Here's a one-stop location for all the "supported" rumors about Nintendo's sixth console. UPDATED 4/25
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/26086
LAST UPDATED: 4/25 - Added official confirmation of the new system, Project Café references, IGN hardware specifications. All updates indicated with *
The rumor engine has started up again, and is already running at full steam. Starting with the report in Game Informer, news outlets have begun to report rumors about Nintendo's next home console.
Here we will try to provide you a list of "supported" rumors. Supported meaning that they are rumors from news outlets where they claim to have from first-hand sources.
The Basics:
What: Nintendo will announce their next console at E3.
Origin: Game Informer first reported the news and many other sources have since echoed it.
*Confirmed 4/25: Nintendo has confirmed that Wii's successor is in development and will be unveiled in a playable for at E3 2011.
When: The new console will launch in late 2012. It will be shown at E3 2011 (June 7 - 9).
Source: Game Informer, IGN (see below for details)
The original Game Informer article reported the launch date. IGN reported that the console will be at E3 2011.IGN News Director Jim Reilly later tweeted that the first games, both first and third party, will be at E3.
*Confirmed 4/25: As part of the same announcement that confirmed the new system would be shown during E3, Nintendo confirmed their plans to launch their next home console in 2012.
The Name: While no source claims to know what Nintendo will call their sixth home console, it has been reported that it is being developed under the codename "Project Cafe."
Source: CVG
*Confirmed 4/24: Individuals investigating the Café rumor probed the Nintendo's Software Development Support Group website. In the process they located multiple references to the Café name.
What's in it:
Hardware: The hardware in the next Nintendo console appears to be similar to the Xbox 360, but more recent versions of the hardware.
Sources: Game Informer, IGN, 01net (see below for details)
The original Game Informer report stated that the new console was capable of HD, but the processing power, relative to the Xbox 360 and the PS3, was unconfirmed.
IGN followed up that report with comments from developers that the new console "will be greater than or equal to the PlayStation 3."
French site 01net reports that the new system is a "cousin" to the Xbox 360. It will use a custom three core IBM PowerPC and a custom ATI graphics processor capable of shader technology more advanced than the ATI R500 in the 360. The RAM is likely in excess of the 512 MB in the 360.
Other sites have misinterpreted 01net's extrapolations into exact specifications, but they don't claim to have any exact hardware components.
*IGN has updated their original information with specific hardware specifications. Their information is mostly congruent with the previous report from 01net. They confirm the triple-core IBM PowerPC chipset. They state that the GPU will also be a newer version of the one in the Xbox360 - the "revamped" version of the AMD R700 chipset. More interestingly they note that the system "will support 1080p output with the potential for stereoscopic 3D" but say it isn't confirmed as a "core" feature.
The Controller: The current rumor is that the controller is some sort of tablet-like device. It features a six-inch screen, face buttons, and motion control. There is some disagreement on the details.
Sources: CVG, vg247, Edge, IGN, 01net (see below for details)
Sources have confirmed to CVG that the new controller will feature a six-inch HD LCD screen. '"'Nintendo's plans sound unreal,' one source said. 'Publishers are already planning launch titles and it's all very exciting.'"
Gaming site vg247 confirmed the CVG's report but said the screens are sub-HD, and that they are touchscreens.
Edge notes that motion controls are retained, and improved beyond the capabilities of Sony's Move controller.
01net's sources say the screen is sub-HD, and that it is capable of simple stand-alone processing (like a tablet computer). It communicates with the console wirelessly. Their sources claim the controller also features a D-Pad, L and R buttons, 2 "triggers," as well as other buttons, and most interestingly, a front-facing camera. They also say their sources functionality to replace the Wii's sensor bar are integrated into the new controller.
IGN's Jim Reilly has indicated that the controller "allows players to stream entire games to the device from the console - like a miniature television." He also indicated that the controller will feature two analog sticks.
