3rd-party dev: Revolution a souped-up Xbox

by Dan Choi { Dec 6th 2005 at 4:30AM }

According to IGN, a major third-party source was quoted concerning the Nintendo Revolution as saying (rather anonymously): "To be honest, it's not much more powerful than an Xbox. It's like a souped up Xbox." Having 128MB of RAM will do that to you. "But it's the controller that makes the difference and the controller is really nice."

Not only that, "third parties have been partially briefed by Nintendo representatives about the Revolution hardware, its overall horsepower, and the Big N's plan for the console," and some have confirmed an earlier (mis)statement that the Revolution will only be "two-to-three times more powerful than GameCube"—without counting the Hollywood graphics chip, of course. IGN's other big caveat: these devs are still working with "GameCube-based kits," revealing that nothing's set in silicon quite yet.

These devs don't want to identify themselves to the public, for obvious reasons, but matching hi-def resolutions has never been the Big N's stated aim with its next-gen system. "Rather, the company hopes to make the console small, quiet and affordable." Not being able to easily reuse assets from PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 games will hurt portability (and, hence, profitability), but it is hoped that more original games will make their way to the system once it gains a sizeable foothold in households worldwide.

[Thanks, TheMayor, Timpac, kekleon64, Playbomber, and Buttonbasher]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

LSSLAVE @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Bah... this is probably the worst news ive heard all day

Oh you ask why? Graphics dont matter, its kind of a blow but then again they already said that graphics arent everything. And technically the xbox is a souped up NES... so blah... just remember the DS.

But this is such a horrible thing because the Nintendo fans now get to sit back and be bashed for hours on end by Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 fanboys. I will laugh, because it is actions like that which make me refuse to pay money for either of the other systems of this generation.

Just remember fans of Nintendo, never lower our standards. Its gonna be a pretty bad few days as we get bashed, maybe Nintendo will release GPU info, or go out and release entire system specs since some developers are too fucking ignorant to obey a NDA. Anonymity? Way to go IGN, you covered someones ass when they broke a contract. Speak with the Japanese developers who love the system, or Ubisoft who is going exclusive, then come back.

cyberfelon @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

There's really no question that the Revolution will be more powerful than an original Xbox. This is simply a dev hardware issue, nothing more. As stated in the article, the Revolution currently has three times the RAM of the GameCube, so I'd say that an upgrade in overall power by two or three times sounds about right.

Just because the focus is on the controller doesn't mean Nintendo doesn't want to produce some new eye candy. With several years of graphical advancements, there's no way Nintendo would make a "souped-up Xbox" unless they were aiming to create some sort of super-affordable console using semi-last gen hardware (which I don't think they'd do).

Mark in Austin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Take Metroid Prime Echoes or Resident Evil 4 and up the graphics by a factor of 3 (whatever that precisely means). That's what we can expect from the Revolution.

It's a shame that so many people are obsessed over the virtual d!ck-measuring contest that console gaming has become..

"My system's graphical processing power is 10% greater than yours! Nyah nyah-na-na-na!"

Jack @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Well doesnt bother me since I'm not getting revolution either way. But surprised at the news, I was expecting more from nintendo's new console.

Spiffae @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Seems like for the Rev, the press is all positive, the devs are all being killjoys, and the fans are hungry for anything.

Let's just remember that these are early dev kits, and that Nintendo hasn't said anything AT ALL about the power of the Revolution. If they have a big press conference and they say "yeah, it's an xbox with more ram" then you have every right to be pissed. But until that day, when you see videos and hear about technology, keep it to yourselves. I'm talking to you, whiny developers. Anyone remember the earliest Xbox 360 shots? Looked kind of like a souped-up Xbox.

A lot of worrying out there, but you know what? I'm not worried. I have the confidence that nintendo can deliver something totally new, along with true backwards compatibility, a back catalog, and I'll be there on launch day with my pre-order ticket.

the_game_master @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

A Souped up Xbox, in Nintendo's defense, that's ba ba ba ba bullshit! So you're telling me the Revolution is running on a Pentium III processor with 128MB RAM. Its time we stop comparing video game system's hardware to the hardware of crappy PCs which include that PC hybrid the old Xbox.

