to find out.

Efren @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Here's the full text of the article:

"Of course, the final piece to the puzzle that may change the entire landscape for both Microsoft and Sony is Nintendo. However, Nintendo may have to pull a rab�bit out of its hat to become a major player in the next generation.
That rabbit, Game Informer has learned, is a touch screen. A source at a major development studio recently revealed to us details regarding Nintendo's development kit for the Revolution and the various guidelines Nintendo is providing to the publishing community regarding its new machine.
The most shocking is that the Revolution uses a touch screen as its controller. There is no analog stick or shoulder buttons. The touch screen on the face of the controller is designed to be fully customizable. So, the developer can configure the buttons any way they see fit, or in other cases not use buttons at all, instead opting for virtual levers or other stylus-related inputs. While an intriguing design idea, it's tough to imagine pressing buttons or directing your onscreen persona without the tactile feed-back you get from a standard controller.
This also limits a publishers ability to simply port games created for the other platforms quickly and easily to the Revolution. In fact, our source states that Nintendo is actually requiring developers to take advantage of unique touch screen aspects if it wants to get approval for release.
There are some exciting gameplay possibilities that this design can facilitate, namely control panels for flight games, or a wide assortment of customized inputs for specific genres, like the ability to target in an FPS by simply moving your finger across the face of the controller. However, leaving behind the familiar controller layout that garners have become accustomed to could potentially alienate some of Nintendo's audience.
All other technical data on the Revolution at this time is scarce. So, how the machine will match up against Sony and Microsoft's next generation hardware is difficult to determine.
However, in our talks with vari�ous publishers, many are skeptical of how well it will fare in the market. This may once again leave Nintendo supporting its own console, hopefully with unique and compelling games from its always-outstand�ing first-party development studios."

Here's a scan of the document (918k):
http://home.rgv.rr.com/nicodemus/n5.gif

My opinion is that if this is true, Nintendo is f*cked. Using a controller that has no give is going to make one's fingers hurt like hell. Not to mention that since each game will have different button layouts, you'll never know where the buttons are and will be forced to be constantly looking down at the controller to see where to press.

They just need to quit delaying the inevitable and go third party.

rockinstockin @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

If they can make it sturdy and durable, I could see this being really awesome. Think of how many times a console gets shafted because it does not have enough face buttons

On the downside, you'll probably have to learn a new button layout for each game, and since you're not physically pressing a button down, there's a lot of room for error.

Lukalicious @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Good god mack. Really?

About the article. This just doesn't sound legit. There is a good chance it's an April Fools, although it goes without saying that one of the main differences for the Revolution is going to be the controller.

While I see a possibility that a new controller could use a touch screen, I doubt it would all be a touch screen.

It would seem more likely that it would have a regular analogue stick, and shoulder buttons, but would have a small "touch screen" where the A,B,X and Y buttons normally are.

Who knows. We all will I guess in about 2 months at E3.

Joystiq, get a Revolution atom. It really shouldn't be that hard. Shame on you for not having one yet.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Thanks for your kind words Mack! It is always great to hear that I can bring a ray of joy to someone's life. :-D

I have said before, here and elsewhere, that it is too early to throw weight behind any of these next generation consoles. Anyone who decides today which next-gen console to buy is a fool. I will wait and see what all three have to offer before I make my decision. You should too. Make your decision based on common sense with a level head when you can fully examine all your choices and, more importantly, the games.

I�ll be the first to admit that a touch-screen on the controller isn�t what I�d hope for. It introduces a whole host of problems such as: cost of the controller, limited wireless options, durability, tactile response, etc. While it would be revolutionary, I don�t think it is the best revolution to start.

If we look at the word Revolution, we find a few definitions:

rev�o�lu�tion
- A drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving -
- The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another -
- A turning or rotational motion about an axis -

The first two definitions are easy to comprehend from a Nintendo standpoint.

