No offense, Aaron, but you couldn't have given some back story to the article? I already know what you are talking about, but give us at least a link to the "recent rumors".

I'll pre-empt Megabyte.  It's in the side-bar under the Project Cafe stuff but, a direct link to the Rumor Roundup article on the Sidebar would probably be appropriate.

Well for anyone that couldn't find the link in the article or next to the article or maybe just want all the rumors that have popped up, here is a link the the NWR Rumor Thread's Rumor Consolidation 2011

http://tinyurl.com/RumorList2011

That should put everyone upto date with even the most current rumors.

The careful wording of "portable game controller" leads me to believe that, while not a full-fledged handheld gaming console, the touchscreen controller can be used to play Project Cafe games without the need for the TV to be on. Sounds pretty neat! Though, it would just be as neat, though perplexing, if the controller is also a portable console.


A camera sounds really superfluous, but I guess they have spare parts from DSi, DSi XL, and 3DS lying around.


A six inch screen is really big, assuming it is a 16:9. That's 1.7 inches bigger than a Playstation Portable. Hmm, I hope Nintendo has found ways to keep costs down. I already find the $55 and $50 MSRP of the Dualshock 3 and 360 controllers to be a bit much. With all the rumored tech the controller has, I'm guessing a $60 price tag might be hoping for too much.

Thank Cellphones.  The cost of a lot of the components have been driven way down by volumes.

I'm expecting a $75 price point for each controller.

Possibly with a 1.3mp camera & hopefully a multi-touch screen
I think a lot of the cost will be in the rechargeable battery though.
hopefully it uses that wireless charging tech for the controller so that it's never actually attached to anything and you can just set it on a dock/stand and lift it off when you need to use it again.

Actually the camera is going to be supplied by the company that does the iPhone's camera. So it isn't just the parts from the DSi/3DS, plus there is chance depending where the camera is mounted that they can use the camera for motion controls (similar to how the Kinect uses a camera) instead of the ir/sensor setup they have been using.

http://kotaku.com/5807243/nintendos-next-console-may-have-something-in-common-with-the-iphone
(The source of the information on the camera)

I think they will be in the 70-to-80 dollar area while a little expansive if it can be used as a portable gaming device in addition to a controller I think it will be a good trade-off.

Let me fix that for you ;)

Well, there goes Zach's prediction.

Rechargeable batteries cost very little. I doubt the price will be anywhere near $70 as that would practically kill multiplayer games and just piss off third parties (and potentially cannibalize 3DS sales if you you play games on it). At most, I see it being $50.

A complete Wiimote cost more than $50 and it doesn't even have the screen. Let's be realistic here.

But will it be in 3D?

I bought a 3ds at launch, this better not replace it.

I doubt i'll take a controller to work though.

I think some people have it confused. Since 01net has been pretty spot on so far let's just assume everything they told us in the 2-3 updates they have had are correct. That would mean that  the controllers are nothing more than clients to the console.

That means that ALL of the processing is done on the console and then streamed wirelessly to the controller.

The controller will work like a portable gaming handheld while within range of the console if you choose not to use the TV. It WILL NOT function as it's own separate independent portable gaming device that you can take with you anywhere you want and play at anytime you like. That is what your 3DS is for. This controller (client) will only work when in range from a Café (server). They work together, not independently.
The console is your computer, your controller is your wireless keyboard, mouse and monitor.

I always thought this would happen (listen to our PAX East panel in March), but I still think 6" is too large for a controller and would be too expensive. That's about the size of the NGP screen!

Ahem, that's Vita to you.

and it's larger than the vita screen.

Maybe Nintendo is willing to take a hit on the controllers when they make a profit on their console.

I'll pay $89.99 and like it.

I wouldn't call the Wii Remote + Nunchuk combo the complete controller, especially since many games don't even require both. The controller is $40. Plus, Nintendo is not stupid enough to think that a $70+ controller would actually be even remotely successful. As for 01net, I don't think you can say they have been spot on with anything since nothing they have claimed have been confirmed.

I don't really like these ideas, it's like they are trying to make the DSi the controller for the system. Their console should have some distinction from their handhelds so I don't really see the point in it, although since handhelds are more popular in Japan then I guess it isn't surprising.

Every credible source we have has backed up everything 01net has said so far and that includes the Nikkei confirmation from this morning with the 6" screen. If the screen is confirmed by Nikkei and IGN backs up the R700 and a few other details, then someone has got to have something right.
Miyamoto commented on these very rumors and said "where there's smoke there is fire"
so if the original leak has details that are now for the most part confirmed, then I can assume that all the other details they have shared (that have been backed up by other sites with credible sources) to be reliable until proven otherwise. So glad that there are less than 4 days remaining

Oh and the Wiimote+wiiichuck is the complete controller. it cost $60.
if Nintendo is gonna charge $40 for just a wiimote with M+ inside, you would be pretty damn foolish to think they are gonna take all that wiimote tech (with a different camera) + 3x the plastic + a 6" screen + a rechargeable battery + wireless streaming chips + and only charge $10 more for it.