Pretty Obvious @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

If this is true why bother? Dont expect anything on the Revolution to look as good as Gears of War or Medal Gear Solid 4.

But Nintendos fans dont care, this is a console system. I want my games to look as good as possible in the comfort of my own home. Nintendo is saying to you guys screw graphics we will make them better but focus on our funky magic wand. I say if it aint broke, dont fix it.

Nintendo deserves to get bashed, theyve earned it. Look at the Gamecube, I cant feel sorry for myself I was dumb enough to buy one at launch. I dont feel sorry for Nintendo fans. They ignant.

yjs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Pretty Obvious, Nintendo fans don't care if the next Mario game doesn't look as good as Gears of War or MGS4. That's why they have PCs or other consoles. If you don't want to play Nintendo games, then lay off the bullshit and go eat your graphics crap somewhere else.

Sean @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Well, I honestly can say that there is very little difference between the 360 and the original xbox. From what i've seen so far, there is not much of a graphical update from the xbox.
Then again, these are just launch titles and probably arn't using the system to it's full advantage....

Petey @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

HA HA HA HA HA!!!
That's got to be ridiculous, a "souped-up Xbox", c'mon, can anyone understanding a minimum about videogame and hardware sincerely believe this so called "leaks", I mean, the GameCube was barely overpowered by the Xbox, saying that the Revo will barely overpower the Xbox is just a joke, look at the gap between the hardware of the Cube and the Revo, this isn't news, it's just counter-hype, I guess Microsoft must be paying well some people, the truth always hurts, and it's gonna hurt good when the Revo will be shown at the next E3, the more the revo is trash-talked, the more the console has to be awsome, some people must really be staining their pants to spread such childish propaganda, again, HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Rollin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Nintendo fans need to stop thinking that this is the end of the world. The Revolution as we will come to know it does not exist yet, get it through your thick heads. Member how panicked Xbox fans got when early shots of PDZ came out? Then a couple months later more shots came out and everyone was relieved. Guess what, same thing's happening here. But instead of an alpha or beta kit, devs r using enhanced GameCubes.

You really think that, if it launches a year from now, it'll look like Xbox material? The Prime 3 teaser from E3 looks better than early PDZ. Now is not the time to determine what graphics look like. Once the Hollywood GPU is in their hands, graphics will look like they're sposed to. Think it through before you slit ur wrists, idiots.

Yorrike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

If graphics mattered, the XBox would have won the last generation.

I'm in my mid-twenties and I've been gaming for well over 2 decades now. I don't care about graphics anymore, or how many giggle bits something has, so long as it works and makes me suitably happy for the money I've dropped on it. You teenagers and tech geeks can whine, bitch and moan all you want, or spit out tired old "Nintendo is doomed" or "the graphics will suck" arguments.

Go ahead. I'll be sitting here playing games and having fun, which is what matters. Graphical power and the people who argue about it, don't matter.

sharpfish @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Yeah this is nothing to worry about. Even if it was just "mildy better than an xbox" in nintendos hands they could work wonders with the games (not even counting the new interaction via the controller).

And as is so often missed (but someone said it above) most people who BUY a nintendo console USUALLY are not so narrow minded to not buy another brand and own a PC. I will be buying a REV and possibly a PS3 (though I think the PS2 was a POS and never got one).

Also, yes the PS2 had the worst gfx of last gen and yet it "won the battle" so gfx themselves do not make a winner or a looser - it is the GAMES that count, how many times do we need to stress this?

And this it not to say the gfx on REV are going to be crap anyway - even "slightly more powerful" than an original Xbox is still "good graphics".. people are so caught up in numbers these days. Relax and play the damn games already - save your number crunching for when you buy your new PC Graphics Cards! :)

Chance @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Right now developers are working off a very early projected spec. The CPU was just finished - and lo, it's just a single core light-weight. Big deal. The visual quality of the system has little or nothing to do with the cpu. Please resurve judgment untill the GPU is finalized.

