"Wii II" confirmed...

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

http://kotaku.com/#!5792165/new-nint...ox-360-and-ps3

The news is everywhere now.


Sources tell IGN that Nintendo will release a pre-announcement this month with a full reveal expected at E3. Sources say the console will be backwards compatible with current Wii software.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1161875p1.html


RUMOR - Multiple sources confirm new Nintendo console, HD visuals with a late 2012 launch, devs already at work, E3 reveal

Gonintendo still has the rumor tag.

The following information comes from Game Informer...

- new system is capable of running games at HD resolutions
- system may either fall short of or surpass 360/PS3 in graphics, but it will be competitive
- Nintendo is already showing publishers the system
- late 2012 launch
- no word on backwards compatibility
- no word on 'Wii' being in the name
- when Nintendo was approached with this information, they were told that Nintendo won't comment on their E3 plans, but "stay tuned"

"Nintendo is doing this one right. [It's] not a gimmick like the Wii." - anonymous source

We're also hearing the same sort of information from another source. The only major difference between the two articles is discussion of another new controller.

http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=155818

Official E3 Expo Twitter account mentions new Nintendo console rumor


Coming from the official E3 Expo Twitter account...

Could it be? Tune in June 7th and see.... http://fb.me/G77gvduy

The link tweeted by the E3 Expo account takes you right to the Game Informer story concerning a new Nintendo platform. Would the people behind the E3 Expo really tweet this just to disappoint Nintendo fans when the big show kicks off?


http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=155823

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...d-at-e3-report

The following information comes from inside sources at IGN...

- console is significantly more powerful than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
- Nintendo is looking to recapture the hardcore market
- 1080p resolutions
- Nintendo will release a pre-announcement this month
- full reveal expected at E3
- backwards compatible with current Wii software



http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=155832

Your next round of Wii successor rumors - Controller with HD screen, Blu-ray discs for software



The rumors are going to be coming hard and fast over the next few months. Get ready gang, because it's going to be hard to keep track of all this!

- launch titles from third-party developers are in the works right now
- all-new controller
- controller features a built-in HD screen
- Blu-ray as the main optical drive

"Nintendo's plans sound unreal. Publishers are already planning launch titles and it's all very exciting. The hardware is even more powerful than current HD consoles and backwards compatible with Wii. The controller will be all-new and has a HD screen on it." - inside source


http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=155868

And a HD screen will be included in the all-new WII2 controller...
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...-2012-sources/

I don't know if I am exactly happy with this or not....

What are your thoughts, guys?

[Bulf]

I'm hoping they'll do something, but I'll keep it to myself. I'm not too sure though, I think it might be too early for a new console. The Wii still isn't doing bad for it to have been out for so long, but I suppose they really need the 3rd party support now (shame on them btw). 1080p is a given, but I'm not so sure about competing with ps3/360 graphics since Nintendo hasn't really ever went for looks alone. There's a first time for everything though.

[~*Red*~]

I want one now >_<

[animeyay]

I guess it's good for those who don't own a Wii yet but are planning to buy one (and I'm one of them).
Knew this one's coming some time this year though, since the Wii was already losing its edge.

[Ranshiin]

Don't tell me you didn't ever expect it?


/troll

Sarcasm aside, the fact that the Wii was never really able to match the bigger consoles for graphics may be what's prompting these claims of far improved graphics. Really, the Wii is more about the gameplay, but since so many kids these days buy games based on how they look rather than how they play ...

/more trolling

But really ... a HD screen on the controller? To be honest you're meant to be watching the TV, not your hands. Unless this is a step towards the exclusion of TVs in favour of handheld controls/display .... nah. they would just make a damn portable console if that was the case.

This thing sounds like it will be expensive, if these rumours and stuff are to go by. I will probably only get one for Smash Bros anyway.

[Shini]

I'm too lazy to quote it, but I agree with what Mac said. I'd only get it for a new version of SSB, assuming I'd even get it at all.

Side note, I believe the other consoles should follow suit and produce their own versions of SSB.

[Furore]

The rumors certainly hold my attention.
I'm liking the idea of the controller screen too as I figure it might allow stuff like the gba connected to gamecube did OR something similar to the pocketstation for PSX that allowed smaller games to be played portably. Oh, and the dreamcast also used something similar like with Sonic Adventure.

The Wii I was actually a little disappointed in because the only games I was into were Nintendo's usual franchises. Targeting the hardcore demographic would suit me greatly if they get a lot of support.

