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[Tom Nook Sawyer]

Why bother to release a home console them? Just stick with the handheld part of the busyness and support other platforms for games they consider would work better away from handhelds. i meam most Wii U game concpts can easily be done in the 3DS.

Exactly. My point is that most of Nintendo's game concepts for the Wii U weren't particularly ambitious. I was actually a big fan of the promise of the GamePad, but very little of it was realized

And that ends the argument right there. There are games that used the Gamepad substantially. Just like some Wii games used the remote in fundamental ways even taught the majority of the Wii line up could work with traditional controllers.

The Wii made much better, smarter, and more innovative use of the Wii Remote than the Wii U ever did with the GamePad. Sure, the Wii had its blunders too, of course, but as a prove of concept: it stomped all over the Wii U.

 

[GDGF]

Question: Do people and companies know when they file a patent approximately how long it will take until it goes public? All these recent discoveries almost scream of Nintendo trying to covertly build hype without making any proper announcements.

Nevermind just had a look at some other patents and it's all over the place.

 

[Refreshment.01]

Considering how well the GamePad works for what it is (a constant video stream and input over a wireless connection), I'd say it's a very, very polished technology. It works really well, it just wasn't fleshed out enough and given a reason to exist.

If this is adressed to me you are missing the point of what i said.

Umpolished in terms of design not technology. For example, the Gamepad could be more compact even while retaining the exact same screen size. There's tons of blank space between the buttons and the bezel is gigantic. Then there are stuff like the camera can not be flipped backwards this simple change would have allowed them to bring some potential AR games for more variety in the line up.

Also why they didn't opt to use a centered pivotal design to hold the controller (see N64) instead? As it would make touch screen operation a million times more convenient. im a complete layman and that was the first think i tought of when using a game that emphasise touch screen use.

 

[Fourth Storm]

Nevermind just had a look at some other patents and it's all over the place.

It seems to vary. Perhaps it's based on how close it is to other patents and how much the patent office has to comb through in order to approve it. This one might have meant to be stealth as Nintendo isn't the official assignee.

 

[Oregano]

Touche, but you know I was talking about the N64. Yamauchi's crap was at least justified in the NES and SNES days due to the previous state of the market and because technology wasn't yet at the point where CDs were a suitable replacement for carts without the need for an extra peripheral.

True but I think you may have simplified the N64 situation a bit. It was absolutely a mistake in the end but Nintendo was initially pushing for CDs(on the SNES) before all the shenanigans went down.

 

[Refreshment.01]

Exactly. My point is that most of Nintendo's game concepts for the Wii U weren't particularly ambitious. I was actually a big fan of the promise of the GamePad, but very little of it was realized.

The concepts were realized. Maybe what you wanted was a wider range of games that used them? Again see answer: "Mainly 1 developer supporting the console and with their resources split by 2 platforms".

The Wii made much better, smarter, and more innovative use of the Wii Remote than the Wii U ever did with the GamePad. Sure, the Wii had its blunders too, of course, but as a prove of concept: it stomped all over the Wii U.

This is irrelevant to our discussion since in the first place it was not a comparison of what concept is better.

The Wii was brought up in this instace because just like the Wii U some people like to dismiss the fundamental concept, due to a 100% of the platform's game library not employing the main input method in a substantially transformative way and thus most games could be replicated by more traditional control methods. When in reality, this doesn't matter because both platforms do have software that used it's controllers in unique ways.

 

[Graphics Horse]

Don't think the patent shows this but for a handheld you might be able to have handles that swing out from behind the unit or something.

 

[Tom Nook Sawyer]

The concepts were realized. Maybe what you wanted was a wider range of games that used them? Again see answer: "Mainly 1 developer supporting the console and split by 2".

If you think the promise of the GamePad has been fulfilled, you must have had extremely modest expectations.

This is irrelevant to our discussion since in the first place it was not a comparison of what concept is better.

You brought up the Wii dude. If my point was irrelevant, then so is yours.

The Wii was brought up in this case because just like the Wii U some people like to dismiss the fundamental concept, due to 100% of the platform's game library not employing the main input method in a substantially transformative way and thus it could be replicated by more traditional control means. When this doesn't matter because both platforms do have software that used it's controllers in unique ways.

