Hello again gamers and game addicts everywhere.  It’s been seven months since the full Next-Gen launch, and if you are lucky you probably have your hands on one of the new gaming systems. Awesome right?  The next generation brings a TON of things to the table: better graphics, high definition visuals, crisp clear sound, smooth running and processing.  However, one of the things that have gotten gamers most in a huff is the biggest aspect of the next generation expanded gameplay.

I’m fairly certain most of you out there know by now what each system has to offer.  The Wii, of course leads the market in both sales and playability, with its intuitive controller with umptyzillion motion sensors.  The PS3 wins in the graphics race hands down, and with its SIXAXIS game controller, is joining in on the motion race.  The 360 offers classic gameplay on a reliable platform that has had a year on the other systems to build third party support.

Now the focus on gameplay has caused a bit of a splash as of late.  PS3 and 360 fans swear that motion control is superfluous and makes games awkward, while Wii fans swear it is the next revolution in gaming.  Of course much of this can be reduced to “fanboys will be fanboys” but I think there is a new level to the equation.  I’m here to ask why the PS3 fans and 360 fans attack motion based gaming, rather than accepting it into their own platform.

Let me explain in greater depth.  Think back to the original release of the N64 and compare it to its original competitor the Playstation.  Do you remember some things the N64 had that the Playstation didn’t?  An Analog stick for example?  Rumble/Vibration capability?  A trigger AND shoulder buttons?  Interesting stuff right?

Let’s face it, Nintendo is an innovator, they always have been.  They brought you the first basic controller setup (NES), the first shoulder buttons (SNES), the first pressure mats (Track and Field) and even, in a bad way, the first motion/position control (the Powerglove).  But if you think about it, this hasn’t been the-be-all-end-all of this technology.  Nintendo was the first, but was it always the best?

History shows us that it hasn’t.  Let’s go back to the N64 for a second.  Gamers Everywhere were going nuts for the analog movement, the ability to make Mario walk only slightly by gently taping the stick, and sprint by jamming it forward.  They were loving the increased control you had when controlling Fox’s Arwing, and absolutely drooling over the 3dimensional control in FPS in Goldeneye and Turok.  Where was the Playstation in all of this?

If you remember correctly, the Playstation was doing it better.  Halfway through its launch, the PS underwent a paradigm shift.  They released the DualShock controller, the basis by which analog controllers would be released from this point on.  Two sticks, easily accessible, overshadowing the d-pad, and providing excellent control in three dimensions.  This became the layout for all following controllers, including the Xbox and the Gamecube.  Nintendo made the analog stick, but most believe Sony did it right.

Let’s return to the present shall we?  So here we are with three controllers.  We have the Wiimote, which stresses simplicity, and comes with an absolute arsenal of add-ons.  We have the PS3 SIXAXIS which unfortunately has no rumble feature, but still features the classic reliable and generally still the best controller layout originally made in the DualShock.  Lastly, we have the 360’s controller, which is a vastly improved Xbox controller, featuring all the best from the last generation, but on a comfortable and responsible frame.  Most gamers think this is how it’s going to stay till the end of this generation.

I’m here to tell you that those gamers would be very very wrong.  Let’s start with the 360.  A Microsoft allied research firm, who has wished to remain anonymous in this article, has hinted at the fact that Microsoft will in fact be developing a motion based controller, and that consumer testing is going on at this very minute to figure out the best controller design and functionality.

In addition, Sony and Immersion are now reopening talks to consider adding vibration functionality to the PS3 controller.  Still recovering from legal conflict between the two companies, it appears as if the SixAxis will possibly have DualShock functionality after all.  Considering the controller’s lineage, with vibration function in the PSONE and PS2 controllers, this is a very plausible scenario.  Continuing on this line of development progress, Sony reps have said they “are considering” refining their SixAxis technology to work for expanded motion based gameplay.  This means that the fan made PS3mote may be more of a reality than we once thought.

Of course, with both other systems possibly undergoing a paradigm shift, this means Nintendo will have to keep up.  One of the ways Nintendo is handling this is through the release of Wiimote peripherals.  Several people have already seen Wiimote casings that are available for purchase at any major retailer.  These casings are simply plastic shells that make movement with the Wiimote more natural.  Thus far there are tennis racket, sword and shield, and steering wheel cases, and most likely more will be developed.  The combination of casing and the peripheral slot in the back of the Wiimote can create several interesting leaps in technology.  The most speculated use of such technology is the possibility of a “gun casing” a casing that repositions the B trigger and makes the Wiimote feel more natural for shooting games.  In addition, some gamers speculate there may be a re-release of the classic controller, to house the Wiimote inside.  This will allow it to operate much like a SixAxis, retaining motion control but sticking to a more classic two handed layout.

Gamers are looking forward to the developments that may come from motion technology being presented to the larger gaming crowd.  Taking it much like a “Build a Better Wiimote” competition, several fans are looking toward possibilities such as more than 2 easily accessible main buttons on a pointer type controller, or a pointer/stick controller combination which can be bifurcated, attaching to each other to operate like a DualShock, and unattaching to operate as a motion based control duo.   Perhaps the most obvious development fans want, is a Wiimote type controller, with an Analog stick replacing the D-Pad possibly eliminating the need for a “Nunchuck” all together.

Never before has there been such a difference in how games are played across systems.  With game companies naturally wanting to include the best parts of their competitor’s designs, while still offering their own variety of gameplay, it’s natural that there would be a pushing force, trying to center all the consoles around one type of control medium.  This is also advantageous to third party producers who wish to produce games for several systems instead of just one.  This gaming generation has been called the “High Def” generation and the “Motion” generation, however I think that this generation can be characterized more by the developments which will come after the initial releases of the console.  The “Paradigm Shift” generation, as it might be called, will be a generation in which the major parts of a game console, are figured out after its initial release, which is a good thing, as it will push consoles and game developers to be continuously evolving in their designs.