IGN Explores the Wii Controller

[Kefkataran]

Thanks to Pantsmonkey for reporting this. Seems IGN got some good hands-on time with the Wii controller documentation recently. Check out the full report here (http://wii.ign.com/articles/718/718946p1.html). Of note:

The pointer will accept two AA alkaline batteries, which will keep it going for a considerable amount of time. If the precision aim functionality of the pointer is being used in games, the device will run for approximately 30 hours. If only the accelerometer functionality is being utilized, the Wii-mote will operate for 60 hours on two AA batteries.

The Wii-mote features 6KB of "non-volatile" memory, whose exact purpose remains a mystery.

More below... (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15098)

[Kefkataran]

Recent photos of the Wii console's front flap showcase a button called SYNCHRO, whose purpose seems fairly obvious. The SYNCHRO button is, according to documentation, used to identify Wii controllers that can be used with the console. It assigns each controller a wireless ID number. Evidently gamers first press the SYNCHRO button on the console itself and then find and press another SYNCHRO button located inside the battery compartment of the Wii controller. Documentation also suggests that gamers can hold down the 1 and 2 buttons on the Wii-mote to accomplish the same task.

Nintendo is currently offering developers no means to interact with the controller's internal speaker despite showing off games such as The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Pantsmonkey sez:

Some interesting things there. Including the Syncro Button, I remember someone berating me for mentioning a sink buttons a few weeks ago :)

The direct mentioning of a sizable X, Y Coordinate system and a direct pointer system for the gun seems interesting. The direct pointer hasn't been displayed as of yet. I don't know how it's going to differ from the reticule draggyness method shown in Red Steel. Hopefully you can use both.

Does anyone know if 2.4 GHZ Bluetooth has less lag than 2.4 GHZ RF which offers double the range and has no CLOS issues?

Microsoft had to develop proprietary wireless tech "in there opinion" to defeat playability lag issues on the wireless X360 Controller. Perhaps it was just cheaper than paying for an existing license.

It’s a bit disappointing that no external parties have Wiimote speaker access. Although the devs probably just need the “keys to the gate” I am sure sounds would be already be created and ready to slot in. Testing would be painful guess work though.

[Blade]

Outside of the obvious "pandering to battery companies," what reason does Nintendo have for making the controller use AAs? Everybody loved it when the GBA-SP introduced rechargeable lithium-ions...

[Brady]

Outside of the obvious "pandering to battery companies," what reason does Nintendo have for making the controller use AAs? Everybody loved it when the GBA-SP introduced rechargeable lithium-ions...

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if at launch you can only use AA, then at a later date release special edition wii-motes... Perhaps new colors with rechargable batteries. Nintendo seems to enjoy tweaking their hardware and rereleasing it.

GCN Controller -> Wavebird
GBA -> GBA SP
DS -> DS Lite

[Captain Awesome]

Im hoping to talk my gf into using it as a sex toy.

[Cupelix]

Goddamnit, if this thing isn't rechargable when they release it I'm going to be most unhappy.

[Orz]

Pantsmonkey sez:

Some interesting things there. Including the Syncro Button, I remember someone berating me for mentioning a sink buttons a few weeks ago :)


Still only useful if they release a Battleship game.

[zeeeg]

Or a dishwashing game.

[Kefkataran]

I don't see the big deal with it using batteries if the batteries give you 30-60 hours of use, personally. But yes, I'd assume a rechargable version would be released soon after if not immediately at launch.

[Savok]

Outside of the obvious "pandering to battery companies," what reason does Nintendo have for making the controller use AAs? Everybody loved it when the GBA-SP introduced rechargeable lithium-ions...
So you can buy it as an "upgrade" to your Wiimote. It's Nintendo, I love them but they love making you buy things. This sort of behavior is final proof that Rare is going 3rd party within the week... why does Matt still work there anyway?

[Dr.Finger]

Actually this article isn't a 'hands on' with the Wiimote. It's just mining the Wii's documentation for details on what the system can do.

[bboy]

This is my only gripe thus far with the Wii. The lack of a rechargable lithium-ion battery with a charging cradle would be a major minus in my eyes.

I do not want to be having to use AA batteries or AA rechargables. Sheesh, we are in the year 2006 now. The DS Lite has a fantasic battery to supply power. Can they not implement something similar for the Wii? I'll pay an extra $50-75 for a proper battery system for the remotes. I hope AA batteries don't end up in production release.

Serious oversight imo.


ps - any word on region coding and whether the console menu gui will be multilanguage like the DS?

[Salesmunn]

My buddy has a flat screen TV mounted on the wall, how can he place that huge IR bar sensor on top of that?

[Klade]

Personally I don't see that it matters if the remote uses an internal lithium rechargable or if I just use my AA rechargables and stick them in when done. I mean I can put a full charge on my AAs in 15 minutes.

[Savok]

This is my only gripe thus far with the Wii. The lack of a rechargable lithium-ion battery with a charging cradle would be a major minus in my eyes.

I do not want to be having to use AA batteries or AA rechargables. Sheesh, we are in the year 2006 now. The DS Lite has a fantasic battery to supply power. Can they not implement something similar for the Wii? I'll pay an extra $50-75 for a proper battery system for the remotes. I hope AA batteries don't end up in production release.

Serious oversight imo.


ps - any word on region coding and whether the console menu gui will be multilanguage like the DS?
My brand new Xbox 360 came with two sets of AA batteries. Only reason the DS and SP have thos good batteries is because they're smaller.

And yeah, regions, if they exist, would be nice.

[Phanto]

AA batteries?!?! And this is suppose to be "next gen consoles" ...shhesh that kinda sucks in my opinion.

[bone_matrix]

Pantsmonkey sez:

Some interesting things there. Including the Syncro Button, I remember someone berating me for mentioning a sink buttons a few weeks ago :)


But, the 360 had a sync button, so it knows what controller is on what 360.

Also, they mention the 6KB of memory, I'd assume its for the profiles for each controller.

[Kefkataran]

This sort of behavior is final proof that Rare is going 3rd party within the week... why does Matt still work there anyway?

???

Actually this article isn't a 'hands on' with the Wiimote. It's just mining the Wii's documentation for details on what the system can do.

Fixed.

Again, I don't get all the bitching about batteries if they seriously get 30-60 hours of use. Am I missing something here? Is it THAT much of a hassle to replace the batteries after THAT much time? I'd think it's just as much work plugging it in to recharge after every session using it.

[Salesmunn]

But, the 360 had a sync button, so it knows what controller is on what 360.

Yeah, but don't say it too loud because Nintendo fanboys will assume the "Synchro" feature was invented by Nintendo.