And I was pointing out why I don't think it's a valid argument to dismiss the complaints about the Wii U simply because some people thought the same as the Wii.

I can count the number of games that made truly "unique" use of the GamePad on a single hand...that's missing some fingers. I can't say the same for the Wii Remote. All imo, of course

 

[ShockingAlberto]

go big or go home

These are five words that are easy to say but monstrously stupid to do.

 

[Trevelyan9999]

Is there a detailed breakdown of this patent, highlighting everything that it could do? I know that this patent is "none limiting" so there is more to this controller than meets the eye, but it's a 45 page document.....

 

[ZOONAMI]

Nevermind just had a look at some other patents and it's all over the place.

Yeah I don't think Nintendo is trying to build hype by expecting people to dig up their patents. They would do a direct or announcement if they wanted to build hype.

They'd probably prefer people to not speculate on their patents, as the ideas in them might never see the light of day in an actual released product.

 

[thisisvlad]

I'm happy that we finally get to see some hint of how Nintendo was going to incorporate the Free Form technology. Here's me shamelessly quoting myself from a separate thread:

I want Nintendo to re-define the gamer's experience with their controller.

- Leverage the Sharp 'free-form' displays to create a controller that's fully customizable aesthetically. For example, the entire face of the controller is a display and it perfectly contours all the buttons and thumbsticks, I have my own settings where I can set the color or 'wallpaper' of my controller, amongst other things. In this way, I can always have an individual controller.

 

[Refreshment.01]

If you think the promise of the GamePad has been fulfilled, you must have had extremely modest expectations.

i said the concepts were realized in various games, not that the device was fully exploited. Again, similar to the Wii XD

You brought up the Wii dude. If my point was irrelevant, then so is yours.

This is a non answer since i told you why the Wii was brouught up.

And I was pointing out why I don't think it's a valid argument to dismiss the complaints about the Wii U simply because some people thought the same as the Wii.

I can count the number of games that made truly "unique" use of the GamePad on one hand...that's missing some fingers. I can't say the same for the Wii Remote. All imo, of course

You are runing in circles here.

The point is not to dismiss here, it's more about for people to know what they are actually complaining about in the first place.

im just telling you that contrary to what some say, there were games from day one that used the input device in fundamental or useful way.

That you can count them with one hand doesn't change that there is in fact software that uses the Gamepad in an unique way. That's why the Wii example fits perfectly here, because people also clasify it as pointless because most games in the library could be translated to a dual analog setup.

 

[Blobbers]

I'm watching Disorientator's pics and I don't wanna imagine anything less than a Full HD screen for the final product.

 

[Graphics Horse]

I'm watching Disorientator's pics and I don't wanna imagine anything less than a Full HD screen for the final product.

I'm not sure what you're saying, you want a 1080 x ~3500 screen?
Or you just don't want to imagine one that shape?
I guess 1920x540 could be a possible ratio if this is the kind of shape they want...
I'm thinking back to that mysterious Matt post again

 

[thisisvlad]

I'm watching Disorientator's pics and I don't wanna imagine anything less than a Full HD screen for the final product.

It needs to be at least 3x bigger!

Spoiler

/s

 

[Tom Nook Sawyer]

im just telling you that contrary to what some say, there were games from day one that used the input device in fundamental or useful way. That you can count them with one hand doesn't change that there is in fact software that uses the Gamepad in an unique way. That's why the Wii example fits perfectly here, because people also clasify it as pointless because most games in the library could be translated to a dual analog setup.

If I'm running in circles, then you're running in place. I am completely baffled why you keep bringing up arguments in reply to me that have nothing to do what I said.

You seem to be arguing against a strawman. Has anyone in this thread even said the Wii U had ZERO games that made good use of the GamePad? The real question is does the Wii U have enough games that depend on it for it to be a worth while addition? Clearly the market thinks not.

 

[Moonstone]

Probably the biggest german news site - spiegel.de - stumbled upon this thread:
http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/game...seln-ueber-touchscreen-gamepad-a-1067306.html

 

[The_Lump]

go big or go home

Said all successful and well run businesses.

Question: Do people and companies know when they file a patent approximately how long it will take until it goes public? All these recent discoveries almost scream of Nintendo trying to covertly build hype without making any proper announcements.

