Wii U - Nintendo's Next Console

[Emily Rogers]

If I were Nintendo, I would break ties with Team Ninja 3 years ago. They should try and branch out to more American and European Developers though. Traveler's Tales is...okay I guess, but they need to expand their reach beyond that.

I still don't understand why they haven't created new internal teams, or even if they have any interest in doing so.

I think Nintendo should create another western studio in the United States who creates games that appeal to western audiences. Another studio like Retro Studios wouldn't hurt.

[KingBroly]

Retro Studios North has a nice ring to it.

[ddddd]

Nintendo has no intentions to throw gobs of money at publishers for ports. And it's not any cheaper for exclusives.

I think their new strategy to get third party support is to develop long term relationships with studios, like Team Ninja, Platinum, Travellers Tales, etc etc. It's cheaper for Nintendo to do this than to money hat a publisher.

Then my point stands. If they are not doing anything to secure existing and upcoming games then they wont get them (even from studios and publishers that are part of the partnerships, like EA and Team Ninja)
Also, Travellers Tales? They were already fully onboard on wii with their licensed lego stuff. I think nintendo is co-developing their gta clone because TakeTwo wont port the real one

[LegendofZelda1996]

~This is a rumour and/or purely speculation, not a fact! So, please take this as a grain of salt!~

A NeoGAF user named Fourth Storm is speculating on what the CPU of the Wii U does.

I've been researching the implications of the Wii U CPU's supposed lack of SMT. I was curious as to how being relegated to 3 threads would affect performance of game code and why Nintendo would settle for such a deficiency.

It dawned upon me that perhaps I've been misjudging the role of the CPU cores. Perhaps, like Wii, the OS will not run on the IBM CPU but on the ARM CPU, whatever that ends up being (Cortex A8 seems like a decent choice). This would free up resources so that the IBM CPU could focus entirely on game code.

I then came across the following discussion:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/758390/xbo...0#post_9027534

This is where someone w/ some programming knowledge can perhaps chime in, but going back to the Wii U spec leak right before E3, it might make sense. Setting aside "Network Routines" for the time being, could we strike the "Sound" and "User Input" threads from that diagram considering there will be dedicated silicon for those functions? That would leave us w/ the Graphics Thread and AI Thread getting their own cores (1 and 2 respectively, w/ Core 0 handling the Synchronization Routines). Perhaps Core 1 has a VMX/VSX extension for graphics acceleration. The ridiculously fat cache of that core (2 MB compared to 512 for each of the other 2) seems to indicate something very important is going on there.

Not saying it's an optimal scenario, but perhaps that is something similar to Nintendo's thought process on the matter.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.ph ... count=4781

And a NeoGAF user named bgassassin speculated on what the GPU of the Wii U might be.

I did. We've in the last month or so talked about a GPU that may resemble what Wii U's might be like.

The E6760.

http://www.amd.com/us/products/embed...crete-gpu.aspx

http://www.amd.com/us/Documents/E646...duct_Brief.pdf

The whole MCM is 35W.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.ph ... count=4576

And this is bgassassin's reason why he thinks the Wii U uses a Radeon E6760.

Oh, I'm not trying to convince you. I'm just telling you why it's likely. The person that told me that even said the GPU looked "more 2012". Can't say that about a run of the mill R700. You're giving too much weight to those early target specs that only listed base R700 features. Even ERP on B3D said it's flawed to do that.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.ph ... count=4587

I am sorry if you guys are not very fond of NeoGAF (to be honest, I am not the biggest fan of NeoGAF), but this is what I saw today and I thought I should share this with you guys.

[KingBroly]

What is SMT? And why is it important?

[LegendofZelda1996]

What is SMT? And why is it important?

Apparently, SMT is an abbreviation for simultaneous multithreading. And I think the reason why SMT is important is because according to Wikipedia, "SMT permits multiple independent threads of execution to better utilize the resources provided by modern processor architectures."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simultaneo ... ithreading

[Whatever]

I think Nintendo should create another western studio in the United States who creates games that appeal to western audiences. Another studio like Retro Studios wouldn't hurt.

While I would like that, I don't quite see the necessity for this. I think it's best to focus on their strengths instead of desperately trying to appeal to an audience that Western 3rd parties are already catering to - they probably wouldn't gain much but new issues from creating a Western studio.

[gtt]

I think Nintendo should create another western studio in the United States who creates games that appeal to western audiences. Another studio like Retro Studios wouldn't hurt.

While I would like that, I don't quite see the necessity for this. I think it's best to focus on their strengths instead of desperately trying to appeal to an audience that Western 3rd parties are already catering to - they probably wouldn't gain much but new issues from creating a Western studio.

That 3rd parties are catering too, *On other systems*.

