Topic: What's next after Wii?

[Robageejammin]

Its been stated several times by Nintendo that right when they release a console, they immediately begin working on another. With a little over a month away from the release of the Wii, you can't help but wonder. So to get away from all of the Wii talk for a sec, what do you think could possibly come next? I've always had my theory of "new console --> graphical upgrade--> new console --> graphical upgrade" aka NES --> SNES -->N64 -->GC. This theory is actually still in effect for Nintendo, despite how competitors are releasing a second graphical upgrade. Now, its a little strange to think of what an upgrade for Wii would be, or if there will even be one rather than another brand new console.

The first thing that comes to mind for the successor to Wii would just be an even more immersive experience. Possibly more compact methods of control like ankle straps, wrist bands, head band and the like, all with motion tech installed. Maybe even, dare I say it, a VR helmet? Then again, these can pretty easily become new accessories for the Wii. Overall, I really think Nintendo can bring us closer to the brink of virtual reality better than anyone else can.

Anyway, share your ideas here. Cause whatever we can come up with, is probably something Nintendo is thinking about right now.

[JonLeung]

Some of the extreme rumours that went around for the Revolution/Wii might become more realistic/feasible in the next or future generations.

If the Wii is successful, Sony and Microsoft and anyone else who might dare to enter the console market will have to come up with new things since they see an increase in power isn't the only answer.  I personally hope Nintendo remains the leader of innovation, but no doubt everyone will try to do new and different things.

That said, controllers like the WiiPointer may not become standard - because everyone will be trying to find the next new weird disruptive thing.  Motion sensing probably will still be involved for a while, though.

[jasonditz]

I think HDTV support is a given next time around.

[ginx619]

My question is where do any of them go from here?After watching the 360 footage that was released on Live yesterday I really wonder how much more can be done to improve graphics?They may not be completely realistic yet but we're just now entering the first year of these next gen consoles.I can only imagine what games on the PS3 and 360 will look like at the end of this generation.

Now Nintendo hasn't made that huge leap this time with the Wii but I expect them to catch up with their next console.The only real improvements I can see taking place in the next generation to really differentiate these consoles from this generation will be imrpoved physics and AI.

For the Wii specifically I expect even better accuracy and perhaps some expansions to the Wiimote,HDTV support, and an improved online service.

[Smoke39]

A VR helmet?  I doubt it.  That seems like something that would scare away non-gamer types.  Maybe if they could implement the same functionality in something closer to a pair of shades.

[MaryJane]

I think the wii is like the NES so next generation I expect to see a SWii of sorts. more buttons on the controller improved ergonomics much better graphics hd support of course. I don't like the idea of adding foot controllers and other body part controllers gets to be a little too sparkling innovationy maybe both controllers will be pointers to make it even more immersive. vr shades would be the only acceptable form of vr anything would just not seem right. that's how I feel anyway.

[couchmonkey]

I have no idea.  A purely enhanced version of Wii might be all Nintendo needs, especially if Wii takes off.  That said, Nintendo has  reason to continue avoiding the graphical arms race - specifically, keeping development costs down.  Improve the graphics, give the player more control in true 3D space (current controller only senses 2D space + acceleration in various directions)...but is that really what Nintendo will do?  

If Wii is not successful, then expect Nintendo to release another system just like it, only totally different.  Something that is unexpected.  If Wii is successful, then a plain upgrade is possible, but don't expect more than one generation of plain upgrades.

Sony and Microsoft are already reaching the limit of what graphics can do, Nintendo has successfully found a solution to the problem they would have faced in five years anyway - once graphics are almost photorealistic, will people pay $500 to make them slightly more almost photorealistic?  Sony and Microsoft will have to either try to emulate Nintendo, or try to come up with something brand-new,.

[Ian Sane]

Starting on the new console right after the old one was released made sense for the old way Nintendo did things.  The main change was superior hardware which could be worked on immediately and stuff like the new controllers could be worked on later.  The upgraded hardware was the safe bet.  Something like the analog stick might have bombed so the controller can't be worked on right away but you can always assume that improving the hardware will go over well.

But the Wii is almost literally a Gamecube.  They didn't even bother to upgrade the sound options for it.  Nintendo can't just start working on the new hardware because they're not considering the safe option anymore.  Hardware upgrades aren't the priority.  But the Wii is too weird to just continue in a similar direction.  Nintendo has to wait and see how the Wii is accepted.  It wouldn't do them any good for example to start thinking of how to improve the remote is the remote totally bombed, would it?  They have to see how the Wii does so they can decide to expand on the Wii concept, go back to the old way of doing things, or try something else that's completely different from both.

What I'm wondering though is what happened to the original Revolution concept.  When they started working on the Cube successor I really doubt they were thinking about what the Wii became.  I'd assume there's some sort of original design sitting that more resembles the X360 or PS3 in that it's just more power.

