Sony denies copying Nintendo

By Ellie Gibson Published 12 May, 2006

It's all a big coincidence, honest.

Following reports that Sony only decided to implement motion-sensing technology into its PS3 controller after Nintendo unveiled the Wii remote, Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison has declared that the company first began discussing the idea more than a decade ago.

In an exclusive interview with our sister site, GamesIndustry.biz, Harrison said Sony had been thinking about a developing motion sensitive controller "since 1994," adding: "But in reality you can't make some of the ideas that we have because the technology is not available in sufficient quantity or at a low enough price, and you kind of have to wait for certain things to converge."

"The controller is obviously a surprise to the industry," Harrison continued.

"We've been thinking about it for a while, but it's a relatively recent addition to the format. We didn't show it last year, because we weren't ready to."

When asked if Sony had been influenced by the positive response Nintendo received after unveiling the Wii remote, Harrison replied: "I think that some of the research that we've done, clearly other companies have been doing as well - so there's nothing completely surprising about that.

"But I know that the strategy was to take what was already a winning formula - to have a controller as well regarded as it, and kind of the de facto industry standard that this PlayStation shape controller has become. We kind of took an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' strategy."

However, Harrison went on to concede, "We didn't start the wave, but we've kind of jumped onto that wave.

"I'm quite happy to admit that, but that will be one of the defining characteristics of next-generation gaming, the complexity and sophistication of input that you can get from a very simple device."

To find out why the boomerang prototype never made it, what Harrison thinks of the PS3 software line-up and why he's not bothered if you didn't think much of Sony's E3 press conference, read the full interview.

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (82) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • JHuxley #1 6 years ago

    "We didn't start the wave, but we've kind of jumped onto that wave."

    So...they did copy it from Nintendo then? Make your mind up!

  • Triggerhappytel #2 6 years ago

    "We didn't show it last year, because we weren't ready to."

    Translation: "We didn't show it last year, because the idea didn't exist."

  • Tonka #3 6 years ago

    "We didn't show it last year, because we weren't ready to."

    OK, so having a controller jumping out of a box and a drunk developer gurning on stage is ready?

  • dk_rare #4 6 years ago

    Smells ripe of bullshit

  • Guff-Pipe #5 6 years ago

    Who bloody cares if they stole it or not, its better to have it than not wouldnt you say?! Its bloody competiton, car companies have been doing it for years infact every company does it, even nintendo. get over it! jesus

  • lambtron #6 6 years ago

    Haha the most telling thing of all was the dev saying they only actually got the controller on Sunday night. Not at all hashed together at the last minute ^_^.

  • Talha #7 6 years ago

    Well I think all this 'stealing' talk is ridiculous - after all Ninty's isn't the FIRST EVER controller to have motion sensing capabilities, despite what most of you may believe.

    However, sacrificing rumble (something that set the current consoles above PCs) in your joypad is plain stupid. So Sony too are not doing themselves any favours.

  • BillGaitas #8 6 years ago

    what ever happened to last year controller??


    Boomerang FTW

    edit:
    never mind
    Edited by 2 at 12/05/06 @ 10:37

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #9 6 years ago

    I have no problems with Sony using motion sensing technology, and even MS beat Nintendo to that one. My issue is that it appears to be totally last minute and tacked on - even many developers didn't know this function existed or was planned.

    It all just seems a bit half-baked. One demo of a game that 3 weeks before didn't use the technology? Doesn't seem like a well thought out intergrated strategy to me and consequently I question a) whether any developers will seriously use it and b) is it worth losing the rumble function over?

  • dk_rare #10 6 years ago

    Talha, your missing the point. There has never been a mainstream motion sensing controller. If you believe some obscure products like wingman tilt already defined the industry years ago, then you are a bloody idiot.

  • Carlo #11 6 years ago

    By the time it gets to the mass-consumer's eyes and ears, none of this will make any difference.

  • Mr_Whacker #12 6 years ago

    'or at a low enough price'

    Nintendo seem to have done OK with it.

  • gamingdave #13 6 years ago

    If they really thought of it 12 years ago, then why is there implementation of it now so slapdash. It really doesnt look like its anywhere near as sophisticated as Nintendos implementation.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 10:41

  • smelly #14 6 years ago

    If any of you think that the Wii controller is JUST a motion sensor (like the ps3 pad is) then I suggest you go do some more research.

  • IAmBatman #15 6 years ago

    > and b) is it worth losing the rumble function over?