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

Funny thing is that Sony and MS weren't planning on a console until 2015. (MS had no plans, they basically said Kinect was like an "Xbox 720" somewhere). So depending on how much the Wii 2 does, this might change their minds. Yeah, and I thought the same as Furore about the HD controller.

Anyways, more articles on the loose:

 

Destructoid on French site info..

http://www.destructoid.com/more-nint...n-198922.phtml

More Nintendo console rumors about hardware, touch screen

French site 01net has revealed information about the new Nintendo console, thanks to a source who previously detailed Sony's NGP before it was announced. The same source earlier talked about Nintendo's upcoming E3 unveiling, which was reported by other sources on the internet as well.

The new Nintendo console is said to be codenamed "Project Café," possibly in an attempt to screw around with American bloggers who don't have the combination for the é key at the ready. The controller will be a tablet kind of controller in "standard definition" or at least sub-720p. Apparently it's supposed to be akin to an über version of the Dreamcast's VMU -- that little display thing you inserted in your controller.

The controller itself is said to include a 6" single-touch screen, d-pad, "L and R," two triggers, and "others." The functionality of the Wii's sensor bar has now been integrated into the controller, which would mean that you'd just use your controller as a sensor bar for Wiimote gameplay. It would a sport a front facing camera.

Also, because it's Nintendo we're talking about here, the cost of this controller is said to be "modest" and we shouldn't expect iPad levels of power or performance here. They call it an "iPad with buttons" for lack of a better term. 01net's source also elaborated on the hardware specs of the console itself.

The architecture would be similar to the Xbox 360 with a custom IBM PowerPC three core CPU, and "probably" an ATI R700 series GPU with shader model 4.1 support (i.e., higher than the 360's shader model 3.0 support). You can easily spin the shader model stuff into the console being more powerful than an Xbox 360, so if this is true that's something to keep in mind for the future.

This architecture would also allow for easier porting of titles developed for the 360, which has a similar architecture, and that would also make it much more interesting for third party developers to develop for Nintendo's new console as well (or just port old stuff over). Sources close to Blu-ray.com are also claiming that Nintendo is looking into Bluray for its medium of choice.

01net's sources tell them that Project Café has another big surprise coming up, but that is as of yet shrouded in mystery. All of this doesn't sound too far-fetched, as it would allow for a more developer-friendly current-gen console to take over from the Wii's struggling hardware sales. And it gives Nintendo a strong boost for the next couple of years while Microsoft and Sony scratch their heads over how to approach their next generation consoles.


http://www.01net.com/editorial/53166...-pour-manette/

Analysts comment on Wii successors, says 2012 is too late, system might have camera tech, and more


"I think the right time for the console was in front of Kinect and Move, and think that Nintendo has forever lost one customer for each Kinect and Move unit sold. That means they should have launched the Wii 2 in Fall 2009, and at the latest in Fall 2010, so a launch in 2011 is late. With that said, it's never 'too' late, since they can retain the lion's share of the market by inducing current Wii owners to upgrade, and by capturing undecided consumers who have either not yet purchased a console or who have not yet bought Kinect or Move. It's highly likely that there is a Wii 2 reveal at E3. If they don't do it this year, then it might be too late next year." - Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter

"Nintendo needs to launch first in the next generation, as Wii is somewhat saturated and the console's low resolution graphics lag in the current generation. I expect the next Nintendo console in 2012 at the latest, so a 2011 E3 launch announcement is a strong possibility. There will be some risk for Nintendo in the next generation - Wii has a huge installed base and Nintendo should work to keep that base active as long as possible. Nintendo has successfully straddled handheld generations, but console succession is far trickier. 'Wii 2' will need to be backwards compatible, as Nintendo is likely to support Wii with software until the next console gains sufficient penetration. The next Nintendo console is likely to have improved motion control and to include video camera tech, but I'd be disappointed if it didn't have some off-the-wall innovation that pushes the medium forward in an unforeseen direction. With Wii and with handhelds, Nintendo doesn't compete with other vendors on hardware. In fact, Nintendo leads with hardware control and user interface. However, Nintendo must step up and compete in the online console marketplace and multiplayer experience, where Microsoft and Sony are performing strongly. Connected devices' online experience should lead, rather than follow, the hardware's capabilities." - M2 Research analyst Billy Pidgeon

