In news that has come like a bolt from the blue, reports are flying around the internet from multiple sources claiming that Nintendo are going to announce the successor to their Wii console – and it will be unveiled at this year’s E3 conference in June.
The Wii has been a massive success, probably more successful than Nintendo had ever dreamed, and while Microsoft and Sony are willing to wait at least a couple of year’s for their new consoles – Nintendo are planning to get a headstart.
It had been rumoured several times before that Nintendo might go for a Wii 2 – nothing massively different, but able to work in High Definition. However, it would seem that they are planning to go head to head with Sony and Microsoft, and obviously want to be able to offer games that can compete graphically with the best – Nintendo are going back to the hardcore.
Multiple sources close to Game Informer have confirmed that the system will be capable of running games at HD resolutions and that Nintendo is already showing the tech to third party publishers, to try and get them on board.
“Nintendo is doing this one right,” said one anonymous insider. “It’s not a casual gimmick like the Wii.”
IGN has also got in on the rumourmongering with its own intel, claiming that the console will be “significantly more powerful than the PlayStation 3” and that Nintendo intends to “recapture the hardcore market”. It also added that the machine will be backwards compatible too.
A “pre-announcement” will apparently be issued later this month, with the full reveal scheduled for the E3 press conference in early June.
There’s no word on what it will be called though, and Game Informer’s report stated “It is our understanding that Nintendo is trying to embrace the Western gamer and will likely launch a new brand with this console.” Its sources suggested that a late 2012 launch is planned.
Nintendo has issued its standard “Nintendo does not comment on rumour or speculation” statement, though told Game Informer to “stay tuned”.
So we’re sure that no one really saw this coming, and it’s obviously just a rumour, but all the right noises are being made, and we for one are genuinely excited as a proper next gen Nintendo is something we’ve wanted since the N64 – and it would seem that Nintendo have been listening.
What do you want to see on the new console. A normal controller? Digital content? Blu-ray ? 3D ? Let us know on our Twitter and Gadget Helpline Facebook Page