Joystiq Poll: Nintendo Revolution controller poll - flop or fantastic?
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Sep 16th 2005 at 10:30AM }
Have you got Nintendo Revolution
controller hangover? Now that you've maybe had a bit of time to sleep it off, what are your thoughts on the thing?
Flop or fantastic?
Technical mumbo jumbo: this is not a scientific or rigorous poll and is only intended to capture the general consensus of Joystiq readers. Results will be posted approximately one week after the poll is opened for votes. Sure, you probably could hack this poll if you worked at it, but it's more fun for everyone if poll results accurately reflect the opinions of all readers, so please refrain from tampering with poll results.
See also: previous Joystiq polls and poll results.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
retro @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
The controller is incredible! IT deserves the title of "Revolution"! Nintendo really pulled the big rabbit out of the hat on this one.
Vagabond Artist @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
It's fantastic... I'm nervous about the games of course, but I guess that's why Nintendo is offering their entire (for the most part) library of software for download on the machine....
I haven't been this excited for a Nintendo system since the SNES.
The controller is very intuitive and Nintendo stands a good chance of great success with the unit....especially if the Revolution launches for less than the other two systems ($$$$$)
Next-Gen gaming (truly!) and guaranteed Nintendo goodness for less?
count me in.
Sloopydrew @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I stayed up all day yesterday to see that controller, and fell asleep just before pictures were posted. Anyway, reading the excellent info. Joystiq provided, I was really excited about the new controller. More than ever, Nintendo proves itself to be the NECESSARY second console. If you have a PS3, you don't need a 360. If you have a 360, you don't need a PS3. They're essentially the same thing. As with the GameCube, but to a far greater extent, it looks like Nintendo is going to have the console with the most unique exclusive content and the one you'll need, along with either a 360 or PS3, to round out your gaming experience. I am really, really impressed. I'm sure Microsoft and Sony are, also. Both probably already have teams working on a similar add-on controller for their systems, while mumbling, in regards to Nintendo, "Where do they get all those wonderful toys?"
antares @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
drop the cable to the addon, make the "remote" ergonomic. I'd still not be convinced, but it would go a long way to make it usable. Amusing how the controller is now just the bare minimum of what was expected to be revolutionary about it. No gyro feedback, no hot/cold sensation, no reconfigurable buttons, no display or any of the other revolutionary pipedreams.
Dignan17 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Option 4/d/quatro: Neither- I was going to get the Revolution despite the controller.
I think the controller is intriguing, but It is seperate from my decision on whether to get the console. I can still use Gamecube controllers if I don't like the new one, but I'll still find the controller very interesting.
KD @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I just finished watching the Tokyo Gameshow 2005 Keynote speach in english and I can now say I'm looking forward to playing some new games with the controller.
The link for the Tokyo Gameshow 2005 Keynote speach in english:
http://www.irwebcasting.com/050916/03/ff3672f7df/index.html
soco @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
i played quake a few times with a controller that had tilt sensors in it so you could walk around just by tilting it around and this was 8 years ago. it took a bit of getting used to, but i think it's a good idea, especially if you've ever watched gaming beginners move their controllers when they want a character to jump or dodge.
however, i'm not sold on the remote control aspect of it, along with the separate attachment for the gamepad shell, and then another for the analog stick. i mean is this gonna have to ship with 5 different attachments that could easily get lost?
why not have two versions, one that's a gamepad for those who prefer it and the sensors built in, and another that's a remote control?
GlitchCog @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Part of playing old games is using the old controllers. I'm all for the new controller for the new games, but when I sit down to play Super Mario Kart I need an SNES controller to make the power slides just right. I really really really hope they re-release the old controllers wirelessly.
Viva la Revolucion! @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I am impressed with the new design, which is very different from any of the fan sketches I have seen. It makes sense, since it is loosely based on Gyration tachnology (of which Nintendo owns at least 10% and has full access to their research.)