    This isn't the reason they've lost the rumble function.

  • Nikanoru #16 6 years ago

    Ugh.

    So now it's not a gimmick anymore, huh?

    We kind of took an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' strategy.

    Except that the Dual Shock has been broke since its birth by shoehorning two analogue sticks into a controller they didn't belong in after seeing the competition do it. It sucks, you do need to fix it.

  • Ryu #17 6 years ago

    patenting issues i believe... Sony should've paid up.

  • drumbaby #18 6 years ago

    Translation: "We didn't show it last year, because the idea didn't exist."

    http://tinyurl.com/qfslw

  • Derblington #19 6 years ago

    Rumble is totally overrated. Howmany games can you remember that have used it memorably? I can pick... one. Can you point out the exact places the rumble comes into effect in the last 10 games you've played? It's just something that was cool initially but now is just there. No loss.

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #20 6 years ago

    @ IAmBatman

    I read that it was, but if that's not the case I don't mind being corrected. So why did they lose the rumble then?

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #21 6 years ago

    @ Derbs

    Driving games have always been improved with intelligent use of rumble, for me at least.

  • MightyPenguin #22 6 years ago

    "You guys've got it all wrong. Ninty stole the idea from us. Yeah. They used, like, psychic ninjas to see into our designers minds. And, uh, their version sucks. So yeah."

    It really wouldn't be so much of a problem if they just had the decency to admit that they took inspiration from Ninty.

  • Talha #23 6 years ago

    @dk_rare : What in HELL does it matter if a motion sensing controller has been mainstream or not? The idea has been out there, and people knew about it - period. Obviously Ninty have been pioneers in bringing it to the masses (hopefully).

    Just looking for excuses to troll here, aren't you?

    @Derblington : Yeah I admit it doesn't work for everyone. For me it has been downright thrilling in racing and tennis games.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 10:47

  • plok #24 6 years ago

    Motion sensing in the Wii controller was not copied by Sony. It is far more advanced. Sony's tilt technology is more likely to be along the line of what we have seen before in tilty controllers.

    However, I have to agree that it all looks very last minute for Sony and something that may not be used by many developers, especially in launch games and due to this I think a lot of initial buyers will be wondering what has happened their rumble. If they can't do rumble and tilt together at least let the develop select which they want to use. Rumble adds more than the odd niche game with tilt.

  • KTroopA #25 6 years ago

    did anyone observe kutaragis body language and nervous laugh as the new controller was 'unveiled'

    watch closey and you will see hes looking for acceptance.

    nintendo copy cat-me-do

    indeed :|

  • SeesThroughAll #26 6 years ago

    If they can't do rumble and tilt together at least let the develop select which they want to use. Rumble adds more than the odd niche game with tilt.

    They just can't do rumble at all. Period. Legal reasons.

  • smelly #27 6 years ago

    I think it's a GOOD thing that another console manufacturer is doing something other than just providing prettier pixels.

    Its GOOD for us gamers.

    Now STOP YER BLOODY WHINING! :-)

  • ShekkyBoy #28 6 years ago

    If Sony really did borrow the idea from Nintendo following the Wii remote's unveiling at TGS last year, then the central concern is promoting the use of the tilt functionality. Nintendo's single purpose from TGS to this year's E3 has been asking people to try the games that have been built from the ground-up to use the remote. On the other hand, Dylan Jobe freely admits tilt functionality was added to WarHawk several days before the start of E3. Whether you interpret that to mean Sony's tilt functionality software is easy to incorporate is up to you, but personally, it smacks of the tilt function being an after-thought for Sony.

    WarHawk is also the only game being shown that uses the tilt function, and yet, it seems from the Dylan Jobe interview it won't be a launch title. What will be showcasing the innovative new form of gesturing at Sony's PS3 launch in November then?

  • Talha #29 6 years ago

    @smelly : Sorry to spoil your party - the Wii controller is exciting I agree. But can its upcoming games appeal to anyone other than Ninty's core audience? Because most gamers want, you know, 'prettier pixels'.

    Ninty's approach is different and I applaud them for it (although you can also see lower investment= lower risk, after the self-admitted debacle of the GC), but it is not necessarily better or worse than that of MS or Sony. They are following a totally different path and I think there is no point in comparisons anymore.