What world are you living in?
$69.99 - $79.99 is the only realistic price point I can see happening.

p.s. Plug and play 360 remote is how much?
and how bout that DS3? or Move wand combo?

Oh and welcome back. I'm sure you were missed.... and thanks for the smites. I wear them with honor.

MSRP of a 360 controller with a play-and-charge kit is $64.99 (sans play and charge is $49.99). Dualshock 3 is $54.99. Move wand and navigation controller comes to $49.99 + $29.99 = $79.98.

I've been doing some hasty searches to better form my expectations on the controllers pricing. My searches for 6" touchscreen produced some rather pricey results. I poked around in portable DVD players thinking that would be near or above the worth of the Cafe controller as an electronic device and saw prices around $80-100. Perhaps the closest comparison is the $99 DS Lite which has two 3" screens at 62 mm x 46 mm (with an area of 2852 mm sq) each.

After doing some quick math and assuming the 6" screen is 16:9, the size of the screen turns out to be 5.22" x 2.95" with an area of 15.39 sq. in. In millimeters, that's 132.59 mm x 74.93 mm with an area of 9934.97 mm sq. A touchscreen that's nearly three and a half times bigger than the DS touchscreen. That's a big screen on a even bigger controller. It's so big, it is kind of unreal to think about it.

I'm really eager to see what how games will use the secondary screen. From anecdotes, a properly set up session of Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is awesome. Also, I've heard good things from Pac Man Vs.

Hm I can't see the console using any kind of motion or pointer for Cafe games. They will allow wiimotes for backwards compatibility, but for new games? I dont want a console with multiple control options. It also feels like Nintendo's big motion push was for nothing now.

Oh well.. will find out on wednesday morning i spose..

Why the hell not?

I dont want to have to buy different controllers to play certain games. I also think having all these different inputs can become confusing for the average consumer.

I don't see why some new Project Cafe games won't have support for Wii remotes and nunchuks. It might be rare, but I think those Wii remotes will see use on Cafe outside of backwards compatibility. There are so many Wii remotes out there that it would be a shame if they aren't used again for Cafe or rendered obsolete by an unheard/future Cafe upgraded remote.

As for motion controls, Nintendo might be waiting for the next-next generation when they can do something new and improved.

I can see how it might be a bummer for Project Cafe owners who aren't Wii owners to buy Wii remotes for a Cafe game that makes the improbable mistake (or tough design decision) of requiring Wii remotes. As for confusing the audience, I think it will be fine if the Cafe controller is prominently positioned as the primary controller. I'd imagine that any Wii remote support in Cafe games will be underplayed similar to Gamecube controller support in Wii games.

I think it would be smarter to release a cafe branded Wii style controller though, if they intend to use it for new games. It's kind of annoying really, that Nintendo appears to be shifting gears in regards to what they established with the Wii though. Either they see the Wii setup as a semi failure, or they think they need to have a new gimmick to push new hardware.

I think, at the very least, we'll see Cafe games use Wii remotes and nunchuks the same way Wii games supported GameCube and Classic controllers.

An annoyance, but it is expected with a new console. Then again, the Playstation home consoles have been comfortable in practically sticking with one controller for many years.
As for new gimmicks for new hardware, Nintendo needs it as well as other companies. Love it or loathe it, new gimmicks generate much interest whether they become lasting innovations or not. As sensible it would be, a straight and moderate upgrade in power would be a bit boring.
In regards to the Wii's remote and nunchuk being a semi-failure, I think that holds some weight given Nintendo's efforts in it. Though there are some exceptions, it seems for the most part that even Nintendo couldn't figure out how best to employ their motion controls. Or at least how best to employ the motion controls to match our imaginations when we first saw them. Perhaps things would have been different if Wii Motion Plus had been there at the beginning or perhaps not.

There are a lot of instances of the pointer being used well, so I hope that aspect makes its way into the Cafe controller in some form. But yeah, there are only really a handful of games that used motion control effectively.

ask microsoft how the camera for ur avatar worked out.
pennis head anyone?
Truly a camera is posible, but so limited it would draw into question why.
AAnd portable games even mini, well lets say, $150 controler

Camera being used for an avatar was just an example that Nikkei used, the camera could be used for lots of things.

Could be video chat in game.
eye tracking
motion tracking in general

But even if Nintendo did use it for an avatar, it would just be to help you convert your face into a Mii like on the 3DS. Nintendo is well aware of penis face and has every intention to not let you use an actual picture of one to create it.

