All About the Revolution

[bapenguin]

So what does the Revolution entail? What's so revolutionary? Here's some snippets from the PR from Gametab. (http://www.gametab.com/newsnexus/1119/) -- Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the
current Nintendo GameCube(TM) generation. But there's more ...

-- The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to
20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for
Nintendo(R) 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System(R) (SNES) and
even the Nintendo Entertainment System(R) (NES).
Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in
development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless
gaming service, Nintendo(R) Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of
Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting
environment.

I hope there is more to come from the press event that's going on now. Because playing 20 year old games again, is anything but revolutionary.

[TrackZero]

Didn't they already state the "revolution"(ary) feature wouldn't be revealed, even at E3?

[ezzkmo]

hey, i'm a loyal nintendo fan all the way. but the conference this year didn't have the spark it did last year. and if the "revolutionary" part of the system is wifi internet and downloadable games from past systems, well...just to play devil's advocate...i've been playing xbox games online and enjoying thousands of roms and old games on it for a couple of years now.

i realize this is still a step ahead (wireless, legal games, etc.) but nothing that creates a "revolution" in my eye. not for the 2006-2010 generation of consoles that awaits us.

[Varsity]

This is what I was worried about: Nintendo focusing on building a console for people who don't bring the bacon home. They might make a better machine than the others but mainstream gamers just aren't going to be as interested in it. They don't want subtleties, they want it in their goddamn face!

The other problem is their old one, that out of all the non-port games they demoed, I would be able to play perhaps two or three without feeling embarrassed.

[Borys]

I watched the whole conference.

WORST. NINTENDO. E3. EVER.

Nintendo is DEAD in the US, even more after this "show".

I still can't believe what I saw... they fucked up BIG TIME.

[Furious Wang]

I think the Revolutionary part is going to be that you can use it as a portable gaming device. The Rev is going to be the true Gameboy successor. Look how small it is. Look at the picture, why have the detachable base?

If you could play this thing on the go or outside in the grass I'd be all over it.

[Sinistar]

I think Nintendo is doing the right thing with Revolution. There's no way they can "out gun" MS & Sony. Besides, big N's strength has always been their own IP which is nothing short of astounding.

If this system is priced right ($199) then I can see it doing quite well right out of the gate.

And Bap, as for the "playing 20 year old games again, is anything but revolutionary" comment I would probably disagree. While it may not mean anything to you and me (graphic whores that we all are) - classics games AND systems still sell well today. Take Atari, Midway & Namco's recent "classic releases" as proof that there is still big money to made in older titles.

I don't think Revolution is squarely aimed at anyone who reads this site (minus the fanboys) - it's aimed at the general public.

[TrackZero]

I think Nintendo is doing the right thing with Revolution. There's no way they can "out gun" MS & Sony. Besides, big N's strength has always been their own IP which is nothing short of astounding.

If this system is priced right ($199) then I can see it doing quite well right out of the gate.

And Bap, as for the "playing 20 year old games again, is anything but revolutionary" comment I would probably disagree. While it may not mean anything to you and me (graphic whores that we all are) - classics games AND systems still sell well today. Take Atari, Midway & Namco's recent "classic releases" as proof that there is still big money to made in older titles.

I don't think Revolution is squarely aimed at anyone who reads this site (minus the fanboys) - it's aimed at the general public.

Exactly, and two further points to add on this.

1. The revolution's "revolutionary" feature wasn't shown off here.

2. The hardware is going to be 2-3 times faster than the gamecube, which should line it's graphics up fine with the next gen from what's I'm seeing (ignoring the many pre-rendered PS3 movies, *cough*).

[bapenguin]

And Bap, as for the "playing 20 year old games again, is anything but revolutionary" comment I would probably disagree. While it may not mean anything to you and me (graphic whores that we all are) - classics games AND systems still sell well today. Take Atari, Midway & Namco's recent "classic releases" as proof that there is still big money to made in older titles.


I'm not saying there's anything wrong with releasing classics. I love em as much as the next guy, hell half my XBox collection is Midway Acrade Treasures, Sonic Collections, Atari collections etc.

But, I just hope that making them all available on one system isn't the "revolutionary" feature.

Lets hope, if they didn't unveil the feature, that it's support for indy game developers out of the box. That would simply rock.

[Varsity]

I don't think Revolution is squarely aimed at anyone who reads this site (minus the fanboys) - it's aimed at the general public.
The general public want to play outdated arcade games? Scratch that, the general public want to play outdated arcade games when they could have the other two consoles?

TrackZero is probably right, but it's still not smart to give a press conference without revealing anything that people think is worthwhile.

