Project Cafe Controller to Use 6-Inch Touch Screen (confirmed) [Archive]

RCM

06-03-2011, 04:37 PM

Rickstilwell1

06-03-2011, 04:52 PM

Ha, I wonder if this means people won't buy the 3DS because if they buy this console they get both a console and an additional free handheld in the package that just happens to be the console's controller?

NostalgiaHunter

06-03-2011, 05:04 PM

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

RCM

06-03-2011, 05:16 PM

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

Don't assume that at all. They'll fully support 3DS along with Wii, DS/DSi, Wii HD and the Wii HD handheld. They should come out with another add-on next year just to match Sega's stupidity in the early/mid-90s.

RP2A03

06-03-2011, 05:25 PM

So I'm assuming they are scraping the 3DS? Thank god I didn't buy one like a chump.

They're not that stupid. Since it needs to have some semblance of affordability and Nintendo will not sell at a loss; I would not expect the controller to be much more powerful than the GBA, or maybe the DS at the most.

Oobgarm

06-03-2011, 05:31 PM

I see promise in "take it and go" gaming that ties into the console titles. I like this idea. I'm sure that Nintendo will have this implemented in such a way that will ensure everyone will find it amazing and will sell shitloads at launch.

Likely myself included.

Bojay1997

06-03-2011, 05:34 PM

I'm not sure what to think of this. Unnecessary, maybe?

"Nikkei newspaper in Japan confirmed today what has long been rumored, that Nintendo's Project Caf� console would utilize a controller equipped with a touch screen panel and built in camera.

The new controller will include a six-inch touch screen which the newspaper says will allow tablet-like functionality. The device can also be used a portable game system. It will run on a rechargeable battery.

The camera will allow for games that will let players create avatars of themselves, similar to the 3DS Mii creator.

Nikkei (which is sort of like the Japanese version of the Wall Street Journal) referred to the console only as the "Wii's successor," and says the console was developed as a response to the growth of the tablet and smartphone market. Apparently, Nintendo's hope is that a controller that works as a self-sufficient handheld system will appeal to casual gamers. The console is slated for release in the "latter half of 2012.""

SOURCE: http://www.1up.com/news/Project-Cafe-Confirmed

I think you are misusing the word "confirmed" and calling Nikkei similar to the WSJ is a stretch. While they are both financial papers, the Nikkei prints rumors on a regular basis with regard to upcoming products and industrial projects. Having seen references to several companies I have worked for over the years in their pages, I can say with certainty that they are often incorrect. The paper may have "confirmed" it in an article, but they don't have a confirmation from Nintendo and they declined to cite a specific source. I suspect it might have some truth, but I would hesitate to over-analyze the revelation.

substantial_snake

06-03-2011, 05:42 PM

So if this article is correct then this new controller would be like taking the VMU and PocketStation concepts to the "next" level. Interesting.

Depending on how this is utilized in games this could be the first Nintendo system that would interest me since the SNES.

RCM

06-03-2011, 08:25 PM

I think you are misusing the word "confirmed" and calling Nikkei similar to the WSJ is a stretch. While they are both financial papers, the Nikkei prints rumors on a regular basis with regard to upcoming products and industrial projects. Having seen references to several companies I have worked for over the years in their pages, I can say with certainty that they are often incorrect. The paper may have "confirmed" it in an article, but they don't have a confirmation from Nintendo and they declined to cite a specific source. I suspect it might have some truth, but I would hesitate to over-analyze the revelation.

Their words, not mine. Voice your concerns over at 1UP!

Regardless, I wouldn't be surprised if this is what they're coming out with, or something close.

Frankie_Says_Relax

06-03-2011, 08:31 PM

I wonder if it will be compatible with Wiimotes.

I just can't imagine them abandoning that innovative tech so soon.

joshnickerson

06-03-2011, 10:07 PM

I can see a new controller with a tiny touch screen (possibly less than an inch in diameter), but nothing monsterous like a six incher, especially since the console will continue to support motion control, and Nintendo would never do something to cannibalise sales of their handheld systems. I call bullpoopie on this until Ninty's press conference. Now to watch in amusement as the internet goes apeshit.

