Nintendo to Drop D-pad 110
pluke writes "Computer and Video Games reports that Nintendo plans to drop the humble d-pad from its next console along with the classic A and B buttons. Nintendo pioneered the d-pad on its 80's Game & Watch handheld games system."
Large Grain of Salt (Score:4, Informative)
so yeah. until you see something more official (at least more official than this rag), take this story with a HUGE grain of salt.
Re:D-pad is necessary (Score:3, Informative)
The d-pad actually replaced the digital joystick. Twenty years ago the only machines that I can remember having analog sticks were the Apple II and TRS-80. All the Ataris used digital sticks. Analog sticks didn't really come into their own until the release of the dual-shock controller for the PS1 and the N64.
Anyway, I'd like to see a controller based on the original iPod wheel. That way you can spin it for paddle games, but also use it for directional use.