Rumor: Nintendo Set to reveal HD Wii at E3

[BreakABone]

This comes courtesy of GameInformer

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/14/new-nintendo-console-at-e3.aspx

Gamers have been waiting years for Nintendo to finally release its Wii successor, and Game Informer has heard from multiple sources that the company will unveil it at E3 this summer if not sooner.

We have confirmed with multiple sources that this new home system is capable of running games at HD resolutions. There are conflicting reports, however, as to whether its graphics will be comparable to those on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – meaning it could surpass or fall short of those systems. Either way it will offer competitive specifications. Moving to HD should greatly help Nintendo and its new console in getting more multi-platform triple-A titles like Portal 2 or Mortal Kombat. This, in turn, will strengthen Nintendo's historically poor relationship with third-party publishers/developers.

In fact, Nintendo is already showing publishers the system in an effort to get them interested and allow them plenty of time to start developing titles in anticipation of the system's reported late 2012 launch. This advance support marks a change from when the Wii launched. At that time, several Western publishers were outright surprised by the announcement, and it affected the software support for the platform.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata himself acknowledged that it needs to do a better job with its publishing partners at a 3DS press conference in the fall of 2010. "We need to decrease the concern that only Nintendo software can sell well on Nintendo platforms and third-party software cannot sell in the same volume. We feel a need to have closer ties with our third-party developers from the beginning."

"Nintendo is doing this one right," said an anonymous source. "[It's] not a gimmick like the Wii." What else, beyond graphics, this may infer about the system is unknown. What kind of controls the system will support (we imagine a need for both classic analog configurations and motion controllers) or what level of software and infrastructure Nintendo will provide for online gaming is also unknown. However, it's a positive sign that the system might be more than just an HD Wii.

We've heard about an HD Wii for some time now, and the time is perfect – almost necessary – for Nintendo to jump start itself with this new system. The company has been feeling the bite since Wii sales have declined from previous years, and this week's news that Nintendo could be dropping the price of the Wii on May 15 could be a precursor to this announcement and an attempt to move as many Wii units as possible out of the retail channel before the new system hits.

We do not have confirmation if this new system will be backward compatible with the Wii or if it will even carry the Wii branding as has often been rumored. It is our understanding that Nintendo is trying to embrace the western gamer and will likely launch a new brand with this console . Around the office we have dubbed the system Nintendo HD. However, this information at this point is conjecture.

We contacted a Nintendo representative regarding this information, and while they wouldn't comment on it or the company's E3 plans, they did sign off with a intriguing "stay tuned."

Either way, it should be an exciting E3 for Nintendo and gamers alike.

[Ginkasa]

I hope it gets a cooler code name than "Wii HD." I'm thinking "Ultra Revolutionary Whale" or something.

The actual name will, undoubtedly, be lame.

[Angrist]

Ugh, here we go again. Can't the stupid rumor-boys drop the term 'Wii HD'?? An HD upgrade to the Wii won't do anything.

What we need is the Yuu. A true sequel to the Wii, not just some upgrade. Am I excited about that? Always.

[BreakABone]

More rumors from varying sources

Furthermore, we've heard that the machine will be more powerful than current-gen systems, meaning Nintendo, currently backing a Wii that is weaker in horsepower than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, will be showing a new console that is more powerful than those current competitors.

Multiple sources have confirmed to Game Informer that Nintendo will reveal a new console between now and E3 2011 in June.

Game Informer's sources say the console is capable of running games at "HD resolutions," though it is unclear whether not it will be as powerful as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Our sources have said the console's power will be greater than or equal to the PlayStation 3. Nintendo is reportedly showing the console to publishers to garner interest for a late 2012 launch.

Sources tell IGN that Nintendo will release a pre-announcement this month with a full reveal expected at E3. Sources say the console will be backwards compatible with current Wii software.

Our sources have said the the console is significantly more powerful than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and that Nintendo's intent is to recapture the hardcore market.

http://kotaku.com/#!5792165

http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1161875p1.html

[KillerGremlin]

First pictures of the Wii HD. Looks pretty good.

~Edit~
Yeah, we're not that far gone yet!

[KillerGremlin]

First pictures of the Wii HD. Looks pretty good.

~Edit~
Yeah, we're not that far gone yet!

Boooo. The fact that someone edited my post means I got one of you. :lol: :ohreilly:

Also, my link was highly accurate...Wii in HD.

[gekko]

The wording of these reports worries me. There seems to be no confidence in the product, being called the "Wii HD" and it'll be "as powerful as the PS3." I'd hope so, it's 5 years old! Seems like a lack of confidence in Nintendo from the journalism community.

I wish Nintendo the best.

[BreakABone]

The wording of these reports worries me. There seems to be no confidence in the product, being called the "Wii HD" and it'll be "as powerful as the PS3." I'd hope so, it's 5 years old! Seems like a lack of confidence in Nintendo from the journalism community.

I wish Nintendo the best.

Oh Nintendo will always stand behind the proverbial 8-ball when it comes to video game writers.

For some reason, they are always seen as the underdog.

[Bube]

What we need is the Yuu.

The new console should be named DoubleWii.

[TheGame]

Super Wii

[BreakABone]

http://i54.tinypic.com/anemhu.jpg

Mock-up of the controller based on rumors.

[BlueFire]

http://i54.tinypic.com/anemhu.jpg

Mock-up of the controller based on rumors.

This seems like a terrible idea.

[manasecret]

So the next trick up their sleeve is using wireless video to transport the video output from the main console to the screen on the controller?

Is this actually for realz?

[Ginkasa]

The screen in the middle? I'm sure it could be pretty cool for a few games, gimmicky and a slew of others, and unused in even more. So, I wouldn't go for terrible... Maybe "unnecessary."

Also, I've the console is codenamed "Project Cafe." I'd have preferred Yuu.

Edit made after reading mana's post:

I think its meant to be another image entirely. The second screen on the DS, or whatever. Maps or menus or other things.

[manasecret]

Oh, and thank you BaBs for posting the rumors. I can still trust GT for my good source of Nintendo rumor news, and I am happy.

