Wii U 'not at the same level as PS3, Xbox 360


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Report cites developers' gripes about next-generation Nintendo hardware; new console 'just can't quite keep up,' says one.

Yesterday reports emerged that the Wii U might be heading to shops on November 18; however, more information about Nintendo's next console also emerged that might be less pleasing to the Nintendo faithful. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, a number of anonymous developers compared the new console in unfavourable terms to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, suggesting it didn't have the graphical horsepower to compete with either, despite being able to output HD video.

"There aren't as many shaders, it's not as capable. Sure, some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up," said one source. Another developer who is reportedly working on software for the new console said, "It's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360."

The developers also opened up on the issue of the new console's controllers. "The whole thing about the tablet controller is that you only get one of them, and you can only use one and it's not completely independent," which means that multiple players on the same console will get different experiences, which may not suit all games or all players. "Other controllers are just Wiimotes [sic], or other Wii controllers. They may change the form factor or looks a bit, but it's the same controller," the developer continued.

It was also suggested that the uniqueness of the tablet controller is likely to be severely undermined as Sony moves further towards integration of the PS3--and its successor--and the Vita. "You can do everything with that combo that you can with the Wii U, and more," GamesIndustry's source said.

Wait what, Wii U can't even push the same amount of PIXELZ out as 360/PS3?

What? Just what. I'm starting to think people should replace the "Wii" with something starting with F.

The Darksiders 2 creators say differently and have said it will be similar to the PS3/360 version unless the hardware is significantly more powerful than they have been lead to believe in which case they will make it better.

I find this story hard to believe considering the GPU's in the Xbox 360/PS3 are ancient by todays standards, there's no way the Wii-U has a worse GPU. It's almost physically impossible for them to be that stupid.

At its heart is a chip similar to the R770 found in AMD's last-gen cards like the 4890 and, before you dismiss it, remember the PS3 and Xbox 360 are still capable of pumping out impressive visuals while packing five-year-old silicon (The 360 is essentially running a souped up ATI X1900).

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/wii-u-has-last-gen-radeon-inside-still-more-powerful-than-ps3-a/

I know the story is old and could be false, but at minimum that would be the GPU to use.

  • Like 3

Interesting that of all the conflicting rumors of its power(and there's lots of them), we only decide to post one of the bad ones. Standard neowin, i guess.

yes so when they release the product, we will have the worst case scenario ready on our mind. so if its better than expected we will be happy, if not we care less. :p

  • Like 2

Every time a new console is released, the devs dont know what to do w/ the thing for the first couple years. Graphics are on par w/ the previous gen, but gradually get better as the devs get familiar w/ the hardware. i dont see why the Wii U will be any different.

  • Like 2

Nimtendo please use capacitive touchscreens for your controllers, ditch the resistive one the demoed controller had.

I hope they ditch the touchscreen altogether. Tactile feedback helps put you in the game, IMO anyway.

I hope they ditch the touchscreen altogether. Tactile feedback helps put you in the game, IMO anyway.

i think touchscreen could be useful, especially with how they demoed it could be used for inventory on zelda
  • Like 1

In my opinion Nintendo consoles have always been fun for first party games and a handful of others, but it pretty much ends there.

here's hoping that will change with the Wii U like Nintendo is promising

Nimtendo please use capacitive touchscreens for your controllers, ditch the resistive one the demoed controller had.

The resistive touch screen is needed. A resistive touch screen is needed for things like drawing. Resistive touch sreens are more precise.

In my opinion Nintendo consoles have always been fun for first party games and a handful of others, but it pretty much ends there.

Agreed, pretty much any game I have played more than 10 minutes was a first party Nintendo game. All of the others just didnt have the same feel to it. I'll stay interested in the Wii U until I get to try it out for myself, I am not going to pay attention to these anonymous developers who claim it to be weak hardware. I am sure Nintendo is going to try and skimp out as much as they can but it would be insane of them to release a console that cant even be on par with 360 or PS3.

The Wii-u controller uses a capacitive touch based screen not Multi-touch but single a Resistive touch be hard to use as it takes more Press then not to do something it is less accurate 98% of all phones today and Tablets use CPT screens not RST screens

i also call the Article BS on the fact the Wii-u is using a Multi-core CPU based on IBM Power 7 ther latest chips and the fact the Wii-u is using an R700 series GPU which on its own is 3 Generations newer then the losely based R500 chip with 48 streaming shaders and 4 maby 5 Generations newer then the 7800 GPU in the PS3 so i call the article 100% BS

The Wii-u controller uses a capacitive touch based screen not Multi-touch but single a Resistive touch be hard to use as it takes more Press then not to do something it is less accurate 98% of all phones today and Tablets use CPT screens not RST screens

i also call the Article BS on the fact the Wii-u is using a Multi-core CPU based on IBM Power 7 ther latest chips and the fact the Wii-u is using an R700 series GPU which on its own is 3 Generations newer then the losely based R500 chip with 48 streaming shaders and 4 maby 5 Generations newer then the 7800 GPU in the PS3 so i call the article 100% BS

Resistive is more accurate. Capacitive is what the ipad uses . Just look at the stylus for a capacitive screen. Its a thick rubber thing on the bottom of a pen. Then look at the ds stylus its pretty much a regular pen.

The wii u will have drawing aspects to the games, so a resistive screen is needed.

A link to prove my point

http://www.newtabletreviews.com/tablet-101/capacitive-vs-resistive-touchscreens/

Wacom uses emr but I do not think nintendo will be using those sensors (they are different from capacvitive and resistive,

Resistive is more accurate. Capacitive is what the ipad uses . Just look at the stylus for a capacitive screen. Its a thick rubber thing on the bottom of a pen. Then look at the ds stylus its pretty much a regular pen.

The wii u will have drawing aspects to the games, so a resistive screen is needed.

A link to prove my point

http://www.newtablet...e-touchscreens/

Wacom uses emr but I do not think nintendo will be using those sensors (they are different from capacvitive and resistive,

nterview whit Reggie about wiiu part1 in it he confirms i think it was this interview but he confirms the Wii-u controller uses a CPT single touch screen somewhere int he 3 part thing

Nintendo is pretty much the AMD of the console world. Behind and blissfully unaware - But I like Nintendo. I'll be a little sad if the Wii U is truly behind the PS3/360 in terms of ability, but not too surprised. Looking forward to seeing what they can do with their first party titles with new tech and what kind of third party support they get this time around.

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