Nintendo to announce HD console at E3

[Kim]

Source: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/14/new-nintendo-console-at-e3.aspx

Gamers have been waiting years for Nintendo to finally release its Wii successor, and Game Informer has heard from multiple sources that the company will unveil it at E3 this summer if not sooner.

We have confirmed with multiple sources that this new home system is capable of running games at HD resolutions. There are conflicting reports, however, as to whether its graphics will be comparable to those on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – meaning it could surpass or fall short of those systems. Either way it will offer competitive specifications.But... but... my Wii... I... What will I do with my Wii? D:

I dunno, for what it is and what I use it for, my Wii does just fine, so hearing a new console announced so soon has me put off. On the other hand, I know there are a lot of people who were disappointed in the Wii in part due to graphics, so this'll probably make them happy.

[phil_]

New Zelda coming out for Wii.
New Wii Play coming out (yes, people do buy these).
Nintendo still hasn't done anything with Motion+ and the above games seem to be the end of that trend.
New portable hardware just came out.

Yeah, no. Also, my TV sucks and I don't want to think about having to buy a new one along with a new video system.

[Kim]

New Zelda coming out for Wii.
New Wii Play coming out (yes, people do buy these).
Nintendo still hasn't done anything with Motion+ and the above games seem to be the end of that trend.
New portable hardware just came out.

Yeah, no. Also, my TV sucks and I don't want to think about having to buy a new one along with a new video system.

Right, because announcing a console system later this year means it's coming out six months later, as opposed to giving them time to do all these other things.

[phil_]

I'm just saying, this guy I know named phil_ probably isn't going to bother replacing his dead Remotes with Remote+s if he knows when all his Remotes, working and borked, are going to be equally useless. Now, if Nintendo keeps him in the dark a little longer and releases some games that use Motion+ where he can't just pass around the pink Remote, they might squeeze a little more money out of him. And, at the end of the day, it's specifically phil_'s desires and likelihood to spend money that decides Nintendo's marketing strategies.

[Azisien]

I'm still pretty sour about really heavily not enjoying the Wii, so I don't even know if HD graphics can sell me a Wii 2. Their gimmicks of late haven't been working on me either.

But hey, the right batch of games and anti-aliasing might change my mind.

Edit: To clarify, upgrading to HD isn't even really a gimmick anymore either. Or an upgrade. It's like...the status quo...of 4 years ago.

Edit 2: I heard Wii games are probably compatible, so that means they're still supporting motion gaming, though to what extent now is as yet unclear?

[TDK]

Wii 2.

Alternative title: Wiii

(Pronounced wee-ee)

[Revising Ocelot]

Alternative title: Wiii

(Pronounced wee-ee)

The Wii-Gii?

[phil_]

The Wizz.

The Nintendo Phonograph (also, games will be on vinyl).

[Aerozord]

it doesn't make alot of marketing sense. Overall those that care about HD dont care about the Wii

[Krylo]

I'm still pretty sour about really heavily not enjoying the Wii, so I don't even know if HD graphics can sell me a Wii 2. Their gimmicks of late haven't been working on me either.

But hey, the right batch of games and anti-aliasing might change my mind.

Edit: To clarify, upgrading to HD isn't even really a gimmick anymore either. Or an upgrade. It's like...the status quo...of 4 years ago.

Edit 2: I heard Wii games are probably compatible, so that means they're still supporting motion gaming, though to what extent now is as yet unclear?
Pretty much this.

Also, the lack of graphical power isn't what made me not like the Wii, it was the fact that most of the games were shovelware and there weren't enough decent games. Upgrading to HD NOW probably isn't going to fix that.

[Kim]

it doesn't make alot of marketing sense. Overall those that care about HD dont care about the Wii

...:raise:

[Aerozord]

what? do you really think those that previously passed on the Wii will suddenly jump on a HD version?

[Azisien]

Pretty much this.

Also, the lack of graphical power isn't what made me not like the Wii, it was the fact that most of the games were shovelware and there weren't enough decent games. Upgrading to HD NOW probably isn't going to fix that.

