[Someone Else]

We all know that Mario is losing his charm. The Mario games were originally platformers, and those remain to be the best Mario games out there. We haven't had a Mario platformer since... what? Mario Sunshine? (Mario 64 DS doesn't count because it's a port) True, though, we're getting two new platformers coming for the DS.

Basically, it's a lot like Disney's Mickey Mouse character. There are practically no successful Mickey Mouse shows or movies these days.

While Link is obviously a more desired character over Mario, he has too many faces for us to be familiar with. Mario only has one face so far (not counting Baby Mario, Baby Mario is his own character)

Donkey Kong was the first Nintendo character, I believe. There will be a new Donkey Kong for the Rev. but the fact remains that we see Donkey Kong games few and far between, although they usually turn out to be a success no matter how few their numbers. Same goes for Kirby.

Which big Nintendo Superstar would make the best, if not better, mascot to replace Mario?

[Zxor]

Mario is the Mascot, and is an awesome Mascot. Oh you don't know how much I love Zelda, it still should be Mario, I <3 him being the mascot.

[Blink]

Definately, stick with mario. Samus has no character, all action, and Link does have too many faces. Ganon? xD

Naw, but I'd love to see Mario stay in action. He's the only human who says a single word for Nintendo. Sony's mascot problem is, they're not introducing any kid friendly, adult appealing gameplay, human stars. So, stick with Mario, unless you choose Ash Ketchum...

[I'm Always BROKE]

Naw, stick with Mario I think. Nintendo should better quit if they quit Mario. Mario has to stay but a little less in the spot light would do the plumber well.

The best replacement for Mario would be Donkey Kong, not just because DK is one of my fav characters but he's been around since the beginning of Nintendo. But Donkey Kong is not as it used to be these days, mostly because Rare made the legendary Donkey Kong Country series XD. And since Rare is gone (and that's the only reason the Xbox sells <_< ), Nintendo screws DK by putting him in too many Mario games.

So naw, Mario all the way. n.n

[pHantOm]

DiddyKong, on Jan 25 2006, 12:58 AM, said:

(and that's the only reason the Xbox sells <_< )

Rare did not develop one game for the Xbox, but have a few for Xbox 360 and the Xbox still outsold the Gamecube.

Just had to comment on that.

[Nemphtis]

I think the answer to this topics question is extremely obvious in the eyes of Anubis. It's not like it's flashing news, people knew the answer at least 2 years ago.

[TheEnglishman]

I think Mario needs to be in platforming games to be successful again. I'm sick of Mario (Insert Sports Title here).

[I'm Always BROKE]

pHantOm, on Jan 25 2006, 10:26 AM, said:

Rare did not develop one game for the Xbox, but have a few for Xbox 360 and the Xbox still outsold the Gamecube.

Just had to comment on that.

I know, I know... Didn't you see the ":P" <_<;

[l3lueMage]

Donkeykong cant be it, I heard that a DK is coming out for Xbox360...might be wrong though.

ANyways, I would choose Metroid, I mean its only for nintendo right? Metroid is prob the only game I like x.x;

[I'm Always BROKE]

Nah DK won't go to the Xbox360, but yeah but that bad idea really. If that'd happen I would have owned a Xbox360 already.

And Samus wouldn't be a good choice really, she lacks personality and stuff... e_e; Better choice would be ehhh... Dunno really, Luigi? XD

[Blue]

You all know who it would be if it wasn't Mario anymore. Yoshi. Yoshi is the next generation of Nintendo, for if it wasn't for Yoshi, Mario wouldn't even be alive. (Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island)

[Blink]

Yoshi would only aid the kiddy image. Ash Ketchum all the way!!! xD

No, really, you could get a talkative character to do it, but none of Nintendo's mutes. Mayybeee....shoot, I keep coming up with Ganondorf. <_<

[pHantOm]

It has to be either Mario or Link, and being is how link is the personality you create for him in a way with no voice I would have to say Mario is the better choice.

[Someone Else]

Hmm actually this would be a good "Video Game mascot" topic. Meaning, discuss video game mascots in general.

Currently...

Xbox's mascot: Master Cheif
Nintendo's mascot: Mario
Playstation's mascot: ...uh... the letters "P" and "S"...