[KingBroly]

I'd personally rather have Nintendo establish a new internal development team for the sole purpose of developing new, core titles.

And not new IP's, because I really think new IP's are highly overrated in today's marketplace of bland, realistic art styles that won't hold up over 3 years or so.

[hyperLink]

I'd personally rather have Nintendo establish a new internal development team for the sole purpose of developing new, core titles.

And not new IP's, because I really think new IP's are highly overrated in today's marketplace of bland, realistic art styles that won't hold up over 3 years or so.

I agree with this, however SOME new IP's would be welcome, even first party at that. I think if they were innovative and not the usual FPS/Third Person segment, something maybe with cel shading? A more distinct HD 2D game? All possibilities,

Although I'm not too sure it's likely, but I do think they need to work on NEW core games as well.

[ddddd]

The question has finally been answered, the UE4 can be scaled down to work on WiiU, but Epic wont do it, it will depend on third parties.

The UE2.5 could be scaled down for Wii, and how many devs did it? I know only Red Steel 2 and thats it.

[KingBroly]

Well how many third parties made core games for Wii?

I guess this is a win, but I'm not sure. Time will tell I guess.

[ddddd]

Well how many third parties made core games for Wii?

I guess this is a win, but I'm not sure. Time will tell I guess.

There were many "core" games on wii (nowhere near the amount on PS360 ofcourse), but of low budget and quality among the gems.

[KingBroly]

Well how many third parties made core games for Wii?

I guess this is a win, but I'm not sure. Time will tell I guess.

There were many "core" games on wii (nowhere near the amount on PS360 ofcourse), but of low budget and quality among the gems.

But you know what I'm really trying to say though. Most third parties never really made an investment into Wii development beyond shovelware and party games.

With Wii, there were technicaly barriers preventing UE3 from coming to it. Epic says there are no barriers with Wii U, but they won't do it themselves. People were fearful that UE4 couldn't be ported to Wii U, but we now know that it can. This is good news, at least for now.

[ddddd]

Rumors! I was needing some (from gaf):

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.ph ... ount=10280

* 3DS XL/NSMB is being considered a 3DS "re-launch" for America
* After the new design gets its time in the sun, Nintendo will feel
comfortable talking about the future of the Wii U.
* Some rather impressive non-port titles are coming in the next 365
days. Some spin-offs and ports, too. But there are original titles there.
* Vita dying a slow sales death is convincing some publishers to stay off Wii U (due to an expectation of being able to port between) and
getting some publishers to consider moving Vita titles to Wii U.
* Nintendo retail reps are talking to stores to give Wii U a big retail
presence - big demo units, prominent placement, and training workers
to explain why the controller is like an iPad with buttons.

Oh, and take this with a grain of salt because it's a friend of a friend thing

But the rumors about Nintendo taking a much smaller cut on DD games than other services? Seems to be true.

There's still HUGE problems (similar to Microsoft's patch policy, requires
that games come from a company with employees and a physical office with acceptable security), but that part of the rumor, at least, is not bunk. We're talking somewhere in the area of 15% versus 30%
and the complete removal of the sales threshold agreement.

[KingBroly]

The Vita quote still makes no sense to me, no matter how many times he tries to clarify it. The handheld market is much different from the console market. If a publisher is buying into Sony's spiked juice that you can have the same experience on a handheld that you would on a console, we need an intervention.

And we've known about the office space part for a while, haven't we? And Nintendo removed the sales threshold for DSi and eShop games, that's not really new, unless they're doing it retroactively to Wii Ware titles, which I doubt.

[MAGNUS-8M]

It could make sense...at the very least, Vita has a touchscreen and Sony at least WANTS a console experience on a handheld, which means those finished/unfinished Vita projects could be both a handheld-controller-with-a-touchscreen as well as an actual console experience...which is basically what Wii U is. I mean sure, I'd rather have original games for Wii U, but just like how PSP games were sometimes ported back and forth to and from Wii, it looks like Vita and Wii U ports are even more likely now. The only awkward thing would be the back touchpanel on the Vita, but more or less anything that thing actually gets used for could be done with something else, or eliminated from the game entirely.

[KingBroly]

But the whole 'console experience on a portable' has NEVER panned out for them, even with PSP. The only reasons why the PSP did somewhat well was because they had Monster Hunter, Square Enix sparking life into it once every 2 years and piracy. And even those games were marred with gimped features such as controls and online play (i.e. it made the Wii's online look amazing in comparison). Beyond that, Sony's approach to the handheld market has been a complete failure. They can't even get their Top Teams and Games on the Vita, even going so far to lie about it.

[MAGNUS-8M]

Right, but I'm not defending the Vita being a console-experience-on-a-portable, I'm saying those projects might work better for the Wii U, because the Wii U IS a "portable"(wireless) touchscreen AND it's actually a console. So any projects that would work on Vita, they should work well on the Wii U, if not better, and would probably port just as well as PSP stuff did to Wii.

