Nintendo Considering Creating Physical Controllers for Smartphones and Tablets

[thekeyring]

how about just for apple tv?

Super Mario Bros. or Mario Kart on the Apple TV would be great.
[doublepost=1467786492][/doublepost]

Hey, Nintendo might finally be listening to me!

Yeah I just got off the phone with Tatsumi and his parting words were 'thekeyring, tell madmic23 I owe him one'.

 

[aleksoctop]

I understand wanting to sell their own hardware, but only purists and Nintendo lovers buy 3DSs anyway.

Literally logged in just to say: Bull*hit. Utter bull*hit. Tons of people bought a 3Ds. I don't own a Wii, or a Wii U. I'm not a 'Nintendo lover'. Are you an Apple lover just because you prefer iPhones over Androids? Maybe because iOS is just better UX than Droid? This is the same for 3Ds. It is a great console with tons of awesome titles, and that kind of gaming you can't get on a flat iphone with no buttons. Maybe you're just not the target demographic - people who don't take themselves too seriously.

People suggesting here they release SMB, how exactly do you envision that people would operate it? On-screen arrows and buttons are bull*hit- why conceal the game you're playing? Moan moan why can't we bluetooth our PS3 and XBOX controllers - because it's not the intended experience of the game manufacturer, that's why. Why can't I run iOS on my toilet hardware?

 

[ikir]

Wii Party for AppleTV!!

 

[Spock]

You're not willing to support Nintendo because their 2011 handheld hardware isn't powerful enough to properly emulate 25-year old Super Nintendo software? That's really weird.

Yeah, pretty much. I have Super Mario World for the Game Boy Advance that was released in 2001 and it ran just fine but now Nintendo is telling me that the 2011 3DS isn't powerful enough? What about the Nintendo 2DS? It's current hardware that's still being sold and is also incapable of running the SNES software as well yet it still shows up in the market place. Sony released a mid cycle update to the Vita but the original Vita can still play current games and to my knowledge they haven't released anything exclusive to the newer system.

 

[0098386]

YES. This is the biggest reason gaming hasn't worked on mobile. Every controller currently available is subpar and overpriced. Give me a real controller with real games and I'll gladly pay ~$50 for the games like I do on my Wii U right now.

That would be nice, but for me the reason why I won't spend any real money on mobile games is that they die out so quickly. I'm currently playing a couple of GBA games that I bought when they launched, but due to backlogs I've only just got round to them.

Whereas when I bought my first iOS device 5 years ago, the games are either no longer available to redownload or don't work on iOS any more. Infact! The Pokedex app I bought has been removed from the App Store completely. Something I spent money on and can't even redownload it.

I'll stick to consoles for now. I just wish Apple would tidy up their ecosystem to make older software permanently available (like Steam).
[doublepost=1467803246][/doublepost]

Yeah, pretty much. I have Super Mario World for the Game Boy Advance that was released in 2001 and it ran just fine but now Nintendo is telling me that the 2011 3DS isn't powerful enough? What about the Nintendo 2DS? It's current hardware that's still being sold and is also incapable of running the SNES software as well yet it still shows up in the market place. Sony released a mid cycle update to the Vita but the original Vita can still play current games and to my knowledge they haven't released anything exclusive to the newer system.

Because it's emulation. If you have a hacked, older, 3DS and try running SNES games they are really choppy and unplayable. For the same reason my brand new £2000 Macbook Pro can't emulate a 2005 Xbox 360. Or how no-one has managed to emulate Sega Saturns correctly, or the sound chip on a Mega Drive.

Mario World on the GBA was a port, not an emulation. It's rebuilt specifically for that hardware. The 3DS can handle GBA games in hardware emulation mode but that means all 3DS functions switch off, and I imagine Nintendo aren't happy about that.

Nintendo 2DS is just another model of the 3DS hardware. It's not "newer" beyond a different enclosure. The Vita update was also just a new enclosure, but with (IIRC) more memory and a worse display. Console manufacturers have been doing this for decades. The New 3DS is the only one with exclusive software... unless you count the Gameboy Color as another minor update. That's the appeal of consoles. Your day 1 bought console will play the last made games for it.

 

[Spock]

That would be nice, but for me the reason why I won't spend any real money on mobile games is that they die out so quickly. I'm currently playing a couple of GBA games that I bought when they launched, but due to backlogs I've only just got round to them.

Whereas when I bought my first iOS device 5 years ago, the games are either no longer available to redownload or don't work on iOS any more. Infact! The Pokedex app I bought has been removed from the App Store completely. Something I spent money on and can't even redownload it.

I'll stick to consoles for now. I just wish Apple would tidy up their ecosystem to make older software permanently available (like Steam).
[doublepost=1467803246][/doublepost]

Because it's emulation. If you have a hacked, older, 3DS and try running SNES games they are really choppy and unplayable. For the same reason my brand new £2000 Macbook Pro can't emulate a 2005 Xbox 360. Or how no-one has managed to emulate Sega Saturns correctly, or the sound chip on a Mega Drive.