I now understand why Nintendo isn't calling this thing the Revolution anymore because there are way too many IF'S about how this system will perform based on your environment. Far from revolutionary.

Light sources from fluorescent and halogen lamps, plastic, mirrors and more may occasionally interfere with the pointer, based on official documentation.

I wonder what the "and more" is.

[Salesmunn]

Again, I don't get all the bitching about batteries if they seriously get 30-60 hours of use. Am I missing something here? Is it THAT much of a hassle to replace the batteries after THAT much time? I'd think it's just as much work plugging it in to recharge after every session using it.

I disagree. It would be much better to have cradles for the remote that you can just place the controller in. At least *** offers that charge and play pack instead of horrid rechargables.

Remember, we're also talking about kids and parents who aren't savvy enough to use rechargable batteries. It would be 100 times better to have a cradle for this remote.

[Dr.Finger]

I disagree. It would be much better to have cradles for the remote that you can just place the controller in. At least *** offers that charge and play pack instead of horrid rechargables.

Remember, we're also talking about kids and parents who aren't savvy enough to use rechargable batteries. It would be 100 times better to have a cradle for this remote.
That's why Nintendo will be selling the official battery pack & charge kit, just like Microsoft did with the 360. Remember the most profitable part of a system are it's accessories.

[RevGored]

I don't really see the big deal in regards to the AA battery thing - the 360 remote also uses AA batteries, and a rechargable battery pack option. Nintendo just hasn't announced the battery pack option yet. It's not any real reason to jump on the 'Nintendo is fucking us again!' bandwagon, why not give them a couple weeks?

[Savok]

???



Fixed.

Again, I don't get all the bitching about batteries if they seriously get 30-60 hours of use. Am I missing something here? Is it THAT much of a hassle to replace the batteries after THAT much time? I'd think it's just as much work plugging it in to recharge after every session using it.
Many moons ago, when I was still at GameFAQs (it went to hell when CJay sold out hanging around the GC forum (among other places) good ole Matt here was telling us that "Rare is going 3rd party within two weeks". This would occur every month and it became a running joke, I even got to start the saying "you can't spell ignorant without IGN".

This hilarity was further bolstered when Rare finally left Nintendo to be purchased by MS, never being 3rd party even for a second.

[Savok]

It's not any real reason to jump on the 'Nintendo is fucking us again!' bandwagon, why not give them a couple weeks?
Come on, they're always fucking us. They use lots of lube though, why I love them so.

[jacktion]

Outside of the obvious "pandering to battery companies," what reason does Nintendo have for making the controller use AAs? Everybody loved it when the GBA-SP introduced rechargeable lithium-ions...

Rechargeable just aren't necessary. Nintendo is good in that they don't release false hyped data. They usually underestimate their data. So when they say 30-60 hours, it is probably longer. They had the same estimate for their wavebirds and mine lasts far longer than those numbers. I have had a wavebird for years and only changed the batteries a couple times.
I find this vastly preferrable than having to constantly be plugging in my wii-mote and finding a spare outlet for the cord and buying a charge station for 50 bucks and so on and so forth. AA batteries are all over the place and it is an easier and smarter solution.

[Spigot]

Again, I don't get all the bitching about batteries if they seriously get 30-60 hours of use. Am I missing something here? Is it THAT much of a hassle to replace the batteries after THAT much time? I'd think it's just as much work plugging it in to recharge after every session using it.
Aye. I've got a few Logitech wireless controllers that I use for my PS2 and Xbox and they run on AA's. I think I've had to replace the batteries twice in the last year or so. Rechargable is nice but getting an estimated 30-60 hours between replacing the batteries is more than enough time. Unless you're someone who does that much gaming in the space of 2-3 days, in which case you should go stock up now :D

[Hg-203]

This is my only gripe thus far with the Wii. The lack of a rechargable lithium-ion battery with a charging cradle would be a major minus in my eyes.

I do not want to be having to use AA batteries or AA rechargables. Sheesh, we are in the year 2006 now. The DS Lite has a fantasic battery to supply power. Can they not implement something similar for the Wii? I'll pay an extra $50-75 for a proper battery system for the remotes. I hope AA batteries don't end up in production release.

Serious oversight imo.
multilanguage like the DS?

Anyone know the estimated life of the Wii, Nintendo could be trying to help the early adopters by using replaceable batteries. Li-ion's don't hold a charge well after a year, after a year they usually only last half of what they could originally do. So if Nintendo is planing to sell a play and charge kit like MS is doing you can easily and cheaply replace the rechargeable battery pack after the end user grows dissatisfied with the strength of the charge they have. Of course this would only be an issue if the Wii is supposed to last 4 to 5 years.

[mkelehan]

The Wii-mote features 6KB of "non-volatile" memory, whose exact purpose remains a mystery.Sound buffer.

As for everyone complaining about AAs... the PS3 and 360 use them, too. And yes, MS offers a rechargable solution, and I'm sure Sony will as well, but 2 rechargable AAs are cheaper in any case.

[Salesmunn]

Li-ion's don't hold a charge well after a year, after a year they usually only last half of what they could originally do.

If they're stored in room temperature, Li-ion's should lose no more than 80% capacity after the first year.

[EternalGamer]

How is non-rechargable batteries even an issue? You can buy recharable batteries in a million different type of "cradle charging" type gizmos at any store at various prices. It's not as if just because Nintendo doesn't have their own brand, you can't go out and find a decent replacement.

[Xenkylm]

As a proud owner of an early-gen iPod, let me just say that an internal rechargeable battery is not always a super option. I thought the AAs on my wavebirds would be an issue, but I've only changed them a few times and they've been ok. I don't see this as a huge problem, but then again, a lot of people thought they wouldn't buy it just because it's called "wii."

[Talltale]

Yeah.. I think I've replaced the AA's in my wavebird.. hmm.. 3 times? Meh, no big deal to me. It's not like batteries are expensive. This is just nitpicking.

[Siraris]

A couple of things from this article have made me worried.

First off is the sensor bar. For whatever reason, I didn't think before that I couldn't put the bar on top of my flat screen TV.

Second is the rumble feature. It only has ONE setting? What is the point then? Rumble is supposed to give you some sort of tacticle feedback. If I'm only getting one setting it's just a gimick and they may as well have left it out.

Third is the interference with the lights. If lights interfere with it, who's to say other things won't? What about my cell phone or my bluetooth headset, my wireless router or anything else in my house?

