Microsoft: Wii controls don't 'kick ass'

by Tony Carnevale { Apr 3rd 2007 at 12:55PM }

Microsoft doesn't have immediate plans to introduce a motion-sensitive controller for the Xbox 360, but will wait and see how well the Wii's and PS3's attempts work out in the long run. Developer Group General Manager Chris Satchell told CVG today, "We're [sic] yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says 'OK that control kicked ass.'" So far, we have to agree.

The winner of this generation of console wars could have a serious impact on the future of the industry, since each of the big three offers a unique control option: Xbox's tried-and-true gamepad, Wii's exciting but risky motion-sensitive wand, and PS3's "Eh, let's try everything and see what works" hodgepodge. Who shall triumph? Call us crazy, we're still hoping for a return of the U-Force.

Tags: 360, microsoft, nintendo, ps3, uforce, wii, wiimote, WiiRemote, xbox

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

dark @ Apr 3rd 2007 12:57PM

Then what kicks ass?

Tetranitrocubane @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:00PM

Woah, woah, woah there.

I loves me the XBox 360, but what's all this about a "tried-and-true" gamepad? I think anyone who's touched a 360 will agree that the digital gamepad on that controller is among the worst ever made. I mean, the Sega Saturn, the Super Nintendo, and even the N64 had better D-pads.

C. Grant @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:01PM

Tetranitrocubane: Hear hear! Castlevania is passable with the analog stick, but just barely!

Muttley @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:04PM

Microsoft talks too much about Wii... Worry about your own company. Saying things like this make you seem... scared?

Jack of No Trades @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:03PM

Traditional controllers will never be replace by the motion sensing crap the Wii has until they learn how to create 1:1 motion.

Jack of No Trades @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:04PM

Traditional controllers will never be replace by the motion sensing crap the Wii has until they learn how to create 1:1 motion.

JodyAnthony @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:04PM

NEWSFLASH: Company A says competing Company B's product is not good!

Flit @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:05PM

I still think the SNES controller was one of the best. Buttons didn't stick out to far, they were super responsive, and you had enough buttons to do more than just "jump or shoot". Playing Super Metroid, and using the Shoulder buttons to aim diagonal (sp?) was a marvelous innovation in gaming.

Is joystiq just posting this to say "see! they agree with us, we aren't just whining!"

Kestrel @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:06PM

LIES

silkylove @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:05PM

Chris Satchell better watch out or not only will he get his ass kicked; his name will also be taken.

pimpdee976 @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:07PM

who cares give us ratchet and clank on the xbox 360
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/55live/petition.html

Jack of No Trades @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:07PM

"Playing Super Metroid, and using the Shoulder buttons to aim diagonal (sp?) was a marvelous innovation in gaming."

Its just too bad Goldeneye64 had it before. Thank you "Rare".

required @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:08PM

joystiq wishes it was the controller

Loore @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:09PM

Lets see if NintenBots are still gaga over the wiimote in one year's time. FYI: the 7 year old PS2 is still selling 300k units a month in USA alone.. do you think Wii and the gimmick controls will be able to do that?

jsn @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:09PM

I've always said that Nintendo would have been better off if they partnered with MS and marketed the Wii as a controller add-on for the 360. I know this would never happen, but I can dream.

Flit @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:09PM

""Its just too bad Goldeneye64 had it before [super metroid]. Thank you "Rare".""

WTF? how old are you, 12? Do you not know that super nintendo came before the N64? You kids these days...

Go play metroid (on the NES) and then play Super Metroid, and look at how much the controller affects the game.

Ryan @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:10PM

It seems to me like the closer the Wii comes to catching up to 360 in terms of units sold, the more Microsoft disses the Wii.

I wonder how negative Microsoft's comments and thoughts on the Wii will be once the Wii surpasses the 360 in sales later this year.

comradetrotskii @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:11PM

"Playing Super Metroid, and using the Shoulder buttons to aim diagonal (sp?) was a marvelous innovation in gaming."

Its just too bad Goldeneye64 had it before. Thank you "Rare".

R U 4 REAL ?

Jeff G @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:11PM

Oh my god already, Microsoft...we get it with your Gears of Bore and overpriced live games, and now your super new powerful Elite P.O.S. I have all the systems and your the coolest OK Ive said it...Uncle. Now will you shut the F up already. I would much rather molest my Wii than date a whore like the 360. I tried dating the PS3 but all she did was put her hand up to her mouth, shake her head and said " I DON KNOW ENRISH" then she laughed like Mikey Mouse. FRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUNNNNKIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSS

Exotisus @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:12PM

@ 15.

why are you comparing two different generations? are you 13?

