A few days ago, our own Dale North gave us the skinny on the Microsoft version of the famed Wiimote, as lazy gamers groaned and liberally applied their palms to their faces. It seems the craze to jump all over the living room while you game is not going away, and those of us that don't like it may have to try a bit harder to avoid it in future. If you love your Wiimote, however, you'll be pleased to meet Newton, which is the codename for the new controller. It may change, so don't get too attached just yet!
It seems as if Microsoft licensed patents from a company called Gyration, who make motion-sensing mice for computer use that you probably haven't heard of. Gizmodo made the mock version in the pic above, which is easily imaginable as the final product, although I personally hope they go for a different color (black would be cool.)
Both controllers have built in mics, but somehow envisioning use of this controller with Live's services makes me think Microsoft could have a leg up on the concept in the long run, even though it is obviously copied from Nintendo. Only time will tell, as we won't see the controller in the flesh until later this year.
[Via Gizmodo - Thanks, Adam]
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Contest:
1:25 PM on 04.09.2008
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As far as this contraption... *sigh* Don't care at all. Doesn't even have a D-Pad on it if that pic is indeed the actual design. Motion control is not needed on a gaming console.
If I want motion control, there is one console to go to. Even if you hate the Wii, you can acknowledge what has been designed in that controller has been designed pretty well. What Microsoft seems to half-assing here is the equivalent of expecting Nintendo to pull a Live equivalent out of its ass.
This Newton isn't necessary. At all.
MP3's first-person controls are almost universally loved, aren't they? Let a little waggle into your hearts, people!
I'd be more upset about the blatant rip-offery (wow, couldn't they even bother to make it look *slightly* different)....but then again, it is Microsoft?
But really, marketing is everything. This is the Zune, the Wii is the Ipod.
Yeah exactly. I feel insulted when I play a game that doesn't support inverted controls.
A: It is fake. (April Fools article found later?)
No thanks. Maybe if they make it more complex than the wiimote (can do 1:1) but I won't buy this.
Like I said before, Microsoft doesn't need to do this.
Actually, I just saw X-play talking about the specs.
So Microsoft is trying to hop on board with the whole motion control thing, but to copy the Wii remote so disgustingly closely is a cheap way to do it.
also, Newton sounds like a cool name.
Also, why didn't anyone make as biggie of a complaint when sixaxis borrowed motion?, was it that much less of a rip off maybe? Nvm. With MS & Sony both ripping and copying, the poor 'ol wii is getting grouped left and right. :/
I can't stand when companies just steal ideas from each other. That's why I don't think the PS3 should have had motion control in the controllers all --- Nintendo announced it in the Wii much earlier than Sony did for the PS3. I love the PS3, but I never use any of the motion control, and if you haven't noticed, it's almost always optional and not required.
[/rant]
Nintendo's advantage is that they market the Wiimote as their main controller and not an accessory.
In this case, the Wii remote is an action, the Newton is an equal and opposite reaction, because people won't buy it unlike the Wii remote.
My thoughts on this - I like that M$ is finally giving a nod to motion control, but I think all this is doing is proving that the Wii is good - it's certainly not going to make any money for M$ because, as the 360 gamers have said many times, they don't want motion control.
So I'm confused. Is this just zune all over again? My Ipod just whispered into my ear "Yes".
They follow up on them though, and most of the time we've got successes. The SIXXAXIS was a cool idea but there just wasn't enough support in games to make it viable enough. Even Nintendo isn't using the Wiimote which is surprising since the biggest draw of the system was its motion-based controls. MSoft is giving motion a try but I hope they continue to see their technologies through and not half-ass it or anything.
I have no problem with competition. Usually it's a good thing that helps drive product development and forces the next generation of product to be even better. This however doesn't seem to be driving competition at all. It's just blatant me-tooism that is trying to cut corners and make some easy money off of all the risk Nintendo put into promoting such a product, and the popularity it was lucky enough to achieve.
1. Wii Sports
And maybe Carnival Games as a potential nominee. Motion sensing is not moving consoles for Nintendo, it's the aesthetic appeal, (supposed) ease of use, familiar Nintendo IP, and not-a-game gaming experience.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is stuck with a loud complicated console with a name targeted squarely at the Mountain Dew and Doritos crowd. It's a little too late to try and divert Nintendo's blue ocean audience with this generation of hardware.
Great memory, I was thinking the same thing. Much like the Newton, I doubt the MSRemote will not work properly and not add anything new to their games. I'm well aware that many Wii games don't add anything new with their Wiimote functionality as well, but at least some companies know what to do. I see this being used for a couple of games and being forgotten...kinda like the SIXAXIS now that I think about it...