Backwards Compatibility: One of the biggest surprises about the Revolution is that it will be completely backwards compatible with the GameCube. At E3 we learned just how compatible, and I have to say I’m impressed. The Revolution’s primary format is standard 12CM double-layered DVD’s, but it has a "discerning" disk drive. You can pop either a Revolution or GameCube disk into the drive, and it’ll accept both without any configuration or hassle. Just slip in and play; again, with the simplicity. The top of the console snaps open to reveal four Cube controller ports and two memory card slots. The Revolution effectively has a GameCube built into it.
The other big surprise was the massive library of back titles available for download. The Revolution will be the first "virtual" system, eliminating the need for old consoles. Nintendo’s been experimenting with backwards compatibility on its handhelds, but I never expected a move like this, and I couldn’t be happier.
Style: And now, for the all important sexy factor. The big three have been sleeking and smoothing their designs to maximize eye-catching appeal, and I’d have to say...Sony and Microsoft blew it. BIG time. First, the hallowed Playstation 3. We all know it’s going to be awesome, right? It’s going to be smooth as silk and even more gorgeous than the slim line PS2, right? Wrong. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Now we all know that pic is the result of clever Photoshoppery, but honestly, the PS3 does look like a grill. Looking at it puts me in the mood for a flame-broiled steak, not
Metal Gear Solid 4. And what about the controller? Maybe Sony stole one of Batman’s boomerangs and put buttons on it. How the hell are you supposed to hold that thing, anyway? It looks like hands would slip right off of those enormous handles.
The Xbox 360, on the other hand, isn’t so much of a train wreck. It’s rather attractive, really, in a cozy sort of way. But in terms of design, it’s such a huge shift from the previous Xbox that it doesn’t make sense. The original Xbox was the biggest, thickest, baddest thing on the shelf, with that intimidating green X and gargantuan controller. The 360 looks like a tiny silver home PC, and an Apple PC at that. The concave design is kind of nifty, but it looks...weak. Cute. Remember how much the GameCube got slammed for being cute? People called it a lunchbox. Now Microsoft is making the same mistake. Xbox went from "I’m a badass, don’t mess with me" to "hey, come and play with me!" The 360 controller shouts this at the top of its lungs. It’s supposedly very comfortable, but those candy-colored buttons and pearly white plastic give a preschool toy feel.
The Revolution is the prettiest. It’s the greatest of Nintendo’s design success stories, if you ask me. It captures both an edgy masculine coolness and a trim, sleek femininity at the same time. It’s also the picture of simplicity, without the odd shapes or doodads of the other next-gen consoles. Clearly the smallest of the three, it emphasizes a compact stylish alternative to beastly power, and its default color of shining jet black is infinitely better than the GameCube’s cuddly indigo. Wasn’t Sony going down this road? Why is the PS3 the biggest new console, why is it trash-can silver instead of small, dark and mysterious? Nintendo wins the sex-appeal award, hands down.
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