[BreakABone]

Oh, and thank you BaBs for posting the rumors. I can still trust GT for my good source of Nintendo rumor news, and I am happy.

Well, not like much else is being discussed these days, and here are some more

Controller
- 6" touchscreen, not HD, not multitouch
- D-Pad, L, R, two triggers, others
- 'Front-facing camera'
- A sensor roughly analagous to the Wii sensor bar is incorporated in the controller - i.e. some kind of IR beacons/transmitters. Purpose isn't clear.

Specs
- Custom triple-core PowerPC
- AMD/ATI GPU. 'Probably' derived from R700 series.
- RAM unknown
- Developer quotes: graphics capabilities "roughly equal to those of the Xbox 360", performance "over the Xbox 360, but just a notch"

Misc
- One other 'huge surprise' about the system


Ubisoft studios have had development kits “for months”, motion-sensing “better than Move”; announcement at E3?

Sources have this morning confirmed reports that Nintendo has a successor to the Wii in the works, telling us that thirdparty studios including those of Ubisoft, Activision and Electronic Arts have had development units of the new hardware for months.

They have also claimed that the system retains motion control, with capabilities that are “better than Move”, meaning that they boast higher fidelity. We do not yet have word on whether or not its motion-controlled solution introduces a camera.

[manasecret]

Great rumor millings. The graphics equal to xbox360 is painful and probably the truest statement of all graphics related rumors. This is still Nintendo after all. I understand the thing has to be priced low, I get it, but I can't help always wishing for the best graphics ever despite the fact it wouldn't sell.

I was a big fan of the wii concept from the first reveal and always thought it was going to be a big hit, and of course it was. This one... I'm not feeling it yet. People think motion gaming is a gimmick. Maybe, but it's a 100 million unit selling gimmick. The screen in the controller is imo a real gimmick, since I don't think it serves enough of a purpose and therfore will not sell 100 million. But just initial thouhts, will wait for full details.

Not to mention... It's been done. I liked it, too, but that console... Didn't do so well. What console am I?

[BreakABone]

Great rumor millings. The graphics equal to xbox360 is painful and probably the truest statement of all graphics related rumors. This is still Nintendo after all. I understand the thing has to be priced low, I get it, but I can't help always wishing for the best graphics ever despite the fact it wouldn't sell.

I was a big fan of the wii concept from the first reveal and always thought it was going to be a big hit, and of course it was. This one... I'm not feeling it yet. People think motion gaming is a gimmick. Maybe, but it's a 100 million unit selling gimmick. The screen in the controller is imo a real gimmick, since I don't think it serves enough of a purpose and therfore will not sell 100 million. But just initial thouhts, will wait for full details.

Not to mention... It's been done. I liked it, too, but that console... Didn't do so well. What console am I?

Yeah, if you figure MS can charge about 200 now for the arcade unit and turn a profit, something slightly more advanced for 250 would be Nintendo's starting point I guess.

As for the rumors... honestly... it boggles my mind as well... in no way does this seem practical...

I really.. am curious about e3 now, not that I wasn't before.

Though slightly unrelated... I did always say I wanted the Dreamcast's VMUs to return... haha

[Blix]

That controller is going to cost a pretty penny. And I wonder how the graphics capabilities will be. I doubt all of the info will be streamlined. I suppose small apps will work inside the controller.

[Angrist]

I hope it's all a big lie. I don't see this working at all...

[thatmariolover]

We'll all know more come E3. Some have suggested it's 'significantly' more powerful than the PS3 while others say only a notch above the 360.

Regardless, I still think it's either too soon or too late for a console. But I think a lot of people expected the Wii to lose momentum before the PS3/360. And while it's easy to draw parallels to the Dreamcast, I don't think it's going to be a flop of quite that magnitude (as the Dreamcast was hindered by unrestricted mass piracy).

I think the screen could be cool for UI elements (swapping equipment, inventory management, Four Swords/Pac-Man Vs. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pac-Man_Vs.) type gameplay. But who wants to spend more for controllers when a full Wiimote/Nunchuck was $50 for ages?

[thatmariolover]

Sorry for the bump but it's for a good cause. Possibly legit mockup with partial description:

http://i.imgur.com/DUJiS.jpg

[manasecret]

Good rumor photos. Looks very similar to IGN's mockup.

http://gearmedia.ign.com/gear/image/article/116/1162204/how-could-the-wii-2-controller-work-20110415053115064.jpg

We'll all know more come E3. Some have suggested it's 'significantly' more powerful than the PS3 while others say only a notch above the 360.

Yeah but these type of rumors remind of times before with Nintendo, for I believe for both the Wii and the DS, and we all know those didn't match their rivals in horsepower. Of course, they beat them in other ways.

[Angrist]

Yeah but the Wii was faster than the XBox and GameCube. Now the Yuu won't even be as fast as the PS3?? That's just not thinking ahead.

[BreakABone]

I think that mock-up looks too much like IGN's to be real.


And being online long enough for the reveal of the Gamecube and the Wii, I'm not gonna take any stock in "leaks" until e3.

Because no one gets it close to what Nintendo ultimately reveals.

http://i.imgur.com/F5V2J.jpg

Some are saying this is closest to description ATM.

[gekko]

Yeah but the Wii was faster than the XBox and GameCube. Now the Yuu won't even be as fast as the PS3?? That's just not thinking ahead.

Define "faster." The Wii isn't all that different from the GameCube, and it lacks features found on the original Xbox.

Also, journalists love numbers that make good headlines. "Wii 1.5-2 times faster than GameCube." What does faster even mean? CPU clock speed? GPU clock speed? Memory access speeds? It's all pretty meaningless without the details. And looking at the Wii's GPU, it may be faster, but still way behind the times in terms of its feature set.

I'm curious to see if they get DX11-level hardware. I certainly would expect nothing less from the next consoles, but they're still running fixed-function hardware, so going from 0 shaders to 6 would be a bit of a jump. Also interested to see what type of CPU they go with, and if they're ever going to give us surround sound.

