Since the forum needs to start somewhere what are your thoughts on the Wii controller. Feel free to answer any of the following:

1. Is it advanced technology?

2. Is it comfortable?

3. How's the price hitting you?

4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable?

5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay?

6. Does two pieces make things better?

7. how accurate is the control to what you want to do?

8. Wireless cuasing problems?

(be sure to add to the poll)

I think it's still a little too early to call the Wii's controller either a triumph or a disaster. It's a much bigger paradigm shift than even the analogue stick introduced; it's to be expected that it wouldn't fit in right away.

At the moment, most - if not all - developers are trying to attach Wiimote controls to existing genres, with varying degrees of success. Most of them are trying to use the Wiimote as a replacement for the traditional controller, when realistically it wasn't designed for that.

When developers really get into the swing of things (no pun intended) with the Wiimote we should see them use the controllers strengths rather than shoe-horn it into a control scheme that just ends up highlighting its weaknesses.

If nothing else, the Wii version of Resident Evil 4 managed to breathe new life into a game I've already completed several times, and makes the experience significantly different from the pad-based Gamecube original. I can't wait to see what someone can do with the Wiimote when they're designing it from the ground-up around the system.

I like how it is. I think that they should kinda try and stray a little from putting stupid things in games with it, but other than that, it's awesome. I really like the little speaker. It feels a little small, but I suppose they can't really have a "one size fits all" controller.I also think they should some how make the nun chuk wireless. would be a pain, cause people would lose it, but I hate that stupid little wire.

I like how it is. I think that they should kinda try and stray a little from putting stupid things in games with it, but other than that, it's awesome. I really like the little speaker. It feels a little small, but I suppose they can't really have a "one size fits all" controller.I also think they should some how make the nun chuk wireless. would be a pain, cause people would lose it, but I hate that stupid little wire.

Seems like there should be 2 controllers. Let SOME games use the current, let others utilize a more traditional interface.


Just my 2 cents

pros:
I do think it was the ability to revolutionize gaming,
its cool to be able to angle to controls like real joysticks
the laser works better than the touch pad on the DS
for the first time ever you can choose which hand to do what with (since I'm a southpaw this was VERY important to me)
the speakers nice, could be a better speaker
cons:
using multiple controllers while swinging has caused serious havoc for me and friends
the remote isn't comfortable in my hand, yet the nunchuck is?
seems like most games forget about buttons
wireless chuck would be nice
there was a lot of talk about different controllers, but I've yet to see any
The sensor bar needs to be redone: larger, ajustable or more of them, take your pick
$60 is not worth it right now, especially since most games aren't multiplayer.

Not a big fan, but it is what it is.

I like how it is. I think that they should kinda try and stray a little from putting stupid things in games with it, but other than that, it's awesome. I really like the little speaker. It feels a little small, but I suppose they can't really have a "one size fits all" controller.I also think they should some how make the nun chuk wireless. would be a pain, cause people would lose it, but I hate that stupid little wire.

Seems like there should be 2 controllers. Let SOME games use the current, let others utilize a more traditional interface.


Just my 2 cents

I agree. I think it is kinda dumb to try and play CoD with it, but I think it will be the greatest thing ever to play Metroid Prime 3, soo...

I think the Wii controller would work much better with the more powerful systems. I don't particularly think the Wiimote is a great innovation; real innovation is found in power. The PS3 and 360 are capable of immersing a player without the need to flail your arms like a drunk ninja - the graphical presentation of potential of interactive environments and levels is the new innovation. It's just up to developers to realise this potential, and innovate in software and not so much in hardware.

My belief is that the wiimote would supplement an already immersive experience, but with the line-up of the titles that Wii currently has, only Resi 4 is provides such an experience. The others are fairly solid games, but with querky difficult control scheme pinned on their chests.

I refuse to believe that graphics are a more worthwhile area for innovation than control input. For a start, there's not going to be any more huge shifts in graphics until we start getting proper 3D displays; any increases in power from here on out will be incremental.

I refuse to believe that graphics are a more worthwhile area for innovation than control input. For a start, there's not going to be any more huge shifts in graphics until we start getting proper 3D displays; any increases in power from here on out will be incremental.

i dont know, a game that looks like that halo 3 television commercial rather than... well.... halo 3 would be amazing. or something like crackdown with photorealism.

