Though many were quick to liken the concept to the Dreamcast, we've since learned that the intended purpose for the display may be far more complex, working simultaneously with the console to bring interactive elements and even stream full games to the controller.
Naturally, such a bold concept raises many questions and we'll likely have to wait until E3 for answers, but in the meantime we can provide some educated guesses based on the information we've obtained, and some old fashioned speculation.
Nintendo has not confirmed or commented upon any of the reports thus far.
The Display
When reports first broke that the controller would feature an integrated display but maintain physical analog sticks, action buttons, and shoulder buttons, the first, albeit somewhat fantastical thought that came to mind was a design where the entire faceplate was an LCD display, however, we've since been told that the display will instead be a 6-inch touchscreen, likely positioned at the center of the shell.
The display will also reportedly support touch control, though we've not been told whether or not the display will support multitouch. The display will also allegedly feature HD resolution, allowing for seamless transmission between the console and the controller. Though certainly a possibility, the costs associated with integrating a HD display into the design suggest that the true resolution may be lower.
Even with the lowest quality components, a controller with an integrated 720p HD or greater display would require an MSRP of $80 or more. Aside from the cost of the display itself, Nintendo would have to use a built-in processor to control the display, not to mention additional chipsets for wireless connectivity. According to sources with knowledge of peripheral production, a controller of that complexity could easily cost $25 in factory costs alone, whereas a wireless Wiimote is estimated to cost Nintendo only $6 per unit. On the other hand, if Nintendo really wanted to push the concept, they could forfeit a portion of the markup to keep retail costs down.
As previously mentioned, the other lingering question is whether or not the device will support single or multitouch haptic control, which could be used for minigames, creating contextual controls for games being played on the console, or games played exclusively though the controller itself. Again, adding multitouch support would drive up costs but potentially provide a more compelling gameplay experience.
Working Wirelessly With the System
If the controller is expected to support games and video streamed from the console, there are a number of plausible ways the device could connect with system. Currently, Nintendo utilizes Bluetooth and infrared technology for wireless communication with the Wii, which transmit standard button input, as well as motion sensing and on-screen pointer positioning data to the console. Depending on the capabilities and function of the new controller, however, 2.4GHz wireless technology may be the more realistic solution, as it allows for wireless video transmission.
Though the next-generation Bluetooth standard, version 3.0, allows for wireless video transmission, it has not been widely implemented by hardware manufacturers and as a result comes at a high cost. Alternatively, combining Bluetooth and a proprietary 2.4GHz system would be more cost effective and allow Nintendo to separate standard input controls and audio and video transmissions to-and-from the system.
A dual 2.4GHz and Bluetooth system would also support the claims that the controller could allow users to play games without the use of a TV, making it a handheld tethered to the range of the 2.4GHz transmitter, of sorts. If video and audio are simply transmitted to the controller itself, it could effectively end battles for living room TV usage or splitscreen multiplayer.
The Battery
Of course, these picturesque dreams of elaborate controller hijinks would have a detrimental effect on battery life, and Nintendo would have to pack a sizable battery solution inside. On the one hand, they could maintain a cost-effective removable battery solution, but a built-in rechargable lithium ion battery might be more convenient. The internal battery could potentially charge during use via a USB connection to the console, much like the PS3, and Nintendo could make life even easier by implementing inductive charging capabilities. They could make USB the default charging solution but offer an optional inductive charging surface of their own, as well as let third-party manufacturers provide a variety of alternatives.
Obviously this is pure speculation, but it would be awesome all the same.
Credits: IGN.com
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