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[Tyrone Slothrop]

the videogame community seems to have a preconceived notion that the revolution is going to launch before fall (see any post that suggests the march release date of zelda is 'too close' to the rev launch date) ... i know that doesn't speak for everybody, but it just seems that people are overlooking the fact that the dev kits haven't been in developers hands too long (though you could argue they've simply been toying with GCN ones), and more importantly, there've been no media of the actual games yet. surely there'd be at least ~5 month period btw the unveiling of the system's software and the launch

... i'd say revolution is looking at a november worldwide launch. september at the earliest ...

 

[gjb-sensei]

Fall 2006 seems about right.

 

[Gessle]

I'd say September for Japan and November for US/Europe.

 

[soundwave05]

August/September - Japan

September-November - North America

November/December - Europe

Zelda: Twilight Princess will launch day and date in each territory with the Revolution (still run on GC, but enhanced on Rev) .... that's my prediction.

 

[Tyrone Slothrop]

i dunno, i think they've been planning a worldwide release. even if so, it may come out in the US first, which seems to be the trend now for some odd reason (see DS and PSP launch)

 

[Fuzzy]

i dunno, i think they've been planning a worldwide release. even if so, it may come out in the US first, which seems to be the trend now for some odd reason (see DS and PSP launch)

I think it was Reggie that said Nintendo plans to launch everywhere within 13 weeks.

 

[dode]

It will launch in Q3.

Expect some huge Revolution newsbits in January.

edit: One of the above sentences is speculation.

 

[Deku]

Nintendo will probably follow the same time table as the DS. Launch just before the PS3 in all territories.

 

[wonderfuldays]

A week before PS3's launch day... :lol :lol :lol


Edit: OMG Deku you got same feeling with me.

 

[dicklaurent]

I expect it on my desk by monday.

 

[Zerodoppler]

Q2 2007 in USA and Japan.
Q4 in Europe.

 

[Tyrone Slothrop]

i don't think they'll be able to launch it before the ps3, assuming that sony's more ahead and will be able and willing to launch in Q3 of 06 or earlier

 

[Jonnyram]

i don't think they'll be able to launch it before the ps3, assuming that sony's more ahead and will be able and willing to launch in Q3 of 06 or earlier

That's a pretty bold assumption to make.

 

[Tyrone Slothrop]

sony seems to be slightly in the lead in terms of how far they are in developing their new console. the revolution controller wasn't even finalized until around E3 for example, unless i'm mistaken. plus, sony launches aren't too abundant with quality games (see any sony console launch) and i dont think the ps3 will be either, so i don't think sony'd mind doing a quickie launch just to fuck over nintendo

MS reports that sony's a bit behind and would be lucky to get it out before 07 at all, but i dunno if i buy that

 

[soundwave05]

As long as there's a 1 month gap between when Nintendo launches and Sony launches, that should be good enough.

I think a simulatenous Revolution + Zelda: TP launch is the best scenario sales wise for Nintendo as well.

You'll get both late-haggler GameCube owners and early adopter Rev owners picking up the game at the same time.

Plus for a game as high profile as Zelda: TP is ... you want it closer to the fall and the holiday shopping season anyway.

 

[Striek]

May - Japan and US.
September - Europe/Australia.

That's a pretty bold assumption to make.

Kinda like the RE5 trailer being made on Xbox360 alpha kits?

Edit; Ahaha, that was a fellow Japan GAFer Yellowace backed up by DCharlie. Oops.

 

[soundwave05]

I think they could launch the system itself by May 2005 ... the problem with that is, exactly what games are they going to have ready?

From the sound of it, even Smash Brothers Revolution hasn't been in development for much longer than this past summer.

 

[John Harker]

Japan - Sept

Us - Nov

Europe - May 07

 

[soundwave05]

I feel Nintendo will definitely launch in Europe next year (2006) though.

There really should be no yield issues with the chipset since its not exactly cutting edge tech, so it's not really a "we can only make enough systems for two markets".