Champloo @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:12PM

I've been thinking about this a bit lately, and I believe motion controls are the future, if only in a limited sense. What I mean is, I think the PS3 controller may have it right. It's innovative *enough* that it can add a new dimension to old favorites (swinging in Spider-Man 3, flying a plane in Warhawk, etc), but not so innovative that you have to learn a whole new way to play.

I, like many, was quick to make claims that Sony was ripping off Nintendo when I first learned of said controls, but I've since thought about it a great deal and have re-evaluated my position on the subject. I personally think that Sony's limited-function motion capabilities will be adopted by Microsoft (and Nintendo will probably create some sort of uber-enhanced Wiimote)... in the console next generation (the one after this one).

In my mind, it's a completely non-controversial move, and no different than the widespread adoption of rumble. And in the sense that it's non-controversial I'm saying that unlike the Wiimote (which is great, just so people don't take my comments out of context) people won't view these controllers with limited-function motion capabilities as a whole new beast. Sony's sixaxis is still the Dual Shock 2, only with motion (and eventually re-added rumble, whenever they get to it). And I believe that's how the general consumer will see it and view it as completely non-threatening to their traditional gaming style.

vidGuy @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:14PM

It all depends on the game and how motion control is used. Some games use the motion control in a gimmicky way, but SSX Blur, Wii Sports, and especially Tiger Woods are MUCH better when played with motion controls. Even a traditional game like Zelda can use the motion for good (aiming with the bow) or bad (sword swinging).

The biggest point to remember, though, is what we've seen so far from the Wii motion controls is a result of programming, not any limitations of the hardware itself. Therefore, as time passes the motion control will get better.

So, yeah, I love the 360 and its pad is great, but I'd much rather play Tiger Woods on the Wii where I have the option of traditional (analog stick) controls or full motion swings, which pretty much kick ass.

Flit @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:15PM

"why are you comparing two different generations? are you 13? "

Well, i'm comparing the controllers. Do the last generation of controllers not work anymore or something? Did they all vaporize or become Belt Buckles?

Vidikron @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:16PM

Damn... calm down you morons. MS has generally been very complimentary of Nintendo. All they said here is they are taking a wait and see approach to motion controls and they aren't yet sold on what they have seen so far. So what?

oGMo @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:16PM

"Microsoft doesn't have immediate plans to introduce a motion-sensitive controller for the Xbox 360, but will wait and see how well the Wii's and PS3's attempts work out in the long run."

Yeah but what else is new? This is Microsoft's strategy in regard to *everything*. Wait and see. Then strongarm their way to the front. Then because there's no one left they can rip off or buy, they stagnate. *Always*.

Are these really the people you want to see controlling the console gaming market?

Scott @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:21PM

Elebits works extremely well with the Wii remote. It should definitely get credit on the motion control side. Cooking Mama, on the other hand...

fludblud @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:23PM

to oGMo, if it benefits us the consumer then why not?

DRO4LIFE @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:24PM

It could be that some of you are too young to remember this, but Microsoft was actually the FIRST to come out with a motion sensing controller. Maybe they were too early for their time. I bought one, and it was pretty sweet.

Microsoft Sidewinder Freestyle Pro: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_SideWinder#Freestyle_Pro

haywood jablomey @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:25PM

Why should anyone care what Microsoft thinks in the first place? Seriously.

Intentless @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:25PM

I used to respect you in a very limited fashion jack..... hmmmm... wow..... Goldeneye.... before.... super.... metroid...... wowo..... soul..... died....

Yourself @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:28PM

Tony Carnevale is now officially on my "let's just make arbitrary generalizations" list.

""We're [sic] yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says 'OK that control kicked ass.'" So far, we have to agree."

It's appropriate for MS to say because... well they're a competitor. But, dear Tony, just because you suck at Wii Boxing and Cooking Mama doesn't mean you have to pretend you haven't heard of a little game called "Twilight Princess."

And Jack of No Trades... lol.

Intentless @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:26PM

didn't the power glove have some motion and IR sensor controls?

Ken @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:28PM

@Jack of no Trades

You're mistaking Metroid: Prime with Super Metroid.

I bet you feel like an idiot now.

Ken @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:30PM

Actually DRO4LIFE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerglove

Was out before that. So no, Microsoft in NO way came out with "Motion Sensing Controller" before anyone else.

Yes the Powerglove had Motion Sensing, and was used as a controller too.

Albeit a terrible device.

Rymix @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:32PM

Sic? For why?

Jack of No Trades @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:32PM

I was joking. You didn't catch it?

