The lights are on
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. Moving to HD should greatly help Nintendo and its new console in getting more multi-platform triple-A titles like Portal 2 or Mortal Kombat. This, in turn, will strengthen Nintendo's historically poor relationship with third-party publishers/developers.
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.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata himself acknowledged that it needs to do a better job with its publishing partners at a 3DS press conference in the fall of 2010. "We need to decrease the concern that only Nintendo software can sell well on Nintendo platforms and third-party software cannot sell in the same volume. We feel a need to have closer ties with our third-party developers from the beginning."
"Nintendo is doing this one right," said an anonymous source. "[It's] not a gimmick like the Wii." What else, beyond graphics, this may imply about the system is unknown. What kind of controls the system will support (we imagine a need for both classic analog configurations and motion controllers) or what level of software and infrastructure Nintendo will provide for online gaming is also unknown. However, it's a positive sign that the system might be more than just an HD Wii.
We've heard about an HD Wii for some time now, and the time is perfect – almost necessary – for Nintendo to jump start itself with this new system. The company has been feeling the bite since Wii sales have declined from previous years, and this week's news that Nintendo could be dropping the price of the Wii on May 15 could be a precursor to this announcement and an attempt to move as many Wii units as possible out of the retail channel before the new system hits.
We do not have confirmation if this new system will be backward compatible with the Wii or if it will even carry the Wii branding as has often been rumored. It is our understanding that Nintendo is trying to embrace the western gamer and will likely launch a new brand with this console. Around the office we have dubbed the system Nintendo HD. However, this information at this point is conjecture.
We contacted a Nintendo representative regarding this information, and they would only say that "Nintendo does not comment on rumors or speculation."
Either way, it should be an exciting E3 for Nintendo and gamers alike.
For more on the rumors surrounding the new Nintendo system, check up our roundup of all the talk, as well as what some industry analysts have to say on the matter.
Email the author Matthew Kato, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
"It's not a gimmick like the Wii."
Come on, now. I think through the years motion controls have proven to be a remarkably capable, and at times, preferable way of gaming when the developers put time and care into it. Definitely nice to see that Nintendo is stepping it up with 3rd party relationships, though. The 3DS has been a step forward for them in that regard, and it looks like it will continue with this next HD Console.
As long as the last major Wii software comes out then I don't care if they release/announce one or not. Since third party support is gone from the Wii (they had a good amount last year, but none this year) it would be a good time though.
All I'm seeing is doubt, but I think Nintendo knows EXACTLY what they're doing. They generated lots of profit from the Wii, despite it being lackluster in the eyes of many compared to the competition. Nintendo has the capability to make a much greater system then Sony or Microsoft ever could, with the best fan service and innovation and arguably the best 1st Party support, all they need is to add the features of the PS3/360 + more and get better 3rd party support (which this article proves they're doing). Nintendo will rise above, in the meantime I'll be playing Left 4 Dead 2 on my Xbox 360.
Wait, what happened to the bit at the end of this article about an email from Nintendo saying, "Stay tuned!" Did they make you take that out?
Awesome news! I always love what Nintendo makes and this will be no different. I can't wait to hear more about it soon.
Oh my, if this system is backwards compatible with the Wii's library, I'll buy it day 1. I passed on getting a Wii, but it has some games I'm interested in. If this is somehow STILL backwards compatible with the Gamecube's library, it'll be the first system I ever pre-order (even though I'm considering pre-ordering an NGP at the moment). I'll always love Nintendo's games, but they lost me this generation -- maybe E3 will win me back.
Funny how I'm more excited for a bunch of rumors and speculation than anything that already tangibly exists.
Good, I've been off of Nintendo's ship since the GameCube, and I've been looking for a reason to hop back on...Nintendo has a early supporter as far as next-gen is concerned. I just need another PS3 first, lol my old one crapped out.
Whetehr or not they show it at E3, I just want Nintendo to atleast admit the fact that they have been working on system over the last few years, cause really who are they kidding.
I'm not sure. If they do another motion-based console, I'm not buying it. Time has showed us that the Wii is just too gimmicky. Don't get me wrong, I love the Wii games that are good (Super Mario Galaxy much?) but I almost feel like the good game:gimmick game ratio makes the Wii not worth the buy. Unfortunately, in making a console based around motion controls, they most likely have to release another motion-console if they want to have backwards capability. Maybe the new console will be compatible with the Wii motion controllers?
This will be a shock to everyone. A very, very, very powerful shock.
Well it was going to happen eventually, but if it's just an HD Wii I have to ask - what's the point?
For Nintendo it's an obvious case, but for me? I'll never understand why I should buy a new system just for a graphical touch-up.
I highly doubt Microsoft will make a new console or even unveil any plans for a new console. The Slim 360 is still under a year old. Sony on the other hand... I hope they don't have a new console planned for 2012 or early 2013. I had just planned on getting a PS3 in a few months and this would utterly ruin it!!!
This is great news, but what about a new Sega onsole? We need a Truxton remake, everyone. And what about the arcade shooter 1942? These could be great modern franchises! This is unacceptable!!
Just kidding. I hope Nintendo does well with this new console, but the thing is now that I have to save like $800 for this thing, I'll be broke. I'll probably just stick with what I have for right now.
... But seriously, TRUXTON and 1942! Come on Sega!