[Definitive] Nintendo Wii Thread

[OrangeSoul]

December 5, 2005 - Nintendo has during recent months remained publicly quiet on its next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, but even so the company has taken behind-the-scenes steps to prepare development studios for the platform. We spoke with multiple software houses either creating software for or experimenting with the machine in its still incomplete stage and have been able to compile some new technical details.

Readers are advised to make two notes before continuing with this article. The first is that developers are still working with incomplete Revolution hardware. Most studios are, in fact, developing on "GameCube-based kits," according to major software houses we spoke to, which have asked to remain anonymous. The second is that developers are still without final specifications for Revolution's ATI-developed graphics chip, codenamed Hollywood.

That stated, many third parties have been partially briefed by Nintendo representatives about the Revolution hardware, its overall horsepower, and the Big N's plan for the console. Based on the information studios have relayed to us, Revolution is truly poised to cater to an altogether different game market than either Microsoft or Sony with their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles respectively. Nintendo's machine will simply not deliver the same graphic horsepower as its competitors. Revolution is all about the controller and what it can do for gameplay experiences.

When Revolution was initially unveiled, a Nintendo executive said it would be "two-to-three times more powerful than GameCube." The company never commented on Revolution's horsepower again and we were later told that the initial statement was incorrect. However, according to development houses, that description accurately sums up Revolution's power.

"To be honest, it's not much more powerful than an Xbox. It's like a souped up Xbox," a major third party source revealed to us. "But it's the controller that makes the difference and the controller is really nice."

Nintendo has said all along that sheer horsepower has not been a priority with Revolution. Rather, the company hopes to make the console small, quiet and affordable. It is very likely for this reason that the Big N chose not to make Revolution compatible with the emerging 720p, 1080i and 1080p high-definition video resolutions, which are focuses for competing consoles.

Gamers holding out for Nintendo to reverse its stance on the HD front may be in for a disappointment. Revolution will not have the RAM capacity to store and display an abundant source of high-definition textures. Third parties have revealed to us that the console will top out with 128MBs of RAM, and possibly even less. One studio would not give us an exact figure, but did say, "The same as GameCube plus an extra 64MB of main RAM." That number is by comparison nearly triple the amount of memory in GameCube. However, it is a far cry from the 512MBs present in Xbox 360.

One studio we spoke to hinted at the possibility of accessing further Revolution RAM, but its comments were cryptic. "There is more RAM that you can use, but Nintendo is using that for general memory, like game saves and all sorts of other things. You could use it, but you can't rely on it." This comment seems to suggest that developers might be able to tap into Revolution's 512MBs of on-board Flash memory, but to our knowledge such a solution would be too slow to utilize in games.

Still, the studios we spoke with are still very intrigued by Revolution and are not ruling out the possibility of additional graphic horsepower. No developer that chatted with us had, or was willing to share, details on the console's GPU, Hollywood. One studio said: "As soon as we find out what it can do then we'll know if Revolution will just be like an Xbox or something a little more."

Asked if it was developing for Revolution, one major third party source said that it was well past the experimental stage and was evaluating what types of games might work on the platform. "We are looking at it quite differently. It's like another current generation platform for us. But it's such a nice controller that it opens up a lot of possibilities. It's very different and it's very precise."

Finally, quizzed about publishers' internal reaction to the device, a source responded: "People are interested, but they're still taking it all in at the moment. I'm sure [Nintendo is] going to get a fair amount of support. Probably a lot of people will initially look at existing franchises and whether or not they can kind of do customized versions for Revolution using most of the assets they've got. But whether they'll say, "Okay, let's do something completely original for it," that's the other question because it could be quite expensive to do that. Not as expensive as doing a PS3 or Xbox 360 game. But if you're a third party and you want to do cross platform, if you're doing a game on 360 you can do it on PS3 or PC using the same assets and that does make it a bit easier."

Nintendo has consistently downplayed the role of horsepower with Revolution, often saying that graphics have reached a "saturation point" in today's games. Nintendo bigwig Shigeru Miyamoto has suggested that players might not be able to tell the difference between the new Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and some high-definition games.

The Big N will reveal much more about Revolution beginning early next year, according to company executives, and will show first games at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2006 next May in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more.