NayusDante

06-03-2011, 10:38 PM

I'm starting to wonder just what exactly the console is going to be. If the controller is essentially a standalone unit, it's possible that the console is more like a laptop dock than anything else.

I didn't expect the controller to have substantial integrated hardware beyond what you'd find in an older Android phone. Today's announcement seems to imply that it's a somewhat decent device on its own, or at least that's how I'm reading it. Tuesday is going to be interesting...

leatherrebel5150

06-03-2011, 11:19 PM

I just imagine a controller that can be used as a portable being used for some not so interesting game elements, like the pokewalker, where you get a bonus item or something for walking around with it. Could be a big fail.

Kellhus

06-03-2011, 11:20 PM

*breathes deeply*

Ahhh... I love the smell of fresh gimmicks in the morning. Can't wait to not buy.

Leo_A

06-04-2011, 12:13 AM

The way I envision it in my mind is that the screen on the controller just streams what the console sends it (With perhaps a remote play feature using the internet also being available).

I don't think it's going to be a self contained portable.

Rickstilwell1

06-04-2011, 12:15 AM

Yeah I was just being sarcastic with my 3DS comment. Of course people will buy it just because it is Nintendo. It will probably sell instantly after Zelda and Mario come out for it. The Wii is so different I wouldn't be surprised if this new gaming machine wasn't a Wii 2 at all and Nintendo just keeps their Wii out as a separate line.

c0ldb33r

06-04-2011, 08:57 AM

Paet

06-06-2011, 01:11 AM

I've been waiting for a controller like this since Dreamcast, and that was over ten years ago.
POLL: Is Nintendo's touch screen Project Cafe controller a better innovation than the Wii motion controller?
Vote: http://www.wepolls.com/r/326324

The 1 2 P

06-06-2011, 02:35 AM

I can't wait for E3 so that we can finally find out how much of all of this is true and whats nothing but rumors. Only 10 hours left until Microsoft's conference and roughly one day until Nintendo's.

NayusDante

06-06-2011, 07:53 AM

Does anyone else get the feeling that the controller is really the console, and the router-looking thing is the "cafe?"

Everyone brings their laptops to the cafe...

Icarus Moonsight

06-06-2011, 08:46 AM

Not really, it would make more sense for the arrangement to be dual-purpose. The standalone controller functionality would be a downgrade from the console capability. Ala the Dreamcast and VMU. The difference is the wireless console display connection between console and controller screen. That's a hub model, the mobile units are not going to be where the nice tech things are centralized. If so, then why bother with the base? It would make no sense.

RPG_Fanatic

06-06-2011, 09:19 AM

If it's really just the controller to the new system then it will have to be wireless...What about battery life for the controller??????

Icarus Moonsight

06-06-2011, 02:52 PM

I'm really concerned about this. Console controllers are already way too expensive. If you start adding other shit to them, the skies the limit for pricing.

Hopefully there's a lot of good single player games because I won't be buying additional controllers.

I can completely understand your concern. I'm somewhat there as well. The one thing I keep coming back to is, for full screen local multiplayer this is a kick ass solution over 4 HDTV sets and 4 consoles - If the single hub-box can handle streaming that much. It's like a PSOne w/ mobile screen really. Plenty of potential for so much win... I'm hopeful, at least.

Leo_A

06-06-2011, 03:35 PM

I can completely understand your concern. I'm somewhat there as well. The one thing I keep coming back to is, for full screen local multiplayer this is a kick ass solution over 4 HDTV sets and 4 consoles - If the single hub-box can handle streaming that much. It's like a PSOne w/ mobile screen really. Plenty of potential for so much win... I'm hopeful, at least.

What are you talking about with 4 HDTV's, 4 consoles, and a hub box?