Sony oughta get a mascot to label the Playstation soon, it would really help them to advertise. Labels work VERY well. Example: Nintendo labels the DS' online capablities with a big, fat "NWFC". Meanwhile, Sony's PSP doesn't call it anything. Hell, I didn't even know the PSP went online until very shortly before I actually GOT my PSP.

Word to Sony: LABEL YOUR STUFF!

[Blink]

Sony's online system is about as organized as their spokespeople.

[Eugine]

Oh well, another Sony bashing topic arrives. I'm getting sick of it really. The most of time when they speak is purely what they feel Sony will take. They never confirm or deny anything. Maybe they should stick with Nintendo's and Microsofts "do not comment on rumours or speculations" forever.

Anyway, I admit Sony doesn't have a Mascot, but now that they own businesses like Guerilla (which makes Kill Zone) & Zipper (Socom), I think a Mascot can be made very soon. Then, I really don't care about mascots.

This post has been edited by Eugine: 26 January 2006 - 01:10 AM

[l3lueMage]

I would say if your going to bring pokemon into the mascot, then make Mew their Mascot, whats cuter than mew? and yet more powerful? NOTHING exactly//

[pHantOm]

Blink, on Jan 25 2006, 09:19 PM, said:

Sony's online system is about as organized as their spokespeople.

Atleast they have one ninconpoop.

Dont talk **** when the company you support doesnt even HAVE online like the other 2. And them not having a mascot is a good thing, its good for 3rd party developers because people wont associate the system with any specific type of game.

[Aquamarine]

Mario should be Nintendo's mascot and no body else. He's been around for longer than I have, is an interesting and funny character, has awesome games(well, most of them) and is probably the most famous games character in the world. I really don't think there is a better choise. Also, Ninty loves Mario too much to switch him with anyone else.

But yeah, they really should ditch all of the Mario Sports titles(except for maybe only Tennis). Still, they sell quite well and I don't think they're too hard to make, so it's easy money.

If they want to keep Mario popular, they should have Mario 128 for the Rev's launch, but that seems pretty impossible at the time being...

I thought of another Nintendo human who speaks: Captain Falcon! But does anyone really like and care about him...

[Someone Else]

Eugine, on Jan 25 2006, 11:05 PM, said:

Oh well, another Sony bashing topic arrives. I'm getting sick of it really. The most of time when they speak is purely what they feel Sony will take. They never confirm or deny anything. Maybe they should stick with Nintendo's and Microsofts "do not comment on rumours or speculations" forever.

Was I BASHING? No, I'm concerned for them. You don't need to be so defensive over your preffered company. <_<

And Phantom does have a point, though I'm not entirely sure what he's talking about... Nintendo does have online at the moment. What exactly do you call this?

[pHantOm]

Wind Dude, on Jan 26 2006, 08:23 AM, said:

And Phantom does have a point, though I'm not entirely sure what he's talking about... Nintendo does have online at the moment. What exactly do you call this?

And thats for a handheld, thus that is meaningless. If otherwise, then show me the games its used on.

[Someone Else]

What exactly is so bad about handhelds? I suppose the PSP's online is worthless too?

For the record, you probably know this, but the Rev is going to go online too.

[pHantOm]

Wind Dude, on Jan 26 2006, 08:39 AM, said:

What exactly is so bad about handhelds? I suppose the PSP's online is worthless too?

For the record, you probably know this, but the Rev is going to go online too.

Handhelds are not ment to be the companys primary gaming device, if Nintendo was exclusivly handheld then your wifi connection link would be correct. But the GameCube is your primary system that represents Nintendo in the big business trio, and its got what Phantasy Star online 1-3? And those are 100 years old, and not even exclusive. The point is, Nintendo didnt do online with the GC, there is NOTHING you can argue to say otherwise because I'm right. So try all you want nintendo butt licker, its not going to work. <_<

XD LOL had to say it.

[Sea of Time]

Eugine, on Jan 26 2006, 01:05 AM, said:

Oh well, another Sony bashing topic arrives. I'm getting sick of it really. The most of time when they speak is purely what they feel Sony will take. They never confirm or deny anything. Maybe they should stick with Nintendo's and Microsofts "do not comment on rumours or speculations" forever.

Preach, brother, preach!

As for this mascot thing, definitely keep Mario. He probably has a few more sports in his belt before the new Super Mario Bros. comes out on the DS which should count as a platformer because it's all new!