As for this RAM question, the developers were refuring to system memory not video memory. The amount of video memory will be announced when the GPU is finalized.

I imagine that the Revo will fall short of the PS3 and 360. But it won't look like suck. One thing's for sure, it should be able to hit that 200$ mark pretty easily.

Alex K. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

i think it's pretty strange how this contradicts reports from nintnedo execs who are saying that the final console will not look all that much worse than the xbox 360. shiggy said it, too.

i think what's happening is that these devs are working with kits that aren't final, although i wouldn't be particularly surprised (and i wouldn't be really dissapointed considering how well the gamecube performed with games like metroid and resident evil) if the revolution was a "souped up xbox"

a "souped up xbox" could handle current gen PC game graphics, and really it's the controller that's going to make the difference.

joesmm @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"Take Metroid Prime Echoes or Resident Evil 4 and up the graphics by a factor of 3 (whatever that precisely means). That's what we can expect from the Revolution.

It's a shame that so many people are obsessed over the virtual d!ck-measuring contest that console gaming has become..

"My system's graphical processing power is 10% greater than yours! Nyah nyah-na-na-na!""

finally, this is the best thing anyone's said all year. it's absolutely true, and when it comes down to it everyone commenting here that's bashing nintendo needs to realize two things.

#1 nobody cares if mgs and gears of war look amazing if the game plays like the same crap we've been buying for years.
#2 the revolution is still going to be a graphical leap, and the sources are questionable. even if it was a "souped up xbox", isn't that what the xbox 360 is?? i mean, come on, the casual eye won't be able to care enough about the difference - BUT the WALLET can easily see a $150 difference in price (i estimate revolution to cost $249.99)

justchris @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

That's not really possible for several reasons.

First of all, the hardware configuration of the Xbox was totally different from that of the Gamecube or what the Rev will have. Even microsoft learned their lesson of trying to package a minipc as a gaming machine. It just doesn't work. They did much better with the 360. So calling the Rev a souped up Xbox is in no way correct. I assume they just mean it only has the graphical capability of a souped up Xbox, which, since they're working without the finalized GPU kind doesn't wash. I mean, didn't they just get the final CPU designs a week or two ago?

Also, if you pay attention, you'll notice that the best looking games for the Gamecube look better than the best looking games for the Xbo, and the reason for this is simple. Developers for the Nintendo cared enough to bring out everything the system had to offer. No one ever really tapped out the Xbox, there was a lot of potential there that was never exploited.

Companies like Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami though, but especially Nintendo, cared enough about their single platform games to try to draw as much power out of the system as it could give them. It's a fact that cross platform games almost always like the graphical prowess of single platform games, but that's because the developers just don't have the time to do all the tricks and hacks it takes to get a system working at peak efficiency on every single game system.

So even though graphics isn't Nintendo's focus, I'm sure they'll do a good enough job for the games it matters on (New Mario, new Zelda, new Metroid) that no one will be disappointed when comparing them to the other systems. Cross platform games, however, are bound to look inferior on the weakest system, but then, they're cross platform, so if the graphics matter that much, but them on your Xps360.

Kye @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"It�s like a souped up Xbox"
And a 360 is what exactly? Sure as hell isn't an amazing & daring venture into taking gaming in a whole new direction!

And to all the PS and Xbox rentboys who bash Ninty, if its graphics you wana see, I've tons more realistic graphics in my Lord of the Rings DVD collection! Thats right, I can't control what happens, but could you control the cut-scenes in Final Fantasy 7? No! And the in-game graphics almost made me piss myself with laughter as I went back to my SNES.
But
people hail it as a great game, why? - Gameplay!

So please take your "mine is bigger than yours" argument and shove it up your boomerang.
Never mind graphics, I'll buy any system that has games that are FUN! And im willing to bet my xmas dinner that Ninty will provide FUN with both hands.

pr0cs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"Well, I honestly can say that there is very little difference between the 360 and the original xbox. From what i've seen so far, there is not much of a graphical update from the xbox."

you obviously haven't played PGR3 or Kameo.