"Unfortunately I cannot speculate on what a Wii 2 will have. I literally have no information on it, so anything I speculate will surely be wrong. But I can say this. Nintendo doesn't go with the flow, they never have, and gamers can expect Nintendo to continue to be original and offer up an experience that simply cannot be found or matched on other platforms. But if you want to use some historical information. Nintendo announced the Revolution, later renamed the Wii, at their 2005 E3 press conference, a full year and half from its official release. So a Wii 2 announcement certainly wouldn't be a shocker if they plan for a 2012 holiday release." - EEDAR VP Jesse Divnich




http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=155887

http://twitter.com/jimreilly/statuses/58948527677648896


Originally Posted by Jim Reilly - IGN:


There will be first and third party "Wii 2" games at E3. No clue if they'll be playable.

'Wii 2' Codenamed 'Project Cafe'
New Nintendo console details surface.

According to our sources, the new Nintendo controller will feature dual analog sticks in addition to standard d-pad and trigger buttons. It'll mirror a Gamecube controller in general function but not in specific form.

French website 01.net has published additional details (via Develop), that say the touch capable screen on the controller is 6 inches in size, but we were unable to confirm the accuracy of the report. Additional details about the console's hardware specs could also not be confirmed.

Players will actually be able to stream game content to the controller screen from the console. It's unclear at this time what type of content it will be, whether it's full games you can take with you on the go, mini-games or applications.

At E3 in June, our sources also said Nintendo will show first and third party titles at the event, but it's unsure if they'll be playable or only in video form.




http://wii.ign.com/articles/116/1162045p1.html

http://twitter.com/jimreilly/statuses/58952595657596929


Originally Posted by Jim Reilly - IGN:

Dual analog sticks on the controller. Can stream game content from the console. Not sure if it'll be full games, mini-games, or apps.

Project Cafe? Oh, jesus.....*facepalm*

But this is too many articles released just for a day old announcement...so I smell trolling or desperate journalists... I mean, that's their job though.

[Aulos]

So hoping every word of this is true.

The Wii is not completely devoid of good games, but all of them have gotten really boring over time and it's just been making me wish that they'd just bring out a new console with a clean slate already. The GCN kept me playing a long time, in fact I still play more GCN games these days than I do Wii games. That's a sad reflection upon the Wii. The Wii has been Nintendo's weakest console by far, IMO. I'm hoping they step up their game with the next generation console.

Personally, I'm glad they're bringing the graphics up to date. There's no reason not to. Not that it's that big of a deal, but the fact that there is no real reason for them to be lagging behind in that department brings it to light.

And I really hope they move away from the gimmicks that have been implemented into all of their consoles as of late. The touch screen on the DS is okay, but the Wii Remote has just become a large nuisance for me in the end. The "innovation" that it brings just isn't enough to justify all of the trouble that I have to go through to get the whole set up even working. I had to get a new sensor bar, which requires four batteries to even operate. And then my Wii Remote stays on for some reason and drains the batteries. It seems like anytime I want to play the console I have to replace batteries on everything, and then I have to adjust the sensor bar to make the Wii Remote even work on the TV.

All of that just doesn't justify what the innovation of it brings. So please, Nintendo, go back to regular controllers. If the system is backwards compatible with the Wii that's fine, just allow all of that to be hooked up, but I really think the console itself needs to go back to controllers.

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

My theory could be that they could be pleasing both casuals and hardcore gamers with this. The Wii has sold more units than the Xbox 360 and the PS3 combined, so I say that it will have more life, kinda like the PS2. With that, they said that they are going to make games to gain their hardcore gamers back so what they could do is still develop those casual gimmick games for the Wii and develop the hardcore games in this "Project Cafe" aka Wii 2.

Also...
Wii 2: We rate the likelihood of the current rumours



http://www.gamesradar.com/f/wii-2-we...15112223964081

[Miss Moonlight]

Oh noez ... I don't even have the first Wii. Had it, had to sell it. I want the 25th Anniversary Red Edition Wii, though ...

[Skylar1]

oooh yeah, Nintendo most certainly will release more hardcore titles for this console.

.. or at least, they'd better. I excused the first Wii's lack of hardcore titles since they did do a really good job at bringing in a massive new base of gamers that would have never been into video games otherwise. this time though, I'm going to be a bit more critical.

[Bulf]

Project cafe, hmm? If they name it the Nintendo Coffee I'll have an honest to god nerdgasm.

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

Finally a delete button.....

This is good...

