The Death Of Innovation On Handheld Platforms

Something's been nagging, scratching and clawing at the corners of my mind. Until now, I couldn't really place it but I think I finally have my finger on it. The 3DS's two screens of different sizes have relegated the touch screen to merely a control pad. Its lost its former emphasis as the main screen on the DS

A plethora of games on the DS used the two screens with great effect; The World Ends With You, Contra 4, Magical Starsign and Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story just to name a few. With the 3DS now, the different aspect ratios and the different sizes make it impossible for developers to use the 3DS to the same effect. What we'll now see is more traditional console type games on it.

To some, this may seem like a good thing but think about the issue the PSP faced; people said it tried to hard to be a console when people preferred those sort of experiences on the big screen.

The DS was dubbed the "Developer's System" because it was the harbinger of 6 years of innovative gameplay that has never been seen before. With the touch screen not being the main screen now, we won't see great innovative games like Scribblenauts, The World Ends With You and The Legend Of Zelda: PH/ST. The 3DS is more a canonical system that doesn't bring too much innovation apart from the 3D. Its more an attempt to stave of competition and catch-up with them than anything else. I think Nintendo is forgetting the essential formula the made the DS so successful and in the long run, I think its going to cost them.

Don't get me wrong, I love the concept of the 3DS, the analog nub, the 3D Screen, gyro sensor, accelerometer and the graphical improvements but I think Nintendo got it wrong this time. These are just my two cents though. What do you guys say?

I think they can still use it as an actual screen other then just a control input. It will just be used in a different manner is all. BUT what I will say is that I believe the big innovation for the 2nd and 3rd gen of the 3DS will most likely include bigger bottom screens to match the tops.

Also, why would they "need to play catch up" when hey are holding the lead over everything by a figurative mile?

I think it's too soon to completely judge this system. Just give it some time.CongressManStan

This

3DS looks amazing and far better then the DS in practically every aspect. If developers REALLY want to use both screens at the same time for games, they can. Just because one screen is bigger doesnt mean they couldnt resolve that issue in many ways. Besides one of the reasons you needed two screens was they were so small, but comparing it to the 3DS screen on top you wont need it nearly as much. I think things will be just fine, you wait and see ;). I am stoked for the 3DS and there is nothing you cannot do on it that you could on the original DS.

3DS looks amazing and far better then the DS in practically every aspect. If developers REALLY want to use both screens at the same time for games, they can. Just because one screen is bigger doesnt mean they couldnt resolve that issue in many ways. Besides one of the reasons you needed two screens was they were so small, but comparing it to the 3DS screen on top you wont need it nearly as much. I think things will be just fine, you wait and see ;). I am stoked for the 3DS and there is nothing you cannot do on it that you could on the original DS.

NaveedLife

In my opinion, innovation is not that important, as someone mentioned previously. The quality of the game play is more important to me. Super Nintendo, the first console I owned and gamed on, is an incredibly simple system, and yet it had some of the most wonderful games, like SMB 3 and the Donkey Kong series.

There is far too much emphasis, in the gaming world and in other areas like the arts, on innovation. In gaming, it seems that Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are now focused on beating each other in terms of innovation... just look at the motion control explosion. I own a Wii and I hardly ever play it because I find traditional controls, rather than motion controls, much easier, and much more engaging. In art it is similar... make an outlandish and different artwork so that you can sell yourself as a unique brand.

That is, I predict, what the gaming companies would like. To distinguish themselves from one another and give the impression that they are leading the new technologies and innovations.