Patents are usually published anywhere from a year to 18 months after filing (think it's 18months in US?) The applicant doesn't get to choose when it's published in my experience. Although maybe the big boys can embargo in certain circumstances (to mitigate corporate espionage maybe?). Doubt it though.

 

[The_Lump]

DP, sorry.

 

[finalflame]

If this is adressed to me you are missing the point of what i said.

Umpolished in terms of design not technology. For example, the Gamepad could be more compact even while retaining the exact same screen size. There's tons of blank space between the buttons and the bezel is gigantic. Then there are stuff like the camera can not be flipped backwards this simple change would have allowed them to bring some potential AR games for more variety in the line up.

Also why they didn't opt to use a centered pivotal design to hold the controller (see N64) instead? As it would make touch screen operation a million times more convenient. im a complete layman and that was the first think i tought of when using a game that emphasise touch screen use.

Sure, however, I am not a designer and have no idea what were the bigger motivations behind Nintendo's design choices with the Gamepad. I agree a slicker device would've been nice.

With that said, ergonomically, the Gamepad works absolutely fine for me. Never had any cramps or discomfort with it. The one thing I wish was that the larger battery was included without needing to be bought separately.

I wasn't really targeting you with my post, just saying that on a technical level, how flawlessly the Gamepad works is pretty impressive. You don't hear about a lot of people having issues with it, although it's a fairly technically complex device relying on an unreliable (wireless) connection to transmit fairly high bandwidth (video) data. It always just works.

My hopes is their future tech will present the same level of polish.

 

[Refreshment.01]

If I'm running in circles, then you're running in place. I am completely baffled why you keep bringing up arguments in reply to me that have nothing to do what I said.

You seem to be arguing against a strawman. Has anyone in this thread even said the Wii U had ZERO games that made good use of the GamePad? The real question is does the Wii U have enough games that depend on it for it to be a worth while addition? Clearly the market thinks not.

You are the one failing to follow the thread of the disscussion. My original answer was to this post by a Anthony:

I opened my mind to the possibilities of the wii u and they presented me with fuck all

the great wii u games were great in spite of the gamepad, not because of it. and before you bring up mario maker, I really didn't care for mario maker.

this free form display gimmick looks like the dumbest gimmick they've ever come up with, assuming it's real.

He is pretty much stating what you said no one in this thread ever said. Even with "fuck all" for extra flavor XD

Hope this clears up the reasons for my original answer.

Then you engaged in the discussion with this:

Mario Maker is a pretty poor argument for the GamePad considering it makes complete redundant use of the 2nd screen, and would work just fine on a single-screen handheld

Which is a pretty nonsensical argument to begin with since Mario Maker (until now) is only a home console game. Even further, a more traditional controller like the Wii U Pro, DS4 or X1 controller wouldn't work as great for the game. Much of the fun of Mario Maker comes from not just playing the levels but from creating them with simple yet intuitive and fun to use tools due to the touchscreen..

 

[Tom Nook Sawyer]

Which is a pretty nonsensical argument to begin with since Mario Maker (until now) is only a home console game.

There's nothing nonsensical about pointing out that Mario Maker isn't doing anything especially unique with the GamePad. I mean, it uses nearly the same interface as Mario Paint 20 years ago. Does it work well with the game? Absolutely. Is it enough that Nintendo should have saddled a console with the GamePad? No--and neither does the rest of the library justify it. Particularly when the vast majority of the games could be made to work fine without it. The fact that Mario Maker is only a console game for now doesn't mean it had to be. Nintendo didn't need to wait for the GamePad for Mario Maker to exist.

He is pretty much stating what you said no one in this thread ever said. Even with "fuck all" for extra flavor XD

Unless I misunderstood, it sounded to me that he conceded Mario Maker made good use of the GamePad (so, more than "zero"), but that the game wasn't for him.

At any rate, I'm going to bow out now as we've gone way off track. Particularly as I actually am excited to see what Nintendo might do with the free-form display.

 

[gai_shain]

Question: Do people and companies know when they file a patent approximately how long it will take until it goes public? All these recent discoveries almost scream of Nintendo trying to covertly build hype without making any proper announcements.

people dont know a thing about patents though and how to interpret them, just look at this thread. So I think thats certainly not the case.