Backwards Compatibility: IGN has reported that they have been told that the new system will be fully backwards compatible with Wii games. It is reasonable to assume that this could also apply to GameCube games, given the similar architecture between the two systems, but this has not been "confirmed."
How it looks:
*The console itself: The system will look like a modernized Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and will be roughly the size of an Xbox 360.
Source: IGN
Disclaimer: All of what we know are nothing more than rumors. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and Nintendo World Report will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Nice work compiling all these sources. This seems to be a very comprehensive list. The only other tidbits I've seen are:The Complete Rumor Compilation starting from Oct. 2010 -> Yesterday
* A source told Kotaku that the console will be "more powerful than the current generation systems"
* Edge heard on the grapevine that Ubisoft, Electronic Arts and Activision have had development kits for several months
I would be very surprised if it's backwardly compatible with the GameCube, it requires a special disk-drive to accept both sizes of disks and Nintendo usually take out compatibility from 2 generations back.It's really not much different than any other slot loader, it just has a rolling bar on the "bottom" to load the disc in so it can take both sizes, unlike the PS3 that has gears and wheels on the sides that can only accept full size discs. It certainly wouldn't add to the costs.
Doesn't it also have a little funnel like shape to position the GCN discs to the middle.I would be very surprised if it's backwardly compatible with the GameCube, it requires a special disk-drive to accept both sizes of disks and Nintendo usually take out compatibility from 2 generations back.It's really not much different than any other slot loader, it just has a rolling bar on the "bottom" to load the disc in so it can take both sizes, unlike the PS3 that has gears and wheels on the sides that can only accept full size discs. It certainly wouldn't add to the costs.
I would be very surprised if it's backwardly compatible with the GameCube, it requires a special disk-drive to accept both sizes of disks and Nintendo usually take out compatibility from 2 generations back.
Aside from dance mats, are there any Wii games that require the GCN ports?
Aside from dance mats, are there any Wii games that require the GCN ports?
I'm not sure. I'll try to follow up on that.
Then again, act Activision how much Nintendo cares about BC in the DSi.
Saying this however, if the Wii2 doesn't support GC games they'll have to think of a way to stop people putting the disks in and screwing up the drive.It wouldn't mess up the drive. It could just do what the current Wii drive does whenever an object that isn't a disc is inserted and eject it right away.
The main problem I have with the 6" screen on the controller is the cost. Everyone is going to buy multiple controllers for their system, so wouldn't they all have this 6" screen? Seems like it would skyrocket the price, I can imagine it costing 90-100 for one controller
The main problem I have with the 6" screen on the controller is the cost. Everyone is going to buy multiple controllers for their system, so wouldn't they all have this 6" screen? Seems like it would skyrocket the price, I can imagine it costing 90-100 for one controller
I don't know which Wii you're talking about, but I've fixed at least a dozen that were damaged from non-discs being inserted in them. I think you meant to say "whenever a disc that isn't a Wii or GameCube game..." because it doesn't like to eject plastic toy music discs, bobby pins, checkers, toothpicks, etc, etc.Saying this however, if the Wii2 doesn't support GC games they'll have to think of a way to stop people putting the disks in and screwing up the drive.It wouldn't mess up the drive. It could just do what the current Wii drive does whenever an object that isn't a disc is inserted and eject it right away.
I don't know which Wii you're talking about, but I've fixed at least a dozen that were damaged from non-discs being inserted in them. I think you meant to say "whenever a disc that isn't a Wii or GameCube game..." because it doesn't like to eject plastic toy music discs, bobby pins, checkers, toothpicks, etc, etc.Saying this however, if the Wii2 doesn't support GC games they'll have to think of a way to stop people putting the disks in and screwing up the drive.It wouldn't mess up the drive. It could just do what the current Wii drive does whenever an object that isn't a disc is inserted and eject it right away.