Gyration's current products include a remote-like accessory (for presentations) as well as a patented 3D sensing mouse and wireless keyboard... I own the mouse and keyboard, and they work great!
I am looking forward to seeing this in action. I can really imagine the possibilities!
metal_gear_jello @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
i'm still undecided as to what to think of the new controller. nothing really fantastic.
Holiday @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
This controller is going to be amazing. People will be buying this system just to experience games that they won't be able to play anywhere else. But it seems like a lot of people are worried about not being able to play 3rd party games, some people are just completely turned off with using this new design (even without seeing how it interacts with a real game which is just silly)... for those people, I saw this quote from Jim Merrick, Nintendo Europe:
"We're producing a classic-style expansion controller, based on traditional designs like the Gamecube controller. It's like a shell with a hole in the top into which you slot the freehand-style controller, and then you can play third-party ported games, and retro Nintendo games you've downloaded. So there's that option - but even while it's inserted into the classic-style shell, the freehand controller will still be able to sense positioning and so on, so there are more options too. "
So all of you people that are whining "I don't like it, this is not what I'm used to", you'll be able to take this controller and stick it in to an adapter for the classic configuration.
Me, I'm ready to experience something different!
Dralt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Basically, it's a remote control.
Boring...
digitalfirefly @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
You can probably use the gamecube controller for 3rd party games.
Night Walker @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Count me in.
Lost_Canadian @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Never before has a game about masturbation been so plausible. Motion sensors rock...hard! ;)
pspimp @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
#14 LOL!
I for one, am not a big "N" fanboy, but I would consider a rev now.
Nintendo could be the best bang for the buck in the nex-gen line up.
Until we know more about the PS3 this is looking good.
The one thing is that with the much higher prices for nex-gen consoles, games and accessories much fewer people will buy all three consoles.
Sloopydrew @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Anyone think of the potential for RPG games? Think of real-time battle. With the whole "brandishing the controller as a sword" I was imagine wiping out demons and trolls in a new Final Fantasy. This was what I thought would be REALLY cool:
Into fighting double-handed with two swords at once? No problem, just put a second controller into your other hand and slice and dice with both of them.
This controller is the best thing to happen to video games since the analog stick. Maybe it's the best thing to happen to video games EVER. This is going to sell like hotcakes. Really good hotcakes with crack in them.
mynus @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Fanfuckintastic
Sammy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Isn't anyone else annoyed by the naming structures of the buttons: A, a, and Z1, Z2? Doesn't A, B, C, D make more sense? What does everyone else think?
Aside from that I think the concept is great and the possibilities are almost endless. Nintendo has really thought outside of the box on this one and I hope they'll have some games in the near future that really showcase what this controller can do. The CM was perfect; it didn't give us any game footage but it let the viewer use their imagination. Brilliant!
H3 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
How will they let people try it at department stores without someone trying to steal the controller? Traditionally controllers are locked/connected to the stalls, but with the Revolution you need to wave your arms around freely; without cords/locks/attachments/preventive measures from stealing.
RageOverdose @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
They would probably wire it to something. When you finish, you place it in a recharge holder or something (depends on energy source). You could still use it and not steal it, unless you cut the wire.
Nintendo Gal @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
My thoughts are on my website.
http://www.nintendogal.com
Dr. Woo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I like the video with all of its different uses (even though it was kind of vague).
I'm VERY excited about it...and I can't wait to give it a shot on my own.
wako @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I definately think the revolution controller is taking the gaming industry towards the right direction. The "normal" controller we have today more or less has been around for decades. I think its time for a change of pace and Nintendo definately brought it with this system. The best benefit of this IMO will be it seems that there wont be as much button smashing as there use to be. :)
b @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I voted for I don't know what to think. I mean, I am still really looking forward to, but I hope i'm not disappointed. It has room for attachments, so hopefuly one of the attachments will be a regular yet still revolutionary controller... At least for cross-platform titles.
