When did consoles make the transition from innovation to gimmicks?

What are you referring to? The Wii U has alot of innovative things to it. The Wii had a very gimmicky controller. The Wii U however is very good and has some real innovation possible with the controller and Miiverse and such. So, again, what are you referring to...

Older consoles were all about innovation. From the design and evolution of the controllers (the addition of analog sticks and triggers) to the transition and evolution of 2D/isometric graphics to 3D graphics, with each new iteration, consoles genuinely looked and played better.

On the other hand, newer consoles are focused more on gimmicks rather than actual innovation. Last generation's gimmick of motion controlled gaming is being dropped in favor of touchscreen gaming, and when the next generation comes, touchscreen gaming will be dropped in favor of the next big gimmick. How are consoles supposed to evolve if developers keep focusing on dead end gimmicks that don't improve the way we play games? Why are developers focused more on gimmicks rather than innovating what we currently have? When did the transition from innovation to gimmicks occur?

nekrothing

Nintendo seems to be the only one completely relying on gimmicks (motion controls and an ok 3D). The others aren't completely on board although I'd say MS is a little more guilty. Here's where the annoying PC elitist crowd can claim innocence.

The line between them is so fine, it could practically be defined by what you like and what you don't like. Consoles are continuing to evolve, but they aren't all following the same path.

64 bits.

Gimmicks... gimmicks... a term so overused I don't even know its exact meaning anymore...

Rocker6

innovation should be in design of traditional controllers and in actual gameplaynextgenjoke

Modern consoles :lol:

The next gen is going to be hilarious, they really will be the poor man's PC.  DRM, no used games, internet required (and not just for a few games, ALL games), fees for online and all of that with p1ss poor specs and no innovation.

1080pOnly

The CPU and GPU being discussed as being used today cost nearly 1,000.00 but they will sell it for around $400.00 IN addition THAKS TO CONSOLES Developers will FINALLY use multi chips to run games. PC games will have more to them again thanks to consoles. AND some people may even switch to PCs if there is ease of use like their is with consoles.\

DRM??? isn't that what PCs are using now!!! I do recall several games having people upset because of DRM!! Not to mention that Steam and other Digital Download providers which people do not OWN the content!!  AND WHEN IS THE LAST tme you bought a used PC game?!!!

Consoles are just following in PC footsteps when it comse to DD and USED GAMES!

Well m'boy, eventually one runs out of stuff to innovate.

gamecube was the last real era of nintendo look the gamecube controller was a proper evolution of the n64 controller compared to anything after it.nextgenjoke

[QUOTE="nextgenjoke"]gamecube was the last real era of nintendo look the gamecube controller was a proper evolution of the n64 controller compared to anything after it.ShadowriverUB

[QUOTE="ShadowriverUB"][QUOTE="nextgenjoke"]gamecube was the last real era of nintendo look the gamecube controller was a proper evolution of the n64 controller compared to anything after it.nextgenjoke

Gimmicks is an overused term. Fact is motion gaming is still popular, but it's popularity didn't occur in the demographic that you would see on this message board. Does that mean it's a bad thing?? Absolutely not.

The tablet screen on the wii u is something i typically use when im interacting with apps on the wii u or typing something into the web browser/miiverse. It's more of a utility device to me than something that really opens pathways to bigger and better gaming experiences. At least in my opinion.