Neal @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:32PM

lol @ everyone making fun of Jack for the Metroid thing.

Patrick @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:37PM

I can understand how maybe not everyone would be blown away by the Wii's motion controls in terms of how accurately they represent real movements... BUT!.... The controller is hands-down the closest thing to a substitute for a computer mouse that we've seen on a console yet. Playing Twilight Princess made this pretty obvious. Being able to simply point with my hand and pull the trigger is a million times more satisfying than using a D-pad to push a cursor around the screen.

ZenGaijin @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:34PM

Coming from someone that owns a Wii. I'm still waiting for a game where this motion controller works well.

Excite Truck & Sonic feel like you're on an ice rink.

NintendoFanbot @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:34PM

MS' people should really learn to shut up. Even though Peter Moore was likely just pandering to Nintendo fans in the nice things he says on an infrequent basis, other people from the same department have to fudge it up. Stop already before I decide not to complete my Wii60.

"Lets see if NintenBots are still gaga over the wiimote in one year's time."

Chances are I will be. After Metroid Prime 3 and Mario Galaxy, Smash (though not likely using the remote) is the magic word. :)

Allen Straith @ Apr 6th 2007 10:29AM

Okay, here is the run down of how motion controls, and whether or not it's the future:

The Wii is doing something new. It's not new like the transition from joysticks to game pads -- that would be a big easier to pull off. But this will all you to go into the game unlike anything else.

The Godfather Blackhand Edition is the best controls on the Wii. It has the ability to free-aim, yet it employs a wonderful lock-on system. it allows you to quickly pull out your weapon (its only flaw is changing weapons isn't so cut and dry -- you'd actually have to stop and change weapons, and then start running -- but it should hardly matter). Zelda: TP was a great game, and it failed in evolutionizing the series itself but did a marvelous job of using the control. At one point, I actually forgot i was playing a game. And that was no joke.

Now, to what MS said about the Wii: They don't like motion controls. They themselves tried this before (and it was exactly like the PS3/PS1 Pelican controls....) but it failed. So MS really doesn't want to move with this new trend.

@ the comment about how the PS3 controls are better. I'd beg to differ. In some cases maybe -- it's easier to learn, it's a great way to transition into the motion control era (if there will be one) -- but you couldn't play Godfather Blackhand Edition on it. You couldn't actually have a fist fight with it. You couldn't actually hit a baseball with it, nor could you bowl with it.

I am not saying the Wii is an revolution. What may be a revolution is how Nintendo pulls of the Wii and the software that backs it up. However, the Wiimote is by far the best controller because it does what no other controller can do: be natural. Whats more natural: Pushing a button and have some character on screen punch someone. Or, literally move you fists and have your character on-screen actually move and punch that guy. Whats hard about that?

In the end, all that matters is the software that backs up each system. So far, I'd say Nintendo has a good line-up of software: Rayman, Wii Sport/Wii Play, Godfather, Tony Hawk, Wario Ware, and soon to be that Sonic/mario game. Is that enough to keep systems rolling off the shelves? No. Does Nintendo simply stand by and believes they don't have to do anything? No. Reggie has said many, many times they need more Third-Party developers and he has contacted even Rockstar games about making games for the Wii.

Oh, and to the person about the Wii, and if it can see 300K for ever? Hmmmm, it may very well do so and more. But the question remains, can the PS3 do that? The question still remains....

Ken @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:34PM

@Jack

No you weren't. Suck it up and be a man. Tell us all that you jumped to gun to be a troll, and screwed up. :)

Ken @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:36PM

So yeah, I've played the demo (at the Nintendo Fusion Tour) of Metroid Prime: 3, and the controls are simply amazing.

Mark my word, this game will change your mind about the Wii-mote.

Jack of No Trades @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:36PM

Ken

lol you don't believe me?

Nim @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:38PM

@ Rymix

My question exactly.

is @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:39PM

Why are people forgetting how awesome the control in wii sports is? Just cos that joystiq blogger poo-pooed Bowling? He was dead wrong. The only control thats not great in wii sports is boxing, and im getting used to that now.

Ken @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:40PM

Jack

I don't man, sorry. I can generally tell your sarcasm. But that had no trace of it. :)

C. Grant @ Apr 3rd 2007 1:40PM

Yourself: Yeah, cause LoZ: TP really demonstrated the unique functionality of the Wiimote and proved to the world why a motion sensitive controller was a necessary step to reinvigorate what Nintendo saw as an increasingly stale video game industry.

Oh, except the controls worked fine on the Gamecube and many would argue that the Wii controls felt tacked on and unnatural.