Benny @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
It's a light gun/Eye Toy/Gametrak device. Nintendo have lost me, there's no way will I buy that in a hurry. I don't want to be jumping around all over the place when playing games waving my arms in the air. I want to relax when playing my games as much as I want to have fun. If I want to dance around then I'll purchase an eyetoy or something but I'd never want it as my main controller..
JJ @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
It's going to be a far cry for MS or Sony to be able to copy this effect, remember the patents Nintendo filed, which we all thought were for Kirby Tilt'N'Tumble? Not to mention Nintendo has a running start on application and viability. New look Nintendo!
dan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
19. - Burly employee with shotgun standing nearby?
Alternately I figure they'll just rig some kind of tether or chain to it.
Sammy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Can you imagine a novice gamer sitting down with one of these things and you're telling them how to use the controller:
Hit A, no, lower case "a" now Z1 I mean, 2, yeah Z2, it's on the edge of the other controller with the stick, it's above Z1! Now go UP, no, the button UP, no don't move your hand up yet, just wait for up on the D-Pad like this. Here, give me that Goddamn thing, you're doing it all F*cking wrong!!! Just shut up, shut your damn mouth, look it's fun! I'm flying a kite! Look! Listen, look, no shuttup! Where are you going? Hey!
...just a wacky thought. I'm looking forward to flying a virtual kite in my living room, the revolution will be spectacular!
paralipsis @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
It took me quite a few hours before I warmed to the potential of this device. When the pictures first arrived I was extremely skeptical, but having spent some time thinking about it (and also being very heavily influenced by the promotional movie they showed) I found I stared to get a bit excited about it.
It's definitely a bold move, though I think that's the only way to pull it off. Just as Sony showed that a CDROM console can work if the CDROM drive is NOT an addon, the only way this kind of stuff can make it is if it is supported by the software from the get-go.
Ben Brown @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I agree. When I saw the new controller, I thought: "This is so amazingly bad, I'm going to get an XBox."
But then after thinking about the thousands of possibilities and watching the keynote show address, I am really excited.
Nintendo said they were going to create a gaming revolution, and by george they've done it!!!!! All I'm worried about is that there will not be enough buttons, and that no 3rd party developers will make games for it. And how is Zelda and Mario going to play.....?
Anyway, I think it is awesome. End of.
Blue Balloon @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Sony better not copy Nintendo's Idea!
And that video system should be called "Revenge of Nintendo!" woohoo1
FEEZY @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
at least we know that the GUMSHU picture is a FAKE.
I KNEW IT! lol
glaaki @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
This looks like a total ergonomic disaster to me! The reason you have a game pad is so that one hand can support the pad and provide a stable platform for the other hand to use joytick buttons etc. The split controller looks terribly uncomfortable. Revolution = Visual Boy, nice try Nintendo.
Furryprodu @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I am a big Nintendo fanboy, I must admit, but the controller shocked me. It took me a few minutes to fully absorb it. I love the idea of the new controller, but I am worried about what other gamers might think. I've spent years defending Nintendo, but if other gamers don't like the new controller, how am I to convince them that the remote controller-looking input device is a good thing. I definitely plan on buying a Revolution and love the new controller, but I hope that the controller is not too revolutionary for the general public.
Gleebshutlle X @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
It's so very sad to see a one time industry leader reduced to gimmickry, I was fooled by the DS, I won't be fooled by this.
If Nintendo weren't so good at milking old licenses they would have Sega'ed ages ago.
Pickypanys @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Dude, did you even watch the keynote speech?
Nintendo is trying to change the industry. With haters like you around, its a wonder this industry is still in business. I guess you could always buy Halo 24.
Stephen @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
You know what, I love it. I absolutely love it. I stayed up to get news and I was blown away. I knew it would have gyros, but I never expected it to go this far. I am pleased with it and I cannot wait until next year.