- A drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving -
Nintendo wishes to change how people perceive gaming

- The overthrow of one government and its replacement with another -
Nintendo would like to usurp Sony from the �gaming throne�

But the third definition I believe is the key�
- A turning or rotational motion about an axis -
It has been speculated before that Nintendo�s next console would use some sort of gyroscope technology to control action on screen.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to use a gyroscope-controlled mouse. Instantly, I realized this device would be integrated into controllers for SOME game console. It offers a unique mouse-like control with a totally new interface. It has advantages of mouse and joystick all rolled into one and is already packaged in a wireless, battery-powered package.

http://www.gyration.com/ultragt.htm

Were I a betting man, that�s where I�d put my money.

Lukalicious @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Kamalot: Agreed.

While I am definitely a Nintendo fan, I own all three consoles. Honestly, a lot of this is going to come down to price. I read the post on your site about the speculated price increase of next gen consoles, and as a mid 20s professional who sees gaming as a hobby, I too may be forced to relive classics via ebay if prices really shoot any higher.

I keep thinking that either DS or PSP games are going to try to cut off momentum of the other by having a lower MSRP for games. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe it never will.

striegs @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Sorry about the MIA Revolution atom, we're working on it. Of course, by "we" I mean "the guys whose job it is to add new atoms and stuff." There's also a few other atoms (and bits) in the queue as well. Trust me, I'd love nothing more than to finally be able to click something other than "Culture" for a change.

Eric Pobirs @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Wonderful, the HP-150 of game consoles.

Has Nintendo been buying up Johnson & Johnson stock to corner the market on screen wipes?

weaszel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Am I the only one who realizes that a touch-screen-style controller would limit us to pressing one button at a time?

ra @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Nintendo might do well by focusing on the casual gamer market. My wife and her friends are hooked on games like Bejeweled and Collapse, and now Zoo Keeper on the DS.

Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

boy, Mack sounds like about the most fucked up little weirdo that I've encountered in awhile. He needs to get a life and stop pumping so much emotion into something that doesn't matter.

Josh @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I hope that thumbnail picture isn't supposed to be showing anything relating to this story! That's a Mac mini with a monitor hooked up to it, and the monitor is showing iTunes.

Exbzurg @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

#24 i think its trying to relate to a touchscreen. so therfore it is related oddly.

ted @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

yeah, april fools, notice the 4 in "any way they se4e fit"

keltainen susi @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Rockstocking:

http://www.n-sider.com/articleview.php?articleid=344

Q: Will Revolution feature screens on the console or the controller?
Fact: No. At a June 2004 analyst briefing in Japan, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, "We have no intention of making a two screen console akin to the [Nintendo] DS."

So based ont this, this news is false.

Chris Norman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Nintendo are the ones who created the D-pad, arly adopters of analog controls, and forced every developer to develop around a big 'A' button. I don't think it is in line with their history to allow every developer to rejigger the controls.

However, one idea I have not seen addressed here, and it seems like one of the most obvious to me - don't you think a touch-screen API was included in the next-gen dev kits for DS connectivity to the console? Similar to the control scheme for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles?

Wasim @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Mack, you base your hate on someone who you haven't met. I don't understand why you are so pissed off at Kamalot. Has he said something to offend you? Or do you hate all Nintendo fans?

I hope you are only messing about, because if you aren't ... eek!

Lukalicious @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

@striegs (and Joystiq for that matter): Maybe you can at least file this under the "GameCube" atom?

Just a thought...

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Don't get me wrong, but could this whole touch screen controller aspect fo the development kit be just for connectivity between the DS (or Gameboy Evolution) and the revolution?

I would agree that a standalone touch screen controller would remove the standard layout that people adjust to, but for DS/GBE connectivity is would make sense - if the game publisher wants the DS/GBE to be part of the game they would most likely use the touch screen facilities of the devices.

I really doubt Nintendo would throw out the great design of their current Cube controller just to allow anyone to replace it with a touch screen. And secondly, yes, it would mean you can only press one button at a time.

