Nintendo isn’t like the ‘other two’. With the Wii console it’s championing gameplay over graphics to such an extent that the games don’t actually look next-gen… but it doesn’t matter. Rather they promise an experience vastly more innovative and engaging than anything yet pioneered in gaming. And this is purely down to the cutting-edge control method. Further proof of this was on show at Nintendo’s pre-E3 conference earlier today, where we witnessed games using the Wii Remote’s newly unveiled talents – as predicted the Nunchuk attachment also features a motion sensor, plus the Remote boasts a built in speaker and vibration.


Mario creator and gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto was first to appear on stage. Dressed as a conductor he proceeded to boisterously marshal a virtual orchestra using the Wii Remote as his baton. But this was followed by more in-depth demos of what the controller is really capable of, highlighted by the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess which launches alongside the console this November. In one section of the game you have to catch fish, and in order to do so you cast your line into the water by mimicking the real-life motion with the stick controller. Using the left Nunchuk, you tease out more fishing line to entice your watery prey. When the fish bites the controller vibrates - give the stick a sharp yank upwards and he’s hooked! It’s genius.


In the same game you have to use a bow and arrow, and it appears equally as natural a control method. You pull the controller back towards your ear to tighten the bow, and when you do this the speaker in the control stick makes a realistic creaking noise so you can hear when it’s perfectly taut. Release the arrow and the sound fades from the control stick and shoots to your telly. Sound has never been used so cleverly or generated such a sense of immersion as this in videogaming. Fact.


Nintendo also announced a bunch of upcoming games that will make extensive use of the Wii Remote’s abilities. Most exciting of which are an all new Mario adventure dubbed Super Mario Galaxy (working title), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Wii Sports (tennis, baseball and golf), and WarioWare: Smooth Moves.


Like the DS touchscreen, Wii’s controller appears amazingly intuitive, and we’re praying that tomorrow’s hands-on experience won’t disappoint. The feeling here in Los Angeles is that this controller is the most exciting and progressive hardware accessory there’s ever been. The proof will be in the playing, so check back tomorrow to find out what it actually feels like to use.


Thanks T3

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