One thing that's disappointing: specs. I would like to see specs and videos.
Stephen @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Also, it's amazing that 2351 people liked it compared to 659 and 922 who either dislike it or don't care.
Sean O. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Well by all accounts (that I've seen) of people who've actually handled the thing they say it's comfortable so I'll at least reserve judgement until I can play with it.
J @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
This morning I woke up ( England, London around 8:05am). I slowly got to my computer and switched it on. I was anxious ( and nervous too) about Nintendo's new controller.
Got to IGN web site ...
... saw it ...
... and I have to say I WAS SHOCKED. I didn't have a bad thought or a good ithought upon the controller, like alot of you I was simply shocked. I couldn't finish reading articles on it because I was going to be late for work. On my way I couldn't stop thinking about it and eventually ...
... very slowly ...
a smile started to appear ( I made sure to smile outside the bus otherwise people would have started to that I was some sort of crazy man). It then dawned on me that Nintendo have spent two years roughly coming up with this concept, interaction is whats on their mind , THEY ARE ON THE VERGE ON PUTING YOU THAT CLOSE INTO THE GAMEPLAY.
Simplistic yet dynamic!!!!!!!
Gimmickry? Gleebshutlle X, come on man, do you have any idea how this will change how you play games?? Whilst Sony and MS are still content on holding onto their one line idea ( especially Sony, I mean look at their controller interface, TALK ABOUT FLOGING A DEAD HORSE,and that horse is dead like the dodo, trust me) as I said once before they are playing the ' safe play ' not bothering at all to bring anything totally new on how to play games, and so its up to Nintendo to school their rivials on a lessons on & of inovation,
I believe that nintendo won't just open a new market but rip the entire foundation apart with their bare ' heres something new' teeth.
We have not seen any games as of yet but HEEEELLLLL, you can only imagine the possibilities.
REVOLUTION PEOPLE
: ))))))))))))))) PEACE!!!
Derek @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
You know, these naysayers sound like the same morons who dissed the DS when it came out. Here we are, one year later, and the DS is mopping the floor with Sony's supposed "Gameboy killer". When are people going to realize that Sony and MS are the kings of "cookie cutter" gaming? When have they taken any kind of chance? This situation is very similar to the music industry, where mindless losers expect the same goddamn music from their favorite band year after year, then complain when that band tries to try something new, accusing them of "selling out". Straight up, how can anyone see the features of the controller and not see anything but potential? Have you people any imagination at all? This controller, among all other things, seems like the bridge between the pipe dream of virtual reality and traditional console gaming that has been contemplated ever since the virtual boy. Oh, and a message for the guy that said he doesn't want to have to move around or physically exert himself when he plays; dude, you must be the biggest fatf@ck on the planet. Maybe if you played the Revo, you might be able to get a date, rather than playing Grand Theft Auto 26 or Halo 20: Expansion Pack. Face it: the biggest losers in the world are people with closed minds who can't seem to be weaned off what they've been accustomed to. Sorry, but you are afraid of change. When the software is revealed to the masses, a whole lot of people are going to be sticking their boots in their mouths.
Cyberclaws @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Agreed. I don't know how we ever would move forward as a civilization let alone as a 'community' (gaming) if we don't realize change or realize that there are other or even better ways to do things. I too was stunned by the appearance and then after looking at the functionality of the controller, I can't help but be very excited about the endless possiblities this thing actually has going for it!
I can also say that I am impressed with Nintendo's direction of gaming. For example, my girlfriend was a NON-gamer. She tried her brothers' consoles (ALL platforms) and she concluded that she hated 'electronic' gaming! I bought a DS because I wanted something I could start up and play right away and also was interested in Nintendogs as well. She immediately wanted to try it out because it 'looks easy enough'. She's hooked. It starts up fast, it has easy to use and intuitive input (touchscreen) and she thinks it's very 'kewl' to blow bubbles with the built-in mic. She saw this controller and asked, "What's that?" I showed her the video of how it's used and what it was and now she's like, "Can we get that? I want to try that too!" My point is, she was a NON-gamer or had very little or no interest in 'electronic' gaming.
