TGS 2005: Miyamoto unveils Nintendo's Revolution controller

Legendary game designer gives GameSpot an early look at the key to Nintendo's console and offers a taste of the unique peripheral's promise.

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Though the Nintendo Revolution was partially unveiled at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, its controller is the final piece of the venerable hardware manufacturer's next-generation puzzle. Speculation about the device has run rampant, because its manufacturer has made a point of keeping it well hidden. Nintendo has chosen only to drop hints that it would be an integral part of the Revolution's unique gameplay experience.

Today, in his keynote address at this year's Tokyo Game Show, Satoru Iwata touched on those themes again, giving further clues about Nintendo's vision for the future, and how the Revolution's controller plays into that future.

Revolution Now

Witness the public unveiling and first demonstration of the unique controller for the Revolution.

Thankfully, GameSpot had the chance to gain a better understanding of what Nintendo is going for with the benefit of a visual and tactile aid--a working prototype of the Revolution controller. Yes, we touched it. Yes, we used it. But is it a "revolution"? It just might be.

Our guided tour of the Revolution controller was led by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, the industry legend whose talent has been one of the driving forces behind Nintendo's success. But, as always, he was his humble self, emphasizing that the day's presentation was about the possibilities of the controller and not his own upcoming projects. With that disclaimer, Miyamoto and the assembled Nintendo Japan reps unveiled the long-awaited controller, a modest-looking device that is low on flash, but big on functionality.

Miyamoto noted that the impetus for the controller design came from Nintendo's desire to do something "different" after hearing user feedback on consoles. The company felt the current generation of machines was coming close to overwhelming players by taking up too much space in their living rooms and creating briar patches of cables that must be navigated. As a result, Nintendo wanted to offer a solution that starts simple but supports expansion and that offers accessible experiences for casual players and more intricate experiences for hardcore gamers.

The form factor on display wasn't the absolute final design for the Revolution controller, and Nintendo reps noted that it is still a work in progress. That said, it was enough to give us an idea of where the company is headed. The controller itself bears no resemblance to the myriad fan-generated renderings purporting to be the real deal. The unit basically looks like a slim, ergonomic television remote that's about as long as your hand.

As can be seen in the images released today, the controller features core elements along with some you wouldn't expect. A power button at the top left of the unit appears to let you power the Revolution console on or off. An old-school digital D pad rests just below the power button. A large GameCube-controller-style A button is prominently placed below the D pad. Its counterpart B button is located on the opposite side of the remote, like the Z button on the Nintendo 64 controller. Directly below the A button is a series of three buttons: select, home, and start. While it's easy to guess what they do, Nintendo reps offered no details on their exact function.

Below the select, home, and start buttons is another set of vertically aligned buttons labeled X and Y. On some of the prototype controllers we looked at, the X button had a small "B" next to it and the Y button had a small "A" next to it, indicating that the controller can be held sideways to approximate a classic NES controller. Directly beneath those buttons is a horizontal row of colored lights that indicate which controller slot the owner is using--1 to 4 are planned at the moment. The plan is for the controllers to include built-in rumble packs and to run off of batteries, à la the Wavebird for the GameCube.

Finally, the base of the controller features a unique plug that lets you make use of a wide variety of peripherals. One such peripheral is an analog stick attachment with two shoulder buttons labeled Z1 and Z2. Though it gives the combined items an odd, nunchaku-like appearance (which is actually Nintendo's tongue-in-cheek nickname for it), the add-on demonstrates the controller's versatility. The analog stick peripheral will come included with the Revolution hardware, with other attachments to follow in the future. While Miyamoto didn't say much else about what other attachments were in the works, he did note that it's theoretically possible to have entirely different configurations plug into the port--which got us thinking about SNES and N64 controller attachments.

One of the most interesting features of the peripheral is tied to its functionality as a "pointing device." A glossy section of the top of the controller houses a transmitter--much like any remote would have--that was used extensively in the demos we saw. The signal from the unit is picked up by sensors you'll place near your television, which will then reflect your actions on the screen. Based on the responsiveness of the demos that we tried, this feature has the potential to turn the entire base controller unit into a new kind of pointing device. It also has great potential applications for sports games, such as laser-pointer-style play calling.

Overall, despite its unorthodox appearance, the Revolution controller has a comfortable feel. The assorted demos on hand also indicated that playing Revolution games will be a more active, physical experience than playing current-generation games. Whether you're using the pointer mechanic to actively control onscreen action or using two hands to take advantage of attachments, the Revolution controller will likely change how games are played.

Will the change the Revolution heralds be successful? It's too early to say for sure. But given Nintendo's well-documented history of breaking new ground in gaming (such as the DS) we're game to see just how this all pans out. The potential for a revolution is there; Nintendo just has to lead the way with software.

