Could Nintendo's next home console entice the early adopters/graphic whores?

[kupomogli]

I don't think people are going to throw money down on something that's slightly more powerful and they're really not going to notice much of a difference. Unless the new Nintendo has some exclusives to pull people towards it, it's not going to do as well as the Wii. People are going to think twice when throwing money down on the system as just like the Wii they might never even use it, especially those casual gamers who don't even play video games and bought the Wii to mess around with for a week or two.

I'll buy one if it has Wii and GC backwards compatibility. If not then it's going to have to have some amazing set of exclusives to make me think about it. I don't own a Wii because the amount of good exclusives don't even match that of the Gamecube which already has a pathetic exclusive line up.

I would like to see Nintendo make a Wave Race HD. Many have tried, but no games that are similar even get close to being as good as either the N64 or Gamecube Wave Race titles. Or atleast those that I've played.

[Zap!]

I don't think people are going to throw money down on something that's slightly more powerful and they're really not going to notice much of a difference. Unless the new Nintendo has some exclusives to pull people towards it, it's not going to do as well as the Wii. People are going to think twice when throwing money down on the system as just like the Wii they might never even use it, especially those casual gamers who don't even play video games and bought the Wii to mess around with for a week or two.

I'll buy one if it has Wii and GC backwards compatibility. If not then it's going to have to have some amazing set of exclusives to make me think about it. I don't own a Wii because the amount of good exclusives don't even match that of the Gamecube which already has a pathetic exclusive line up.

I would like to see Nintendo make a Wave Race HD. Many have tried, but no games that are similar even get close to being as good as either the N64 or Gamecube Wave Race titles. Or atleast those that I've played.

Well, Nintendo fans will. Lets say it's only slightly more powerful than the PS3/360. That's mega times more powerful than the Nintendo Wii, and something many of us fans have been wishing for for years. Personally though, I think it will be vastly more powerful than the PS3/360, but we shall see.

[WanganRunner]

I don't expect it to be a full generational leap, but even if it's just a somewhat faster 360 but with tons more RAM, that's still appealing.

[fishsandwich]

Think "Dreamcast".

Prettier than the PS and N64 at launch, but woefully inadequate when compared to the PS2/Gamecube/Xbox. Kind of an in-between generation...a bridge between the two.

Is the gap between the DC and the PS2/GC/XB really that vast? I always thought that the four consoles were generally on equal terms.



?

[Icarus Moonsight]

I think the comparison would have applied better if you take the DC/PS2 roles and swap them for Nintendo this cycle. As they've whooped ass against the 360 and PS3 with what can be derogatorily put as a Gamecube with wiggle sticks on 'roids. Either the Wii is that neat, or the other boxes are that awful... Insert your own story at will. If they can go 4 1/2 years underweight and stay in the good side of things, consider when they beef up and what that'll mean for the whole dynamic.

Pretty much, they have to screw up all over massively to take it in the can. N64/Virtual Boy screw up. So, you see, it is possible.

[fishsandwich]

I'm going to be very disappointed if this new nintendo console is not going to be much more powerful than the 360. The original poster is right... the march of technology over the past 5 years means that Nintendo could produce a console that would be considerably more powerful than the PS3/360 yet still be able to turn a profit from day one.



!

[NayusDante]

Xbox 360:
CPU 3.2 GHz PowerPC Tri-Core Xenon
GPU Equivalent to ATI R500 Series
512Mb RAM (GDDR3)

Project Cafe Rumor (my speculation):
CPU 3.6 GHz PowerPC Tri-Core Broadway
GPU Equivalent to AMD R700 Series, 512Mb GDDR5 Dedicated VRAM
4Gb DDR3


Let's keep in mind that the 360 struggles to run games natively at 1080p. Even on the PS3, not everyone designs for that large of a resolution. If the Cafe defaults to 1080p, and there's a quality standard that sets minimum framerates, I think Nintendo would have a competent next-gen console. My 4850 held its own at 1080p, and a standardized console platform always yields better results from devs. They may even do well, because the price target of $249 is actually somewhat realistic with these specs. I would expect Sony to counter with a $399 quad-core (or 12-core Cell?), GeForce 560 machine, but Nintendo's head start could make up for the the performance gap.

The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I, for one, welcome our rumored underpowered Nintendo box.

[Rev. Link]

Well, looks like Nintendo themselves has weighed in on this subject. I'm sure some of you have seen the articles by now, I can't believe there's not a post about it already, but Nintendo says their new system will be out by holiday '12, and that it'll be significantly more powerful than the 360 and PS3. And that they want to "recapture the hardcore gamers". I am, frankly, shocked. Not that I didn't think they'd be capable, I just didn't think they'd try.

