Poll: Why don't they just have keybord/mouse functionality on the consoles?

[orangeapples]

So my understanding of the final key in the Console/PC debate is that the PC gamers have better control over the game with the keyboard hotkey mapping and mouse than the console gamers have with the controller. So why don't the console makers and developers just work in the keyboard/mouse functionality into the systems (or possibly their next generation since it is almost that time again)? It isn't like the PS3 or the 360 or even the Wii don't have USB ports. The only function they USB ports have is to connect controllers anyway (I'm not really sure why the Wii has USB other than to say it does), Would a keyboard/mouse unit be that hard?

From what I can tell, the consoles and gaming PCs are very close to one another in terms of graphics to the point where only those actually looking for the difference will be able to see it. The ONLY thing that the PC gamers have is the keyboard/mouse control that a regular controller can only dream of. That's the only thing really keeping the two apart (kinda, as Windows computers are able to use 360 controllers)

It wouldn't be like having the keyboard/mouse would replace the idea of the controller completely, just as a different option. I remember seeing PS3 keyboards that would be used for browsing the internet, but I don't remember if it worked for gaming.

As it stands, PC gamers need to spend more money to keep their hardware up to spec, but have way more options in terms of functionality; console gamers spend less money for their hardware, but sacrifice control. I'd like to just spend the $300-400 on the console and get the keyboard/mouse option for games; especially since the gaming consoles are essentially pre-built gaming PCs.

 

[Lukeje]

Because you generally don't have a desk to sit at when playing a console. There's no particular reason why you can't just plug in USB keyboards and mice other than that.

 

[AngryMongoose]

PCs have a far more open system. That's generally what I prefer about the platform.

There was a proper mouse attachment for the original Xbox. Caused massive problems for online where it provided massive advantages.

 

[Saulkar]

My guess is because it would take a bite out of the console controller market if you could go to an unauthorised peripheral distributer and bought a keyboard and mouse instead of a controller that the console publisher gets a prophet margin out of. Why the console market does not get start making their own keyboards and mice? They probably think it is too much of a risk so they stick to making what they know people will buy all the while maintaining a roadblock to prevent external peripherals to maintain those sales.

 

[Fiad]

The USB ports actually serve a few uses on Xbox, such as the Wi-Fi adapter or a hard drive. PS3 as far as I am aware they are just for controllers, but may be wrong. Wii I have no bloody clue, possibly could put a flash drive in for the photo viewer? But I see where you are coming from, both the PS3 and Xbox have keyboards you can get now, but they aren't for gaming. Just making search and chat easier. The biggest issue with having a keyboard for a console is just placement. Most of the time you have your console hooked to your TV, with you sitting on a couch or something. Not the best place for a keyboard/mouse combo.

Another reason is it may alienate a large portion of the userbase who pick consoles over PC for ease of use, a controller is much simpler to use for the average person who picks up a game. Rather than having to learn the mass amounts of keys on a keyboard and what they do, they simply can jump right in. Controls on a controller are all pretty universal, but keyboard varies between almost every game. The only things staying the same is pretty much movement with WASD and the space bar.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Why aren't more peripherals supported? "because, fuck the user"

With a limited peripheral setup MS has alot less work on their hands, and consequently every developer has alot less work using them, can't even remember the last time I saw a key binding feature on console games... innovations from 20 years ago have not yet reached them.

Oh and another reason, mouse vs controller would be a slaughter, as MS found out when they arranged a cross platform shooter fest, even the half decent mouse users wiped the floor with anyone on controllers.

 

[ColeusRattus]

I can hook up a keaboard and mouse to my PS3 and use it for surfing the web. Also, some games are supporting them for input, like CoD4 (which I don't have).

But even though I am a PC gamer too, I actually prefer the controller when gaming on console, even in FPS games. Just more comfortable and convenient, sitting back on the couch rather than hunched over a mouse and keyboard on the low couch table.
Also, cable length is an issue (as I hate wireless mice and keyboards with a passion)

 

[Nooneishome]

Controller players would get wrecked by M/KB users 100% of the time controllers suck for first person games because they lack the extreme jolts you can do with the mouse when you want to spin 180 degrees instantly

i cant speak for PS3 but the XBX and wii have keyboard support already (not in game but w/e) so the coding is there and they need to more it into Gameplay as long as there is some balance

 

[ZephrC]

Because the entire appeal of a console is that you don't have to be hunched up over a desk like some demented praying mantis?

