Nintendo Reveals Revolution Features

Wii

May 17, 2005, 10:21 am EDT
Total comments: 25

Still no name but we have the details! Lots of features inside.

NINTENDO’S COMPACT CONSOLE WILL

TURN THE WORLD OF GAMING ON ITS SIDE

New System will be Forward-Thinking, Yet Backward Compatible

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – Each generation of video game consoles builds on the past to set new standards for the future. As the company with the strongest heritage of innovation, Nintendo redefines expectations for all next-gen systems by employing a wide-ranging strategy to attract more kinds of gamers to more kinds of games. When Nintendo’s new console, code-named Revolution, arrives in 2006, everyone will discover the meaning of All-Access Gaming.

“We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming,” says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. “With backward compatibility and the ‘virtual console’ concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming.”

Some of the system features that wowed the crowd at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles include:

· The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it’s displayed vertically or horizontally.

· Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube™ generation. But there’s more…

· The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo® 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System® (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES).

· Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.

· Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.

· The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution’s technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named “Broadway,” and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named “Hollywood,” will deliver game experiences not previously possible.

· The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world’s richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.

· Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo’s newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

· Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game “masterpieces” as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

“Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas,” says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “We’re throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents.”

Nintendo’s All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum. The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the world of video games – to everyone. Software for the new console will even attract people who don’t consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and the most engaging experiences yet developed – only with Nintendo.

Talkback

Koopa TroopaMay 17, 2005

No words... They should have sent a poet.

steveyMay 17, 2005

"Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. " Yes, I was right about SD merory card
What happen to the other thread ?

couchmonkeyMay 17, 2005

I'm assuming that the downloadable games are not _the_ secret weapon? From what I've read (couldn't get a good stream going) they didn't show any Rev footage, which is a shame. It would be awesome if those downloadable games included third party releases, but I won't hold my breath. Certainly not at a cheap price.

Koopa TroopaMay 17, 2005

Someone at the conference said they listed more than just Nintendo properties.

bubicusMay 17, 2005

Downloadable games, and "dynamic design architecture" for independents. I'm REALLY hoping this is a sign that the "revolution" is a licensing scheme that will truly allow small-time developers to make games for consoles (not counting homebrews for DC, NES, SNES) without millions of dollars of investment. If so, that makes this system much more attractive to developers in the "casual gaming" industry, which is already a multi-billion-dollar industry made up of hundreds of small developers, as well as many people who don't want to pay $399 for the next console/media center. If Nintendo sells the Revolution for $199 (that's my prediction) AND has great software support (my hope, not my prediction...), then it will do very well.

Of course, the hardcore gamers aren't going to be happy with the Revolution because its hardware isn't as powerful. Oh, well. I dropped my hardcore gamer label a long time ago because it was too limiting for the wide variety of games I like, so I don't care. As hardware has become more powerful and expensive, games have become less interesting because it is financially risky to experiment with game styles. My favorite PS2 games were Magic Pengel and Culdcept, neither of which required heavy-duty hardware. If hardware becomes powerful but less expensive, and if developer licensing fees are lessened, developers will gain more freedom and gamers will be able to experience more interesting games. (The cynical side of me says that people will create interesting downloadable games on the Revolution, and then Microsoft, Sony, and EA will rip the ideas off and sell commercial clones for $60-75...)

steveyMay 17, 2005

"David says: Smash Bros. Online for Revolution's launch is confirmed."
OMG I'M IN HEAVEN. CAN'T WAIT NEED IT NOW!!!

"I'm assuming that the downloadable games are not _the_ secret weapon?" The secret weapon is SMASH BROS. ONLINE just for that I'm getting rev

BlasterMay 17, 2005

Quote
Originally posted by: stevey
"David says: Smash Bros. Online for Revolution's launch is confirmed."
OMG I'M IN HEAVEN. CAN'T WAIT NEED IT NOW!!!

"I'm assuming that the downloadable games are not _the_ secret weapon?" The secret weapon is SMASH BROS. ONLINE just for that I'm getting rev

Man, just recently I thought "its about time for a new Super Smash Bros... maybe they'll reveal it for the Revolution at E3." At the time, I thought maybe that was a bit of a pipe dream, but now that its happening, I'm pumped, being a big SSB fan. Looks like its time to play a little SSB:M to get sharp for online play...

Kharon AlphaMay 17, 2005

Oh. Wow. Kickass. Now my hopes:

(1) Nintendo can convince 3rd parties to use the download service for their older games. Possibly even with an established pricing scheme, this could potentially become similar to the iTunes Music Store for retrogaming.

(2) The ability to use a USB Hard drive will be considered. While those two USB 2.0 ports would obviously be ideal for a keyboard/mouse comboe for online games and communications, that would somewhat defeat the wireless benefits. A USB Hard Drive, though, for storing the download games would be an excellent solution, especially if, as reported earlier, the service may also include GCN titles.

(3) Umm... Nintendo improves it's third party relationships, and maybe even convinces SE to bring a remake of FF7 (rumoured for PS3 based on one of the tech demos from Sony's conference) to the Rev. That would be totally kickass.

