Nintendo won't make Wii MotionPlus a new standard

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 23rd 2009 at 6:15PM }

Nintendo converted Times Square into a tropical island getaway for a day to celebrate this coming Sunday's launch of Wii Sports Resort, the first sequel to Nintendo's flagship Wii title. We had a chance to chat with Bill Trinen, product marketing manager for Nintendo of America, while overlooking the festivities below. He told us that in spite of the advances made by Wii MotionPlus, he doesn't see Nintendo enforcing it as a new standard. "I don't think that we would or that we would necessarily require other developers to do so either," Trinen said. "Something like Wii MotionPlus and whether or not you want to incorporate that is more of a creative decision that's up to each individual developer."

"I think it certainly suits specific types of games, but it may not make sense to include Wii MotionPlus in every game," Trinen continued. "For example, if you look at the motion controls of New Super Mario Bros. for Wii that's coming out this holiday, it's not the kind of control that requires or would really benefit from more precise movements. So it doesn't make sense for a development team to spend time implementing something that's going to enhance the end experience. I do think over time, we're going to see a lot of developers taking a look at it and finding things they can do that they couldn't do with the standard Wii Remote and we're going to see those experiences come to life."

When asked if Nintendo had any plans to revise the standard Wii Remote to include Wii MotionPlus tech, Trinen replied, "those are all good ideas. We've thought about all that as well. At this point, we're really just focused on launching Wii Sports Resort and obviously getting Wii MotionPlus off to a good start and getting it to the hands of as many of the Wii consumers as we can. And from there, once it becomes time, we may look at what other options are available."

Check back tomorrow for our full video interview with Bill Trinen and VP of corporate communications, Denise Kaiger, as they talk about Sony and Microsoft's motion efforts, the Wii Vitality Sensor and if Pikmin 3 is still happening.

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort in Times Square

Tags: bill-trinen, interview, motionplus, nintendo, times-square, wii-motionplus, wii-sports-resort

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

ChromeAlchemist @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:19PM

Aaaaand heeeere comes the shitstorm!

Mana37 @ Jul 23rd 2009 10:55PM

Well Nintendo, as Yoda would say, "That is why you fail."

Thank Poseidon for competition!

tyetheczar @ Jul 24th 2009 4:28PM

All I have to express my displeasure is: Uguu~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT2GRpwwS8M

Naota @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:20PM

Makes sense to not force developers to use the motion-plus

ChromeAlchemist @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:23PM

That's what I think. It also shows how low a priority the device was and why it wasn't entirely necessary to implement it back in the day and bulk up the controllers and the prices. It's going to be essential for some games, but not all of them.

lobotomies4free @ Jul 23rd 2009 8:39PM

so it can end up like wiispeak, wiifit, the DS headset, and DS rumble pack (unsupported). They need to include it not because it's necessary but to make it easier on developers that want to use it by not making them charge extra for their games. They can't get the support they need for need for the STANDARD wii remote. Nintendo needs to make it easier. not harder

Elranzer @ Jul 24th 2009 3:31PM

Nintendo realizes that Motion+ is an add-on, and a company that's been in the business as long as Nintendo knows not to rely too much on add-ons.

I mean hey, if it takes off, great! But let the market decide. Sega, Nintendo and Sony all had failed add-ons so to make the Motion+ optional (and not required) is a good idea.

The Wii HD 9or whatever the Nintendo System 6 is called), comes out, I'm sure Motion+ will be embedded in all standard controllers.

Eh @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:23PM

Thats corporate talk for: We would rather charge extra for Motion Plus than include it for free with the console.

sam @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:40PM

Actually, I'm sure they at least briefly considered including it 'for free' with their next console... that'd score them a whole lot more than $20 :)

devilsei @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:42PM

exactly!
The Wii-fans are all whipped, they ain't going to fight to have the WM+ made standard in new bundles, and Nintendo will capitalize on this to no end.

Roto13 @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:00PM

I'm not sure you read the article.

ArchiGamer [thephilosophyofgames.wordpress.com] @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:14PM

Protip: Read the article.

Eh @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:22PM

I read the article, its been spun to make it seem like Motion Plus doesnt need to be included with every console since not every game needs it.

ArchiGamer [thephilosophyofgames.wordpress.com] @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:29PM

Are you sure its not -you- that's over interpreting?