If we're looking at a $100 controller then the odds of the console's MSRP being $299 are even less likely. That would mean the console itself could be worth no more than $200, and if that's the case how powerful could it be? The only way you would pay $299 and get a console that was worth $299 is if the $100 controller were omitted from the SKU. Somehow I don't think that would go over well with consumers. Its bad enough not to get a game bundled with the system, but to not have a controller either would be even worse. Consumers don't want to be SKUed with a controllerless SKU.Would have to be.
So if the controller is truly worth $100 then the console MSRP may be as high as $399. But my guess is the whole screen on the controller thing is probably just a bunch of crap, unless its something really simple and inexpensive.
If anyone can look through any patents Nintendo has filed over the last few years that can provide some clues about what might be put in the console. For example, does anyone know if there have been any patent filings regarding a touch screen controller? What other patents have Nintendo filed recently that may provide some clues on what they're up to? Of course, you have to accept that not every single patent that Nintendo files for is actually going to end up used in a finalized product, but it can give some ideas anyway.
In a recent interview Reggie said something about not having 3D as the main draw like 3DS. I don't remember exactly but every site took it as no 3D at all.
Fils-Aime said "Glasses-free is a big deal. We've not said publicly what the next thing for us will be in the home console space, but based on what we've learned on 3D, likely, that won't be it."
In a recent interview Reggie said something about not having 3D as the main draw like 3DS. I don't remember exactly but every site took it as no 3D at all.
Reggie says 3D will not be Wii2 selling point:QuoteFils-Aime said "Glasses-free is a big deal. We've not said publicly what the next thing for us will be in the home console space, but based on what we've learned on 3D, likely, that won't be it."
The paper asked Iwata if Nintendo was planning on making Wii 3D compatible.
Responded Iwata: "If you display a 3D image, the image quality becomes extremely bad, so we'd probably do it with the next system. We're thinking that the timing should be once the 3D television adoption rates crosses the 30% mark. We're looking at the adoption trends."
Nintendo isn't savvy enough to successfully intentionally spread misinformation. Also, if they're trying to win over third parties, telling different things to different companies, some of which are lies, is not a good way to do that.Again, I was saying any false leaks would have been aimed at the press, the not developers. The developers would obviously be shown the legitimate working hardware. Of course doing that means potential leaks, and Nintendo knows it so they purposely have some of their own employees give false info to leak out simultaneously, thus making any legitimate leaks indistinguishable. Companies have been known to do this.
Hasn't Nintendo intentionally fed false rumors about upcoming products before? Seems like they did do that with the Wii before it was unveiled, but I can't put my finger on the specifics.
Hasn't Nintendo intentionally fed false rumors about upcoming products before?
QuoteHasn't Nintendo intentionally fed false rumors about upcoming products before?
Yeah, all those talks about "online plans" for the Gamecube. ;)
Rumor Consolidation 2011
October 2010:
-Marvell QuadCore processors for new console (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg637155#msg637155) - *This might have had something to do with Kinect, But I don't remember.
-IBM implies that Wii2 uses Cell based PPC (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg638565#msg638565)
November 2010:
-Marvell Quad cores gets a large order: (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg642274#msg642274) From large console manufacturer - *once again might be Kinect related.
-House of the Dead: Overkill 2 in the works (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg642866#msg642866)
-EA reviving NFL Blitz (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg644226#msg644226)
December 2010:
January 2011:
-UltraViolet Media Cloud service coming to a console (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg648998#msg648998) - Most Likely Sony since Sony is a partner.