[Someone Else]

pHantOm, on Jan 26 2006, 05:44 AM, said:

Handhelds are not ment to be the companys primary gaming device, if Nintendo was exclusivly handheld then your wifi connection link would be correct. But the GameCube is your primary system that represents Nintendo in the big business trio, and its got what Phantasy Star online 1-3? And those are 100 years old, and not even exclusive. The point is, Nintendo didnt do online with the GC, there is NOTHING you can argue to say otherwise because I'm right. So try all you want nintendo butt licker, its not going to work. <_<

That's your opinion. Handheld gaming is IT these days, man.

[Sea of Time]

Yeah, these days but not for too much longer. We're in that weird in between phase where the console generation is coming to an end and all the companies make a push for sales either by making new games or by making new consoles. At this time last generation, we were looking at the Dreamcast, as the N64's popularity waned. This portable age will end when the PS3 and the Revolution come out, especially the PSP. Sony tried to prevent it from becoming obsolete by giving the PS3 owner the option of using the PSP as a controller (with a few bonus features) but I don't think many people will buy a $300 item just to use it as a controller. DS sales will drop off but Nintendo will probably continue putting money into games for it, so it won't become completely obsolete.

[Someone Else]

I'd doubt that. People are going to still love the PSP a lot because of it's special features. Actually, the PSP feels more like a portable computer to me than a portable gaming console because of it's features, especially the Internet. It's less than a laptop, but not by a lot.

Also, you can't take a PS3 anywhere with you like you can with the PSP.

[Sea of Time]

You have to consider their sales dropping significantly though.

[Someone Else]

Like I said, I guess that everybody that wanted a PSP has got one. Ya gotta also consider that the PSP is rather expensive, so that it's more like an X-mas gift thing than a... thing that you'd go out to buy whenever you've got some free cash. Maybe. <_< ;

[Sea of Time]

On the most part that is correct. But the PSP is aimed at an age bracket that has more disposable income than any other (except seniors, but I don't see them getting PSP's anytime soon). But yes, it is more of an Xmas gift or a birthday gift or a whatever-you-celebrate-and-get-presents-day gift.

[Someone Else]

Even if you're right, though, (which you probably are) I can't see people abandoning their PSP's and their DS'. Maybe a little bit, since console gaming generally owns portable gaming. But especially the DS it's hard to imagine people getting bored of. The Rev. can't offer Touch Screen gaming, obviously. Although it's said that you can do something like it with the Rev. But you can't forget those two screens. Spiffy.

[Eugine]

Sony has the biggest advantage now really. Although they have made some bad choices in the last few years (excluding the game machines), I think they are currently heading to be once again the Entertainment King. Taking atleast 50%-80% of the market in about everything they do really. Let me outline this master plan:

It starts with the gaming industry really. This is why I believe Sony will sell the PS3 at the same price at the Xbox 360. Even though they will make massive loss on the PS3, the point of the Next-Gen gaming war for Sony is not to compete with Microsoft or Nintendo really, but to compete with Toshiba - The Battle for the next-gen discs. Imagine if Sony's BR win - On the Xbox 360 (latter versions if BR wins), you seeing SONY on it, on the Revo (latter version if BR wins) you see SONY on it (since they control BR)... That day...

The gaming industry I think will be worth 30 billion US by 2008. If Sony continues it can control atleast 60% of it.
Now the Storage war is worth another 30 billion US I think. So if Sony puts blu-ray in the PS3, the disc format will sway to Sony, thus controlling the 30 billion dollar market.
After Sony does this, Sony is trying to introduce its HD TVs, it made the PS3 compatible with its TV... So once again Sony is making its product interact. PSP interacts with the PS3... W00T!

Sony Walkman interacts with the PS3, PSP and its other products... Sony's EBook controlling books, Sony Radio... EVERYTHING being compatible... It all starts the PS3s Cell.

So, Sony's future is on the PS3, if the PS3 fails Sony fails. That's why I think they will make the PS3 cheap. Make loss on the PS3, make profit in everything else.

YAY! FOR! SONY!

But why did I post this in this topic? I don't know. <_<

On topic: If Sony ever had to get a Mascot, I'd want it to be... Sly Couper.

[Blink]

Phantom hasn't made a word of sense in this topic...

"Dont talk **** when the company you support doesnt even HAVE online like the other 2."

