Nintendo surprised the game industry with an unconventional one-handed controller for its next-generation 'Revolution' console that aims to draw in new players. "Motion detector sensors in the controller, which resemble a TV remote, allow players to control the game by wielding it like a sword, waving it like a conductor's baton, or swinging it like a baseball bat depending on the game," said Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata in a keynote session at the Tokyo Game Show.

"It's designed like a TV remote because that's familiar to everyone including those who are intimidated by a two-handed controller," said Satoru. "Its intuitive form allows both experienced and new gamers to stand on the same starting line."

Nintendo, known for game characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong and Pokemon, unveiled its console, code-named 'Revolution', in May, and said it would launch in 2006. The console will give users access to more than 20 years of games from past Nintendo consoles.

SATORU IWATA Motion detector sensors in the controller allow players to control the game by wielding it like a sword or swinging it like a baseball bat

The company had kept its controller under careful wraps, fearing its rivals would copy its idea. 'Revolution' will be competing with Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360, which will launch in November and Sony Corp's Playstation 3, expected to launch next spring.

Nintendo dominates the $25 billion portable game industry, but its current GameCube console lags far behind market leader Sony's current generation Playstation 2.

Nintendo's new controller is mainly operated by sensor, which it calls 'a direct pointing device' even though it has a control pad and buttons. It also has an expansion to plug in a joystick-like second device.

"It's not a gimmick, and it's different," said Tokyo-based KBC Securities analyst Hiroshi Kamide. "It should get people interested," he said, although he added that he'd like to see the device in action in games.

Satoru said its Revolution console and controller was designed to increase the gaming market by drawing in new users across all ages who might be scared off by today's complex and fast action games.

"Our mission is to revive the gaming industry by increasing our user base," said Satoru. "If we can't do that, we might as well stand back and watch the market die off."

Satoru hopes that 'Revolution' would give small developers an opportunity to create games for a next-generation console without the multi-million dollar budgets and the years of development time required for today's top titles.

CIOL BUREAU

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