Among the numerous rumours surrounding Nintendo's next console last week were suggestion that, like Wii, the new machine would offer multiple choices of controller, one of them could already be in your hands.
CVG's sources have told us that the system will come with a controller that houses its own HD touch-screen. More recent rumours have suggested the screen-enabled controller will be one option for some games, while the machine will also support "Wii Remote-style controllers" for others.
According to Miyamoto, Nintendo has been exploring the possibilities of connectivity between its latest handheld and the firm's 'future home console'. As you might expect, he left Nintendo's exploits mostly to your imagination, but did say that one possibility was for the 3DS to be used as a controller for the machine.
Doing so would be nothing new for Nintendo, which has done just such a mechanic before with the Game Boy Advance and GameCube. Specifically, a four-player game called Legend of Zelda: Four Swords included an option for players to use the GBA as controller, with main gameplay taking place on the TV while any players who entered a house or cave would revert to gameplay on the GBA screen.
Elsewhere in the presentation, Miyamoto said Nintendo was testing unique ideas for 3DS games, including one in which an image is only visible to one of your eyes - creating an effect that could be used for ghosts - and another in which players would analise 3D objects from different angles to discover what they are, using the 3D to create a 'surprise effect'.
He also said the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Starfox 64 3DS remakes are complete, Ocarina of Time will be a better experience on the 3DS thanks to the touch-screen inventory system, improved frame-rate (30fps up from 20) and added features, and Mario Kart 3D will be released this year. Sweet.
Comments
18 comments so far...
Solm on 24 Apr '11 said:
What about the so called compatibility with the wii and ds that was a joke. I doubt the 3ds will be compatible with the wii stream.
TheLastDodo on 24 Apr '11 said:
Wow a £180 controller, I could've bought a brand new 120GB PS3 for that price in february. This is why innovation isn't always a good thing.
Padua on 25 Apr '11 said:
What's there to be negative about?
Nintendo aren't suggesting people buy a 3DS only as a controller.
It is obviously added value that if you could also use your 3DS to interact with the Wii 2.
Hope there is a demonstration of this at E3.
I doubt I would ever be tempted to buy a 3DS but I still enjoy following what Nintendo is planning next.
sevvybgoode on 25 Apr '11 said:
"creating an effect that could be used for ghosts - and another in which players would analise 3D objects from different angles to discover what they are, using the 3D to create a 'surprise effect'. "
This news is nowt surprising. What impact using a 3ds over a Wii2 controller has is more interesting.
boskersrevenge on 25 Apr '11 said:
Been asking that question for over a year, now. It's a wonder why most of these people bother with video games the amount of miserable s**t going about.
Balladeer on 25 Apr '11 said:
Hmm... Nintendo have tried this one before, with limited success. The only real benefit over the rumoured proper controller (which people say has a screen) would be the touch screen, but the number of occasions where that would be more useful than a second analogue stick are limited.
sevvybgoode on 25 Apr '11 said:
Ive heard the screen may be touch screen. The only advantages i can see are the ability to view output in 3d and use the touchscreen on the 3ds without blocking the view on the 3d screen itself.
Who knows though. So far it is A class smoke and mirrors from Nintendo.
boskersrevenge on 25 Apr '11 said:
Too much rumour.
Balladeer on 25 Apr '11 said:
http://www.maclife.com/files/u12635/rumors_rumors_large.png
sevvybgoode on 25 Apr '11 said:
We should just make some up...
Ive heard that it will be backwards compatible with Dreamcast games and NeoGeo carts.
Ive heard that the controllers with screens are the entire remainder of the Wonderswan stock.
Ive heard that it doesnt use a TV but instead projects smoke through an exhaust placed on the top of the console so it can project holograms onto it...
Ive heard that Shenmue 3 is a launch title...
boskersrevenge on 25 Apr '11 said:
I've heard Shenmue 3 is going to be the best sequel in the history of games and when you finish it, you cry like a child in sopping wet tears of absolute joy and emotion.
Asinine on 25 Apr '11 said:
I don't see why this shouldn't happen, The PS3 had PSP remote play, also accessible by the Sony Ericsson Aino phone, which is actually very good, remote PlayTV etc, unfortunately limited somewhat in overall functionality, but hey, it's free. There is no reason why Nintendo won't see this as the great idea it was and build on it further.
All they need to do now is ensure they don't lose the hardcore gamers market by making it too cute and cudly when they do their mass marketing commercialism gaming thing.
pRM8 on 25 Apr '11 said:
If he is saying the 3DS could potentially be used as a Wii 2 controller then surely most if not all the other DS models could be used in the same manner. That way not many folks would miss out on this particular feature as everyone and their dog has at least one model of DS knocking about.
silent moose on 25 Apr '11 said:
row row row your wii gently down the stream cuz you hate and its crap have a happy dream
Sybs on 26 Apr '11 said:
Probably. Also I remember they produced a lot of hype about the GBA controlling the Gamecube, and that ended up being used for only two or three games.
gmcb007 on 26 Apr '11 said:
Having an option of multiple controllers is defnitley a good thing. I personally have no intrest for having a screen on my controller as it seems too disorientating while others may want it. I thnk its best though if they dont focus too much on motion control this time.
Balladeer on 26 Apr '11 said:
But those that did were amazing! It was a brilliant idea hampered by the expense and scarcity of the hardware. Which is probably what'll happen here.
sevvybgoode on 26 Apr '11 said:
Maybe they will offer bundles with different amounts of controllers. I wonder what the pricepoint of a joypad with a screen will be even if it streams the technical gubbins to it. £50 + probably...