I refuse to believe that graphics are a more worthwhile area for innovation than control input. For a start, there's not going to be any more huge shifts in graphics until we start getting proper 3D displays; any increases in power from here on out will be incremental.

You failed to understand/read the entirity of my post. Of course graphics alone aren't pivotal sources of innovation, that's why I threw in the term 'level interaction'. I believe interactive environments in games is the source of all worthwhile innovation. Imagine Gears of War, but with destructable, interactive environments. In Gears cover is one of the main gameplay elements, so imagine being able to create your own cover in game. Just whip out your boomshot, and blast the nearest wall or pillar, collapsing the concrete and thereby providing you with cover. Now THAT is next-gen innovation. Notice the lack of having to execute any aerial hand maneouvers.

I don’t enjoy it for games like Red Steel at all. I’ve tried to grow accustomed to using it, but there’s no way. The accuracy and intuitiveness just doesn’t get me in regards to that.

Anyway, I hate the battery-life on them. Maybe its just me, but it seems like they have to have new batteries like every week, plus those alleged chargers are crappy too.

That’s all I’ve to say on that.

So far, I really like it once you get used to it. When I first started playing RE4 it was akward. After learning it, I think it's great! Something new atleast.

I had fun when I used the wii mote. It was different but I don't know if it was perfect. I think in practiced hands it has a lot of potential but the game developers have to find ways to use the controller as an advantage before it becomes a really big innovation.

To this day I still find N64's controller to be the best of overall controllers, my 2nd pick would be Sega Genesis and in 3rd PS2's Dual Shock II.

I didnt say PS3's controller cause as its not bad enough getting carpal tunnel on your fingers, they decided to extend it to your wrists. Wii's is different considering its mostly 1 hand.

To this day I still find N64's controller to be the best of overall controllers, my 2nd pick would be Sega Genesis and in 3rd PS2's Dual Shock II.

I didnt say PS3's controller cause as its not bad enough getting carpal tunnel on your fingers, they decided to extend it to your wrists. Wii's is different considering its mostly 1 hand.

How the hell could the N64 be the best controller? It only had one analog stick... By that measurement, you must love the PSP layout as well.... smoke some more crack.

hahahahaha

sorry but seriously that was pretty funny. Oh and yeah I personally always hated the N64 layout . It didn't feel very natural. I have yet to p;ay a Wii so I cant comment on that. Oh and the 360 controller just feels comfortable and built for a hand.

How the hell could the N64 be the best controller? It only had one analog stick... By that measurement, you must love the PSP layout as well.... smoke some more crack.

If you think that the PSP and the N64 controller are the same then I think your the one smoking the crack.
http://media.arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits.media/n64-controller.jpghttp://techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/sony_psp.jpg
In no way shape and form are they even close. You sir get an F for failure. So what if it has 1 analog, how many do you need 5? 1 is enough for me. Wii has 1 analog as well and its doing just fine.

Since the forum needs to start somewhere what are your thoughts on the Wii controller. Feel free to answer any of the following:

1. Is it advanced technology? - YUP

2. Is it comfortable? - YUP

3. How's the price hitting you? - Reasonable pricing

4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable? - YUP

5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay? - Its a neat feature that can surprise you sometimes

6. Does two pieces make things better? - Depends

7. how accurate is the control to what you want to do? - Depends

8. Wireless cuasing problems? - Never

(be sure to add to the poll)

See above responses.

How the hell could the N64 be the best controller? It only had one analog stick... By that measurement, you must love the PSP layout as well.... smoke some more crack.

IMO, the best joystick controller I have ever used is the Xbox S Controller.

1. Is it advanced technology? - Bluetooth is sorta advanced

2. Is it comfortable? - Yeah

3. How's the price hitting you? - Expensive 40=mote 20=chuck

4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable? - Depends on game

5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay? - I like it
6. Does two pieces make things better? - Doesnt hurt my hand as much

7. how accurate is the control to what you want to do? - Depends on game

8. Wireless cuasing problems? - Never



Favorite controller is Classic Controller for Wii. This thing is completely awesome. A little small for some people, but it fits me perfect. (No twisted minds here folks)

http://media.arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits.media/n64-controller.jpghttp://techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/sony_psp.jpg
.

It was great for playing goldeneye with! :D

If only they'd put it on the virtual console.

