Project Cafe: The Tech Behind Nintendo's Next ConsoleNew pricing, hardware, design, and release information uncovered.
According to sources with knowledge of the project, Nintendo's next console could have a retail cost of anywhere between $350 and $400, and will ship from Taiwanese manufacturer, Foxconn, this October, putting the earliest possible retail release anywhere between mid-October and early November.
[...]
Additionally, IGN has learned that the system will be based on a revamped version of AMD's R700 GPU architecture, not AMD's Fusion technology as previously believed, which will, as previously reported, out perform the PlayStation 3's NVIDIA 7800GTX-based processor. Like the Xbox 360, the system's CPU will be a custom-built triple-core IBM PowerPC chipset, but the clocking speeds will be faster. The system will support 1080p output with the potential for stereoscopic 3D as well, though it has not been determined whether that will be a staple feature.
In terms of the design of the console itself, the overall size will be comparable to that of the original Xbox 360 and the system is likely to resemble a modernized version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
As reported last week, it will indeed utilize controllers with integrated touchscreens and be capable of streaming games to each controller, though given the power of the system, could also feasibly provide a virtualized console for each individual unit.
Finally, Nintendo is considering naming the console Stream, though it is potentially one of several names currently being vetted by the company.
The N Stream - I kinda like it.
4 controllers with screens = 4 different VC/StreamWare games being played w/o the TV - I really like that
Let me summarize it for easier reading;
- Retail cost between $350-400
- Shipping to begin this Oct.from Foxxcon. Earliest release is Mid Oct. - Early Nov. Likely to wait until 2012 to build up stock
- Based on revamped version of AMD's R700
- custom-built triple-core IBM PowerPC chipset, clocked higher than that of 360 (3.2Ghz)
- 1080p & potential for stereoscopic 3D (just like the GC & Wii)
- Size of console will be comparable to original Xbox 360. System is likely to resemble a modernized version of SNES
- given the power of the system, could feasibly provide a virtualized console for each individual unit
- "Stream" is being considered as a final name
- Nintendo refuses to comment