It just seems like if I'm going to be playing a game and theres a chance that it will be innacurate for whatever reason (the sensor bar isn't placed correctly, something intereferes) it's going to really take away from my gaming experience. When I tried playing MVP 2005 on my friends Samsung DLP, there was a lag when I batting and pitching. For those who haven't played, theres this one of those meters that you have to stop on two sections to either hit the ball or pitch it the way you want. If you were a quarter second off it could make a HUGE difference. If something like that starts happening with the Wii and you're playing a Trauma Center type game, it could make the game unplayble.

This is why I haven't gotten myself into a dizzy about the Wii. It's a brand new product that is untested by the general public and it could run into issues. It's a wonderful idea but it could take a while to perfect.

[Skjef]

Question:
Would you rather have your internal lithium-ion rechargable battery run out of juice in the middle of a game, and have to wait several hours for it to recharge in the cradle, or just pop another couple AA batteries into the controller and keep on playing?

Nintendo is marketing this machine to everyone and their grandmother. Not everyone is going to remember to put their controller back in the recharging cradle between uses. And before you pull out the GBA SP, the DS and the DS Lite, those batteries are much smaller (or a different shape) than AAs, allowing them to save space.

In addition, an internal rechargable lithium-ion battery would drive their costs up.

[mkelehan]

This is why I haven't gotten myself into a dizzy about the Wii. It's a brand new product that is untested by the general public and it could run into issues. It's a wonderful idea but it could take a while to perfect.Nintendo is known for releasing things that work. Nobody tests like they do.

[31 Flavas]

Outside of the obvious "pandering to battery companies," what reason does Nintendo have for making the controller use AAs? Everybody loved it when the GBA-SP introduced rechargeable lithium-ions...First of all an internal battery will cost you $$$. You maybe more then willing to pay for it, but Nintendo wants to keep the system price down.

2nd, i'd say is convienice. With batteries/rechargeables you just pop fresh ones in after the current ones fade. With AA recharagegables, you just swap out batteries and keep playing, and put the spent ones on the charger. With an internal battery you'd have to stop playing to charge or half to sit next to an power outlet and play with a power charge cable getting in your way.

3rd, any internal battery Nintendo would have shipped the remotes with would have been low capacity, again to control cost. The Li-ion battery in the SP and DS is between 600-800 mAh, AA rechargeables these days start out pretty much around 2000 mAh and the newest ones are close to 3000 mAh in capacity.

It might be very fashionable to do internal batteries, but its certainly not very practical espicailly when you have the space for standard AA. Recharageables make sense for the SP and DS since, physically, AA's or even AAA's would take up a lot of space and AAA would not have the longevity.

[Skjef]

A couple of things from this article have made me worried.

First off is the sensor bar. For whatever reason, I didn't think before that I couldn't put the bar on top of my flat screen TV.You can put the sensor bar on the top or bottom of your TV. Your point is?Second is the rumble feature. It only has ONE setting? What is the point then? Rumble is supposed to give you some sort of tacticle feedback. If I'm only getting one setting it's just a gimick and they may as well have left it out.Huh? They say in the article that the devs can turn it on and off quickly at different rates to simulate different feedback experiences.Third is the interference with the lights. If lights interfere with it, who's to say other things won't? What about my cell phone or my bluetooth headset, my wireless router or anything else in my house?Technology isn't magic, you know. There are rules. We know why things work. Cellphones and wireless routers use different frequencies than bluetooth, and bluetooth devices are designed not to interfere with one another.It just seems like if I'm going to be playing a game and theres a chance that it will be innacurate for whatever reason (the sensor bar isn't placed correctly, something intereferes) it's going to really take away from my gaming experience. When I tried playing MVP 2005 on my friends Samsung DLP, there was a lag when I batting and pitching. For those who haven't played, theres this one of those meters that you have to stop on two sections to either hit the ball or pitch it the way you want. If you were a quarter second off it could make a HUGE difference. If something like that starts happening with the Wii and you're playing a Trauma Center type game, it could make the game unplayble.The delay you experienced was because the TV had to up or downsample the signal coming from the console. If the console controls itself incorporate that kind of lag (which I doubt they will), don't you think the developers will compensate for it?This is why I haven't gotten myself into a dizzy about the Wii. It's a brand new product that is untested by the general public and it could run into issues. It's a wonderful idea but it could take a while to perfect.Anything's possible, I suppose. Hands on articles from E3 and beyond have pretty much put to rest most of those fears, however. I guess we'll see when it comes out.

[Siraris]

You can put the sensor bar on the top or bottom of your TV. Your point is?Huh? They say in the article that the devs can turn it on and off quickly at different rates to simulate different feedback experiences.Technology isn't magic, you know. There are rules. We know why things work. Cellphones and wireless routers use different frequencies than bluetooth, and bluetooth devices are designed not to interfere with one another.The delay you experienced was because the TV had to up or downsample the signal coming from the console. If the console controls itself incorporate that kind of lag (which I doubt they will), don't you think the developers will compensate for it?Anything's possible, I suppose. Hands on articles from E3 and beyond have pretty much put to rest most of those fears, however. I guess we'll see when it comes out.


YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED A_NINTENDO_FANBOI_001.

A_NINTENDO_FANBOI_001 CASTS NINTENDOCANDONOWRONG.

YOU TAKE 99999999 POINTS OF DAMAGE.

YOU ARE DEAD.

[Skjef]

YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED A_NINTENDO_FANBOI_001.

A_NINTENDO_FANBOI_001 CASTS NINTENDOCANDONOWRONG.

YOU TAKE 99999999 POINTS OF DAMAGE.

YOU ARE DEAD.Does that make my points any less valid?

[Siraris]

Does that make my points any less valid?

No, you are entitled to your views just as I am. It's just that technology isn't that simple. Where do I put the bar if I have no room above or below my TV? If my cell phone interferes with my computer monitor, why can't it interfere with my Wii? (no jokes).

If developers can turn the rumble on and off quickly it still doesn't change the fact that you are getting only one setting. If turning it on and off quickly is able to simulate different levels of feedback then my concern is not valid. Do you really think that most developers are going to spend time fine tuning the rumble like that? We'll have to see.

The delay I experienced was only with ONE game out of dozens. If I'm a casual gamer and I buy the Wii for one game in particular and it doesn't work the way I want because of the type of setup I have, I'm going to be just a little pissed, right?

I'm just saying that these are concerns that I have. None of these actually have to come to fruition, it's just something to think about.

[jacktion]

Even if Nintendo doesn't offer a rechargeable battery Wii-mote, you can just go buy rechargeable AA batteries. You get two sets so when one runs low you pop the others in.
All of you wishing for a rechargeable internal battery in the Wii-mote, I ask you what you do when it runs out while you are playing? You are screwed then. Game over. The AA batteries is a good solution for that.
Also, if Nintendo makes us use AA batteris then the whole system will be much cheaper. Adding an internal lithium battery and charge cable and charge cradle is expensive. You will be able to get a Wii for much less and then just go get batteries from the store. I got a pack of 20 AA batteries for 2 dollars the other day so this is way more cost effective.

