Perhaps you heard a loud rumbling sound several moments after our friend, Krazy Kutaragi, took the stage at the Sony E3 press conference and revealed what was, according to him, a big "secret" regarding the But there's no need to be pointing fingers and gyroscopic contraptions in an effort to blame one for stealing from the other. A better reaction would be to consider how the two devices compare, though the technical qualities are less important than the factors related to gaming. Consider that Nintendo's system has been built to utilize the more wobust wiimote right from the start, with every single game being created to take advantage of the primary controller in some way or another. The Sony press conference gave the impression that the opposite was true with the PS3, with Phil Harrison stating that Warhawk had been "adapted" to take advantage of the Dual Shake's newly announced abitlies. How late was the decision made to add the new functionality to the controller? My guess is that the idea can't have been implemented too long ago, as none of the other PS3 games at the conference seemed to make use of motion sensing. In which case it seems that, at least initially, the Wii wil simply have a greater quantity of games that boast integration with the unique controller. Given the increased development time, it's fair to expect Nintendo's first volley of games to be a good deal more intricate in those regards as well.
Sony's strategy of combining a traditional controller with a weird one is valid (it's an added feature, after all), but it may end up being more limiting, almost to the same degree that Nintendo's controller is limiting when it comes to traditional controls. While Nintendo's controller allows for more aerobic activities such as swinging a sword and aiming a gun (note the examples my violent mind immediately conjures up), the Dual Shake's design makes that sort of thing somewhat less practical. This not only puts a confinement on what developers can do, essentially forcing a balance between traditional and non-traditional controls, but puts Sony in an unpleasant position of being put alongside a competitor that's likely to have a much cheaper product. If you want to play unique games built upon motion sensing concepts, it's clear which system is the better choice (hint: the cheaper one).
On the other wand-waving hand, however, one could argue that those who prefer traditional games and have less interest in unusual mechanics would be far better off with a system that, in a sense, offers a glimpse of both worlds. As always, it boils down to the games and how well each system takes advantage of its specific capabilities. The Wii doesn't have much choice in that area, but the PS3 does run the danger of having a host of games that have tacked-on motion sensing functionality as opposed to more elaborate experiences. But then, the games on the PS3 don't depend on the controller nearly as much as Wii titles do. It'll be interesting to see which games will make the most out of the controllers they're given and we expect to be able to add more to this discussion after Nintendo's press conference tomorrow. Nothing stopping you from adding to it right now, though.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-09-2006 @ 8:21AM
Matt said...
Shameless thieving bastards.
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5-09-2006 @ 8:27AM
stapleboy said...
Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery. And, I have to say it: Sony has Wii-envy.
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5-09-2006 @ 8:42AM
Tommy G said...
Now now, calm down...
Getting angry about this is only going to give Sony what they want, which is for people to believe they have actually replicated the Wii's controller. Let's face it, they haven't. What they have done is the equivalent of them giving the PSP a second screen, and calling it "the new DS" - they're missing the point!
I say let them have their fun. Watch out for the little icon on the back of PS3 titles which will say "This game features 3D interaction". Watch how overlooked it becomes as gamers and developers realise the ultimate insignificance of what is essentially a 'done-before' gimmick.
Keep trying Sony, keep trying.
Incidentally, can anyone else smell desperation?
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5-09-2006 @ 9:09AM
lolersticks said...
Here's the thing, too. The Wiimote can sense it's position in a 3D space. The Dual Shake only senses tilt on a 2D plane (pitch, roll, yaw).
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5-09-2006 @ 9:11AM
Icupnimpn2 said...
It just seems to me that it will be very awkward if developers try to utilize all of the buttons on the face of the PS3 controller at the same time as the motion sensing is enabled. Also, your hands have to be in one particular, precise position in order to hold the Dual Shock. The whole affair looks uncomfortable to use. And it's not like you can flip a Dual Shock sideways and hold it comfortably in one hand to wave it like a wand.
Looking at it from an anatomical point of view, the Wii-mote allows you to use the wrist of one arm to control input with a minimum of motion. The Dual Shake or whatever requires you to use two wrists and your forearms at the same time because of how you have to hold the controller.
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5-09-2006 @ 9:29AM
Andy said...
in reality, the sony effort looks more like something Microsoft came up with almost 10 years ago. There was a Sidewinder control pad that had motion sensing in it and was bundled with some motorcross game. It kinda worked with that particular title, but, and I can speak from experience as I bought it, still wasn't particularly intuitive. It was something to do with having to hold it with two hands I think, it just didn't feel quite right.
I am sure the technology in the Sony effort is way more advanced than the MS effort, but I imagine the fact it's a regular, two handed controller with an additional tilting feature will cripple the scope of the concept, and in the Sony incarnation, will be quickly forgotton about.
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5-09-2006 @ 9:40AM
Loban said...
Guys, in now way is Sony copying the Wiimote. The Wiimote is WAY more complex and technologically advanced than the new PS3 controller. The Wiimote literally knows where it is in relation to a screen in all directions and also how the controller is oriented in 3d space with relation to the screen. It's the PS3 controller X 1000. And when we find out the nunchuck (spelling?) attachment can do the same thing (or at least some of it), then the PS3 controller truly becomes useless.