[Nick DiMola]

Actually I wouldn't be surprised if in 2 to 3 years Nintendo releases Wii2, which is essentially the Wii with more graphical power and HD output of course. It would use all the same accessories and would fall into the middle of the 360/PS3 generation, and outshine them graphically. This could be a real killer if Nintendo can manage to grab hold of significant market share. Imagine Square deciding to do the next FF on the Wii2 because it has the graphical prowess of the other systems, the same innovative control of the Wii and significant enough market share to make it very profitable for Square. Not to mention in 2 to 3 years time, the technology that is expensive now will be dirt cheap then. Maybe I'm really off here, but it always seemed like a feasible move for Nintendo considering their position on not partaking in the graphical war. I think I'm not the only one who feels like they would rather play Wii games in 1080p with very high res graphics than how they are currently going to look.

[willie1234]

WiiLite

[Ceric]

It's already been stated by Nintendo that the Next console will definitely have HD.  Personally I think it will just be an upgrade.  Meaning Nintendo will have things to work on.  I don't think we'll see the machine itself Shrink because much smaller would be interesting to say the least.  I do think IBM will be given the go ahead to make the next chip and they'll start working together on that.  Same with ATI.  Just R&D for the next year.  Trying new ideas while they gauge the popularity of the WiiMote and everything.

I'm going to throw this out now.  The next Console I think they'll keep backwards compatibility by an accessory.  In fact I take back what I said and I think they'll get it down to one DVD case thickness.  Why do I believe this.   In the Iwata Developer interviews the mentioned that if it wasn't for the Optical Drive they probably could have done it.  With the projected price, speed benefit, and available size of Flash based Media I could see them going back to this.  Recently, I think it was Samsung, made a 64 Gig piece of flash memory.  The alternative would be HD-DVD and Blu-Ray at the moment.  The Flash base would give them Cart functional, like saves on the game itself, extremely fast read times, and a Size benefit.  A whole came could be stored on a disc smaller then a DS Cart.  Though I don't think they'll go smaller then a DS Cart because it wouldn't be ergonomically sound for consumers, like I think MicroSD is to easy to lose.  I believe this would be a good move for them.  Sort of full circle.  Then you just add the Wii Drive or the Wii itself as an accessory and you have your back compatibility with the Wii, GCN, and everything else is VC.  In fact you might just ditch that in favor of putting it all on the VC.

I've got to get back to work but I do have more ideas.

[BigJim]

Heh, I was expecting this thread to pop up within a week after the Wii's launch. We're early this time.

There will almost definitely be motion/position sensing involved from here on out, so Nintendo will continue to develop their pointing technology to eliminate the sensor bar, be more accurate, etc. Not sure what form factor the controller itself will take, but the motion aspect is a given.

HDTV standards and costs will be ironed out.

The Channels will continue to develop, and they and the VC will transition over. The HD will make for a much better browser, too.

And, um.... hmm, Wii backward compatible. And uh....  Hmm.

Well there are a number of easy things they can add to the channels, so they're not necessarily next-gen. Such as the traffic reports, podcasts, streaming radio, movie tickets, etc.
 

[Ian Sane]

"Actually I wouldn't be surprised if in 2 to 3 years Nintendo releases Wii2, which is essentially the Wii with more graphical power and HD output of course."

So they cut down the console lifecycle from 5 years to 2 or 3?  Well I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo did that considering how they shortened the GBC and GBA lifecyles.  I would be pretty irritated if they did that though.  I really hope they don't.  With graphic leaps getting smaller console lifecycles should be getting longer not shorter.

[Nick DiMola]

"So they cut down the console lifecycle from 5 years to 2 or 3? Well I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo did that considering how they shortened the GBC and GBA lifecyles. I would be pretty irritated if they did that though. I really hope they don't. With graphic leaps getting smaller console lifecycles should be getting longer not shorter."

Well its not that I think that Nintendo in general would cut down the life cycle of gaming systems, but in this particular case they chose to innovate in a different way and I think sooner than later Nintendo fans are going to want some nicer graphics to accompany their new HD sets, which are standard by what 2010?(3 years and a few months) I can see them at that point switching over to the high def graphics and offering an upgrade to the Wii so they can keep their customers from investing in a 360 or a PS3 and getting the graphical prowess they desire with Nintendo. In 3 years I don't think I would have any qualms about dropping another $250 for a graphical update to the Wii.

[Spak-Spang]

I think the next system needs to continue to push the technology in the Wii to create a even better movement based system.  More fluid, better and quicker movement calculations and such.

The experience could bring the two controller aspect even further by creating it without wires.  I however, do not want them to create 3D projection graphics, or headsets to wear...those are too limiting in a home environment.  If you went to an arcade amusement park it could work.

Finally, we know graphics will be improved upon by next generation.  If Nintendo just brings a new tighter Wii experience with graphics upto or surpassing the PS3 then I would be happy.  

Also I would love the technology to get to the point a sensor bar isn't needed.  

I think that is really all I am looking for.  Perhaps an even more expansive Virtual Console experience that brings home true arcade games.  The killer App being Trog.

[couchmonkey]

I'm going to go ahead and predict that Wii2 (or whatever it's called) will be no more powerful than an Xbxo 360.  Perhaps even less powerful.