The DS has worse graphical power over the PSP, but I use my DS 98% of the time and my PSP 2% of the time. Why? Game selection.

I actually get to look at a Wii game wall most days of the week. It's frightening terrible, and that's even in relation to how bad on average ALL platforms are for shitware (shovelware is too nice a word, I just decided).

[Bells]

I just want to comment on this

Gamers have been waiting years for Nintendo to finally release its Wii successor,

This is Bullshit. People who like the Wii, have it and are ok with it. People who don't like the Wii don't bother with it. There is no such nonsense as "waiting for years for a wii successor". The Wii only slowed down During 2010 and now and before that it was doing fine.

It was never a Huge leader of the Industry in terms of games, but it never intended to. It had it's market, and it had a long series of quite decent, and quite a few great titles. Motion Gaming didn't quite take off in the end, but that is much more fault on Software than Hardware itself.

I don't think a Wii successor is coming out this year, and even if it was, Considering the situation in Japan right now, i think Nintendo would push their plans for next year... not a very good time to ask the Japanese people to shell out for new consoles.

[Kim]

what? do you really think those that previously passed on the Wii will suddenly jump on a HD version?

Calling it poor marketing is just... gah. I mean, you're literally saying that for Nintendo to make an HD system at all, in a time where getting HD on a console is simply several years worth of catching up graphically, is bad marketing.

It makes no sense. No sense at all.

As for what others have said, yeah the Wii has a pretty piss-poor third party library. I don't get too upset at Nintendo for it though. To be honest, I'd say the mentality of "It's on the Wii, therefore it must suck" has only drastically exacerbated the problem, causing games that, while not necessarily great, should have at least done as well as their Xbox/PS3 equals, and some games that were fucking amazing to do piss poor. Core games did poorly on the Wii, regardless of quality, unless Nintendo made them, then, "OMG ZELDA BUYING ALL THE COPIES." As a result, there was very little incentive for most companies to make any core games for the Wii.

That said...

In fact, Nintendo is already showing publishers the system in an effort to get them interested and allow them plenty of time to start developing titles in anticipation of the system's reported late 2012 launch. This advance support marks a change from when the Wii launched. At that time, several Western publishers were outright surprised by the announcement, and it affected the software support for the platform.This could certainly be a sign that the next console will have much stronger third party support. Not a guarantee, but a sign. The kind of controller it has is also important, so we'll have to wait to see that. I'm personally hoping for a more standard controller, a la the Xbox 360 controller, but with a Wii style motion sensor at the back of it, and you could probably have some sort of Motion+ stuff built into the wings of the controller, if that makes any sense. This is just my own personal desire from the controller though, so what we end up getting could be way off.

This also makes for a possible launch library that isn't arse like the 3DS's.

I don't think a Wii successor is coming out this yearPlease read the article. Late 2012 launch is the plan.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

I don't think the Wii's hardware can even last it 10 years with the rep it has. I know Nintendo held out on core games for this very reason, to boost it's life during the last 3 to 6 years (or so I've heard...).

Anyway we all knew about Wii HD which was (come it's obvious) likely just a RAM attachment and update for the Wii much like the 32X was to the Genesis/Mega Drive (bad example I know, but still...).

This might be it, or it might be Nintendo trying to scare Sony and Microsoft into jumping the sooner then they planned (though that's a little too dirty for goodie goodie nintendo. :) ).

[Marc v4.0]

I doubt Sony and Microsoft are going to get scared into jumping the next gen too early considering they are still pulling in loads of cash and the blow and whore wave hasn't even begun to crash yet, and Nintendo isn't in competition for the same demographic of gamer, so why should they really give that much of a damn?

[rpgdemon]

The most important thing to keep in mind is: People don't want/like new consoles if the old ones do well enough, and companies don't want new consoles unless they're Nintendo and make money on each one sold.