It sure sounds like these screens are going to just be fancy VMU's with touch screen functionality. Each screen isn't going to be a independent Wii HD system (Although rumors make it sound like it will be capable of some basic stuff when out of reach of the console, just like the VMU was) and the console is still going to be the console. It isn't there just to handle the network between the controllers.

The controllers are certainly not going to be the console.

Bojay1997

06-06-2011, 05:15 PM

What are you talking about with 4 HDTV's, 4 consoles, and a hub box?

It sure sounds like these screens are going to just be fancy VMU's with touch screen functionality. Each screen isn't going to be a independent Wii HD system (Although rumors make it sound like it will be capable of some basic stuff when out of reach of the console, just like the VMU was) and the console is still going to be the console. It isn't there just to handle the network between the controllers.

The controllers are certainly not going to be the console.

Agreed, this is not going to happen. Even if there is some form of touch screen on the controller (which seems likely given the rumors), it's not going to be a 6" screen capable of HD resolution for replacing your HDTV as a monitor. Heck, the biggest screen Nintendo sells is around 4" on the DSiXL and that's still by far the most expensive component of their handhelds. There is no way they are going to go beyond a $60-$70 retail controller product if you need to buy one for each player as nobody would buy it which means something more similar to one of those color touch screens on a smart remote for your home theater system.

Icarus Moonsight

06-07-2011, 07:47 AM

Each screen isn't going to be a independent Wii HD system...
The controllers are certainly not going to be the console.

What I said (post #21). So what are you talking about? :p

Rob2600

06-07-2011, 01:56 PM

Just watched Nintendo's E3 presentation. I guess we'll finally be able to get a home port of Silent Scope that actually works.

NayusDante

06-07-2011, 01:57 PM

I want to see a head-strap attachment. Head tracking HMD...

Bojay1997

06-07-2011, 02:01 PM

What I said (post #21). So what are you talking about? :p

I'll concede that you were mostly correct. It does not, however, appear that multiple WiiU controllers/screens can be used simultaneously, so your example of four player games with each player having a separate WiiU remote isn't accurate.

NayusDante

06-07-2011, 02:05 PM

There has to be some kind of 3DS+WiiU functionality. That would eliminate the need for another locally rendered display... sorta.

No word on price in the keynote. I don't see it doing well at above $349. That's probably the upper ceiling for the family market, and the sweet spot for core gamers that want something new.

Belmont008

06-07-2011, 02:12 PM

Alright, so now I'm not sure what to make of this. Wii U. I was actually kind of excited about it before. My expectation was something of a new standard kind of console from Nintendo, sure the controller had a screen - big deal - at least it looked comfortable and familiar on IGN. After seeing this thing displayed at E3 I can't help but think that Nintendo is just going to keep making gimmicky crap. And it makes me sad. That's all this thing feels like to me. First the Wii and now this. The focus is the screen on this monstrous ipad looking thing. It all just feels so unnecessary. Of my favorite games I can't once think of a time where I was playing and thought to myself, gee this is fun, but if only I had a 6.2 inch screen on the controller so I could play it on that instead of my actual tv, control it with a touch screen/motion, and send images of myself to other players etc. then it would really be awesome. Nintendo is just doing whatever they can to be different, solely just to be different. Someone cheer me up please; tell me its going to be a decent system because I want to like this thing.

NayusDante

06-07-2011, 02:21 PM

Icarus Moonsight

06-07-2011, 02:31 PM

I'll concede that you were mostly correct. It does not, however, appear that multiple WiiU controllers/screens can be used simultaneously, so your example of four player games with each player having a separate WiiU remote isn't accurate.

A speculative guess not accurate!? I'll have myself flogged! LOL

Leo_A

06-07-2011, 06:52 PM

I'm excited and think the controller is impressive.

What I'm most disappointed about is their statement that this thing won't upscale Wii games. And I hope they just didn't bother to mention GCN compatibility because they were focusing on the most important points of the system.

And I'd love confirmation on being able to transfer our Wii DLC to this thing.