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5-09-2006 @ 9:47AM
Wayne Donaldson said...
It's no Wiimote, but it's good to see at least a little innovation on Sony's behalf. It rapidly makes the Xbox360 look last-gen already. The 360 has become 'just another console' while Nintendo lead the way in innovation and Sony drunkenly stumble after them.
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5-09-2006 @ 10:09AM
Peter-Paul said...
Like said before, the Wiimote can sense it's position and orientation in 3d space in relation to the screen. On top of that, it can sense movement and it's speed. The nunchuck attachment has motion sensing, too, albeit only tilting. Wich is exactly what the PS3 controller will have. So, in a nutshell, de wiimote is a 3d controller with a pitching attachment (though the controller itself features that same ability), whereas the PS3 controller is the pitching attachment ONLY, but with more buttons. Simple, eh?
And even non-gaming folks will see through PS3 'innovation'. Most people will realize Sony's been on the immitation tour (x-Bo.. eh PlayStation Live, the new revol... eh PS3 controller, etc.). The PS3 will still kick ass, but it isn't innovative and I'm NOT gonna buy it (come on, 600 bucks; you gotta be kidding me!).
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5-09-2006 @ 10:20AM
Loban said...
Yes, it's true the PS3 will still own, unfortunately. All the little punk kiddies and frat boys will see all the cool visuals and CGI on the commercials and HAVE to buy one. But just like most PS2 games, they'll get old quickly and want to buy another game. And just like that the PS3 will be a success even though no one really enjoys playing it, just like the PS2.
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5-09-2006 @ 10:30AM
jiggles said...
Sony's just like that self-concious kid who's desperately trying to fit in with everyone else. 360s gonna have crazy graphics, I'll get them too. Live service, get that too. Oh, nintendo has some motion detecting tech, and our old controller resembled primative australian weapons, lets tack on some motion sensing stuff too. Yeah! all the cool kids are gonna let me hang out with them now for sure...
This ladies and Gentlemen is the definition of a tool (the worthless kind not the useful kind)
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5-09-2006 @ 10:40AM
unreal mccoy said...
Everyone had a cow about the "Wii" name, but "Dual Shake?" Come, on... That's just as bad or worse...
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5-09-2006 @ 10:43AM
Tony said...
Even from Sony's own showing and wording, it's obvious the PS3 controller cannot do as much in terms of physical movement. I did enjoy how they stressed "no sensors" several times.
I think the main point of annoyance here is how it was approached. It's obvious the direct technology wasn't copied so much as the vague idea was. I figured it might happen if the Wii caught on, but not this soon. It was totally reactionary and nothing more. It was kind of a infomercial-esque "but wait there's more!!" during the show and the whole approach left a bad taste in my mouth.
Coupling this with one game being "adapted" (their words) for this control only further homes in the point that this was not a long standing idea. Hell, in a Eurogamer interview, a guy working on Warhawk right out says they've only officially known about the final PS3 controller for less than two weeks. That's a telling sign, isn't it?
The real problem here isn't for people who know what's going on. It's for the general layperson Nintendo is trying to go after. Sony is already carefully phrasing the controllers gyroscopic abilities in a way that makes it seem on equal footing as the Wii's.
People at E3 (and most who visit these sites) would have noticed the comparison right away and that they still offer very different functionality in the scheme of things. However, if a general consumer is shown two systems that allow for movement of the controller, I have to wonder if they'll notice much of a difference at all. Sony realizes this.
It's going to come down to what games use it better, though. If Warhawk and that horrid demo they showed are the signs of how prevalent and well implemented the system is, Nintendo would have nothing to worry about in the first place.
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5-09-2006 @ 11:48AM
Special_K said...
I'm worried that many laypeople will be swayed by Sony's ploys with the PS3. I see it happening this way: they buy it because it has "HD", which they don't understand, and can't use because they don't have an HDTV. Then, they see the Wii, hear the name, look at the controller and, without even contemplating the functionality, say "Bah! The PS3 has that, and it's got HD! Why would I buy that cheap Japanese knockoff?" The PS3's pricetag, coupled with the HD monacre could actually be a positive factor affecting PS3 sales- why buy some plasticky, toylike machine at a low price, when you can afford to spend twice as much on something that looks worse (though matte black) and is half as usefull? As Hanoi Hannah once said "It seems to me that most of you are poorly informed about the going of the war." They truly, truly are.
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5-09-2006 @ 2:59PM
Fort Max said...
I swear that Dual Shake is the name of a not particulary tasty beverage I once tried.
Spny have no shame, none whatsoever.
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5-09-2006 @ 7:11PM
Shiro said...
Is anyone else missing it? I'm not insulting anyone for ignorance or anything, I just want to point out that Sony is copying Nintendo's Nunchuk attachment, not the Remote part.
Remember how it's also got tilt sensers and that Accelerometer Whatcha-ma-doo-hicky? Yeah. That's where the stealing comes into play.
