Revolution to have 'squeezable' controllers?

According to the forum postings of a supposedly anonymous ex-Nintendo employee who's known to be working on Revolution games at a third-party developer, Nintendo's new Revolution console will feature pressure sensitive 'squeezy' joypads and offer gamers a free online gaming service.

While the rants of self-proclaimed, anonymous industry insiders are to generally be taken with a pinch of salt, his claims do seem to correspond with recent mutterings regarding the console.

"It will be like controlling a game with one of those stress balls," he claimed. "You squeeze it to go faster."

While analogue triggers, such as those featured on Dreamcast and Xbox pads, already boast a certain degree of 'squeezability', what this forum fellow is saying is that the entire body of the controller will be 'squishy' to some degree.

According to the source, the controller will also be wireless, which seems likely to be the future for each of the next-gen console's controllers, while voice control will also play a key part in Revolution's interface.

The source also went on to describe the free online service Nintendo will provide. "The only way I can describe it is as an internet service," he said. "Imagine turning it on and checking your mail on the system. You see previews and demos of DS and Revolution games that you can download.

"A magazine similar to Nintendo Power will be exclusive to the system and you will be able to access it on the Revolution's homepage."

Finally, Activision, Electronic Arts, Namco, Sega, Capcom and Zoonami are all reported to currently be working on titles for the machine.

And that's it for now. Unlike Microsoft, Nintendo is keeping its cards very close to its chest, not wanting anything to leak prior to its pre-E3 press event, which takes place on 17 May.