Microsoft Working On Wiimote-Style Controller? (NintendoLife)

[R.O.B.]

When you run out of ideas, why not steal one from someone else?

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if that is the case then Nintendo must be feeling pretty flattered at the moment.

MTV has recently been contacted by a developer who says that Microsoft is working on a Wii-style controller for its 360 console, as well as a version of the ‘Mii’ avatar concept for Xbox Live Arcade.

The controller is rumoured to be similar to the Wiimote but lacks the ‘Nunchuk’ attachment; the developer (who understandably wishes to remain anonymous) in question has commented that Microsoft’s solution means the additional controller isn’t required.

To add insult to injury, former Nintendo bedfellow Rare has apparently been tasked with producing a game to showcase the abilities of this new peripheral but the veteran UK studio is having trouble keeping to deadlines. MTV’s source has stated that although the project is running slightly behind schedule, Microsoft expect to have something to show by the end of the year.

Couple this news with what we already know about Sony’s Sixaxis pad and it makes for rather depressing reading; can’t these companies come up with their own ideas for once?

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[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Why are Nintendo fans so possessive of the Wii's innovations? Nintendo code-named their console "Revolution" for a reason—because they wanted to change the way things work. It shouldn't be surprising that their highly successful idea is starting to catch on in the wider community.

Besides, this could be good news for the Wii. With the motion-based control scheme gaining popularity, many previously reticent developers are sure to warm up to the idea of developing material for the platform.

[Kenryoku_Maxis]

"To add insult to injury, former Nintendo bedfellow Rare has apparently been tasked with producing a game to showcase the abilities of this new peripheral but the veteran UK studio is having trouble keeping to deadlines."

I think the whole world just went into shock because Rare couldn't meet a deadline.

And as for motion control, Wiimote and even the whole 'less powerful graphics', they will all become standard next gen. If not just in Japan, in the whole console gaming market. You might actually see Nintendo themselves go for the more expensive hardware this next time based on name recognition and some kind of marketting ploy, although I'm sure they'd never sell their system over 300 dollars tops. 350 if they made some kind of amazing leap of technology over motion control.

[neuzd]

"When you run out of ideas, why not steal one from someone else?"

Was this guy aware that he was talking about Microsoft?
Running out of ideas? When did Microsoft ever had an original idea?

[Ajirikowic]

Originally Posted by neuzd

"When you run out of ideas, why not steal one from someone else?"

Was this guy aware that he was talking about Microsoft?
Running out of ideas? When did Microsoft ever had an original idea?

Ha...never. Microsoft, as well as Sony (kinda sony, but not as much as Microsoft), really like to steal ideas from Nintendo. Because they like the topic says running out of ideas...

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Ajirikowic

Ha...never. Microsoft, as well as Sony (kinda sony, but not as much as Microsoft), really like to steal ideas from Nintendo. Because they like the topic says running out of ideas...

I think neuzd's point is just as much that Microsoft has a long history of stealing ideas from companies like Apple. Sony at least has a respectable reputation in the home electronics department.

[Kenryoku_Maxis]

Originally Posted by Jogurt the Yogurt

I think neuzd's point is just as much that Microsoft has a long history of stealing ideas from companies like Apple. Sony at least has a respectable reputation in the home electronics department.

Well, as well as Microsoft's initial success stories, DOS and Windows, were suppose to be built off of stolen ideas.

But hey, just like on Trumps Apprentice, its not about how you run your business, its the end result. And Nintendo, eventhough they like to portray their nicer side quite often, are making some very direct statements about the market and their competitors and still raking in the dough.

Everyone has their own methods of 'ruthless' business. Nintendo is just more of a backseat method where they influence creativity but also spur other companies to 'be a part of the revolution or sit on the sidelines and see what happens'. Microsoft is more of a 'run in and take it over' method.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Kenryoku_Maxis

Well, as well as Microsoft's initial success stories, DOS and Windows, were suppose to be built off of stolen ideas.

i.e. Windows from Apple's GUI for the Macintosh, etc. Although, to be fair, I believe MS actually purchased DOS from another company.

[Spore]

So if this were to take off for Microsoft we would have a Wii that has a hard drive, good online service, and HD capabilities.

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by Spore

So if this were to take off for Microsoft we would have a Wii that has a hard drive, good online service, and HD capabilities.

And no good games.