Come back to GameSpot for more on the Revolution controller and system in the coming months. For a more-detailed breakdown of Miyamoto's demo of the Revolution controller, visit GameSpot Hardware.

50 Comments

  • carljohnson3456

    Posted May 31, 2008 2:08 pm PT

    "Slaughtahouse look at all the people who are scared about the future of nintendo lol , they some how pulled it off and there now back on top , not saying that they ever lost that spot in the first place."

    lol It's incredible, I doubted the Wii too, but look at it now. Signing this thing almost feels like a time capsule, you'll know people will come back later and look at these posts and say, "Wow, that's what gaming was like before motion control".

  • Slaughtahouse

    Posted Apr 21, 2008 1:11 pm PT

    look at all the people who are scared about the future of nintendo lol , they some how pulled it off and there now back on top , not saying that they ever lost that spot in the first place.

  • Lunar52

    Posted Feb 11, 2008 1:41 am PT

    first comment in almost 2 years

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:51 am PT

    hmmmm

  • sinceps1

    Posted Feb 19, 2006 8:23 pm PT

    One more thought. The new freehand controller is truly futuristic. It certainly is sad, that alot of people will get "stuck in the past" because they won't even touch it because of what they're used to. This controller should have been made a long long time ago.

  • sinceps1

    Posted Feb 19, 2006 8:20 pm PT

    For sure. The Japanese are way smarter than Ugly' Americans. Or stupid americans, who can't even come up with a comparable home console for themselves(aka. the -xbox). 360 is shaping up but I just hope that the market doesn't flock just because of shiny graphics. And BTW the Revolution will probably be better on a regular tv than the 360. Even though it isn't High def.

  • Sparda177

    Posted Jan 24, 2006 3:42 pm PT

    I am pissed at all of the morons who make fun of Nintendo, first of all the DS also looked strange so I got a PSP instead.....I REGRET GETTING A PSP OVER A DS...I littererary NEVER use my PSP......man the guys at sony really are stupid......look at Japan they like Nintendo more......why do you think they are smarter than Americans.....think about it but try not to hurt yourself P.S. Im not Japaneise

  • Kbs64

    Posted Jan 22, 2006 12:09 am PT

    why is everyone dogging on Nintendo when they don't even know what the system can do yet? No one know whats going on in Nintendo's Big head. But stop saying "crap". Come on People.. Where's the Respect??? Quite Hating!!!

  • boo_dat

    Posted Jan 19, 2006 1:09 pm PT

    Hey Nintendo! Remember when you were on top of the world? Remember when you ruled the skies and controlled the tide with your hand? Remember how the universe was at your fingertips? Why did you screw yourselves over Nintendo? Why? I beg of you...please stop the madness! Bring back the glory and honor to this name! Before you commit a murder suicide, would you please think of the children! Would someone PLEASE think of the children!

  • jettokisora

    Posted Jan 18, 2006 5:36 am PT

    You guys need to keep in mind that the Nintendo DS may double as a controller for the Revolution. It's not as if this is the only controller you can use, though I suspect once you use it, you'll realize that Nintendo knows what it's doing...

  • DS-man

    Posted Jan 17, 2006 6:07 am PT

    This controler looks awesome, i see alot of people dissing it, dont forget its a Nintendo Design, and they've never let no one down with it, i dought the controler will be rubbish, but yet awesome, with a great, new, Unique way of playing games!.

  • shenbaraa

    Posted Jan 16, 2006 11:56 pm PT

    u can always count on nintendo if u want a new VGing life ...

  • krono62

    Posted Jan 16, 2006 3:37 pm PT

    I must say I've been a big fan of Nintendo for quite some time....I am especially a Zelda nut...Can't get enough of the series really. Though at first I must admit I thought 'Wow...I don't want to use that.' But then I realized just how good it could be and how much it could change the gaming world. Games like Metroid will benefit from such a design, Hell even Zelda can be improved greatly with this design. I also noted that the ports will support the Gamecube controller, not to mention the 'remote' will be able to plug into a 'normal' controller. Together with this and being able to play everything up to NES games and on line play using WI-FI....it can give the 360 and PS3 a run for their money. I'm looking forward to the new innovations and standards that Revolution will be able to set and make.

  • schoeale

    Posted Jan 16, 2006 8:04 am PT

    lukasz_erecinsk you are an idiot. Don't you read the other articles. First of all the console has the best looking design of all three and the controller makes for amazing posibilities. Lastly the REV will support online play with WIFI.

  • lukasz_erecinsk

    Posted Jan 13, 2006 9:57 pm PT

    I will not buy the new Nintendo no matter what - the controller and the overall console seem to be truly crap. Besides it will not support HD !!! nor will it support online gaiming - in other words this nintendo is going to be just as bad as the previoues one !