...it makes sense for Nintendo to start online with the market that they dominate, portables, which do exist, and are a real market, and sell better for being cheaper and appealing to a broader audience.


"there is NOTHING you can argue to say otherwise because I'm right. So try all you want nintendo butt licker, its not going to work."

And now you just sound like a stuck up arse.

C'mon Phantom...act a little more...nicely, please. I didn't mean that Sony was a bad company, I meant that Sony has a history of Spokespeople who sound like biased chumps, mainly the guy who was pulling a Frank Lloyd Wright about the PSP, saying Style over Function. If Sony's teaching their spokespeople to say that, then Sony's at fault, but otherwise, they've just hired some pretty dumb people. Also, Sony's online isn't really unified, it's more like a "here's some servers, put your game online on them" thing. I've never liked how PC games feel so seperated in that way, but they do. Nintendo's is at least unified, so you can find out everything about it's status and whatnot in one place.

[Someone Else]

Eugine, on Jan 26 2006, 02:56 PM, said:

Sony has the biggest advantage now really. Although they have made some bad choices in the last few years (excluding the game machines), I think they are currently heading to be once again the Entertainment King. Taking atleast 50%-80% of the market in about everything they do really. Let me outline this master plan:

It starts with the gaming industry really. This is why I believe Sony will sell the PS3 at the same price at the Xbox 360. Even though they will make massive loss on the PS3, the point of the Next-Gen gaming war for Sony is not to compete with Microsoft or Nintendo really, but to compete with Toshiba - The Battle for the next-gen discs. Imagine if Sony's BR win - On the Xbox 360 (latter versions if BR wins), you seeing SONY on it, on the Revo (latter version if BR wins) you see SONY on it (since they control BR)... That day...

The gaming industry I think will be worth 30 billion US by 2008. If Sony continues it can control atleast 60% of it.
Now the Storage war is worth another 30 billion US I think. So if Sony puts blu-ray in the PS3, the disc format will sway to Sony, thus controlling the 30 billion dollar market.
After Sony does this, Sony is trying to introduce its HD TVs, it made the PS3 compatible with its TV... So once again Sony is making its product interact. PSP interacts with the PS3... W00T!

Sony Walkman interacts with the PS3, PSP and its other products... Sony's EBook controlling books, Sony Radio... EVERYTHING being compatible... It all starts the PS3s Cell.

So, Sony's future is on the PS3, if the PS3 fails Sony fails. That's why I think they will make the PS3 cheap. Make loss on the PS3, make profit in everything else.

YAY! FOR! SONY!

But why did I post this in this topic? I don't know. <_<

On topic: If Sony ever had to get a Mascot, I'd want it to be... Sly Couper.

I don't entirely understand what you said, but it sounded Playstation fanboy-ish.

I don't want any company to dominate the industry, because then they would jack up their prices on their stuff and stop producing quality product. BASICALLY, like another Electronic Arts or Microsoft.

[Blink]

Hence why a healthy Sega vs Nintendo would have been best, in my opinion.

[Eugine]

I basically was saying Sony's PS3 is not about winning the gaming industry anymore, but the entertainment industry on a hole.

And yes, I'm not saying competition is bad. I love competition, because of it I now have a 2GB inbox D:... Actually, competition is what's making Nintendo so innovative these days.

Also, I don't want any company having a monopoly over any industry. I just prefer a certain company another.

This post has been edited by Eugine: 26 January 2006 - 06:39 PM

[pHantOm]

Blink, on Jan 26 2006, 06:48 PM, said:

Phantom hasn't made a word of sense in this topic...

"Dont talk **** when the company you support doesnt even HAVE online like the other 2."

...it makes sense for Nintendo to start online with the market that they dominate, portables, which do exist, and are a real market, and sell better for being cheaper and appealing to a broader audience.
"there is NOTHING you can argue to say otherwise because I'm right. So try all you want nintendo butt licker, its not going to work."

And now you just sound like a stuck up arse.

C'mon Phantom...act a little more...nicely, please. I didn't mean that Sony was a bad company, I meant that Sony has a history of Spokespeople who sound like biased chumps, mainly the guy who was pulling a Frank Lloyd Wright about the PSP, saying Style over Function. If Sony's teaching their spokespeople to say that, then Sony's at fault, but otherwise, they've just hired some pretty dumb people. Also, Sony's online isn't really unified, it's more like a "here's some servers, put your game online on them" thing. I've never liked how PC games feel so seperated in that way, but they do. Nintendo's is at least unified, so you can find out everything about it's status and whatnot in one place.