"And a 360 is what exactly? Sure as hell isn't an amazing & daring venture into taking gaming in a whole new direction!"

you're putting a lot of faith in a controller then if graphics carry little/no weight in choosing the rev over the PS3 or 360. that's all fine and dandy except there has never been a "unique" controller in history that has done well and all of a sudden the revs controller is the messiah?!

you can positive spin these comments all you want, this is BAD news any way you look at it. These comments basically mean that a LOT of cross platform games won't/can't be ported and while a lot of crossplatform games suck having MORE software is important for a thriving console.

I really think that Nintendo's future is going to be solely in Japan.

bd @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"...you obviously haven't played PGR3 or Kameo."

LOL, Kameo looks like a gamecube game, and PGR3 looks like... a souped up version of the Xbox.

And then the guy that compares or almost equates:

"...Dont expect anything on the Revolution to look as good as Gears of War or Medal Gear Solid 4."

Umm, Gears of War looks like a souped up Xbox game too man. There's a huge difference with what we've seen at Hideo Kojima's manipulation of MGS4 and what we've seen on Gears of War.

Also, keep eating the rumours instead of waiting for official news. Worthless.

Zyf @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

there has never been a "unique" controller in history that has done well and all of a sudden the revs controller is the messiah?!

Remember Atari? The one button joystick? Nintendo invented the D-Pad and the NES controller, the basic design of ALL current controllers. If you think about it, current controller designs are unnique, compared to what used to exist. Sometimes you need to reinvent things, rather than just adding on to what was there before.

Add, honestly, who the **** cares about graphics? As far as I'm concerned, ANYTHING that can produce graphics better than the Xbox is damn good. Nintendo is also aiming to keep developing costs down and make development easy. From what I've heard, it will be way easier to dev for rev than the other consoles. They will probably have a lot of software to back up Rev.

ea @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Oh well, If the games are good that's all that matters. Little Third-party developpers should be thrilled cost will be low. Every console offers a different experience. I have a 360 and it's nice, but I like going back to the classics every once in a while and Nintendo will let me do that.Power isn't everything! Look at the PSP..

bandit @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Wow the nintendo fanboys really came out of the wood work here. Plus bd here claiming Gears of War is a souped up xbox game... Please download the trailer for Huxley, as its 100% realtime, in-game. Dont believe me? On gamespot there is an e3 demo with the scenes from that trailer rendered in REALTIME with a First perspective actual WALKING around as an IN_GAME CHARACTER, meaning it was completely PLAYABLE. Name ONE playable Ps3 game... no back to the point. Most of you idiots, ninty fanboys, ps3 fanboys, and xbox fanboys, plus the pc fanboys (thought to far lesser degree) have ZERO idea why most next gen games will look the same REGARDLESS of the consoles power...

Simple Answer, Pixel Shader 3.0 and normal, and parralax mapping. Watch the e3 2004 demonstration of the unreal 3.0 engine for a detailed explaination of the processes involved, basically it allows a 5000 polygon model to look almost identical to a 5 million polygon model, thus a slightly less power gpu or even a a half as power gpu can certain give the appearence of many of the same scenes as the demand on the hardware is signifcantly less. IN fact some NEXT GENERATION game models are composed of LESS you heard right LESS polygons then the current generation but look several times better then the current one due to the software programming techniques. This is what software tools and programming DO matter because the right software allows you to emulate the hardware power 1000x greater then if it were done soley in hardware. To make it plain softeware will completely and utter define the next generation and graphically even the revolution will look similar on a standard def tv. its the other things such as complex gameplay, physics, AI (not the scripted BS, but radiant ai paths which the ps3 ironically has trouble preforming which is why oblivion elder scrolls was pulled from the ps3. ) plus online connectivity will become an increasingly important factor for the consoles.

so the reality that people need to face is ALL the console will look almost identical in graphical arena on standard def, this is a proven fact. The issue is what is important to you? better gameplay experiences, new gameplay experiences, or multimedia functions?

kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

...lol... some of you kids are hilarious... "never been a successful unique controller"? wtf?! come on, man... atari, nintendo, supernintendo, n64, dualshock, wavebird? heard of any of these? these are the controllers that've shaped console gaming as we know it... and they were all unique, dummy... lol. they all built on each other and added new technology to the included console controller...