Hell, Nintendo could start mass producing and making systems as soon as early next year if they wanted to I would guess.

 

[John Harker]

I feel Nintendo will definitely launch in Europe next year (2006) though.

There really should be no yield issues with the chipset since its not exactly cutting edge tech, so it's not really a "we can only make enough systems for two markets".

Hell, Nintendo could start mass producing and making systems as soon as early next year if they wanted to I would guess.

No software ready.

I don't doubt that they could supply enough hardware, but software takes time. And I think everyone is a lot further behind than people here think.

Hell, if Iwata's one and only "this game will make launch" Smash Bros was just STARTED in Oct/Nov, and third parties are only now starting to get real workable kits (not final versions), do we really expect quality games to be ready for launch in JAPAN even by early '06? Let alone the months it takes to translate for US, and then time more STILL to bring it to Europe?

I know "key third parties" have had kits longer, but if first party "launch" titles havent even begun prior to Oct, I seriouly, SERIOUSLY dont we've had any significant development on other, third party games prior to TGS, and probably not untill more recently. Hell, developers don't even know what the GPU is yet, do they?

So any delay in the launch is going to be software related.

Which makes me seriouly doubt a total worldwide launch in 2006. It simply is not enough time to even get many AAA titles out in home territory, not to mention the US and Europe.

Heres to hoping though.

 

[soundwave05]

No software ready.

I don't doubt that they could supply enough hardware, but software takes time. And I think everyone is a lot further behind than people here think.

Hell, if Iwata's one and only "this game will make launch" Smash Bros was just STARTED in Oct/Nov, and third parties are only now starting to get real workable kits (not final versions), do we really expect quality games to be ready for launch in JAPAN even by early '06? Let alone the months it takes to translate for US, and then time more STILL to bring it to Europe?

I know "key third parties" have had kits longer, but if first party "launch" titles havent even begun prior to Oct, I seriouly, SERIOUSLY dont we've had any significant development on other, third party games prior to TGS, and probably not untill more recently. Hell, developers don't even know what the GPU is yet, do they?

So any delay in the launch is going to be software related.

Which makes me seriouly doubt a total worldwide launch in 2006. It simply is not enough time to even get many AAA titles out in home territory, not to mention the US and Europe.

Heres to hoping though.

Well a UK/Australia launch should be possible since the titles will have to be translated to English for the North American launch ... so that's really not the issue either.

Since I doubt there will be many RPGs out at launch either ... I don't think it'll take that long to translate the launch games to French/German/etc. so the rest of Europe can get them.

The real reason why Europe always gets the shaft is because of hardware supply issues.

 

[Striek]

Hell, Nintendo could start mass producing and making systems as soon as early next year if they wanted to I would guess.

? Are the chips ready?

 

[soundwave05]

? Are the chips ready?

Well it sounds like the chips are basically overclocked/souped up GameCube processors .... I wouldn't be surprised if they could mass produce the system in the same factories that are making the GameCube right now.

Its probably one of the reasons Nintendo would opt for such a design ... easy mass production, which in turn brings overall costs down even lower.

Ideal for a game machine targeted to non-gamers/casuals when you really think about it. It gives Nintendo a lot of pricing flexibility and if they ever strike gold with a Nintendogs/Brain Training type hit, they can pump them out en masse -- look at the DS sales in Japan ... imagine they couldn't get enough systems out, they would have screwed themselves over.

 

[Striek]

Well it sounds like the chips are basically overclocked/souped up GameCube processors .... I wouldn't be surprised if they could mass produce the system in the same factories that are making the GameCube right now.

Its probably one of the reasons Nintendo would opt for such a design ... easy mass production, which in turn brings overall costs down even lower.

The Revolution appears to be much smaller than the GC with more complex parts (Wi-Fi, Flash memory, etc.), I'd say the majority of R&D has been spent shrinking the parts and making a very cool chip. I don't think its ready yet because developers do not have final kits.

 

[Zerodoppler]

No software ready.

