Post by: ultrafamicom on November 13, 2003, 02:50:59 AM
"The company will start selling the next-generation video game machine next year in Japan. It didn't say whether the machine would be hand-held. Sales of consoles will begin in China this month, Nintendo said."
(That would be the iQue ! )
quote:
"Console shipments for the full year are still in line with the
company's previous plans, with 20 million Game Boy Advance systems and
6 million GameCubes to be shipped. Sales of game systems in China is
also expected to begin within this month, according to director
Yoshihiro Mori. The company plans to release their next-generation
machine within Japan next year, placing it on display at a trade show
in America next May."
Post by: Piposan on November 13, 2003, 03:30:28 AM
here
for more.
Post by: Cap on November 13, 2003, 04:46:07 AM
Post by: ghostVi on November 13, 2003, 05:52:45 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 13, 2003, 06:14:58 AM
Still a 2004 launch would suggest that they would have to have playable games at E3 if they planned on pulling that off. I'm hoping this is a mistranslation or a mixup with the iQue. 2004 is WAY too early to release a new console particularly when the competition isn't launching until 2006. 2005 has long been rumoured as the launch date with the idea being that Nintendo would not give Sony a head start but since it's now been revealed that Sony won't launch until 2006 even that date seems unnecessarily early. A 2004 launch date is the Dreamcast all over again.
An E3 2004 debut followed by a spring/summer 2005 launch sounds a lot more likely and would be a better option since it's closer yet still ahead of the PS3 launch and if they launch before fall by Christmas they'll have a fair amount of titles available.
Post by: CaseyRyback on November 13, 2003, 06:36:26 AM
Post by: The Omen on November 13, 2003, 06:43:27 AM
Quote
2005 has long been rumoured as the launch date with the idea being that Nintendo would not give Sony a head start but since it's now been revealed that Sony won't launch until 2006 even that date seems unnecessarily early. A 2004 launch date is the Dreamcast all over again.
I don't agree. If you recall, Sega was dead before they released the Dreamcast. The Saturn completely flopped. They were in debt big time, and just dug themselves deeper with the release of DC. So they didnt have a big market going into the DC era, whereas Nintendo has a very large, loyal following. Financially, we know Nintendo is in great shape.
Now there is a risk of the other systems trumping Nintendos specs given the extra time. But i contend it would also put the PS4 and Xbox 3 at a disadvantage, when 2 years into the life cycle of the PS3, Sony have to deal with Nintendo readying the NEXT system to trump them. And with that big of a head start,I think its a win/ win situation. They just have to make the N5 incredibly appealing, and they'll start to gain mass appeal while the others scramble to catch up. Basically, this puts the power in Nintendos hands for 2 generations at least. I just dont see a Nintendo system failing that badly. Think of this, all the 3rd parties will jump on the bandwagon if its the only next gen system available, and once they do, the N5 will become like the PS2. It will recieve priority over the others when theyre finally released. I like the aggression in this move, if true.
Post by: CaseyRyback on November 13, 2003, 06:56:50 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 13, 2003, 07:00:47 AM
Not necessarily. Though it's not the best example the Dreamcast got a fair bit of N64 and PSX ports back in the day that didn't really show off the power of the system. That could happen if the N5 launches too early. We already have a problem with multiplatform games not reaching their full potential because they're designed for the PS2. That could continue. Third parties don't care about the hardware as much as where the money can be made. If they cared about hardware then the Sega Master System, Turbo Grafix 16, 3DO, etc wouldn't have been flops.
Though I can see a few gung-ho developers who really want to use better hardware giving it a try but there certainly won't be a complete third party migration. The best strategy in launching early is to get some unknown developers with a lot of potential to make use of the new hardware and make some games that are impossible to replicate on the other consoles. This worked for the Genesis which is the only console I can think of that launched well ahead of the competition and was successful.
Post by: Bill Aurion on November 13, 2003, 07:05:56 AM
Post by: The Omen on November 13, 2003, 07:06:31 AM
Quote
Not necessarily. Though it's not the best example the Dreamcast got a fair bit of N64 and PSX ports back in the day that didn't really show off the power of the system. That could happen if the N5 launches too early.