The best news, though, is that the new system, codenamed Project Cafe, will use a normal controller! I'm sure there'll still be a motion peripheral, like Move or Kinect, but knowing that every system will be bundled with a standard controller makes me very happy.

Of course, those controllers sound like they might cost around $80 a pop, which sucks, but we'll have to wait and see. E3 is going to be very interesting this year.

[Leo_A]

I've checked GameSpot, IGN, 1Up, and several other mainstream sites that are all usually pretty quick with news, especially something like you just suggested.

Where is this official confirmation from Nintendo? All I'm finding is all the rumors that have been flying over the past several days.

Nothing you said about a confirmation of all these details from Nintendo appears to be true, as best as I can tell.

[Rev. Link]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html

Couldn't have looked too hard, it's right on IGN's main page. I also read some about it on Gamespy's main page.

[Leo_A]

Did you read that article? There is no confirmation of anything from Nintendo at that page.

The closest Nintendo has ever weighed in on this subject over the past few days is to state that they don't comment on rumors or speculation. They haven't weighed in on this subject. They haven't said that their new system will be out by Christmas 2012. They didn't say that it would be significantly more powerful than the 360 and PS3. They didn't say they wanted to recapture the hardcore gamers. They didn't announce that it's codename is Project Cafe. And they didn't announce that it would use a standard controller.

They're all still rumors at this point, you misunderstood if you think Nintendo has came out and actually confirmed all of this like your post said. I would've thought that things at that link such as "according to our sources", "French website 01.net has published additional details (via Develop)", "but we were unable to confirm the accuracy of the report", "additional details about the console's hardware specs could also not be confirmed", "our sources also said Nintendo will show first and third party titles at the event", "it's unsure if they'll be playable or only in video form", and "sources now confirm to IGN the new Nintendo controller allows players to stream entire games to the device" would've been obvious tip offs that we're still at the rumor stage.

I'm not trying to be a jerk so I hope you didn't take this the wrong way, but nothing at that link even hints that Nintendo has said anything about this system yet as far as concrete details go. The same with GameSpy (Their front page article you referenced about this is even titled "Rumor Roundup").

It's all uncomfirmed rumors at this point. Only time will tell what, if any of this, is even correct.

[Zap!]

Did you read that article? There is no confirmation of anything from Nintendo at that page.

The closest Nintendo has ever weighed in on this subject over the past few days is to state that they don't comment on rumors or speculation. They haven't weighed in on this subject. They haven't said that their new system will be out by Christmas 2012. They didn't say that it would be significantly more powerful than the 360 and PS3. They didn't say they wanted to recapture the hardcore gamers. They didn't announce that it's codename is Project Cafe. And they didn't announce that it would use a standard controller.

They're all still rumors at this point, so I'm not sure why you posted something saying Nintendo has came out and actually confirmed all of this. I would've thought that things at that link such as "according to our sources", "French website 01.net has published additional details (via Develop)", "but we were unable to confirm the accuracy of the report", "additional details about the console's hardware specs could also not be confirmed", "our sources also said Nintendo will show first and third party titles at the event", "it's unsure if they'll be playable or only in video form", and "sources now confirm to IGN the new Nintendo controller allows players to stream entire games to the device" would've been tip offs that we're still a the rumor stage.

Nothing at that link even hints that Nintendo has said anything. The same with GameSpy (I would think that main page article titled "Rumor Roundup" for all these Wii HD rumors would've been self explanatory). ;)

It's too much of a leak to not be at least partially true. Perhaps some details are off, but it is certain that Nintendo will have the most powerful system in late 2012. There's a high-ranking mole in there somewhere, or Nintendo may have purposely leaked it themselves.

[Leo_A]

I don't doubt a new console is coming and I'd bet good money on it coming in 2012. Click on my name and read my recent post (Which have largely been about this subject) and you'll see I'm among the people predicting this is coming.

Just the same, it's still unofficial and we don't know what, if any, of these details are true. Even the part about significantly being more powerful than the PS3 and 360 might not be accurate, although I think it makes perfect sense to expect it to be a good bit more powerful.

We're still solidly in the rumor stage at this point. And doesn't it seem at all odd that one site announces a rumor and suddenly within hours, every site out there is seemingly coming out with rumors of another facet of the WiiHD?

Seems likely that at least a healthy portion of what we've been reading over the past few days could very well end up being false. Proclaiming anything as confirmed until they're actually confirmed is just misleading at this point.