If they move Kirby to the platoform and Make quick sequels to Wario Ware and that Legend of Quiz game they could push it out early. A quick port of Mario Sunshine with wand controls could fill out the launch as well. As for other games, I don't think anything will be ready for 2006.

 

[soundwave05]

The Revolution appears to be much smaller than the GC with more complex parts (Wi-Fi, Flash memory, etc.), I'd say the majority of R&D has been spent shrinking the parts and making a very cool chip. I don't think its ready yet because developers do not have final kits.

Didn't Dengeki or some Japanese publication just state that the chipset has been finished?

The WiFi chip could just as easily be the same chip as the one in the DS, lol, and the flash memory ... well that's nothing.

 

[Tyrone Slothrop]

If they move Kirby to the platoform and Make quick sequels to Wario Ware and that Legend of Quiz game they could push it out early. A quick port of Mario Sunshine with wand controls could fill out the launch as well. As for other games, I don't think anything will be ready for 2006.

:lol

that'd be the sleaziest thing in the history of nintendo

 

[soundwave05]

If they move Kirby to the platoform and Make quick sequels to Wario Ware and that Legend of Quiz game they could push it out early. A quick port of Mario Sunshine with wand controls could fill out the launch as well. As for other games, I don't think anything will be ready for 2006.

Depends. They designed Brain Training in like 5 months or something ... I expect a lot of non-traditional type titles on the Revolution. Expect at least one new EAD franchise, if not several more.

Smash Bros. and Zelda will appease Nintendo fans/hardcore players for a while, along with the obligatory Namco/Sega/Capcom title here and there, so Nintendo is almost kinda set in that categorey, even if they can't get a Mario out at launch.

I'm sure Hudson is probably working on somekind of Mario Party type title too.

 

[Jiggy]

Before I found out about SSB not being in development until late, I thought it would launch in the summer. Now I'm thinking it'll be in the fall, but still see Twilight Princess as coming in maybe May at the absolute latest.

 

[koam]

November 21 2006.

 

[icecap]

I think they could launch the system itself by May 2005 ... the problem with that is, exactly what games are they going to have ready?

From the sound of it, even Smash Brothers Revolution hasn't been in development for much longer than this past summer.

Are you trying to say that nintendo has been working on a time machine?

 

[Tony HoTT]

sometime in 2006 is what i heard guyz

 

[John Harker]

Well a UK/Australia launch should be possible since the titles will have to be translated to English for the North American launch ... so that's really not the issue either.

Since I doubt there will be many RPGs out at launch either ... I don't think it'll take that long to translate the launch games to French/German/etc. so the rest of Europe can get them.

The real reason why Europe always gets the shaft is because of hardware supply issues.

How often do companies launch in the UK before they launch all of Europe?
It's usually a European launch, not just a UK one, no?

And hell, with Nintendo, stupid pinball, sports, and platform games usually take a couple months to get out there, let alone RPGs, heh

 

[soundwave05]

Well, here's a "mock" launch, even assuming Mario/Metroid are delayed to 2007 ...

"Regular" Games ...

Zelda: Twilight Princess
Super Smash Brothers Online
Mario Party Revolution
Wave Race or F-Zero or Pilotwings

Keep in mind, EAD may only be involved in Zelda here ... there's a new team for Smash Bros., Hudson can do Mario Party, and Wave Race/F-Zero/Pilotwings can be farmed out to NST or Sega.

"New" Games

EAD Flashlight Horror?
Crazy Chef
Cute/Adorable/Wacky Game To Lure Non-Gaming Females
Non-Descript/Cerebral Game To Lure Older Non-Gamer Adults

3-4 games from

Namco/Capcom/Konami/Sega/Square-Enix etc. combined

Ubi-Soft FPS
EA "Freestyled" Sports Line-Up
Obligatory Tony Hawk Game
Star Wars Lightsaber Fighter

That's basically a good launch right there.

 

[AniHawk]

Well, here's a "mock" launch, even assuming Mario/Metroid are delayed to 2007 ...

