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? ;))

Pronunciation?

[Pyromage]

Has anyone thought at all about the pronounciation of iQue? To my mind, it seems to compute to about `ick'. Some marketing guy was sleeping on that one...

(que != cue && que != queue)

Whatever.

Re:Pronunciation?

[Anonymous Coward]

has anyone thought at all about the pronounciation of iQue?

I'd say pronounce it like Manuel would have done: I... Que?

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?

[kisrael]

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?

I would guess that the N64 hasn't been distributed much there, never mind the new stuff. Unless you're part of some elite or something. It's not such an open society you know. (Or maybe I'm wrong, I am kind of guessing, but it makes sense.)

I don't get how this kind of distribution system is more pirate proof than old fashioned carts. It seems that someone could crack the encryption, and then people are already used to download-only games anyway..

Re:Is Nintendo concerned about pirating in China?

[dogbowl]

Why would you assume N64s are common over there? As I understand it, this is the first video game console to ever be officially released in China. Sure, there are imports and the plethora of PS, Famicom knock-offs, but I don't beleive that China has ever had a console released specifically for that country.

And of course they're worried about piracy. China is the hotbed of piracy .. Its harder to find an official version of a game (or software) than a pirated one.

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.

10 hours for Zelda OoT? 7 hours for Mario 64?

[MilenCent]

Those are actually rather generous time limits. I could beat both games within those time limits, though I've had the advantage of excessive play of both games. But a dedicated player who wasn't interested in finding secrets could possibly get through Zelda 64 in ten hours with a printout from GameFAQs in hand.

The time-limit system may work out well, or it may not work at all. I know if I was only the last boss away from beating a game when the machine conked out I'd be reluctant to buy it just to beat Ganon/Bowser.

This sounds like a hardcore version of a store demo's auto-reset feature. I wonder if game play time is saved on the flash cart?

But the name...

[Coppit]

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

linux port?

[aminorex]

Ok, it's got non-volatile storage now,
and a MIPS CPU. If we could get an easy
homebrew ethernet interface, this would make
a sweet little router/firewall box.

Multiplayer?

[Bagels]

One of the N64's forte's was the first-party games. Obviously, that base has been covered here. However, its other major strength lay in multiplayer gaming - it allowed for four players at once, and it had some of the best multiplayer games (from Mario Party to Goldeneye). How is multiplayer going to work here? As the console appears to be built into the controller (making it look rather ungainly and XBox-ish, might I add), would this mean that each player has to buy a separate *console*, as with the GBA, or are they simply going to get rid of multiplayer entirely? The answer should come out soon, at least, as I believe that StarFox has (or had?)a multiplayer mode.