Interference: The Lack of Wired Controllers in Smash 4

[TimeSmash]

Hi all,
Please note that this is a discussion which has some similar ties to the Gamecube controller discussion also currently being held on this board. However, this thread is more about the Wii U (and to an extent, the 3DS) versions of Smash 4 and how the lack of wired controllers could (or will) affect tournament play. How do we get around this obstacle? How will TOs be able to test if interference has truly occured? How present is intereference? How many more questions will I come up with?

Seriously though, I thought this should be addressed and is a different enough topic to warrant further discussion. So have at it.

 

[TimeSmash]

Reserved for facts and links and stuff.

1. Source: gbatemp.net "Jun 12, 2013 Does the Wii U Pro Controller send data over USB? by Praxis at 2:13 AM"
A question asked earlier in 2013 by Smashboards' very own Praxis involving some members of this site. While not the most impressive article, it's a quick read with some interesting ideas. Link: http://gbatemp.net/threads/does-the-wii-u-pro-controller-send-data-over-usb.349339/

2. Source: blablabla. com TITLE

3. Source: wi-fi.org "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast™"\
Briefly explains how Wi-Fi Miracast is used in a lot of technology, and why it works (not the best explanation as to how). An important thing to glean from it is this, "Miracast connections are formed using Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct™, so access to a Wi-Fi® network is not needed – the ability to connect is inside Miracast-certified devices...he devices choose the appropriate settings automatically. " Link: http://www.wi-fi.org/wi-fi-certified-miracast™
Something about Wi-Fi Miracast coming soon

 

[ndayday]

I've never been able to see how several pro controllers react near eachother but just like wavebird GC controllers holding a direction while turning them on will force you to resynch since it will think you're still holding that direction. There's no switch on pro controllers though so you have to Home > resynch controllers, making the other guy you're playing with resynch too. This only happens on startup of the wii u/game though so it shouldn't a problem in game.

You have to synch the controllers to the wii u you're playing at is the biggest problem I can see. If multiple wii u's and controllers are being synched at one time near each other they could easily synch to the wrong wii u. I can synch my controller to the wii u from about 12 feet away (no walls, not many objects to get in the way)

 

[TimeSmash]

I've never been able to see how several pro controllers react near eachother but just like wavebird GC controllers holding a direction while turning them on will force you to resynch since it will think you're still holding that direction. There's no switch on pro controllers though so you have to Home > resynch controllers, making the other guy you're playing with resynch too. This only happens on startup of the wii u/game though so it shouldn't a problem in game.

You have to synch the controllers to the wii u you're playing at is the biggest problem I can see. If multiple wii u's and controllers are being synched at one time near each other they could easily synch to the wrong wii u. I can synch my controller to the wii u from about 12 feet away (no walls, not many objects to get in the way)

I really didn't know you could sync them from that far away. My question is more like the beginning of your post, will so many controllers and consoles build up interference that can affect play? Or even if it's only two people, what will be the chance of interference in a standard match?

 

[ndayday]

In a normal match I don't think there's anything to worry about. You're not going to randomly start controlling your friend's character in your house. In a tournament setting I have no idea. I'd guess the pro controllers use the same bluetooth frequency and the reality is that when you get a lot of wireless **** close together there can be interference. Don't think we'll know how bad until it happens...

 

[TimeSmash]

In a normal match I don't think there's anything to worry about. You're not going to randomly start controlling your friend's character in your house. In a tournament setting I have no idea. I'd guess the pro controllers use the same bluetooth frequency and the reality is that when you get a lot of wireless **** close together there can be interference. Don't think we'll know how bad until it happens...

I was thinking more along the lines of having input lag or the controller not transmitting your input at all to the system due to interference or any other such event that would cause communication to falter, but I never considered that option. I agree with you on a small scale setting it would probably be okay, but with so many consoles and controllers present in a tournament scene, who's to say what could happen? I made this thread to speculate that, talk about the wired vs. wireless controller debate in general, and how to remedy issues that may come about due to interference or other hurdles wireless controllers may face in the tournament scene. Thank you for seeing this thread and replying so fast after I made it--I really think this is important, even if a lot of it is speculative.

 

[ndayday]

Actually found this thread just now:
http://smashboards.com/threads/question-about-wiiu-pro-controller.337270/

also a lot of speculation but it outlines things a lot better than I did.

 

[Zonderion]

If you could, next time search the forums. There have been several threads to talk about this. Ndayday just posted one, here's another:
http://smashboards.com/threads/wireless-interference-in-wii-u-ssb4-tournaments.344494/
and another: http://smashboards.com/threads/no-wired-input-how-will-we-have-large-scale-tournaments.338572/

And these are just the ones I've posted in. So I'm sure there are more.

But I do like your second post. If we can get a thread that compiles all of the data on the wireless connections for the possibilities/hindrances, I think it could be of value.

 

[Mario & Sonic Guy]

Just so that people know, the USB cable that comes with the Pro Controller is just the recharger. It can't literally be used to make a wired controller, but it can keep the controller from dying on you at a bad time.

 

[TimeSmash]

If you could, next time search the forums. There have been several threads to talk about this. Ndayday just posted one, here's another:
http://smashboards.com/threads/wireless-interference-in-wii-u-ssb4-tournaments.344494/
and another: http://smashboards.com/threads/no-wired-input-how-will-we-have-large-scale-tournaments.338572/

And these are just the ones I've posted in. So I'm sure there are more.

But I do like your second post. If we can get a thread that compiles all of the data on the wireless connections for the possibilities/hindrances, I think it could be of value.

Aiee, sorry! If this thread needs to be merged or closed, mods feel free to do so. I posted this at four in the morning or so haha!