[Savok]

I think someone wants a face stabbing

[Pantsmonkey]

I have been spitballing some ideas for that 6KB of memory. One of the things I came up with was some kind log file for recent cusor or wiimote phsical positions.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3323/clipboard015hv.jpg

That image there is 2 golf type swings with a Gyroscope. The lines for each represent a whole series of X,Y Grid locations. 6 KB could hold a shit tonne of simple X,Y coordinates.

If instead of 1 movement equalling 1 direct in game action, perhaps this would allow for a whole range of cached Wiimote cursor information to be sen via burst to the console.

The Wii console itself cannot contact the Wiimote but if the game is ready and waiting to accept certain pre mapped movements from the Wiimote that for some reason are not animated on screen in real time... It might be done with that 6KB.

I suppose it could also offer some kind of macro / input recording functionality for those 1 and 2 buttons. I see a lot of multiplayer RTS potential with 4 cursors per console 6KB is suffiecient for that.

I suppose as with most of the "new" stuff in the Wii dev's can use it for whatever they like.

*EDIT*

As for all the battery talk. I dare say there will be 3rd party packs available very soon after the Wiimote hit's the shelves. It is also probably helpful in keeping the price of the thing somewhere in the normal bracket. One of the most expensive things in the Wii development was that controller. Knocking the overall price down by a few $'s per unit by using batteries would have made some bean counters very happy.

[Skjef]

No, you are entitled to your views just as I am. It's just that technology isn't that simple. Where do I put the bar if I have no room above or below my TV? If my cell phone interferes with my computer monitor, why can't it interfere with my Wii? (no jokes).Because they're entirely different technologies. A CRT relies on electromagnetic force to aim the electrons that it shoots at the screen, and a cellphone emits electromagnetic waves to communicate with the cell towers. A CRT is an analog device that is designed to accept any interference. The reason halogen lights and the like intefere with the Wiimote is because they output infrared light on the same wavelength that it uses to calibrate itself on the sensor bar. Cellphones operate on entirely different wavelengths than infrared light or bluetooth devices. Educate thyself. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube)

If you don't have room to put shit on top of your TV... I guess that's your problem, right?

If developers can turn the rumble on and off quickly it still doesn't change the fact that you are getting only one setting. If turning it on and off quickly is able to simulate different levels of feedback then my concern is not valid. Do you really think that most developers are going to spend time fine tuning the rumble like that? We'll have to see.Have you ever opened up a controller and looked at the rumble motors? I have, and I suggest you do it yourself some time. All it is comprised of is a motor that drives an unbalanced weight that shakes the controller. Some controllers have a big one and a little one, which makes for three different basic combinations at full power.

Big one on, little one off.
Big one off, little one on.
Big one on, little one on.

The fact that developers have so far been able to use the rumble motors in current generation controllers for more than three basic feedback mechanisms means that they are already used to doing tricks with these devices to create different types of feedback.The delay I experienced was only with ONE game out of dozens. If I'm a casual gamer and I buy the Wii for one game in particular and it doesn't work the way I want because of the type of setup I have, I'm going to be just a little pissed, right?I... guess? I'm not sure what you're trying to prove here.

[Mozgus]

Well poop. I won't buy a Wii now. Not until they release the second edition with rechargable Wiimotes. Sorry, but that's just me. I hate buying batteries, and the Wii would need new ones every week.

[Xenkylm]

you would play the wii more than 30 hours a week?

::edit::

actually, since you'd probably be buying more than two batteries at a time...

you would play the wii more than 60 hours a week?

[jeffool]

When I tried playing MVP 2005 on my friends Samsung DLP, there was a lag when I batting and pitching. For those who haven't played, theres this one of those meters that you have to stop on two sections to either hit the ball or pitch it the way you want. If you were a quarter second off it could make a HUGE difference. If something like that starts happening with the Wii and you're playing a Trauma Center type game, it could make the game unplayble.This is a popular (http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/8880/84818.html) problem. Apparently "The only Samsung DLP that does not have synch issues with video games is the HLP5067." Some complain of a two second delay, and someone there recommends putting MVP2005 into progressive mode to help noticably. "When the game is loading, hold down the triangle and the X buttons. The game will ask if you want to switch to progressive mode. I did this and it helped alot."

Someone else comments "I spoke to samsung and they said that there is no plan to fix this problem thru the service port on the tv and that I should return the tv if I do alot of gaming!"The delay I experienced was only with ONE game out of dozens. If I'm a casual gamer and I buy the Wii for one game in particular and it doesn't work the way I want because of the type of setup I have, I'm going to be just a little pissed, right?Right! You should be pissed! At Samsung.

[Mozgus]

you would play the wii more than 30 hours a week?

::edit::

actually, since you'd probably be buying more than two batteries at a time...

you would play the wii more than 60 hours a week?
Um, not 30 hours, but quite a lot for the first few months I'm sure.

Did you guys read that article right? It mentioned if ONLY the aiming feature was used, it was 30 hours. Most games will use that method, as well as motion detection and placement. Expect 20 hours.

Seriously guys, battery reports are always exagerated. They said the GBASP2 with low brightness would last 16 hours. Mine lasts about 8 if I'm lucky, and thats since I bought it new.

[Xenkylm]

Did you guys read that article right? It mentioned if ONLY the aiming feature was used, it was 30 hours. Most games will use that method, as well as motion detection and placement. Expect 20 hours.


Fair enough, but the fact remains that if you buy a 24-pack of AAs the day you get your wii ($10 at walgreens), you probably won't have to get batteries again for two months or more (assuming 20-hour battery life). For slightly more cash up front, there's always the rechargeable battery route.

In my opinion, an internal rechargeable battery is only appropriate when you can plug in the device AND play it at the same time. Internal batteries for GBASP/DS make sense because of this. Having the ability to play games while the controller is plugged into the console would also fix this (i.e. X360/ps3), but probably wouldn't work out for the Wii since you move the controller around more.

I absolutely refuse to buy a Wii until they find a way to harness kinetic power (like some watches).

[Savok]

Actually my experience with my DS's battery has been it goes on and on and on and on for fucking ages. I've found the little light lies to you, when it goes off, it's not full, just leave it overnight and it'll go for days nonstop.

[thecrazyd]

Yeah, but don't say it too loud because Nintendo fanboys will assume the "Synchro" feature was invented by Nintendo.