Considering that no one is going, "AW MAN MY PS3 AND/OR 360 IS SO OUTDATED, I NEED A NEW ONE I WANT TO SPEND $400", and the companies aren't going, "KNOW WHAT'D BE AWESOME? MAKING IT SO THAT WE HAVE TO GET OUR MARKET SHARE ALL OVER AGAIN BY RELEASING SOMETHING THAT WE LOSE MONEY ON EACH UNIT SOLD THAT NO ONE WANTS", I don't think there'll be a new generation of consoles for a fair bit.

Until there's something shiny and special about the new generation that's actually a legitimate advantage, people won't want it.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Good point, and if it's what they described in terms of graphics then it really is a new console (and so early too).

Wait... Early release... Promises of high improvements... trying to win over third party devs... DEAR GOD! Nintendo's going to pull a Dreamcast aren't they...

That's... a little concerning considering what happened to the DC outside of Asia.

[Azisien]

Why have I heard comments of a new release being so early? The Wii came out in late 2006 and this Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! will come out in late 2012. That's 6 god damn years.

6 years is enough friggin' time between hardware improvements.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

it doesn't make alot of marketing sense. Overall those that care about HD dont care about the Wii

It's and entirely new system with the exact same (probably better but most likely just the same) graphics as 360/PS3.

Basically everything the 360/PS3 is with a nintendo logo slapped on to it. And you can bet your ass that that it's NOT $250. Likely $299-$349.

Why have I heard comments of a new release being so early? The Wii came out in late 2006 and this Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! will come out in late 2012. That's 6 god damn years.

6 years is enough friggin' time between hardware improvements.

This gen was believed to last till 2016 at the latest.

[Azisien]

This gen was believed to last till 2016 at the latest.

Believed by weird people that like really old out of date crap I guess.

And before you jump in and be like "HEY! We're not weird!" I've been conducting a scientific study for over 2 years on people that come in looking for really retro gaming devices and accessories. After a quick psych analysis it turns out they're all weird (p = 0.001).

As an additional, it looks like if you're a male with a ponytail and carry your backpack around everywhere you go, you have a 3200000% higher chance of asking store clerks where they keep the dreamcast games! Wacky!

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Believed by weird people that like really old out of date crap I guess.

And before you jump in and be like "HEY! We're not weird!" I've been conducting a scientific study for over 2 years on people that come in looking for really retro gaming devices and accessories. After a quick psych analysis it turns out they're all weird (p = 0.001).

As an additional, it looks like if you're a male with a ponytail and carry your backpack around everywhere you go, you have a 3200000% higher chance of asking store clerks where they keep the dreamcast games! Wacky!

HA! I don't have a pony. ;)

/jk Naw I'm actually pretty normal, only weird online just for the lolz.

[Kim]

The N64 came out in 1996. The Gamecube came out in 2001. The Wii came out in 2006. This coming out in 2012 more than completely fits Nintendo's console schedule.

Also, Kyanbu, anyone who thinks we aren't getting new consoles until 2016 is just... so amazingly wrong.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

The N64 came out in 1996. The Gamecube came out in 2001. The Wii came out in 2006. This coming out in 2012 more than completely fits Nintendo's console schedule.

Also, Kyanbu, anyone who thinks we aren't getting new consoles until 2016 is just... so amazingly wrong.

I'll keep that in mind but remember that Sony and Microsoft started it.

[Kim]

I'll keep that in mind but remember that Sony and Microsoft started it.

Sony said that, like the PS2, the PS3 would have a ten year life-cycle. Given what that meant for the PS2, this most likely means that we'll see the next Sony console announced in 2012, released in 2013 or 2014 at the very latest, and they'll continue to offer some very, very, very minimal support for it while everyone is getting the next Sony console.

[rpgdemon]

When I say stuff probably won't be updated, by the way, I mean on Sony/Microsoft's side. They have no reason to.

