Nintendo's new Revolution
By Tina Benitez -- Playthings, 5/1/2006
When one thinks of Nintendo, several things may come to mind—Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Pokemon...Nintendo adds one more to the list with Nintendo Revolution. The next-gen console features a 16-button controller for hardcore gamers as well as a one button option for not-so-experienced players. Revolution is compatible with GameCube games and classics via download. As previously reported, the Revolution's release date was pushed back to the end of 2006 to finalize its optical Blu-Ray DVD component for high definition viewing.
Playthings recently talked to Beth Llewlyn, Nintendo's senior director for public relations, about the Revolution.
Playthings: How is the Revolution console different from the other current next-gen, or upcoming, systems?
Beth Llewyln: Most companies are going in one path, and Nintendo is taking another. The focus is more on interface, how you can interact with the game, and that sets it apart. We want to push the game industry forward. Nintendo has always focused on innovation.
P: Who will use Revolution?
BL: It's not about age, but more about the mindset. You have people who only played when they were younger and haven't picked up a controller since, then you have college players or people in their 40s or 50s.
P: Why did Nintendo want to join the next-gen “club”?
BL: It's important to us to try to keep the industry vibrant. Bigger is better is not necessarily the best for the industry. We need to shake things up.