But the Dreamcast had no third party support because....the Saturn had none! The Saturn is the system that killed them, not the DC. Nintendo have been making agreements with these 3rd parties, and i think a lot of them will be on board at launch. 2 years is much too long for the casual gamer to wait for another system, especially if the N5 has kick ass games . And casual gamers will propel the N5 into a PS2 like position. Sony will be back on their heels. I believe this could work.
Post by: the_zombie_luke on November 13, 2003, 07:14:14 AM
Too bad the article said that it was not known if the next-gen system was Game Boy or GameCube 2.
Post by: thecubedcanuck on November 13, 2003, 07:19:19 AM
Will people buy a new system this soon after the last one was released, especially the ones who just dropped $99 on the cube. Was the $99 cube used to hook them, and the new system used to real them in? Or is this all BS?
This could get very interesting.
Post by: thecubedcanuck on November 13, 2003, 07:21:14 AM
call this MEGATON and I will personally kill you
Post by: Ian Sane on November 13, 2003, 07:27:06 AM
Post by: The Omen on November 13, 2003, 07:55:19 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 13, 2003, 07:58:46 AM
I've always said that for the N5 Nintendo has to match what Sony and MS are offering. Therefore having smaller memory cards or smaller discs doesn't cut it. So I think they should switch to the DVD format and allow their machine to play DVD movies. Since the Q can do it then backwards compatibility can still exist.
Post by: PIAC on November 13, 2003, 08:28:43 AM
i don't rrreally think Nintendo would roll out a console for 2004, i just don't see it happening, not when Iwata said they want to meet the competition for release dates, unless... that was just a bluff, which they have done before.. oww now i don't know what to think, better just screem megaton some more
MEGATON!
Post by: Pale on November 13, 2003, 08:36:56 AM
Post by: thecubedcanuck on November 13, 2003, 08:54:03 AM
I warned you!
This looks very real now, lots of gaming sites covering this.
http://www.gamespot.com/gba/news/news_6083469.html
Post by: seven_chaos on November 13, 2003, 08:57:23 AM
Post by: Clonester on November 13, 2003, 09:02:26 AM
If a lot of people buy the N5 then this decision will help make Nintendo #1 for next gen.
***BUT***
If not enough people buy it, then Nintendo will be screwed over badly.
This worked for the PS2, but we're talking about a different company and a different set of circumstances. The question is: would the risk be worth it???
Post by: ThePerm on November 13, 2003, 09:07:08 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 13, 2003, 10:03:41 AM
"Nintendo has not stated whether or not this new product will come in the form of a console, handheld, or as a peripheral unit. It was also reported by a company spokesman that this product won't be a successor to any of the current hardware on the market. However, Nintendo has repeatedly stated that they will be the first to release its next-generation console, so it is possible that Nintendo, despite denials, is planning to release their next console at the end of 2004."
Both IGN and Gamepro think that this new console is that "exciting new product" that Iwata was talking about a little while ago and that it probably isn't a new Gameboy or Gamecube successor. Sounds to me like it may be something completely different like the Virtual Boy. Hopefully that's not a bad thing.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on November 13, 2003, 10:23:02 AM
At Gamespot they've stated that its not a GC or GBA successor but rather something new.
http://www.gamespot.com/all/news/news_6083492.htmlText
Post by: Michael8983 on November 13, 2003, 10:51:34 AM
Perhaps a portable version of the Gamecube with a screen attached and the Wavebird as the standard controller. Something like that could really catch on considering how popular those portable DVD players have become recently.
Nintendo actually showed off its own portable LCD screen for the GCN a couple years ago at E3 and I think I heard something about it costing about $50. So considering the current price of the Gamecube, maybe the Gamecube SP could be as cheap as $150.
Something like this would definitly make sense out of Nintendo's recent commitment to LAN play. People could connect their GCSP's up similar to the way GBAs are hooked up for multiplayer games. The split-screen thing just wouldn't work on small, portable screens so LAN play is the obvious solution. It could also allow a lot of the same innovations the GBA connectivity allows without actually requiring a GBA.
A Gamecube SP could serve as competition with the PSP without prematurely ending the GBA/SP's run and give the Gamecube a second launch and a second market which would cause a jump in third-party support and greatly expand its userbase.