[Aerozord]

actually, this might be more literal. One way they could pull this off is making it an actual HD Wii, as in, its the same console just with more power. Allowing a transitional period as you can still play new games on current system, it just lacks all the bells and whistles.

now it is true Nintendo is making a profit on the consoles, so they are the only ones that can affort this, but my point is consumers are satisfied with what they got. I know as a consumer I'm not gonna buy a HD Wii, maybe I'm unusual, I mean was only a year ago I even got a phone with a camera, but I dont know many people that would buy this thing

[rpgdemon]

actually, this might be more literal. One way they could pull this off is making it an actual HD Wii, as in, its the same console just with more power. Allowing a transitional period as you can still play new games on current system, it just lacks all the bells and whistles.

now it is true Nintendo is making a profit on the consoles, so they are the only ones that can affort this, but my point is consumers are satisfied with what they got. I know as a consumer I'm not gonna buy a HD Wii, maybe I'm unusual, I mean was only a year ago I even got a phone with a camera, but I dont know many people that would buy this thing

Exactly, that's what I mean. Consumers are happy, so no one wants to spend money and time to get/make the new thing.

[Kim]

"Consumers are happy" = "Nobody wants to buy/make the new thing"
"Consumers are unhappy" = "Nobody would be interested in the new thing"

Clearly the only way anyone will ever do anything is if all the customers are wholly apathetic, but wait then they'd be apathetic to new announcements, too.

EDIT: Additionally, I was satisfied with my DS. Plenty were. Nintendo still announced the 3DS. I'll still be getting a 3DS later this year. I was satisfied with the PS2. Plenty were. Sony still made the PS3.

[phil_]

You know, I think this is the first time since I was four years old that I've ever had any doubt as to whether I'll buy in to a new console generation. I'm scared.

[Aerozord]

I actually wrote up something on how a new console generation may in fact hurt gaming industry by demanding more from developers who are already having trouble affording the risk of innovative games

[Krylo]

Additionally, I was satisfied with my DS. Plenty were. Nintendo still announced the 3DS. I'll still be getting a 3DS later this year. I was satisfied with the PS2. Plenty were. Sony still made the PS3.

Yeah, and the wii thing will be the same. We'll get a new Nintendo console, and people will buy it blah blah blah (including me, 'cause zelda games).

However, Sony and Microsoft probably won't release new consoles anytime soon, because in so much as years have passed, the hardware upgrades would be barely noticeable as they'd transfer over to graphical upgrades. The consumer wouldn't want to buy them, in such a case, because there'd be very little difference between them and what they have now, and, knowing this, Sony and Microsoft wouldn't want to make them because they gain nothing from doing so unless they need to compete with the other--selling their consoles at a loss and all.

Basically, I doubt we'll see a whole new generation of consoles within the next couple of years, some kind of gaming innovation that requires new consoles aside, just a new Nintendo console to catch them up to where everyone else is, graphically (and perhaps to update their motion gaming to Move/Kinect levels of sensitivity).

[Kim]

Basically, I doubt we'll see a whole new generation of consoles within the next couple of years, some kind of gaming innovation that requires new consoles aside, just a new Nintendo console to catch them up to where everyone else is, graphically (and perhaps to update their motion gaming to Move/Kinect levels of sensitivity).

Yeah, this is basically what I'm expecting. WiiHD with improved motion detection, and ideally a controller option that... well, isn't a Wiimote.

And yeah, after I made my earlier post, I later realized that whatever plans they might have originally had for the next console date were probably able to be pushed back a few years because of Move/Kinect, which is actually kinda nice, and probably an argument in favor of the route Sony and Microsoft went, though they might not have gone that route had Nintendo not invested in motion control the way they did in the first place.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Yeah, this is basically what I'm expecting. WiiHD with improved motion detection, and ideally a controller option that... well, isn't a Wiimote.

And yeah, after I made my earlier post, I later realized that whatever plans they might have originally had for the next console date were probably able to be pushed back a few years because of Move/Kinect, which is actually kinda nice, and probably an argument in favor of the route Sony and Microsoft went, though they might not have gone that route had Nintendo not invested in motion control the way they did in the first place.