I make pefect sense

1)They have no online for consoles, you keep bringing up portables but I have already stated Im not talking about portables.

2)Show me a game thats online for the GameCube, please ENLIGHTEN me, because I have a GameCube that the dust bunnies have been feasting on for the last 6 months.

Point being, Im talking about consoles not portables. Afterall, it is the console that has made video games what they are today.

[Someone Else]

Portables are the future.

[pHantOm]

Wind Dude, on Jan 26 2006, 10:13 PM, said:

Portables are the future.

<_< I give up, you fanboys and your lack of comprehension is irritating.

Fine, Keep Mario so he can save the ever increasingly whorish peach who will eventually (if she didnt already in sunshine) go for the bad boy and go to Bowser.

[Someone Else]

*imitating you* You're just giving up because you know I'm right. <_<

Get out of the gutter and you'll agree. This has nothing to do with being partial to Nintendo.

[Blink]

You are being quite negative. Portables are hotcakes at the moment, and sales prove it. If you don't agknowledge portables, you'll think Nintendo is going to perish soon, which you probably do. <_<

[Sea of Time]

^ Agreed. But they will be near obsolete when the next console cycle begins.

[TheEnglishman]

I'm not desperate to join the arguement but I have to point this out.

pHantOm, on Jan 27 2006, 02:44 AM, said:

2)Show me a game thats online for the GameCube

Here ya go!

[Sea of Time]

I think that was a burn. Too bad these games suck.

Back to the point of this topic, if Zelda were to be the face of Nintendo, they might not be able to be as deep as they are now.

[TheEnglishman]

To be fair that is like the only online gamecube game and it's not exactly brilliant.
I think that the Zelda series would be the next best replacement as the mascot. I doubt it would ever happen though. I'm sure people would moan if Mario was replaced.

[Sea of Time]

Yeah but Nintendo never really claim that their mascot is Nintendo. They would have to wipe out Mario permanently to get rid of him as mascot.

[pHantOm]

Me111, on Jan 27 2006, 10:03 AM, said:

I'm not desperate to join the arguement but I have to point this out.

Here ya go!

Read the whole thread maybe? =P


"Handhelds are not ment to be the companys primary gaming device, if Nintendo was exclusivly handheld then your wifi connection link would be correct. But the GameCube is your primary system that represents Nintendo in the big business trio, and its got what Phantasy Star online 1-3? And those are 100 years old, and not even exclusive. The point is, Nintendo didnt do online with the GC, there is NOTHING you can argue to say otherwise because I'm right. So try all you want nintendo butt licker, its not going to work. <_<

XD LOL had to say it."

Mark/Phantom Page 2

I'm HIGHLY aware of those games, im talking about good ones buddy. :P

[TheEnglishman]

Man I hate it when people prove me wrong.

[Blink]

...huh. xD

You must get angry quite easily then. <_< Just kiddin.

But yeah, Mario's definately here to stay.

[Toasty64]

I like Kirby better.

[pHantOm]

Toasty64, on Jan 27 2006, 10:01 PM, said:

I like Kirby better.

If you want Nintendo laughed out of the gaming industry, then make kirby the mascot.

[Toasty64]

l3lueMage, on Jan 25 2006, 10:14 AM, said:

Donkeykong cant be it, I heard that a DK is coming out for Xbox360...might be wrong though.

ANyways, I would choose Metroid, I mean its only for nintendo right? Metroid is prob the only game I like x.x;

Thats impossible, Microsoft, by law, would have to buy the Donkey Kong mascot, and we would definately know about it if it happened.

pHantOm, on Jan 27 2006, 07:02 PM, said:

If you want Nintendo laughed out of the gaming industry, then make kirby the mascot.

What's you're beefe with kirby? He kicks butt in Super Smash Bros.

l3lueMage, on Jan 26 2006, 12:22 AM, said:

I would say if your going to bring pokemon into the mascot, then make Mew their Mascot, whats cuter than mew? and yet more powerful? NOTHING exactly//

How about a level 100 pichu?

[Someone Else]

Oh c'mon... it's KIRBY.

Maybe Nintendo should just ditch mascots altogether like Sony. Ya know, change their image a bit, appeal a bit more to older audiences...

