E3: Nintendo's New Console Is: The Wii U

[I forgot]

Yes, there will be a console to go with that controller. [http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/htwfy/new_nintendo_console_wii_u_fact_sheet/]

Also, prices similar to current PS3 and 360 prices, says Reggie.

That did it for me! If this console is gonna be 200-300 dollars at launch, with Super Smash Bros WiiU as a launch title, then you can bet your sweet bippy that I will buy this ASAP!

That would be sick. Now if those controllers are only 40$ I'm totally sold on this. Sony and Microsoft really have to do something to change my mind on the WiiU (and copying it isn't going to cut it).

I can assure you that if Nintendo sells these controllers at $40 each then either a) they will lose money 'snap' just like that, or b) they'll be making a profit on controller sales, meaning that the controllers are actually pretty sketchy and probably no-where near as functional as they show it to be.

These controllers are basically tablets: this isn't an insult or saying its worthless (well, technically worthless to me since I'm not planning on getting this), its a simple fact based on the tech on display. If Nintendo doesn't sell these controllers at $200-300, they'd be losing money with each controller sale, because that's how much a tablet like this would cost to make. As I said before, chances are the console will cost between $400-600 (combine price of current day gaming tech [$200-300] with one controller [$200-300]), and assuming you wish to buy 3 more controllers (based on what Nintendo has shown, this console is definitely aimed at people who live with or frequently meet with other people, which would warrent more controllers) this can easily be a $1000-1500 investment. Not to say that you will need to save up a grand for WiiU's release, but chances are you may need to if you want to get the full effect of what Nintendo is advertising.

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

 

[Ice Car]

That Zelda... My god... The inventory is in my hands... Amazing.

I'm quite intrigued by this. I liked what I saw and am hoping for more.

Also, Super Smash Bros. 4 on 3DS and WiiU? Yes Please.

Seconded. This is an interesting concept, elt's hope they let use utilize it in places like Zelda's inventory as stated. YEAH

 

[Raeil]

Add me to the list of people who are shocked at the extremely negative reactions. Why do I like it? I'm glad I asked!

1) I love Nintendo. I also love RPG's and some TPS's. This combination hasn't been present on a Nintendo platform (nor possible really) since the SNES days (where TPS's couldn't exist yet). Now, Nintendo has finally released something which can accommodate their fans who love their stuff, but also want to play new titles with HD and M-rated material. Has it taken them a long time? Yes. Does this being overdue mean it's not a next gen console? Maybe. Have they fixed a mistake which needed to be corrected to even attempt to reclaim the hearts and minds of hardcore gamers? Absolutely!

2) The idea of the controller itself is great! It's lightweight (according to reports), has proper dual analog, face buttons, and double back keys. All of these are necessary in order to play any modern title which is developed for other consoles. However, it also contains things which haven't been used (extensively) in the context of home console gaming, such as the touch screen (which I wish was multi-touch, but oh well), the camera (which I will agree has been done before, but never as a part of the driving point for the console), and the speakers (again, done before, but never as a part of the driving point for the console).

3) The ability for the controller to play the game is astounding. While this doesn't affect a lot of older gamers who own their own homes and TV's, many younger gamers have to give up their games when someone wants to use the TV. As Nintendo has pointed out, this problem is completely averted by WiiU. Also, for those of us older gamers who this doesn't affect, at the very least it's neat! We are holding in our hands a display which can run HD video games and use normal controls, rather than having to take the iOS route of constructing touch screen controls for everything!

These are only opinions, but if you disagree, I'd love to hear feedback. One other quick thing, I'd like to share my reaction when I realized that Arkham City and Assassin's Creed were coming to the system:

"Nintendo will be rolling in money. With the Wii, they expanded their own gaming market, but in return they had to offer a non-HD, non-hardcore gaming experience. So they made a reeeeeally wide pool, but it was rather shallow. With this console, they've added HD and normal controls (to an extent), which allows the 3rd parties to bring multiplatform titles to WiiU. In other words, Nintendo can now sell this console to casual users just like they did the Wii (and it will have more Wii-like content for sure), and can sell to hardcore gamers by having proper 3rd party support for multiplatforms and exclusive IPs. That pool just got really deep, and Nintendo is going to make a fortune..."

Maybe it won't happen, but that's my take on their marketing strategy atm. What do you think?

 

[Goldhawk777]

The Nintendo company has not created a new console. They have created a new accessory for your television. The games.....let them pass, but the idea of putting images from the "controller" to the screen is an interesting concept. Unfortunately, I can easily see some one using the Wii to play music and some movie on the screen and BAM! Someone looks up porn and throws it on the television. Ahhh. It's similar to the early uses of the PS3, BlueRay player.