What I said (post #21). So what are you talking about? :p

Mostly I was puzzled that you even thought such a thing was going to happen. Thankfully, they put your thoughts of the controllers being the console to rest today (The 4 HD TV's and 4 consoles line made me believe that was what you were thinking). It's just a screen on the controller that streams what the system sends to it (Which I think is a pretty nice looking console from the pictures I saw).

http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images//2011/157/nintendosystem1.jpg

And it sure doesn't sound like more than one can connect to the system. But I have trouble imagining that actually being the case. Nintendo not having multiplayer gaming (Besides with last generation controllers) just doesn't make any sense.

Perhaps you can use 4 controllers at once, but streaming video is limited to just one?

If this thing can do RTS and FPS well in a console format, I won't have a reason (need?) to upgrade my PC.

Have you played any first person shooters on the DS? I think you're in for a rude awakening if you think a touch screen is going to be a big advancement for the genre (I think you'd find it was actually a step backwards from dual analog control).

And while using a stylus works well for RTS games on the DS, are you going to want to spend your time watching the 6" screen on your controller? You'd basically be forced to if that's the control method you want to use. And I wonder if it would even be comfortable to hold one handed while using a stylus (Using your fingers to control a RTS game with a touch screen isn't going to get you very far).

Bojay1997

06-07-2011, 07:30 PM

The controller is an extension of the Nintendo DS design, as I was hoping for before. Basically, it brings everything new that the DS brought with its release to console gaming, as well as some new features.

If the peripheral focus doesn't draw you in, consider this: it's (probably) going to be an incremental upgrade over PS3 and 360, so for a time it'll be the best console hardware on the market for visual quality and processing power.

If this thing can do RTS and FPS well in a console format, I won't have a reason (need?) to upgrade my PC.

Why would I want or need what the DS brought with it to console gaming? The whole reason any of us use handhelds and why they aren't necessarily ideal is that it's a compromise designed to allow for portability while compromising on screen size, weight, battery life, user input options, etc....The whole reason the DS has two screens is because portables are as a result of cost, power consumption and weight concerns limited to how big they can realistically be. The second screen was a means of expanding the play area by moving non-essential screen action to the second screen.

I have literally never once thought, "wow, I sure wish I had a touch screen to play this console game or I wish I had a tiny screen right in front of my face that would interact with my 46" HDTV. Personally, I think the Wiimotes made the whole touch screen thing obsolete and I truly enjoy using them for point and click applications. I can't imagine why we would want to go back to a less intuitive form of user access.

Having said all that, I do agree with you that to the extent this brings first party Nintendo games into the same arena as the 360 and PS3 with regard to HDTV output, I support it. I just hope we don't get into the same situation we had with the early Wii games where various game elements were tacked on simply to take advantage of the controller.

NayusDante

06-07-2011, 07:42 PM

If you look at where user interface design is going, "point and click" is on the way out. Touchscreen devices don't have cursors, and people are becoming more familiar with that method of input. As simple as it sounds, using a d-pad to select menu options is beyond a lot of people.

The Wiimote is good for pointing, but I wouldn't call it great. A touchscreen with a stylus adds precision to a very imprecise arena. It's more elegant than trying to use a mouse while you're sitting back on the couch.

Of course, we're not going to know just how well it all works for anything until we see retail games on the shelves. Tech demos are all fine and good, but the real benchmark of a console is what developers can make for it. There will be third-party developers that really push the controls to make something new and exciting, and that's when we'll know if this console is a gimmick or something important.

Rob2600

06-07-2011, 10:06 PM

I can't once think of a time where I was playing and thought to myself, gee this is fun, but if only I had a 6.2 inch screen on the controller so I could play it on that instead of my actual tv, control it with a touch screen/motion, and send images of myself to other players

What little I saw of the Wii U has left me with mixed feelings. Part of me likes the neat tricks Nintendo is doing with the controller screen, like giving a first-person view while holding the controller in front of the TV in the baseball game. That's something that's never been done before and adds a new element to video gaming. I'm excited to see what other clever surprises Wii U developers will bring us via the 6.2" screen.