[Ginkasa]

So long as they don't delay Skyward Sword so its a launch title for this system I'll be happy.

[BreakABone]

http://kotaku.com/#!5794424/fresh-details-of-wii-2s-unusual-controller-and-why-it-wont-kill-the-wii-remote

More gossip on the Wii 2 controller.

Sounds like a traditional controller with a cell phone in the middle.

[thatmariolover]

I just can't get excited for this thing. It has so many things going against it. Hopefully E3 has some more positive details.

[BreakABone]

I just can't get excited for this thing. It has so many things going against it. Hopefully E3 has some more positive details.

New consoles always have a tinge of excitement for me, but honestly... none of this stuff matters since its all about the games.. and honestly seeing if they can gain some form of 3rd party support.

[Angrist]

Nice. Miyamoto: "You don't have to trust all the stuff you read."
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-04-21-miyamoto-discusses-project-cafe-rumours

[BreakABone]

More rumors courtesy of IGN

Retail cost between $350-400
- Manufacturing to begin this Oct.-Nov. with Winter as the earliest release, but likely to wait until 2012 to build up stock
- Based on revamped version of AMD's R700
- custom-built triple-core IBM PowerPC chipset, clocked higher than that of 360
- potential for stereoscopic 3D
- In terms of the design of the console itself, the overall size will be comparable to that of the original Xbox 360 and the system is likely to resemble a modernized version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
- given the power of the system, could feasibly provide a virtualized console for each individual unit
- "Stream" is being considered as a final name

The more, I hear abotu it. The more I worry.

Seems like they are kind of doing away with motion as well. :(

http://gear.ign.com/articles/116/1163325p1.html

[Jason1]

Am I the only one that likes what I hear so far? Nintendo is FINALLY accepting HD technology for their next console, and from my understanding it appears motion control will be an option, but not necessairly a necessity as it was with the Wii. (and if anyone tries to argue with me, how many games had no motion control at all? Very few. Some definatley should have, but they always snuck some annoying motion control in there that was unnecessary.)

Plus, I think the screen in the controller could be a good idea, although I'll admit it sounds like it will make the controller cost a pretty penny.

[Ginkasa]

Yeah, I'm not getting the negativity. Maybe its just a knee-jerk reaction to all the excitement (and following disappointment) from the Gamecube and Wii?

I haven't heard anything crazy exciting, but it doesn't sound bad either. I'll probably buy one and I'll probably like the Zelda game they make for it, if nothing else.

[Angrist]

Nintendo producing a $350 console? FAKE.

[BreakABone]

Am I the only one that likes what I hear so far? Nintendo is FINALLY accepting HD technology for their next console, and from my understanding it appears motion control will be an option, but not necessairly a necessity as it was with the Wii. (and if anyone tries to argue with me, how many games had no motion control at all? Very few. Some definatley should have, but they always snuck some annoying motion control in there that was unnecessary.)

Plus, I think the screen in the controller could be a good idea, although I'll admit it sounds like it will make the controller cost a pretty penny.

I don't think they are "accepting" it, much like when they switched to CD for the Gamecube, they just know it is harder to build a non-HD console this time around.

It was always a price/ownership thing for them.

I'm actually pretty disappointed they seem to be dropping motion. From the split design of the controller to actual motion/pointing, I thought this generation was fine. And was waiting for a refinement of the tech.

Right now, all I see is an expensive console with an expensive controller.

[thatmariolover]

They'll be fully backwards compatible with Wii MotionPlus controllers so I don't really see where the motion controller fear is coming from. The waggle will have its place, it just won't be the primary focus of the system.

When Nintendo transitioned from GameCube to Wii they used similar hardware and scaled the processors in such a way that the clock speeds were divisible. This supposedly made backwards compatibility easier to pull off. I wonder if they'll do the same thing this time around or if they'll resort to software virtualization. Either way I really hope it's able to render Wii/GC games in HD.

IGN is restating that multiple sources confirm the system to be substantially more powerful than Xbox 360/PS3 and suggest a price between $300-$400.

[BreakABone]

They'll be fully backwards compatible with Wii MotionPlus controllers so I don't really see where the motion controller fear is coming from. The waggle will have its place, it just won't be the primary focus of the system.

When Nintendo transitioned from GameCube to Wii they used similar hardware and scaled the processors in such a way that the clock speeds were divisible. This supposedly made backwards compatibility easier to pull off. I wonder if they'll do the same thing this time around or if they'll resort to software virtualization. Either way I really hope it's able to render Wii/GC games in HD.

IGN is restating that multiple sources confirm the system to be substantially more powerful than Xbox 360/PS3 and suggest a price between $300-$400.

Let's be honest here, being BC with the Wii Mote/Wii Mote Plus will do nothing. Much like the Wii being BC with the Cube controller. You'll get an odd game here and there which uses it, but it won't really be a refinement or advancement of the tech other than being there to appease fans who dig motion controls like myself.

[Vampyr]

I really hope motion controls take a back seat this time around. That gimmick was old a long time ago. My only regret is that so many games like Mario Galaxy had to settle for being great instead of legendary because they were held back by motion controllers.

Screen on my controller? I'm cool with that.

[Angrist]

My only regret is that so many games like Mario Galaxy had to settle for being great instead of legendary because they were held back by motion controllers.I don't know what people mean with this. SMG was great. There were so many fun pointing/tilting mini games in it that would have been less fun with a normal controller.
The only drawback I can think of is the waggle-to-spin thing.

[Ginkasa]

I think motion has a place as a supplemental "once in a while" kind of thing. There are certain types of games that benefit from motion controls, but I think this generation has shown it is impractical to try to make every game include motion controls. I think basing future consoles on motion controls would be futile.

Sure, Nintendo won over a lot of casual gamers with the Wii. That audience, however, is only looking for certain kinds of games. They're not interested in relatively complicated "hardcore" games. They're not interested in amazing graphics or story or anything like that. The Wii, for the casual audience, was a fun toy that provided them plenty of cheap entertainment. They're not going to look for the "next" version of the Wii. They don't need it.

