News
Xbox working on Wii-style controller?
Michael French Apr 8 2008, 10:57am
Comments (8)
MTV report also claims Rare is developing Mii-like system of digital avatars for 360
An anonymous development source claims to confirmed to MTV a long-running point of industry rumour and speculation: that Microsoft plans to introduce its own Wiimote-styled controller
"Microsoft's response to Nintendo's Wii will appear before the end of the year," says the report, which adds that the Xbox 360 motion-sensing device has been in the works since last summer.
According to MTV's source, Microsoft's effort is similar to Nintendo's but boasts an analogue stick and microphone built in, and doesn't require a Nunchuck plug-in extra.
Meanwhile the report adds that UK-based Rare "has been tasked with creating a unified interface and look for the controller" but "has had trouble hitting its deadlines".
Microsoft is said to be looking to unite both the Wii's more accessible styles of play with its own more hardcore gamer-oriented, and is specifically saying that developers will best appreciate the fact that games for the Nintendo console can be ported to the 360.
An Xbox spokesperson told MCV that the story was "just rumour and speculation".
Comments
“Rare working on Mii/ PS Home style avatars”
Posted by: Ryu - Apr 8, 12:26pm
The full details of the MTV reports say that Rare have been tasked with creating Mii style avatars. It sounds like Microsoft who poured scorn on the whole avatar concept actually have done a 180 with the 360!
I hope they dont rush it because it will not compare favourably to PlayStation Home or Mii avatars.
It sounds like Microsoft are losing focus. They are pursuing the mass market but are going in too many different directions. Somethings gonna break, and Im not talking about the xbox 360. ;)
“innovation...”
Posted: Apr 8, 12:27pm
Well if it's true it yet again goes to show the complete lack of innovation by Microsoft. They can't come up with any ideas of their own, they just steal others. I hope Nintendo lawyers are ready...
“Re: innovation...”
Posted by: No one important - Apr 8, 12:40pm
Microsoft did motion control years ago. If there was any patent litigation to be had, MS would have dumped on Nintendo before the Wii even got out of the door.
“Re: innovation...”
Posted by: Skiffs. - Apr 8, 6:42pm
"Well if it's true it yet again goes to show the complete lack of innovation by Microsoft. They can't come up with any ideas of their own, they just steal others. I hope Nintendo lawyers are ready..."
OMG ROFL ZOMG! Microsoft are teh evils! $ony is king, all hail $ony..
Can you say 'Fanboy?'
Of course microsoft are going to try and follow suit with motion detection, it's what has been proven to be what gamers want now. When gamers wanted HD gaming, and wireless connectivity, they brought us the 360, and have continued to add improvements according to demand.
No, I'm not a Microsoft fanboy either, I dislike many things about them, and recognise Sony for their merits as much as all other companies.
Go back to Gamefaqs and other gaming message boards fanboys, this is a place for industry types to come and discuss industry related news, not blabber about which console/company is better than the others.
“Re: innovation...”
Posted by: scottmpamp - Apr 8, 7:54pm
Well said Skiffs.
In MS defense, is not Xbox Live innovative ?
Was not Sony's six-axis controller a lack of innovation in response to the Wii ?
No - I'm not a fanboy either, but as with every other industry there will always be somebody that "innovates" first, and if successful this will be copied as much as possible within trademark/patents etc by the competition.
It does not make the other company evil - just responding to a change in tastes in the market which is what any succesful business should do.
“Re: innovation...”
Posted by: Brian - Apr 8, 11:57pm
Heh heh. I remember sitting in an all-hands meeting at EA Chertsey, and Larry Probst asked for questions and comments. Muggins here put up his hand and said "I just cant get on with the PS2 style controllers- its time EA thought about doing an innovative user interface device for games, we're about the only company big enough to do it outside the console manufacturers"...
I got a metaphorical pat on the head and he swiftly moved on.
All new ideas get scorn until someone does it, then everyone jumps in.
“Re: innovation...”
Posted: Apr 9, 12:23pm
I'm sorry I must have missed something... Point 2 mentions Nintendo, (the article itself describes the mysterious new controller as a Wiimote clone) yet posters 4 and 5 above start calling poster 2 a Sony fan boy!!! How does that work??... You sad people are clearly the only true fan boys present (Xbox ones no doubt) and think any slightly negative argument against Microsoft is instantly the work of some evil Sony fan boy....
You guys have completely lost the plot.
“Re: innovation...”
Posted by: Chronolemon - May 12, 9:40am
as long as theyre within boundarie as was said earlier, there is no problem with a little bit of idea bouncing between companies. i say go ahead mS. sorry if that wasnt valid i dont post alot can you tell? :)