Besides, after the success of the GBASP a GCSP just seems to obvious I find it hard to believe it won't happen. It might not end up being exactly what I've speculated but I'm almost certain it will eventually exist.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on November 13, 2003, 11:03:50 AM
Oooh maybe a virtual boy 2. This time its more than seizures.
Post by: The Omen on November 13, 2003, 11:10:25 AM
Quote
Everyone fails to mention that if nintendo launches this early, in another 2 years the other two would come along then they would be the newest thing thus killing the new nintendo system.
Youre missing a major point-if they released 2 years later, how many casual gamers will wait? And what happens when Nintendo is ready for their next system, and the PS3 has only been out 2 years? It handcuffs Sony on so many levels. That being said, i'm sure its nothing as progressive or aggressive as that.
Post by: Oldskool on November 13, 2003, 11:29:18 AM
Hmmm....
Mario "128" for N5 launch
Too Human for N5 launch
Metroid Prime 2 for N5 launch
Some third party exclusives for N5 launch. (I have a feeling two games from Capcom, one from Konami, one from Square-Enix, and a few others.)
I'm guessing the last "AAA" 1st party Cube title will be Zelda: WW2.
I am guessing that N5 will launch with PS3, or abouat 4-5 months after.
THE MAGIC 8 BALL OF GUESSING SEES ALL!!!
Any one else have their own predictions?
Post by: Oldskool on November 13, 2003, 11:30:18 AM
Hmmm....
Mario "128" for N5 launch
Too Human for N5 launch
Metroid Prime 2 for N5 launch
Some third party exclusives for N5 launch. (I have a feeling two games from Capcom, one from Konami, one from Square-Enix, and a few others.)
I'm guessing the last "AAA" 1st party Cube title will be Zelda: WW2.
I am guessing that N5 will launch with PS3, or abouat 4-5 months after.
THE MAGIC 8 BALL OF GUESSING SEES ALL!!!
Any one else have their own predictions?
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on November 13, 2003, 11:40:22 AM
Where did you get the idea that there will be no more mario's for GC, that was a rumor started by one editorial on something that was said in an interview, there is no garuntee that their will be no more Mario on the GC.
Metroid Prime 2 will probably arrive on the GC since Retro is working on it right now.
Too Human is pushed back because SK is working on Twin Snakes and another secret project.
People need to stop worrying about the cube, its going to be around for a while. And with Sales as strong as they are Nintendo is going to post a profit for the second half of the fiscal year.
Post by: seven_chaos on November 13, 2003, 12:02:07 PM
Post by: mjbd on November 13, 2003, 12:15:22 PM
Post by: Nintendo Gamecube on November 13, 2003, 02:25:17 PM
Edit: Here's a link from Gamespot to proove it CLICK HERE
One thing I noted is when he (forget his anme) was asked if this new hardware was portable or home, he said NIETHER.
What else is left?
Post by: Berny on November 13, 2003, 03:29:16 PM
That is a paraphrase so don't b!tch at me for getting a quote wrong. Well, hate to start the rumor mill churning but the way the article was written made it look like the next game is a book or movie adaptation. I'm stuck between anxiety and hope right now...
I can provide a scan on Saturday if anyone wants to see the article.
Post by: Bill Aurion on November 13, 2003, 03:35:27 PM
Post by: Cap on November 13, 2003, 03:43:29 PM
Post by: The Omen on November 13, 2003, 06:41:25 PM
Quote
People need to stop worrying about the cube, its going to be around for a while. And with Sales as strong as they are Nintendo is going to post a profit for the second half of the fiscal year.
Who said anything about worrying?
Quote
It means that this piece of hardware will be an accessory...That doesn't bother me at all, but you just know there are people here who are going to have high expectations and bitch when they find out that their wet dreams aren't real...*looks around suspiciously*
If its a gimmick accessory, then every person in here should be disappointed. Its got to be something incredible for them to leak info about it because Nintendo know the uproar any rumors will cause.