    EDIT: Oops I completely misinterpreted your post. Nevertheless I am not deleting my reply - that will completely ruin me around here.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 11:12

  • patriot #30 6 years ago

    The more they deny it, the more stupid they look. "we thought of this over a decade ago". Man what a load of bullshit. I hope this guy dies in a fire.

  • gizmo #31 6 years ago

    "Can you point out the exact places the rumble comes into effect in the last 10 games you've played? "

    In the really good ones, no.

    Thats just the point, its one of the immersion ingredients. Try playing a game with it switched off and it will be conspicous by its abscence.

  • WicKeD #32 6 years ago

    Eurogamer acknowledge "Sony don't tell lies, honest" stigma!

  • Sko #33 6 years ago

    If it really was on the cards since the PS3s conception, was the fact they only showed one game utilising the feature a sign that the rest of the Devs thought it was a half-assed idea?

  • tentonipete #34 6 years ago

    hey ellie, i saw you on bbc news 24 the other night being interviewed and would just like to say...

    YOU WOULD GET IT!

    i know how hard it is to talk to dumkopfs about video games especially when they ask brainless questions and you came across well. props for staying up that late too...

  • #35 6 years ago

    All you tards complainig about everything would still complain if things were different so why bother.

    Sony copied Nintendo, SONY SUCKS!!
    Nintendo has motion sensitive conotrollers, Sony doesn't. SONY SUCKS!!
    SONY has cordless controllers, they must have copied someone. SONY SUCKS!!

    You tards know who you are.



  • TheSaint #36 6 years ago

    I was quite looking forward to the PS3 but it seems that everything that sounded so good was just hype to draw attention away from the 360 launch last year.

    Would have to say that I am now much more interested in getting a Wii and 360 for the same money that I would have to pay just for the PS3.

    EDIT: Also lets face it waving the PS3 controller around like a light saber would look a bit crazy.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 11:21

  • #37 6 years ago

    TheSaint, you were hyped about dual 1080p HDMI and now it's gone. So you're not hyped anymore?

  • Skooch #38 6 years ago

    @Hansi 320 - People aren't Sony-bashing for the hell of it, there was/is real disappointment about the lack of innovative features they are building into their products. I own a Xbox, PS2 and a 360 and was possibly looking to get a PS3 somewhere down the line but what Xbox do Live better, Wii is bound to be more fun on the Wii-mote than with a tilt-sensitive device on the PS3. Now, when I look to have two consoles I am thinking 360 + Wii = PS3. Are you gonna choose the two originals or the one copy-cat. I can't think of anything revealed by Sony this E3 that is original and exciting.

  • melw #39 6 years ago

    Talha: But can its upcoming games appeal to anyone other than Ninty's core audience? Because most gamers want, you know, 'prettier pixels'.

    Well... Don't know about the "most gamers", but at least I want good games, no matter how it looks like. Seeing that Shadow of the Colossus is probably the most impressive looking game released during the past half year and looking at the current flow of next-gen titles I don't see any big leap anywhere... Games will look better in time on the new consoles, for sure. Just been looking at a big bunch of E3 trailers and I can't help noticing how nothing is even surpassing what was shown last year. :)

    Only recent console (since Dreamcast) I have at home is X360 - which doesn't stop me from being very excited on the Wii controller and the whole package Nintendo is delivering. Sony copying the idea? Perhaps... I don't care really, PS3 is like a cold shower at the moment - don't have to think twice what to get for xmas if the alternatives cost 250 euros and 600 euros - especially when X360 is already there to deliver most of the things PS3 does.

  • djchump #40 6 years ago

    hahaha - more Sony bullshit!
    Quick! Someone add it to UK:R's Sony Lies Wiki!

  • slave23d #41 6 years ago

    hmmmmm.....


    I smell.....


    shiiiiiite!!!! of course they are going to deny it.

  • Tuppy #42 6 years ago

    What bullshit. It's such a blatant lift from the Wii, just as the original PS controller lifted its principle elements from the SNES controller, and just as the Analogue PS controller stole the analogue stick idea from the N64, and the Dual Shock pinched the rumble from the 64's Rumble Pak.

    They could at least be honest about their manifest unoriginality.

  • #43 6 years ago

    Skooch,

    well, for me the main attraction for buying a console is the games.

    PS3 has yet to prove it self on that area.


    The second thing is the additional functionality it offers.

    Yes, I want HD-DVD/Blu-ray, PS3 has Blue-ray.
    I want some kind of Multimedia Center, both PS3 and X360 can offer that.