You could say that Nintendo once again created a new trend.

[Aerozord]

for the record I dont find move or wiimote to be comparable to kinect. Kinect has been shown to have potential that frankly makes both alternatives look shameful. Of course this is all pointless since all developers are doing is copying Wii games. Point is it works in very different way, its like comparing analog stick to a d-pad, yea they both make a character move but thats about the only simularity

[rpgdemon]

Yeah, what's funny is that I thought the Kinect would be terrible, but bought one anyway to play around with, and to play around with the SDK for it.

I'm still not convinced that it'll be a commercial success, but it will probably have some cool stuff eventually.

[Kim]

Rumor has it the system is currently being called Project Cafe, the controler has a touch screen and standard buttons, and that for some reason the controller also has a camera or something.

(I'm secretly hoping the controller will turn out to be a 3DS)

[Kyanbu The Legend]

It most likely is.

[ZAKtheGeek]

People saying some weird things in here. Exactly like a Wii but in HD? Who would do that? Why would anyone do that? That's just the ridiculous wish of people who "love what Nintendo's doing" but "can't stand SD." Is it supposed to be an add-on? How would they do that? Do Wiis have expansion ports?

actually, this might be more literal. One way they could pull this off is making it an actual HD Wii, as in, its the same console just with more power. Allowing a transitional period as you can still play new games on current system, it just lacks all the bells and whistles.
What does this even mean? How is it the "current system" if you have to buy a new system? How does it lack bells and whistles if it plays new games? Or, perhaps alternatively, are the games really all that new if there are bells and whistles lacking? Is this supposed to be some kind of half-generation? That just sounds like a giant waste of time and money on everybody's part...

Sorry, I just... it makes no sense to me at all.

The most important thing to keep in mind is: People don't want/like new consoles if the old ones do well enough, and companies don't want new consoles unless they're Nintendo and make money on each one sold.

Considering that no one is going, "AW MAN MY PS3 AND/OR 360 IS SO OUTDATED, I NEED A NEW ONE I WANT TO SPEND $400", and the companies aren't going, "KNOW WHAT'D BE AWESOME? MAKING IT SO THAT WE HAVE TO GET OUR MARKET SHARE ALL OVER AGAIN BY RELEASING SOMETHING THAT WE LOSE MONEY ON EACH UNIT SOLD THAT NO ONE WANTS", I don't think there'll be a new generation of consoles for a fair bit.

Until there's something shiny and special about the new generation that's actually a legitimate advantage, people won't want it.
People don't think consoles are outdated? Maybe they should. Or, maybe they will, once new ones start coming out and showing off. I dunno, I don't really know a lot about graffix. At the same time, considering the kind of stuff Nintendo's been pulling, it seems there's a good chance there really will be some kind of unique hook or gimmick to grab attention, not just increased horsepower.

I'm still not convinced that it'll be a commercial success, but it will probably have some cool stuff eventually.
This is backwards. It's undeniably a huge commercial success... the question is whether anything cool will actually be made for it. Unless you're not talking about Kinect?


Now, what are we lookin' at here? New Nintendo console? I guess it would probably have BC. I heard that it would, and it also makes sense. They had a lot of success with the Wii. They will probably want people to upgrade, as well as keep pushing their old library (cross-generation evergreen!?), although of course they always want to expand their market as well. That means it'll have motion control. I mean, was there any doubt? They bring this in, everyone jumps on board, and it's somehow plausible that they should abandon it? Yet another ridiculous dream. I wonder if it'll have some kind of vitality sensor tech. What ever happened to that... I just hope they improve their online system. Which really doesn't even require them putting out a new console, but...

It's and entirely new system with the exact same (probably better but most likely just the same) graphics as 360/PS3.
Why not better? I'm just wondering what your reasoning or your source is. Actually, I'm not even sure what you're saying... I don't see how something can be both "probably" and not included in "most likely."

[Ecks]

It sounds like firmware updates and dlc are starting to actually extend console life. Other than the Wii (which unfortunately DOES need some beefier hardware), the 360 and PS3 seem to be doing quite well for themselves.

