E3: The Wii Zapper prototype revealed

by Ross Miller { May 10th 2006 at 3:15PM }

Over at the Nintendo booth, contained within a glass case adjacent to the classic shell (revealed earlier by IGN) is a prototype for the "Zapper Style" attachment for the Wii remote. Note that you get a joystick for your thumb and a standard gun-style trigger. Not much to say, but the prototype looks promising. We wouldn't be surprised if this ended up being really close to the final product.

Tags: e32006, nintendo, prototype, wii, zapper

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Grant @ May 10th 2006 3:17PM

I hear from some other sites that they've got a new version of Duck Hunt playable, which is probably what this was made for.

joecartoon @ May 10th 2006 3:19PM

i hope the package includes dunk hunt and wii sports on one disc with the light gun and 2 controllers....

Tim @ May 10th 2006 3:19PM

looks very cool.

Matthew Rader @ May 10th 2006 3:20PM

Has everyone seen this mario clip? I was disappointed yesterday but now I feel so redeemed. MARIO LOOKS FREAKIN BRILLIANT!

ftp://www.jeux-france.com/Nintendo_Wii/Super_Mario_Galaxy_1.wmv
70 so megs

Patrick @ May 10th 2006 3:20PM

Well, sounds great in theory, but don't hardware peripherals usually bomb due to lack of game support? (I'm looking at you, Super Scope.)

Amir @ May 10th 2006 3:20PM

Knew they'd have to make something like this, to make that tiny remote feel like a Big F**kin Gun.

Seraph Wing @ May 10th 2006 3:21PM

ME WANT!!! man, how long until Wii is here?

RP @ May 10th 2006 3:21PM

Can't wait to use it on Duck Hunt, but it's in danger of feeling terribly lopsided if they haven't suitibly wieghted the gun cradle's handle.

some pirate @ May 10th 2006 3:24PM

duck hunt was the best game ever.

Josh* @ May 10th 2006 3:25PM

http://tinyurl.com/d64qx

Uh oh... the prophecies are coming to life!

Scythe @ May 10th 2006 3:25PM

set phazers on "bed wetting" because that what a bunch of Nintendo fans are going to be doing over this little bit of info. 'Sigh' I enjoyed duck hust when the NES had it but I didn't miss it, doesn't MS and sony have guns for their last-gen systems? This isn't anything new just old school being brought to a new gen system. It's just how Blue Coler Comedy is coming back strong. after 10 years this new generation of kids have never really seen it and it all new to them.

Just like my cosin that never heard of Johnny Cash and after seeing the movie "Walk the Line" started lisnting to his music.

Odds Bodkins @ May 10th 2006 3:26PM

Does that thing even have a trigger?

Minion @ May 10th 2006 3:27PM

#7 - That's a good point, especially considering how many sites have reported how they've added a bit more 'weight' to the feel of the remote.

I'm pretty excited about it now. The whole "shell" concept is great, especially if they can limit how many shells are available. You know...classic controller, zapper and maybe something else. It'd suck to have a cabinet full of shells that only work for one or two games.

Prof-KOS @ May 10th 2006 3:29PM

I'm thinking FPS functionality instead of nunchaku. I've been waiting to see this since I read about Duck Hunt this morning.

Also, Resident Evil is confirmed for Wii. A totally unique one from what I can tell.

Scythe @ May 10th 2006 3:29PM

oh god the super scope I remember that POS I used to ask my mom for one and I thank god she told me no. that thing was so stupid I can't believe I forgot about it.

Will @ May 10th 2006 3:30PM

Nintendo's focus on comfort continues. /sarcasm

Prof-KOS @ May 10th 2006 3:33PM

Scythe, I'd agree with you if it weren't for the analog stick on the Zapper. That adds so many more possibilities for gameplay. One handed FPS anyone?

KwadDamyj @ May 10th 2006 3:34PM

Good. Now if I ever buy one I can shoot myself with the controller when I inevitably get very bored and disappointed with it.

funkonaut @ May 10th 2006 3:37PM

Wow. Now that looks totally awesome. November can't get here soon enough.

Me @ May 10th 2006 3:38PM

I had this gun long time ago for the xbox when I used to plad House of the Dead, with the same analog stick and everything:

http://store.yahoo.com/americanesuperstore/4588.html

BPM? @ May 10th 2006 3:39PM

Will:
"Nintendo's focus on comfort continues. /sarcasm"

Don't knock it 'til you try it. :)

Sean Dugan @ May 10th 2006 3:40PM

LAME

I don't want 50 thousand add-ons for the nintendo. Can't the controller function as a gun already, with out some crappy plastic clip on?

bandit @ May 10th 2006 3:40PM

I just want to dual wield this baby. BtW i think the idea of basing a console around a single additive is short-sighted and a poor business idea. However, I personally cant wait to go all shadow the hedgehog with this piece here, DUAL Shotguns BABY!!! yeah!