    In the end it all comes down to the games that are released for each cosole.
    It doesn't matter if PS3 is groundbreaking or not, it sure as hell is every bit as good technically as the Wii or X360.

    I'll buy a Wii for my kids, and I'll play on it also, and I'll get a PS3 for myself.
    If there are any must have games on 360 that are not available on anything else, I'll bloody well buy a 360 also.

  • Skooch #44 6 years ago

    Hansi320

    Fair play.

    I actually really want all consoles to do well and push the boundaries of gaming, increase competition and make sure none of the companies slack off and think gamers will buy anything, play anything.

    I think the main reason that people are pissed off at Sony is the way that last E3 everthing was really overhyped to basically diss the 360 as a piece of out-of-date tat. Then all those promises fell by the wayside when the dual HDMI outputs were dropped and the trailers for their amazing looking games turned out to be all pre-rendered etc. Sony will still sell millions of consoles because of their huge fan base. I just hope this E3 has made them realise they can't take their customers for granted.

  • #45 6 years ago

    On a positibe note for those of us who are looking forward to the PS3.

    Motorstorm in playable form at E3 ->

    http:// ps3.ign.com/articles/707/707911p1.html

  • #46 6 years ago

    Rule nr. 1 - Never believe all the hype that salesmen try to sell you.

    Rule nr. 2 - If it sound too good to be true. It is too good to be true.

    Rule nr. 3 - Like something because YOU like it, not because it's made by maufacturer x or y.

  • TheSaint #47 6 years ago

    @Hansi320

    I agree with your point about games being the most important but to a degree the cost of the machine plays a part as well.

    You said yourself that there is little to choose between the 360 and the ps3 so why pay so much more for the machine, especially as the 360 is bound to drop in price before the ps3 launch and have a years worth of releases?

    The worst news from Sony's point of view this E3 must be that GTA4 will be coming out on 360 and PS3 at the same time, that has always been a great exclusive for them which i'm sure helped shift many ps2's.

  • DaveTheHutt #48 6 years ago

    I love that comment Phil made to some journo after the Sony pre-show conf, asking about why motion sensors but no rumble, and he spouted some bullshit about rumble was last gen, motion sensing is next gen... what a smug, pompous cock.

    Why not just admit the truth... they bodged in some cheap tilt sensors so they could be seen to be innovating like Nintendo, and had to make room by chopping out the rumble.

    This whole joystick business seems symbolic to me of Sony's whole approach with the PS3 - it's a Frankenstein's monster of elements that have been bolted together to guarantee one-upmanship in the spec sheet comparisons, but there's been little actual thought about *why* those elements are in there, i.e. does the consumer really need them to have a top gaming experience.

    Hutt out

  • Skooch #49 6 years ago

    "Why not just admit the truth... they bodged in some cheap tilt sensors so they could be seen to be innovating like Nintendo, and had to make room by chopping out the rumble"

    I think what actually happened is that Nintendo developed rumble technology, Sony copied it (I believe there was a lawsuit) and didn't want to have to pay Ninty to put the technology in the PS3 pads. I guess instead of lawfully paying Ninty for the rights (like MS with the 360), they decided to underhandedly copy their next innovative idea, having tilt/motion sensor in the pad (and yes - I know MS had this in their freestyle controller a while back!).

  • Psi #50 6 years ago

    I totally believe them, this isn't about free press and some bigwig handing a stupid order down the chain to include one of those revolution control thingies.

    It's not about ripping off your compeditior at all, sony are blameless in all this and I do find it very upsetting that so many of you are being so facetious.



    On a totally unrelated topic, I also believe that OJ Simpson did not kill his wife and that Michael Jackson just loved those children in a plutonic way and never did touch their swimsuit areas.

  • Skooch #51 6 years ago

    ROFL!!! :-)

  • Freek #52 6 years ago

    "I did not have sexual relations with that women"

  • kristo #53 6 years ago

    Hey Sony, so you didn't get "inspired" by Nintendo? Wii don't agree.

    lame.

  • smelly #54 6 years ago

    GAH!!!

    Threads like this make me embarrased to call myself a gamer.

  • el_pollo_diablo #55 6 years ago

    A handful of people (in other threads mainly) seem to be saying 'well, in business anything goes', as if that makes Sony's appropriation of the Wii's USP in any way acceptable.