I don't see a need to get any new consoles, except maybe a 3DS (which I will not even consider until Ocarina 3D/Starfox64 3D release). But that's just, like, my opinion, man.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

Why not better? I'm just wondering what your reasoning or your source is. Actually, I'm not even sure what you're saying... I don't see how something can be both "probably" and not included in "most likely."

It might be better it might be the same. Give what the Wii's max might be. It's one or the other in terms of graphics. Though I'm leaning more towards it being more powerful then 360 and or PS3.

[Kim]

Nintendo has confirmed they have a new console, and it will be playable at E3. (http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/wii-successor-confirmed)

[Pip Boy]

Considering what nintendo defines as a "new console", should we just be expecting a wii with a camera on it?

[Bells]

That's a kick in the balls y'know... now there are quite a few very decent looking RPG's that may never come out of Japan cause it's too late...

And it does make me wonder if this is going to affect Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword... maybe they will pull a Twilight Princess on it again?

[Kim]

That's a kick in the balls y'know... now there are quite a few very decent looking RPG's that may never come out of Japan cause it's too late...

Still a likely year and a half before the next Nintendo console actually comes out, and most of the "decent looking RPGs" were probably not going to get localized anyways. They just wouldn't have sold well.

And it does make me wonder if this is going to affect Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword... maybe they will pull a Twilight Princess on it again?

Doubtful. They haven't announced a change in the planned release date. It's supposed to release this year. The successor is going to be released late 2012 from everything we've heard. Skyward Sword may be available on the Wii's successor in some respect, but chances are it won't be delayed over a year so it can release with it.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I reckon they going to get all the Wiis they have stashed out the back, paint some speed stripes on them, then release them as Wii ultra. Also maybe stick some sweet exhausts on it to fire randomly. Spice things up a bit.

Also when the salesman sells it to you he won't talk he will just go "WOoooooooooooooooooosssssssssh" and sway his hands and you'll be like "What's the price of this system" "WWWWWWWWOoooooooooooooooossssssssssh" "Uhhh, I just want to know the..." "Woooooooooooooooooooossssssssssh" "What's the..." "Woooooooooooosssssssssssshhhhhhh" "Woooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssshhhhh" and suddenely you're at home with a console you didn't plan on buying.

[bluestarultor]

SO IT LOOKS LIKE THERE'S BEEN A LEAK HAVE SOME PICTURES! http://www.bgr.com/2011/04/22/nintendo-wii-2-screen-stream-controllers-leak/



If it's real, well, why are they marketing it as the next Wii? It would just be snubbing motion controls, but then the Wii really can't compete in that area with Move and Kinect at this point.

[phil_]

most of the "decent looking RPGs" were probably not going to get localized anyways. They just wouldn't have sold well.I really hope this isn't true, or Nintendo's kinda forcing me to be one of those folks who only buy Nintendo games for their Nintendo that drive off third parties. As in, I want something to come out beyond uninspired shooter 2, movie games, and Zelda.

It would be a darn shame if The Last Story never got off the island. Oh well; with just a year left, this E3 will be the last chance to announce a localization of TLS or Xenoblade, so we'll know if they're coming or not by whether they're announced this time or not.

[Doc ock rokc]

SO IT LOOKS LIKE THERE'S BEEN A LEAK HAVE SOME PICTURES! http://www.bgr.com/2011/04/22/nintendo-wii-2-screen-stream-controllers-leak/



If it's real, well, why are they marketing it as the next Wii? It would just be snubbing motion controls, but then the Wii really can't compete in that area with Move and Kinect at this point.

interesting. According to this leak it will support 1080i graphics and ...3d?

[Bells]

Those scans were shot down as being Fake, but again... who knows

This is the image Kotaku posted o fhat model, looks fake to me
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/04/1303719948949.jpg

As for good Wii RPG's yet to come... you have Monado, Zeingslev, Last Story and Pandora Tower... all seemed great, i even played a few of these in their Japanese version and stop so i would be able to play the US verion unspoiled!