-New Pokemon game for Wii (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg649154#msg649154)
February 2011:
-Wii2 announcement coming soon (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg657316#msg657316) according to THQ
March 2011:
-Wii2 announcement coming soon (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg661397#msg661397) according to EA
-AMD working on CPU/GPU combined chip for console due for release @ end of 2012; Told to bring schedule in for earlier release
April 2011:
-Monster Hunter 3DS to be announced soon (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg664597#msg664597)
-SSFIV3D connects to home console (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg665437#msg665437) - Hint @ Wii2 from Capcom and 3DS -> Wii2 connectivity
-Wii price drop to $150 on May 15th (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666463#msg666463)
-Wii2 announcement @ E3: (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666740#msg666740) 1080p HD, More powerful than PS360, BC with Wii, release late 2012
-New Wii2 controller has HD screen built in (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666915#msg666915)
-Wii2 to use Bluray technology (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666928#msg666928)
-Wii2 actually aimed at early 2012 release (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666975#msg666975) (1st half 2012) *IGN backs this up in their mailbag (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg668171#msg668171)
-Controller Screen is actually a Touch Screen (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg666977#msg666977)
-Project Cafe: Wii2 Controller is a Tablet: (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667008#msg667008) 6" touch Screen on Controller, front facing camera & doubles as sensor bar for BC
-Dual Analogs, Streaming & Games (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667026#msg667026) Wii2 controller to rival 3DS, NGP, iPhone & iPad apparently
-1st & 3rd Party games @ E3 (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667069#msg667069) EA, Ubisoft & Capcom all but confirmed
-Wii2 = TriCore PPC & R700 class GPU w/ 512+MB Ram (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667113#msg667113) Another surprise to be shown @ E3
-3rd Parties have had Wii2 Dev Kits for Months (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667129#msg667129), Has better Motion Tracking than Move
-Pikmin 3 moved to Project Cafe (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667251#msg667251) to be shown @ E3; Nintendo also in talks with R* for solid AAA support.
-Wii2 launch June 2012 (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667781#msg667781); Rockstar delivering game (?GTA V?) during launch window
-Wii 2, 3DS & E3!? Oh Yes!! (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667939#msg667939); 3rd Parties taking a front seat this time around.
-Retro working on Wii2 game (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg667943#msg667943); and it's "a project everyone wants us to do" (Starfox? Zelda? New Original FPS?)
-Retro's new game is actually Eternal Darkness 2? (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg668169#msg668169)
-"Where there's smoke, there's fire" - Miyamoto's comment on Project Cafe (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg668209#msg668209) - He also said not to believe everything you hear though.
-Wii2 controller has a 6.2" screen and 8 buttons (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg668218#msg668218)
-The N Stream (Wii2) details from IGN (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=16688.msg668242#msg668242): Price, size, manufacture dates, manufacturer, features and a possible name.
QuoteHasn't Nintendo intentionally fed false rumors about upcoming products before?
Yeah, all those talks about "online plans" for the Gamecube. ;)
Once again, the key term here is "intentionally false". Abandoned plans obviously don't qualify.
Just an FYI - I'm planning an update to this tonight or tomorrow.Did you get Ribbed on RFN about this?
Nope. I was congratulated for a job well done.*Crimm goes back and quickly Ninja-Edits before release*
Don't cross the Wii Streams!(http://www.liveforfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Ghostbusters-art-500x400.jpg)
(http://www.29-95.com/files/images/GB.jpg)
You know, NWR has a three man sleeper cell stationed in Japan. Are they skilled enough to infiltrate NCL, take out the Nintendo Ninjas and escape with the vital Cafe information? Is the minimal loss of life worth a Pulitzer?If they can find it.
All I'm saying is if a Chinese operative can smuggle out a 3DS from the factory, then SuperFamicomplicated should be able to conduct a little corporate espionage.
In order to get into Nintendo's secret installation you must first get past their guard dog, Reggie. :reggie:
Does he stil have his Sea Monster that he used to soften Europe for the Wii?In order to get into Nintendo's secret installation you must first get past their guard dog, Reggie. :reggie:
Real Reggie is at NoA. NCL has Reggiebots developed at Tohoku University. Replace eyes with lasers and teeth with a pneumatic beartrap and you pretty much get the idea.
I've tried before. Nintendo HQ in Kyoto is surrounded by Piranha Plants.
Ceric has a point there, man. Go for it.I've tried before. Nintendo HQ in Kyoto is surrounded by Piranha Plants.
First jump to lure it out. Then run while its resetting.