[Reanimated]

lol, I already have downloadable access to Nintendo's library of old games. It's called a PC with an internet connection.

[automaton]

Iwatasan said during the press conference that there were aspects of Revolution that he would not be discussing. I don't remember EXACTLY what he said. Something like parts of Revolution must remain a mystery for now.

Personally, I like that they are keeping the name Revolution. Also, I have a 4 year old. He is going to be cutting his video game teeth on Revolution. I LOVE the fact that he will be able to play the games I grew up playing on this thing. Overall, I was underwhelmed but the more I think about it the better it sounds.

I would have really loved to have seen Mario 128.

[Tricky Thumb]

I care about the Revolution for now, but only for now. If they don't ante up soon I'm just going to get myself a PS3 and stick with that for a while until the other systems drop in price, because to be honest at least with the PS3 I know what I'm getting.

[crashedout]

I know they like to unviel in at the Tokyo show but if they are releasing in a year they should at least be able to show us something....IF they are cheap to develop for they may get a few titles...very uninspiring.

[kizke]

This has been a rough E3 for consoles. The Xbox 360 looked all right a few days ago, but then the Playstation 3 reared its head. And now the Revolution and Gameboy Micro look to be the most underwhelming hardware ever put out by Nintendo.

Hell, even their in-house games have been kind of a letdown. Super Mario Sunshine was a shoddy ripoff of Mario 64 at best, Mario Kart DD lacked the charm of Mario Kart 64...I'm glad they got Retro Studios to take over the Metroid Prime series because I'm worried it might have been much worse if EAD had developed it or something.

This is just kind of gutwrenching to watch. Nintendo had better prove its worth soon, or I'm cashing out and going the PS3 route.

[Zurik]

Its funny how Microsoft is honest and upfront about their new system and plans, while Nintendo keeps throwing out random features and keeping quiet about any real reason people would want another of their systems. Probably hoping the name recognition will pull them through this round.

[pur3r4ge]

To get back to the "general consumer" viewpoint: don't general consumers like flashy cool looking stuff? Isn't that why movies with lots of explosions do well in the box office? I'd expect the general consumer to be more psyched about the insane graphics of the PS3 or xbox360. They will win some general players with the nostalgia thing, but I don't think that's enough to carry the console.

[Reed]

Exactly, and two further points to add on this.

1. The revolution's "revolutionary" feature wasn't shown off here.
Well, hopefully. But then why would they call the downloading old games feature their Secret Weapon?

Surely, the "revolutionary feature" would be the Secret Weapon. No?

[11thfinger]

I think you guys might be missing the point of the name "Revolution". He stated in the press conference that this console would be the cheapest to develop on, for startups or for companies wanting to take more risk in the games they make. Nintendo's Revolution is gameplay. Getting back to the roots of why people play games in the first place; for fun, for entertainment, for creative inspiration.

At this point, I'm figuring Revolution probably has a double meaning, and they might do something really revolutionary, but you guys are probably looking too much for that, because he stated what the Revolution means during the conference. It's a gaming revolution. Whether it's 20 years of games, or new, highly innovative games, it's about games, not technology.

Even though it's clearly no slouch in the hardware department, it's amazing for me to see so many "gamers" bitching about one of these three companies focusing on what is supposed to be the core of this whole thing. But yeah, fuck Nintendo, they clearly don't get it. :rolleyes:

[TrackZero]

lol, I already have downloadable access to Nintendo's library of old games. It's called a PC with an internet connection.

I hope you remember the EA policy about discussing piracy on the boards. i.e. Do it and you're banned.

[TrackZero]

Its funny how Microsoft is honest and upfront about their new system and plans, while Nintendo keeps throwing out random features and keeping quiet about any real reason people would want another of their systems. Probably hoping the name recognition will pull them through this round.

Also funny how Sony always puts out insane specs they never live up to and show off a bunch of CG movies to wow people.

hint: read the small print with Sony people.

[Lasakon]

It's a bit early to say that the Revolution will be a failure when there has been no specs, games or controllers shown yet.

[Zurik]

I think the whole problem here is we're in the hype wars, time to take a step back and relax. Nothing is ever as great as it seems.

[CapnBob]

I couldn't get the video feed to work but I listened to the whole thing. They gave teasers about the revolution but they were pretty blatant about saying that they weren't talking about any of the new aspects today, just enough to say that it's real and there will be online support beyond matchmaking. Having a new Metroid and an online Smash Bros for launch titles is reassuring, but I'd like some teaser footage of what they look like because that's a much better way to gauge the system's power rather than the fuzzy crap numbers that are being thrown around. I don't know how the downloadable games will work with only internal flash memory and external memory cards. That's fine for a couple old games, but some of the N64 titles could fill up that space alone. Hm.

