Iwata Laughed At The PS3 Controller

May 31st, 2006 by Darren Stevens in Business, E3, Hardware, Offbeat, PlayStation 3, Wii

We were all caught off-hand by Sony’s blatant rip-off innovative controller when showcased at this year’s E3. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata talks about what he thought of when he saw what Sony was doing:

“Actually before they made the announcement we already anticipated that they might do that, so I had to laugh. Even though I was laughing, it was with a grim face, I should add,” Iwata told the Seattle Times. “Having said that, please know that putting the motion-sensor technology into the classic-style controller is one thing. Putting the motion-sensor technology into the Wii remote as well as the ‘nunchuck’ controller, where you can use both hands freely and independently, this is quite another thing.”

Iwata also commented on the PlayStation 3 price, saying what we’ve all been saying, it’s too expensive:

“That’s not something I should comment on as a corporate president. But as one single person, a potential customer for the PS3, I think it’s a bit expensive. But it depends on how the general public is going to see it. So far, within two days now, a majority of people who have commented on the price point are saying the same thing: It’s expensive.”

I still think Iwata was a bit worried, if Sony managed to make a better motion sensing ability, and price the PS3 competitively, the Wii would definitely have a tough time. But for now, all things are looking in Nintendo’s favor. Recent polls indicate that over 80% of Japanese gamers would buy a Wii instead of a PS3.

Via SPOnG (Thanks, Tim)

Tags: Business, E3, Hardware, Offbeat, PlayStation 3, Wii