� in with the new. 2006 begins with the promise of new consoles and new console wars. Nintendo, as ever, is playing its cards close to its chest, but gamers can expect to see the Revolution, its fifth home console, in the latter half of this year. Featuring a sleek design, IBM and ATi providing the processing and graphics capabilities, wireless controllers, standard DVD discs (and the ability to play GameCube discs), two USB 2.0 ports, and flash memory, the Revolution is shaping up to be an capable piece of hardware � although admittedly Nintendo has not yet revealed some key details.

As much of the games industry recognizes though, the technical aspects of a console play only a part of its success or failure. The question is how Nintendo will utilize its technology and hardware to provide something unique in an increasingly unimaginative industry. For this gamer, there are three main reasons why Revolution appears to be on-course to deliver a complete gaming experience.

Back catalogue
Backwards compatibility is often a topic of debate among gamers, and can be vital to the survival of a new console in its early stages (the original PlayStation's games tided over new owners in the PS2's first few months). This has long been a feature of the GameBoy systems, and both Sony and Microsoft have committed their systems to compatibility with older games. For Nintendo gamers, the good news comes in the form of four ports on the Revolution for GameCube controllers, in addition to two memory card slots so that saved data built up over the last few years is not lost. With a generally strong first-party line-up, including Metroid Prime, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, the Pikmin games, as well as The Wind Waker, Super Smash Bros. Melee and others, fans will be able to keep their GameCube collections into 2006 and beyond. This is an excellent (and unexpected) feature, and one that may ensure many GameCube owners will transfer to Revolution this year.

More than the promise of direct backwards compatibility however, Nintendo hopes to draw on its entire back catalogue � a considerable record stretching back over twenty years, across three generations (NES, SNES and N64), and countless classic first-party titles. In effect, this so-called 'Virtual Console' may become a Nintendo hall of fame. Games will be available for download through the Revolution's built-in WiFi feature, and the much-discussed controller also seems ideally designed for retro gaming. Further, Sega has expressed an interest in the service, and if other third-party companies become involved (many developers may see an opportunity to turn an ample profit without much related programming), the Revolution could be an ideal emulation machine. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, to Super Metroid and Mario Kart, the Revolution may be the complete Nintendo console. There are issues to iron out, however � Nintendo has yet to detail the fees involved in this download feature, but if the pricing remains fair then many gamers will undoubtedly make use of the service. And the WiFi feature of Revolution is definitely a big plus.

Online potential
Many gamers and industry analysts believed that Nintendo simply missed the online boat in this generation, but the Japanese giant had been watching the market warily. Microsoft's commitment to online gaming did not translate into a major take-up of its services � around 90% of Xbox owners do not play online. As reported here at Revo-Europe, the US release of Mario Kart DS witnessed a 45% online take-up rate in the first week, compared to less than 20% for Halo 2. Mario Kart DS has shown there is a huge ready-made market for an online Nintendo community � perhaps one reason for its popularity is the lack of subscription fees or any additional costs, in contrast to Microsoft's Xbox Live!

Another reasons may be that, while Microsoft has offered a subscription-based service, and emphasized user profiles and player stats, combined with a already tiring selection of shooters and sports titles, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is offering a free service (for first-party titles) and proven multiplayer hits such as Mario Kart. Assuming that Nintendo can update successfully other enjoyable multiplayer games, such as Mario Power Tennis and Super Smash Bros. Melee, then the take-up rate for Revolution could well surpass expectations.

By removing major technical and financial obstacles to internet gaming, Nintendo can open up online play for those gamers who have been traditionally unreceptive. As noted by Reggie Fils-Aime at E3 2005, Nintendo recognizes the "overly macho nature" of online gaming, and it is to be hoped that games like Mario Kart can prove to be more inclusive than current offerings. At the very least, it was refreshing to hear a new approach to the world of online gaming, and Nintendo's WiFi gamble has a decent chance of overtaking its competitors' offerings.

New controller
By far the most debated (and most promising) aspect of the Nintendo Revolution is the tilt-sensor controller. The well-known trailer for the controller featured gamers playing unseen games, using the new controller in various different ways. It is no cliché to say that the controller's potential is only limited by imagination. In the last few months, forums have been alive with discussion of how to use the controller as a sword in Zelda games, or how it could be utilized as a gun for first-person shooters. Peripherals, including an analogue stick, will ensure that older games are perfectly suited to the Revolution, while creating even more possibilities.

More than that, the controller will consolidate Nintendo's strategy from the GameCube; i.e. the effort to make gaming accessible to different people. Attempting to detail complex controls to non-gamers is a difficult task � few titles in this generation have been immediately welcoming to those unfamiliar with videogames (Super Monkey Ball and Mario Power Tennis are two of the exceptions, due to their straightforward gameplay design. Can the same be said for first-person or third-person shooters and actioners?). With this new controller, Nintendo and other developers will be able to advance gaming, making it more immersive for hardcore players, and at the same time opening up the market for many others.

Perhaps one concern for Nintendo fans would be how the Japanese developer will adapt their famous franchises to this controller, yet Nintendo's approach has always been one of building the games from the ground up. With this controller as the foundation, gamers can expect something new from Revolution.

The last generation of consoles have provided many good games, but few standout titles or innovative ideas. Many gamers recognize that developers are becoming too unadventurous and lack inspiration. Microscopic graphical updates are not the answer. A combination of an unrivalled games back catalogue available for download, a strong Wi-Fi online gaming network, and a joypad that will offer ideal control for both old games and new ideas, Revolution may be the most remarkable home console system in years. The countdown begins here.

Nick Bennett
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