I think the recent releases of the Kinect and the PS Move showed this. It seems hardly anyone bought the Move and you don't hear much about it just a few months later. Audiences didn't care because it was basically the Wii 2. They already had that and they weren't interested in getting it again. The Kinect sold well, but it was also radically different. But, again, how many great games have come from it? You have the casual games and then....

I do think that if the next generation ignores motion controls completely there is some lost opportunity. There are games that benefit from motion controls. I think, though, Nintendo is smart not to be focusing on it this time around.

[BreakABone]

I think motion has a place as a supplemental "once in a while" kind of thing. There are certain types of games that benefit from motion controls, but I think this generation has shown it is impractical to try to make every game include motion controls. I think basing future consoles on motion controls would be futile.
And at the end of the day, I'm happy we got motion this generation. I agree it doesn't work with everything, but for the games it does work, it really does add an extra something.

And unlike Vamp, I feel that Mario galaxy is better for its inclusion. And will perhaps go down as one of the best games of this generation.

Sure, Nintendo won over a lot of casual gamers with the Wii. That audience, however, is only looking for certain kinds of games. They're not interested in relatively complicated "hardcore" games. They're not interested in amazing graphics or story or anything like that. The Wii, for the casual audience, was a fun toy that provided them plenty of cheap entertainment. They're not going to look for the "next" version of the Wii. They don't need it.

I really really dislike the use of the term "Casual" and lumping them into categories. Because at the end of the day these casuals are the same ones who make games like Call of Duty, GTA and Madden smash hits.

The "hardcore" are the minority in gaming really. There's nothing to say they don't like better graphics or story based games.


I do think that if the next generation ignores motion controls completely there is some lost opportunity. There are games that benefit from motion controls. I think, though, Nintendo is smart not to be focusing on it this time around.
The smartest.. and most logical thing I heard about the whole situation is Nintendo will treat motion like accessory this gen. So Wii Sports 3 will be bundled with a Wii-Mote Plus and Wii Fit 2 will have a balance board, etc etc. Which could potentially work.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2uyga69.png
Closest to the Project Cafe/Stream controller apparently.
Looks like a Game and Watch.

[Vampyr]

And will perhaps go down as one of the best games of this generation.

I agree - it will and it should.

But I think it achieves that level of amazingness in spite of it's motion controls, not because of them. All those things you have to twist and turn the wii mote for, I could have done with an analog stick, and I would have been more accurate at it, thus less frustrated, and thus had more fun...thus making it a slightly better game. :)

[Blix]

I really really dislike the use of the term "Casual" and lumping them into categories. Because at the end of the day these casuals are the same ones who make games like Call of Duty, GTA and Madden smash hits.

The "hardcore" are the minority in gaming really. There's nothing to say they don't like better graphics or story based games.




http://i51.tinypic.com/2uyga69.png
Closest to the Project Cafe/Stream controller apparently.
Looks like a Game and Watch.

Interesting observation you made there, BaB. I think things like this should be common knowledge to the gaming audience... but for some reason, people don't see it.

[Ginkasa]

I really really dislike the use of the term "Casual" and lumping them into categories. Because at the end of the day these casuals are the same ones who make games like Call of Duty, GTA and Madden smash hits.

The "hardcore" are the minority in gaming really. There's nothing to say they don't like better graphics or story based games.


I don't generally like the term either, but its the one that fits best. Besides, I wasn't really thinking about people who casually play Halo or CoD or whatever. I was thinking more of the people that didn't previously play games until the Wii allowed them to bowl with their TV. The types of people who allowed the Wii to outsell the PS3 and 360 throughout most of its career.


*pic snip*
Closest to the Project Cafe/Stream controller apparently.
Looks like a Game and Watch.


That is so ugly.

[Angrist]

I thought the controller screen was an awesome idea back when it was rumored for the GameCube. Now I'm not too sure. It's just too expensive and I don't see it work for too many things...

[BreakABone]

I don't generally like the term either, but its the one that fits best. Besides, I wasn't really thinking about people who casually play Halo or CoD or whatever. I was thinking more of the people that didn't previously play games until the Wii allowed them to bowl with their TV. The types of people who allowed the Wii to outsell the PS3 and 360 throughout most of its career.


See, I don't get this...

"No no, not gonna talk about the casual players who only pick up a yearly CoD or Madden or who made GTA into a mega franchise or turned FF 7 into a hit.

Only the ones who like to waggle their controllers*

"Casual" gamers are who drive the industry. They always have been. Perhaps, their faces have changed from generation to generation, but without them... you'll end up in a much more dire place with the gaming industry.

[Vampyr]

I think the problem for the Wii this generation was that a lot of the games only catered to the casual crowd.

Games like Call of Duty, Madden, Halo, etc, do get bought and played by a large population of casual gamers, but they are also loved and bought by the non-casual gamers too.

Sure, the Wii has titles like that - Super Mario Galaxy, New Super Mario Bros...but a vast, vast majority are games that only get bought by the casual crowd.

[Ginkasa]

See, I don't get this...

"No no, not gonna talk about the casual players who only pick up a yearly CoD or Madden or who made GTA into a mega franchise or turned FF 7 into a hit.

Only the ones who like to waggle their controllers*

"Casual" gamers are who drive the industry. They always have been. Perhaps, their faces have changed from generation to generation, but without them... you'll end up in a much more dire place with the gaming industry.


I think you're misrepresenting what I'm trying to say.

1) You can't really group gamers (or any large population of people) into easily defined, separate groups. Neither the term "casual" nor the term "hardcore" are going to work for every single gamer. It all depends on whose outlook you're using.

2) With that said, I was using the term "casual" to not necessarily mean people who pick up a CoD or Madden once a year, no. I was referring more to people like, say, my mom who hadn't touched a video game since Super Mario World until the Wii came out. Then she was all for Wii Fit and such. Or all those elderly people who got news stories about how they were bowling with their grandchildren. People like that. Yes, there are other types of gamers that could also be termed casual, but I wasn't referring to them. Maybe I should have used another term, but I don't think I'm unable to talk about smaller group of gamers than "anyone who has ever bought a Madden."