Points:

2-3 x more powerful than a gamecube, 1-2x powerful as xbox with more memory than xbox

128 MB Ram

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/673/673578p1.html

[dt]

Hey, IGN launched the "Revolution" channel. Finally.

So I guess the name "Revolution" is here to stay? :)

[Xerus]

Hey, IGN launched the "Revolution" channel. Finally.

So I guess the name "Revolution" is here to stay? :)

Not necessarily.... Nintendo mentioned that they will reveal the final name at E3. Its still "code named" revolution. It would be a cool name to stick with though.

Personally ... I see Nintendo as the only company that wants to take risks. They're going with gameplay options instead of graphics... I hope it turns out well for them. ;D

[b mitchell]

To clear up a few things. IGN no NO technical details. They got what developers THINK the Revolution will be like. There is no real confirmation of anything here.

[Chanser]

Not necessarily.... Nintendo mentioned that they will reveal the final name at E3. Its still "code named" revolution. It would be a cool name to stick with though.

Personally ... I see Nintendo as the only company that wants to take risks. They're going with gameplay options instead of graphics... I hope it turns out well for them. ;D

That an evil wink or a good wink. :shifty:

Really hope they have something special at E3.

[User6060]

it looks like they're relying heavily on this new controller and gaming experience. they better be right.

[Xerus]

That an evil wink or a good wink. :shifty:

Really hope they have something special at E3.

It was a good one. ...... ;D

[Xerxes]

Interesting, it's nice to see that they arn't just following Microsoft and Sony and trying to make the most powerful console ever conceived, but rather focus on gameplay :) So "Revolution" is essentially equal to a Xbox 1 eh (in terms of graphics processing)? hmm that little fact might go against them...since it's compaired to a previous-gen system...when your average person goes to buy a "next-gen" system they might not even consider the "Revolution" cause (you can blame MS and Sony for this) when you think "next-gen", you think graphics, online and HD..which Nintendo's system has none of...so it will be interesting to see how Nintendo will market the system :) I'm not saying it will fail, just it's going to have a tough time against Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 but I think Nintendo are upto the challenge :yes:

Edited December 6, 2005 by Xerxes

[Laughing-Man]

This is IGN folks, the same people who had no freaking clue what the Revolution controller was till it was revealed despite all of their "insider" sources telling them what it was and then ended up being totally off. I would take this article with a grain of salt until games are actually shown at E3 2006.

[buzlink]

Interesting, it's nice to see that they arn't just following Microsoft and Sony and trying to make the most power console ever conceived, but rather focus on gameplay :) So "Revolution" is essentially equal to a Xbox 1 eh (in terms of graphics processing)? hmm that little fact might go against them...since it's compaired to a previous-gen system...when your average person goes to buy a "next-gen" system they might not even consider the "Revolution" cause (you can blame MS and Sony for this) when you think "next-gen", you think graphics, online and HD..which Nintendo's system has none of...so it will be interesting to see how Nintendo will market the system :) I'm not saying it will fail, just it's going to have a tough time against Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 but I think Nintendo are upto the challenge :yes:

Go Nintendo!

[OrangeSoul]

This is IGN folks, the same people who had no freaking clue what the Revolution controller was till it was revealed despite all of their "insider" sources telling them what it was and then ended up being totally off. I would take this article with a grain of salt until games are actually shown at E3 2006.

yeah it could end up being less powerful than xbox in the end

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/673/673596p1.html

Thanksgiving 2006 release expected, its PS3 vs Revolution USA launch!!

[P!P]

Looks okay but nothing too impressive. I truely think most of the games will focus on gameplay and not graphics which isn't as bad as you'd think. In the last year, I've played my Super Nintendo with a 3Mhz processor then my Xbox or any computer game. People tend to get too wrapped up graphics and power. Never-the-less, still plan to buy an Xbox 360. ;)

[b mitchell]

yeah it could end up being less powerful than xbox in the end

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/673/673596p1.html

Thanksgiving 2006 release expected, its PS3 vs Revolution USA launch!!

It wont be less powerful. It cant be. That would mean it is just a GC. It is supposed to be 2-3 times MORE powerful than the xbox. Just leave it at that till we actually see some real stats or shots.