MrKlorox @ Jul 23rd 2009 9:54PM

Eh: You're right. That's exactly what I took away from this article. Sucks others can't get that through their thick skulls.

But it doesn't seem to be a money thing as much as they don't seem too confident it'll become a massive seller. Big N saw what the competition was planning and decided to use WM+ as a patch while they try and out-predict how the competition will fare and improve upon that hypothetical situation.

And when it comes down to it, the WM+ isn't all that wonderful. It just makes the controller feel like you expected it to years ago when they first unveiled the Revolution.

Roto13 @ Jul 23rd 2009 10:25PM

Lrn 2 reading comprehension.

Mr Khan @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:24PM

I can already answer the Pikmin 3 thing. Miyamoto said at this E3 that, when he informally announced it at the last E3, there were only 2 or 3 people on the project, so it was only in its most nascent phase when he proclaimed it. He went on to say that, earlier this summer, the basic groundwork for the title had been done, and work could proceed. What exactly that means is unknown, but it does indicate that Pikmin 3 is a ways off, and likely less-developed than Zelda Wii at this point (at least they were willing to show something of it)

As for Wii Motion Plus, i agree with their sentiment. Some games just don't need motion control, some benefit most from the existing functions: tilt (Mario Kart Wii), waggle (Wario Land: Shake it), and IR (Metroid Prime 3, likely Pikmin 3), while others will benefit significantly (like Zelda), and equally true for 3rd parties. Tatsunoko vs Capcom doesn't need motion control at all (though it has it), something like The Conduit or Shattered Memories benefits most from the existing tech, and then there is stuff like Tiger Woods and Red Steel 2, where they'll never go back to the old way.

Highlar @ Jul 24th 2009 8:54AM

I agree with what you say about game genres. Just as Trinen and you said, there are just some games and genres that really won't need this precise of motion controls. And there are other genres that may well find it indispensable once it gets out there a bit.

PixelHustler @ Jul 24th 2009 4:05PM

Dammit, Khan. You're not supposed to be logical and make sense. How are people supposed to jump to conclusions and have irrational arguments when you've gone and explained everything in a coherent fashion already?

Discotheque @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:27PM

Hey are you guys at the Avatar panel? I hear they're gonna show some crazy stuff there. Or are you restricted to gaming-related only?

Spartacus @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:28PM

And therefore this is yet another console peripheral that won't have much market penetration.

Of course, this generation of consoles has flooded the market with more peripherals than all other generations combined, so who knows. Seriously though, with all the rhythm games and the peripheral Trojan Horse which is the Wii, I would've thought consumers would have their closets full by now.

sam @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:45PM

I wouldn't expect miracles, but my guess is this will have reasonable sales and market support. If you look at the Balance Board, that's done pretty well - quite a few games use it, and this is much more widely applicable. Of course, I don't expect Sports Resort (even plus Tiger Woods etc) will be as big a hit as Wii Fit, but you never know.

In other words no it won't become the new standard but it might do better than becoming the new EyeToy.

Mr Khan @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:58PM

I think it's a bit early to make that call. I mean, 2K is incorporating Motion Plus for NHL 2K10, a relatively inconsequential title, so the peripheral is getting decent support at this point

tmontana213 @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:30PM

Why make it a standard when you can just charge $20...

McWilly @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:33PM

bingo

Roto13 @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:02PM

Read the article. "The standard" means forcing everyone who makes a Wii game to use it, which they won't.

McWilly @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:33PM

Will that stop them from putting it into their future AAA titles? Didn't think so. We won't make it standard..... but if you want to play Super mario galaxy 2, LOZ or the next metroid then we'll be asking for that $20.

Roto13 @ Jul 23rd 2009 9:15PM

Yeah, I guess that's why they're putting it in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Oh, wait, they're not. Because they're not going to use it for games in which it has no point.

So you swung back and forth and bitched about two stupid things that aren't true. How nice for you.

WREturns (www.theseagullweekly.com) @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:39PM

I'm excited to read the full interview and I'm also excited for when Natal and the PS3 DildoShock come out and then Nintendo releases something that makes them both look archaic and out-of-touch. But let me clarify that. It's not because I'm not excited for what Microsoft and Sony are doing, because I am. However, nobody innovates control in gaming like Nintendo.

ArchiGamer [thephilosophyofgames.wordpress.com] @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:07PM

Exactly.

bongoes @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:52PM

"nobody innovates control in gaming like Nintendo."