"Regular" Games ...

Zelda: Twilight Princess
Super Smash Brothers Online
Mario Party Revolution
Wave Race or F-Zero or Pilotwings

Keep in mind, EAD may only be involved in Zelda here ... there's a new team for Smash Bros., Hudson can do Mario Party, and Wave Race/F-Zero/Pilotwings can be farmed out to NST or Sega.

"New" Games

EAD Flashlight Horror?
Crazy Chef
Cute/Adorable/Wacky Game To Lure Non-Gaming Females
Non-Descript/Cerebral Game To Lure Older Non-Gamer Adults

3-4 games from

Namco/Capcom/Konami/Sega/Square-Enix etc. combined

Ubi-Soft FPS
EA "Freestyled" Sports Line-Up
Obligatory Tony Hawk Game
Star Wars Lightsaber Fighter

That's basically a good launch right there.

More like best launch ever.

 

[koam]

Well, here's a "mock" launch, even assuming Mario/Metroid are delayed to 2007 ...

"Regular" Games ...

Zelda: Twilight Princess
Super Smash Brothers Online
Mario Party Revolution
Wave Race or F-Zero or Pilotwings

Keep in mind, EAD may only be involved in Zelda here ... there's a new team for Smash Bros., Hudson can do Mario Party, and Wave Race/F-Zero/Pilotwings can be farmed out to NST or Sega.

"New" Games

EAD Flashlight Horror?
Crazy Chef
Cute/Adorable/Wacky Game To Lure Non-Gaming Females
Non-Descript/Cerebral Game To Lure Older Non-Gamer Adults

3-4 games from

Namco/Capcom/Konami/Sega/Square-Enix etc. combined

Ubi-Soft FPS
EA "Freestyled" Sports Line-Up
Obligatory Tony Hawk Game
Star Wars Lightsaber Fighter

That's basically a good launch right there.

Where's Mario? No Mario, no launch sale.

 

[soundwave05]

Where's Mario? No Mario, no launch sale.

Well you can't have everything I guess. For a system that costs $150, a launch like that would be more than good enough though, I mean c'mon.

Zelda + Smash Bros. Online make it better than the entire GameCube launch alone.

I think EA will definitely have Casino Royale (the new 007 game/movie) availible for the Rev, since they canned the PS3/360 versions ... they could take the XBox engine and soup it up for the Rev quickly and add in Revmote controls.

I could see a lightgun shooter from Namco (please please please), something weird from Sega/Yuji Naka, and Capcom will probably have something (zombies, samurais ... swords and guns, lol).

 

[John Harker]

Well you can't have everything I guess. For a system that costs $150, a launch like that would be more than good enough though, I mean c'mon.

Zelda + Smash Bros. Online make it better than the entire GameCube launch alone.

I think EA will definitely have Casino Royale (the new 007 game/movie) availible for the Rev, since they canned the PS3/360 versions ... they could take the XBox engine and soup it up for the Rev quickly and add in Revmote controls.

You think all those games would make every territory this year?

 

[Koomaster]

Wild Guess...

Market Infliltration starting MidMarch-April with NO software available on it's release. They will rely on people picking up LoZ:TP and on downloading previous Nintendo titles through the online service, more emphasis will be placed on Player's Choice Titles for GC games which are compatible with the Revolution.

Software actually starts rolling out in the Summer. Before then, software demos can be downloaded and tested before software launches.

 

[Johnas]

Sort of OT, but wasn't there supposed to be some sort of Rev. or Zelda news before the year-end? I seem to remember hearing/reading that somewhere here before.

If Revolution comes out before Fall '06 I'll be amazed myself.

 

[soundwave05]

You think all those games would make every territory this year?

Which games? Smash Bros. and Zelda: TP I think will definitely be out in all territories next year. Smash Bros. on GameCube basically had a simulatenous launch in North America and Japan.

Most of the translation work for Zelda should be done over the summer really, if they're "sitting/tweaking" the game for the Rev launch window.