As someone who has gamed for many years, I know I prefer the older, simpler gameplay of Ocarina of Time and the 2D Mario platformers. Having said that, I absolutely love my DS, it's my favourite console this generation, over my Wii and PS3. The touch screen can be a lot of fun to use in games. 3D is exciting too. But focus on making quality games over new forms of control, and I'm happy.

i don't see what makes the lower screen discarded on games that use both screens. their resolution is the same, so it's not like they can't do that trick that both screens are "fused" in one big screen.BrunoBRS

I've been thinking of this as well. Some games with unique and fun gameplay existed because of the touch screen on the DS: The World Ends With You, Spirit Tracks & Phantom Hourgalss, rythm games like Elite Beat Agents, puzzle games like Professor Layton, shooters on the DS like Metroid, Nintendogs, etc. Some games were also given enourmous improvements from the touch screen. Although many games didn't need a touch screen makeover, those who utilized it gave us a fun experience never felt on any other console and gave us a reason to own a DS and not a PSP.

But the 3DS gives more focus to the top screen with the better graphics and the 3D which extremely discourages touch screen controls. Why stick to the touch screen when there is a far superior one above it? I fear that developers will not develop these unique games anymore because of the higher visual appeal the top screen gives since most of them can only make use of one screen for the gameplay. Basically it comes down to graphics or innovative gameplay.

But there is still hope for innovation on the handheld. Motion control, cameras, gyrosensor, microphone, touch screen, and anolog are all present. Sometimes creativity and enjoyment is limited due to the controls. Some of those games I listed were made because of the touch screen and these newly added controls will definitly be used by developers to create more new experiences.

One of the screens has to be lifeless and nothing but maps/menus anyway

So i don't see a problem, the touch screen is nothing more than a control input for the user

I mean what games suffer because of this? Zelda is all I can think of. And that isn't a huge bummer IMO.

One of the screens has to be lifeless and nothing but maps/menus anyway

So i don't see a problem, the touch screen is nothing more than a control input for the user

I mean what games suffer because of this? Zelda is all I can think of. And that isn't a huge bummer IMO.

darth-pyschosis

i did not think about that. Maybe Nintendo will go back to using the d pad for an overhead zelda, or the joystick for a 3D zelda. YAY! I hate the controls of phantom hourglass and spirittracks because it made the game way to easy and no more fun.

the fact that the touch screen is smaller does not necessarily mean that it will receive an less attention or be any less involved with gameplay.

you could be somewhat right about being concerned, but we shall see.

I am sure SOME titles will use the bottom screen for the game as Nintendogs must be. I personally don't care much but in the right game it can be nice, and if that is needed, the dev will put it in.

Super Nintendo, the first console I owned and gamed on, is an incredibly simple system, and yet it had some of the most wonderful games, like SMB 3 Kuribo_Girl

The 3DS as a handheld is bustling with innovation, the amount of 3rd party development so far is promising despite the flood of remakes, handheld versions of console games seen so far.

We'll just have to be patient and hope developers get their head around hardware, it was only recently that iPhone games got the multi-locational D-Pad right. At the end of the day we're the consumer, not the designer and what Nintendo have packed in the 3DS is I think more than enough for the more ambitious game designers to get crafty.

[QUOTE="Kuribo_Girl"]Super Nintendo, the first console I owned and gamed on, is an incredibly simple system, and yet it had some of the most wonderful games, like SMB 3 tequilasunriser

[QUOTE="Kuribo_Girl"]Super Nintendo, the first console I owned and gamed on, is an incredibly simple system, and yet it had some of the most wonderful games, like SMB 3 tequilasunriser

What's all this garglemesh about a system preventinginnovation? Developers will find ways to be innovative on any console. The XBox 360 is the same premise as the NES: A TV for the monitor, multiplayer control, and controllers with buttons on them to perform actions onscreen. But Jonathan Blow managed to overcome this terribly grievous obstacle to create Braid. And Sony, with LittleBIGPlanet. Calm down, spaz.

i don't see what makes the lower screen discarded on games that use both screens. their resolution is the same, so it's not like they can't do that trick that both screens are "fused" in one big screen.BrunoBRS

You make a great point, one that I thought about deeply. The DS became innovative through it's touch screen, but the 3DS is tucking the touch screen into the back seat, while it opts for a more standardized control scheme with the analog slider. The difference in screen sizes is one reason for concern, as well as the fact that you'll never be able to touch the main gameplay screen. While I hold the DS high for the games that pioneered the touch screen, I also cursed the DS for games that really needed a true analog control.

