
There are still some that bemoan the fact that the Nintendo Revolution became the Wii; it's an interesting perspective to take, as it's quite likely the console would have been hobbled by a clunkier name. Think about how iconic the brand became, right from the start, with Wii Sports. Would Revolution Sports have had the same ring to it? Remember, also, that Nintendo's reasoning was to pick a name that was pronounced the same worldwide and would portray fun through its simplicity and the very sound itself. It just worked.
Revolution was a terrific codename, nevertheless. As Satoru Iwata explained at the time of its reveal the console was all about changing how we play games and, in the process, making them accessible to an entirely new group of gamers. In many respects the DS started it with its touchscreen, but few gaming experiences are as instinctive as bowling or playing tennis on the Wii. That simple act, the illusion of recreating familiar actions in a game (prior to the added precision of Wii MotionPlus the effect was relatively illusory) captured the imaginations of millions of gamers. In the case of Wii and beyond, 'gamer' has meant a wider demographic than it did in past generations.
Of course, with the cleverness of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk there were some negatives, namely plastic tat accessories and some waggle-tastic games that were sloppy, to put it generously. Nevertheless the positives easily outweighed the negatives; not only did the Wii generation bring more people into gaming, but it gave us terrific controls in some 'core' games; just play Metroid Prime Trilogy to see how handy the pointer and Nunchuk setup can be. There was also the rather simple Classic Controller / Pro too, which clipped into a Remote and served as a basic conventional controller.

The Wii U, for its part, ditched simplicity for variety. Out of the box it offered the GamePad, which was full of a lot of tricks and in theory blended the best of the DS, Wii and 3DS into one. Motion controls, a touchscreen / second screen, physical button inputs including dual analogue sticks (which was missing in the default Wii control options) and a bit of amiibo scanning as a bonus. When used well the GamePad was a triumph, offering asynchronous multiplayer but also a pleasing dynamism to single player games, such as the real-time inventory management in ZombiU. In fact, a complaint with the Wii U edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is that the initially-teased use of the controller for a dynamic map and so on was dropped in favour of accommodating the single-screen limitations of the Nintendo Switch.
The confusion with Wii U, some suggested, was with less savvy consumers eager for multiplayer gaming. As the system supported most Wii controllers and struggled to distinguish itself as a new brand its identity became a mess. Nintendo enthusiasts would dig out old Wii Remotes etc easily enough, but those that hadn't been Wii gamers and didn't follow games media may have been left a tad baffled by what controllers to buy. This writer doesn't entirely agree that was an issue, but some did make that point back in 2012 / 2013; the Wii U's identity crisis, we'd suggest, went much further than branding on Remotes.
In any case, what's intriguing as the Switch settles in is just how flawlessly it resolves a number of those 'issues'. In creating a new line of hardware there are no branding concerns, for one thing. Plus, the obvious point is that the Joy-Con controllers have changed the game, and play an integral part in the whole concept of 'switching' beyond the obvious hook of going from portable to TV play. There's a reason that rumours - we suspect with little real foundation at this stage - are doing the usual rounds saying that Sony are contemplating a Switch-like concept. That seems like a longshot considering the priorities the likes of Sony and Microsoft have in the gaming market, but the point is that Nintendo has found a way to deliver impressive flexibility that turns heads, and the Switch controllers are key to that.

As many point out the idea of detachable controllers is hardly new - many clip-on controllers of various shapes and types have been released for smartphones and tablets over the years. The key point for Switch is that the mechanism for attaching and detaching is solid and is designed not as an optional feature, but as integral to the concept. Equally key is what the Joy-Con can do, which is pretty much everything. The right Joy-Con can scan amiibo, while both have physical inputs to suit vertical or horizontal control schemes, along with motion controls and HD Rumble. The pack-in Grip then turns them into a conventional controller, albeit one with the same tricks of rumble and motion. As a result, a simple slide and click motion with the left and right Joy-Con allows Remote-style gaming or, alternatively, a standard dual-stick controller. The recently shown off control options for ARMS highlight this flexibility rather nicely. Let's not forget that key selling point, of course, that the Joy-Con provide Remote-style multiplayer out of the box for various games; a downside, some suggest, is that some consumers may think this will apply for all games, whereas multiplayer in something like Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition needs two sets of controllers.