I now understand why Nintendo isn't calling this thing the Revolution anymore because there are way too many IF'S about how this system will perform based on your environment. Far from revolutionary.
I am interested in how you can state that, seeing that it is not out, and most likely, you have never even used one.

[31 Flavas]

Well poop. I won't buy a Wii now. Not until they release the second edition with rechargable Wiimotes. Sorry, but that's just me. I hate buying batteries, and the Wii would need new ones every week.So get a 20 pack (there's 10 weeks) or buy rechargeables. Internal batteries are just dumb here.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

That controller keeps looking nicer and nicer. I was looking at it work with a co-worker and we both concluded that it looks extremely comfortable and fun to play with.

[Dr.Finger]

Don't get too worked up over the interference warnings, they have to include them in the manual, just like the Epilipsy warning. If cellphones & bluetooth don't block the Wavebird or the 360 controller, I doubt they'd mess with the Wiimote.

[markster3000]

That's unfortunate if they're going back to a single rumble motor.
Whenever I play my N64 or DC, I am always reminded about how primitive single-motor rumble tech is.

And I was hoping that they'd make the A and B buttons analog. With so few buttons, you may as well make them count!

Ah well! Hopefully, it means a cheaper controller.

[Last of the Red Hot Mamas]

The GC controller only had a single rumble motor. Admittedly, it was a big one and the Wiimote housing almost certainly isn't large enough for a comparable motor.

[SexualChoc]

I'm going to got out on a limb and say that 6kb memory will be used for custom games and such. Almost like a mini memory card, except you take your controller.

[Last of the Red Hot Mamas]

It should be a lot more than 6k if they intend to use it for custom games. The PocketStation and the VMU had 128k of volatile memory and those just had to run games on a tiny dot matrix display.

[SexualChoc]

It should be a lot more than 6k if they intend to use it for custom games. The PocketStation and the VMU had 128k of volatile memory and those just had to run games on a tiny dot matrix display.

Well all it should need is enough memory to say 'The guy who owns this has these settings and has X in this game.' It shouldn't be much more than that. It's letting the games do all the work.

[Last of the Red Hot Mamas]

I assumed by "custom games" you meant actual VMU-style games that you would save to the controller and then load up on someone else's Wii, not mere game settings. Custom control setups and so forth would easily fit within 6k, but given how much saved game sizes have bloated over the past generation I'm not sure you could do a whole lot else with it.

[codswallop]

I don't see the problem with the remote requiring batteries. If you're in the middle of playing, and the batteries go flat, then what would you do if it was rechargeable? Stop playing and wait until it's charged? Stuff that; I'll just pop in a fresh set of rechargeable AAs that I already have waiting (and put the flat set onto the charger as I play), thank you very much.

[TrackZero]

Sure hope they put out a rechargable battery pack soon after it's launch. I'm not a fan of using "classic" batteries anymore than I have to.

[Feltoar]

Given a choice Id go with removable batteries over rechargables. Firstly because I dont want a cable plugged into my controller, being teathered down playing Wii games is not the right idea.

Secondly because I dont want the inconvenience of putting the control in a dock after each play. For those who keep their consoles in cabinets and their controllers on a coffee table or what-not, the convenience of regular batteries is huge. I dont even have any space to put some docks.

Heres an exercise for those thinking a dock is a nice idea: try keeping your TV remote on top of your TV, VCR remote on top of your VCR and so on. Whenever you need to use one. Get off your chair and get it, then when finished put it back. See how long you last.

Everyones different... but I want my batteries thankyou.

[Kamalot]

Well poop. I won't buy a Wii now. Not until they release the second edition with rechargable Wiimotes. Sorry, but that's just me. I hate buying batteries, and the Wii would need new ones every week.
I guess you won't buy an Xbox 360 either, cause the controller use AA batteries?
I don't know what the FUCK people have up their butt about having a proprietary battery. I have special chargers that need their space on a power strip. Things like Cell phone, MP3 player, PDA, Bluetooth headset, Nintendo DS (& GBA Micro), etc. Why would I want yet another thing with its own special (and expensive) battery system that takes ANOTHER spot on my power strips when I can use AA batteries?

For YEARS I've had a battery charger for AA and AAA batteries. I always have some charged because, *suprise* consumer devices take standardized batteries! I've always got a set of AAs charged and ready to go for anything. It isn't rocket science. When Wii comes out, I'll remove the batteries from my Wavebirds and plop them into Wiimotes.

If you have a 360, you probably have rechargeable batteries. If not, it isn't my fault you are stupid.

I'm totally flabbergasted at how people can complain about a consumer product that utilizes a standard power system. next you'll be complaining because the car you buy takes unleaded, a readily available power source; instead of hydrogen. Holy fuck, you can't please ANYONE these days.

Sorry to come off harsh, but of all the things one could find to complain about, bitching about the battery is the dumbest shit I've ever heard.

[Kamalot]

The Wii-mote features 6KB of "non-volatile" memory, whose exact purpose remains a mystery. This memory is to save your personal settings. In an interview somewhere, Miyamoto mentioned that each Wiimote would save personal settings to customize the user interface of the player using it. They expect that everyone in a Wii household will have their own wiimote.

[Kamalot]

All of Nintendo's rumble systems have utilized a single motor and weight system. If you've ever played on N64 or GameCube, you've probably experienced the feedback system. This system has prevented them from being sued from other companies, like Sony was. Microsoft had to pay royalties to use the 2-motor technology.

[Mozgus]

So get a 20 pack (there's 10 weeks) or buy rechargeables. Internal batteries are just dumb here.
No thanks. Thats still not worth the price. It's equal to forcing me to pay some monthly fee to use the Wii.

I'll bet Nintendo will release a battery pack, with a recharger dealie that will plug into the Wii-mote's expansion socket, and the other end will plug into a wall outlet, or the Wii itself and charge off of that. After all, they said the Wii would always be running in a low power mode, for online updates and such. Surely it would have enough juice leftover to charge up a remote. It's like how I can recharge my GBASP through my computer's front USB port, even after I power off the system.

I guess you won't buy an Xbox 360 either, cause the controller use AA batteries?
Bahaha, like I'd ever buy a 360. Please.

[TrackZero]

Bahaha, like I'd ever buy a 360. Please.

;) At least you're honest about it.

[Kefkataran]

Remember, we're also talking about kids and parents who aren't savvy enough to use rechargable batteries. It would be 100 times better to have a cradle for this remote.

Why? I can see how it's better, but 100 times better? I seriously just do not see the big deal at all. Hell, right now I've been using AAs for my two 360 controllers. They get much less than 30-60 hours, and I'm still running off the same eight-pack of AAs I bought when I got the system three or four months ago.