Dreizehnernuss @ May 10th 2006 3:46PM

Ahh, a Lightgun !

been there, done that...

Let me guess, there will be a "steering wheel shell" too.

doubtful @ May 10th 2006 3:46PM

Seems like a lot of people are thinking inside of the box. One guy mentioned this would be cool for FPSs which is just what I was thinking.

Forget the nunchaku, forget the light gun on a railroad track game. Now you can play an FPS actually aiming a gun at the TV and moving with the thumbstick.

I, for one, am pumped.

Plus, to me, it seems entirely optional. You could acchived the same with the controller and nunchuku, but if you want to crank the immersion to 11, this Buds for you.

idioteraser @ May 10th 2006 3:51PM

It's a shotgun in the new duck hunt game apparently.

This isn't exactly a periperhal. It's more for comfort and looks apparently since it attaches to the wiimote.

Although the wiimote can function as a steering wheel a number of people like the feel of steering wheel peripherals so just attach one to the wiimote with it being in the center.

It's pretty cheap. The wiimote can do the gun bit no problem.

Stu L Tissimus @ May 10th 2006 3:53PM

Wow, it looks exactly tlike that mockup IGN created a while back.

Jappleng @ May 10th 2006 3:56PM

Nintendo is still embarressed about selling light guns to children 20 years ago. I don't think this gun will come with the Wii, if anything a seperate purchase like the other million and a half addons that will come with the system. :lol:

Martin @ May 10th 2006 3:58PM

@23: "Let me guess, there will be a "steering wheel shell" too."

Oh, did you miss the steering wheel that Microsoft is showing? What's the difference, other than these peripherals utilize the already-included controller?

From my perspective, these add-ons appear entirely optional. You can get a near-exact experience with only the Wii controller. But for that extra feeling of immersion, you pay extra for one of these shells.

And for those saying that there have been light guns for years, and they are tired, you're right. I haven't ONCE owned a light gun game that actually WORKED (GunCon 2 included). Ship me a Wii with a nice new version of Point Blank and I'll have a great time.

greg @ May 10th 2006 4:01PM

im guessing the gun attachment would be included in the duck hunt game for free, as most of the expensive electronic parts are already in the wiimote.

cant cost much to make that shell, and this is nintendo! its gonna be affordable by everyone

Swissboy591 @ May 10th 2006 4:04PM

If this well be usable with lets say bond games. Then it might make it the reason I buy the Wii.

idioteraser @ May 10th 2006 4:04PM

Number 20 what are you babbling about?

The Japanese zapper looked like a real handgun. We Americans got an enterily fake looking one but was still cool to use.

Martin @ May 10th 2006 4:07PM

Good idea Greg. Perhaps Nintendo just adds $5 to the price of Duck Hunt for the inclusion of the shell. It uses more material than, say, a rumble pack for the DS, so I would expect to pay at least something for it.

@26: "I don't think this gun will come with the Wii, if anything a seperate purchase like the other million and a half addons that will come with the system. :lol:"

Isn't it great that not one "addon" (that I can think of) would be a prerequisite to enjoying these games? Huh, how about that?

tsukiyo @ May 10th 2006 4:07PM

bandit, I think you're on to something. Dual wielding these would be awesome! There's GOT to be a game developer who's thinking about that possibility! The more I read about the Wii, the more I get psyched up!

PhoenixsFlame @ May 10th 2006 4:07PM

Its a Wiivolver! They've got a gun! Everyone hit the floor!

Prof-KOS @ May 10th 2006 4:08PM

Doubt it comes with the system. But maybe it comes with Duck Hunt like Odama and Mario Party 6&7 come with mics. Actually, I have three mics for my Cube. I almost feel like I'm getting spammed with them.

It could be a popular peripheral (oxymoron?). seing that most people first thought of shooters when the remote was first shown off. A steering wheel is a safe bet too though. Won't sell as well as this will, but it will sell.

BTW, why do people get on Nintendo's case when they release a peripheral? Microsoft announced a steering wheel package, you know? Just thought I'd point that out. The difference would be the cost of one for Wii, since it really wouldn't need as much tech in the wheel itself, just snap the controller in and add pedals.