And no, I never thought a separate screen on the controller would make a game better, but then again up until now, games haven't been created with that in mind. I hope developers use it in creative ways.

However, as much as I appreciate Nintendo trying something bold and new, I really hope it doesn't cause the price to skyrocket. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I can't imagine paying more than $250 for a home video game console, no matter how cool and full-featured it may be. And the name "Wii U" is terrible. For real. It's the worst. I could see "Wii Ultra," or "Wii 2," but "Wii U"? Come on.

And the lack of Wii game upscaling is inexcusable.

Right now, I'm cautiously optimistic. This was a nice teaser.

j_factor

06-07-2011, 10:52 PM

What little I saw of the Wii U has left me with mixed feelings. Part of me likes the neat tricks Nintendo is doing with the controller screen, like giving a first-person view while holding the controller in front of the TV in the baseball game. That's something that's never been done before and adds a new element to video gaming. I'm excited to see what other clever surprises Wii U developers will bring us via the 6.2" screen.

Weren't we supposed to see stuff like that with the GC-GBA link?

Rev. Link

06-07-2011, 11:13 PM

I'm very disappointed. All I wanted was a standard controller, like the Wii Classic Controller Pro, with a small screen attached to it. It didn't need to be any bigger than the standard DS or maybe PSP screen. I certainly didn't want an iPad with controller implements on it.

I was foolish to believe the hype of Nintendo wanting to appeal to so-called "core" gamers again. This thing is just another gimmick fest.

And that line about wanting to appeal to everyone? Usually when you try to do that you wind up appealing to no one. Most of your average Joe, frat boy "core" gamers aren't going to give a damn about this thing, especially with that horrid name! Nintendo needed to ditch the "Wii" branding completely and just rely on their name.

What's most sad is that your average "casual" or "family" centered gamer, the moms and such who bought Wiis to play bowling on, they won't care about this either because they already have a Wii. They pull it out of their closet every couple of months or so to get in some bowling when their book club meets, or what have you, and that's all they need. They're not going to want to drop any amount of money for the latest version, especially with a controller that's so much bigger and different looking.

I know it's early, and I could easily be wrong, but I think Nintendo truly shot themselves in the foot here. They're going to push the "core" gamers away even more with this thing, and the casuals won't see the need to buy it. This thing could wind up being another Dreamcast.

That said, though, I wouldn't be surprised to see Microsoft and Sony try something similar in the next couple of years.

Belmont008

06-08-2011, 12:17 AM

I appreciate Rob2600's optimism but I still have to say that my feeling was best put by Rev Link...what were they thinking? A nice simple GCN controller with a little screen would have been kinda neat and practical. To be honest I've gotten over the size and shape of the wii u controller, it may not be so bad. What bothers me is all of the stupid implementation that's going to go into Nintendo games to utilize its new features (i.e. sometime you have to shout/blow into the ds microphone to progress). There's a point where after so much "interaction" with a game it removes you from game play, and no longer engrosses you in it. Worse still, I hear that most likely GameCube compatibility is gone - damn it. How I would trade all gimmicky tricks for some gd GameCube. Or even just the controllers at the very least. I don't have a GCN component cable because they're rare and expensive. Also there are only so many systems I can have hooked up at one time. The wii has been serving as my way to 480p GameCube play and I wanted to replace it with this new system. I actually figured there would be GCN compatibility but I suppose in a world with led monitor controllers with gyroscopes, microphones, cameras, motion crap, worthless wii remotes, and soccer mom wii fit boards that it's just too much to ask. Nintendo supposedly wanted to appeal to traditional gamers. The name I knew for superior video game entertainment as a child has once again let me down.

Leo_A

06-08-2011, 12:33 AM

If it can play Wii software, it also has the capability to easily play GameCube software. And this new controller has everything necessary for GameCube games (A digital pad, two analog sticks, two triggers, a shoulder button, a start button, and 4 face buttons). So I wouldn't give up hope just because they didn't say anything about it.