[b0ub0u]

Sources have confirmed to EDGE Magazine that third-party studios including those of Electronic Arts, Activision and Ubisoft have had development kits of the Wii successor for months :

http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/story/85621/rumor-wii-successor-controller-details-publishers-have-dev-kits/


This new console IS real.

[NayusDante]

No, they confirmed that there are rumors of said possession of dev kits.

Hoo boy, it's going to be a long wait for E3... >_<

[Zap!]

I don't doubt a new console is coming and I'd bet good money on it coming in 2012. Click on my name and read my recent post (Which have largely been about this subject) and you'll see I'm among the people predicting this is coming.

Just the same, it's still unofficial and we don't know what, if any, of these details are true. Even the part about significantly being more powerful than the PS3 and 360 might not be accurate, although I think it makes perfect sense to expect it to be a good bit more powerful.

We're still solidly in the rumor stage at this point. And doesn't it seem at all odd that one site announces a rumor and suddenly within hours, every site out there is seemingly coming out with rumors of another facet of the WiiHD?

Seems likely that at least a healthy portion of what we've been reading over the past few days could very well end up being false. Proclaiming anything as confirmed until they're actually confirmed is just misleading at this point.

Some of the magazines are quoting some very reliable sources. These sources likely are proven to be high-ranking and in the company. CNN wouldn't trust info from just anyone, I'd hope.

[NayusDante]

Penny Arcade Confirms (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2010/6/16/):
-Nintendo will have the REAL Santa Claus at their E3 booth to promote the new console.

Very reliable source.

[Leo_A]

Some of the magazines are quoting some very reliable sources. These sources likely are proven to be high-ranking and in the company. CNN wouldn't trust info from just anyone, I'd hope.

Still doesn't mean that they don't qualify as rumors. Something can't be confirmed until it's actually confirmed.

CNN is hardly the premier news organization out there. I remember watching it on September 11th or the next day and seeing their reporters discussing the United States Navy sending out some battleships to sea.

Was a pretty fancy trick since the Navy had retired the last such ship nearly 10 years prior.

[The 1 2 P]

So nothing but more rumors huh. Looks like E3 can't come soon enough.

[WanganRunner]

This thread is getting ridiculous.

Anything that hasn't been included in an official Nintendo press release is a RUMOR.

That said, at this point there's no reason to believe that the rumors aren't fairly accurate, given how many sources are coming forward with them. There will almost surely be a new console, but the details are still sketchy.

I can't wait for E3.

[NayusDante]

I can hear Iwata now...

"Last Farr, we announce new Tree Dee Essu, which yoos neu tech gnaw roh ji. Tree Dee is a neu wai of expeliancing gemus. This is guod, but some time, consumer want expeliance gemus in more selius wai..."

[Icarus Moonsight]

I don't know what you guys are talking about... I've been playing Radiant Silvergun 3D on my Cafe Ole since yesterday. Freaking incredible. The rotary CPU architecture is what makes it a Supra Nintendo. The controller screen is the coolest. It uses holographic emitters, but instead of projecting photons it projects any/all subatomic particles so it creates holo-projections of matter, not merely light. Everytime I use the sword breaker I need to re-roof my house! There was something about a gravity particle warning... Threw that shit out! Screw you and your lame warnings Nintendo! OH SHIIII>>>..... *

[NayusDante]

It uses holographic emitters, but instead of projecting photons it projects any/all subatomic particles so it creates holo-projections of matter, not merely light.

Dude... that wasn't a goomba you just jumped on. No wonder PETA hates video games.

[Zap!]

Now there is a report that says Project Café may not even use any motion controls:

http://communityvoices.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/arts-entertainment-living/the-game-guy/28402-what-project-cafe-means-for-nintendo

[NayusDante]

So the controller replaces the need for a TV? I don't think people quite understand how nice a feature that is for families with kids. Parents can watch TV again, while the kids play console games on a handheld unit.

Watch the real thing be a slimmer Wii with DVD playback. They promised us DVD playback...

[j_factor]

Now there is a report that says Project Café may not even use any motion controls:

http://communityvoices.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/arts-entertainment-living/the-game-guy/28402-what-project-cafe-means-for-nintendo

If this is true (not just the lack of motion controls, but the other details), it sounds like a bad idea.

Instead of going from one novelty to another, I'd like to see them build on what the Wii has.

[Zap!]

If this is true (not just the lack of motion controls, but the other details), it sounds like a bad idea.

I tend to agree, but there are many who say they hate motion controls. Perhaps offer both crowds something? An optional wand/nunchuck, and the controller with screen?