[KingBroly]

More interesting stuff: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.ph ... ount=10557

There's a funny thing going on in the industry right now where some developers and publishers are extremely eager to move on to next-gen to play with more graphics and bigger budgets and launching new IPs and some developers are just sort of going "Whoa, fuck, what, no."

But there's no getting around that the current systems are languishing and are hitting saturation points. There is a growing number of developers that are hoping the Wii U can sell software without raising the price of development. This does not apply across the board and, honestly, can change in the blink of an eye. Even if the Wii U can sell software, if Activision and EA prove that next-gen systems can sell more software, then publishers will likely try to follow that model.

Stuff is more in flux than people think right now, but from what I have heard, the picture of original development on the Wii U is rosier than it was for the Wii.

You guys know how Iwata managed to convince Capcom to put Monster Hunter on the 3DS despite the obvious success they had with the PSP? He might not get a coup quite like that again with the Wii U, but he's trying the same with third parties, regardless.

I'm beginning to think we'll see a PSX v. N64 v. Sega CD scenario here. Some companies will be pegged as "All-Stars" where COD and EA Sports games are lavished as big games, but Wii U gets them and everything in-between. The others not so much. It really doesn't sound like developers are looking forward to next gen being so costly.


EDIT: We have new hope!
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/35 ... ssibility/

Crytek has revealed that it's "working with Nintendo" and hasn't ruled out the possibility of making a Wii U version of Crysis 3.

In a wide-ranging interview published today, producer Mike Read told CVG the studio's gorgeous FPS sequel could yet appear on Nintendo's upcoming console, despite recent comments strongly suggesting otherwise.
"I wouldn't say there's no chance," he said. "I wouldn't say no chance. I mean the Wii U still doesn't have any kind of release [date] attached to it at this point. Who knows what the future will bring with it. I can definitely say that we are working with Nintendo, and that's about all I can say on that front.

"I wouldn't rule it out, but there has really been no official releases associated with the Wii U yet, and given that we're releasing Crysis in an eight month time period in February of 2013, we can't play off of what their schedules are. I wouldn't rule it out, but you know, it is a possibility."

Asked in May whether a Wii U version of Crysis 3 was a possibility, Crytek's director of creative development Rasmus Hojengaard told CVG: "We're not really talking about that now."

[Broken_Cartridge]

Something I'd like to point out is that GameStop is taking pre-orders on Nintendo Land as a standalone game. Does this mean that GameStop is assuming that it will be standalone, or does this mean that they have some information backing up it not being a packaged in game?

I'm torn at the moment. Most of the time I believe with reservations that GameStop just puts things up so they can try to wager customer interest, and that they do this before knowing a lot about when/if the game is actually going to launch....but I feel that this time there could be something backing it. Gamestop is being very selective right now with what they are taking reserves on when it comes to the Wii U, so there could be something going on in the background that I'm unaware of.

Thoughts?

[pokemaster515]

I don't usually think Gamestop has any secret info, especially this early. I just don't think Nintendo would risk letting anyone slip out some of their top secret stuff before they do.
Still, it's hard to imagine what Nintendo will do with Nintendo Land right now, they seemed to really think it was cool beans at E3 so they might sell it alone, but they might pack it in just so people can "understand" the Wii U. Right now I'm more interested in how will packing in Nintendo Land affect the Wii U's price. I just hope a packed in game won't lead Nintendo to believe they can sell the Wii U for too much.

[gtt]

I don't usually think Gamestop has any secret info, especially this early. I just don't think Nintendo would risk letting anyone slip out some of their top secret stuff before they do.
Still, it's hard to imagine what Nintendo will do with Nintendo Land right now, they seemed to really think it was cool beans at E3 so they might sell it alone, but they might pack it in just so people can "understand" the Wii U. Right now I'm more interested in how will packing in Nintendo Land affect the Wii U's price. I just hope a packed in game won't lead Nintendo to believe they can sell the Wii U for too much.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It needs to be a free download. Not a disc. They need to get people in the digital store.

[dkanddiddy]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It needs to be a free download. Not a disc. They need to get people in the digital store.

That's a very smart marketing idea. That way it's still free, but it makes less experienced or less serious gamers take the time to set up their Wii U for internet access and see what the eshop has to offer.

[gtt]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It needs to be a free download. Not a disc. They need to get people in the digital store.

That's a very smart marketing idea. That way it's still free, but it makes less experienced or less serious gamers take the time to set up their Wii U for internet access and see what the eshop has to offer.

and, they don't have to build and ship discs. that costs. every pound costs in shipping. what do 5million bluray discs weigh? how much do they cost to make?