Gaming Nintendo unveils Wii MotionPlus.

[Charles]

[QUOTE]Nintendo's upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote controller again redefines game control, by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space. The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player?s arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion. Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play. The Wii MotionPlus accessory reconfirms Nintendo?s commitment to making games intuitive and accessible for everyone. Nintendo will reveal more details about the Wii MotionPlus accessory and other topics Tuesday morning at its E3 media briefing.[/QUOTE]

I have not had the time to follow the rumors on Microsoft's "Newton" motion-based controller, but it appears as if Nintendo is already stealing the thunder away from the competition before they have a chance to strike.

I am excited about the possibility of something closer to 1:1 control on the Wii; the potential for awesome sword fights or sports games is exciting.

I hope that Nintendo announces Wii Sports 2 and bundles an attachment or two in with the game.

[Treble]

Sweet. It would be even more awesome if Nintendo decided to surprise us by releasing this with an all new Punch-Out game or something. Of course, Wii Sports 2 would be cool as well. Imagine the possibilities for future games. :drool:

[B]Edit:[/B] Aww darn. I just now realized that the MotionPlus accessory will be attached to the bottom of the Wii Remote which is where the Nunchuck would normally be. My hopes for a new Punch-Out with super precise control have been shattered. Oh well, I do look forward to seeing how future games will take advantage of this new feature.

[Korey]

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]Seeing as this news comes with E3's press conferences, I'm gonna go ahead and close this thread. Please direct further discussion in the E3 08 thread.

Thanks ^_~

~Korey

*thrizzead clizzzoezd*[/FONT]

[Magus]

[COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]Actually, my new comrade in-training. You're better off moving the thread instead of closing it.

"Holy crap" I somehow managed to overlook the thread.

[size=1]"Tries to remember the correct way of moving threads =p"[/COLOR][/size]

[Charles]

Glad this thread was re-opened, seeing as how it was announced before the press conferences--and it's just huge news with a lot of possiblity for discussion in general. This is something we will talk about long after E3 is over. I mean, Nintendo completely revamps how games are controlled again and it doesn't deserve its own thread? Jeez.

Having watched the new Wii Sports video (I so called it), I am excited at what's in place, but I hope that we see some of the older games make an appereanced with the new, refined controls.

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]Indeed, this was announced yesterday, before Nintendo's press conference. And I also think it holds enough potential discussion (what games we'd like to see use this, for example) to warrant its own thread.[/color]

[Korey]

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]Whoops, my fault. Didn't know it was unveiled before the press conference. *bonks self*

I'd like to see another game along the lines of [B]No More Heroes[/B] using the Motion Plus. I think if they would have waited on that, NMH would have been more awesome than it already is. Actually mimicking the way you swing a sword would immerse the gamer more into what's happening instead of what happened with NMH or games like Twilight Princess. Wish this could have came out sooner. [/FONT]

[Nekusagi]

Lightsaber game, anyone?

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"][Color="SeaGreen"]Let's try to add a little more to the conversation next time please. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM me or look up the FAQ/Site Rules section.

Thanks

~Korey[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Haku877]

I think this is a great concept. I mean if it could detect a range, 2 player battles, 1 vs 1. It would be amazing. Also. Light sabers. Gorgeous.

Just saying =P

[silpheedpilot]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]So, wait, technology that should have been put into the controller from the get go? Huh. Nintendo works in mysterious ways.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Doublehex]

[quote name='silpheedpilot'][SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]So, wait, technology that should have been put into the controller from the get go? Huh. Nintendo works in mysterious ways.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

It's called them stealing as much money from us as possible. Especially since the Wii is kind of gimmicky anyways.

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]That was my first thought when I read about this, too, but there could also be a decent reason for it not being included in the remote when the Wii launched. (Nearly two years is a long time for technology to change and become more affordable.) So I'm trying not to jump on the, "Nintendo is just trying to suck more money out of us," bandwagon too fast. I save that for crap like the Wii Zapper.[/color]

[Kenso]