...the revolution controller will be no different... it's going to change the way we interact with (some) games... think about it... nintendo gave us the d-pad, the current controller format, the analog stick, the rumble pack... all as innovations in console controllers... they know what the hell they're doing, don't ya think? the reviews from people who've handled the controller and used it have been glowing...

...i think nintendo could be heading in the right direction with the lessening of focus on the graphics... i mean... yeah, you're going to pull in the gamers with pretty pictures and polygons and textures... but the gamers would come anyway... make the interface easier and you open up the possibility of getting other people back into playing games... (because yes, young'uns, other people DID used to play games... before our controllers became ten button, two joysticked conundrums...)

...let sony and ms have their graphical pissing contest... i'll buy a revolution when it comes out... and then maybe pick up the other two systems when their prices come down from the stratosphere...

pr0cs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"Sometimes you need to reinvent things, rather than just adding on to what was there before."

Yes that is all fine and dandy but when your competitors are going in a totally opposite direction you have to wonder if that is a good idea. I guess we'll see.

"LOL, Kameo looks like a gamecube game, and PGR3 looks like... a souped up version of the Xbox."

If you think Kameo looks like a gamecube game you're sniffing glue. Maybe at one time it did but there is NO way it looks like a cube game now. And it's pretty obvious you haven't played PGR2 or PGR3 if you think they even sort of look the same.

I wonder if someone can sell me some Nintendo blinders?

agree @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

im a pretty big xbox fan, but i always buy a nintendo too. they are cheap when compaired to other consoles and there is always at least one really good nintendo only game. so if the first xbox kicked ass and the revolution is a souped up xbox then it gets my vote.

Todd @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Some people sure put a lot of faith in graphics alone. I keep hearing GOW & MGS4 over and over as examples. Do you realize that they are played exactly the same as they have always been? Only difference is they look better. If that's such a big difference then why didn't the remake of MGS for the Gamecube sell? It sure looked a lot better than the Playstation game. What about Conkers for the Xbox? It looked a ton better than the 64 version. Give me one example of how a game that has been remade with better graphics has ever sold well. Sure we buy sequels, but not because they look better. We buy them because we want to experience the same gameplay again but have it all still be new.
The Revolution is all about control. Something completely different. So what if the graphics aren't as good as the competition. Sure the PS3 & 360 will look better, but after awhile that won't be what you concentrate on, it'll be gameplay (which is the same as it always was). The Revolutions won't look as pretty, but after awhile that won't be what you concentrate on, it'll be gameplay (which will be different from anything you've ever experienced).

agree @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Bandit
"stands and starts a slow clap"
thank you

CorrectingTheStupid @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

I hate the double standard when we speak of Revo. Lets trash each other over performance, but exclude Nintendo because they don't need graphics to be on par with the other 2 because their games are fun?
Ok, that's just stupid. I like Nintendo and their games, but they have to look reasonably comparable to the competition to draw a large number of gamers in. Sure they'll do well with Revo because its "different" but it will not be able to provide the same eye candy as the other 2.
I'm not saying that any of this is a big deal, but I'm sick of the morons in here who fight over power and then excuse Nintendo for coming in 3rd next round. To me, a fun game is a good game, it doesn't have to look real to be enjoyable. I still play emulation of 8-32 bit consoles and frankly have more fun then with the new stuff. All I'm asking for is a little consistancy in peoples arguments. Go into a X360 post and see the same posters who say graphics don't matter or I don't care if Nintendo's system is the weakest, they are the ones trashing the X360 saying PS3 is better because it will be more powerful! You people need to grow up! Buy what you like and enjoy it, trashing what you don't choose to buy doesn't make you system or you any cooler!