BlackNMild2k1May 17, 2005

Quote
Originally posted by: couchmonkey
It would be awesome if those downloadable games included third party releases, but I won't hold my breath. Certainly not at a cheap price.

How much you wanna bet that this is what Square/Enix was excited about? Now they can resell FF 1-6 and not have to spend time reprograming it!!!! Provide lots of support

................whatever

tForceMay 17, 2005

"there is also an expansion bay for SD memory cards"

Did I call it or what. Told ya folks they'd do that. =D

KDR_11kMay 17, 2005

So, um, where's the revolution? That this thing basically does what Infinium claimed the Phantom would do? That it's about the size and shape of an external (or internal) CD drive? Seriously, what makes them think this would revolutionize gaming?

I really hope for their sake that they just haven't announced that bit yet. So far I see nothing my PC can't do (better), besides maybe legal ROM downloads (but even those exist, just for other systems). Indie games? Check, and tons of them. Download games legally, for money or for free (depending on the game), emulate older systems, look cool (if I cared for casemods, that is) and be vastly more powerful than the GC.

Seriously, 2-3 times the GC's power won't cut it (I hope Kaplan just has no clue about hardware, after all she's marketing so that wouldn't surprise me). That's below Moore's Law and indicates they're not putting in a lot of effort. Seriously, they must have specifically asked for low-powered stuff since nobody makes anything that slow anymore. A launch price above 150 would be a ripoff.
But realistically, would Nintendo really get such an underpowered system? I mean, look at Cell or that Xenon chip, you can't tell me they couldn't afford something closer to the high end (a decent ooo chip would already beat the Cell and approach Xenon in terms of all-purpose speed) and I doubt they're telling Ati to give them some piece of junk, either so the GPU should be up to snuff as well. I hope Kaplan just looked at the numbers and thinks she's qualified to make such statements.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusMay 17, 2005

Chirst. I guess I can throw out all my old consoles. 20 years of Nintendo console gaming history in a box. "Console breaks all records by launching with 1000 games" headline reads.

No Hard drive, but something that gets bet of both worlds. Small enough to stop devs from using the mem as a loading cutch and large enough to store all your saves.

Nothing solid on specs but I doubt Nintendo is going to let the competition have that kind of percived edge again. Nintendo will atleast match them on the screen where it counts.

RobotorMay 17, 2005

We haven't seen the controller, which could be the only revolutionary thing. At the moment we only know of apperances. We really need a spaceworld...

Bill AurionMay 17, 2005

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMay 17, 2005

I just wanted to share a quote from a guy over at the PA forums that I think sums up why Nintendo kicks ass. I figure this thread is as good as any...

Quote
Originally posted by: Athenor at the PA Forums
Small developer: I wanna make Shantae!

Sony: Okay, here are 7 linked Cell processors, you must perfectly calibrate them all to produce photo-realistic graphics...

Microsoft: Here is our 360. You Must produce the game in 720p, with online support.

Nintendo: Here's a 512MB SD card, and a system built to play any previous generation of our games. And here's Nintendo Treehouse to help you work out any kinks, per licencing agreements. Go nuts.

My thoughts exactly...

Ian SaneMay 17, 2005

"Nintendo: Here's a 512MB SD card, and a system built to play any previous generation of our games. And here's Nintendo Treehouse to help you work out any kinks, per licencing agreements. Go nuts."

I admire Nintendo wanting to help the little guy. In fact I think it's a great strategy to get some extra support. But we don't what they're doing yet. They didn't reveal anything. All we have is a vague concept. We don't know if Nintendo is going to help devs out in that exact manner. For all we know they just want to cut costs for their own games.

bubicusMay 17, 2005

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k

I really hope for their sake that they just haven't announced that bit yet. So far I see nothing my PC can't do (better), besides maybe legal ROM downloads (but even those exist, just for other systems). Indie games? Check, and tons of them. Download games legally, for money or for free (depending on the game), emulate older systems, look cool (if I cared for casemods, that is) and be vastly more powerful than the GC.

You're thinking like a hardcore gamer, instead of a normal consumer. Though you COULD do it all on a PC, it's a lot of trouble to set up. A normal consumer would be more interested in something that makes it easy to try all sorts of little games that don't cost a lot. Remember: video game consoles still have only about 35% penetration. High-cost media centers like the Xbox 360 and PS3 are not guaranteed to increase the percentage in any appreciable amount. And, contrary to the beliefs of hardcore gamers, the most desirable demographic (and best hope for growth) to companies at the moment is the 35+ female gamer, not the 18-34 male gamer. These are women who have their own income or control of a household's income and spend the money for the family. A cheap game console that attracts that demographic is practically a Holy Grail to game companies.