The GCN isn't important to most people these days. For a day where the focus is on the critical elements of a console to get people excited, it seems like it would be an easy feature to decide to not even mention. It doesn't matter to most, so why even mention it today when they're out to excite the general public?

At least they didn't come right out and say it won't have GCN compatibility. But even if it's true, at least this thing won't be doing anything fancy like upscaling Wii games, which was confirmed today. So beyond losing out on the space saving benefits of having three consoles in one and perhaps being able to ditch keeping some memory cards around and having to remember what's on each, at least we're not losing any perks by not being able to also play our GCN games on it. If this made Wii games look a lot nicer on a HDTV and had the capability to do the same with GCN software, I'd be much more upset about the lack of GCN support.

Edit - Seems like they might've announced it today. One site that I just found in a search claims that NoA's director of public relations, Marc Franklin, stated that the GameCube will not be compatible with the Wii U.

Let's hope he was just talking about GameCube accessories and they incorrectly made the leap from his statement to assume GCN software won't be playable. I really don't see why something that can play Wii software shouldn't be able to play GCN software (Let us use that tablet controller and give us virtual memory cards) unless it's an additional cost for the disc drive to support the mini DVD's the Cube used.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/26632

Zap!

06-08-2011, 01:58 AM

To me the biggest disappointment is hands down the name. I hope to God anything with "Wii" in it doesn't make the final cut. What was wrong with Stream?

Sent from my Droid X using Tapatalk Pro

The 1 2 P

06-08-2011, 02:07 AM

I applaud Nintendo for doing their own thing and once again attempting to be creative. But I'm not sold on the FU(my name for it) just yet. They still have plenty of time to trickle out information before it's holiday 2012 launch. I'm still not buying it at release but I want to see what all this thing will be capable of.

Leo_A

06-08-2011, 03:21 AM

To me the biggest disappointment is hands down the name. I hope to God anything with "Wii" in it doesn't make the final cut. What was wrong with Stream?

Stream was a poor name too.

You do realize the Wii is very close to having sold 90 million units (And shouldn't have any trouble surpassing 100 million relatively soon)? I can assure you that they're not about to just throw away the value they've built up with that brand.

Whatever the final name of the system is going to be, Wii is going to be a component of it in some way. Nothing else makes any business sense for them.

kedawa

06-08-2011, 03:46 AM

At the very least, they've got a great rear-view mirror for racing games, provided there's no forced waggle steering.

The specs on Nintendo's site only list compatibility with 12cm discs, so it's safe to assume GC compatibility has been dropped.

Icarus Moonsight

06-08-2011, 08:36 AM

Mostly I was puzzled that you even thought such a thing was going to happen. Thankfully, they put your thoughts of the controllers being the console to rest today (The 4 HD TV's and 4 consoles line made me believe that was what you were thinking). It's just a screen on the controller that streams what the system sends to it (Which I think is a pretty nice looking console from the pictures I saw).

I didn't mean to imply anything for fact at the time... With some of their prototype games, dual display (where the main screen and the hand screen are totally different) was confirmed. So, It wasn't the full scale of 4, but at least 2 full screen players on one console. For a sketchy postulate, I think I hit there more than miss.

Orion Pimpdaddy

06-08-2011, 10:15 AM

Pikmin has been confirmed as a launch title!

Rev. Link

06-08-2011, 03:01 PM

Stream was a poor name too.

You do realize the Wii is very close to having sold 90 million units (And shouldn't have any trouble surpassing 100 million relatively soon)? I can assure you that they're not about to just throw away the value they've built up with that brand.

Whatever the final name of the system is going to be, Wii is going to be a component of it in some way. Nothing else makes any business sense for them.

What's wrong with relying on the Nintendo brand? They're a company that has been around for more than 25 years in gaming and have sold millions of units of hardware! But oh, they have big success reaching soccer moms with one stupid sounding name and they have to stick to that forever?