[j_factor]

I'm not a big fan of the "wave your arm around" type of motion controls myself. It's fine in small doses, but gets old fast. However, the Wii controller really does more than that. I was hoping for this sort of control to become standard next gen, because I find aiming with the Wii remote to be vastly superior to moving a cursor with an analog stick.

[Zap!]

I know this (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=181426531909071&set=a.180967565288301.60989.180554935329564&type=1&pid=497574&id=180554935329564) is just an artist's conception, but it looks damn cool anyway.

[j_factor]

That's pretty neat.

[Leo_A]

This thread is getting ridiculous.

Anything that hasn't been included in an official Nintendo press release is a RUMOR.

That said, at this point there's no reason to believe that the rumors aren't fairly accurate, given how many sources are coming forward with them.

Thanks, I was starting to wonder if I was the only one that understood that. :)


Now there is a report that says Project Café may not even use any motion controls:

Hard to believe that they won't be present in some capacity, especially with the rumors of Wii backwards compatibility which I think everyone tends to believe at this time. With the rumors of the gamepad type device with a touchscreen also serving as a Wii sensor bar, I wouldn't be surprised to see a seperate Wii like controller ship for the thing with motion capabilities.

So perhaps the rumor means it just won't be integrated into this controller we're speculating about, rather than just not being there at all for the system


So the controller replaces the need for a TV? I don't think people quite understand how nice a feature that is for families with kids. Parents can watch TV again, while the kids play console games on a handheld unit.

It sounds like a very promising idea.

[Zap!]

Oh boy, now here comes Microsoft with it's XBox 720 rumors...

http://xbox-360.nowgamer.com/news/5601/microsoft-hiring-for-next-gen-kinect-and-xbox

[Gameguy]

So the controller replaces the need for a TV? I don't think people quite understand how nice a feature that is for families with kids. Parents can watch TV again, while the kids play console games on a handheld unit.
Why not just get a second TV for the kids to use? I doubt there's actually many people who only have one TV right now, 10 years ago sure but not now. Though it's neat to know they could be copying ideas like the TurboExpress or Sega Nomad well over a decade(or two) after those came out.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Or when 1 player is using the main display, playing something off disk or what have you, others might be able to access VC/Ware digital games and play on their controller screens? That might be neat. Opens a door for multitask console gaming. While you are playing a turn based game, you can have a second controller where you are playing Uno or something. It's the whole GC/GBA thing again if so. I don't think we should discount the potential 3DS connectivity (or existing Wii remotes for that matter)... Is it going to be Nintendo that brings 3D to the masses with that combo?

Yeah, June is a ways away...

[NayusDante]

Why not just get a second TV for the kids to use? I doubt there's actually many people who only have one TV right now, 10 years ago sure but not now. Though it's neat to know they could be copying ideas like the TurboExpress or Sega Nomad well over a decade(or two) after those came out.

My rationale is that while it's true that families have multiple TVs today, the game console is probably hooked to the big one. They're marketing consoles to families now, not just as something to stick in a kid's room. The parents probably use the console for Netflix and play it themselves occasionally, but the kids are going to want to play Pokemon all night. Most people aren't going to move a console between TVs all the time to reclaim their main screen. For Nintendo's target crowd, I really like this idea.

[Zap!]

Real or hoax? (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=181734175211640&set=a.180967565288301.60989.180554935329564&type=1&ref=nf)

[wingzrow]

Source? And don't say 4chan, or I will physically reach my hand through the internet to slap you.

[Zap!]

Source? And don't say 4chan, or I will physically reach my hand through the internet to slap you.

http://www.technobuffalo.com/rumors/could-these-be-nintendos-new-project-cafe-controllers/

http://www.nintendo-master.com/fichiers/2011/4/21/1303378200.jpg

[Rob2600]

I don't understand the whole "screen built into the controller" thing. If I wanted to play a game on my controller, wouldn't I just buy a 3DS? Am I missing something?

[NayusDante]

I don't understand the whole "screen built into the controller" thing. If I wanted to play a game on my controller, wouldn't I just buy a 3DS? Am I missing something?

What does the DS do that the GBA can't? Apply that answer to a home console. Whether it's good or meh depends on the game and implementation, but if the DS is any indicator of how a second screen can enhance the experience...

It's certainly more than the VMU. Nobody really found a good use for the VMU beyond showing information. It was rarely interactive during gameplay. With a touch screen, there's a lot more room for interaction. Developers are not constrained by button counts, either.

There's seriously tons of uses for this. I'm sure we'll see a chat interface on the controller for in-game communications, and it'll probably be decent as a drawing tool. Expect drawing games, lots and lots of drawing games.