3) In either case, I don't hate nor am I against casual gamers in any way. I am fully aware that "casual" gamers make the vast majority of the market. I don't mind companies making products with the "casual" gamer in mind. My point was just that group of casual gamers (the elderly, the "new" gamers, etc.) that made Nintendo so successful this generation won't necessarily follow it to the next generation just because. They have what they want with the Wii, they won't upgrade just because its new. So, it makes sense for Nintendo to try to win back the "hardcore" market along with the section of the "casual" market that buys CoD and Madden every year.


Anyway, I think we ultimately agree on the main point that motion controls are cool, but only for certain games that can use them effectively. Otherwise they feel tacked on and superfluous. I am all for a primarily traditional console with the occasional game with motion controls.

[BreakABone]

New and exciting rumors

Prototype/mock-up controller

http://i.imgur.com/kSACFl.jpg

http://www.01net.com/editorial/531993/project-cafe-quelques-precisions-sur-la-manette-et-le-streaming/

-Tentative release date of June 2012.
-Controller screen resolution of 800x500.
-Can play games, watch movies, and more without turning on the TV by just streaming them to the controllers. Can stream to multiple controllers at once.

http://www.abload.de/img/wii2r7db.png

[TheSlyMoogle]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1163764p1.html

Actual confirmation. Enjoy.

New controller sounds badass actually.

[Bube]

Damn. I was secretly hoping they wouldn't release a new console so soon. Now I have to buy it :(

[Bond]

That business memo looks extremely fake ... new console sounds interesting, though.

When is E3 this year?

[BreakABone]

That business memo looks extremely fake ... new console sounds interesting, though.

When is E3 this year?

The business memo is from Nintendo's investor's website. http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2011/110425_4e.pdf The Japanese version/pdf

And e3, I want to say is June 7th or so, and MS/Sony presser are on June 6th

[BreakABone]

Some new information/speculation/rumors on the social aspect of Project Cafe

http://www.1up.com/news/nintendo-stream-console

[BreakABone]

Nintendo is acknowledging the lack of 3rd party support on the Wii and the problems that led to it, at least they are learning

Regarding your analysis that cooperation with third-party software developers didn't go as well for Wii as it went for Nintendo DS, there actually are some arguments which attribute the reason to the system’s "performance," but in terms of "performance," Nintendo DS did not overwhelm other devices by its performance. However, it proposed what other devices could not, and that value was recognized, and as a result the software sold well, which is the most important point. Unfortunately, there are very few success stories of third-party software in Japan on Wii. This lowered the motivation of the software developers, and at a time when these software developers should have been running their businesses on the platform with the biggest installed base, this wasn't the reality. On the contrary, in the U.S., several titles sold well. Not only "JUST DANCE," which I introduced today, but for some titles, such as "Guitar Hero," even if the titles were released for multiple platforms, the Wii version sold the most, and in such a situation, the developers did not completely lose motivation for development on Wii. However, Wii is good in some areas but not in others, so especially for games like "Call of Duty," the Wii version sold pretty well, but the unit sales were very different from the versions of other platforms, and I assume that one of the reasons is the issue with the graphical representations which you mentioned before, and also, the consumers who like that kind of game will have other platforms at home as well, which led to this result. Of course, we would like to cooperate with software developers for Wii's successor, and as I am repeatedly saying, I don't believe Nintendo can carry out everything alone. I am saying that we are responsible for building up the market, but I don't think that Nintendo can maintain the market alone; We are aiming for creating a situation where software publishers will be willing to cooperate. As for commenting on such things as the performance, I already stated in the beginning that I would not mention any specific plans. Thank you for your understanding.

[Vampyr]

Nice, I think Nintendo is really being smart about this.

I think they recognize that a lot of the "casuals" who bought the Wii may not go for this next console. They have a Wii, which does what they want it to do (casual party games), and may not see a new console as necessary.

If they play this right they can create a new system that caters more to their original fan base (who they haven't lost, even people like me who feel jaded by the Wii will come running back at the news of a more traditional console that I can play Mario and Zelda on). If they cater to their more traditional fan base for a few years they can generate third party support and sell more software.

[BreakABone]

More rumors... including another name to throw on the fire....

http://loading.se/images/splash/07aa5994b9bbfd8785ab8de7589b843b_n.jpg

Exclusively for Loading.se, A source close to Nintendo has all the information regarding the company's next home console.

June 7th is the date that everyone has been waiting for. Nintendo unveils their next home console at E3 in Los Angeles. But Loading can already now reveal some of the hottest (and most trustworthy) rumors about the machine. This is all we got to know about Nintendo Feel.

Our source, who has a close connection to the company, speaks about the console in a conversation with us. We choose to deliver the information unedited and untranslated [from Eng to Swe]:

– Nintendo wants to change the way we play – again. The success of Wii was essentially proof that the controller is every bit as important as graphical technology. When Nintendo unveils its next piece of hardware on June 7th, the presentation will be as much about the feel, as the look, of its new games. The revolutionary aspect will once again be found in the controller itself.

After Touch comes Feel
We already know Nintendo is developing a controller with a built-in screen. Since that info got leaked there have been paralels between Apple's iPad and how Nintendo used the GBA as a controller for a few Gamecube-games. But this new "Screen-controller" brings another dimension - Feel. Our source uses the name "Nintendo Feel"

– Haptic technology is a form of tactile feedback used to simulate the experience of touching different objects shown on screen. The player can move their fingertips across a surface and clearly feel the difference between soft, smooth or rugged textures. Electronic companies across the world have been conducting research in this field for years. It’s been rumored that Apple is close to patenting a similar technology, and we’ve seen the Toshiba demonstration of ‘New Sensation UI Solution’, that applies a thin film over a screen in order to achieve a haptic effect. In Nintendo’s case, this is a natural progression of both the Nintendo DS touch screen and the Wii technology.

