After reporting massive losses due to poor sales of 3DS and Wii hardware and software, Nintendo said that it would make its best to ensure successful launch of its next-generation home video game console Wii U. The firm also implied that the launch will occur in the second half of the year.
"We are also planning to launch the Wii U, which is the successor to the Wii, during the next fiscal year. We would like to show the final format of the Wii U at the E3 show next year. As we learned a bitter lesson with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, we are trying to take every possible measure so that the Wii U will have a successful launch," said Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo.
Given the fact that Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) take place in June, it is pretty clear that the formal launch will occur in the second half of the year. Unfortunately, it is unknown when exactly and whether the launch will be worldwide or Nintendo will start with Japan and then proceed with sales in the U.S. and Europe. Given the fact that sales of Wii software and hardware are dropping accross the globe, it is clear that for Nintendo it is crucial to release the new system rather sooner than later.
Nintendo Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics and generally performance demanding games that can run on consoles like Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3. The system itself is based on a custom IBM Power microprocessor as well as a modern custom AMD Radeon HD graphics processing unit with high-definition graphics and video support. But the main feature of the code-named Cafe game console is its unique controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. Nintendo Wii U will cost more than $249.
Tags: Nintendo, Wii, Wii U
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Discussion started: 10/28/11 05:22:40 AM
Latest comment: 10/28/11 02:59:53 PM
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They should take advantage of new 28nm fab tech from AMD an put on there a Radeon HD 6000 series, which by the time Wii launches those will be 1 generation behind already. They will get support for tessellation which in the future will be a major feature of most games, including those on the next gen of Microsoft and Sony.
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Posted by: Filiprino
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Date: 10/28/11 05:22:40 AM]
+ expand thread (2 answers)
- collapse thread
They can't, it would be too expensive and there wouldn't be volume by Wii U lanch, not the kind they expect for a console launch.
But I agree with you, although I expect the GPU to be custom built with tessellation.
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Posted by: sirroman
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Date: 10/28/11 12:06:15 PM]
I don't see why should it be expensive. Old and proven design on smaller process means better yields and more chips per wafer. Wii U is supposed to launch on 2H 2012, more than 6 months after the launch of Radeon HD 7000 series with 28nm.
Sony didn't do that. They used a previous gen GPU, but with previous fab tech too.
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Posted by: Filiprino
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Date: 10/28/11 02:59:53 PM]
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