[j_factor]

One of the reasons I prefer consoles over handhelds is so I don't have to stare down at a little screen. I get neck cramps. (Or arm cramps, if I try to hold it up to my face.) The links above don't talk about it being a separate screen and an integrated part of the controls like you're saying; they talk about streaming the whole game to the little screen. IMO what you're suggesting wouldn't work very well either. The DS works because the screens are right next to each other. I don't want to be looking up at the TV, then down at the controller, then back to the TV, etc.

[Zap!]

Wow, possibly this Fall now, from between $350-$400, maybe to be called Stream (perfect name). Please be true. Specs in link:

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

[Leo_A]

Why not just get a second TV for the kids to use?

It's not like having a built in touch screen means that suddenly stopped being an option.

I personally think Nintendo is on to something with this, if true. For example, when watching a Formula One race, I'll often grab my SP and do something like a run through in Outrun during a safety car period.And sometimes, I just want to lay back and relax. Will be nice to have a console game still be an option rather than having to go with a handheld under those circumstances. And for parents with this system hooked up to the living room set, they can still watch tv while their kids play the game console. No one in their right mind is going to be unhooking and moving around a console on a whim from tv to tv.

If they're going to build in a touch screen for control purposes, I think it's a smart decision to also allow it to display a video stream sent to it from the console. Why not let it be an option? It isn't like it would be forced upon anyone. It's there if you want it and is a neat alternative use for it.

[Zap!]

One of the reasons I prefer consoles over handhelds is so I don't have to stare down at a little screen. I get neck cramps. (Or arm cramps, if I try to hold it up to my face.) The links above don't talk about it being a separate screen and an integrated part of the controls like you're saying; they talk about streaming the whole game to the little screen. IMO what you're suggesting wouldn't work very well either. The DS works because the screens are right next to each other. I don't want to be looking up at the TV, then down at the controller, then back to the TV, etc.

I understand your concerns, but imagine playing Zelda on your TV, and the map is on the screen on your controller. Or how about Playing Mario Kart heads up. You use the TV's screen, your friend uses the controller. It has its uses.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I would think that the aim is the dual screen concept that the DS fully realized, just brought to consoles... Where your TV is the top screen and the controller screen is the bottom. Instead of integrating touch screen functions where people need a special main display, you get a touch enabled console right out of the box. Pretty cool if you think about it. In many respects, even better than the Wiimote pointer.

If it can use the Wii remote, like some of the rumors indicate, that could mean this new box could have motion, traditional and touch controls all starting day one... Plus perhaps 3D with the 3DS, even playing on an SD set with composite... Insanely mass friendly.

So, they want gimmicks huh? We'll show 'em how you gimmick a box, yet again. LOL

[WanganRunner]

Nintendo has talked in the distant past about how having screens on controllers would be neat, specifically for local multiplayer where you could be doing things that the other players cannot see. They mentioned this in relation to the GCN/GBASP connection, if I recall.

It could be interesting.

[QuickSciFi]

The most promising thing I see happening with this touch screen on a controller is the next generation of the Game Boy Player (DS/3DS Player :D). This is more outstanding than anything I could've ever asked for. Castlevania, anyone?

[sheath]

I haven't read a few screens back to be sure, but the Dreamcast VMU had a screen on the controller. It was hardly used, but the option was there to select plays secretly in Football games, have a compass or map on the controller, or whatever.

I'm not sure why I would want a console stream the entire game to a control screen, I do prefer my surround sound and 40" wide screen for gaming.

[QuickSciFi]

Streaming the actual game into the controller may be just one of the perks, though. I'm sure it will have all the perks of a touch screen as well. Why wouldn't someone want more if it's standard? If you asked me which do I prefer, one dollar or two dollars, the answer is simple.

[shinobimusashi]

I haven't read a few screens back to be sure, but the Dreamcast VMU had a screen on the controller. It was hardly used, but the option was there to select plays secretly in Football games, have a compass or map on the controller, or whatever.

I'm not sure why I would want a console stream the entire game to a control screen, I do prefer my surround sound and 40" wide screen for gaming.

The VMU was too limited. Have you ever tried playing NFL 2k/1/2 with VMU play selection? It doesn't work as good as you think it would. The VMU was a good idea that was too far ahead of its time for its own good.

The problem I see with the technology is that if done properly, like with a good screen possibly with touch sensitive technology, it would drive the overall price of the system through the roof.

If all three companies are going the 599$ route in the next Generation, that would leave an oppurtunity for someone to creep into the industry with a lower end system(if done correctly). -Wishfull thinking from a Sega Fanboy.