Hardcore meats Casual
After having recieved the information on Nintendo Feel from our source we have gotten confirmation that the technology exists. Toshiba seems to have shown it to the public and we have had a Novint Falcon in the office for a long time. Novint was one of the first companies to introduce haptic feedback to the gaming world.

According to our source the work for the new console has been going on for a few years, and throughout this whole time the goal has been to create an as direct and easy-to-understand concept as the Wii.

– You have to try Nintendo Feel to really understand. But the idea itself is very easy to sell, no matter if you are aiming for hardcore players or the wider audience that was first introduced to games through DS, Wii or Kinect.

And sure, anyone can suddenly realize the feeling of fur agains the fingertips would do for Nintendogs. You don't have to be unfamiliar to The Legend of Zelda to understand the epicness in drawing patterns in a desert, feeling the breeze from a lake, the burning sensation from lava or realizing the structure of a very old tree.

At the same time, Nintendo Feel is an experience that doesn't want to explain itself in words, but rather tell the player through his hands. Which is probably why Nintendo will bring playable demos to E3, even tho the finished console won't be available until 2012.

All visions in one

Nintendo Feel is on many levels a summary of all the grand visions Nintendo has had during the latest gaming generation. Starting with the Rumble Pack for the Nintendo 64, Nintendo gave the player physical feedback through the controller, and 2006 they started the concept "Touch Generations" to marked the Wii and DS to a whole new audience. If we get to see a "Feel Generations" marketing remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: The new console is an extension of the idea of more intuitive controllmethods.

Also the individual screens revived the "Connectivity" concept launched during the Gamecube/GBA era. A concept that never got the impact Nintendo was hoping for. Our source says:

– Remember Vitality Sensor? It will most likely make a comeback at this year’s E3, though not as a peripheral for Wii, but as a key feature of Nintendo Feel.

And yet another puzzlepiece.

http://loading.se/news.php?pub_id=15144

[Angrist]

Bullocks, fake.

[Vampyr]

This does seem rather fake.

What I expect is a console that lets you use your 3DS as a controller. If you don't own a 3DS, you can also purchase a more simple, scaled down version that just has the screen and buttons (one of these will come with the system).

I see the console games letting you take small "pieces" with you on your 3DS to continue playing with.

I think this sounds like a pretty sweet system...I hope I'm right.

[BreakABone]

http://kotaku.com/#!5797890/nintendos-next-console-will-enter-the-hd-era-but-not-the-hard+drive-era

New rumors, oh more rumors

-8gb of on board internal memory (ALAS, the lack of memory hurt their downloadable stores)
-25 GB disc based storage (Blu-ray?)
-May be maxed at 1080i or 1080p not sure

[Vampyr]

Has there been any news on how moving Wii Ware and Virtual Console purchases to the new system will work?

[BreakABone]

Has there been any news on how moving Wii Ware and Virtual Console purchases to the new system will work?

There hasn't, but I assume since the #3DS allows you to, the Wii 2 has to.

Also one of the more grounded approaches to all of the Wii 2 rumors http://bit.ly/le1WO2

[manasecret]

Some great user-submittted Wii 2 console designs:

http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1166486p1.html

Such as

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/116/1166486/project-cafe-your-wii-2-designs--20110506024224535-000.jpg

And this one, which I don't like so much for the concept art, but for the spelling of Stream.

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/116/1166486/project-cafe-your-wii-2-designs--20110506024534698-000.jpg

This is ingenious. Whatever Nintendo calls it, they don't have to call it Wii 2. They just have to incorporate the "ii" in the name and everyone will know exactly that it is the successor to the Wii.

[Blix]

The NES design would be awesome if it happened. I don't care what anyone says. XD

[thatmariolover]

The NES design would be awesome if it happened. I don't care what anyone says. XD

I like it. I've just followed Nintendo enough to know it won't happen.

[Blix]

I like it. I've just followed Nintendo enough to know it won't happen.

Yes, they never repeat themselves. I liked it better in the past when consoles looked different from anything else you'd have around.

[BreakABone]

We're getting early word from two developers on their support:

Noting that Tecmo Koei is trusted by hardware makers as a third party that will always have a titles ready in time for a platform's launch, he said that he'd like have launch titles for Nintendo's Wii 2 successor platform.

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/05/14/tecmo_koei_earnings/

"The platform Nintendo is coming with is really a fantastic platform. We think it will be extremely successful," he stated.

"What we see is that we will be able to leverage a lot of the work we do for Xbox 360 and PS3 while we create games for the platform.

"So we will not have to redo completely the games that we create. We'll be able to use all the capacity the console is giving but also use all the work we do for the other platforms."

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-12-ubi-to-leverage-360-ps3-work-for-cafe

[thatmariolover]

I hope that doesn't mean that Ubi plans to just port their PS3/360 titles and add support for the touchscreen controller.

[BreakABone]

I hope that doesn't mean that Ubi plans to just port their PS3/360 titles and add support for the touchscreen controller.

That's most def what it means, and oddly what I expect from the majority of 3rd parties to be honest.

IGN also has a new article up with some rumored specs

http://gear.ign.com/articles/116/1168222p1.html

[thatmariolover]

That's most def what it means, and oddly what I expect from the majority of 3rd parties to be honest.

IGN also has a new article up with some rumored specs

http://gear.ign.com/articles/116/1168222p1.html

Yeah, I'm just having trouble swallowing a rumored $350-$400 price tag for PS3 games at this point.

As for IGN's article... It was a fun read, but factually it was worthless.

1) They used an AMD processor that's an order of magnitude slower than the PPC chip rumored to be in the Wii 2.
2) They only gave the system an extra gig of ram to accommodate Windows 7.

I mean, all they accomplished was showing what the PC ports of games originally designed for consoles running on a RAM starved PC with a processor that's easily 30-50% slower than the tri-core PPC.

But hey, they conned their boss into paying for a new PC. So that's cool, right?