Mario World on the GBA was a port, not an emulation. It's rebuilt specifically for that hardware. The 3DS can handle GBA games in hardware emulation mode but that means all 3DS functions switch off, and I imagine Nintendo aren't happy about that.

Nintendo 2DS is just another model of the 3DS hardware. It's not "newer" beyond a different enclosure. The Vita update was also just a new enclosure, but with (IIRC) more memory and a worse display. Console manufacturers have been doing this for decades. The New 3DS is the only one with exclusive software... unless you count the Gameboy Color as another minor update. That's the appeal of consoles. Your day 1 bought console will play the last made games for it.

You have your opinion and I have mine. And as far as the Game Boy Color is concerned, it was an obvious update from the previous console and I can't remember many games exclusive to the Game Boy Color. I wouldn't be as upset if the games that weren't available to my console didn't show up in the eShop, that would probably soften the blow. And I don't have a bit of problem with new original games being released exclusively to the "New" 3DS that's how it works, but I do think the old 3DS should have been powerful enough to run SNES games at release.

 

[TomaxXamot]

Nintendo should go the way of Sega, and become a 3rd party gaming company. They would make so much money that it wouldn't even be funny if they market their games to PS4, AppleTV, Android/iOS.

The Wii U is garbage, bought it for my son and it drives him and me nuts that the gamePAD (FTFY) is a must for certain games.

Wrong- the GamePad is only required for a few games, ones that make excellent use of it- Super Mario Maker, Splatoon etc.

You lost all credibility right away with the Sega thing LOL
And whether you like it or not, the Wii U is nothing close to garbage.

 

[neoelectronaut]

You have your opinion and I have mine. And as far as the Game Boy Color is concerned, it was an obvious update from the previous console and I can't remember many games exclusive to the Game Boy Color. I wouldn't be as upset if the games that weren't available to my console didn't show up in the eShop, that would probably soften the blow. And I don't have a bit of problem with new original games being released exclusively to the "New" 3DS that's how it works, but I do think the old 3DS should have been powerful enough to run SNES games at release.

There were at least 57 "Game Boy Color Only" games released, and that's not including games that never left Japan. (And this list actually may not be complete.)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Game_Boy_Color-only_games

Gray carts worked on all Game Boys, Black carts worked on all Game Boys but had enhancements on the Game Boy Color, Clear carts worked ONLY on the Game Boy Color hardware.

And the original 3DS hardware just isn't powerful enough to properly emulate the SNES. Homebrew users have tried and the results aren't pretty.

 

[dampfnudel]

Exactly. All the hell Nintendo has to do is make a controller attachment for iDevices and give proper Nintendo full titles. Modern tablets and phones will smoke a 3DS, and games would look gorgeous on the Retina display. I understand wanting to sell their own hardware, but only purists and Nintendo lovers buy 3DSs anyway.

It looks like Nintendo is slowly getting the message that's it 2016, not 2006 or 1996. That's not to say their NX console couldn't bring some of their success back, but an effective smartphone/tablet/Apple TV strategy will be vital in the more likely event it's not. Personally, it's been 3 years since I last owned a Nintendo console. I traded in my Wii and PS3 for a PS4 in 2013. That same year I got rid of my DSi, never played it anymore once I got my iPhone 4S.

 

[TechZeke]

Literally logged in just to say: Bull*hit. Utter bull*hit. Tons of people bought a 3Ds. I don't own a Wii, or a Wii U. I'm not a 'Nintendo lover'. Are you an Apple lover just because you prefer iPhones over Androids? Maybe because iOS is just better UX than Droid? This is the same for 3Ds. It is a great console with tons of awesome titles, and that kind of gaming you can't get on a flat iphone with no buttons. Maybe you're just not the target demographic - people who don't take themselves too seriously.

People suggesting here they release SMB, how exactly do you envision that people would operate it? On-screen arrows and buttons are bull*hit- why conceal the game you're playing? Moan moan why can't we bluetooth our PS3 and XBOX controllers - because it's not the intended experience of the game manufacturer, that's why. Why can't I run iOS on my toilet hardware?

I agree that real buttons are superior, which is why they need to make a controller attachment if they bring over real nintendo titles. I like Nintendo titles, but now smartphone and tablet games on iOS have caught up in complexity. I have had loads of fun with some touch-base games. However, your rant about physical buttons shows you fall directly into my definition of purist - so I rest my case.

 

[Kaibelf]

No Super Mario Bros, no point. Why is this so hard?

When you own a company with valuable IP, you'll understand.

 

[neoelectronaut]

No Super Mario Bros, no point. Why is this so hard?

Selling Mario games for $40 to $60 vs. selling Mario games for free to 99 cents...hmm.

 

[vertsix]

Sell us the controller for $100, and classic NES, SNES, GB, GBA games for $5-10 a pop.

I'll be happy, and this is should be reasonable for you Nintendo.

 

[GeneralChang]

YES. This is the biggest reason gaming hasn't worked on mobile. Every controller currently available is subpar and overpriced. Give me a real controller with real games and I'll gladly pay ~$50 for the games like I do on my Wii U right now.