Beyond that Nintendo has finally brought the Pro Controller up to speed. With the Wii Classic Controller / Pro and the Wii U Pro Controller we lacked some functionality from the primary controllers for each console. The Switch equivalent is pricey, for sure, but it delivers pretty much all the core features of the Joy-Con (aside from functioning as a pointer) - it was pleasing at early preview events in January when a game like Splatoon 2 was demoed with the Pro Controller. Whatever controller sets you buy as extras, in other words, they all share the same impressive feature-set. Of course let's not forget the console's touchscreen, either, which does open the door for portable-only games and apps, such as Voez. It wouldn't be surprising to see the role of the touchscreen expand in months and years to come.

When Nintendo pitched the Nintendo Switch in January, part of its presentation highlighted the system as an evolution from 30 years+ of home console hardware design from the company. It's an intriguing point, and it can be argued that it also incorporates core ideas and principles from Nintendo's history of portables; after all, Switch is a hybrid; its design also plays into very current trends. The tablet form factor of the system makes it immediately familiar and interesting to a huge audience, as we all interact with smart devices such as phones and tablets on a daily basis.
It's going to be fascinating to see whether the initial interest and high demand for the Switch converts into impressive and long-term success; we don't yet know, of course, whether it will be a Wii-scale success or whether there are struggles ahead. Early signs are good, but it's never wise to get over-confident.
Nevertheless, there's reason for optimism. As a system the Switch seems to intrigue and draw in consumers from a broad spectrum. The sheer variety of how we'll be able to play and experience games over the next few years plays into that wide-reaching appeal. Nintendo has smartly (like in the past and similarly to hardware rivals) used familiar technology, allowing third-parties to also contribute. We saw lots of interest today in the news that 8Bitdo pads have been updated to support Switch, for example, which is great for those that want to recreate nostalgic retro-style experiences.
https://twitter.com/DamienMcFerran/status/867038972198912001
Moreso than Wii, Wii U or indeed consoles from before the days of mainstream motion and touch controls, the Switch delivers a truly dynamic and diverse set of control options. It's easy to forget at this early stage, especially as many of us have young games collections that use 'standard' controls, but in the months and years to come more games and apps will show off the diversity of how we can play games on the Switch. From handing out Joy-Con controllers for a bit of local multiplayer, to swinging our arms around or maybe opting for a third-party retro pad for some nostalgia, we'll be able to do it all on Switch.
And that, we suggest, is rather exciting.
Comments 25
"Wii would like to play!"
Well the 8bitdo controller support is great... Unless Nintendo pulls a sick move and disables third party controller support for "security purposes"
Just give me that HRAP and I'll be all set!
...Also does that tweet have a SNES controller as how SFII is supposed to be played? Say wha?
Soo.....
I wonder if Next Switch updates will allow us to use Wii U gamepad / Wii motes + Nunchuck / Wii Classic or Pro controller.
And here I was thinking SFII was supposed to be played with 6 buttons and a joystick
Edit: Damn, I should check the comments before posting.
@Ryu_Niiyama its one of the 8bitdo controllers that now work with the switch. But since the dpads on the standard switch options are less than ideal... i guess its kinda defeating to true
The Wii U's whole controller situation was a total fiasco. The Switch's does seem a little more elegant at least.
As long as I don't have to use motion controls ever, I can't complain too much about the Switch's setup. Give me the simple, relaxing, responsive, reliable tactility of buttons any day. (Though I do like touch-screen controls and I'm glad they're still part of Switch, even if they're de-emphasised)
For me, motion controls are like spiders. I'm disgusted and terrified by them when I see them, but I guess they're OK as long as they stay in their own area.