Post by: Ian Sane on November 14, 2003, 06:10:31 AM
Well it still may be a gimmick accessory. Nintendo's definition of a gimmick and our definition are quite different. Nintendo thought the waterpack in Super Mario Sunshine was so innovative that they were afraid to show it too early in case other developers might steal it. They also think that the GBA/GC conncetion is like the wave of the future. They've been pushing gimmicks as industry changing innovation throughout the Gamecube's life. If this is a gimmick accessory odds are Nintendo doesn't think it is.
I really doubt it will be a portable Gamecube but that would REALLY kick ass and would not only greatly increase the Cube's market share but would provide as a suitable competitor to the PSP.
Post by: thecubedcanuck on November 14, 2003, 06:43:42 AM
well said
Post by: BlkPaladin on November 14, 2003, 07:04:30 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 14, 2003, 07:07:14 AM
Post by: bigbrownbear on November 14, 2003, 07:15:30 AM
i think that a gamecube sp-like device would solve a lot of the issues nintendo faces in launching the next console. imagine this if you wil.....
nintendo has to know or at least pretend to know (heh) that theyhave to match hardware with sony and microsoft in order to compete on an even playing field next go round. they are always looking to cut corners and save a few bucks while designing a new console. what do we know is going to be standard on the next console? i think hard drives and some form of dvd drive and built in modems/broadband connections and backwards compatibility. nintendo wants to be the cheapest, but at a cost to losing a hardware feature. a GCSP would kill 2 birds with one stone, if u want to play gamecube games, you can own the GCSP, seeing how they have to compete with the psp in some form, they dont even have to spend money on r&d, so that frees up more money so maybe that will not remove any features other consoles are offering. also by doing this, nintendo isn't restricted to sub par graphics that dont take full advantage of the connection feature. think about it, a portable game system with GC quality graphics, with a large user base, thats like a drunk prom date, the temptation is to tempting not to do it
. back to reality, i dont know what it'll be, but we know one thing for sure, it'll be something.
Post by: thecubedcanuck on November 14, 2003, 07:56:04 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on November 14, 2003, 08:20:25 AM
While a portable Cube is a really cool idea and I've love it if Nintendo released one when you think about it would be pretty hard to make small since the controller itself has a lot more buttons than a GBA (and two analog sticks) and you also need at least one memory card slot. That's not including features that people would want to have included like the ability to hook it up to the TV and join additional controllers to it. Plus it has to support the modem which takes up a fair bit of space. In order to pull it off they would probably have to make a seperate "home usage kit" that attached to the unit and allowed you to have the ports at the bottom and attach four controllers.
Even as a barebones unit a portable Gamecube would at least be the size of a Cube controller with a flip up screen like the GBA SP. That alone is too big to fit in someone's pocket so such a device would likely be marketed a little differently than the GBA. It would still be super convenient but more like a laptop than a GBA.
Post by: Michael8983 on November 14, 2003, 01:58:16 PM
Exactly. It would be like a laptop or a better comparison would be one of those trendy little portable DVD players.
When I picture a portable Gamecube, I see it being shorter and (if necessary) wider than the standard Gamecube with a folding portable screen attached to the top. It would only need a single memory card slot and a single controller port since the screen would be too small for multiple players to view anyway. Instead, the idea would be that each player would have their own Gamecube (portable or standard) and connect them together just like with GBAs. Actually it wouldn't have a traditional controller port, just the Wavebird frequency dialer thing. The Wavebird would be perfect for a portable Gamecube because it not only eliminates the clumbsy cord but also allows you to play in basically any position you want. Maybe Nintendo could even design a smaller version of the Wavebird or at least give it retractable analog sticks.
The key to making a portable Gamecube work would be just keeping it as simple as possible even if it means Nintendo going against the wishes of some of its more hardcore fans who'll want it packed with every cool feature you can think of. It's the casual gamers that Nintendo could really win over with a portable Gamecube afterall and they'll only want it if it's inexpensive and accessible. Nintendo could of course offer a lot of those cool features as accessories though.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 14, 2003, 09:59:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: thecubedcanuck
what on gods green earth would you power a portable gamecube with? 75 AAA's??? How long would batteries last with so much power being needed? Wouldnt the weight of this be outragious?
This is said to last 2.5 hours with an attached LCD. I'm sure if N used more modern (i.e. smaller, less consuming) parts for that GCP they could give it a battery life well above that of the PSP.
