Wii U - Nintendo's Next Console

[AmbitionMakesYouUgly]

Would this console be considered more of a 7.5 gen system than an 8th?

It seems like the general consensus is that Project Cafe is meant to compete with the PS360 rather than their successors.

[KingBroly]

Well, from a CPU standpoint, it's apparently more powerful than PS3 (like...30% or so) but uses the same architecture as the 360. We don't know what'll be like from a GPU or RAM standpoint. If it was a similar or more powerful GPU and had more RAM it'd basically mean Nintendo is banking on PS3/360 lasting 4-5 more years.

[Mako]

Would this console be considered more of a 7.5 gen system than an 8th?

It seems like the general consensus is that Project Cafe is meant to compete with the PS360 rather than their successors.

Why would it be 7.5 if it is Nintendo's next generation console. Do we consider the Wii as 6.5?
______________________
Personally, I believe it has to be much stronger than the PS3, otherwise they will be left behind again when the new consoles are released by Sony/ Microsoft. That is, unless Nintendo release a console with the same power as the PS3, and then when Sony/ Microsoft release their new consoles they release a one time upgrade to the console to make it compete and last even longer. We could see this Nintendo console have a very long life cycle depending on what Nintendo decides to do. It should be an interesting E3.

[TYFIGHTER]

Well, from a CPU standpoint, it's apparently more powerful than PS3 (like...30% or so) but uses the same architecture as the 360. We don't know what'll be like from a GPU or RAM standpoint. If it was a similar or more powerful GPU and had more RAM it'd basically mean Nintendo is banking on PS3/360 lasting 4-5 more years.

Id say they actually will last that long. Sony said they want the PS3 to be around for 10 years, and Microsoft said Kinect was basically the halfway point in the 360's life. Nintendo could have Cafe out for a full 5 years then roll out another console that competes with the next gen from Microsoft and Sony.

[vinniebrock]

i bet it'll be a bit more powerful then the other 2, but not much. here's some reasoning.

If you'll recall, Iwata touched on this at GDC this year. Everything is getting more expensive right now, from developing games to the price of said games and the TVs they're played on (etc.). Imo, none of the 'big 3' (MSoft,Nintendo,Sony) are going to make a big leap in the near future IF they choose to release a console at all.

Hypothetically speaking, let's say Sony releases the PS4 next year and it IS a big leap (immense power,1280/1440p,3D,etc.)... the problem is: 1)the price,for Sony to make a profit on it eventually, would be at LEAST close to $1,000. and 2) no current TVs could display it properly, which means Sony would have to put a new, significantly more expensive TV on the market that your average person couldn't come close to affording.

it seems like too much to ask of these companies to push forward the technology of home consoles right now. At the moment,i think the focus is on perfecting game physics and small details (see: Unreal engine 3),rather then trying to push out the next big thing when there's more that can be done with the current generation of consoles. Because of all this, i could easily see Nintendo loading up Project Cafe with some of everything and waiting 5-8 more years until they can "advance the market" so to speak...and i think the other 2 companies were thinking the same with their consoles.

Apologies for ranting...been drinking coffee for about an hour... My point(s) is, one of these companies could easily (well,not really) push out a far more advanced system, but the cost of it from the company's and consumer's standpoint, they might as well just move to PC development or move to a 'One-Console' era.... and that "Project Cafe" will be powerful, just don't expect it to be revolutionary. And the next person to say "Nintendo is finally using 5 year old tech herp derp lulz" should be roundhouse kicked onto the Autobahn in friday traffic. Just my 2 cents.

[Devil_Rising]

Well, from a CPU standpoint, it's apparently more powerful than PS3 (like...30% or so) but uses the same architecture as the 360. We don't know what'll be like from a GPU or RAM standpoint. If it was a similar or more powerful GPU and had more RAM it'd basically mean Nintendo is banking on PS3/360 lasting 4-5 more years.

You also have to remember that comparing different console specs is kinda like comparing different PC specs, or different graphics card specs. Yeah, you can divine some overall power levels and limits out of it, but really, it's not all equal. Every console uses different tech from different companies, and as such, it's almost impossible to get a direct parallel out of anything, stat-wise. One console might sound very powerful (Xbox), but another turns out to be capable of graphics and scale just as good (GC, look at TP, Prime games, Pikmin, Rogue Squadron, etc.)

Plus, it is totally up to developers to know how to properly use each hardware. I seriously doubt we've seen the best looking PS3 game yet, because nobody has really bothered to tap it's full power.

[motherbra1n]

I can't help but feeling that these rumours were just made by a bunch of trolls that are just saying what we want to hear.

[AmbitionMakesYouUgly]

Would this console be considered more of a 7.5 gen system than an 8th?

It seems like the general consensus is that Project Cafe is meant to compete with the PS360 rather than their successors.