Wigan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Why does the XBOX get no love? I�m mean come on... yea it doesn�t have the library that the PS2 has, the original controller was made for Kong, and the box was big black and ugly, but, please.

1. It is the most powerful console to date.
2. They created an awesome (best?) online console experience, fully integrated out of the box.
3. The first console with a hard drive and the ability to rip and play your own music in games.

I just don�t get it. I have a PS2 and an XBOX, and although I do prefer racing games, I play the XBOX far more than the PS2 because of live. As soon as Forza came out, GT4 got no play time.

I also don�t get all the 360 smack. MS has fixed or improved on all (most) of the issues of the XBOX. There have been problems with the launch, some faulty hardware and all. But, does everyone forget all the PS2 problems. Between my two brothers and I, we have purchased six PS2's, all of this because they stopped reading DVDs.

All those who say that COD2 doesn�t look the best on a 360, honestly doesn�t know what they are talking about. I have the PC version running on a pretty new PC setup and graphically, the 360 hands down blows away the PC version and any resolution. Graphics are so much smoother. All of the pro reviewers agree.

I just don�t get it. I plan on buying a PS3 also, but, where did all the XBOX hate come from?

john @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"But this is such a horrible thing because the Nintendo fans now get to sit back and be bashed for hours on end by Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 fanboys. I will laugh, because it is actions like that which make me refuse to pay money for either of the other systems of this generation."

ahh the irony. maybe not you, but many of your nintendo fan counter parts did the same exact thing to the XBOX360 prior to it's launch, and are still doing it today. The fact that you refuse to buy a system because someone who plays it made fun of nintendo is fucking hilarious. You say graphics don't matter...it's all about the games...so if it's all about the games then why do you limit yourself to only one brand of console manufacturer? There are plenty of good games on PS and XBOX...

borophil @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Let me start by saying I'm a gamer first and a nintendo fan second. Personally, I think the gamecube is the best of this generation because of the games and the controller. I like my PS2 and xbox but they are not as magical as my gamecube (and every ninty console I've owned).

That being said, this news makes me sad if its true. I am not completely believing it yet, but who knows at this point.

My attitude has always been gameplay over graphics. I dont need the BEST graphics of the generation, but I would like them to be CLOSE to the competition at least. As long as Iwata is telling the truth when he says you wont see a difference on a standard TV, then I'll be OK with that. Obviously the rev is not HD, so as long as it puts out graphics on a standard TV that are similar to those of the 360 on a standard TV, I won't complain at all.
In the end, games are about having fun with an interactive challenge. I think this console war will come down to which console provides funner and more interactive challenges for games. So, if the controller provides more fun and interactive games than the competition, the Rev should do very well even if the graphics are not the best. If it doesn't, then its going to have problems even if it has great graphics.

Bloo @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"LOL, Kameo looks like a gamecube game, and PGR3 looks like... a souped up version of the Xbox."

bd... don't you get sick of posting the exact same made up drivel post after post? I have my GC and 360 hooked up to the same HDTV (60" 3LCD). To say Kameo looks like a GC game is like saying the special effects in Episode III look like an old Star Trek TV show. Joystiq, rating system please!!!

CuriousMike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

If it doesn't come close to XBOX360/PS3 memory / processing power, your 3rd party software choices are going to be more limited and more late.

The article touches on this: if the differences in the Revo's hardware are too despare from the other next-gen consoles, then making the Revo port is either/and/or
a) not going to happen
b) happen late
c) happen with inferior assets and using the "just get the darn revo out the door it's not our lead sku."

that guy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Nintendo fanboys need to stop prasing Nintendo as being this amazing company with innovative games. What did nintendo do that was so innovative, and unique with the gamecube?

Sony has exclusive games like Ico, Shadow of the colossus and, Katamari damcy. These games are more innovative and fun to play than the 7th mario party game.

Playing as mario and his buddies in soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, basketball, go kart's, rpg's, and, snowboarding is not unique or amazing. Nintendo needs to stop pimping out mario and stop relying on the past.