    The way I see it, blatantly stealing other people's ideas is just flippin' disrespectful, simple as that. I've lost a fair whack of respect for sony to be honest.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 13:16

  • funk #56 6 years ago

    but sony only care about your money
    as long as people still buy it, they will still do this stuff

  • Space Dan #57 6 years ago

    "We didn't start the wave, but we've kind of jumped onto that wave."

    Mixing metaphors there I think Phil. Sure you didn't mean bandwagon?

  • Caffo #58 6 years ago

    "I think what actually happened is that Nintendo developed rumble technology, Sony copied it (I believe there was a lawsuit) and didn't want to have to pay Ninty to put the technology in the PS3 pads. I guess instead of lawfully paying Ninty for the rights (like MS with the 360), they decided to underhandedly copy their next innovative idea, having tilt/motion sensor in the pad (and yes - I know MS had this in their freestyle controller a while back!)."

    Close, but a few things wrong. A different company all together held the patent for dual motor force feed back devices, which the dual shock and original xbox controller had. Both were sued by this company, which ended in microsoft buying the company, or at least investing in it, and sony paying a massive fine, and now not including rumble in the new controllers.

    Nintendo got away from this because they only use one motor in their controllers.

  • Shadar #59 6 years ago

    Well I think all this 'stealing' talk is ridiculous - after all Ninty's isn't the FIRST EVER controller to have motion sensing capabilities, despite what most of you may believe.

    However, sacrificing rumble (something that set the current consoles above PCs) in your joypad is plain stupid. So Sony too are not doing themselves any favours.

    Well, Talha, on that note, Christopher Columbus didn't discover America. He just introduced it to the mainstream.

    Please.

  • Triggerhappytel #60 6 years ago

    Drumbaby - thankyou for that link. Maybe people should listen up; Phil Harrison is not talking bollocks here - Sony registered the idea seven years ago. Although the sceptic in me thinks that it was possibly long forgotten until Nintendo came up with a similar concept last year.

  • gallow #61 6 years ago

    Total bollocks Sony.

  • IP #62 6 years ago

    DaveTheHutt: "but there's been little actual thought about *why* those elements are in there, i.e. does the consumer really need them to have a top gaming experience."

    Since when has the gaming experience had anything to do with what most of the companies in this industry consider when bolting together hardware?

  • Talha #63 6 years ago

    @Shadar : OK, by that analogy you are suggesting that a rumble-equipped controller was known only to a select few people around the world working in a super-secret underground lab, and Ninty gave it to the public so they might as well lay claim to it. Trouble is, in Columbus' time, there were no satellites and no internet, otherwise he would have spent his time applying for the visa instead of preparing his fleet. Great flight of logic.

    OK fine have it your way - Ninty rule, they are the greatest company on Earth, they came up with the microprocessor. Happy? ;-)

    EDIT: By the way how do you do bold and italics in these spaces?
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 14:26

  • NoCodeNed2 #64 6 years ago

    I think all the children in the audience who are ready to burn effigies because they think Sony steal everything from nintendo need to do a few things -

    1. Take a deep breath. you shouldn't get so worked up, it's really not good for you. I worry.

    2. Remember (more likely find out) why sony are in this industry in the first place

    3. Look outside, it's a lovely day. Be glad, it's Friday too. Whatever console you want is not far off now, and if you like Xbox 360 - hey, it's already here.

    There, isn't that better? : )

  • dk_rare #65 6 years ago

    @dk_rare : What in HELL does it matter if a motion sensing controller has been mainstream or not? The idea has been out there, and people knew about it - period. Obviously Ninty have been pioneers in bringing it to the masses (hopefully).

    At Talha : Just looking for excuses to troll here, aren't you?

    Talha you once again miss the point. Ford could release a flying car tomorrow and we all cruise clouds to work every morning, and would you say "pshhh, it's nothing now, scifi writers have been talking about flying cars and I saw a documentary about this guy that built one in his garage." You don't get it, you don't even try to get it. Motion and 3D space sensors have NEVER been mainstream. You may have seen some crazy arcade games and there may have been some tilt sensor mice or summat, but NONE of them were mainstream and most were either never used for any games specifically or were proprietary to some obscure fishing game or the like. Nintendo HAS done a first, whether you like it or not.

  • TheSaint #66 6 years ago

    @dk_rare

    I think he was talking about the Microsoft Sidewinder gamepad which had this technology years ago. Depends if you would call that main stream or not, I have never used one but remember seeing it in the shops.