@MagnaRoader If Nintendo disables their use I'll be one of those unhappy customers. I just bought some specifically to use with the Switch.
@MarcelRguez Internet High five!
@WillTheLion I too bought one today for this reason, only to remember Sony pulling a similar dick move as I mentioned on the ps4. I just hope Nintendo realizes the potential of these controllers and makes some kind of partnership with 8bitdo. One could dream lol
I hope brooks converter is working on something that will let me use my PS4 Madcatz TES+
@MagnaRoader I agreed and think they will make that D- Move
I could just used these on my retro pie once they get patched out but I dont really need more retro pie controllers right now
It's funny when I think of how much like my original controller design the Joy-Con are:
And, I came up with this design before the original Wiimote was even shown (over 12 years ago); I even submitted it to an IGN article at the time:
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2005/08/24/predicting-the-revolution-reader-submissions?page=6
The modified version of my controller, which I also created at the same time as the original design, is even cooler too imo (and has a few additional features):
In a parallel universe I'm a multi-millionaire right about now.
PS. Love those two SNES wireless controller from 8Bitdo. That's pretty much what I wish for on the SNES Classic Edition, along with the option to attach a controller cord so I can use them fully wired with zero lag too.
@MagnaRoader I don't think they will do that.There's been loads of 3rd party controllers compatible with Nintendo consoles over the years.I can't think of any reason why they would be against these ones.
@impurekind Your thumbs-up grip is basically the controls for ARMS....12 years in advance.Very nice work Kirk.
Love these kind of articles. A genuine non-sarky question, you say, "Switch seems to intrigue and draw in consumers from a broad spectrum."
Can you substantiate this? Has Switch shown signs of adoption from the causal audience?
@Ryu_Niiyama 😂
I loved my Wii U but admit that my switch will be the best gaming console ever if it has even the same library as my Wii U. 300+ games from Wii, Vc, eshop to Wii U games with varied controls schemes. I could play smash 8 person day 1 because of it. If I look at my 3rd party games, I have deus ex, batonetta, cod bo2, ac4, batman, cursed mountain, godfather, mad world, red steel 2, conduit 1-2... to name a couple. endless great games. I almost don't need a switch, but I still have a n3dsxl and 100+ games including Ds and eshop. Now I will only need 1 system for all my gaming. my switch library is up to 9 games and I will be broke of it has a Wii U caliber library.
@Ryu_Niiyama NL staff are filthy casuals when it comes to street fighter :x
@BrokenskullZero yeah, that is what the article is about...8bitdo controllers. I got that part...
@Menchi187 @arrmixer I had to do it. I HAD to!
Man, heads are gonna explode if (when) nintendo patches out third party controllers. For me the WiiU did it best, considering you could play 3 hardware generation's worth of games AND use their controllers. Switch has options in hardware, but the joycons need accessories to even make them comfortable for anyone above the age of 6.
@OorWullie hey I would love to see Nintendo not patch out the support but it's Nintendo and they have always done weird things. Let's just hope this isn't one the things they decide to do
Other than being rather highly priced I have to say I do love the controller set up and different options on the switch.
I haven't bought a pro controller but I do have 2 sets of Joy Cons and 2 grips which in fairness is as much as I'll ever need
@MagnaRoader Well so far so good, and being that these supposedly work with the Wii as well perhaps Nintendo will leave them alone. I absolutely love playing a ton of games with the SNES30 controller.
(some favorites with it have been: Street Fighter II, King of Fighters 98, Blaster Master Zero, Shovel Knight, & Spelunker World)
I've bought the 3 of these controllers now and only so I can use them for the Switch. Two Snes30's one purple one rainbow colored buttons (super famicon) and then a Nes30 Pro with the dual joysticks. Haven't had the last one show up yet but I've loved the others so far.
Have you got yours yet? Have you enjoyed them a lot too?
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