 

[Fourth Storm]

people dont know a thing about patents though and how to interpret them, just look at this thread. So I think thats certainly not the case.

Yeah, it's a bit conspiracy theory, I'll admit.

Anyway, I searched through a good portion of this thread, and was a bit surprised to find that nobody posted the actual claims. For those unaware, these are what matter in a patent. There are quite a few and a few seem to be rewordings just to make sure their bases are covered. I dunno, it gets quite specific. For those who say that this is non-limiting. Yes, the example embodiments (i.e. the pictures) are non-limiting. The claims are what they are though. Nintendo may end up adding more buttons to this thing (if they even use it--I think they will), but it doesn't appear that they were planning for it back in June. They could perhaps argue that extra face buttons are covered under the vague Claim 1, I suppose.

1. A game apparatus, comprising: a housing having a display panel that displays at least a virtual game space; and an operation unit having an operation portion and a detection portion, wherein the operation unit penetrates the display panel, the detection portion is located inside the housing, and the operation portion is exposed outside the housing.

2. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a housing having a display panel; and a first operation unit having an operation portion and a detection portion, wherein the first operation unit penetrates the display panel, the detection portion is located inside the housing, and the operation portion is exposed outside the housing.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display panel has a hole through which the operation unit penetrates.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display panel is approximately elliptical form, further comprising a first rim portion along at least an arc portion of the display panel.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second operation unit having an operation portion located on a surface of the housing different from the surface on which the display panel is provided.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a third operation unit having an operation portion and a detection portion, wherein the third operation unit penetrates the display panel, the detection portion is located inside the housing, the operation portion is exposed outside the housing, and the first operation unit and the third operation unit are provided in a left side area and a right side area of the display panel, respectively.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first operation unit and the third operation unit are provided in a left end portion and a right end portion of the display panel, respectively.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is a hand-held type.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first operation unit can perform a direction input by tilting or sliding the operation portion.

20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first operation unit can perform a depression input by pushing down the operation portion.

25. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a motion detection module configured to detect a motion of the housing.

26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the motion detection module includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a vibrator configured to apply vibration to the housing.

37. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a generating module configured to generate image data corresponding to a display screen to be displayed on the display panel, wherein the generating module generates the image data irrespective of the presence or absence of a hole of the display panel.

tl;dr -- The elliptical shape is specifically patented; as is the dual stick configuration. Rumble and motion controls are also claimed in the patent. The sticks could instead be circle pads. No idea about claim 37, but it sounded interesting.

 

[The_Lump]

Yeah, it's a bit conspiracy theory, I'll admit.

Anyway, I searched through a good portion of this thread, and was a bit surprised to find that nobody posted the actual claims. For those unaware, these are what matter in a patent. There are quite a few and a few seem to be rewordings just to make sure their bases are covered. I dunno, it gets quite specific. For those who say that this is non-limiting. Yes, the example embodiments (i.e. the pictures) are non-limiting. The claims are what they are though. Nintendo may end up adding more buttons to this thing (if they even use it--I think they will), but it doesn't appear that they were planning for it back in June. They could perhaps argue that extra face buttons are covered under the vague Claim 1, I suppose.



tl;dr -- The elliptical shape is specifically patented; as is the dual stick configuration. Rumble and motion controls are also claimed in the patent. The sticks could instead be circle pads. No idea about claim 37, but it sounded interesting.

I read 37 as "handheld screen will show what is displayed on another display, regardless of whether we put holes in the handheld screen". Or something along those lines.

 

[Vitacat]

Not sure what to think. But I trust Nintendo to make a good controller.

 

[Z3M0G]

Didnt notice this thread until now... damn this has so much potential... i think Nintendo is really onto something here!

The two analog nubs are necessary... moving via touch screen is not ideal at all. But buttons can be cool especially with customizable layouts. You can literally do whatever you want. Create whatever controller you want. Buttons can flash contextially during gameplay, etc.

Im very impressed!

 

[The_Lump]

Didnt notice this thread until now... damn this has so much potential... i think Nintendo is really onto something here!

The two analog nubs are necessary... moving via touch screen is not ideal at all. But buttons can be cool especially with customizable layouts. You can literally do whatever you want. Create whatever controller you want. Buttons can flash contextially during gameplay, etc.