Now that the touch screen's been confirmed, I'm going to give Nintendo one E3 Press Conference to justify it because right now it's looking pretty pointless and gimmicky if you don't care about local multiplayer gaming.  I had enough useless dual screen nonsense with the DS, and I don't need the comfort of my console controls compromised so Nintendo can shove this expensive gimmick into it.  Right now, I'm leaning towards not getting a Cafe due to this controller.  We'll see if I still feel the same way after Tuesday's Press Conference and NWR impressions.

This is most likely coming from the wannabe PC gamer/power user in me, but I would really like the extra screen and control space a touchscreen brings to a dual-stick controller. I think the extra screen will be really neat even if it is only used for mundane things like extra hot keys, secondary status display, or mini maps. The rumored 6" screen size is a worry though. I don't know if my thumbs will be able to reach all areas of that big screen while still have the sticks and buttons ready to be pressed at a moment's notice.

I was thinking the same thing. That would allow Nintendo to update the controller in whatever way they need/have to, whether it's buttons or greater precision or something else entirely. Developers could always support legacy Wii remotes/plus, but I kind of feel like most wouldn't. Best case scenario for Nintendo is have a traditional controller (with screen etc.) and Cafe specific remote/nunchuck. I previously advocated a remote configuration that had more buttons essentially acting as both motion controller and traditional controller, but if Nintendo insists on including a screen, that's not really an option. Regardless, if Nintendo wants a Cafe remote to succeed, it HAS to come with the system along with the screen controller.

The more I think about it, the more intrigued I am by the built in screen. People are only really comparing it to the Dreamcast VMU or GCN-GBA connectivity. I'm more excited by what hasn't been done with a similar set-up, the stuff no one has really thought of. There's a lot of potential here.

Yeah, those are my thoughts too. I liked the Wii but there's still more potential there that needs better motion sensors. And the IR pointer has worked well since day one so even if they are ditching motion because it didn't work out so well, there's no reason to exclude the IR. Though the rumours point to it having some sort of IR so hopefully the pointer is still intact.

So how long until Sony and Microsoft copy this and release their own touchscreen controllers?

Will they wait four years this time around, too?

Considering this console's controller is looking to essentially be a Sony NGP/Vita, I don't see Sony needing to "copy" Nintendo this time around.

Not necessarily. Vita is going to cost at least $300. The Cafe controller will likely be under $80. If the Cafe controller takes off, Sony and MS will copy it.

One the biggest reason for the touch screen is they are going to give the Console/Handheld connectivity the best shot they can. By making sure that the controllers can be used as a low level handheld it avoids the entrance fee shock that many developers/publishers used for not making games for the option in the last two generations. And by having all the bells and whistles in the controller it allow for the functionality of the other console with out having the need to segment the market by who has what accessory. I cannot find the article but a manufacturer interview said that the controller who possible cost Nintendo $26 to make (as opposed to the $6 for the Wiimote) depending on how much of a hit they are willing to take the controller could be about $80. Considering that the Move starter pack (which includes the PS Eye) cost $99 it could be considered a steal.

If they want to make it independent of the television then they would need to put speakers on it.  However, if the whole purpose of playing it independent of the
TV is because so someone can watch TV while someone is gaming then that would be pretty anoying to have two different audio tracks playing.  So to save cost I think they will put an audio jack in it to plug in headphones instead of independent speakers. 

Also the touchscreen should be big enough to put a useable keyboard on it so if the system has a decent browser that could be useful.

They could always include both. The Wii remote has a speaker on it even if the speaker is poor quality.

With a camera on the controller and possible audio options, it would be neat to have the audio jacks to use the microphone headset I already own. Speaking of microphones, I hope there's support for Bluetooth headsets for convenience.

This looks amazing, glad they didn't go MOTION!!!!  :)

Wheres the pause button?  :Q

I don't expect Nintendo to do that because that's not how they roll these days.  They never win me over on these things anymore because they're meant to be marketing gimmicks from the start.  They don't necessarily have any real game ideas in mind prior to coming up with the concept and they're not trying to win people like me over with it in the first place.  Nintendo has had years to prove the concept of a touchscreen with the DS.  If they were going to do it, they would have done it already.

For me it's more of a "does this fuck things up" factor.  The touchscreen is pretty inoffensive on the DS because all the good games ignore it.  Nintendo did completely ruin Zelda with it but aside from that, it has not affected things too much.  The Wii was different because it lacked buttons and was not a decent hardware improvement from the Cube (the DS without the touchscreen would still have been a good GBA follow up on specs alone) so we got tons of waggle that hurt every game that used it.  Thus there is the "does this fuck things up" factor.  Just don't fuck up the games I want to play and they can make all the gimmicky bullshit they want.

What will sell me on Cafe will be if the third party problem is fixed and Nintendo releases some killer games for it.

The $80 controllers are going to kill multiplayer though.  This is going to be a single player machine.