I feel it will be a fair trade with the 3DS. I'm convinced that Nintendo will be able to produce a system that will accomidate anything the DS was capable of, and much more. One of my favorite GBA games was WarioWare: Twisted! because the gyroscope controls were simply amazing. The 3DS will have this built-in, as well as cameras, touch screen, microphone, and analog. If anything, I feel the next iteration of WarioWare will be the best in the series, with a variety impossible until the 3DS.

I could spend time worrying about the negative aspects of the 3DS, but I'm convinced it's going to impress on every level. Nintendo already has my money, and I can't wait to own one.

You make a great point, one that I thought about deeply. The DS became innovative through it's touch screen, but the 3DS is tucking the touch screen into the back seat, while it opts for a more standardized control scheme with the analog slider. The difference in screen sizes is one reason for concern, as well as the fact that you'll never be able to touch the main gameplay screen. While I hold the DS high for the games that pioneered the touch screen, I also cursed the DS for games that really needed a true analog control.

I feel it will be a fair trade with the 3DS. I'm convinced that Nintendo will be able to produce a system that will accomidate anything the DS was capable of, and much more. One of my favorite GBA games was WarioWare: Twisted! because the gyroscope controls were simply amazing. The 3DS will have this built-in, as well as cameras, touch screen, microphone, and analog. If anything, I feel the next iteration of WarioWare will be the best in the series, with a variety impossible until the 3DS.

I could spend time worrying about the negative aspects of the 3DS, but I'm convinced it's going to impress on every level. Nintendo already has my money, and I can't wait to own one.

DSfanatic5

The 3DS does not take anything away, rather it adds to what the DS already has. If a develope sets out to make a game that requires the bottom screen for the gameplay they will make it with that in mind. There is nothing you can do on the DS that cannot be done on the 3DS. I think this will allow for more control over certain games and push devs to make some better and higher quality games. People need to stop worying so much.

[QUOTE="DSfanatic5"]

You make a great point, one that I thought about deeply. The DS became innovative through it's touch screen, but the 3DS is tucking the touch screen into the back seat, while it opts for a more standardized control scheme with the analog slider. The difference in screen sizes is one reason for concern, as well as the fact that you'll never be able to touch the main gameplay screen. While I hold the DS high for the games that pioneered the touch screen, I also cursed the DS for games that really needed a true analog control.

I feel it will be a fair trade with the 3DS. I'm convinced that Nintendo will be able to produce a system that will accomidate anything the DS was capable of, and much more. One of my favorite GBA games was WarioWare: Twisted! because the gyroscope controls were simply amazing. The 3DS will have this built-in, as well as cameras, touch screen, microphone, and analog. If anything, I feel the next iteration of WarioWare will be the best in the series, with a variety impossible until the 3DS.

I could spend time worrying about the negative aspects of the 3DS, but I'm convinced it's going to impress on every level. Nintendo already has my money, and I can't wait to own one.

NaveedLife

The 3DS does not take anything away, rather it adds to what the DS already has. If a develope sets out to make a game that requires the bottom screen for the gameplay they will make it with that in mind. There is nothing you can do on the DS that cannot be done on the 3DS. I think this will allow for more control over certain games and push devs to make some better and higher quality games. People need to stop worying so much.

You obviously didn't read my post. I'm not worrying at all, but rather confirming what you just said. Try harder next time.

What's all this garglemesh about a system preventinginnovation? Developers will find ways to be innovative on any console. The XBox 360 is the same premise as the NES: A TV for the monitor, multiplayer control, and controllers with buttons on them to perform actions onscreen. But Jonathan Blow managed to overcome this terribly grievous obstacle to create Braid. And Sony, with LittleBIGPlanet. Calm down, spaz.

