What if the Revolutionary aspect of the controller is...

[javeryh]

... that the console actually ships with a controller with a giant A button and an analog stick for first-party games (or something way over simplified) and also with some sort of clip or attachment to that controller to make it more "traditional" - maybe like an extra analog stick, shoulder buttons, additional face buttons, etc. This way Nintendo can make games with extremely basic controls (for the casual gamers) and also not alienate third parties... just a thought...

[javeryh]

maybe?

[RedvsBlue]

Do I hear crickets chirping?

J/K
Seriously though, my take on the revolution controller and the reason we haven't seen it is one of 2 things. Either they're sitting on such a good idea that they don't want the other 2 companies to be able to copy it for this generation or they're having major issues with getting it working correctly (whatever it may be).

[javeryh]

I agree although I hope it's that it kicks so much ass that just seeing it would make Sony and MS shit.

[nwaugh]

Of course, we have to hope that it's not so revolutionary that it alienates casual gamers (and parents).

[topplehat]

If it has a touch screen then the buttons could be mapped onto the touch screen. Although that would feel weird, without the "feel" of pressing a real button.

[Spruce]

... that the console actually ships with a controller with a giant A button and an analog stick for first-party games (or something way over simplified) and also with some sort of clip or attachment to that controller to make it more "traditional" - maybe like an extra analog stick, shoulder buttons, additional face buttons, etc. This way Nintendo can make games with extremely basic controls (for the casual gamers) and also not alienate third parties... just a thought...

Straight outta the IGN Gamecube mailbag:

Matt responds: Well, Nintendo has said that today's controllers have too many buttons and analog sticks, which very likely means that Revolution's pad will show a reduction of both. Meanwhile, I have to think that there would be no need for a GameCube docking station on Revolution if the new controller could easily play GCN games. Based on everything we know thus far, I've created a mock-up of what the Revolution controller might look like. Please observe below:

http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/633/633267/revomockupmailbag_1121302303.jpg

[PawnTakesKing]

... that the console actually ships with a controller with a giant A button and an analog stick for first-party games (or something way over simplified) and also with some sort of clip or attachment to that controller to make it more "traditional" - maybe like an extra analog stick, shoulder buttons, additional face buttons, etc. This way Nintendo can make games with extremely basic controls (for the casual gamers) and also not alienate third parties... just a thought...

I posted an idea similar to this in a Revolution thread several weeks ago (I can't seem to find the thread now), except that my concept was that the controller would be completely customizable (i.e. the face of the controller is bare, and attachments like buttons and thumbsticks fit into it like Lego pieces). At the time it didn't seem like a great idea, but with the recent news we've been hearing it's starting to make more sense.

Although I do agree with you: attachments would be more sensible than individual controller "pieces". Imagine playing Pikmin 3 and you're in the middle of launching your Pikmin on some baddie's head, only to have your left thumbstick piece fall off and get lost under your couch. Then your dog finds it and chews it to pieces. Then all of your Pikmin die and you get so furious that you rip the Revolution out of your entertainment center and slam it against the wall, busting it to pieces. Then your dog chews those up too.

[Inferno-X]

Personally I think it's going to have a gyroscope in it like the Kirby Tilt 'n Tumble.