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5-09-2006 @ 7:14PM
Shiro said...
"It's no Wiimote, but it's good to see at least a little innovation on Sony's behalf. It rapidly makes the Xbox360 look last-gen already. The 360 has become 'just another console' while Nintendo lead the way in innovation and Sony drunkenly stumble after them."
Wayne Donaldson, you are my Hero, analogy-wise. I thought I had great analogies, but you have some skill yourself. xD
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5-09-2006 @ 7:29PM
Shiro said...
In other news, SONY HAS ACTUALLY HELPED NINTENOD MORE THAN HURT IT. I think this is what Nintendo may have meant when they said "Imitation is the highest form of flattery". Look at this post from Xbox360 Fanboy:
"Yeah, it is strange, but Sony just made me like the Wii more. I mean, apparently Nintendo is on to something with this crazy controller thing if Sony was willing to delay/invest even more into the PS3 to add this motion stuff. But $600 for the nice one, wow.
So, I could get a PS3 deluxe for $600
OR
I could get a 360 and Wii for maybe $550 to $650."
How about that? Only makes Nintendo look better in the eyes of core gamers.
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5-09-2006 @ 7:51PM
King Chris said...
Wait, isn't this why Nintendo was doing the wii-mote? to encourage change in the industry? so therefore Nintendo is succeding? I wouldn't exactly say that this is stealing, if it was the ultimate goal of Nintendo. I also agree that the name "dual shake" is much worse than Wii...
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5-09-2006 @ 9:28PM
Ryan said...
As much as I like the Wii controller, I can't help but wonder: Do you think we'll be able to use a Gamecube controller (at least the Wavebird because its wireless) for some of the games? I mean, the Wii is supposed to be backwards compatible with GC games, so why not the controllers too? Not just that, but I can't help but think it would be slightly awkward to play a game of Madden with the Wii controller.
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5-10-2006 @ 9:48AM
denny williams said...
i'm not of a mind to chose sides in the colsole wars and i'm not a Sony fanboy (even though i do like my PS2). that being said, i really don't give a rat's ass about this. i couldn't care less about who stole what from who as long as it enriches MY gaming experience. i'm excited about all 3 new consoles (already have a 360) and from my perspective, if this technology opens up new options for PS3 developers to make more interesting games- so be it.
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5-10-2006 @ 10:53AM
Loban said...
#14 Quote: "Bah! The PS3 has that, and it's got HD! Why would I buy that cheap Japanese knockoff?"
Ummmmm....Sony is Japanese too.
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5-10-2006 @ 3:27PM
Loban said...
To #20: Yes, you can plug the Gamecube controllers right into the top of the Wii. This was confirmed a long time ago. However, the wavebird does NOT work with the Wii due to the shape and size of the receiver you'd have to plug into the console.
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5-11-2006 @ 12:28AM
Duy said...
Yes, it's possible! I've heard that the new SSB will use the traditional GC controller due to the more combos that one has compared to the limited buttons on the Wii-mote. Is it true? I'm not sure. But alot of people are saying it.
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5-11-2006 @ 2:47AM
Ocin said...
To answer your question; Yes. The game Super Smash Brothers Brawl will be using the Game Cube controller.
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5-11-2006 @ 3:42AM
Kalvin said...
There will be ports for Gamecube controllers on the Wii, and several news sites have shown pictures of sort of a "retro controller" for it.
Just wanted to show you this, it made me laugh:
Ubisoft Director Shuns Sony
By Adam Edwards, main editor
Category: News » Nintendo » Sony » Wii » Playstation 3 » Industry
Creative director of Ubisoft Montreal, Clint Hocking had some harsh words for Sony?s system and attitude towards gaming innovation, and commended the Wii for its controller and Nintendo?s ideologies.
Mr Hocking asked in frustration ?How much more ?me too? can [Sony] be??, clearly making references towards Sony?s new gyroscopic controller, which is not dissimilar to the Wii remote.
Hocking went o to attack the industry as whole, saying it?s a ?fundamental problem of approach? to continue to push for stronger graphics, he said. He argued such an approach puts game developers in situations where they have to be factory workers. Assemble art texture here, model texture shades here. Repeat.
Hocking also proclaimed the uptake of HDTVs are so low that both Sony?s and Microsoft?s focus on the new visual technology wastes resources on art, which many gamers would dislike.
Hocking ended by saying how he liked the new Nintendo Wii controller and the new options it brought to developers, and how it would open their ?creative minds? to game development. Finally he stated that ?while graphics may add emotion, Wii?s new controller interface is more likely to bring emotion directly to the player.?
http://www.mozlapunk.net/homepage/?p=268#postcomment
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5-11-2006 @ 6:44AM
Hannah Banana said...
Man, you are indeed the epitome of the Nintendo fanboy, seeing as you're speaking for all of us.
Nintendo's beautiful trap: coming up with something truly innovative, keeping it top secret, delaying it so others would be too far ahead of their development to copy...or if they do copy, it would just look very shameless, funny and pitiful.
Well, it also seems that Sony's Dual whatever label is a euphemism for shameless plagiarism.
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