I believe Nintendo is on the right track. If we continue to embrace what we know and not try new things...We will be left behind while everyone else is having fun with the NEW games that are being developed for this system. We will (mainly us guys who are outnumbered by women like what? 4 to 1 globally?) be playing the same ol', same ol' stale rehashes of the same game over and over for eternity.
Let's embrace this change and make the best of it, all 'platform' bias aside. This is a good thing and this will more than likely be the most used and maybe even first real 'next gen' console to be placed in my home where even my former NON-gaming GF will be able to enjoy it.
Sakurina @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
HEY GUYS! You should add "The DS is a piece of shit, so why would this be any good?" to the options. Nintendo is a factory of failures since last November.
David @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Unbelievable! It's a thumbstick attached to a vibrator via a bulky cable! Way to go Nintendo for thinking outside the box!
John @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I dont know what to say, Id like to try it but untill I see a real game running on it Im gunna have to lean towards gimmick on this.
To think, Ive been waiting for this for over a year and now that its here I'm just confused.
LinkDx @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
If time has showed us anything is that like all things on this world, change is needed to evolve in to better most suitable forms for a new age. Nintendo has clearly showed that it is thinking about the future of gaming and is not just giving up. In fact I would say that Sony and Microsoft have stoped trying and have truly began to recede into their own niche because their systems are all essentially the same thing on basicly all factors(excluding technology), and all though this might not necessarily be a bad thing, think about how saturated the market will get after GTA 12 or Halo 7, I mean I like sequels as much as the next guy but is this all gaming will yield more of the same thing time and time again. I could probably eat pizza for months as my only food source, but once that becomes my only form of nutrition I will see just how limited it has become. Eventually you'll get sick of it and you'll want something more.
Night Walker @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Sakurina
I think Joystiq would add that, if they were retarded little fanboys.
Allymysta @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
Intriguing Design That shows alot of promising potential. My first reaction was ok it's a tv remote lol what the hell wheres the pad?
Then I dwelved deeper into the concept and it's workings and have to say pretty impressive :)
I for one after playing games since the nes days think this is the kind of refreshing innovation the Game scene needs right now i for one am sick to death of crappy FPS and GTA clones.
As for the haterz who immediatley think oh Nintendo are doing something different here lets jump onto to the hate wagon lol
jesus you guys don't even know how the device works yet it isn't complete what's shown is still in development yet you still hate? where is the sense in that
Sony and Microsoft should take a note out of Nintendos book the dull control pads just are not going to cut it anymore
What we have here is a new level of control a new level of immersation taken the gaming level to the next stage.
If people purchsae PS3 above this and want to buy another console why would you buy a Xbox?
I for one am certainly intrigued life long Nintendo fan and this completly came out the blue and yeah seeing many consoles over the years
first reaction was WTF
but taken the time to look at what Nintendo want to do and you clearly can see they are onto a winner
think how much this will sell! the people who don't play cames will be like whys that guy in the shop waving that device ok now i'm intrigued.
Maybe people who were put off by complicated controls will finally get to expereince a much more easier sophisticated concept and will be introduced to games this generation via the revolution
The possibilities and capabilites of this are truly huge and i cant wait
imagine playing resident evil 5 with this control imagine how much more immersed in the action you would be compared to the ps3
shudders with excitment
2006 is the Year for Nintendo
Cabrill @ Dec 18th 2005 9:07PM
I'm kind of let down by this. This isn't any more revolutionary than the Nintendo DS, which I bought at launch. It's just another admittedly cool gimmick that far too few developers will be willing to utilize leaving me waiting months and months between good games. Good thing I'll also have an Xbox 360 and PS3 so I can actually PLAY games in between waiting for Nintendos latest creative experiment.