RUMOR motherload - Wii successor third and first party support, E3 show details, 3DS games on the way


Another big round of rumors coming from a source that outed the Rockstar rumor before 01.net did, so take that for what it's worth.

- Square Enix, Capcom, Sega, Konami, Activision, Rockstar/Take Two, Electronic Arts, Namco and Ubisoft all have development kits
- each company has at least one game in the works
- Nintendo really reaching out to third parties
- Nintendo may hold back 1st party games at launch to help promote third party offerings
- StarFox for the Wii successor is in early development stages
- storage solution at work that should do away with the issues third parties had on Wii
- revamped downloadable service
- much-loved FPS getting a 'port' to 3DS
- big focus on 3DS at E3 showing
- Nintendo considering launching Skyward Sword around the same time Wii's successor hits
- Hideo Kojima approached concerning Wii successor
- Resident Evil game being worked on for Wii successor
- Retro working on a Wii successor game, not related to Metroid


http://gameolosophy.com/consoles/wii...#ixzz1K0495cMH
http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=156206

More evidence of Retro Studios working on Wii successor game, taking on project 'everyone wants'


- Retro Studios working on Wii successor
- taking on a project everyone wants us to do
- information comes from two sources within Retro
- company was amongst the very first to receive a development ki
- have been working ever since on a new project for the Wii successor



http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=156221
http://paulgalenetwork.com/home/2011...o-do-on-wii-2/

E3...can't wait.

IGN Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast discusses Wii successor rumors, reiterates what we've already heard

Here's what the IGN Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast crew had to say in this week's show...

- should be significantly more powerful than the Xbox 360 and PS3
- “surprisingly” powerful rumor was originally out there two months ago, but it was dismissed early on
- information is coming directly from people who are developing games for the system
- they say the system does exist, and the information is not rumor but unverified
- real controller is comparable to “an iPad stuck in the middle of a Dreamcast controller.”
- six-inch touchscreen in-between the dual analog sticks and triggers
- capacitative screen that is unlikely to support multi-touch
- system will supposedly be “announced in some manner before E3”
- upcoming shareholder meeting on April 26th is the most logical date
- not sure they believe the Rockstar/GTAV rumor
- may see release in first or second quarter of 2012, but late 2012 still seems more likely
- "…developers with kits are saying the controller looks like a standard controller but with an LCD and touch screen fused in the middle"
- "…this would be ideal for co-op types of games where the experienced player could be playing on the big screen, while your Dad or little brother who suck, can play co-op with some smaller type of role being played on a separate controller on the little screen."



http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=156268

Okay so at lot of rumors are being leaked....

Supposed leaked picture from the Controller thread

http://i53.tinypic.com/v4npko.jpg


RUMOR - Wii successor controller/system mock-up art pops up on 4chan, most likely fan-made


http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=156255

SO MUCH INFO LEAKED SO MUCH LEAKED INFO....You know what? Screw this, let's all wait for E3...This is either a bag of BS or someone is going to get fired at Nintendo.

[Jewunit]

Nintendo has always been one to surprise everyone. This being said, I can't wait to hear the official controller scheme and find out the exact specs. Color me unimpressed, but a console launching that "may be on par" with a 6 year old system? Some reviews I read say it will be on par while others say it will "blow it out of the water", i'll wait for an official announcement...

Also, no reason to wait for a launch list, if you know Nintendo here is what to expect:

Mario Game HD
Zelda Game HD
SSB Game HD (that probably will be delayed)
Animal Crossing HD
etc....
...Apparently they're working on 3rd parts as well...wonder how large their launch list of 3rd party games will be..

I've been hearing the speculation of the $400 price tag, I don't buy it. I would say it's more likely to be around 300 USD. If nothing else though this will make MS and Sony to have a better conference at E3 this year, they wont want to be left behind in the dust by Nintendo.

[animeyay]

$400?! That's robbery!

I right now have a hard time deciding whether to spend $170 on a new camera. >.>

[Eris]

Nintendo has always been one to surprise everyone. This being said, I can't wait to hear the official controller scheme and find out the exact specs. Color me unimpressed, but a console launching that "may be on par" with a 6 year old system? Some reviews I read say it will be on par while others say it will "blow it out of the water", i'll wait for an official announcement...

Indeed. Current gen console graphics are really quite medieval compared to what PC hardware can do. So it would be quite silly of them to release a console that can't even match the 6+ years old hardware specs of current gen consoles. Heck, cellphones are like a year or two away from surpassing current generation consoles in computing power.