[WileE.Coyte]

I know it does'nt appeal to the mainstream audience but I'm excited as hell. I can picture it now, the wife's away for a few day's, I take a couple of days off invite a few gamers over, and have a Mario or Zelda marathon in my house, begining with the NES version. Don't bash me because I'm sure some people on this forum have had Star Wars or Lord of the Ring marathon's before. I would'nt be here if I did'nt have some geek in me. I can't wait.

[Reanimated]

I hope you remember the EA policy about discussing piracy on the boards. i.e. Do it and you're banned.



Oh yes, let me mention that these are backup copies of games I already own.

Fuck off.

[CrysDark]

The downloadable games, need to be free, or like a 10 dollar monthly service fee, cause I am not paying 10-20 dollars for Adventure of Link.

[Alexious]

You know what would rule? If I could use the online features to play good ol' Tecmo Super Bowl online! Now THAT would be revolutionary. I could finally throw out the 400 versions of crappy-ass Madden that I have.

I'm with the fanboys on this one. There will be plenty of Nintendo exclusives from small developers who can't afford to make multi-million dollar games for the other consoles. All it takes is one hit on the order of Tetris, Myst ect... and Nintendo is right back in the thick of things.

[Alexious]

Oh yes, let me mention that these are backup copies of games I already own.

Fuck off.

Sure pal. :rolleyes:

[crazyfrazee]

This is my prediction for the revolution. I don't know if anybody else has guessed this, but the way that they are saying it is really easy to develop for, and it allows you to download old games, and it has all that flash memory, I bet it will be an open development platform where everyone can make games for it, like PCs. Not really revolutionary, but I wouldn't mind it.

[Blade]

Usually Nintendo owns E3, then underwhelms in practically every category but game quality post-E3. This could be a reversal of that.

Remember MS and the Xbox at E3 2001? Halo? How about Nintendo at E3 2001? We all know who won Holiday 2001 among those two.

Halo sucked at E3, Nintendo outperformed MS.. and Xbox > GameCube for the holiday season.

Partially due to shortages, but still!

[Chagrinful]

They say the revoulution will be actually smaller than the one shown also. I'm sure nintendo's "revolution" will probably be it's controller. I'm pretty sure I'm getting it, I've got a library of 14 Gamecube games, and I only started last giftmas, so I'll have a big library for both. Nintendo will think up something to keep everyone's attention.

[fushi]

Oh Nintendo, you may kiss me, but only on the cheek.

I accept your shortcomings and love all of your strenghts, but stop playing with me, stop teasing me. Give me hard evidence that you really know what you are doing, that there really is a future for me and you, and your supposedly forward-thinking ways.You could lie a little to me and I'd be happy, because, frankly, I like you, I really do. Not only because you look so fantastic (you really do!), but because you seem to be carrying something in your heart that I cannot seem to find anywhere else.

Surprise me, make me drop my jaw when the time is right. Give me proof that you're ideas are as versatile as Mario without relying on that old plumber too much. He's a wonderful, miraculous person, but he's been overworking a lot, as Harrison said.

[emperordahc]

I'm a 100% Nintendo whore, but this just sucks. Quit recycling games on our GBA, DS and minigames on our GC. Give us more new games, dang it!

[civilstrife]

Hahaha Bap, yet another poorly worded submission. I read it and just KNEW you wrote it.

I watched the conference and I was NOT impressed, but it is clear that the backwards compatibility thing is not their revolution. Why do you even question it?

Iwata said himself that they weren't ready yet to show the console's true nature.

[Achilles]

If all you care about is profit this console is sheer genius. Why pay to develop enough new content to keep a steady stream of games going for your console when you can re-release 20 years worth of games and charge people for them again? On the other hand if they give anyone who buys the system access to all of these games (or even those who subscribe to a Live-like service), that’s a really cool bonus. I don’t see how it could be nearly as powerful as the PS3 and the 360, but the 512MB of flash memory is pretty interesting; clearly important for storing and emulating the old cartridge games (you could do it on a hard drive too, but maybe this has fewer problems?).

I like the Revolution’s design, it looks really slick.

[fushi]

Hahaha Bap, yet another poorly worded submission. I read it and just KNEW you wrote it.
Give it a rest. Evil Avatar is a nice community, there's no need for open personal insults.

[TrackZero]

Give it a rest. Evil Avatar is a nice community, there's no need for open personal insults.

