Nintendo's iQue Detailed, Pictured

Rocco writes "Over at LikSang.com, they have new pictures and details on Nintendo's iQue, the Chinese-specific controller-style console that plugs directly into the TV, plays N64 games, and comes with a 64 megabyte Flash Memory Card to store them. Included in the hardware bundle are 5 games, while only Doctor Mario is a full version. Zelda 64: Ocarina of Time (10 hours), Mario 64 (7 hours), Wave Race (1 hour) and Starfox (1 hour) are time limited demo versions. Allegedly, the OS of the iQue can also be updated when you 'refill' your flash cartridge, currently only at 'Nintendo partners throughout Shanghai', but rumored to be possible online in the future." We previously featured the unveiling of the iQue a couple of months ago.

Comments

Interesting design.

[H0NGK0NGPH00EY]

Am I the only one who sees a striking similarity between the Nintendo iQue and the Sega Dreamcast controller? Just wondering.

Re:Interesting design.

[Mattb90]

I agree, but I would also say that the original Xbox controller is also similar to the Dreamcast control - similar rounded shape, analogue stick top-left & d-pad bottom left, slots in the top for memory cards (and more), and trigger buttons at the back (rather than traditional shoulder buttons). I think its going to be strange playing N64 games which were designed with a centre-based analogue stick and Z button underneath on a Dreamcast-like controller... Perfect Dark just wouldn't be the same... (although taking note of my other comment, could it be good practice for PDZero? ;))

Is Nintendo concerned about pirating in China?

[Bob Bitchen]

Ok it has a single-chip design but I don't get it. A N64 can be had for $1.99 on ebay. The only reason I can see for developing this was to alter how games are distributed. Nintendo must have some real concerns about pirated games in China. And those concerns are warranted but certainly N64s must be common over there too?? Why would anyone spend that much for an older technology that can be had for lots less money?

Re:Is Nintendo concerned about pirating in China?

[Funk_dat69]

It might also have something to do with the games having chinese dialogue and, maybe eventually, cultural relivancy(Chinese-centric games). If they can make it cheap enough and tap into the chinese culture - that spells success to me.

There have been no mainstream console games made and marketed specifically for China. I think this is a test by nintendo more than anything - to see if there's a very large asian gold mine that has yet to be found.

Being cheap enough to avoid piracy is important, though, hence the old hardware. If they sell 1 game to half the teenagers in China for $1 each - thats still a whole lotta dollars.

But the name...

[Coppit]

They'll probably have to change the name though...