Im very impressed!

I agree, although I prefer physical buttons. Haptics on this sort of thing would be awesome.

 

[Pif]

Didnt notice this thread until now... damn this has so much potential... i think Nintendo is really onto something here!

The two analog nubs are necessary... moving via touch screen is not ideal at all. But buttons can be cool especially with customizable layouts. You can literally do whatever you want. Create whatever controller you want. Buttons can flash contextially during gameplay, etc.

Im very impressed!

So instead of having 1 single design ideal to acquire some muscle memory, Nintendo should release something that makes you look away from the TV everytime because you need to look at the button layout?

Sounds terrible to me.

 

[Z3M0G]

So instead of having 1 single design ideal to acquire some muscle memory, Nintendo should release something that makes you look away from the TV everytime because you need to look at the button layout?

Sounds terrible to me.

I must agree. It would only be good for on-the-go gaming.

I dont want to search for these buttons while looking at a tv.

 

[Pif]

I must agree. It would only be good for on-the-go gaming.

I dont want to search for these buttons while looking at a tv.

Even then, you basically have a smartphone interface in your hands with 2 analog sticks thrown at it occupying a good portion of the screen. Also fingers will cover some of it too. Outside-of-the-screen input is much better for me.

I really look at this and want to be excited, but all I see are terrible concepts for a new gimmick.

 

[Easy_D]

A counterpoint is bait now?

I think he's implying the post you replied to is bait (which it was)

 

[Obliviate]

Great answer to be sure that all NX Games are compatible with Smartphones/Tablets/... ??

 

[Starchasing]

I'm not sure what you're saying, you want a 1080 x ~3500 screen?
Or you just don't want to imagine one that shape?
I guess 1920x540 could be a possible ratio if this is the kind of shape they want...
I'm thinking back to that mysterious Matt post again

What post are you talking about?

 

[Rncewind]

These are five words that are easy to say but monstrously stupid to do.

Yeah bleeding out slowly is rather genius i suppose

 

[The_Lump]

Yeah bleeding out slowly is rather genius i suppose

No one is saying it is.

 

[Refreshment.01]

Something i find interesting with this patent is how ambiguous it is:

On one hand the design presented in the figures resembles a traditional two handed controller.

On the other, there are multiple reference across the patent that hint at a mobile device and there's even a memory/cartridge slot on the back of the device.

Another think i wanted to point out, i have done in the past but is worth repeating in this thread. Is that if Nintendo wants to give another shot to a two handed controller some smart paths for them to follow would be:

1) The split design, where the two handed controller brakes apart and works like the Wii Remote/Nunchuck setup.

2) Have a multi touch screen with next generation haptic feedback for this free form screen, like the ultra sound ones that put resistance to the fingers. So far, we don't have any confirmation of what type of screen solution the device will include.

3) If they don't bother with any of those scenarios i think the 2 handed controller path is mostly realized with the Steam controller now. It would be smart for them to iterate in what Valve's design brought up to the table.

And again, i don't see what the eliptical shape would bring. i think a circular one would be more interesting.

 

[oni-link]

This is the way Nintendo ends. Not with a bang but with a whimper

 

[UnemployedVillain]

3) If they don't bother with any of those scenarios i think the 2 handed controller path is mostly realized with the Steam controller now. It would be smart for them to iterate in what Valve's design brought up to the table.

Why do you say that? I'd say Nintendo is very much as capable as Valve at figuring out "where to go" as far as controller design goes, if not more so considering they've made considerably more games of vastly different genres, spanning both 2D and 3D. I wouldn't want them just copying what Valve did

 

[oni-link]

Why do you say that? I'd say Nintendo is very much as capable as Valve at figuring out "where to go" as far as controller design goes, if not more so considering they've made considerably more games of vastly different genres, spanning both 2D and 3D. I wouldn't want them just copying what Valve did

They thought the gamepad was a good idea, and there is a chance they think the abomination in the OP is as well

So maybe not

 

[MrV4ltor]

They thought the gamepad was a good idea, and there is a chance they think the abomination in the OP is as well

So maybe not

The gampad is actually a good idea tho. Off-Tv play is my favourite feature this generation. It's just a shame that they didn't bother to make more games that focused on using it.