[sheath]

If I recall correctly the VMU's screen was only 60x60 pixels, nope that was TXR's custom icons, wiki says 48x32. I figured it was just a first step proof of concept that would hopefully inspire developers. Moving from that to a newer VMU with double the resolution (and more save memory for good measure) would likely have resolved any odd issues that came up.

All the same, I can see the benefits of having a screen on a controller. I also see the benefit for a company like Nintendo, which counts on its portable gaming domination, to start branching out now. Tablets and Smart Phones are quickly taking portable gaming in a direction Nintendo has no expertise in.

[QuickSciFi]

Well, the vmu topic is moot at this point, it seems. It's going to be more akin to a small tablet. Expect to see angry birds as downloadable content (on the actual remote). It seems Nintendo aims to recycle those Wii motes. We'll have two sorts of interfaces, the Wii mote and the more hardcore but "new age friendly" tablet thingamagik. It's going to be pretty awesome, imo. I can already see people walking around with their "Stream Motes" (yes, the Stream is one of the names in question).

At any rate, just read it: ;)
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Wii-2-Project-Cafe-the-Stream-Controller-Buttons-Controller-Display,news-10938.html

[j_factor]

I understand your concerns, but imagine playing Zelda on your TV, and the map is on the screen on your controller. Or how about Playing Mario Kart heads up. You use the TV's screen, your friend uses the controller. It has its uses.

It has its uses, but I feel like we've already seen them with the Dreamcast VMU and the Gamecube-GBA link. Neat for a few things, but nothing mindblowing. I don't think making the screen larger and a touch screen is a colossal step up. Hell, the Wii and DS are linkable, and what's that been good for? You can download demos and I think some Pokemon game used it. There is also Remote Play for PS3/PSP, but only a few games use it, and I don't know of any games that make any use of PS3-PSP connectivity in any other way.

If the system comes with both a Wii-style controller and one of these, which is basically a Classic Controller with a big touch screen, I won't mind. Each can have its place. What I would mind is if this is the sole standard controller, and controller-screen functionality is shoehorned into every game.

[WCP]

Wow, possibly this Fall now, from between $350-$400,




There just seems to be WAY too much information leaking out about this thing for it not to come out THIS YEAR. e3 is going to be very, very interesting! :)

[QuickSciFi]

I agree. This is probably my most anticipated E3 since the early days. It's not every E3 that a new home console is announced. And with a handheld/tablet-like controller interphase, I could see Nintendo racing the NGP for launch (seeing how the current PSP3000 has tv out). Who knows? Maybe the NGP will be a powerful home console too. :)

[Press_Start]

There just seems to be WAY too much information leaking out about this thing for it not to come out THIS YEAR. e3 is going to be very, very interesting! :)

Nope. We won't see Super Wii (yes, that's what I'm calling it :) ) come out this year and here's why:

1) Nintendo wants this year to be focused on 3DS. Otherwise, what would be the point of slow-playing and snowballing the handheld's success if a new home console steals its thunder come Christmas 2011. Having your two systems butting heads for consumer attention is not a smart move, IMO.

2) Hardware sales-wise: there's still plenty of life in Wii 1 and announcing a next-gen console release so soon will dampen any or all future productions and releases (not to mention profit margin) for the system in the next year or so.

3) Time-wise: 2012 is perfect. Nintendo's not in any rush since MS and Sony won't supposedly release theirs til 2014 but they won't...but that's a totally different topic altogether. Also, allows Nintendo to start at a more affordable price point (i.e. $300).

[j_factor]

There just seems to be WAY too much information leaking out about this thing for it not to come out THIS YEAR. e3 is going to be very, very interesting! :)

Unless a lot of this info is bogus.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Too true. But the sheer volume and complimentary points from multiple sources in such a short time frame has me hopeful that's not the case. Always consider, it's an internet rumor ATM. Nothing more.

[WCP]

1) Nintendo wants this year to be focused on 3DS. Otherwise, what would be the point of slow-playing and snowballing the handheld's success if a new home console steals its thunder come Christmas 2011. Having your two systems butting heads for consumer attention is not a smart move, IMO.

Well, if the price of this "Super" Wii is in the area of $349.99 or $399.99, I just don't see it really affecting 3DS sales all that much. They are going after two completely different consumers. I think Nintendo would love to just stick with the Wii and promoting their new 3DS, but they have this first-movers advantage right now, and they don't want to take the chance that Microsoft secretly has a console ready for 2012. ( a longshot I know, but Nintendo doesn't like to get caught with their pants down)



2) Hardware sales-wise: there's still plenty of life in Wii 1 and announcing a next-gen console release so soon will dampen any or all future productions and releases (not to mention profit margin) for the system in the next year or so.

