Nintendo's Next-Gen System

[Grand_Admiral_Thrawn]

I'm sure most of us would agree that Nintendo has fallen behind in the consol gaming industry. The GameCube probably could have been more, but Nintendo limited it's titles to those aimed more at younger generations... that, and it really wasn't much competition for PS2 and Xbox.

 

With all the hype about Xbox 360 and the PS3, Nintendo revealed its next-gen system before E3. The new system is currently known only as Revolution, and what I've read (though admittedly industry hype) sounds pretty cool... and that from a non-consol gamer!

 

So, here is the one-sided babble on the sytems specs from Nintendo:

 

- The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally.

 

- Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCubeTM generation. But there's more...

 

- The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo® 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

 

- Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.

 

- Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.

 

- The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named Broadway, and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named Hollywood, will deliver game experiences not previously possible.

 

- The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world's richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.

 

- Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

 

- Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game masterpieces as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

 

Now the capabilities of the system are a little vague, only stating that it has a processor from IBM and a graphics card from ATI. That could mean any thing (especially since the GameCube also had an ATI graphics processor). Basically the only thing that really interested me was the ability to download 20 years of games dating from the NES to the N64. Sure they're not cutting edge games, but right now I couldn't play a good game of Golden Eye with friends without digging through boxes to find my old N64... hey, sometimes you get the urge to play something with a little nostalgic value!

 

So, does any one have any more info on this, like how powerful it will be, especially in comparison to Sony's and Microsith's systems?

[Stellar_Magic]

20 years downloadable gameplay!!!

 

What would make it even more of a hit would be if you could download new games or at least demos directly to your machine as well... Thats a brilliant move by them.

[lepsfootball]

As of E3 that is the only info they have released and aren't really talking. Which they normally don't until closer to release which probablywon't be till 06.

[Mad78]

Seems nice. i always quite like nintendo. they tend to make quality stuff.

The idea of perhaps being able to directly download games without going to the shop is very interessting.