Nintendo’s highly anticipated
successor to the Wii is coming in 2012.
But that’s really all we know from official channels. Rumors have been swirling around the web about everything from the console’s hardware to its price. It does apparently have a name: “Stream.”
Could the Wii 2 incorporate touchscreen technology? What will be different about this device from the original Wii? Will it be more powerful than the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3? And how much will it cost? Here’s our comprehensive guide to Nintendo Wii 2 rumors.
Specs and Hardware
The original Nintendo Wii was criticized for its relatively weak specs and lack of HD functionality. The console didn’t even come with a gig of flash memory space. Back in 2006, Nintendo could get away with an underpowered system — few people owned HDTVs and the device was focused on capturing the hearts of the casual gamer.
But in 2011, more than half of U.S. homes own an HDTV. Nintendo knows it will need a more powerful console to stay competitive, especially as the Xbox 360 has become the world’s best-selling console, thanks to the Kinect’s record-breaking sales.
The Nintendo Wii 2 seems to be designed to address these fundamental issues. Here are some of its key specs, courtesy of IGN:
- A revamped version of the AMD R7000 GPU architecture, as well as a triple-core IBM PowerPC chipset that will be designed to beat the Xbox 360.
- 1080p output (very likely) and stereoscopic 3D (less likely).
- Its physical size will be similar to that of the Xbox 360 and “is likely to resemble a modernized version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).”
- Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn (the company that builds Apple’s iOS devices) will produce it, according to Digitimes.
Controllers
Rather than creating a new version of the Wiimote, Nintendo has apparently opted for a more traditional controller layout with two joysticks and a four-button diamond layout.
However, if you look at the photos of the mockups (leaked to Destructoid, you will notice something no other controller boasts: a 6-inch 1080p color touchscreen.
A touchscreen controller creates the potential for streaming additional content to each player, much like the two-screen system utilized by the Nintendo DS and 3DS. There is just as much potential for the controller to be a gaming device in its own right. Full-length mobile-style games could be streamed (or even downloaded) onto a controller.
These controllers seem to be an acknowledgment that Apple’s iOS has redefined gaming and made touchscreen gameplay a mainstream phenomenon. It seems like a smart move on Nintendo’s part to integrate touchscreen technology, though we wonder how awkward it will be to use. The Wiimote was a one-handed device, like a remote control, because that is easier for novice gamers to understand.
There’s also the issue of price. Touchscreen controllers won’t be cheap to manufacture. Little else is known about their batteries or how the controllers will connect to the console.
Apparently the Wii 2 will support the Wiimote, which makes us believe that this device will be backwards-compatible. This suggests Nintendo and other third-party developers will still be creating games that utilize the Wiimote and the Wii Motion Plus add-on.
Name & Price
Nintendo always has a codename for console projects. The Gamecube was known as “Project Dolphin” until its debut, and the Nintendo Wii was dubbed “Project Revolution.” From what we’ve learned, the new console bears the codename “Project Cafe.” That won’t be its official name, of course. The winning name seems to be “Stream,” but Nintendo apparently hasn’t made a final decision yet.
The Stream won’t be cheap, either. Unlike the Nintendo Wii, which had a $250 price point that was a major selling point for casual gamers, people should expect a price range between $350 and $400.
Burning Questions
We have a few questions we want answered before the console’s supposed debut at E3 this June:
- What kind of support will it have for online gaming? The Wii is severely lacking in this functionality.
- What kind of interface will it boast? Will it be the casual, “cutesy” interface of the Wii?
- Will the Stream be able to court hardcore gaming titles? Halo has been magnificent for Microsoft; can Nintendo give birth to a similar franchise?
- Will it be backwards compatible?
- Can the Stream controllers play games independently?
- Can the Nintendo DS or 3DS be used as controllers for the Nintendo Stream?
Would you pay $400 for this console? Would touchscreen controllers be a smart move by the gaming giant? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Nintendo Stream: Advertising Mockup
This is a reportedly leaked mockup of the new Nintendo device, codename "Project Cafe." It's about the size of the original Xbox 360 and is described in style as a "retro-style SNES."
Nintendo Stream Controller
The new Nintendo Stream controller includes a 6" touchscreen interface. The Stream is also reportedly backwards-compatible with the Nintendo Wii motion controllers.
Nintendo Stream Mockup
Another mockup of the device itself.
Nintendo Stream Controllers
Another look at the rumored controllers of the Nintendo Stream.
Mockup: Stream Controller
A mockup of a potential Nintendo Stream controller by IGN.
stream-controller-mockup_0
More About: iOS, iphone, kinect, microsoft, Nintendo, Nintendo Stream, nintendo wii, Nintendo Wii 2, playstation, playstation 3, sony, stream, touchscreen, Wii 2, Xbox 360, Xbox Kinect
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