[SexualChoc]

A cradle would be good, as when your aren't playing, it's charging. All you need to do is pick it up and play. But batteries or rechargeable, I'm down with both.

[thenefariousone]

Wait a second - let me get this straight. The options are:

1) Buying standard rechargeable batteries (and a charger too if you don't already have one), that allow you:
a)use them repeatedly for hundred of times. Cheaper long term than non-rechargeable batteries.
b)use then not only with the Wii controller, but also with a large number of consumer electronic devices.

2)Buying standard non-rechargeable batteries:
a)cheap, easily available, but non-rechargeable
b)use then not only with the Wii controller, but also with a large number of consumer electronic devices.


3)(Potentially) Buy a Nintendo battery pack, with a recharger dealie
a)Nintendo battery pack works with Wii controller, but nothing else.
b)more expensive than standard consumer re-charger and batteries



In the Mozgus universe:

Option 1: "That's not worth the price. It's equal to forcing me to pay some monthly fee to use the Wii."

Option 2: see option one.

Option 3: Winner! Woo!!!


I have to ask Mozgus a question: Does Milk also taste better for you, if you drink it through a Nintendo straw?


No thanks. Thats still not worth the price. It's equal to forcing me to pay some monthly fee to use the Wii.

I'll bet Nintendo will release a battery pack, with a recharger dealie that will plug into the Wii-mote's expansion socket, and the other end will plug into a wall outlet, or the Wii itself and charge off of that. After all, they said the Wii would always be running in a low power mode, for online updates and such. Surely it would have enough juice leftover to charge up a remote. It's like how I can recharge my GBASP through my computer's front USB port, even after I power off the system.


Bahaha, like I'd ever buy a 360. Please.

[Xenkylm]

No thanks. Thats still not worth the price. It's equal to forcing me to pay some monthly fee to use the Wii.

By that logic, there already IS a monthly fee to use the Wii:

Monthly Fee = [(cost of Wii) + (cost of accessories) + (cost of games)] / (number of months you play it)


It's stupid logic, I know, but if you're going to argue about monthly fees, don't forget that you still have to pay your power bill, no matter how your Wii gets juiced.

[Spigot]

I have to ask Mozgus a question: Does Milk also taste better for you, if you drink it through a Nintendo straw?
They have Nintendo straws? Finally. Now I can drink my milk from my Mario cup. :rolleyes:

I have to agree with you though. What kind of strange universe do we now inhabit if asking people to use a non-proprietary, non-rechargable power source causes them to rise up in arms? Yeesh.

As has been said, unless you're Galactus and are draining the batteries dry to sustain your lifeforce, just a plain AA should last you for a looooong time, and that's not counting the fact that you can usually get a megapack for a small amount of money.

By Mozgus' logic, the fact that Nintendo is asking, nay, FORCING us to buy new games every month constitutes having to pay a monthly fee as well.

{Edit: CRAP! I was beaten to the punch by ONE minute... }

[Xenkylm]

{Edit: CRAP! I was beaten to the punch by ONE minute... }

Considering the posts were two hours after his, that is most impressive.

[Spigot]

Considering the posts were two hours after his, that is most impressive.
Too true. You're my new posting tag-team partner. Beware, evil-doers! Xenklym and Spigot shall post identical retorts mere hours after you say something stupid!

[Mozgus]

Blah blah blah. Nothing changes the fact that batteries are annoying. I'll buy games because I am being given new content. I won't buy batteries just to keep playing what I already have been. Don't even try to pretend that the additional cost to the electric bill is even remotely close to the cost of new batteries everytime. It would take a fraction of a fucking watt extra to charge a wiimote off the system. Thats mere pennies per month. Batteries would just add to one more thing I have to worry about buying when I'm driving about town, and I dunno about you, but I can't remember little things like that when I'm driving. It's not exactly a requirement in life like food and soap.

And in comes the convienence factor. Electricity is already being pumped into your homes. Why the fuck don't you wish to use it? That's as crazy as you dipshits who buy bottled water. I grew up on tap water and I didn't get cancer. I don't need the shit in a fancy container just to make use of it. You can't argue any of this.

And don't whine about not having a spare outlet. Buy some god damn power strips at the next garage sale you go to. They are extremely simple, cheap, durable, useful products and most people have more of them then what they know to do with, thus you see them being sold for under a buck everywhere.

[Spigot]

Blah blah blah.
I still refer you back to the fact that most of us who use battery powered wireless products have only had to swap out the batteries once, twice in the lifetime of the products.

I've been gaming on my Logitech controllers for the PS2 and Xbox since March 2005 and have only replaced the PS2 batteries once and never had to change the Xbox ones. I think I've only changed the Wavebird's controllers 2, 3 times in the 3 or 4 years that I've owned it. As long as the Wiimote has an automatic shutoff like the Logitech controllers do, I doubt battery life will be an issue.

But to each his/her own. Just wait a bit and I'm sure Nintendo will have a rechargable Wiimote 6 months or so after launch.

[Mozgus]

I still refer you back to the fact that most of us who use battery powered wireless products have only had to swap out the batteries once, twice in the lifetime of the products.

I've been gaming on my Logitech controllers for the PS2 and Xbox since March 2005 and have only replaced the PS2 batteries once and never had to change the Xbox ones. I think I've only changed the Wavebird's controllers 2, 3 times in the 3 or 4 years that I've owned it. As long as the Wiimote has an automatic shutoff like the Logitech controllers do, I doubt battery life will be an issue.
And all of those controllers have built in positioning, movement detection, aiming, rumble, and sound? Companies overstate the specs. They never understate. That would be crazy. Why would Nintendo say you will get 30 hours, if the truth was actually 300 hours?

[Hemalin]

And in comes the convienence factor. Electricity is already being pumped into your homes. Why the fuck don't you wish to use it? That's as crazy as you dipshits who buy bottled water. I grew up on tap water and I didn't get cancer. I don't need the shit in a fancy container just to make use of it. You can't argue any of this.

Here comes a magical device (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7293886&type=product&id=1118841173566) by which you can convert that electricity into something convienient. Think of it as taking some bottles, filling them with tap water, and bringing them with you. Why does Nintendo need to create some charger when you can just run down to Wal-Mart or Best Buy right now?

[Mozgus]

Here comes a magical device (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7293886&type=product&id=1118841173566) by which you can convert that electricity into something convienient. Think of it as taking some bottles, filling them with tap water, and bringing them with you. Why does Nintendo need to create some charger when you can just run down to Wal-Mart or Best Buy right now?
Because those devices always suck. The batteries become flaccid after a dozen charges, and last for about an hour afterword. In the end, it's equally troublesome as using standard batteries.

