We had a small snippet from this feature up last week, but now we have the full details on Game Informer's article pertaining to Wii U aspects. These comments from the magazine include analyst input as well.
Game Informer on the possibility of Wii U supporting two tablet controllers...
“Pachter says that Nintendo is openly mulling the option, but it presents several problems for them. Supporting two controllers puts more stress on developers, who have to design their games around it. ‘That’s obviously problematic for the launch, because developers have to plan. If you’re a developer, you won’t do it unless it’s subsidized. I think it’s a problem. I think Nintendo is still on a one-controller route.’
“Add in the fact that two of the new controllers ups the cost of entry for the system – a minefield the Wii U is already likely to have to deal with even with one controller. The concept could be too rich for Nintendo’s blood.”
Game Informer believes this rumor is “not likely”.
Game Informer on the chances of Wii U being more powerful than current consoles...
“Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia says that developers told him the Wii U will have 50 percent more processing power than the Xbox 360 and PS3, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed this rumor. Fifty may seem like a large number, but given the age of the 360 and PS3, as well as the possibility that the next Xbox could be six times more powerful than the 360, this may be less impressive than it sounds.”
Game Informer believes this rumor is “likely”.
Game Informer on the possibility of a Wii U name change
“Sources told CVG that Nintendo is considering re-naming the system after its problematic E3 reveal last year, where people weren’t sure if the Wii U was a new system separate from the Wii. We concur with this sentiment, but perhaps it’s only because we don’t like the name.”
Game Informer believes this rumor to have a 50/50 shot.
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Game Informer on the possibility of Wii U supporting two tablet controllers...
“Pachter says that Nintendo is openly mulling the option, but it presents several problems for them. Supporting two controllers puts more stress on developers, who have to design their games around it. ‘That’s obviously problematic for the launch, because developers have to plan. If you’re a developer, you won’t do it unless it’s subsidized. I think it’s a problem. I think Nintendo is still on a one-controller route.’
“Add in the fact that two of the new controllers ups the cost of entry for the system – a minefield the Wii U is already likely to have to deal with even with one controller. The concept could be too rich for Nintendo’s blood.”
Game Informer believes this rumor is “not likely”.
Game Informer on the chances of Wii U being more powerful than current consoles...
“Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia says that developers told him the Wii U will have 50 percent more processing power than the Xbox 360 and PS3, but Nintendo hasn’t confirmed this rumor. Fifty may seem like a large number, but given the age of the 360 and PS3, as well as the possibility that the next Xbox could be six times more powerful than the 360, this may be less impressive than it sounds.”
Game Informer believes this rumor is “likely”.
Game Informer on the possibility of a Wii U name change
“Sources told CVG that Nintendo is considering re-naming the system after its problematic E3 reveal last year, where people weren’t sure if the Wii U was a new system separate from the Wii. We concur with this sentiment, but perhaps it’s only because we don’t like the name.”
Game Informer believes this rumor to have a 50/50 shot.
Link
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I wonder if Nintendo really will change it.
Tell people to trade in the PS3s they had to work two jobs for. It's not like there are any games coming out for it that the Wii U won't have better versions of.
I think they should change the name. It would make people think differently of the system and take away all negative "wii" thoughts away.
I sincerely doubt it would be that much more difficult for developers to account for more than one controller. Wouldn't it just be the same as multiplayer on any other system?
probably in the performance hit. "do we optimize our engine based on having to run 2 displays or 3 or 4? do we gimp our single player experience to seamlessly support drop in of more than 1 extra display without a noticeable hit in fps?" that would be the biggest stumbling block I can see.
It would be incredibly frustrating and disappointing on nintendo's part to not allow at minumum two tablet controllers play (that actually use the screen). Let developers patch a second controller functionality and call it a day.
And 50% extra power is crappy.
its your cheery optimism i love the most
aaaaand, im not really going to put too much stock into game informer when it comes to nintendo news... and that goes doubly so for senor pachter
As long as there are local multiplayer games using Wii remotes, I don't see the need to have more than one tablet controller. That may change after a year however.
I'm also hoping they change the name.
I will be sorely disappointed if the Wii U doesn't support at least four dual-analog controllers that aren't Classic Controllers tethered to Wii Remotes.
I don't even care much about using two or more screens. I just want to be able to play the next Smash Bros. or FPS game with a completely wireless controller with analog sticks.
I'm gonna really miss the Wavebird...I would be slightly more okay if they just released a brand new (screenless) wireless controller for the Wii U.
First we know the Wii U is much more powerful from the confirmations today, second we know Nintendo is considering two tablets, 3rd please Nintendo if you can come up with a cooler name, and 4th Gameinsiders knows nothing but to say rumors from before.
At first I was like Wii U, now that's a stupid name, but it is starting to grow on me, maybe Nintendo should call is Wii 2.
I hope they change the name also. At last years E3, my girlfriend wasn't convinced that it was a new system, partly because they only showed off the controller and because the name was the same as Wii with an extra letter. Hopefully a name change will get people out of this mentality.
I know. All my friends were so confused when the GBA was announced and when the PS2 was announced, and the Xbox 360, and the PS3. Come to think of it, they seemed confused whenever a system was revealed that didn't have a completely different name from the last one!
And about their E3 reveal... I KNOW! How was anyone supposed to know it was a completely new system! I mean, all they did was send out press releases and hold behind doors advanced reveals and show a reel of upcoming PS360 games that would have been impossible to run on the Wii. They didn't put the system front and center for us to see! They decided to focus on the completely revolutionary controller instead! No wonder all the gaming press, who were privy to all sorts of behind the scenes special information, were just as confused and started posting articles about the Wii U maybe being just an add-on controller for the Wii!
Nintendo SURE screwed up there!
@void3953
Can't tell if sarcastic or serious, lol
Two controls might case more problems though. If people can have two they might think they can have up to four at a time. I think it would just be best to stick with one packed in with the console and make everyone else use wiimotes. Of course I am hoping they release a new wireless gamecube controller that will work with the wii u for the gamecube games that will be on virtual console and for Smash Bros.
Fifty percent more powerful is fine by me. Six times seems like overkill and would make the price well over $500. I'm guessing next gen will be similar in terms of graphics for all the systems, or at least close than this gen.
Also, they should absolutely change the name of the system. It will cause more confusion just like the 3DS did. Even I was confused when they first announced it at E3, so I can only imagine how confused the "casual" gamer may be. As for what the name should be; I already suggested NES 6 some time ago. ^_^
Well it certainly is nice to have Game Informer give us their oh so informed opinions on these rumors.
I new it was there next console because you could see it near the TV in the video they should us
You never sacrifice game power. Otherwise we would be stuck with atari or nintendo 16. Most people dont even like controller.
"Most people don't even like the controller"? Who are "most people"? Certainly not me. And certainly not most of the folks I've talked to here on GoNIntendo.
I think the tablet/touch screen controller could actually work out really well. And while I got used to/liked it, I'll say right now that the tablet is a better overall idea than the Wiimote/Nunchuck. Even though I am glad that those will still be used, available for WiiU.
The system isn't going to be "underpowered", and to compare it to Atari 2600 is kind of silly, even though that WAS the first "best selling" home console, even well into the 80s.
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