 

[Eternal_Lament]

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

I suppose that it may be cheaper, but there's no way Nintendo can actually make a profit if the controllers are sold at less then 200, maybe 150. Less then 100 and as I said they'd be losing money with each controller sale. Again, the console itself will probably cost as Reggie said it will (200-300), I'm just guessing the 400-600 price based on the fact that the controllers certainly cost more than a preety penny, and seeing as how the controller is certainly taking center stage here more than before the price of the controller will more than likely account into the total price. Also, while no news on battery life, I think they have said that this controller is rechargeable (does little for me, but just thought it would interest you)

 

[JohnDoey]

gotta see more but i'm quite intrigued
the only problem will probably be that the 3rd person hardcore titles just won't work as good with the controller as i think
i mean with games like battlefield or darksiders you gotta have another pair of shoulder triggers...or not?
then again for 3rd party games i got my ps3 and pc

i'm looking forward to what's to come

It has triggers on the back you just cant see them.

 

[Lord Beautiful]

While the technology is indeed interesting, I have but one question. Considering this is Nintendo we're talking about this, it's quite a pressing one.

Will it have a good line-up?

Also, they probably should have pointed out that the Wii U is indeed a new console, instead of only showing the controller and confusing people by doing so.

 

[I forgot]

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

I suppose that it may be cheaper, but there's no way Nintendo can actually make a profit if the controllers are sold at less then 200, maybe 150. Less then 100 and as I said they'd be losing money with each controller sale. Again, the console itself will probably cost as Reggie said it will (200-300), I'm just guessing the 400-600 price based on the fact that the controllers certainly cost more than a preety penny, and seeing as how the controller is certainly taking center stage here more than before the price of the controller will more than likely account into the total price. Also, while no news on battery life, I think they have said that this controller is rechargeable (does little for me, but just thought it would interest you)

I don't know, I don't think it's that expensive to make a ipad sized tv screen with touch capabilities. Technology has really gone a far way. Touchscreens, gyroscopes, cameras and accelerometers have become much cheaper to produce. As far as I can see, it doesn't have many of the parts of a console or computer which is what usually makes them expensive in the first place. A Vita can play ps3 graphics at 250$ so if we subtracted all those processing units and hardware since all it does is stream info from the console, it could be cheaper than 100$ since all it is is a wii-mote with the bottom half of a DS screen that streams video from the console.
Again, can't be too sure but there's my reasoning behind this.

 

[Eternal_Lament]

I was surprised the Vita was 250$ so it's a possibility. Also, I'm willing to pay at most 60$ if it has a good battery life and is rechargeable (something the wii-mote wasnt). So far, nothing suggests that the console will be 400-600$. It has better graphics but in the 6 years since this generation started and the advancements in computers, I don't think it's going to make the price go up. Let's not judge anything fact yet until we're given the prices.

I suppose that it may be cheaper, but there's no way Nintendo can actually make a profit if the controllers are sold at less then 200, maybe 150. Less then 100 and as I said they'd be losing money with each controller sale. Again, the console itself will probably cost as Reggie said it will (200-300), I'm just guessing the 400-600 price based on the fact that the controllers certainly cost more than a preety penny, and seeing as how the controller is certainly taking center stage here more than before the price of the controller will more than likely account into the total price. Also, while no news on battery life, I think they have said that this controller is rechargeable (does little for me, but just thought it would interest you)

I don't know, I don't think it's that expensive to make a ipad sized tv screen with touch capabilities. Technology has really gone a far way. Touchscreens, gyroscopes, cameras and accelerometers have become much cheaper to produce. As far as I can see, it doesn't have many of the parts of a console or computer which is what usually makes them expensive in the first place. A Vita can play ps3 graphics at 250$ so if we subtracted all those processing units and hardware since all it does is stream info from the console, it could be cheaper than 100$ since all it is is a wii-mote with the bottom half of a DS screen that streams video from the console.
Again, can't be too sure but there's my reasoning behind this.

I see where your line of reasoning is, and I understand how it could be cheaper than $100, but as I said, if this is too be used for the one-to-one gaming that Nintendo claims this controller will have then I doubt that it will use cheap tech, and as such I think it will be quite expensive. To be honest I'm surprised that the Vita is being sold for $250, so I guess Nintendo could sell the controllers for cheap as well, but I think that if Nintendo wished to actual make a profit from this console then it would need to have a higher price, not because people wont buy it, they will, but they need to buy it at a price that doesn't lose Nintendo money, which I doubt can happen if they sell these controllers for less then $100. If they do and make a profit, that only really confirms that Nintendo is using cheaper tech for the controller and as such may not be as one-to-one as it appears to be.

Again, while I still wont buy it, I can see why fans would want to buy this for a cheaper price, but based on Nintendo's current economic situation I can't see them continuing for long by selling at such a cheap price (assuming of course its as one-to-one as shown)

BTW, thanks for giving me my 300th post!

 

[JohnDoey]

While the technology is indeed interesting, I have but one question. Considering this is Nintendo we're talking about this, it's quite a pressing one.

Will it have a good line-up?

Also, they probably should have pointed out that the Wii U is indeed a new console, instead of only showing the controller and confusing people by doing so.

Games announced: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Light, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories.

 

[Druyn]

Kung Pow, anybody?

 

[Beautiful End]

Geez, Nintendo and its txt tlk names. When I first heard Wii, I made so many jokes about it. Now Wii U gives me even more material. What's next? Wii U luv ppl lolz? It doesn't even make sense.