[Xenkylm]

Buy some god damn power strips at the next garage sale you go to.

Going to walgreens for a 20-pack of batteries is too much to handle, but now i'm supposed to cruise around for a garage sale?

Anyway, the wavebird battery-life was rated at 100 hours or so. Even if the nintendo specs are overly optimistic and the wiimote lasts for 20 hours as I think you suggested, that means that i'm apparently going to change the batteries 15-20 times? That's two 20-packs of batteries ($20), which over the course of three years or so isn't so bad. Even if you had four wiimotes and you're using all of them all the time (which seems unlikely), it doesn't add up that much.

[Deathbane27]

Did you guys read that article right? It mentioned if ONLY the aiming feature was used, it was 30 hours.

Um, WRONG.

If the precision aim functionality of the pointer is being used in games, the device will run for approximately 30 hours.

Note the lack of the word "only" in regards to the pointer.

If only the accelerometer functionality is being utilized, the Wii-mote will operate for 60 hours on two AA batteries.

It doesn't mention battery life if you're using on the pointer with no accelerometer. But taking a wild guess here, if using both cuts the life in half over just using the accelerometer, then maybe using using the pointer would have it approximately as long as using just the accelerometer...

Nope, that would be logical. Can't have that.

[Pantsmonkey]

I think there is some confusion between the Cursor and the Pointer

It is my belief that the Cursor acts like a standard PC mouse cursor as demostratedd by the draggyness present in thise mario galaxie video. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y5VtzpgbHw)

You will notice that the cursor is solid Yellow when it is present on the screen and when the player moves the cursor to a screen edge it gets a red outline.

It is my belief that the Wiimote Cursor is simply using the last X,Y position and then moving based on where you move the mouse to next. I find it hard to believe that everyone who played the Mario Galaxies demo had the Wiimote pointing at the screen the entire time to move the star around.

The Wiimote Pointer on the other hand would work like a light gun meaning it can by use of the sensor bar tell exactly where you were pointing and behave like a gun.

Here is another video showing a draggy non gun cursor. (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3456684488698506963) Just like the shooting demo vidoes to move the mouse.

This video shows people point the Wiimote at the screen but it still animates every movement. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCxaw3Wg_zI&mode=related&search=) You cannot point at one part of the screen and then point somewhere else without physically dragging the cursor there.

[Xenkylm]

It is my belief that the Wiimote Cursor is simply using the last X,Y position and then moving based on where you move the mouse to next. I find it hard to believe that everyone who played the Mario Galaxies demo had the Wiimote pointing at the screen the entire time to move the star around.


Oh monkey, I was waiting for you. No one had mentioned a gyro mouse in the Wii thread, so I thought it might not happen.

Anyway, if what you're saying is true, then when you get to the top of the screen the cursor will stay there even if you keep moving the 'mouse' up, which is certainly what we see. Then, the next time you move the mouse down, the cursor should drop. Effectively, what will happen is that you can lift the mouse above your head, and then lowering it even a little bit would move the cursor down, regardless of where the mouse was pointing. That would defeat the purpose of calibrating the wiimote, since any out-of-screen pointing would offset the calibration, yet the first thing the dude does in your video is he points at mario and presses b (a subtle calibration).

You don't have to point at the screen the whole time, just when you want to point at something important. The device itself is clearly pointing at the screen. I'm not sure I understand where this controversy is coming from.. implementing a cursor in the advertised way is almost trivial given the technology they're using.

[Pantsmonkey]

I wasn't trying to cause controversy I was just saying that I think the cursor and the pointer are 2 different inputs so to speak.

A pointer (GUN) doesnt need an on screen reticle because it shoots where you pointing.

A cursor does have an on screen reticule because it isnt point sensitive. You cannot get the cursor from the extreme left to the extreme right without dragging it over there.

Where as with a "GUN" you can shoot anywhere on the screen you like without having to move the reticle. I would say the Wiimote has both of these options we are yet to see anything actually like a gun though.

Its like playing point blank with a DPAD all of a sudden a reticle is present because it isn't point sensitive. Any gun game that has a Reticule isn't really using directional aim. Don't think of it like a Red Light Sniper Beam, if you could point and shoot you wouldn't need that "Hey look that's where I am shooting" reticle on the screen.

Trickery from the MAME Terminator 2 Gun faq (http://www.mame.net/mamefaq.html#i10)

[shnastybiznastic]

My buddy has a flat screen TV mounted on the wall, how can he place that huge IR bar sensor on top of that?
Well, if he has it on the wall, then he can just place it on top of the set. If it's in the wall, then he may have to mount it with double sided tape or something.

This is why I haven't gotten myself into a dizzy about the Wii.
The word you want is tizzy.

I absolutely refuse to buy a Wii until they find a way to harness kinetic power (like some watches).
Are you retarded? Mabye that's a bit harsh, but the inability to make a distinction between the complexity (and therefore power requirements) of a digital watch and a game controller with a bluetooth transmitter in it implies some sort of defeciency. The ability to condense energy from the aether of body movements is limited to a tiny amount of power, a bluetooth transmitter uses a larger than tiny amount of power.

They have Nintendo straws? Finally. Now I can drink my milk from my Mario cup.
Where did you get a mario cup? I want one.

Because those devices always suck. The batteries become flaccid after a dozen charges, and last for about an hour afterword. In the end, it's equally troublesome as using standard batteries.
Did you even look at the link? You are thinking about Nickel-Cadmium batteries, The link was to Nickel-Metal-Hydride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NiMH) batteries, the same kind in your precious proprietary power supplies.

If you really want to have some fun, read this post in Simpsons "Comic Book Guy" voice. :o

[bapenguin]

Partsmonkey...what do you do in real life? What's your job? NASA Technician?

[bapenguin]

Why? I can see how it's better, but 100 times better? I seriously just do not see the big deal at all. Hell, right now I've been using AAs for my two 360 controllers. They get much less than 30-60 hours, and I'm still running off the same eight-pack of AAs I bought when I got the system three or four months ago.

PFFT! It's at least 171.3 times better.

[Kamalot]

Because those devices always suck. The batteries become flaccid after a dozen charges, and last for about an hour afterword. In the end, it's equally troublesome as using standard batteries.
Bullshit

I've had the same rechargeable batteries in use in my WaveBirds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavebird) since they launched in 2001. They have been charged countless times and last for months on end.

There are 3 explanations for your foolish remarks:
You are using shitty rechargeable batteries from the 80’s
You don’t know what the hell you are talking about
You are deliberately lying

I’d like to think it isn’t #3.