[quote name='Matt']It's called them stealing as much money from us as possible. Especially since the Wii is kind of gimmicky anyways.[/quote]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I'd like to throw an argument out at this. The Wii itself is not gimicky at all. It's an innovative console with a huge potential for gameplay never before dreamed of in video games. The problem is that most of the games being released (including those by Nintendo) are treating its innovations as gimicks, thereby making it far harder to take it for the serious console it has the potential to be.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]As Des has already stated, technology is insanely quick at evolving, and the chances are pretty high that it did not exist in an affordable format at the release of the Wii. Or it didn't exist in a size that was viable for use with the Wiimote.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I for one am quite excited about the possibilities of the MotionPlus, and am quite looking forward to sword dueling games. Maybe something like Oblivion even, which could be pretty cool with an addition with the much potential for interaction. I think a big part of what can be done with it will depend on whether or not the Nunchuk can plug into it or not. Without that joystick and those two extra buttons, options can get pretty limited.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]The MotionPlus attachment has a pass-through port that allows the Nunchuk to also be plugged in, so no worries there. During the E3 press conference Reggie was using both for the jet ski game in Wii Sports Resort.[/color]

[silpheedpilot]

[quote name='Kenso'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I'd like to throw an argument out at this. The Wii itself is not gimicky at all. It's an innovative console with a huge potential for gameplay never before dreamed of in video games. The problem is that most of the games being released (including those by Nintendo) are treating its innovations as gimicks, thereby making it far harder to take it for the serious console it has the potential to be.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]As Des has already stated, technology is insanely quick at evolving, and the chances are pretty high that it did not exist in an affordable format at the release of the Wii. Or it didn't exist in a size that was viable for use with the Wiimote.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I for one am quite excited about the possibilities of the MotionPlus, and am quite looking forward to sword dueling games. Maybe something like Oblivion even, which could be pretty cool with an addition with the much potential for interaction. I think a big part of what can be done with it will depend on whether or not the Nunchuk can plug into it or not. Without that joystick and those two extra buttons, options can get pretty limited.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]Innovative with crap controls?
So innovative they have to make something that attaches to the bottom of the controller just to make it work the way they wanted it to when they concieved it?
Serious as in it's continually and will forever be marketed for kids and families that have never played anything outside of Minesweeper on the computer.

Yeah, ok.

When you create a console that uses technology that was created years before this console generation then you have plenty of time to work your kinks out and make improvements on that existing tech.

Sure, when MotionPlus comes out with it's supposed 1:1 movement ratio then those gimmicky games may control better.
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Doublehex]

[quote name='silpheedpilot'][SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]Innovative with crap controls?
So innovative they have to make something that attaches to the bottom of the controller just to make it work the way they wanted it to when they concieved it?
Serious as in it's continually and will forever be marketed for kids and families that have never played anything outside of Minesweeper on the computer.

Yeah, ok.

When you create a console that uses technology that was created years before this console generation then you have plenty of time to work your kinks out and make improvements on that existing tech.

Sure, when MotionPlus comes out with it's supposed 1:1 movement ratio then those gimmicky games may control better.
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

What he said. I like this guy. He has logic! :D

I mean, what makes you think Nintendo didn't have this technology for the Wii from the get go? Because they wanted more money from us. Nintendo has always used somewhat ickly tactics to get us to buy more things. This is nothing new. That still doesn't mean that it's not cheap. <.<

[Kenso]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I still think you're both overreacting and looking far too for a reason to complain. On top of that, you're talking like other companies don't do the same kind of things. Fact is, that's how business is done. At least Nintendo's equipment works the way they say it will when it comes out (and will likely continue to do so for YEARS to come). Our other console companies can't say that. (And I can't even say I agree with Des about the Wii Zapper - I rather like it.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I'd like to see what they're going to throw into the next Mario Party with this. That's been one of my gripes with some of the mini-game 'games' for the Wii (Carnival Games, for example) - some of the games don't work well without proper representation of hand movement.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[silpheedpilot]

[quote name='Kenso'][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I still think you're both overreacting and looking far too for a reason to complain. On top of that, you're talking like other companies don't do the same kind of things. Fact is, that's how business is done. At least Nintendo's equipment works the way they say it will when it comes out (and will likely continue to do so for YEARS to come). Our other console companies can't say that. (And I can't even say I agree with Des about the Wii Zapper - I rather like it.)[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]I'd like to see what they're going to throw into the next Mario Party with this. That's been one of my gripes with some of the mini-game 'games' for the Wii (Carnival Games, for example) - some of the games don't work well without proper representation of hand movement.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]I won't lie when I say I find reasons to bash Nintendo because of it's unyielding popularity with it's shoddy controls, re-hash games, and over-all last-gen presentation.
Sure, you're right that other companies try and rip you off one way or another it's just that no other company does it as blatantly as Nintendo. Point?

'NINTENDO DS! YAY!'

A few months later.

'NINTENDO DS! NEW COLORS! YAY!'

A year later.

'NINTENDO DS LITE! YAY!'

Couple months later still.

'NEW NINTENDO DS LITE COLORS! YAY!'

