So what's next for Nintendo's hardware? In a Q&A session at a recent investors meeting, Satoru Iwata was asked just that. Nintendo's CEO said R&D segments for portable and console devices are looking into future hardware possibilities, but didn't say much else.
In the meeting, Iwata also clarified rumors regarding HD versions of the DS and Wii. News surrounding HD variations of Nintendo consoles have purely been speculation, and Iwata said he wondered where these claims originated. Even if Nintendo did create an HD compatible console, he said it wouldn't be enough to sell more systems.
"If asked if making the Wii compatible with high definition – just making it compatible with high resolution – will get players throughout the world to buy it, I would of course say, 'Do you think it would sell with just that? It needs something new.'"
So what lies in Nintendo's future?
"If there were no rival makers in the world, I could give examples of the things that we are considering. However, for competitive reasons, I cannot give specifics today on the what or when of the things we're considering."
[Via Andriasang]
Sure HD doesn't "add" anything, but it would still look nice. Twilight Princess in HD? Awesome.
Wii sucks. even if I have one
HD! Better Controls! Good games! That's all i need.
Oh and online that isn't bad!
I really am gald that think that HD isn't enough. Why would you buy the same consol you already have for just one added feature?
I havn't played a single third party developed game on the wii that I liked. The only exception is dead space extraction which was actually pretty good.
There's literally ZERO reasons not to make a console HD capable. Even cost is a BS excuse at this point. His argument doesn't even make sense. I've never bought a game just because it was in HD. I would choose HD if it was a choice though.
Of course not, they need HD sound too.
There's really no reason to release an HD Wii during this generation. There was no need for it when the console launched. But Nintendo confirmed that their next platform will be HD a long while back, with a high resolution DS coming as well.
Nintendo: Once again the only game company that knows graphics don't matter.
HD is necessary if Nintendo -- a supposedly "cutting-edge" loving company-- wants to stay in the running for serious consideration. Not to mention the SLEW of crappy games. You know what would sell more systems? Not having a half-way garbage console with over 500 garbage games. But that's just my common sense taking over...
At Nick Ahrens
You are totally right
Why do you guys take things out of context? He basically stated that HD is good but to bring out a system that is doing AMAZING without it does not make good business sense to put HD in now. They have said that HD would be in the next system and also with MORE features that we have not seen for this Generation. It makes sense, before responding think for a second if you are a pereson who complains because Nintendo is bring out another version of the DS, if you complain about that then you will definitely complain if Nintendo did it with the WII system.
I have an idea for a system...how about not the Wii or anything like it. Go back to things like the gamecube! not consoles with crappy controls and even crappier games!
so... this is basically saying nothing other then the wii will continue to suck.
An HD Wii would be great to me. I'm not sure if they can add anything new to it, though.
See, I agree with Nintendo's repeated assertions that more than amazing new tech is needed to keep games evolving. But they say that as though it excludes the need for amazing new tech. Yes, more than HD is needed to make great games. That doesn't let you off the hook for pumping out crap.
*Iwata laughs* at Iwata and his apologists. HD consoles and PC don't simply produce higher resolution games. It's computing power. Power for better physics, for better AI, for better performance and stability. Power to allow a developer to better realise his vision of what he wants for a game. Power for better immersion. The more tools a developer has at his disposal, the better chance he has of making a quality game. HD does add something due to what's present in the hardware to make it so. It adds far greater potential for quality than something lacking it.
I think what he really means is that the company's next console isn't going to be an HD-capable one either. Because of the initial success rate of the Wii, even being the only console without HD (and good games, but that's beside the point!), Iwata is just going to pump out another "OMG! I want one now!" console that will epicly fail a few months later. I can only hope that a few things improve: Nintendo FPS, third-party support, and use of motion controls outside of "waggling" and "jiggling."
I definitely wouldn't upgrade my Wii just for HD capabilites.
The Big N needs to bigger emphasis on traditional controllers and online play.
You wonder why big companies such as EA and EAP are considering you? Maybe it's because your console is completely alienating the hardcore gamers with its weird and unresponsive control schemes, pointless peripherals, shoddy online play, and horrible capabilites.
I hope they really consider upgrading the Wii, in ways other than just upping the resolution.
I value a LOT of things in a game over realistic graphics. Hey look! I have 1,000,000 different animations for one blade of grass! Look how realistically all it moves with the wind! Great.
The games which blew me away graphically last year include Muramasas, A Boy and His Blob, and Borderlands.
I would have it tied for the second-least important thing in a game to me, along with story. Have you seen how many great games completely exclude a story? The only thing I put graphics above is sound, because if it's crappy, you can actually turn it off.
I value controls, entertainment, intuition, and replay value WAY over graphics.
So yes, include more things in the "Wii HD" than higher resolution.