[Savok]

Do rechargable batteries still explode by the way?

[Kamalot]

Do rechargable batteries still explode by the way?

All batteries explode...

...if you toss them in a fire.

I've never had a battery explode, or known anyone to have a battery explode, in my entire life. The only batteries I've ever heard of exploding are the Lithium Ion batteries found in cell phones (Nokia) and laptops.

I have had batteries leak if they were old and left in a device for too long. I seem to remember having that happen to my walkman, in 1987. Those were not rechargable batteries.

[Savok]

Oh trust me, they explode (well used to), why I never use them these days....

[Mozgus]

Bullshit

I've had the same rechargeable batteries in use in my WaveBirds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavebird) since they launched in 2001. They have been charged countless times and last for months on end.

There are 3 explanations for your foolish remarks:
You are using shitty rechargeable batteries from the 80’s
You don’t know what the hell you are talking about
You are deliberately lying

I’d like to think it isn’t #3.
You done? All I have to go by is my experiences, same as you.

[Kamalot]

Oh trust me, they explode (well used to), why I never use them these days....
You realize that if the Wiimote had a charger, that it would still have a rechargeable battery in it, right?

Lookout, they explode!

[Xenkylm]

Are you retarded?

Ruh roh, someone's sarcasm meter a'sploded.

and for PANTSMONKEY

I do see what you're saying about the cursor/lightgun distinction, however, what you're saying does not preclude an 'always on' lightgun option. If you press fire 100 times a second (or if the device does that for you) as you move across the screen, you'd simulate (to some extent) the sliding cursor motion you talked about without needing anything else to explain it. This is likely whats happening, given the sensor bar at the top of the screen. I could be wrong, but I think that the rapid-fire lightgun model here is more likely. That doesn't make it a revolutionary new technology, but it does make it "not just an accelerometer."

[Zanzibar]

Relax, folks. I'm looking at the near-final version of the Wii controller that I got with my Beta Wii kit, and on the bottom, on either side of where the Nunchuck connects, there are small square slots that are unmistakably going to be used as contact points for a rechargeable cradle.

I remember seeing this on some story here that had comparison images between the prototype controller and the Alpha controller, showing the size differences etc - those same slots were on the bottom, and now our Beta kits have the same design.

The X360's design for the slot that fits the AA battery pack/rechargable pack is absolute GENIUS, by the way. I'm surprised Nintendo didn't follow suit. As it is right now, unless the internal battery compartment changes significantly, it will only fit AA-size batteries, so whatever cradle mechanism will simply recharge AA-size rechargables.

[31 Flavas]

You done? All I have to go by is my experiences, same as you.Not that you're lying, but your experience just isn't consistant at all. Modern nickel-metal recharables last for years and have very large capacities.

You can buy 2700mAh+ AA recharables inexpensivly and in bulk off of eBay. Sam's Club and WalMart also retail 2500mAh AA's and chargers for not much more. Just pick up some, you'll thank us later.

If it's an image problem you have, that changing batteries out is too past-gen or low-fi... Well, sorry can't help you there. Guess you'll have to go with Sony's $600 ps3 behemoth. Their controllers have internal Li-ions, but only last 6 hours wirelessly and then you've got to plug in.

[Kamalot]

If it's an image problem you have, that changing batteries out is too past-gen or low-fi... Well, sorry can't help you there. Guess you'll have to go with Sony's $600 ps3 behemoth. Their controllers have internal Li-ions, but only last 6 hours wirelessly and then you've got to plug in.Are you serious that the PS3 only lasts 6 hours? Do you have linkage to attest to that?

Around 6 hours is what I used to get out of my PSP. That's totally weak. I hope the PS3 can last longer than that.

[Savok]

You realize that if the Wiimote had a charger, that it would still have a rechargeable battery in it, right?

Lookout, they explode!
Different kind of battery.

[Mozgus]

Guess you'll have to go with Sony's $600 ps3 behemoth.
I have to go with the PS3 instead? Haven't you ever heard of secret option #3? I don't have to buy any of this next gen faggotry. Here's a ProTip for you people. Buy a Dreamcast for $20. It's got a big enough library to last you a good 6 years steady. In fact, you could probably buy every fantastic title on the system, plus the system itself, for less then the cost of a PS3.

[Stormwatcher]

I think someone sexually abused Mozgus with batteries (or a battery powered device) when he was a kid. That's the only reasonable explanation for his idiotic rambling about batteries.

I really like that they're using rechargeable AA's, btw, I ALREADY have 16 of them at home. I'll never need to stop playing with the Wii (olol) because of that.
AA's rock!

[Xenkylm]

I don't have to buy any of this next gen faggotry.

If you're not going to buy any of it, why do you care that the Wii uses batteries?

[31 Flavas]

Different kind of battery.Even Li-ions explode (http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=32550).... So you better becareful what you wish for in the Wii remote.

[31 Flavas]

Are you serious that the PS3 only lasts 6 hours? Do you have linkage to attest to that?Can't link to it off the top of my head. I don't think it came out of Sony's E3 press confrence, but afterwords. My recollection is that it came from Sony's mouth though, not "someone" in "some" article. Can't back it up at the moment though.

[Spigot]

Partsmonkey...what do you do in real life? What's your job? NASA Technician?
He runs an erotic salon for gyroscopic mice. Kelegacy likes to go there and wobble around the dance floor.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

Wow, some of you guys are REALLY pissed that some people are annoyed by batteries. Then again some of you seem to be really pissed that Nintendo might use batteries in the controllers....I think we need to pass out the Xanax.

I personally hope that the controllers are rechargable because batteries are shitty when it comes to the environment. They are volatile, filled with chemicals, and people toss them in the trash by the millions each year. I avoid using them whenever possible.

Hell, that's part of the reason I'm not buying a 360. $50 for a controller and it uses batteries? That's just batshit insane.

[Zanzibar]

Hell, that's part of the reason I'm not buying a 360. $50 for a controller and it uses batteries? That's just batshit insane....Yeah. Well. You could buy the "Core" pack, which uses a wired controller. Or get this (http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802125) and save the environment, and have wireless goodness too!

[Magnanimous Gnome]

That thing adds 20 bucks to the price of the controller though - $70 is even more insane! I'm honestly not a fanboy or anything, but the periphals on the 360 are just overpriced IMHO. I'm hoping the Wii's are more reasonable or I will opt out of that system as well, at least until prices come down quite a bit.

I appreciate the constructive response though. :)

[shnastybiznastic]

Ruh roh, someone's sarcasm meter a'sploded.
Whoops :o