Nintendo love integrating their systems, although that didn't mean the Gameboy Advance become the new controller for the Cube - it just doesn't have enough buttons, and believe me playing final fantasy Crystal Chronicles with a GBA/SP is very uncomfortable and confusing.

The quote is most likely a misinterpretation on a feature in the development kit.

rockinstockin @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

i think Im going to agree with amiga

Im betting this new isn't going to be the standard controller for the Revolution, but rather a peripheral to play DS games on the Revolution, ala Super GameBoy and the GBA one.

amiga_tone @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Oh and there was no implication that the GBE (if it will ever exist) will have a touch screen purely speculation.

ill trooper @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Total garbage idea, I don't know if you've ever tried using the Sony ultra-commader remote control where you can 'assign your own buttons,' but it is terrible to use because you can't get an effective tactile response to what you're pressing and when you press it, you almost always need to look at the thing... Again, garbage. I doubt anyone as savvy at gameplay as Nintendo would do that to the awaiting fans.

My bet is on the gyroscopic tilt-detecting controller people are speculating about...

misinformed @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Revolution will be backwards compatible with gamecube, it'd only make sense that the you'd be able to use the same controller!
So my guess is... a ton of input devices for the revolution. One with gyroscopes, one with touchscreen, one with something else. Heck, it'd be possible for a game to utilize ALL the input devices if nintendo is clever enough.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Now, THAT is a cool idea, misinformed.

If you have a gyroscope controller AND a touch-screen interface, think of all the possibilities.

Taiwan @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

game handheld and pda ... 2 things are better than one...

Otacon @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

One such patent, originally filed by Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL) on July 21, 2004, received an update earlier today. Upon inspection, the patent describes a "game system" and "game program" capable of providing a substantially improved view of the action by employing new technologies. These technologies, which by admission are somewhat difficult to decipher given the nature of the document, sound like something altogether different from what we've seen in any game system thus far. Take, for example, one of the main objectives of these technologies: to prevent a fixation point from frequently moving.

A fixation point is whatever a gamer stares at most of the time when playing a game. Thing is, most games feature several of these fixation points, so developers have needed to devise methods of including every object on screen at all times. When this wasn't possible, the display needed to shift and prioritize objects according to the action. Developers accomplished this by zooming the image up or down, to help gamers re-focus their attention. Just look at any number of sports games. The camera invariably follows the soccer ball, baseball or football. The document argues that the constant change in perspective makes playing games tougher than it should.

The patent describes a technology that would prevent a fixation point from moving and prevent the display area from changing in size. Regardless of where a player sits, he (or she) would command a deep view of the happenings on screen. This would also carry over into multiplayer gaming, where multiple players would normally require multiple fixation points. The new set of technologies would eliminate the strain associated with split-screen gaming. In summary, this would all make for excellent game sessions thanks to unparalleled view of the display.

This aspect Almost makes me want to think of some sort of a periferal that would maybe cover one eye and provide perhaps eith a HUD or entire view of the action on screen that may track your movements left to right up and down and so forth. Imagine the little eye displays on Perfect Dark. Touch Screens Will NOT be implemented.

Ken @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Well, two buttons (two thumbs) depending on how you look at it. Regardless, Nintendo is not implementing a touch-screen controller for the Revolution platform. It is speculated that they may be using a gyroscopic, tilt-sensitive device, but nothing is certain. On a more technical note, I believe that Nintendo's hardware, though believed to be less than top-notch, will be perfectly adequete for the console. Take for example Nintendo's Mario Party 6. It has the best graphics I've seen for all the consoles in that basic image design, achieving "eye-candy" status.

I had hoped for a true V-R system, but that still seems to be a technology for the future.

Connor Vandyke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Nintendo showed off the controller at last year's E3. It is a remote style controller that senses it's location in the room. It will be tilt sensitive, but it will not be run by gyroscope. Mr. Hat had no information about the revolution and only stated this to get attention.
NOA Connor