[Aulos]

Apparently, Friend Codes are going to be a thing of the past with this console.

Incredible. First they improve the system with the 3DS, and now it's going to be gone. I so hope this rumor is true!

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

Yup, I read that in another forum as well, I really hope it's true..I don't be wanna be 312314123123123 anymore. D=

[Jewunit]

This seems to be a prototype for the control scheme based on the many reviews I've read. I'm really disappointed if this is it. It's a GC Controller with a touch screen.... Time will only tell though..

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

I already posted it dude. It's like a post for nothing, FFS. =____=

And no, it looks like the Classic Controller Pro.

[Jewunit]

The newer reviews I'm reading have the screen on it Kaitou.

IGN source,,,view latest photos... It's not a post for nothing, if you're going to say something like that, then be sure of it first.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/116/1163325p1.html

[Aulos]

This seems to be a prototype for the control scheme based on the many reviews I've read. I'm really disappointed if this is it. It's a GC Controller with a touch screen.... Time will only tell though..

I'd much rather have that than the Wii Remote, to be honest. The GCN controller is a lot better and more convenient.

[Skylar1]

Classic controller makes eric a happy eric

[Hanamaru Kunikida]

More leaks about Project Cafe:

- Nintendo are planning a full reveal of the console, controller and 1st/2nd party games at E3.

- The console is confirmed to be backwards compatible with all Wii/Gamecube titles, and all your VC games will be transferred over once you link your credit card to the system.

- Many 3rd party developers have development kits who are supposedly hard at work to have something to show (and play) at E3.

- 3rd Parties were involved with the development of the console, with requests for what specifications they'd like to see. As of now (which could change) the system runs of a custom built IBM triple-core CPU and has 2gb RAM. The graphics chip is a custom built Radeon R700 chip.

- There is an internal SSD. Size is unknown at this point.

- It will run natively at 1080p.

- The new controller slightly resembles a Gamecube controller with a large LCD screen in the middle of it. The controller is light for its size and looks like a tablet with Gamecube-like prongs to the side. It has dual analogue sticks, face buttons, d-pad and shoulder buttons. No triggers were on the device.

- The screen on the controller is indeed a 6" LCD high resolution (reported 640 x 960 pixels) display. However, Nintendo said in order to keep battery life manageable, the controller doesn't have any hardware to produce graphics itself. The image is simply a video stream directly from the console.

- The controller uses rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Size of the battery is unknown.

- The Wiimote can be used and a new model of Wiimote will be released with the console. This new controller will have overhauled internals allowing for much more precise movement tracking than even the Wiimote Plus had.

- The Project Cafe system development kit is not representative of the final console design. The console is smaller and resembles the Japanese/European SNES models.

- Nintendo have told developers that their online system will be 'the best online experience' that's available on consoles. The whole idea of the machine is to be connected to the internet 24/7. It's being targeted as an online/social console. Friend codes are gone, but no word on whether the online service will be subscription based.

- The Pokemon RPG is the title Nintendo will be showing off their online experience with.

- As reported by other sources, Nintendo is targeting this console to the hardcore gamers once again.

- Nintendo is planning on some sophisticated inter-game communication between the 3DS and the console. Nintendo didn't explain what they're planning on.

To be shown at E3:

Nintendo:
- Pikmin 3 (playable, launch title)
- Pokemon RPG (video, launch or near launch title)
- Super Mario Bros title (playable)
- Star Fox (playable)
- Smash Bros 4 (playable)
- Mario Kart (video)
- Zelda (tech demo)
- Metroid (tech demo)
- New IP (video)

Rockstar Games:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (video)
- Grand Theft Auto "New Title" (video)

Ubisoft:
- Rayman Legends (playable)
- Red Steel 3 (playable)
- New IP (video)

SquareEnix:
- Final Fantasy XV

Capcom:
- Resident Evil (video)
- Megaman (video)
- Monster Hunter (video)

EA:
- NBA '13 (video)
- NFL '13 (video)
- NHL '13 (video)

Activision:
- Modern Warfare 3 (video)

Konami:
- Metal Gear title (video)
- Winning Eleven (video)

Namco:
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (playable)
- Soul Calibur 5 (video)
- Pacman Rebirth (video)

http://boards.ign.com/nintendo_wii_l...1896193/p1/?30

I'm going to E3 2011....So I'm so happy I am going to get to try it. =3

The list smells like a bag of poop though.