KDub2 @ May 10th 2006 4:08PM

I can only imagine how stupid different addons this thing is going to have. How can anyone get excited for Duck Hunt? I am flashing back to nighmares of Rob the Robot and Virtual Boy.

frankthefink @ May 10th 2006 4:11PM

I'm not sure what #27 is complaining about with the GUNCON, I have a couple with time crisis and point blank and they have always worked.

This 'gun' doesn't look very good, compare it to the old sega master system gun. Now that one was cool looking (or maybe it just looks better in my memory)

jon @ May 10th 2006 4:12PM

This is retarded...how many add ons to the conroller are they going to have!

Lovey Dovey @ May 10th 2006 4:12PM

For all you peeps saying peripherals don't get supported, this is more like a sleeve. It looks like they placed the wiimote buttons on the gun to make it easier to reach.

Lovey Dovey @ May 10th 2006 4:15PM

I wounder when they will come out with a football, bat, golf, sword, fishing rod sleeve. I love nintendo.

elle @ May 10th 2006 4:33PM

I'm curious as to exactly what a "next-gen" Duck Hunt would entail. They don't really need to do it, just play the virtual console one.

This is for Red Steel and Metroid Prime, not Duck Hunt.

Slashbunny @ May 10th 2006 4:36PM

This is probably optional, as would be a driving shell. They are just shells. They offer no more functionality.

Consider there are already two FPS games at least that use the Wii controller by itself to shoot stuff. Why would Duck Hunt _require_ a gun shell? It might just come with it for fun or be an optional purchase.

Likewise, ExciteTruck uses the Wii controller by itself, horizontally, like a steering wheel. Sure, you could stick the remote in a steering wheel shell, but I see no reason why it would have to a requirement.. Unless the add-on has some type of added functionality (like the nunchuck or Classic Controller), they should be optional and cheaply made.

Speaking of cost of production, with all the crap that is in these Wii controllers, has anyone considered what a 3rd or 4th controller + nunchucks is going to cost us (assuming the system ships with 2)? I'm guessing $60 USD at the very least. There is a lot of technology in those things. That being said, it is possible that Nintendo could offer a $200 package with the Wii, a 1 or 2 controllers and nunchucks, and a $300 package with Wii Sports pack (Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Duck Hunt) and Wii Something-else-that-is-simple-but-not-sports pack and maybe 4 controllers with nunchucks and some other shells or extentions as well. I think we can see games bundled with Wii as well, since Nintendo has been hinting at "games that have cheap, fast development cycles, but are still fun", like Wii Sports and Brain Age. It seems like it would be in their best interest to give some with the console to show people what's up, right off the bat.

pasht @ May 10th 2006 4:43PM

That's gonna be hard to aim with no sights, especially if your thumb is in the way with the analog stick..

crono141 @ May 10th 2006 4:43PM

Hmm, 50 dollar Xbox wheel,

5 dollar Wiil.

I wonder which peripheral will sell more?

Like dude said above, this thing is a sleeve, not a requirement. I personally hope they come out with as many $5 peripherals as possible, because they're so damn cool.

I miss duck hunt, what are you talking about? The most fun arcade games now-adays are the ones with the guns (and the mallets).

The future is looking bright indeed.

James MacAulay @ May 10th 2006 4:46PM

The Nintendo press conference montage showed two guys apparently playing some kind of drumming game (though we never actually saw the screen), with one guy holding two wiimotes like drum sticks. So it looks like we can expect at least some games to do this.

What was that arcade game where you control a mech with two joysticks? Katamari Damacy does the same thing, doesn't it? And these are both using just 2D inputs. Anyway, there are lots of really cool potential control schemes with two wiimotes.

Injulen @ May 10th 2006 4:49PM

I didn't bother reading the other comments to see if someone else said it, but to me it looks like just a piece of plastic that you can fit your Nunchuck and Wiimote into. See what I mean? The analog stick and that trigger are already part of the Nunchuck, and the barrel is just the Wiimote.

PhoenixsFlame @ May 10th 2006 4:50PM

Wiil, Wiimote, Wiivolver...

God, I hated this name at first, but now I am loving the punage...

On topic. It's dumb to think that they would force you to buy a periphrial unless the game itself needed it. Nintendo has never forced a Periphrial down our throats that the game couldn't turn off (See Mario Party with the Mic) and if it did, it came with the game (Donky Konga)

From what it looks like, it is as though someone turned the Nunchuku part into a sleeve and slipped it over. It allows for you to controll the movement of something (I'm guessing the character here, going out on a limb.) and shoot. If a person has two of these (As another commentor stated above, with the dual wielding) you could have one analog stick be the movement of the character, and the other be a strafe/look option. Adding dual analog to a shooter with actual skill shooting in it.

Sounds enticing to me.