[Blix]

Is anyone else interested in seeing current wii games running in 1080p? I think Metroid Prime 3: Corruption should look sweet. SSBB, Zelda: TP and the conduit should look fine running on that thing. Not as good as games on 360, PS3 and PC but the fun in it is looking at the relativity between the two. I hope Nintendo repeats the one friend code or finally gives us screen names with friend lists and the ability to know what your friends are doing.

[Blix]

Yeah, I'm just having trouble swallowing a rumored $350-$400 price tag for PS3 games at this point.

As for IGN's article... It was a fun read, but factually it was worthless.

1) They used an AMD processor that's an order of magnitude slower than the PPC chip rumored to be in the Wii 2.
2) They only gave the system an extra gig of ram to accommodate Windows 7.

I mean, all they accomplished was showing what the PC ports of games originally designed for consoles running on a RAM starved PC with a processor that's easily 30-50% slower than the tri-core PPC.

But hey, they conned their boss into paying for a new PC. So that's cool, right?

I can't believe I missed this. The funniest part of the article was that they put a price on that 4850 of $200. Huge fail!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482

The only one left available in newegg.com is priced at $119.99. while the 5850 is around that price now (goes above and below it from a quick search I did).

[BreakABone]

http://i56.tinypic.com/2eyw07r.jpg

Rumors, but rumors are always fun

http://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-26991_rumeur_un_nouveau_ssb_presente_a_le3_2011_.htm

[Angrist]

Nice photoshop job. No wait, it's terrible.

Are people still very excited about SSB? I really loved all of them, but I don't really look forward to a new one. Unless they really add something new (which I think will be hard).

[thatmariolover]

A plausable set of of specs leak:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/113726/projectcafe_specs.jpg

[Angrist]

If only the Wii specs would ever leak... :(


Seriously, Nintendo hasn't cared about graphics for over 10 years, and now a sheet like this 'leaks'? I'm calling fake!

[Blix]

If only the Wii specs would ever leak... :(


Seriously, Nintendo hasn't cared about graphics for over 10 years, and now a sheet like this 'leaks'? I'm calling fake!

I don't know about you but the GCN was a fine machine for its time. Way better than the PS2 and up there with the original Xbox. The only thing I am not inclined the least to think is the four cores on this info. Everything else has said 3. But that's comparing unofficial stuff to other unofficial stuff. At least the 1GB of ram is persistent and pretty much everything else.

[thatmariolover]

If only the Wii specs would ever leak... :(


Seriously, Nintendo hasn't cared about graphics for over 10 years, and now a sheet like this 'leaks'? I'm calling fake!

It's far from authenticated, that's for sure.

But it follows most of the rumors and is plausable. Besides, Nintendo can't reasonably expect to release a new console that doesn't outperform the current generation.

[Angrist]

I don't doubt the specs. I didn't even look at them (because I have no idea what it all means).
What I doubt is that Nintendo would publish a sheet like that. And that it would leak. Even with the GameCube, I don't think Nintendo published raw numbers, even though they were really good.

But yeah, it better be better than the PS360.

[thatmariolover]

I don't doubt the specs. I didn't even look at them (because I have no idea what it all means).
What I doubt is that Nintendo would publish a sheet like that. And that it would leak. Even with the GameCube, I don't think Nintendo published raw numbers, even though they were really good.

But yeah, it better be better than the PS360.

Well, the Wii specs got out early. And some of the Gamecube specs got out a bit early as well.

The thing that gets me is that this is clearly a screenshot off of some webpage somewhere. So unless it's part of Wario World (Nintendo's dev webpage) I just don't understand where it came from.

[Vampyr]

I don't doubt the specs. I didn't even look at them (because I have no idea what it all means).
What I doubt is that Nintendo would publish a sheet like that. And that it would leak. Even with the GameCube, I don't think Nintendo published raw numbers, even though they were really good.

But yeah, it better be better than the PS360.

Well it's marked for internal use only and it says devkit on it. If it's legit (which I don't know or care either way), it's not something they created to market to the general public - it's there to give information to the developers.

[BreakABone]

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/04/nikkei_wii_controller_details/

The rumors about the controller has been confirmed.

With it acting sort of like a handheld with a camera

[gekko]

Well it's marked for internal use only and it says devkit on it. If it's legit (which I don't know or care either way), it's not something they created to market to the general public - it's there to give information to the developers.

Don't know what it is with this site, but every time I type up a post of a decent length it logs me out and I lose it. So instead of giving the detailed breakdown I will say this:

The picture is full of small mistakes and typos, which means it's either a sloppy job by Nintendo, or most likely a bad fake. It also seems like someone was trying to guess at what developer documents look like, and didn't do a good job. If anything, it looks more like a powerpoint slide than a website.

[thatmariolover]

More rumor mongering:

The System:

- Uses a custom IBM triple-core CPU running at 3.6GHz per core
- The development kit contains 1gb RAM, but Nintendo have hinted that the console will actually have 1.5gb
- Nintendo will be releasing games that will run 1080p natively. Sources say that with Nintendo’s art style and the poewer the system, the games look ‘stunning’.
- The system does run on AMD R700 card, but the architecture is slightly different and the clock speeds are much higher.
- The System resembles JPN/EU SNES machines in color only and not in shape
- The development kit is about the size of a 360, not the console
- Close sources say it’s as if Nintendo is in “damage control” with 3rd party developers. Nintendo is trying really hard to get 3rd parties on board to develop games and have offered incentives such as not releasing big-title Nintendo games in holiday seasons to compete against 3rd party titles.
- Nintendo went to many 3rd party developers on guidance on what they were after with the new console in terms of system specs, controller and online system.

