The REVOLUTION

Nintendo's off on another whirlwind adventure, this time with its new console. It's code-name right now is the "Revolution", and for a reason: it's supposed to modernize gaming as we know it and force gamers to experiance a different mindset of video games.

...Or at least, that's what they say.

I can only hope that Nintendo doesn't try anything TOO risky (like the DS).They need to organize this perfectly in order to bounce back from the GCN's terrible launch. It's coming out sometime in 2006, right around the same time as PS3 and Microsoft's new platform.

Hopefully, it will get a huge tech upgrade, as they already have plans for it to host a new Zelda and Mario at it's launch. It looks good so far, Big N. Just don't ***** it up.

~Mute

Interesting things from IGN regarding this.

Originally Posted by IGN Cube

June 09, 2004 - Wednesday marked the latest in Nintendo of Japan's investor-oriented briefings, which the the company uses as a forum to release subtle but incomplete hints at its future products. This latest edition was a bit special in that the company made a few comments about its upcoming next generation console, first given the codename "Revolution" at the recently concluded E3 trade show.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata refered to Revolution as a product of a different nature, using similar terminology as was used to vaguely hint at the Nintendo DS prior to its official announcement. Revolution is most definitely a console, though, in that it's something that's set down and connected to a monitor as it's played. Nintendo engineer Genyo Takeda offers, "You'll be able to play not just by linking up to a television but to a computer monitor as well."

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata described the product as something "of a different nature that does not follow the conventional path of new game systems that increase speed and visual quality for making elaborate games." He continued, "The rule of satisfying customers by increasing specifications worked once, but no longer applies now."

Gameplay, according to Iwata, is what counts -- not improvements in graphics and sound. The company has apparently been working on Revolution by looking at various areas in which consoles can be revolutionized.

And, just to be sure imaginations don't run in the wrong direction, Iwata stated "We have no intention of making a two screen console akin to the DS."

"What we are looking for is not next-generation technology, but next-generation game play," Iwata added.

In addition, you can find IGN's FAQ regarding the Revolution here.

I'm with you on this one, Mute. Innovation is a nice thing, but ultimately, no matter how great it is, if peoples' first reaction to it is "eww, what's that?", or "what the heck are they doing?", then the console simply won't sell. Let's face it - specifications and hype sell a console, especially in the first, crucial months. If Nintendo can't keep up in the technology race, and has a bad first impression, then it'll make for a cloudy future. The DS is a prime example of this - while on the surface it looks quite good, the aesthetics of the handheld need to be seriously rethought, and it may be a bit too far "out there" for all but the most hardcore gamers to swallow.

People like change, but they like regularity and familiarity more than they like change. Something that consumers know and have used before (or at least, something similar) is going to be much more appealing than a brand new and potentially disastrous purchase. The consumer is putting his or her money on the line, after all. They certainly don't want to waste it, and using their money to buy something familiar is a much more viable option than buying something new and different.

We'll just have to wait and see in this case. We don't know how this console will be different from the competition, nor what advantages and disadvantages it will offer. Who knows, it may just pleasantly surprise us.

Hmmm...the Revolution eh? The only thing I could think of that could possibly do that would be too make the games holographic or something of that nature.....but that would be silly wouldn't it?

2006 is a good time to release the Revolution, it'll give me a good amount of time to get the most out of my GC before it gets outdated. The release might be tricky though......they have to time it just right....

Sounds pretty good. I really hope it can go online via Wi-Fi like the DS, it will make any games that are like Animal Crossing or some types of RPGs quite fun to play. On teh other hand Nintendo has always been a good offline company, but even if they do offer online service people who dont like it dont have to use it and they an just use it offline play. That way everyone wins. I hope the system is a lot better then the other Companies. One thing I hope Nintendo will have is more game genre variety. It seems like they only do RPGs, Adventure, and party games. I hope they have a few good RPGs, a few good Shooters, a few good Adventures and so on. I cant wait to see all the new Metroid and Zelda and those types of series' perform on this system. To make a long story short, it all looks pretty good.

And I dont think a computer screen will be to much of a problem, it still works with a TV, they just did it for more variety which is always good.

I'm a bit pleased to hear about monitor support. I think the current generation of consoles should have had VGA outputs so you could play in high-definition (Without an HD setup). That and the TV I use is shot, so I'll take anything.

I hope whatever innovation they come up with is accompanied by at least a decent amount of technology. As SearanoX said, if they don't pull off a good first impression--that would be visuals and numbers--then this could flounder. Personally I'd like to see innovation AND new technology. There's no reason to ignore the amazing things being pioneered these days.

They need to cut the 'We do not believe that online gaming or a DVD player makes a console' (which is kind of true, but it sells), and start facing reality. And I don't think there's going to be a revolution, Nintendo are just trying to get attention. I can see they are investing work with the help of much willpower, but that doesn't mean they'll make it.