People ate that crap up and thats just the tip of the iceberg.

Without a shadow of a doubt I'm willing to bet that they will release new colors for the Wii in coming years and people who love the Wii will go out and get it, along with other little tweaks and 'innovations' such as, oh my, the MotionPlus.

See, you didn't need the HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 to enjoy your 360 to the fullest, and you don't need a rumble controller to enjoy the PS3 to it's fullest either but I'm almost positive that some, if not the majority of Wii games are going to require that 1:1 sensing that the MotionPlus supposedly does.
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Korey]

[FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"]Let's keep this discussion civil, gentlemen.

I will throw out something for debate here. Microsoft and Sony are certainly guilty of putting out new things for their consoles that are gimmicks to get you to buy more things. Few examples would be the XBOX 360 Elite, which was basically a 360 with different colors and a bigger memory capacity. Unless you have a ton of games or Xbox Live arcade files stored in your hardrive, the Elite seems kinda pointless and is a waste of money.

I also took sony's decision to have the HDD drive [B]required[/B] to play Final Fantasy XI to be pretty gimmicky as well. The add-on wasn't the nicest thing in the world to install either, especially on my old fat PS2. Sony also is guilty of adding more consoles to the mix as well, such as the PSP V 2.0 and and the Slim Ps2. Sony and Microsoft both have special editions of their hardware availble for sale with certain games (the Halo 360, white PS2...etc etc)

I believe that the shoddy controls aren't necessarily Nintendo's fault. To be perfectally honest, most games that were developed my Nintendo have used the Motion Controls flawlessly. It seems that the third party developers can't get a grasp around the motion control system (ex. Far Cry). As far as last gen presentation goes, I seriously doubt that as well. Metroid Prime 3 and Legend of Zelda looked fantastic and they weren't using the same power as games like Gears of War or BioShock had. It's all up to your art director how the game looks and using the hardware for what it is. I'll gladly play my "last gen looking" games if I have more fun with them.

You can't even say other companies don't rehash games. There are many companies that have re-released their games onto the Sony systems (Sega, Namco, Capcom) time and time again. So Nintendo isn't the only guilty party. In fact, most reinventions of classic Nintendo games turn out great and re-invent the game they were based off of. Case in point would be New Super Mario Bros. Easily a must have for the DS. [/FONT]

[silpheedpilot]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="SlateGray"]No, you're absolutely right. The Slim PS2, while not gimmicky, was another excuse for Sony to take your money. The Elite with it's incredible memory space was, yes, another product for Microsoft to put out for consumers to buy HOWEVER, as I said before, it's never as blatant as Nintendo.

The fact remains that they could have, and should have, had 1:1 motion sensing from the get go. I don't really think; 'Technology was less affordable 2 years ago' cuts it because, again, Nintendo is using old technology so unless those 'geniuses' at Nintendo are actually really dense then they've had plenty of time to work current tech into an old-as-dinosaurs frame.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Desbreko]

[color=#4B0082]Nintendo releasing the DS in multiple colors and providing an ergonomic redesign is worse than Sony putting out, like, fifty billion different PS3 SKUs that get obsoleted within months as new models are released at the same price? Wut?

Also, the point of most console redesigns, like the PS2 Slim, is to save on manufacturing costs, not to try and get people to re-buy them.

And here's an interesting [url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-satoru-iwata-talks-wii-motionplus-supplydemand--more/][u]interview with Satoru Iwata[/u][/url]. It includes some questions about the MotionPlus that are relevant to the discussion:[/color]

[quote][b]BIZ:[/b] Regarding the new Wii MotionPlus attachment for the remote, where did the idea come from and how long has it been in the works?

[b]Iwata:[/b] The idea [for Wii MotionPlus] is something we've been contemplating for quite a long time. My understanding about the timing, the reason we are announcing this kind of attachment right now, is because we have come to the stage where we can purchase a significant amount of the gyroscope technology at a reasonable price point, and the stability of this kind of technology itself has been confirmed, so that's why we're making this announcement today.

[b]BIZ:[/b] Is this kind of functionality what Nintendo really wanted to launch the Wii with from the get go, and now you're finally realizing that complete design?

[b]Iwata:[/b] As a matter of fact, this kind of design was first conceived only after the initial Wii Remote design had been completed. And of course, as Wii Sports has already proved in the marketplace, the Wii Remote itself is pretty interesting [to consumers]. But as we came up with a great idea like Wii Sports, every other software producer and creator started to think about something more. That's the reason why internally they started to demand that some more technology be brought to the Wii Remote.[/quote]