1. Is it advanced technology?
- I think I laughed a little.
2. Is it comfortable?
- Not exactly, I guess that's my basic prejudice against holding a vibrating dildo compared to a controller, such as the Gamecubes (to keep on Nintendo).
3. How's the price hitting you?
- Hitting? Like, hurting my wallet? No. It's fine.
4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable?
- Not really, I like to be stationary most of the time, like if I were to play for 7 hours straight on SMG, I'm sure I couldn't do it the whole way through without breaks, somewhere. I find that it's more irksome.
5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay?
- It...Doesn't. The speaker isn't used to the full extent that I know of, and it's pretty cheap. However, it's gaudiness makes it a cheap trick, that's fun.
6. Does two pieces make things better?
- No. I find one piece is rather better off.
7. How accurate is the control to what you want to do?
- It's pretty much dead on in certain aspects, but damn it it's jittery and unresponsive at times.
8. Wireless causing problems?
- Sometimes, not often though, generally if it were wired up it wouldn't be very possible to do as we do now with the Wii.

Since the forum needs to start somewhere what are your thoughts on the Wii controller. Feel free to answer any of the following:

1. Is it advanced technology?

2. Is it comfortable?

3. How's the price hitting you?

4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable?

5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay?

6. Does two pieces make things better?

7. how accurate is the control to what you want to do?

8. Wireless cuasing problems?

(be sure to add to the poll)

1) Not really as much as it's different technology... and perhaps better used technology.

2) YEP! Very.

3) Im alright with the price... when it boils down, you get a 2in1 controller for a little under double the price (or a generally better one for an extra $10 if you just want the nunchuck and not the classic). Overall, I would say fair deal... not great, but fair.

4) This, to be fair should be asked about the game, not the controller (not all games lend themselves to it, but the ones that do do DAMN good).

5) It doesnt. It amuses me more then anything when it's used... but thats it.

6) Absolutely. Just adds to what it can do.

7) Ive seen it vary... but that's not the controller's fault. It's accurate. It's coding that has to match.

8) Absolutely not. In fact with this kind of controller, wired would be BEYOND useless.

the wii designers seem to understand that human beings enjoy using their limbs and not just their butts and fingers. id say its a success, and is just the iceburg tip of what's to come -- even bill gate acknowledges that (see his joint interview with steve jobs -- he talks about future gaming that'll go in the direction of the wii)

After you got used to the n64 controller, it was not that bad. For the time it was a great way to interface with the console, but a little primitive for 3D gaming. They realized the problems quickly after launch.

Because of the design you can't use all of the buttons of the controller at one time, making it extremely limited for gameplay enhancements. You could either hold it 1 of 3 ways depending on the game. If you wanted true 3D movement with the joystick + the D pad, you could not easily hit the C buttons as your right hand would be on the middle part.

After you got used to the n64 controller, it was not that bad. For the time it was a great way to interface with the console, but a little primitive for 3D gaming. They realized the problems quickly after launch.

Because of the design you can't use all of the buttons of the controller at one time, making it extremely limited for gameplay enhancements. You could either hold it 1 of 3 ways depending on the game. If you wanted true 3D movement with the joystick + the D pad, you could not easily hit the C buttons as your right hand would be on the middle part.

Have you ever played Turok on the N64? Go check it out-not all the "3D Games" used the controller the same way!

1. Is it advanced technology?
For gaming, it is advanced. This kind of device has been used for many other things, however. For example, accelerometers can be found in air bags
2. Is it comfortable?
Yes, I'd say it is. It fits my grip fairly well, and most of the buttons are in the perfect place. Just the 1 and 2 buttons that piss me off
3. How's the price hitting you?
Price is fine, no complaints
4. Does movement make gameplay more enjoyable?
Depends on the game. For something like SSBB, I'd rather not play with motion control. However, with Metroid Prime 3, I wouldn't have it any other way.
5. The remotes got a speaker, how does that change your gameplay?
Speaker doesn't do squat.
6. Does two pieces make things better?
If you're too tired to hold up your arms, depending on the game, you can rest 'em at your sides. You shouldn't need to, though, unless you're hopelessly out of shape.
7. how accurate is the control to what you want to do?
For some games, the control is perfect, like in Metroid. On others, such as Mortal Kombat, it sucks.
8. Wireless cuasing problems?
There's just a little bit of lag, but that's comming from a person who notices lag in an Xbox 360 controller.

In my opinion, Nintendo could've given the speakers better quality sound, maybe find a different place for the 1 and 2 buttons, and substitute infared with bluetooth, but that would also bump up the price.