I'm sorry, but I call bullshit on their "trying to appeal to everyone" schtick. You just can't appeal to everyone with that name, and they know it. Stream might not be the best name ever, but at least it was fairly neutral in terms of the perception it invoked in consumers. Wii U just sounds like baby-talk noises. No high school boy, or frat boy, or anyone else in the supposed core demographic wants to admit to playing something with that name, something Nintendo should have learned from the first Wii.

This just shows me that their supposed attempts to appeal to their old fans again was, at the very least, on the bottom of their priority list. The only way I'm going to get excited about this thing is if it winds up having a large number of games that make no use of motion gimmicks at all. Which may happen, I suppose, we'll just have to wait and see. But for right now I'm not impressed.

Graham Mitchell

06-08-2011, 03:02 PM

That screen does nothing for me. If the console plays new first-party nintendo software in hd, I'm in.

Hardware features don't mean much to me. The ds did some innovative stuff, but I could have done without it. But it's got some great games.

Aussie2B

06-08-2011, 06:05 PM

The controller looks monstrous. I can't see how that would go over well in Japan where people tend to have smaller hands than Americans, and they're definitely not doing any favors for female gamers like myself.

Leo_A

06-08-2011, 08:09 PM

What's wrong with relying on the Nintendo brand? They're a company that has been around for more than 25 years in gaming and have sold millions of units of hardware! But oh, they have big success reaching soccer moms with one stupid sounding name and they have to stick to that forever?

How is incorporating the Wii branding into this new console not sticking with the Nintendo brand? They're not phasing out their name in favor of just being known as Wii. What's wrong with relying on the value of both the Nintendo brand and the Wii brand? They're a business and that is what makes the most sense to do.

They're not going to intentionally throw out the Wii or DS name just because someone doesn't like it. They've sold too many units and have too much value attached to those two brands for Nintendo not to want to take advantage of that resource in the future.

We'd still see the Game Boy brand around if they hadn't been hedging their bets when the DS hit (They portrayed it as a 3rd pillar rather than a replacement for the GBA, so just in case it failed to take off they could quickly release a new Game Boy without appearing like they were reacting to a failure and quickly killing the DS off).

It's going to have to take a poor showing in this upcoming console generation or subsequent ones, or another situation like what went on with the Game Boy brand, for them to move away from the Wii branding. Too much value that they worked long and hard to build up is attached to that name for them just to kill it. Expecting/hoping to see the Wii name disappear for this upcoming generation would be like expecting Sony just to suddenly leave the Playstation name behind.

Just for the record though, I hate the the Wii name and hate the Wii U name even more.

wyneGuyA1

06-08-2011, 09:05 PM

At first, I was shocked at the stupid name. I understand it is branding. I am over the name, companies can name their products anything they want as long as the product is good.

RP2A03

06-08-2011, 11:19 PM

Hmmmm. Controller looks somewhat unergonomic and possibly expensive, but has the potential to add something to multiplayer games. Four Sword Adventures would be... Wait. What was that?

Nintendo Rep: Both the controller and the console will be sold as one unit. You won�t be able to buy the controller alone. Also, multiplayer games currently being created for the console are being designed to only use one single Wii U tablet controller, while other people play with regular Wiimotes.
Katsuya Eguchi: We're considering our options with maybe two screens. (I consider multiple controller games to be) an interesting idea. I do understand that if the price is too high that would be an obstacle.Ummm... WTF? That can't possibly be right. Surely that Nintendo rep is on crack and Katsuya Eguchi's statement was simply a translation error... right?

Graham Mitchell

06-08-2011, 11:52 PM

Ummm... WTF? That can't possibly be right. Surely that Nintendo rep is on crack and Katsuya Eguchi's statement was simply a translation error... right?

It's odd, that's for sure. There is a video on the official Nintendo website interviewing developers about the new machine (people like Ken Lavine), and several of them talk about how amazing this is going to be for multiplayer. I don't think one tablet and 4 wiimotes will be amazing.