Why would it be 7.5 if it is Nintendo's next generation console. Do we consider the Wii as 6.5?
______________________
Personally, I believe it has to be much stronger than the PS3, otherwise they will be left behind again when the new consoles are released by Sony/ Microsoft. That is, unless Nintendo release a console with the same power as the PS3, and then when Sony/ Microsoft release their new consoles they release a one time upgrade to the console to make it compete and last even longer. We could see this Nintendo console have a very long life cycle depending on what Nintendo decides to do. It should be an interesting E3.

If this new console is competing primarily with current generation system (Xbox 360 and PS3), I don't see how it can be a truly next generation system. Wii was a true successor to the Gamecube since it competed directly with the successors of both PS2 and Xbox, but it seems like Cafe is meant to sort of "continue the fight" and is sort of a half generation.

But I agree that it needs to be stronger than the PS3, or else Nintendo will still be caught in a vicious cycle.

[Rock Lobster]

I'm personally really excited for this. As an owner of solely Nintendo consoles, I've always felt kind of gypped that a lot of quality games are released on the Wii's competitors but not it. Hopefully this added power and HD should change that. As for predictions, I think you guys made a lot of nice ones.

Personally, my hopes for the new console are as follows:
-Nintendo adds basically all of the staple online qualities of other consoles(DLC, voice chat, personal profiles-or at least the single friend code used for the 3DS-possibly with Mii functionality?)

-Retains SD/Memory card functionality

-Some sort of wireless connectivity between the controller-screens. At least like minigames or something. On that topic, I really hope we'll get another Mario Party installment, but considering Hudson is now defunct, it'd probably have to be either developed in-house or by another trusted developer. Camelot, maybe? They did a quality job with the sports games.

-Also, really, really hope we get MvC3. I'm a huge fan of the series(have an MvC2 arcade cabinet in my basement!), and with Capcom's recent fighting game successes on Nintendo platforms, it seems like a given.

Well, that's my 2 cents.

[Mars]

I just wrote this in the GN End of the Day thought:

3DS x Wii2 connectivity.
But in a certain way, it would be awesome to use the 3DS as a controller for Wii2 so you can stream in 3D the entire game and also have a fully functional touch sensitive menu/HUD/map on the second screen, not only that, but it would be pretty cool that you can purchase stuff in Wii2 games with Game Coins from the 3DS, and also, unlock stuff on the Wii2 games like images, movies or music videos and watch them on the 3DS in 3D.

Im thinking something like that would help, even if little, the sales of the 3DS.

[RacattackForce]

* Wii will be incorporated into the name somewhere, as to keep brand recognition with the general public.
* 1080p
* Will exceed the PS3 and Xbox 360 in processing power by quite a bit
* Controller will be similar in design to the Wii's Classic Controller Pro
* Backwards compatibility with both Wii and Gamecube games
* One friendcode per system
* Games from WiiWare and Virtual Console are transferable
* Connectivity with Nintendo 3DS
* Launch as early as Spring 2012
* Mostly third-party launch line-up

[Crow]

If the majority of the rumors are true, i get a weird feeling nintendo is about to make an equally weird move.

everything is talk about the controller, and how it can stream content, and work as a sensor bar, and while the gamepad is now standard, there are motion control possibilities too.
Going back to nintendo's feelings on the wiimote (if genuine) they believe it doesnt need to be improved past WM+ (meaning that they possibly plan to keep the wiimote for this console's motion games)

So, what we seem to have here is rumors of a device (controller) which streams content directly to your controller, which is relayed either directly to your tv, or through your wii to your tv.

That is... stupid.

Which is why i think a majority of the details of these rumors are either total crap, or comically misinformed, but then again, thats what happens with leaks, especially when you have a hundred different people reporting on them from their own sources. I can only hope that this is the case, because we dont want nintendo (who got internet wrong for two gens) to suddenly jump on cloud gaming (something that requires you to know what youre doing), and dont think any of us want some kind of goofy wii accessory that doesnt work right (and may nor work right for years) because the internet is a fickle mistress.

[Gulshog]

Nintendo is in a strong position. Their next console is set to be in an even stronger position than the Wii. BC with Wii games, gold ports of games like Mass Effect 2 was for PS3 (I am probably one of the very few people who want this probably), 1st party HD Nintendo games for the first time ever, Gamecube releases on VC, and multiplatform HD titles until 2014 or 2015. Killer system, and they can still put out casual titles, although I dont care for them.

Massive move forward, and really puts the heat on Sony and Microsoft.

And, I wont even comment on the controller...too little information, and so far out in left field to even make sense of it.

[Devil_Rising]

I just wrote this in the GN End of the Day thought:

3DS x Wii2 connectivity.
But in a certain way, it would be awesome to use the 3DS as a controller for Wii2 so you can stream in 3D the entire game and also have a fully functional touch sensitive menu/HUD/map on the second screen, not only that, but it would be pretty cool that you can purchase stuff in Wii2 games with Game Coins from the 3DS, and also, unlock stuff on the Wii2 games like images, movies or music videos and watch them on the 3DS in 3D.