 

[Jonnyram]

Kinda like the RE5 trailer being made on Xbox360 alpha kits?

From what I hear, that's not an assumption

sony seems to be slightly in the lead in terms of how far they are in developing their new console. the revolution controller wasn't even finalized until around E3 for example, unless i'm mistaken.

You are mistaken.

 

[Zerodoppler]

Where's Mario? No Mario, no launch sale.

As of E3 this year:

IGNcube: Can you give us an update on Mario 128?

Shigeru Miyamoto: [Chuckles] I'm just really sorry. I think I've given people the wrong impression with Mario 128. With all the questions I'm getting about this, I really feel like I've done people a disservice. In regard to Mario 128, we're currently doing a lot of Mario experiments back in Kyoto . We are definitely going to have a new Mario for Revolution. Whether or not that's 128 or not, I can't really say. It might be a new Sunshine. We're not sure. We're doing a lot of Mario tests right now for the Revolution.

I don't think we will get this game for quite some time.

 

[soundwave05]

Yeah unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), I don't see Mr. Miyamoto letting another Mario game out unless it's really, really, really good.

And that means probably from the entire concept of the game on up. I don't think he'll let his designers just make another Mario 64/Sunshine type game with more levels or something.

So I'd say its looking dubious as to whether or not they can actually get a Mario out at launch.

The best scenario would be that they came up with a concept/engine that Miyamoto was happy with right after last year's E3 and they've been working on it ever since ... but I just doubt it.

Hopefully though we'll actually get to see the game at E3 next year, even if it doesn't come out until 2007.

 

[AndoCalrissian]

Wild Guess...

Market Infliltration starting MidMarch-April with NO software available on it's release. They will rely on people picking up LoZ:TP and on downloading previous Nintendo titles through the online service, more emphasis will be placed on Player's Choice Titles for GC games which are compatible with the Revolution.

Software actually starts rolling out in the Summer. Before then, software demos can be downloaded and tested before software launches.

That would be a pretty interesting launch.

 

[soundwave05]

That would be a pretty interesting launch.

I dunno that sounds like a terrible idea IMO.

Is launching a few months early really going to help Nintendo that much? They'd be better off waiting until the fall and get as good of a launch lineup as possible.

Unlike the DS, which had the benefit of being able to fall back upon being a "Game Boy Deluxe" during its software drought ... Nintendo will need innovative/quirky games for the Revolution right away, they can't wait 6-8 months for software to come out that actually really uses the controller well.

If they do have a Nintendogs/Brain Training type equivalent(s) in development for the Rev, and I'm sure they do ... they better be working non-stop on them right now.

I'm thinking as well, they can pump out games like Fishing/Cooking/Symphony Conductor
much more easily and sell those for $20-$30 a pop.

 

[DCharlie]

May 2006 in Japan
July 2006 in US
Sept 2006 in Euroland

Launch :
(Nintendo)
Metroid 2 Revolution
Luigis Mansion 2
Motto Revolutionary Brain training
Made in Wario : Minna de ukogu

(EA)
Harry Potter Wizard academy
MLB 2006

(Capcom)
Monster Hunter : Slashbreaker

(konami)
Power pro kun R1

(argent)
Ore no Ryori Revolution

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Nintendo hasn't talked about the games so I am going to say Winte 2006.

 

[soundwave05]

Some others games I could see at launch

Madden NFL Freestyle 2007 - EA
NBA Live or Street Freestyle - EA
Casino Royale FPS (007) - EA
The Sims Revolution - EA

Pac-Man Revolution - Namco/Nintendo?
Time Crisis Revolution - Namco

Okami Revolution - Capcom/Clover

It'd be crazy if Yuji Naka had a remade version of NiGHTS for Revolution. He's probably working on something original though, ala Feel the Magic for the DS.

Someone at EAD deserves to be slapped if they just make Luigi's Mansion 2 instead of a real horror game. That idea has much more potential.

 

[LiquidMamba]

October - Japan
November - U.S.
December/Jan - Europe