Idiot's Guide to the Revolution

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All the knowledge you need to boffin-up on the new console

So what's this Revolution thing I keep hearing about?
It's Nintendo's next console, due to hit stores sometime later this year. The codename "Revolution" still hasn't been officially adopted, but at this point too many people know it by that name for it to change. Nintendo's taking the iPod approach with the Revolution, offering it in a compact design painted up in white, black, red or green. Don't expect all those colors to make the cut, though; the company's last system, the GameCube, was ponied about in a similar rainbow of colors.

So how cool will the graphics be?
Well here's the thing: The Revolution isn't going to be about flashy graphics. Yeah, it'll look sharper than the GameCube, but if you're hoping for some Xbox 360-caliber graphics you're going to be disappointed.

As such, the Revolution is using a simple, motion-controlled wand for a controller. Sensors placed around your TV relay your position back to the console, giving you an entirely new experience of gameplay. And it's a tiny thing, too. Think sleek, sexy DVD remote. Anyone can look at a remote and understand its function; the Revolution wants that 'everyone' market to take notice and start playing games again. Meanwhile, the other consoles are touting more features, more complexity and of course, more money. Focusing on gameplay over graphics also keeps the Revolution's price down; it'll easily be the cheapest of the new wave. Ditching the tried-and-true methods is a massive gamble, but it could pay off big time if it attracts a whole new audience of casual players.

Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.