    EDIT: Not 100% sure it was exactly this technology but it had a movement sensor.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 15:41

  • chavatar #67 6 years ago

    Look outside, it's a lovely day

    It's beginning to cloud over in my parts and my blood is seething in indignation. I mean how could they?????? ;)

    /thinks blue...

    But Sony does seem to be in danger of believing their own marketing. At times like this I always want to say

    fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.

    Or something...

  • Furbs #68 6 years ago

    I think its good for their integrity that Nintendo have not adopted Sony's use of optical media for games consoles. Its also reassuring that they've stuck to their guns of saying "Online? Pah, it'll never take off". And I like how they only had one stick on the GC pad so as to avoid claims of imitation. And its great they had a browser on DS before the PSP. And the ability to download games/demos to it was of course announced way before Sony did.

    Some of the above may be tongue in cheek.

    It is also not a dig just at Nintendo, they all do it. Live with it.
    Edited by 1 at 12/05/06 @ 15:58

  • chavatar #69 6 years ago

    they all do it. Live with it

    Well spotted that man!

  • Kami #70 6 years ago

    There's a good reason Sony can't do a rumble feature...

    Their old one infringed someone elses patents... Microsoft's too, but they settled out of cort and invested some money in this company. Sony have been fighting a losing battle ever since, and the last judgement went againt them, ordering them to stop and pay up...

    So for very good legal reasons, Sony just 100% cannot implement a rumble feature. It would have been cheaper for them to settle... but no...

    And before someone brings up Nintendo's rumble, yes, we've discussed it several times, the technology Nintendo use for their rumble is sufficiently different enough from the patent that they are exempt from legal proceedings... though I'm sure it was attempted and failed at some point...


    Bottom line: Sony, legally, cannot do a rumble.

  • TheSaint #71 6 years ago

    Anyone else remember the Gameboy rumble feature? I think it was with a star wars game and you had to put a battery into the cartridge.

    Ahh memories

  • abigsmurf #72 6 years ago

    Thing to remember: the Wiimote IS NOT A TILT SENSOR

    It operates in 3D space not just on two axis of tilt. Outside of Virtual reality and architecture, I've never seen an implementation of this that is anything other than a glorified mouse.

  • aurora #73 6 years ago

    lol, why does everyone fight over which console is best, yes its a love hate affair. Personally im going for ps3, i really am sure they havent done everything right this time around, they should have told of there motion controller last e3 so that, the people wouldnt think that ps3 has copied.

  • Mr.What? #74 6 years ago

    "We didn't start the wave, but we've kind of jumped onto that wave."
    Soo.... You F*cking copied them?

    &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

    "I think that some of the research that we've done, clearly other companies have been doing as well - so there's nothing completely surprising about that. "

    What it really means is:- " Our stalking of your idea will pay off in the end on our part."

    =P

  • Ravenlore #75 6 years ago

    Motion sensors have been done with the Nintendo gameboy and other imputs from other areas. Many people talked about it since Power glove and more. THE IDEA IS NOT NEW!!! I am sure Given time and if Nintendo did not show it first Sony would have showed it anyway it is an evolution to their controler. They wanted to add something different and what else could they do with out charging $50.00 or 50 euros for it??? force feedback analog sticks?? still too expansive for right now

    But by next gen if the cost come down Forcefeed back Analog sticks will be added.

    Also add two HD camers and you can add the functions of much of Nintendo Wii abilities. But I do not thing they will go afer the same audience or same kind of gameplay.

    Still, it is mostly Fanatics that just go off on these things, and there is not use even trying to discuss things of this nature with them. They really don not understand what is happening or evolution and such...

  • Scimarad #76 6 years ago

    TBH, losing the rumble isn't really that big a deal I think. I always turn vibration off on my 360 to save batteries:-)

    On the Sony/Nintendo thing; I'm pretty put off by the Wii controller just because it looks ungainly and awkward (I stress looks because I haven't used it) but the Sony pad is just a familiar PS pad with some cool extras. I can use the Sony pad as a normal joypad which is something you certainly can't say about the 'Wiimote'.

    Still, the Wii is growing on me a bit.

    Edited by 1 at 13/05/06 @ 08:51

  • Kami #77 6 years ago

    Thing is Ravenlore, some also don't get how big a deal the courtcase over the force feedback device was.

    Once again, we point out SONY LOST THE COURT CASE!