Fawkesworthy

How do you the think the DS style Zelda games would work on the 3DS? Let alone the fact that some people didn't like themdestroyerHHH

[QUOTE="tequilasunriser"][QUOTE="Kuribo_Girl"]Super Nintendo, the first console I owned and gamed on, is an incredibly simple system, and yet it had some of the most wonderful games, like SMB 3 intro94

Always fun when the village idiot puts words into my mouth.

First, I never said that innovation was more memory and power. On the contrary, I've been very outspoken on these forums that more power does not equate innovation.

Second, what innovation does the 3DS bring to gaming that hasn't been done? Autostereoscopic 3D is a given, even though its function is purely optional eye candy (i.e. "3D" will not be necessary for any game, it is, and always will be, optional), but what else?

Also, don't even think about mentioning accelerometers or gyroscopes iPhone/Pod has that area covered, and If you say the iPhone/Pod is not a legitimate gaming device I advise you to scroll up and notice the iPhone gaming tab.

Don't translate this as hate towards Nintendo. I love Ninty and want a 3DS, I just feel they haven't done the 3DS proper justice in its current state. One good point you bring up though is price. They would not be able to maintain a reasonable price and day one profits without forgoing the luxury of top-of-the-line hardware.

WOAH! Never expected so many replies. [QUOTE="Fawkesworthy"]

What's all this garglemesh about a system preventinginnovation? Developers will find ways to be innovative on any console. The XBox 360 is the same premise as the NES: A TV for the monitor, multiplayer control, and controllers with buttons on them to perform actions onscreen. But Jonathan Blow managed to overcome this terribly grievous obstacle to create Braid. And Sony, with LittleBIGPlanet. Calm down, spaz.

destroyerHHH

The DS zelda games were fun because they were zelda, but at the same time they were WAY too easy because of the controls. I am happy that a 3DS zelda will probably be controlled by the joystick as in the OoT remake (I am assuming). The touch screen for this game made it too easy and I hate having my hand over the screen and in my vision. If it is an overhead zelda I hope they go back to d pad controls, otherwise a joystick for 3D is great. I was just playing oracle of seasons again and it is SO much better then PH because of the controls really.

Oh and the same goes for Animal Crossing. A joystick is much better then the touch pad IMO.

[QUOTE="destroyerHHH"]WOAH! Never expected so many replies. [QUOTE="Fawkesworthy"]

What's all this garglemesh about a system preventinginnovation? Developers will find ways to be innovative on any console. The XBox 360 is the same premise as the NES: A TV for the monitor, multiplayer control, and controllers with buttons on them to perform actions onscreen. But Jonathan Blow managed to overcome this terribly grievous obstacle to create Braid. And Sony, with LittleBIGPlanet. Calm down, spaz.

NaveedLife

The DS zelda games were fun because they were zelda, but at the same time they were WAY too easy because of the controls. I am happy that a 3DS zelda will probably be controlled by the joystick as in the OoT remake (I am assuming). The touch screen for this game made it too easy and I hate having my hand over the screen and in my vision. If it is an overhead zelda I hope they go back to d pad controls, otherwise a joystick for 3D is great. I was just playing oracle of seasons again and it is SO much better then PH because of the controls really.

Oh and the same goes for Animal Crossing. A joystick is much better then the touch pad IMO.

Developers tested the bottom screen as a 3D screen but resulted in blurryness and inaccurate controls. The screen size difference adds to the uncertainty if the innovativ dual screen gameplay will ever be used, or if it will become like the PSP.

In a nutshell, your argument is the idea that innovation won't be as epic due to the size differences on the new handheld.

To a certain extent I can see your point, but at the same time, and you already mentioned this, the 3DS has a number of new aspects and features that new innovators will be able to work with.

You close a small door, but you open up a hundred more, to be metaphorical.