  • craziekev

    Posted Jan 12, 2006 1:33 pm PT

    You know i really dont know y people dis things before they come out. if the people at nintendo make something that looks different people jump on it and say crap about it first thing. If they make and using it already im pretty sure that it will be good. All i can say i cant wait for this new system to come out because its backwards compatible so i can play all those classic game that i have always played, as well as the new ones. I'm always looking for change and this looks like an awsome way to do it. GOOD JOB NINTENDO! and gamespot for putting this and other great info that we nintendo fans like to hear.

  • big_1_4u

    Posted Jan 6, 2006 8:27 am PT

    this is ridiculous

  • flame17

    Posted Jan 5, 2006 5:27 pm PT

    PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS THE ONES THAT CANT FIGURE OUT This is sensor motion people just look let me tell you how they talk " Oh im only going to look at the pictures and figure out how am I aupposed to pick my nose with it" thats how you retards talk and do ,you can stick a gamecube controller in the revolution and besides there not done there probably going to make two types of controls probably for the third party games this is basicly the third party remote.

  • Stu_ponk

    Posted Jan 4, 2006 1:48 am PT

    Take an N64 controller and saw it just to the right of the Start button?
    Imagine what that feel like in your hands. I need somthing more sturdy; as that would feel as if i were not holding anything, my arms would flail about.

  • pinoyconcept

    Posted Dec 30, 2005 5:14 am PT

    man imagine playing all those first person shooting games and zelda games man!!! like actually using a sword to kick ganondorf's ass!! crazy!!! oh it seems that you can plug in a gc controller on the rev's controller port

  • kinghitchhiker

    Posted Dec 28, 2005 1:00 pm PT

    The controller lloks good. you play tv with a remote... i dont know how people can say it will be a piece of crap when they haven't used it. IM not saying it wont be a piece of crap, but hey i think it looks pretty cool. way to think outside the box, nintendo.

  • dgroundwater

    Posted Dec 28, 2005 10:59 am PT

    Its so cool...

  • pathosis

    Posted Dec 27, 2005 2:28 pm PT

    Lets face it, the Game Cube is not doing too hot. Sure it has some great games but the overall apeal for the console is pretty small especialy in comparison to the Sony Playstation. And this is not my opinion, these are facts based on the numbers of buyers. Bringing out new hardware for the console may be a good thing....However, it maybe a bad thing too. Its really up to the consumers if they'll buy into the gimmick or not. This controler is already getting mixed reviews which is actually good publicity for Nintendo. But how will this controler feel when comparing a paticular game that may also be available to the other Next Gen Consoles? Will this controller alienatate the other Next Gen Console players to even wanting to pick up this console? When it comes to it, will there be any games that will put this controler to its full use or will it just work like a regular controler thus making it a pointless gimmick. Who knows. Thats why I feel this is a big risk for Nintendo. It will either make them or break them. I think most of us here will agree, that Nintendo should be more concerned on the Games that should be produced instead of what is already considered a dubious controler. The lack of Game titles has been an issue with the Gamecube and should be be on the top of Nintendos list as being High Priority. There will also be an optional controler sleeve that you can put this "remote" in so that it will play like a Gamecube controler and thus adding more accessories for the console. Sorry....I just don't know what to make of all of this. I'm sure many here will disagree with what I just said, its just that all I want from Nintendo is more games not a wierd controller. Maybe some brand new exclusive Nintendo titles not another Mario sports/puzzle game. They can't just keep making Metroid, Zelda and Mario forever (even though those are great games) Nintendo needs something fresh for the players to sink their teeth into...Am I wrong???

  • LeBrad

    Posted Dec 26, 2005 11:39 am PT

    This is why I love Nintendo. They sent the standard layout for controllers produced today; but they aren't content with sitting back and following the trend they started. It's a nice wake-up call to the other developers, that follow this formula thinking that change will scare off the masses.

    But, I guess Microsoft and Sony are content with the slobbering hordes that care about graphics over innovation. Shame, that.

  • Michiganfn1

    Posted Dec 25, 2005 8:39 pm PT

    Im not sure about this..... It looks pretty stupid but ya know what? Ill try most everything...... I dont know maybe it will be sweet! Who knows i hope its the most sucessful of the new systems because id really hate to see Nintendo go like this...... Plus i just plain hate the sony ppl. Jerks. Anywho i hope this works for the best! Fruits on here are soooo bias.

  • Phantom_Ninja

    Posted Dec 25, 2005 2:05 am PT

    Hmmm a remote huh... Well i guess ever since they F-Up with the GameCube they had to try something to get them back up there, im guessing that this controller was there idea

  • chino_mangibin

    Posted Dec 22, 2005 8:57 pm PT

    the remote really is the worst thing ive ever seen in a controller. i mean how would you play a game with a remote?!?!!!!!!!!!