The Controller:

- Nintendo have been keeping this really quiet and have only given developers controller prototypes to start designing games. However, the final controller build with all the features have only been given to Nintendo 1st and 2nd party developers for now.
- Nintendo had planned on inserting a screen on the controller back when the Gamecube was in development, but opted out due to technology not being advanced enough to be functional
- The controller that’s been given to developers has a large 5.7inch hd (960x640pixel) screen, 2 analogue sticks, 4 face buttons, 3 middle buttons (select/home/start in that order), 2 shoulder buttons and 2 triggers.
- The triggers aren’t as deep as the 360’s triggers, but have plenty of push
- The big thing about the screen is that it’s a multi-touch screen, contains it’s own battery and is detachable from the controller unit
- The screen when detached contains its own memory so developers can store data on it, so gamers can play whatever the developer designs for the screen-only use
- When the screen is attached to the controller it works by streaming content directly from the console
- Nintendo are giving developers ideas other than just having it function as a quick menu screen for games while attached, or as a simple tamagochi-like mini-game when detached
- The controller contains a gyroscope, but motion controls isn’t the focus of the controller like it was for the Wii

Games:

- Nintendo will release a Mario platformer as a launch title which hasn’t been done since the N64.
- The Mario platformer looks to be the spiritual successor to Mario 64.
- Gamefreak and EAD are hard at work developing a Pokemon online RPG.
- The Pokemon RPG is not an MMO, but does have a large online emphasis and will be Nintendo’s flagship title when showing off the online capabilities of the console.
- There will be at least one new IP Nintendo will reveal at E3.
- Nintendo is working on a new Zelda, but didn’t reveal anything to developers.


Other:

- Some developers have had the Wii 2 dev kit for going on 2 years now. When the Wii 2 is released in late, that’s 3 years to develop games on.
- Because of such generous development time, Nintendo have pushed 3rd parties to develop high quality games to be released at or near launch.
- Nintendo have sourced an external company to develop their online network, which the developer has commented, surpasses both the PS3 and 360 in terms of speed and functionality.
- Nintendo is pushing for the console to be online 24/7 and have seamless online integration with many of their games
- Friend codes are confirmed to be gone
- Nintendo has been toying with the idea of a game where the main character is your Mii
- Nintendo will be pushing their Pokemon RPG to showcase their online network
- Rockstar are supposedly hard at work in bringing on of their “most popular” titles to the console.

http://i.imgur.com/fy2gp.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MJmjk.png

[Angrist]

Devs have had kits for 2 years now? Haha, so fake. :D


Another rumor is that the name will just be "Nintendo".

[thatmariolover]

Devs have had kits for 2 years now? Haha, so fake. :D


Another rumor is that the name will just be "Nintendo".

I think the text is mostly fake (it's not all original, and some of the stuff from previous reports still seems plausable).

But I also think that separate rumor about the name just being 'Nintendo' lends itself to the 4chan screencaps validity. It's possible that they're misinterpreting what 'Current' means. It's not the name of the console, it just specifies that it's the 'Current' Nintendo system as opposed to the original Nintendo system.

Also, let's not forget this...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/DrForester/The5thNintendoElement.gif

[BreakABone]

Devs have had kits for 2 years now? Haha, so fake. :D


Another rumor is that the name will just be "Nintendo".

Actually, the idea that developers have had kits for 2 years does have some plausibility to it as people have pointed to several EA developer's resumes that mentioned development starting in the summer of 09.

[Vampyr]

If Nintendo has even a half decent conference they are going to stomp all over Sony's and Microsoft's.

Can't wait to see new Zelda stuff.

[BreakABone]

If Nintendo has even a half decent conference they are going to stomp all over Sony's and Microsoft's.

Can't wait to see new Zelda stuff.

You thought Sony had a bad conference? Or I guess only decent?

Think Nintendo will have to bring their A game to up Sony's presence.

[Vampyr]

You thought Sony had a bad conference? Or I guess only decent?

Think Nintendo will have to bring their A game to up Sony's presence.

Unless they revealed something big after the NGP? I don't foresee the NGP, or Vita as they're calling it, doing much better than the PSP did before it, and I'm not really excited about it.

Other than that, Sly Cooper was announced, which is really cool for people with PS3's. Some gameplay of Uncharted was shown, but that had already been announced. I don't remember seeing anything else exciting. It seems like a lot of the footage they showed for games, like Resistance 3, was super generic and didn't highlight anything that was going to make that game exciting.

Dust looks like it has the potential to be cool, especially for Eve players. But again, footage was super generic.

Bioshock isn't an exclusive, and anything prefixed with Move- and 3D- was automatically unexciting.

Nintendo on the other hand is probably going to be announcing a brand new console that will do who knows what. They're going to be bringing a new Zelda. I've saw rumors of a new Wii Pokemon game (maybe another coliseum?).

[BreakABone]

Unless they revealed something big after the NGP? I don't foresee the NGP, or Vita as they're calling it, doing much better than the PSP did before it, and I'm not really excited about it.

Other than that, Sly Cooper was announced, which is really cool for people with PS3's. Some gameplay of Uncharted was shown, but that had already been announced. I don't remember seeing anything else exciting. It seems like a lot of the footage they showed for games, like Resistance 3, was super generic and didn't highlight anything that was going to make that game exciting.

Dust looks like it has the potential to be cool, especially for Eve players. But again, footage was super generic.

Bioshock isn't an exclusive, and anything prefixed with Move- and 3D- was automatically unexciting.

Nintendo on the other hand is probably going to be announcing a brand new console that will do who knows what. They're going to be bringing a new Zelda. I've saw rumors of a new Wii Pokemon game (maybe another coliseum?).

I honestly can't argue with you, while I think their show was nicely paced and had a ton of great content, I honestly can't get that excited about a lot of Sony's franchises/exclusives.

They all seem so.. derivative, aside from like Uncharted

Its the same beef, I have with the PSV personally, great piece, sexy piece of tech, but outside of Uncharted all of the games either left me underwhelmed or made me wonder why I would purchase it over the console counter part.

That said, I do think they had a great show from a content point of view. They just need a surprise or two to push it over the edge.

[gekko]

These press conferences have less and less to do with the press, and they are turning into consumer sales pitches. On that note, Sony's press conference was terrible. That guy in the tie is not a very good public speaker. Doesn't have a lot of emotion in his voice, really bored me to death. Microsoft had a bit more production value.

[thatmariolover]

Zelda collection hinted right out of the gate. The 4chan leak looks legit.

*Edit* Or it could just be a 25'th aniversary tribute. Still banking on a collection, though.