Forums > Game Talk > Wii controller is 1993 design!
Mr Almond (2485) on 11/4/2006 11:38 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
While flicking through my old magazines for new Mobyranks I came across an article on the then-newish Nintendo Gateway systems being installed on airlines and hotels. What surprised me most were the design of the controllers. The thin remote style, Dpad and button layout looks mighty familiar at the moment.
Seems like the designers at Nintendo might be running out of ideas.
Luis Silva (13443) on 11/5/2006 12:33 AM · Permalink · Report
Isn't that a white cable going from the bottom? It looks more a regular controller shaped like a telephone handset.
Shoddyan (15007) on 11/5/2006 2:40 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
Spooky. If Nintendo's been working on this thing since the mid-90s, then it's got to be good! On the other hand, maybe we'll all find out that it's still using old "lockout chip" technology and you have to blow on the Wii to make it load. Still, I don't think I've ever seen one of these Gateway systems... and I think I've missed out because of it...
Also check this story from digg.com about a 1991 Nintendo Power letter that predicts the future.
(Edit:I see this forum post now has a digg story also)
Ben K (23950) on 11/5/2006 3:35 AM · Permalink · Report
I remember seeing stuff similar to that when I travelled on Singapore Airlines. One side of the remote-like controller was basically a SNES pad, and the other side was a phone keypad, so that you could call up people while on the plane. You could also download games onto your personal TV system thing, including Super BC Kid, Mario World, Mario Kart, and...oh, I forget now.
In summary, it's not like the Wiimote. That's much smaller and simpler, and of course there's no motion sensing thing for the plane one.
Mr Almond (2485) on 11/5/2006 8:55 AM · edited · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Ben Kosmina wrote--]
In summary, it's not like the Wiimote. That's much smaller and simpler, and of course there's no motion sensing thing for the plane one. [/Q --end Ben Kosmina wrote--]
Totaly agree about the functionality aspect, design wise though, compared to the Wiimote it's pretty similar.
There is a site out there for the Gateway system if anyone is unfamiliar with it. Link to it here
Matt Neuteboom (976) on 11/5/2006 8:15 PM · Permalink · Report
The only true thing they have in common is the shape. The buttons are all different, the Wiimote is wireless, and also motion sensing. If you are going to compare the two, you might as well also compare the Wiimote to a regular remote controller for the TV.
Truthfully the remote control idea has also been around for probably even longer than 1993 though, with the CD-i and all.
Funny though, on my trip to Japan I was able to actually handle one of them, but the games had to be ordered and I couldnt be bothered..
Shoddyan (15007) on 11/5/2006 9:19 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Matt Neuteboom wrote--]The only true thing they have in common is the shape. The buttons are all different, the Wiimote is wireless, and also motion sensing. If you are going to compare the two, you might as well also compare the Wiimote to a regular remote controller for the TV.[/Q --end Matt Neuteboom wrote--]
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My lousy remotes don't have any of those fun features.
Mr Almond (2485) on 11/5/2006 11:36 PM · edited · Permalink · Report
Just thought i'd mention that i've never flown anywhere in my life so was unfamiliar with the fact that these systems are quite common. Some people (especially over at digg) are a little too passionate about this so deep breaths in............... and relax.
BTW, just found a picture of a SNES controller too and to me it looks a bit like what they did with the NES pad only a bit different. Spooky eh ;)
Marko Poutiainen (1151) on 11/6/2006 3:58 PM · Permalink · Report
As it happens the first thought when I first saw the Wii controller was how it would work as a normal pad because it looked a lot like the ones on airplanes. I would never want to play anything more complex than solitaire with one of those, they are really unergonomic.
Riamus (8446) on 11/6/2006 10:54 PM · Permalink · Report
Yeah, I personally prefer a standard gamepad. I wouldn't like trying to use a remote control for a game... I like using both hands on a gamepad. Of course, I'm also one who doesn't like tons of buttons, either. I was perfectly happy with the NES controller. Once we started getting more than about 4 buttons and a d-pad, it became too annoying for me when I had to use those extra buttons. I'm okay using more on a keyboard, but I just don't like having to on a gamepad. That's just me. ;)
Shoddyan (15007) on 11/13/2006 6:58 PM · Permalink · Report
[Q --start Riamus wrote--]</center>Wildkard, you really need to cut down on all the remotes. Maybe we should send you to RCA ... Remote Controllers Anonymous. :D
* I wonder if that's where the real RCA got their name from.... [/Q --end Riamus wrote--]
I think it's Radio Corporation of America, as in they used to make radios (just like how that's what Radio Shack used to do) before all these neat and more profitable gizmos came along.
Anyway, I have 2 RCA remotes but they're not shown in that picture as it's cutting edge 1981 technology.