  • ytdhjnfgbvfjvgd

    Posted Dec 22, 2005 3:25 pm PT

    Another Nintendo console? Great work Nintendo.

  • networkpunk

    Posted Dec 21, 2005 7:36 pm PT

    wait a sec,when the hell is revolution supposed to come out?

  • eiknarf05

    Posted Dec 21, 2005 3:12 pm PT

    im reserving mine today.

    yes, i can reserve today @ Game Crazy

  • Brandonh

    Posted Dec 21, 2005 2:47 am PT

    Holy Crap that SUCKS!

    Has it ever occured to Nintendo that their 'Revolutionary" Designs (Controllers, mini disks, etc.) Never work. Nintendo is failing... I remember when they had the best games ever... then Gamecube just completly demolished Everyone's hard work. Mario Sunshine was a huge disgrace. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was the biggest slap in the face to the Donkey Kong Series. I CANR WAIT TO SEE WHAT LOAD OF crap NINTENDO WILL UNVEIL NEXT!

  • skyfolk22

    Posted Dec 20, 2005 11:34 pm PT

    IU think the controller looks like a peice of crap, all im thinking is how the hell am i suppose to play smash bros on that crap. i just dont think you get the stability needed for a game like smash bros

  • Brunofelipe

    Posted Dec 20, 2005 5:22 am PT

    "A Nintendo tem os jogos mais perfeitos,legais e viciates do mundo,mas não digo isso por que sou fã da Nintendo mas sou fã da Nintendo por causa disso

  • violentmonkey

    Posted Dec 19, 2005 1:35 pm PT

    the controller is awsome! So futuristic. Can't wait till the final product comesout.

  • maquefort

    Posted Dec 19, 2005 11:56 am PT

    Brilliant! And seemingly a lot more to expect in the future as well. Can hardly wait to hear more! I think and hope that this truly will be a revolution.

  • theultimate003

    Posted Dec 18, 2005 10:03 pm PT

    This is great! I really liked the sensor on the front. This controller seems like it can be used for many new and innovative things especially with the expansion port. Also, I would like to say that many of the people who think this controller is a horrible design are merely afraid of change.

  • bossyj1234

    Posted Dec 18, 2005 4:48 pm PT

    The controller looks really cool. I think it is a good idea to have various add- ons that are optional. Nintendo is going to rock this generation!

  • Rmurillo

    Posted Dec 18, 2005 10:50 am PT

    the controller looks like its difficult to use and resembles a tv remote. Nintendo is sad!

  • MasterChief2828

    Posted Dec 17, 2005 4:49 pm PT

    THE CONTROLELR IS A PEICE OF CRAP WHY IS IT A FREAKIN REMOTE!? ITS NOT FOR GAMING >:O RAWR!! raw rmuahahah

  • kollin_1

    Posted Dec 15, 2005 5:58 pm PT

    The controller looks pretty frickin' sweet. I'm reserving this system ASAP man. Looks like they've got some pretty good games in the works too. Quick question, why does everyone use BS "internet lingo" like "LOL OMG LOL!" "ROTFLMAO!" because way too many people use it on here.

  • FarCry194

    Posted Dec 15, 2005 3:49 pm PT

    Nintendo is going to suck so bad this generation, just like they did with the gamecube. Not only is the controller terrible, but I heard that Nintendo is saying that the revolution's graphical power is just like "a souped up XBOX".
    WTF????

  • owner211

    Posted Dec 14, 2005 5:47 pm PT

    contoller thingy is really good and stuff

  • clutzyaj

    Posted Dec 14, 2005 3:15 pm PT

    Good, no more stupid user creations and no more having to fumble over controling the games. Nice. Thanks for this, Gamespot.

  • zackw222333

    Posted Dec 14, 2005 2:40 pm PT

    Wow the controller looks good. Good thing thay put this up, i missed it last time! Thank you gamespot!^_^

  • gsg92

    Posted Dec 13, 2005 9:42 pm PT

    I caant wait

  • XxXDarkOwnerXxX

    Posted Dec 13, 2005 1:48 pm PT

    interesting "thing"? funny it don't look to be good for gaming :/ lol but i want to try it maybe i get a feeling for gameing whit it hehe

  • jono128

    Posted Dec 10, 2005 5:38 pm PT

    Why is this on the tech page again? Old news.

  • GBAGB

    Posted Dec 10, 2005 3:55 pm PT

    wow what abunch of crap above me

  • Sold1er543

    Posted Dec 9, 2005 5:56 pm PT

    wow what a bunch of crap.

  • slippers957

    Posted Nov 22, 2005 6:19 am PT

    This is great news!

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