I honestly though Nintendo wouldn't do this right now... but then again, when you see footage of Conduit 2 which is their "better looking game", it does make you wonder if the Wii has stayed it's welcome.

[Kim]

I think that image is fake simply because the shell looks like hella cheap plast. Not sure though. Guess I'll find out.

[bluestarultor]

I think that image is fake simply because the shell looks like hella cheap plast. Not sure though. Guess I'll find out.

I'm noticing a light on with no apparent power cord, but I do have to admit it's probably either a real mold or a darn good chop job. The lighting on the logo looks great.

[Kim]

WII 2 CONFIRMED TO USE WIRELESS POWER SOURCE

[Bells]

It's powered by fanboyism!!!!!!!!

[P-Sleazy]

If the scans are real, one of the things nintendo's trying to get onboard is "Easy portability from PC and XBOX360"

Now wouldn't that be something.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

WII2 POWERED BY THE TEARS OF UNICORNS? THE BLOOD OF INNOCENTS? THE CRUSHED DREAMS OF CHILDREN? What are you HIDING Nintendo

[Kyanbu The Legend]

WII2 POWERED BY THE TEARS OF UNICORNS? THE BLOOD OF INNOCENTS? THE CRUSHED DREAMS OF CHILDREN? What are you HIDING Nintendo

When you touch IT STEALS YOUR SOUL AS A POWER SOURCE!!

[bluestarultor]

If the scans are real, one of the things nintendo's trying to get onboard is "Easy portability from PC and XBOX360"

Now wouldn't that be something.

Well, really, that's basically what the PS3 has going for it. The Xbox line uses Microsoft's proprietary Direct3D, whereas the PS3 uses OpenGL. Minus that, porting the rest of the code actually isn't all that hard, apparently. So someone either had an idea of what they were saying or just got lucky on that front.

Honestly, even if the scans are fake, it's not unreasonable to think that that goal is true.

[phil_]

you have Monado, Zeingslev, Last Story and Pandora Tower... all seemed great, i even played a few of these in their Japanese version and stop so i would be able to play the US verion unspoiled!Did you play Zeigslev? 'Cause I was excited about that for a while, but then some video or something turned me off. And isn't Pandora's Tower more of an action game than an RPG? 'Cause it looks like God of War with less tits and more Japanese Fantasy monsters. Not that it doesn't look good.

[Bells]

Pandora Tower and Last Story are quite similar in some aspects. There is a "god of war" overtone, but it's closer to something like Final Fantasy XII or Vagrant Story. It's actiony alright, but still feels very much like an RPG. Monado is not all that different. It's more of a trend on J-rpg's now.

Zeigslev ('im sure i'm saying this wrong though) is also in that vein, but it's close to what The 3rd Birthday was doing, also Actiony, also RPG. But if you get the gameplay videos on youtube you are right to feel a bit turned off, it's a bit underwhelming.

[phil_]

Last Story doesn't strike me as God of War-y at all. The combo system is built on combining magic effects, not light-attack light-attack heavy-attack magic, and anything other than basic sword swipes is targeted via circular cursors on the battle-field*. Whereas Pandora is, "hit hit hit switch weapon hit hit," like God of War (or Devil May Cry, or Go Hand, or numerous other 3D action games).

Thanks for the thoughts on Kill Giants with Swords, though.

*Also, the pausing during battle and managing four or five NPCs and, yeah, not like God of War.

[Kyanbu The Legend]

http://gear.ign.com/articles/116/1168222p1.html

Seems IGN built a test console using the parts the Cafe is said to be using (off the self PC parts just like PS3) designed to guess what the Cafe will at least be capable of by using the PC versions of several ports with the graphics set on high.

Of course this is all only a guess of what the system might be able to do in terms of graphics.

They admit we won't know what it's really made of till June 7. Also It seems there test model cost $425 to build which means the Cafe may cost around $300.