[Toasty64]

Wind Dude, on Jan 26 2006, 12:14 PM, said:

Even if you're right, though, (which you probably are) I can't see people abandoning their PSP's and their DS'. Maybe a little bit, since console gaming generally owns portable gaming. But especially the DS it's hard to imagine people getting bored of. The Rev. can't offer Touch Screen gaming, obviously. Although it's said that you can do something like it with the Rev. But you can't forget those two screens. Spiffy.

I know for a fact that you will be able to pick up the Rev controller and wield it like a sword in Link games. And yes it senses turns, swings, pitches, and rolls, and exactly where it is in the room without the need to press a button.

[Toasty64]

Nintendo WOULD be royally screwed if they got rid of and replaced Mario. Although, I still think Kirby would be a good, if not the best, canidate to replace Mario.

Canidate Rating:

#1: Donkey Kong
#2: Kirby
#3: Yoshi
#4: Link
#5: Luigi
#5: Wario
#6: Captain Falcon
#7: Gannondorf

[Someone Else]

I know all that. But I think there was something about pointing at the television screen to do stuff such as aiming and shooting in FPS games...

And, ew, I'd hate for Zelda to ditch traditional gaming.

[Toasty64]

Wind Dude, on Jan 27 2006, 07:39 PM, said:

I know all that. But I think there was something about pointing at the television screen to do stuff such as aiming and shooting in FPS games...

And, ew, I'd hate for Zelda to ditch traditional gaming.

You don't have to aim it at the TV to play all the games, it's not like the infra red gun that was used in Duck Hunt for the NES, this is the 21st century, we have Wi-Fi.

[Nemphtis]

Blink, on Jan 26 2006, 02:19 AM, said:

Sony's online system is about as organized as their spokespeople.

Wow, that's extremely organised. You're just overating it.

[Someone Else]

Toasty64, on Jan 27 2006, 07:42 PM, said:

You don't have to aim it at the TV to play all the games, it's not like the infra red gun that was used in Duck Hunt for the NES, this is the 21st century, we have Wi-Fi.

You do know I have no idea what you're talking about, right? And what does Wi-Fi have to do with aiming a remote at a TV to shoot?

[Sea of Time]

Toasty64, on Jan 27 2006, 09:37 PM, said:

Nintendo WOULD be royally screwed if they got rid of and replaced Mario. Although, I still think Kirby would be a good, if not the best, canidate to replace Mario.

Canidate Rating:

#1: Donkey Kong
#2: Kirby
#3: Yoshi
#4: Link
#5: Luigi
#5: Wario
#6: Captain Falcon
#7: Gannondorf

A monkey to represent Nintendo? Wouldn't the competition see that as a little ironic :P. Just kidding Nintendo.

This post has been edited by Sea_of_Time: 28 January 2006 - 12:36 PM

[Venus_Man1]

They could always have like two mascots or more. Just to shown their variation of characters. Just an idea.

[Neon]

When I think of nintendo i hardly ever think of Mario actually. Metroid and Zelda come to mind for me. I've never been a fan of Mario. On the snes Donkey Kong was the platformer king, and on the N64 it was Banjo and kazooie :blink:. Mario Sunshine is probably the only Mario game I really fell in love with.

[Toasty64]

Wind Dude, on Jan 28 2006, 09:43 AM, said:

You do know I have no idea what you're talking about, right? And what does Wi-Fi have to do with aiming a remote at a TV to shoot?

Well, do you know about the wireless controller for the gamecube? Well the revolution controller will use the same wireless technology. I have one of those controllers and I've played with that controller behind a wall and it still worked. I'm not sure if it's WiFi, but it can't be like a TV remote, and I know this for sure.

[Someone Else]

Naw it's infrared I think. WiFi is for internet.

[Toasty64]

Well it's not WiFi, and since it would have to have an infra red LED on the front of the controller, and since I could play through a wall in my house with it, than it can't be infra red. I think it might use wireless technology similar to that found on cordless phones, since you could be in the basement with three walls between you and the reciever, and it'd still work.

[Blink]

...

The Revolution controller uses the same wireless means as the wavebird. This is NOT 802.11g, or infared. This is probably bluetooth. The infared lense on the front of the Revolution controller is so that you can use it's laser pointer feature, and possibly work as a universal remote to turn your TV on if it's off.