[Veedems Veteran]

Xbox 360 continues the online gameplay revolution, Revolution is set to make us rethink gameplay.....what does PS3 have in store? Honestly, even though I do plan on getting an x360, if the Revolution is affordable enough, I'll get it too, just to support risk taking and the overall atitude Nintendo has.

[OrangeSoul]

Xbox 360 continues the online gameplay revolution, Revolution is set to make us rethink gameplay.....what does PS3 have in store? Honestly, even though I do plan on getting an x360, if the Revolution is affordable enough, I'll get it too, just to support risk taking and the overall atitude Nintendo has.

i can bet you that controller costs nintendo more than revolution. I mean comeon, ability to play Nintendo 64 games, ability to play GC games, ability to play Gyro-enabled games. solid enough to widstand banging on solid objects, maintaining gyro design.

[d4t4b0mb]

As long as it doesn't overheat and get Nintendo sued... :whistle:

[gunnerhkjp]

Looks okay but nothing too impressive. I truely think most of the games will focus on gameplay and not graphics which isn't as bad as you'd think. In the last year, I've played my Super Nintendo with a 3Mhz processor then my Xbox or any computer game. People tend to get too wrapped up graphics and power. Never-the-less, still plan to buy an Xbox 360. ;)

:laugh: Yeah. I'm still playing mortal kombat and rampart on my SNES, and my PS2 is collecting dust.

Nintendo Revolution will kick ass, and will look good next to my 360 when I get it.

Of course, I first have to make sure the 360 doesn't burn down my house.

Why bitch about which console is better when you can get all of them and be happy about it. :p

[Erich]

well 2.4 Ghz is like 6X 475 MHz so... i doubt 2-3X is truely accurate. Plus with the added advancements in graphics technology like shaders since the development of the last gen consoles. I doubt you can truly ever call it 2-3X better since no matter how many Gamecube gpus you have, they still lack shader technology. And AFAIK the gpu is still underdevelopment which means nobody can put a number value on how good it is.

[sundayx Veteran]

Xbox 360 continues the online gameplay revolution, Revolution is set to make us rethink gameplay.....what does PS3 have in store? Honestly, even though I do plan on getting an x360, if the Revolution is affordable enough, I'll get it too, just to support risk taking and the overall atitude Nintendo has.

ps3 got the take over your living room strategy, bluray, and psp. and not to mention their eye toy capability with the demo of cups with water and ducks. thought this arguement seems weak, im holding out to what will be announced at e3

[mAcOdIn Veteran]

That right there tells me you work at Blockbuster. :p

No not Blockbuster, but my current stint isn't necessarilly better than Blockbuster. It's a rental, book, cd store that competes with them, however it shall remain nameless to keep someone from calling me up complaining how I called them stupid on the internet.

[TheGrizah]

it looks like they're relying heavily on this new controller and gaming experience. they better be right.

Personally I've got all confidence in Nintendo that I'll enjoy this new way of playing games. It excites me.

At the same time I now still plan to get a PS3...first time I've got outside of Nintendo since SNES, and Genesis...well...I owned both but still...

I'm more of a PC gamer still. With the last Gen, and the beginning of this Generation with the x360 people keep saying PC gaming is dead, or dying...and it's still not come to fruition so...just get me my Half-Life 3's and Alan Wakes and I'll be happy.

Edited December 6, 2005 by GL_RandomHero

[Doli]

i can bet you that controller costs nintendo more than revolution....

What kind of magical mushroom have you been smoking??? I take that bet :pinch:

[Veedems Veteran]

i can bet you that controller costs nintendo more than revolution. I mean comeon, ability to play Nintendo 64 games, ability to play GC games, ability to play Gyro-enabled games. solid enough to widstand banging on solid objects, maintaining gyro design.

Man, you're obviously biased towards the 360, so I'm not even going to bother counter arguing you.

[OrangeSoul]

Man, you're obviously biased towards the 360, so I'm not even going to bother counter arguing you.

true , but why are u using my praising nintendos controller as a qoute ?

[Veedems Veteran]

true , but why are u using my praising nintendos controller as a qoute ?

praising? Stating what it does isn't praising it and it obviously isn't going to cost more than a processor and GPU.