I get that the mouse is just better for some things, but the keyboard? Sorry, if a game has so many hotkeys that you can't map them all to a controller I will never, ever even consider playing it. Just no. (Well, I do love Civilization, but if I forget a hotkey in that I can just use a mouse menu to do the same thing. Trying to make split second decisions with a couple dozen hotkeys is simply unacceptable to me though.)

I've actually started play PC games a lot more again since I realized that most of them support the wired 360 controller nowadays. A controller is simply a more fun and comfortable way of playing games.

 

[Mcupobob]

You know, the whole argument that a mouse is more precise than a controller is one that I just never bought. I know a keyboard has more options for buttons and such but they only games I've every really needed the keyboard/mouse for is RTS's other than that I don't see them as superior. Don't get me wrong though every since my 360 broke back in 06 I've been a PC gamer since because of the modding and that Digital distribution has really been my only option to buy games. Though I miss the comfort of console gaming, kicking back on the couch, gripping a controller tightly while slamming buttons as I quest or kill hoards of enemies was my past time. Might pick up again now that I live in a city and its easier to get a hold of the gear.

Anyways, yeah consoles should have the option. Prolly will someday, or maybe gaming computers will get cheaper and more main stream and accessible. OR maybe the only games will be able to play is on facebook and the Iphone 1000 or whatever apple will come out with next.

 

[Maxtro]

It's because the game designers are lazy.

That's it.

I don't know about the 360, but the PS3 supports bluetooth keyboards and mice.

To use a keyboard and mouse on a game, one just needs a TV tray.

The only thing preventing it are the developers.

 

[MrTwo]

Well, how would people lie on their lounge and use a keyboard/mouse? Many console users use consoles because they don't need to sit at a desk. I like the controllers for ease of use, and I really don't believe that the control difference is that great. I prefer a controller anyway, where I can reach all buttons without any effort at all. Just easier, I suppose. I also agree that the difference between controller and KB/M would have a massive impact on online play. It would unbalance the game just as well as in game items, weapons etc.

 

[Vault101]

keyborad on your lap...mouse at your side (with mousepad) easy...

I just wish I could do that

 

[orangeapples]

Couldn't they just as easily build separate lobbies for controller sets and another for K/M sets? Then you don't even have to worry about the K/M group destroying the controller group. They could even have a mixed room for the controller players who are feeling brave.

 

[Mr. Omega]

I don't play that many FPS games and play genres the Controller is more suited for, but the few FPS games I do play, I prefer the M&K. And while I wouldn't use it that often, having the option for people who do want it. And for my laptop, I just sit the laptop on mylap and keep the mouse and mousepad right next to me. It isn't that hard.

Personally, I prefer the gamepad for movement and interface, but the mouse for actual aiming. I can see where they're coming from with mouse being better for aiming (and I agree with them), but I just can't see how WASD is superior to an analog stick. If they found a way to combine those two, I'd be set.

Also, as for the whole "M&K users would slaughter controller users", a sucky player is a sucky player. If he sucked with a controller, giving him a mouse and keyboard isn't going to instantly transform him into Awesome McBadass, constant MVP of the server.

 

[OutcastBOS]

Because some people- Like me- think that M/KB suck ass.

But for my real answer, don't they already have that support on a few games?

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

Well, it wouldn't matter to me because the main reason why I play on console rather than PC is because I suck at using a keyboard and mouse. I've tried but I just can't get the hang of it.

 

[PissOffRoth]

The first console that does this is a console that I will never be buying. Mouse just gives a ridiculous kind of control to veterans and nobody wants that tossed in with all the modded controllers already circulating. You think the 10 sensitivity guys are bad on consoles? It's robotic on the PC. Most people don't stand a chance.