That's what I always say.

bongoes @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:55PM

"nobody innovates control in gaming like Nintendo."

That's what I always say.

Ashitaka @ Jul 23rd 2009 9:52PM

Don't get your hopes up. What could possibly be more innovative than motion control?

Nintendo's next step is obviously gonna be HD, and the PS3 and the 360 already have that.

WREturns (www.theseagullweekly.com) @ Jul 23rd 2009 11:23PM

Ashitaka,
Prepare to be proven wrong.

waynski1457 @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:40PM

So you didn't get to go to SDCC? Hope it was fun though.

And off-topic, oooh Metroid Prime Trilogy post incoming!

Andrew Yoon @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:44PM

Man, it feels wrong to be excited for old games, but when you hear that Metroid Prime theme music kick in, it's hard not to get giddy.

waynski1457 @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:01PM

Lol hell yeah. I may have already played all three games, but when I saw the trailer on the right in the Video bar, I couldn't help myself.

Andrew Yoon @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:11PM

Video and gallery bars on the right are both a good way at peeking at future Joystiq stories. Good job, waynski!

waynski1457 @ Jul 23rd 2009 8:19PM

Yeah I've been noticing how videos update there before they post. It's like a cheat code for news!

Now if only I can make a next week release date for a 3d Zelda and stop Activision from running all of their series into the ground...

Dante G @ Jul 23rd 2009 6:44PM

If it is required to play a game there will surely be a bundle like Tiger Woods 10. Out of all the Wii games I own I think only 3 would benefit from the motion plus: Madden 09, Boom Blox and Wii Sports. That's 3 out of twenty... so I think I understand the fact that not all games will require it since it wouldn't improve most of them at all.

It will be the job of creative minds to try to make a good game taking advantage of the new tech. Same thing with Natal and the Sony wand.

Eh @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:30PM

Because developers were smart enough to make games with the capability of the Wii in mind. They learned from Red Steel that they shouldnt make a game that needs 1:1 motion if you dont have 1:1 motion available.

hatmantc @ Jul 23rd 2009 10:07PM

Yay! for Cash crabs!

ArchiGamer [thephilosophyofgames.wordpress.com] @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:13PM

Of the games I own, MadWorld, No More Heroes, and Zelda are the only ones that would benefit from WM+. And its nice that Nintendo isn't forcing developers to use it, but to let them decide.

Or Is It Alton Brown? @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:15PM

Zelda would be awesome with WM+.

ArchiGamer [thephilosophyofgames.wordpress.com] @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:18PM

Yes it would be.

Also, STOP MAKING ME GUESS YOUR IDENTITY!!!!!

Dante G @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:20PM

Man, how could I forget Zelda. I wasn't too frustrated about the waggle instead of button mashing though. But it does have a lot of potential. Let's see if they make it happen.

Mr. Fister @ Jul 24th 2009 3:51PM

"Zelda would be awesome with WM+."

Miyamoto's already hinting at the upcoming Wii Zelda requiring the Wii MotionPlus, so I would expect nothing less than awesome from it.

Adv2k1 @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:25PM

By the end of the year Wii Sports Resort will probably already be at 2 million sales if not more.

Wii Motion plus already has what 400K in sales .

By the end of the year 3rd party developers will not be able to deny Wii motion plus is new standard. Nintendo doesn't need to mandate things, If they are going to be lazy nothing Nintendo can do about them.

Sheppy (of the Fidlious Clan of Wong) @ Jul 23rd 2009 7:33PM

As a guy who's already sunk $80 into both of his Wii controllers and not interested in adding yet another strapon to his Wiimote for an additional $40 just to get basic multiplayer going, I say FUCK YOU.

It isn't a matter of developers being lazy or not. M+, like every other strapon for that remote, is a stopgap solution. Frankly, I'm tired of the fact that I have 10 NES controllers in a drawer taking up less space than all the peripherals for two Wiimotes. You can go right ahead and encourage this behavior of plastic strapons. Hope that Vitality Sensor works out well for you. As for me? More developers that realize a LOT of consumers are tired of the annual strapon lineup for the console, the better. I played M+, not impressed. And if some company is going to tell me "No, you can't play this game unless you have the OTHER OTHER $25 strapon," then that company isn't getting my money. Period.