And I'll be darned if this is the beginning of the next gen. consoles. The 360 and the PS3 still have a lot of years ahead of them. What's the rush, Nintendo? it's just another crappy peripheral attachment for the Wii that's gonna sell for twice as much and will have reruns based on older games.

Stop focusing on making consoles specifically for a 5 year old. Get your head in the game because as it is, you got nothing on Sony or Microsoft. And that's kinda sad since Nintendo is the pioneer here.

 

[bismarck55]

So instead of coming out with an actual "new console" they come out with what is more appropriately described as a peripheral meant to compete with Microsoft and Sony's system upgrades. It makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking would happen. Nintendo gets to release new hardware without exposing themselves to being severely outclassed by their rivals next console. It's good to know that I don't have get this thing to play Skyward Sword, as I would have skipped out on it otherwise. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer for the death of Nintendo by their own incompetence, oh well.

Edit: Wait, I know that this new controller has HD graphics, but does this mean that the Wii itself still puts shitty graphics on my TV?
Update: OK, I got an answer to that question, so there is no need for any more clarification.

Impressive. I think you managed to one-up those people who actually thought the 3ds was just another ds redesign. Then again, you probably were one of those people.

 

[bismarck55]

The Nintendo company has not created a new console. They have created a new accessory for your television. The games.....let them pass, but the idea of putting images from the "controller" to the screen is an interesting concept. Unfortunately, I can easily see some one using the Wii to play music and some movie on the screen and BAM! Someone looks up porn and throws it on the television. Ahhh. It's similar to the early uses of the PS3, BlueRay player.

"the nintendo company" Has created a new console, it looks like a 360. The Wii-U streams images to the controller, not the other way around. Because that makes no sense and would be fucking retarded.

I mean seriously, did you really think that they could pack enough hardware to play, say, Battlefield 3 into that controller?

 

[ThePuzzldPirate]

The Nintendo company has not created a new console. They have created a new accessory for your television. The games.....let them pass, but the idea of putting images from the "controller" to the screen is an interesting concept. Unfortunately, I can easily see some one using the Wii to play music and some movie on the screen and BAM! Someone looks up porn and throws it on the television. Ahhh. It's similar to the early uses of the PS3, BlueRay player.

"the nintendo company" Has created a new console, it looks like a 360. The Wii-U streams images to the controller, not the other way around. Because that makes no sense and would be fucking retarded.

I mean seriously, did you really think that they could pack enough hardware to play, say, Battlefield 3 into that controller?

Don't bother dude, just give up and laugh with me instead, if they can't figure out that the controller is streaming video which is rather easy, then they don't need to know. I will share my popcorn with you even.

 

[mew4ever23]

Ok, the name's more than a little corny, but I am very intrigued about the system itself. Also, Smash Bros. 4 on 3DS and WiiU, and they'll work together? Yes Please. More titles are finally being announced that will actually make me get a 3DS. We'll need to come closer to launch day for them before I will pay for a 3DS, though.

 

[Zombie Izzard]

Silly name aside a couple of questions. One what is a gyroscope? Two is the right analog stick above the buttons? Why? Every other cotroller out their the right analog stick (or circle pad in this case) is below. Thats just weird. Three the cost for the controller alone must be insane. Other then that it does look like it would be any good for those all night gaming sessions for the small fact of the odd shape. Though its an intresting concept. Maybe not one I'd pay money for but intresting none the less. Though Hey Nintendo how about you come out with a normal looking controller next time.

 

[Shamanic Rhythm]

I'd just like to know what it is Nintendo has against consonants.

 

[bismarck55]

The Nintendo company has not created a new console. They have created a new accessory for your television. The games.....let them pass, but the idea of putting images from the "controller" to the screen is an interesting concept. Unfortunately, I can easily see some one using the Wii to play music and some movie on the screen and BAM! Someone looks up porn and throws it on the television. Ahhh. It's similar to the early uses of the PS3, BlueRay player.

"the nintendo company" Has created a new console, it looks like a 360. The Wii-U streams images to the controller, not the other way around. Because that makes no sense and would be fucking retarded.

I mean seriously, did you really think that they could pack enough hardware to play, say, Battlefield 3 into that controller?

Don't bother dude, just give up and laugh with me instead, if they can't figure out that the controller is streaming video which is rather easy, then they don't need to know. I will share my popcorn with you even.

Yeah, you're right. I'm not going to bother with it anymore. I've been reading threads on multiple sites and it's actually getting kind of depressing. -_-

 

[Lord Beautiful]

While the technology is indeed interesting, I have but one question. Considering this is Nintendo we're talking about this, it's quite a pressing one.

Will it have a good line-up?

Also, they probably should have pointed out that the Wii U is indeed a new console, instead of only showing the controller and confusing people by doing so.

Games announced: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Light, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories.

I'm aware of this, thank you. I'm thinking about the long run. Also, it remains to be seen if these ports turn out well.

It's encouraging, yes, but it doesn't set the console's fate in stone.