I don't know if it's "nice", but it's not a personal insult either just to say someone recognized another person's editorial comment style. It'd be personal if he'd called bap a shiteater or something (which I'm not, just an example, bap is cool).

[d0g_p00p]

yap yap yap. Nintendo is not stupid. They have *TONS* of cash, no one have yet to takle the Gameboy. Sure so the Gamecube did not sell well, neither did the Xbox. Nintendo is a powerhouse company. They have not survived this long without trying. Sure they failed on some projects (Vboy) but hey didn't Microsoft fail too...

BOB......

LOL.......

Don't count them out. Next year will be awesome for all of us.

[Crabby]

Hrmm, yeah, I kind of felt that their focus was their handheld portable market once again for this year. You guys are just blowing smoke. The attention they gave to the Revolution was cursory considering they didn't even feel like giving a taste of the software.

Shoot, I'll get one simply because that thing is so amazingly mobile. It is so small and sexy, I could take that anywhere.

[[HATE]MyLife]

I dunno. I could go for a console that allowed me to play classic titles legally, as long as they were cheap. I'm not paying $20 to play Mario 3 again, thank you very much. And really, if all they offer are 1st party titles, then I'm not all that excited about this feature. If I can go back and play Faxanadu on a TV with a proper controller again, then I might be excited.

[Rone]

Does this mean we have to wait another full year to find out the real "revolution"? C'mon Nintendo, give us something.

And Microsoft Bob wasn't a total failure. Bill Gates got a wife out of it.

[MosBen]

I'm glad that the downloading feature isn't the Revolution because not only isn't it revolutionary, it's not going to appeal to most consumers either. As to the people thinking Nintendo showing footage at this point in the game, it wouldn't be any more trustworthy than Sony's. Their consoles are at least a year off in Japan, and another half a year after that for the US and Europe; the hardware probably is still in a bit of flux and there certainly isn't any near final software for either. Anything they showed would just be CGI movies that in all likelihood wouldn't be very representative of the games that actually showed up on the console.

[bapenguin]

Hahaha Bap, yet another poorly worded submission. I read it and just KNEW you wrote it.

I watched the conference and I was NOT impressed, but it is clear that the backwards compatibility thing is not their revolution. Why do you even question it?

Iwata said himself that they weren't ready yet to show the console's true nature.

I just quoted Nintendo's press release. It was odd they called their game library a "secret weapon."

[screwtape]

In the end, we all want the same thing: great games. I think all three companies will put out fantastic products.

[Thenetcase]

Consoles true nature? That sounds almost apocalyptic. Are they planning on taking over the world with this thing? What the heck does that mean? LOL

Seriously.. I'm rather unimpressed with Nintendo. :P They need something HUGE after the Gamecube. Whoever said that thing about being embarassed by most of the games that are original titles couldn't have said it better.

-TNC-

[civilstrife]

The point I'm trying to make is that at this point we have ABSOLUTELY no idea what revolution is all about. So how can we possibly judge it yet?

All we can do, is judge Nintendo's conference, which was crap.

[mister_slim]

The downloadable games, need to be free, or like a 10 dollar monthly service fee, cause I am not paying 10-20 dollars for Adventure of Link.
$4 a month for Xbox Live? Eh. $10 a month for almost every game Nintendo have ever made? I'll sign in blood.
All it takes is one hit on the order of Tetris, Myst ect... and Nintendo is right back in the thick of things.
I want Tetris with free online play.

Anyway, Nintendo hasn't really provided a reason to buy a Rev, but neither have Sony or MS. Personally I'd rather have the free online and some old games than Live and whatever Sony is offering, but that's just me. I do expect this to launch at a lower price point than 360 and PS3.

[Kelegacy]

I watched the whole conference.

WORST. NINTENDO. E3. EVER.

Nintendo is DEAD in the US, even more after this "show".

I still can't believe what I saw... they fucked up BIG TIME.

Do i sense you stepping down as Captain?

I had hopes for the RevoltiON, but...right now I dont know. They need to attract 3rd parties, not stroke me with their "revolutionary" bullshit. It had better truly be revolutionary, or I'm NEVER letting Nintendo tittyfuck me again.

[d0g_p00p]

I just quoted Nintendo's press release. It was odd they called their game library a "secret weapon."

I think it is. Imagine if Sony did this with the PS3. Every single PS1 and 2 game to play. :D Hell even if the Revolution is not that great and access to the titles were cheap, I will buy this in a heart beat. If they made if free, well Nintendo is going to be putting more money into the bank, count on that! :D