 

[oni-link]

The gampad is actually a good idea tho. Off-Tv play is my favourite feature this generation. It's just a shame that they didn't bother to make more games that focused on using it.

Nah I don't think there are many good uses for 2nd screen gaming, unless we're talking DS where the screen is fixed below the main one, it's nice for maps and stuff, but it's not worth crippling the system in order to implement it, and more importantly, the market doesn't want it

Off TV play is good, but if they're smart they'll keep that with the new handheld (thus giving more people a reason to buy both, and not just one or the other)

Not enough people bought the Wii U for them to sensibly cater to those who like off screen play anyway, if it will impact upon anything else (such as price)

 

[Fourth Storm]

Something i find interesting with this patent is how ambiguous it is:

On one hand the design presented in the figures resembles a traditional two handed controller.

On the other, there are multiple reference across the patent that hint at a mobile device and there's even a memory/cartridge slot on the back of the device.

Another think i wanted to point out, i have done in the past but is worth repeating in this thread. Is that if Nintendo wants to give another shot to a two handed controller some smart paths for them to follow would be:

1) The split design, where the two handed controller brakes apart and works like the Wii Remote/Nunchuck setup.

2) Have a multi touch screen with next generation haptic feedback for this free form screen, like the ultra sound ones that put resistance to the fingers. So far, we don't have any confirmation of what type of screen solution the device will include.

3) If they don't bother with any of those scenarios i think the 2 handed controller path is mostly realized with the Steam controller now. It would be smart for them to iterate in what Valve's design brought up to the table.

And again, i don't see what the eliptical shape would bring. i think a circular one would be more interesting.

I find it interesting that the elliptical shape is one of the patent claims, yet those grips are only mentioned in descriptions of the "non-limiting example embodiments."

I'm thinking of this as a mash up of the Wii Remote and Gamepad.

Btw, I've been reading through this a bit more this morning. They also mention scroll wheels and distributed processing in the detailed description. Again, not in the claims, but very interesting that they're mentioning those as possibilities regardless.

 

[Spyder_Monkey]

This is the way Nintendo ends. Not with a bang but with a whimper

 

[_PsiFire_]

I can't believe there are still people thinking this is touch screen controls.

Look...

2 analog sticks, both could be used for anything.

The examples shown were:
Left is movement.
Right is for actions - each direction is a different action.

Think of it as 8 face buttons; 9 I you include the push of the analog stick.

You don't have to look at the screen...if right is, say, jump then you should be able to remember that without looking at the screen...or you need help personally because you're really damn slow.

 

[Neoxon]

I can't believe there are still people thinking this is touch screen controls.

Look...

2 analog sticks, both could be used for anything.

The examples shown were:
Left is movement.
Right is for actions - each direction is a different action.

Think of it as 8 face buttons; 9 I you include the push of the analog stick.

You don't have to look at the screen...if right is, say, jump then you should be able to remember that without looking at the screen...or you need help personally because you're really damn slow.

But even then, the lack of typical face buttons would be concerning to a good number of people.

 

[Zombie James]

I can't believe there are still people thinking this is touch screen controls.

Look...

2 analog sticks, both could be used for anything.

The examples shown were:
Left is movement.
Right is for actions - each direction is a different action.

Think of it as 8 face buttons; 9 I you include the push of the analog stick.

You don't have to look at the screen...if right is, say, jump then you should be able to remember that without looking at the screen...or you need help personally because you're really damn slow.

This sounds just as horrible to me.

 

[oni-link]

But even then, the lack of typical face buttons would be concerning to a good number of people.

It would alienate the vast majority of people who spend a lot of money on software and hardware specifically to play video games, without actually appealing to anyone else who plays games on a phone/tablet

It's lose lose

Unless you want to see Nintendo go third party

 

[Nozem]

I can't believe there are still people thinking this is touch screen controls.

Look...

2 analog sticks, both could be used for anything.

The examples shown were:
Left is movement.
Right is for actions - each direction is a different action.

Think of it as 8 face buttons; 9 I you include the push of the analog stick.

You don't have to look at the screen...if right is, say, jump then you should be able to remember that without looking at the screen...or you need help personally because you're really damn slow.

Then you lose the option of pressing multiple face buttons at once.