    Perhaps they would have decided to implement the feature in time, but in time they could have perfected it, instead they show a half-arsed controller and thinly veil the truth that they have no hope of implementing a rumble feature this generation without shelling out loads of money...

    They had to implement a new feature. They looked to the Wii. I'm not surprised, but the PS3 controller still sounds awfully tame... the PS3 controller is semi-skimmed while the Wii controller is the full-fat, gold-top version.

    It happens, but Nintendo will be more flattered than anything... I do not think they should worry about such a cheap knock-off copy...

  • geek-chic #78 6 years ago

    Well Sony stole EVERY SINGLE idea for their dual shock from Nintendo so this comes as no surprise.

  • Kami #79 6 years ago

    To answer those things in detail...

    But why did they fight the case...

    Your guess is as good as mine... I guess maybe Sony thought they were right? Thought they were untouchable somehow? Truth is, their design infringed someone elses patents. They stood no chance. You infringe someone elses work, you'll be found out.

    Both MS and Nintendo decided to pay the license fee...

    Microsoft not only bought a licence, they bought part of the company! Nintendo were exempt from the legal proceedings due to the fact that they used (and correct me if I'm wrong, STILL USE) a SINGLE motor function for their rumble. The patent infringement is dual-rumble.

    SONY weren't singled out here, they make more money in this buisness than anyone. I don't accept that Video games consoles can never have force feedback because of that issue.

    I never said no console can have force-feedback, just that for good reasons this generation at least it may be some time before Sony use it again. And indeed, Sony DO make a lot of money, so it ties back in to your first mini-question, why not pay the licence and be done with it? Settle. Why did they fight it? It's a question that we can't answer here. No-one really knows.

    My thought is... they could indeed make Force Feedback work with Motion Detection... If it wasn't a last minute addon and they had some PS3 R&D budget left to spend on making it work.

    Absolutely, the Wiimote does it with aplomb apparantly. But again, issue here is Sony don;t have any technology to rip off... I mean, ahem, licence from, to implement a rumble feature.

    They didn't have the time, And the marketing department says that motion detection is very benefical in the marketing strategy, So just go with that.

    Marketing BS. They lost a court case detailing their ripping off of dual-rumble technology, now they're trying in some way to muscle in on another companies act. Sony are MARKET LEADERS. They own the largest share of the bloody games market! And this is why Sony's behaviour pisses me off so much. Sony are the market leaders. FOR PETES SAKE SONY, BLOODY ACT LIKE IT!

    We got Ken stating that the console is too cheap ?
    (Our survey said?).

    We have the dumbed down tilt sensor.
    (Our survey said?).

    Well, Ken is right. We, the gamers, will be making the judgement on price.

    But, in truth, my vote on the $600 price point swings THIS WAY at the moment... Sony have failed to convince me that they're anything but lost right now.


    Yes, a little harsh... but for that money, and we WILL pay a little more if tradition serves as a guide, I would expect a system that blows me away and makes me feel like a giggly little kid again. I'd expect something which is totally, mind-bendingly amazing. Especially considering the competition for the next-gen.

    ... PS3, it has to be said, has seemed awfully watered down. Once again, it just appears Sony weren't ready for E3. Which is a shame, everyone else was...

    I'm sorry if this sounds very harsh. I expect more from a company that has the largest userbase. I expect them to be at the forefront of innovation, to push boundries and lull us all into a state of wanting their product. The more I read of Sony at E3 this year, the more I think, "Spoiled f***ing brats"...
    Edited by 2 at 13/05/06 @ 20:01

  • edo #80 6 years ago

    Now I will introduce you: The True Innovation PEE ASS 3 Controller: DUALSHIT!!!!!!
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/06 @ 12:54

  • Kengro #81 6 years ago

    I was going to get the ps3 and the wii, now i'm only getting the wii...
    I already got a 360, so i don't see many good reasons for getting the ps3...
    Not before they get the price way down

  • LittleTofu #82 6 years ago

    hello, i'd like to say i have an eyetoy and some cool 'innovative' games to go with it ... isn't there an eyetoy like camera coming out for xbox360? who's copying who?

    and as for sony games being not next gen enough for the price ... isn't it just a bit too early to say anything ... i reckon we should all just wait for the launch.

    I thought the 360 looked like a portable oil heater and that whole lifestyle look was a rip-off of what apple has been pushing for years ... after a couple of months after launch I bought one, for specific games that i wanted. It's all about the games this year me thinks.