If they could just go around and listen for the opinions of the fans... it's like we live on two different planets, they just deliver the product and don't ever hear our opinions, simply because it seems they do not want to, when it is in fact a very important factor.

Originally Posted by William Zelda4ever

They need to cut the 'We do not believe that online gaming or a DVD player makes a console' (which is kind of true, but it sells), and start facing reality. And I don't think there's going to be a revolution, Nintendo are just trying to get attention. I can see they are investing work with the help of much willpower, but that doesn't mean they'll make it.

If they could just go around and listen for the opinions of the fans... it's like we live on two different planets, they just deliver the product and don't ever hear our opinions, simply because it seems they do not want to, when it is in fact a very important factor.

I don't know about that, for consoles yes, but for games, they do listen. (Beleave it or not WW was designed with the input of quite a few fans, they just ignored pleas for diffirent graphics.) I myself don't really want a DVD player on my console, I already have a DVD player that is of better quality then the ones they throw in with the systems. As for online play, it would be nice, I just can't see games like SSB:M having good online gameplay, But it sure would be nice to have in the next system. Finally, althugh new hardwear would be nice, if they can get games that are just as good (if not better) then the ones we have now, and graphics that are more then adequate then I'll be fine with it, if they go for the top-of-the-line hardwear it will cost more to buy and produce the console, so they will sell less, and then have less money for creating games, then the quality of the games goes down so the number of people who buy the system goes down, so the quality of the games go down... I myself wouldn't really mind if Nintendo released a generic console, but I would really like it if they came up with something new, there is a limit to the number of times you can create sequels that use the same gameplay elements with only better graphics.

Well I think that although we'd all like them to be right with this, Nintendo need to get their head out of the clouds-Important as gameplay is, Sear is so right-Nintendo have to improve the graphics and be more consumer friendly(Can't think of a better term). They take a very original approach. The only people I know that enjoy their gamecubes have been enjoying Nintendo consoles for years, and know their approach.

Personally, I'm probably gonna buy all 3 next gens anyway, so what Nintendo does makes no difference to whether I'll buy the next console or not. Still they need to appeal to the newer generation of gameplayers.

Hope that made sense!

Originally Posted by William Zelda4ever

They need to cut the 'We do not believe that online gaming or a DVD player makes a console' (which is kind of true, but it sells), and start facing reality. And I don't think there's going to be a revolution, Nintendo are just trying to get attention. I can see they are investing work with the help of much willpower, but that doesn't mean they'll make it.

If they could just go around and listen for the opinions of the fans... it's like we live on two different planets, they just deliver the product and don't ever hear our opinions, simply because it seems they do not want to, when it is in fact a very important factor.

Since when did you grow up, Will? Very nice.

**gives Will a pat on the back**

Anyway, as you can see, Nintendo's got the help of IBM and Avi, but it doesn't mean they'll put them to good use. Let's just cross our fingers, eh?

~Mute

I think what we need to differentiate between is innovation and flamboyant stupidity, the latter of which Nintendo delievers in spades.

Nintendo needs to simulaneously incorporate a sleek design, online gaming, extras (i.e. DVD player) and broad based third party support, in addition to its 'innovations' if they don't want people in general to shun them.

What is open to 'revolution' right now?

Graphics? No. Nintendo has denied this will serve as the impetus for their gaming 'revolution'. But, like I said before, Nintendo cannot ignore graphics either. They must beat or meet their competitors in each and every single field, plus deliver the 'innovation' if they wish to survive.

Its hard to say, but I'd say game controls would be a prime center to 'revolutionize'. That would greatly 'simplify' the games, while simultaneously keeping them interesting and open the door to a multitude of new gamers. How would they implement this? No clue.

Other areas for video game improvement? No idea. Of course, this is probably typical Nintendo, cryptic fanfare.

Isnt revolution just another codename for the N5?

No, it's the codename INSTEAD of the N5. That codename is now obsolete.

~Mute

I can only hope that Nintendo doesn't try anything TOO risky (like the DS).

I fail to see how the DS is some terrible risk.

people might not catch on to the whole "two screen" deal.

Yes, I think two screens is just to make it stick out among all the other handheld consoles. I seriously see no great use in being able to see a map on one screen and my game on the other, it's just an useless feature, in my opinion.

You seem to be sadly ignorant of the situation, WIlliam. They're not two mere screens, no. One of the screens is a touchscreen, and if you had actualy done some reading into the subject in order to find justification for your criticisms, you would find that several intriguing uses for it are already in development.

Originally Posted by lord-of-shadow

You seem to be sadly ignorant of the situation, WIlliam. They're not two mere screens, no. One of the screens is a touchscreen, and if you had actualy done some reading into the subject in order to find justification for your criticisms, you would find that several intriguing uses for it are already in development.

Not to mention things like wi-fi communication, voice recognition, and various programs such as text messaging (using the stylus to write messages, pictures, etc.).