Im thinking something like that would help, even if little, the sales of the 3DS.

Sorry, this would be a terrible idea, and would make me want to NOT get one. I don't want to have to buy two consoles, just to use ONE as the controller for the OTHER. Consequently, I think a lot of other people would also feel that way, and thus the system would bomb. No thanks.

[Rinku]

As excited as I am for the AMD APU rumors, wouldn't that be a shot in the foot for backwards compatibility? The processor architectures wouldn't mix. And if you slap a Wii CPU and GPU in there it would be living hell to develop for it.

Also, regarding the game media I think we have 3 options:

DVD: A dumb option in my opinion, only up to 8GB, but it wouldn't surprise me.
Bluray: Excellent space but expensive.
Flash Memory: This technology has gone a long way, and it continues to do so. It is cheaper, smaller, way faster, and way more durable. I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo used it for a future console.

[RacattackForce]

I just wrote this in the GN End of the Day thought:

3DS x Wii2 connectivity.
But in a certain way, it would be awesome to use the 3DS as a controller for Wii2 so you can stream in 3D the entire game and also have a fully functional touch sensitive menu/HUD/map on the second screen, not only that, but it would be pretty cool that you can purchase stuff in Wii2 games with Game Coins from the 3DS, and also, unlock stuff on the Wii2 games like images, movies or music videos and watch them on the 3DS in 3D.

Im thinking something like that would help, even if little, the sales of the 3DS.

Sorry, this would be a terrible idea, and would make me want to NOT get one. I don't want to have to buy two consoles, just to use ONE as the controller for the OTHER. Consequently, I think a lot of other people would also feel that way, and thus the system would bomb. No thanks.

I would hate if the 3DS was the controller as well...what I wouldn't hate would be the 3DS being able to connect to the system, similar to how the Game Boy was able to connect with the Gamecube. Then again, I think that a controller with a screen already takes whatever use a 3DS X Cafe hookup would have have away.

[Rock Lobster]

So if, according to Miyamoto, this is just a prototype, do you guys think we'll still see a new console at E3? Share opinions.

[motherbra1n]

if they dont plan on showing a new console at e3 they need to let everyone know at least a month before to avoid disappointments

[KingBroly]

They're streaming the investor's meeting next week, so that's pretty much a guarantee it'll be there.

[Gulshog]

You can count on it being at E3, just dont know in what form. Offhand mention of the name, shots of the console, full reveal, who knows? I think it will be a reveal, but we wont see a lot of specifics. We will see 1 or 2 first party games, and 4-6 third party games.

[motherbra1n]

They're streaming the investor's meeting next week, so that's pretty much a guarantee it'll be there.

lol, it confirms something big. last time they streamed their GDC keynote and we got a skyward sword trailer, but were close to E3 surely they'd save the trailers and other games announcements for E3. Maybe its cos the project cafe rumours are getting out of hand and want to confirm a few details? or will they save that for e3

[bobafruit]

I'm sure I'm not the only one noticing lately that Nintendo has been pretty leaky. First much of the information for the 3DS leaked out. I thought perhaps that was just a fluke.

But now all of this project cafe stuff is leaking out and it indicates a big change in Nintendo because now they are not keeping things so close to their chest. Leaks happen because people outside of the company have the hardware or at least have seen it. That's why Sony and Microsoft have been very leak prone, because they are getting their hardware out to 3rd parties . Nintendo hasn't been prone to leaks and that's because they haven't been as good about supplying 3rd parties with hardware.

So I'm thinking that Nintendo is serious about creating an ecosystem where 3rd parties can thrive.

Do you think that this new found leakiness means that Nintendo has started to care less about secrecy and more about 3rd party support?

[Mako]

That could be true, and if it is then good for them. It is better to get strong 3rd part support than be so secretive that Nintendo themselves are the only ones that can work with the system in the beginning. Although, if I was Nintendo I would just put out a bunch of false rumors so nobody could guess what it is. Who knows, maybe they are already doing this. lol

[KingBroly]

I'd rather have information about software leaks over hardware leaks.

[Penguin_Factory]

I've been going over all of these rumours with a fine toothed comb because I'm a huge nerd who gets inordinately excited over video game news (new console launches are like Christmas to me), and I noticed something potentially interesting.

You may or may not have seen these images of a "leaked design document" that were posted on...... 4-Chan.

So fake, right? Almost certainly, but I noticed that the word "Stream" is capitalized for no apparent reason. The interesting thing about this is that the rumour about the console potentially being called "Stream" only came to light a few days after those images first made the rounds.

This could easily just be a coincidence- Nintendo has never let documents like this be leaked before, the "Stream" rumour could be false, it could just be a typo, you get the idea. But if it turns out to be accurate I called it first