Why?  Nintendo doesn't consider graphics important anymore, and neither will we after Wii has been around for a few years and has a far superior game lineup to Xbox 360 and even the awesome PS3.

[JonLeung]

Quote
Originally posted by: Smoke39
A VR helmet?  I doubt it.  That seems like something that would scare away non-gamer types.  Maybe if they could implement the same functionality in something closer to a pair of shades.

A whole helmet is scary, and should soon be unecessarily bulky.

I remember hearing about how VR "goggles" could actually be much more like a pair of glasses.  They would shoot laser beams directly onto your retinas.  (Naturally that would have to be tested out for years before we could see them in consumer products.)  Such a direct method would create images as sharp or even sharper than anything you would see normally.  Anyone who normally wears glasses wouldn't feel any difference if it's truly as light as a pair of glasses (and their poor vision doesn't affect what they'll see) and would surely feel in the game.  There wouldn't even be blind spots or an "outside of glasses" view because the lasers are fired right at your retina, so you'd have a perfect view all-around.

I could see Nintendo holding off on such a thing for long though, even after the technology is proven.  Survival horror games could be capable of killing people with weak hearts at that level of immersion.

[Adrock]

I envision graphics slightly better than PS3 with the ease of Wii development and more internal flash memory. I'd love to see wireless headsets and a movie player. That's it though. I'd never want a home entertainment center. Just when I'm tired of playing games, I can relax by watching a movie.

The controller will evolve, but won't be a radical change. Perhaps more face buttons. The ease of use is established with Wii so another button or so won't be threatening to the user who got into games with Wii. Many regular remotes have dozens of buttons, having 4 buttons instead of 1 big A button shouldn't be too complicated. The analog stick will likely have rumble though I'd love to see forced feedback in both pieces. Not simply rumble. I mean, the controller pushes against you. Say when fishing in Zelda, you pull the freehand controller back and the controller feels like its pushing forward. Who knows what else they're planning though? Nintendo has brought things to gaming that no one ever even thought of a couple years ago.

I don't think Nintendo will have to worry about Sony and MS stealing their ideas. Based on history, they simply look to copy Nintendo while Nintendo works on new things. The way i see it, Nintendo always seems ahead of the game in terms of innovation (barring online multiplayer), especially controller innovation, so they'll likely have something that Sony and MS don't next generation.

[BigJim]

If they release a new system 2 years later, the changes would have to be superficial... like the DS Lite. Cutting the lifecycle in half and adding more power, etc, would be Sega-frightening. Especially if Wii was just starting to take off.

I don't think an HD system could get much smaller due to thermal issues. At least not with any manufacturing processes coming in the next few years. But MAYBE 2 DVD cases thick.

As for media, not sure but it wouldn't surprise me if they went with proprietary HD-DVD, since (at least today) HD-DVDs are cheaper than BRDs. In a few years from now, I dunno. But I think they'll stick to discs. One day digital distribution will take over, but we're probably not gonna have that kinda bandwidth yet.

[Kairon]

Hmmm... I believe that the Wii2's schedule would still need to depend on the PS4 and X720's. Nintendo STILL wouldn't want to give away the new ideas that they had worked on, any new tech they've incorporated, or whatev.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[antman100]

As long as it called the "Wii Wii", what could possibly go wrong?

[Ceric]

I'm going to re-mention that I believe the next time they will ditch optical to favor Flash based game storage.

[Kairon]

Interesting idea Ceric... assuming they can get capacity up high enough and cost down low enough in time. Of course, this'd mean that the Wii2 will not include a hard drive, also going for the same flash memory route.

Another interesting thing to think about is that with the PS3, Sony is stuck into a 5-year business model because they don't make money for the first 3 or 4 years. Microsoft, of course, is always losing money anyways so they can do what they want.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[Guitar Smasher]

This is a good question that I'm not even going to consider for the next few years.

Judging from the difference between GC and Wii, what with the mainstreaming, I'm going to guess that Wii2 will be getting closer to the 'PC in the livingroom' concept.  It's a logical evolution, given how Wii is capable of internet browsing, and weather checking.  I would not be surprised at all if Wii2 was capable of some sort of IM/communication function, likely involving cameras and the Wiipointer.

[wandering]

Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Starting on the new console right after the old one was released made sense for the old way Nintendo did things.  The main change was superior hardware which could be worked on immediately and stuff like the new controllers could be worked on later.  The upgraded hardware was the safe bet.  Something like the analog stick might have bombed so the controller can't be worked on right away but you can always assume that improving the hardware will go over well.

I would assume the opposite. Nintendo was working with IBM on the chips that went inside the Cube for four years? I doubt it. I would guess new concepts take up alot more of their time, especially early on. For the N64, they had to figure out how they player would control things on a 3d plane. The analog stick was central to the whole system, and they almost certainly didn't save working on it until the last minute. As much as it may not support your position that graphical improvements are more important than what you perceive as sparkling innovations, the overall concept and philosophy of a system will always be Nintendo's central focus when designing a new system. At least, that's how I see it.