Well, the price drop seems to indicate that sales have plateaued, and that it's all downhill from here, just a matter of how long they can milk it. Again, with the new Wii price of $159.99, I think that a $349.99 or $399.99 Super Wii would be going after a totally different consumer.



3) Time-wise: 2012 is perfect. Nintendo's not in any rush since MS and Sony won't supposedly release theirs til 2014 but they won't...but that's a totally different topic altogether. Also, allows Nintendo to start at a more affordable price point (i.e. $300).


The key word in the above quote is supposedly. Sure, the smart money says that Microsoft and Sony can't launch till November 2013 at the earliest, but I still think that Nintendo would be taking too great a risk if they wait till 2012. It's not completely inconceivable that Microsoft isn't secretly targeting November 2012. All this talk of them just getting started in the initial design of their next system could be a complete smokescreen.

The Xbox 360 will be a full 6 years old this November, and a full 7 years old in November 2012. I just can't see MS going a full 8 years. It's not totally impossible of course, but I'm guessing that Nintendo is being cautious as well. They want to GUARANTEE a full year all to themselves.

The bottomline is that a good chunk of these rumors need to be completely false, or we are getting a new home console this Xmas. It's absolutely obvious. No way in hell this much SPECIFC info leaks out if the thing is still 18 months into the future. Either many of the rumors are bogus, or start saving your pennies, because you only have 7 months to save up the necessary dough.

[NayusDante]

I don't know if this is worth anything, but has anyone considered the possibility that "Project Cafe" is more than a code name? Have you played the NTN Buzztime Trivia game at a sports bar, or at least seen it? Imagine Nintendo doing something similar, but with a contract to place a unit at every Starbucks. After getting "everyone" to play games at home, it's not a long step to see them getting "everyone" to play games together in a social environment. I'm sure it'll be sold for home use, but this seems like a potential market. Buzztime is a perfect example of how to make it work, and this rumored tech would be a great improvement over the Playmaker unit.

[Press_Start]

Well, if the price of this "Super" Wii is in the area of $349.99 or $399.99, I just don't see it really affecting 3DS sales all that much. They are going after two completely different consumers.

First, who the hell has the money to blow $600-$650 on a 3DS AND Super Wii?! Wait, let me rephrase *cough* *cough* What family has room in their disposable income for two video game systems for Holiday Season '11? Especially in a wayward economy with raising gas and food prices. On top of that, you're literally forcing consumers to choose between your two biggest products implying lost potential revenue, which Nintendo wanted to avoid with 3DS.

And second....."two completely different consumers"? You do know those that buy a Wii are the same ones that buy DS's right?



I think Nintendo would love to just stick with the Wii and promoting their new 3DS, but they have this first-movers advantage right now, and they don't want to take the chance that Microsoft secretly has a console ready for 2012. ( a longshot I know, but Nintendo doesn't like to get caught with their pants down)

Yeah, that really worked well for MS the first time. :roll:

Besides, I doubt MS (and I'm including Sony on this one) will release their next-gen machine anything in the next year or two cause I think they're focused on what they have now. Then again, E3 '11 could prove me wrong but we shall see.




Well, the price drop seems to indicate that sales have plateaued, and that it's all downhill from here, just a matter of how long they can milk it. Again, with the new Wii price of $159.99, I think that a $349.99 or $399.99 Super Wii would be going after a totally different consumer.

The new price will bump up Wii sales the same way PS3 and 360 numbers jumped for them, does that mean PS4/720 are on the way?



The bottomline is that a good chunk of these rumors need to be completely false, or we are getting a new home console this Xmas. It's absolutely obvious. No way in hell this much SPECIFC info leaks out if the thing is still 18 months into the future. Either many of the rumors are bogus, or start saving your pennies, because you only have 7 months to save up the necessary dough.

Ugh...this is wishful thinking on steroids.

A) Nothing's confirmed, proven, validated, established, endorsed, verified, or even gotten the copper stamp of approval.

It's 95% shapeless, disgusting blob of speculation!

B) Wii (Revolution) was announced 2004 and wasn't released til 2006.

C) The biggest reason Nintendo won't release Wii 2 this year is......the 3DS cause 3DS is a test case for Wii 2 and it's dangerous to disrupt an experiment in mid-process. Depending on how well 3DS does in 2011 will determine the release date for Wii 2. If sale go well on the holiday rush, then Nintendo might opt for Summer '12 or like 3DS, in Spring.