Yes I do realize that this post is off topic.

zero2dash @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

>>12. Posted Dec 6, 2005, 6:17 AM ET by Yorrike
If graphics mattered, the XBox would have won the last generation.

I'm in my mid-twenties and I've been gaming for well over 2 decades now. I don't care about graphics anymore, or how many giggle bits something has, so long as it works and makes me suitably happy for the money I've dropped on it. You teenagers and tech geeks can whine, bitch and moan all you want, or spit out tired old "Nintendo is doomed" or "the graphics will suck" arguments.

Go ahead. I'll be sitting here playing games and having fun, which is what matters. Graphical power and the people who argue about it, don't matter., not a brand name troll.

#23...Bandit...I agree with you 100%
#27...I agree with you 100% also.

-=gets up and joins #27 in the slow clap=-

Nossy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Hey...So if graphics wasn't such a concern, why the heck do they need ANOTHER console. They might as well incorporate the controller for the current Gamecube. Basically it's for playing Mario Revolution, Link Revolution, more REMAKES. I'm sure the Gamecube is capable of emulating all the previous Nintendo consoles.

I bet that IF Kameo came out on a Nintendo platform, it would've recieved a higher rating. And all the Ninfans will praise it. I'm sure if Nintendo decides to go with a system way more powerful than the PS3 or 360, all the Ninfans will come out and use it as an argument. Hyppos.

hydrogen @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

#17 - But, in the case of SSX On Tour, Nintendo added something that makes the Gamecube version the best of the 3 consoles (Mario, Luigi, and PEach as playable characters)
It may look the worst, but it's still the best.

#30 - Some people limit themselves to one brand because our mommy's and daddy's won't buy us all 3 of them. I bought my GC with my own cash that I earned... More than can be said about a lot of people. I thought about buying a used xbox a while back but I considered the fact that it'd cost me $200 for the xsystem and games I wanted (Fusion Frenzy, Halo 2, and Forza).. with that same $200 I bought, I think, 5 or 6 GC games.

Most of the cross-platform games that are good are on the GC. Most of the exclusives for the PS2 and Xbox weren't worth the money (except the 3 I mentioned earlier, and GT3/4 for PS2), And by buying an Xbox or a PS2 instead of a GC I'd miss out on about 15 great exclusives.. (MK:DD,MP,MP:E,Animal Crossing,Windwaker,etc.)

Oh, and all these Deelopers are doing is helping Nintendo. Lower your expectations, and the product will sell better if it's above expectations.

If I tell my girlfriend I'm going to spend $50 on her for Christmas, and then I buy her a $500 ring she will be more pleased than if I told her i was going to buy her a $500 ring and bought her something that only cost $50. Ponder about that for a while...

that guy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

#38 - Animal crossing is worth buying but games like God of war and Ninja gaiden black are not?

Game Rankings:
GOW - 93.4%
NGB - 92.8%
AC - 86.8%

Slashbunny @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

I call BS. We will see what it can do when we get some screenshots running on hardware. I find it hard to believe after 5 years of R&D and countless hours of manpower, they are going to release a system equivalent to popping some more RAM in a GameCube and overclocking the processor. Why not just make a controller add-on for the GameCube if the Revolution is so underpowered as these people would have you believe? Silly.

Joseph @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Maybe this is a good idea, but list anything that "turns you off" as far as games go?

- Loading Times
- Too many menus
- Too many cinematics (I'm talking to YOU Xenosaga and Metal Gear Solid 2!)
- Too many screens before you get into the game
- Revisions of games that pretend to be sequels.
- Slowdown and gameplay issues
- Uncomfortable controllers
- Expensive!