Quote
Seriously, 2-3 times the GC's power won't cut it (I hope Kaplan just has no clue about hardware, after all she's marketing so that wouldn't surprise me). That's below Moore's Law and indicates they're not putting in a lot of effort. Seriously, they must have specifically asked for low-powered stuff since nobody makes anything that slow anymore. A launch price above 150 would be a ripoff.
But realistically, would Nintendo really get such an underpowered system? I mean, look at Cell or that Xenon chip, you can't tell me they couldn't afford something closer to the high end (a decent ooo chip would already beat the Cell and approach Xenon in terms of all-purpose speed) and I doubt they're telling Ati to give them some piece of junk, either so the GPU should be up to snuff as well. I hope Kaplan just looked at the numbers and thinks she's qualified to make such statements.

I'm sure it sounds wimpy, but let's face it, multiprocessor programming turns away all but the most elite or dedicated developers. It's always been that way, and until there's AI and/or automated aid for programming, that's the way it will be. If a person believes that the Amiga (3 processors) or Saturn (2 processors) are hard to develop for, then the Cell and Xenon must be brutal to develop for. I sure don't want games that all end up the same way because it's cheaper to use and reuse the same codebase for the next five years. I want more experimentation and innovation, and those kinds of games will always gravitate towards the easiest system to develop for. After all, the PS1 had quite a few crazy games because everybody wanted to see what they could do with 3D, and they didn't want to deal with the Saturn's difficult hardware or Nintendo's nutty licensing policies in the nineties. If the game industry doesn't innovate soon, there WILL be another video game crash. Ask fellow game players this question: are you getting bored with video games in general, and if so, why? A surprisingly high number of gamers will answer YES, and it will probably be because they're all the same.

NephilimMay 18, 2005

only prob I see is that
Downloadable gc games, so for every GC game you download you will need a 2gig SD card
a 2 gig SD card is more then the price of a GC game
also excited that the idea of 2 Usb ports...now why is there 2?
1 could be from connecting to pc for online play (not all ppl have wifi), but what is the other for....
This could open up hd like the xbox if ppl are cleaver, since u can buy usb harddrives that are 20gig for cheap in aus

BigJimMay 18, 2005

GameCube games aren't downloadable. Iwata's presentation only showed the NES, SNES and N64 platforms. So basically the biggest games will be... what, 64 or 128 megs? one or the other.

NephilimMay 18, 2005

yeah around 60, since the largest illegal zipped roms are in the 50s (conker/RE2)

RobageejamminMay 18, 2005

In the end, I really think Nintendo made the right move compared to its competition. Sony showed alot about the PS3 including the specs, the controller, and even game footage. Microsoft completely let the cat out of the bag this year and pretty much showed everything, even before E3 started.

They both played all their cards even when the system will probably come out after the next E3. With Nintendo we still have so much to look forward to. I really don't think we know anything about the Revolution yet. There is a reason we didn't see the controller or game footage.

Anyway, I am still coming to grips with the fact that Nintendo is actually trying to change. The Revolution look and the emphasis with online play says it all. I think Nintendo still has a shot of getting up in the ranks. Maybe not first place but atleast getting up there. retro is in and Nintendo is taking full advantage of it. I think those downloads will really attract gamers. Everyone loves old school.

GamefreakMay 18, 2005

Quote
Originally posted by: BigJim
GameCube games aren't downloadable. Iwata's presentation only showed the NES, SNES and N64 platforms. So basically the biggest games will be... what, 64 or 128 megs? one or the other.

They didn't mention it because it's not finalized, however Nintendo has told both GameSpot and USA Today that GC games can be downloaded, but they have not revealed how this will work.

I'm guessing either a USB hard drive, or possibly Nintendo is considering a hard drive add on but isn't ready to announce it yet.

TMWMay 19, 2005

Quote
Originally posted by: BigJim
GameCube games aren't downloadable. Iwata's presentation only showed the NES, SNES and N64 platforms. So basically the biggest games will be... what, 64 or 128 megs? one or the other.

64 megs, I think.

And also...IIRC, he specifically mentioned Super Mario Sunshine, did he not?

BigJimMay 19, 2005

No Cube downloadability was mentioned at all during the conference. No mention of Sunshine there.

And the graphic on the big screen showed only NES, SNES, and N64. I haven't seen any quotes that say Cube games would be downloadable. The closest thing I've heard/seen was someone saying "from Super Mario Brothers to Super Mario Sunshine" but that phrase could have been taken out of context. But maybe I just haven't found the quote yet.

KDR_11kMay 20, 2005

I doubt it'll download Cube games, even though most of them are below one GB that's still too much for online distribution.

bubicus: Your argument about hard coding would hold up if it was programmers making the calls. Unfortunately it's the Managers who do and managers couldn't care less about the difficulties of developing for one platform. Also, the Cell seems to be much easier so far than the X360 CPU. Doesn't surprise me, you have one general purpose core that runs your program and throws some of it at its math unit, when you need to do batch vector math you write an APUlet* and let the hardware find a free SPU to run that on. All you need to worry about is throwing the right data at that SPU and collecting the result once it's done. From what I heard the compiler will handle even that for you, though (there's your "automated assitant program").

*= Old terminology as it was used in the Cell patent, I don't know what it's called nowadays.

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