GYROSCOPIC CONTROL: Several sources have suggested that the new control scheme will SUPPORT positional shifts a la Kirbys Tilt n Tumble. This means that not EVERY game will require you to pull a Pisa , but that Nintendo is championing the integration of this feature into at least one of launch titles. Talking with developers, we agreed that this works well for navigation titles and maybe some sports games
but its nothing theyd be eager to program for.
TOUCHSCREEN INTEGRATION: Ive heard from more than one reputable source that either a DS style touchscreen or an actual proprietary PDA device with be part of the new controller. As you discussed yesterday in COMMENTS, this makes sense with Nintendos technology partners, the creation of the DS, and Nintendos push towards tactile experiences. Not a hard thing to program for and most likely a smart move, as Microsoft and PS3 will almost assuredly support some sort of integrated screen/handheld configuration.
WIRELESS: I popped up some clues yesterday regarding what Ive heard about their wireless plans, and can most assuredly state that the unit will ship with wireless controllers like X-Box 2. But as IGN and others have pointed out, Nintendos pushing hard with their wireless technology and partnerships, and my sources support that it will go well beyond mere controller connection and into the realm of some serious data transfer: touchscreen/pda and machine, player-to-player, Rev to DS, Rev to PC, and Rev to Rev (both in-home and with locally based wireless tribes).
Okay. No major revelations there, but I bet its got you thinking about future game design and interactive potential, yes. Yes
but for me, the first twinge of excitement regarding this machine didnt come until the final pieces of the long-rumoured DISPLAY puzzle fell into place:
- the IGN boys posted THIS regarding a patent for Nintendos upcoming display technology. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to glean that this conceptually portrays a form of 3D image projection.
- at a major film conference called ShoWest just last month, a panel featuring George Lucus, Robert Zemekis, James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez, and a satellite feed from Peter Jackson has studio reps, journalists, and theatre owners seriously jazzed about their plans to integrate cheap digital stereoscopic 3D (like recent IMAX features or the oldschool Captain EO experience at Epcot) into ALL major chains by 2007. Lucas even showed several minutes of the original STAR WARS with remapped visuals that popped off the screen and hovered in front of audience members. When an agent friend of mine was chatting with Rodriguez (there to pump Sin City and discuss his experiences with Spy Kids 3D), he mentioned how they were aware of a game machine beating them to the mainstream 3D market.
- the next day, I contacted another strangely influential industry pal/pundit and shared my thesis purely for funs sake (and perhaps some extremely lame bragging rights). The final shiny block of tetrisy knowledge slid into place when he excitedly shared the following - that the Big N had shown a real-time 3D add-on for Gamecube behind closed doors
AT LAST YEARS E3. This is the sound of four rows dropping.
More details and potential software discussion to follow
for now, Im eager to hear YOUR thoughts. How will stereoscopic 3D gaming usher in the Revolution that Nintendo has been trumpeting? Will it end up nothing more than a Virtual Boy style gimmick, or will custom 3D glasses become the big fashion accessory of 2007 and beyond? With graphics chip codenames like Hollywoood and Broadway, does this signal Nintendos plans to make more cinematic games that mimic the upcoming 3D theatrical experience? If (and, from what Im hearing, this will be a VERY big IF) Nintendo shows their hand at this years E3 by giving everyone at their annual press conference a pair of 3D glasses to wear, will players care?