Have you tried the Steelseries Nimbus? Even just held one for a minute? That thing is fantastic quality, I prefer it to both the Xbox One controller and DualShock 4.

 

[drumcat]

When you own a company with valuable IP, you'll understand.

I fully understand their decision. I fully understand my position. The only part I don't understand is your desire to be pedantic.
[doublepost=1467837487][/doublepost]

Selling Mario games for $40 to $60 vs. selling Mario games for free to 99 cents...hmm.

Square Enix sells their games for $15-$21. Given they have no hardware to produce, they are still doing fine to value their IP and not playing in the 99¢ realm. Nintendo would be fine doing the same.

 

[Dennison]

It's time Nintendo. I applaud them for making their own hardware and software all of these years, which I agree is a strategy that works (and is why a certain company in Cupertino continues to be a favorite of mine), but it's time to evolve.

People don't want to carry two blocks of hardware around with them. My Nintendo 3DS is really only good for one thing: great games on the go. I usually leave it at home though, because it's too large to fit in my pocket and I don't want to have to carry it around.

A simple controller case for my iPhone seems like a fun alternative that would actually work. Nintendo should make their wildly popular IP available on more accessible software (and ultimately powerful hardware) like iOS and Android. It would be an admittance of defeat, even while the 3DS is selling well, but I think it's time.

 

[ILikeAllOS]

What good does this do if the only games they put out for iOS are things like Miimoto?

 

[LiveM]

Judging by the software, the Apple TV can't hold a candle to the Wii U, so let's not wish for Nintendo to stop making hardware in case it happens. Mario on Apple TV? Please, no.

 

[gumbyjunior1]

Can I have a Picard face palm here?
You just can't successfully implement a console controller on a smartphone..ever!

 

[drumcat]

Can I have a Picard face palm here?
You just can't successfully implement a console controller on a smartphone..ever!

False. There are several that are good. Besides the Nimbus, the CTRL i and mini are excellent.

 

[0098386]

You have your opinion and I have mine. And as far as the Game Boy Color is concerned, it was an obvious update from the previous console and I can't remember many games exclusive to the Game Boy Color. I wouldn't be as upset if the games that weren't available to my console didn't show up in the eShop, that would probably soften the blow. And I don't have a bit of problem with new original games being released exclusively to the "New" 3DS that's how it works, but I do think the old 3DS should have been powerful enough to run SNES games at release.

But we're talking about emulation. Emulation is never a smooth experience. Case in point: the SNES is (effectively) 3.58mhz. To emulate Super Metroid on my PSP I need to set its clock to 333mhz and even then there are hiccups. Nintendo would not be able to sell old games if they didn't run as well as they previously did.

Nintendo's main series had Gameboy Color exclusive titles - Zelda Oracle series, Pokemon Crystal, Mario Bros Deluxe, and a polished up version of Link's Awakening.

 

[sudo1996]

I'm not sure what this even means. "A New Gamecube"?

You know, everybody is welcome to their opinions and all, but saying that the "last great" Nintendo games being between 2004 and 2006 is probably objectively incorrect.

It's definitely objectively correct. And by "new GameCube," he probably means a console with regular controllers and new games that are actually good. I'd also like if that could play old GameCube games rendered at 4K. Emulators can do it, and 4K Melee looks amazing.

 

[SteveW928]

I think what they need to be doing is bringing their software library to the people who know how to make hardware. I suppose some Nintendo controller for an iPad, etc. *might* be as good as some of the other current 3rd party stuff, but if Apple, Sony, or even Microsoft every decide to get in the business of making controllers for iOS, I don't think there will be much of a comparison.

(Hint: Sony/Apple, please make a driver to use a DS3 or DS4 with iOS devices.)

 

[sudo1996]

Exactly. All the hell Nintendo has to do is make a controller attachment for iDevices and give proper Nintendo full titles. Modern tablets and phones will smoke a 3DS, and games would look gorgeous on the Retina display. I understand wanting to sell their own hardware, but only purists and Nintendo lovers buy 3DSs anyway.

No, the 3DS gaming experience is much better than on a phone. It has two large screens, which many games rely on, and really nice built-in controls. It also has the wonderful glasses-less 3D feature, which is probably fun for those who don't get a headache from it. The only downside is the resolution, as you mentioned, but it's already good enough to not really notice it in their cartoon-style games.

By the way, the 3DS has been selling very well, so there are plenty of Nintendo-lovers. Nintendo must make a ton of money from hardware and exclusive software sales. No reason for them to kill their platform and dilute their IP. Sega makes pennies selling iOS games, and their characters are jokes now. "Sonic? Isn't that the burger place? Oh, you mean Sanik."

 

[neoelectronaut]

It's definitely objectively correct. And by "new GameCube," he probably means a console with regular controllers and new games that are actually good. I'd also like if that could play old GameCube games rendered at 4K. Emulators can do it, and 4K Melee looks amazing.

Both the Wii and Wii U had great games. Super Mario Galaxy its sequel, released in 2007 and 2010 respectively are some of the best games ever etched to optical disc.

And Super Smash Bros for Wii U is the best Smash game to date.