[heybtbm]

IGN and Kotaku have already reported Nintendo has the capacity to manufacture the new console for release later this year but developers haven't had enough time with the hardware. The launch will be in 2012. Just in time for the end of the world.

Sounds logical. Nintendo probably doesn't want another embarrassing 3DS-like launch.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Well, after Wii and DS I think it might be alright to scale back the release flood for a while.

[The 1 2 P]

Nope. We won't see Super Wii (yes, that's what I'm calling it :) ) come out this year and here's why:

1) Nintendo wants this year to be focused on 3DS. Otherwise, what would be the point of slow-playing and snowballing the handheld's success if a new home console steals its thunder come Christmas 2011. Having your two systems butting heads for consumer attention is not a smart move, IMO.

2) Hardware sales-wise: there's still plenty of life in Wii 1 and announcing a next-gen console release so soon will dampen any or all future productions and releases (not to mention profit margin) for the system in the next year or so.

3) Time-wise: 2012 is perfect. Nintendo's not in any rush since MS and Sony won't supposedly release theirs til 2014 but they won't...but that's a totally different topic altogether. Also, allows Nintendo to start at a more affordable price point (i.e. $300).

I agree and I touched on this in another thread. Nintendo wouldn't want people to have to make a decision this holiday season rather to purchase a 3DS at $250 or a Super Wii(your title) at $300. Because chances are that people won't be purchasing them both with the recession still going on over here in the US and them having much more important things to focus on in Japan.

I think Nintendo will announce/reveal their new system at E3 and release it either next spring or next fall in 2012.

[NayusDante]

I think Nintendo will announce/reveal their new system at E3 and release it either next spring or next fall in 2012.

This is pretty much what Nintendo confirmed today.

Now we have rumored pictures of the hardware. Behold, the Microsoft DVD case. Does it run Windows 7?

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/04/1303719948949.jpghttp://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/04/medium_wii2b.jpg

http://kotaku.com/#!5795286/is-this-a-wii-2-project-cafe-prototype-or-yet-another-photoshop

[The 1 2 P]

This is pretty much what Nintendo confirmed today.

Being able to predict the future is only cool when it involves lottery numbers:(

[NayusDante]

If this design is legit, I hope the lines and "panels" on the large sides are more than just design. It looks like you could push down on them and get to something inside, like memory cards and removable storage. Not sure if this one has ports for GCN controllers...

[Icarus Moonsight]

Looks like a cable box... O_O

[Rob2600]

Wow, possibly this Fall now, from between $350-$400, maybe to be called Stream (perfect name). Please be true.

Seems fake. Nintendo has never released a game console for more than $250 and I doubt it'll start now.

[j_factor]

Yeah, I could see it going for $300, but I would be surprised if it's higher than that.

[Zap!]

Seems fake. Nintendo has never released a game console for more than $250 and I doubt it'll start now.

True, but with inflation and everything, they can't stay with that magic $200/$250 number forever. Eventually they will go to $300ish launches. What cost $200 in 1985 would cost $399.79 in 2010.

[j_factor]

And yet $200 in 2001 is only $246.71 in 2010.

[Zap!]

And yet $200 in 2001 is only $246.71 in 2010.

And $250 in 2006 would cost $269.95 in 2010, and would likely go to $280 in 2012. That $250 Wii system was very under-powered too in 2006. The Stream/Wii 2/Cafe will likely not be under-powered. I don't see how it could be under $300, but I could be wrong.

Eventually, Nintendo's practice of under $250 will end. They can't do it forever. No way a system of theirs in 2050 will be that cheap. :)

[The 1 2 P]

Seems fake. Nintendo has never released a game console for more than $250 and I doubt it'll start now.

If they can release a handheld for $250 then they can surely release a console that cost more than that.

[j_factor]

And $250 in 2006 would cost $269.95 in 2010, and would likely go to $280 in 2012. That $250 Wii system was very under-powered too in 2006. The Stream/Wii 2/Cafe will likely not be under-powered. I don't see how it could be under $300, but I could be wrong.

Eventually, Nintendo's practice of under $250 will end. They can't do it forever. No way a system of theirs in 2050 will be that cheap. :)

The Wii was only $250 because it came with a game that they wanted to essentially charge full price for. And Gamecube was not underpowered at all IMO. $300 I can see, but $400 is a pretty big leap.

Anyway, we don't really know how powerful this thing will be, but many people seem to think it will be only a modest step up from Xbox 360 and PS3. Compared to where technology is today that is underpowered.