Hmm, looks like non-photorealistic graphics isn't in the list. Viva la Revolution!

john @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

"If graphics mattered, the XBox would have won the last generation."

had microsoft not been new to the industry and had something to prove unlike sony and nintendo, thus giving them more developer and initial consumer support, they would have done much better, maybe not won, but been more on par with sony. The XBOX outsold the PS2 and GCN in 2004, and most likely 2005. Had they been an established console manufacturer like sony and nintendo, they would have had a pre-established consumer base that would have helped better drive sales in the early years of the console...2001-2003. Once M$ got it's foot in the door though, the sales showed it. I'm not necessarily saying that graphics are the most important thing, but if nintendo is all about gameplay, and that's what sells consoles, then why did the gamecube sell less than the XBOX? I too am in my mid-twenties, and graphics matter to some extent, good gameplay accompanied by good graphics makes the game even better. Look at ninja gaiden for example, excellent, deep gameplay, and excellent graphics. Better graphics immerse you into the game better, thus improving the gameplay experience.

googledotman @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Iwata said the Revolution will have lower specs than its competitors. I belivie so because nintendo is a games only system. Since ps3 and 360 are mulitimedia systems they will need more processing power i.e the 3 3 point something Ghz processors. Specs aren't really important for a games only system.
(yes it plays DVD's too but that is it)

john @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

things that turn you off about games

1. Loading times
2. CHUNKY graphics
3. slow moving gameplay
4. not being able to skip through cinematics
5. playing a game with the same chracter in a game made for EVERY single physical athletic activity under the sun. i.e. mario (every fucking sport known to man)
7. Price (i like nintendo for there price and quality.)

I dont like nintendo's blatant "new technology is not innovation, a new controller is" attitude. However, in most cases, if you want more games than just nintendo first part titles and few 3rd party games you HAVE to get either a sony or microsoft console.

Things like this revo controller have been done before. I had a device for sega genesis in which I stood in a ring and kicked and punched and my movement were mimiced by my character in eternal champions, this motion thing nintendo is doing isn't so "new and innovative" as everyone thinks, in fact similar things failed miserably before. Maybe they will pull it off, maybe they won't. But if it doesn't work for them...then what? Nintendo is putting all of it's faith into this controller, and if people don't like it, or developers dont take advantage of it, it's worthless. Hopefully it will work for them and they will regain much of there lost 3rd party support that they lost, which right now is a MUCH needed thing for nintendo.

DUKobE8 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Okay, seriously, why are people taking this crap seriously now? This is the same bull crap that has been coming out for months, only to be proved as a rumor made up by some bank employee or whoever, later. I think I'll just wait for an official announcement, thank you. Oh, and poster...#42 the arguement that graphics are the reason Xbox sold more...then why did the inferiorly powered PS2 blow the Xbox out of the water in sales? That, and you fail to mantion that the Xbox only out sold the Gamecube by 1.5-2 million units, a very small margin, considering the volume of sales. That, and the only reason they out sold the PS2 in '04 is because of the huge shortage...I'm not trying to hate on anybody, just pointing some stuff out..

Shagi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

I think everyone on here needs a reminder.

When you go and spend your money on a video game console the best way to make your descision is to check ou the games and features and decide which console holds the most interest for you. Its a much worse way to choose a console beacuse you like to bash a certain company, or certain group of fanboys, or whatever...In the end the best experience should win, and be perpetuated but if you buy out of fanboyism your buying for the wrong reason. Forget your unreasonable hate for whatever company it is and buy for enjoyments sake.

Andy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

Ha! Revolution sucks. They really need to stop calling it "revolution," it's really self-satirising.

szimm @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

uh, "technically the xbox is a souped up NES"?

say what? so my pc is just a souped up calculator? and my car is just a souped up horse buggy?

i see. yes, the relevance is undeniable. get a grip, dude.

Revolution @ Dec 18th 2005 9:37PM

The 3rd innovative feature of the Revolution is that you don't need a TV to play it, it's not a headset or a VR visor,The revolution is the first Hybrid portable/home console, the final design is a bit smaller than a DVD case and 1.5 times thicker, there is a 6.5 " screen in the side that never was shown and controls, the final design will look familiar ,the original Gameboy, you can take revolution outside and play Nes/Snes/N64/Gc games or play new Revolution software at home with the TV and the freestyle controller, and there is an add-on USB reader that can read all previous Nintendo home console cartridges on Revolution.
The conclusion is " you need a Revolution " .