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[radioheadrule83]

Lol!

Aw I actually kind of miss her. The Kaplan / Peter Moore threads were hilarious too. Peter Moore is a boss. Good times!

I feel for poor Cammie. She could never replace Perrin in our hearts.

 

[Refreshment.01]

Do we know how the uPads get recharged? Donthey still use batteries or can you charge them with a USB cable? I was thinking, if they only allow 1 controller per system, wouldn't it be cool if the top of the WiiU itself has an inductive field. You just put your controller on it, while the system is turned off.

Why use inductive field? Why ask for this relative expensive feature in a product that its already cutting corners in other more important areas? There are other more cheaps and practical ways to charge the device.

 

[Hoo-doo]

Has Nintendo explicitly stated they are doing a Wii-U showcase event at this year's GDC?

 

[AceBandage]

Aw I actually kind of miss her. The Kaplan / Peter Moore threads were hilarious too. Peter Moore is a boss. Good times!

I feel for poor Cammie. She could never replace Perrin in our hearts.

It didn't help that she was completely lifeless and clueless in interviews and on stage.

Has Nintendo explicitly stated they are doing a Wii-U showcase event at this year's GDC?

Nintendo hasn't really said anything about GDC, but it's assumed that they'll have Wii Us there. If for no one other than developers for a behind closed door look.

 

[radioheadrule83]

Why use inductive field? Why ask for this relative expensive feature in a product that its already cutting corners in other more important areas? There are other more cheaps and practical ways to charge the device.

I like inductive charging, but its slower, and it's another thing that can go wrong -- the components are usually too hidden away to fix or replace yourself. It could potentially even intefere with the running of other internal components if it were in the actual console box... so yeah... it's not going to happen.

 

[Hoo-doo]

Nintendo hasn't really said anything about GDC, but it's assumed that they'll have Wii Us there. If for no one other than developers for a behind closed door look.

So, big chance we'll get no new info at all, right?
I'm not sure why people think there will be "information overload". Why hype yourself up like that for no reason.
E3 is where it'll be at.

 

[AceBandage]

So, big chance we'll get no new info at all, right?
I'm not sure why people think there will be "information overload". Why hype yourself up like that for no reason.
E3 is where it'll be at.

Could be.
At most, we'd likely get leaks (which usually happen) about what Nintendo showed behind closed doors.
Maybe another look at the E3 units from last year.

 

[TriGen]

Why use inductive field? Why ask for this relative expensive feature in a product that its already cutting corners in other more important areas? There are other more cheaps and practical ways to charge the device.

Exactly, inductive field would be nice but it's not worth it when you can easily charge a device with a USB cable. Nintendo doesn't like to release super expensive hardware so they would defintely view charging as a good way to lower cost.

 

[RobotChant]

GDC=Game Developers Conference

There is bound to be Wii U talk amongst the attendees. The more people talk, the more likely leaks will happen. But people should also prepare themselves for less than flattering leaks along the lines of what members like Arkam has posted. Misinformation or not, it'll definitely be part of the conversation.

 

[A.KU.MU]

I feel for poor Cammie.

Really?

 

[radcliff]

Hopefully Nintendo sees the business opportunity that I see and buys THQ if they get any worse. Imagine having all those western teams under Nintendo's house, you could see a lot of new IPs, and bringing some of THQ's IPs forward. It could definitely improve big title frequency for both 3DS and Wii U hardware, which is currently still a problem with Nintendo.

Most likely will never happen. Iwata knows that if the talent leaves after an acquisition, you are left with nothing but a name (see Rare). That is why he would probably prefer a collaboration instead of a buyout. Nintendo could team up with a THQ developer, such as Vigil, to create a new IP, but I doubt they would outright buy the company.

 

[thesh00ter]

Nintendo is always being cheap.

When will this company learn???

I really see them pushing 1080p on the Wii U until the PS4 comes out, if the PS4 can push ~twice the pixels, then it will likely mean that Wii U games end up being 720p versions of the PS4's 1080p games, though I think Wii U will be the base model for all games being made next gen... xbox3 won't end up being that much more powerful than the Wii U, so it will just get cross ports with a smoother framerate, while PS4 gets the higher res if Sony pushes the hardware some, but it's easier to upgrade a game and have it run on all 3 systems, then to downgrade a game to port to the lowest system...

Basically, it's super likely that devs are already upgrading their 360 tools to work with Wii U, and they will just use those tools for all ports, cross, up or down porting.

and to these type of comments i say: "I'm glad these guys don't own a video game company"

 

[A.KU.MU]

When will this company learn???

So... making tons of money and being first is not good enough for you?

 

[mclem]

The moment you hear them you know you're dead. Up until the last second before they kill you they're silent...

The last thing *so* many leakers hear?

Ninja: *laughs*.

Speaking of ninjas, Nintendo should make a Ninja game. They have the knowledge about the way of the Ninja, they can´t fail.

Kat and Ana could hit the big time!

 

[cyberheater]

So what's the current consensus gaf. Seems to me that it's about 2 x Xbox 360 power.

 

[wsippel]

So what's the current consensus gaf. Seems to me that it's about 2 x Xbox 360 power.

The consensus is that orders of magnitude don't work.

 

[z0m3le]

and to these type of comments i say: "I'm glad these guys don't own a video game company"

I really don't understand you quoting me here, my comments have nothing to do with the others. (feelings hurt) :'(

The consensus is that orders of magnitude don't work.

Never wished for an up-vote button more.

Most likely will never happen. Iwata knows that if the talent leaves after an acquisition, you are left with nothing but a name (see Rare). That is why he would probably prefer a collaboration instead of a buyout. Nintendo could team up with a THQ developer, such as Vigil, to create a new IP, but I doubt they would outright buy the company.

This happens with small teams, but would it really happen with some big company like THQ? I mean the developer teams like Vigil would have the same boss, it would just be that their focus has changed to targeting a single platform... for a while I would expect that their projects don't even change. Still THQ would be bought for under 50M right? lol that's a bet someone like Nintendo should really take, if EA can keep talent when they buy companies, there is nothing particularly wrong with the practice from a business stand point.

 

[comedy bomb]

So what's the current consensus gaf. Seems to me that it's about 2 x Xbox 360 power.

My baseless speculation is that you compare 360 launch games with the best that the PS3 currently offers. That will be the approximate jump in graphics you will see when comparing Wii U games to current gen ones.

A noticeable difference, but nothing mind blowing.

 

[Xun]

I have no idea why I come into this thread anymore.

 

[tkscz]

Am I the only one who sees the 2x thing as the same jump from the Xbox to the Xbox 360? I mean just look at Conker's live and reloaded.

or Splinter Cell Double Agent

Now, put them in HD resolutions, with 2x better lighting, 2x better mapping, 2x better textures, 2x poly count, 2x MSAA and you get this

and this

 

[Neoriceisgood]

This thread is so funny.

 

[Effect]

Has Nintendo explicitly stated they are doing a Wii-U showcase event at this year's GDC?

They're suppose to have a pretty big section on the GDC floor. That's way to much space for just showing off 3DS units I think. It also makes no sense to showcase the Wii at this point in time. There has to be something Wii U related. Just hoping it isn't the same 2011 E3 stuff.

Don't have a link to the floor plan but aren't they suppose to be right next to Crytek who also has a space just as large? I'm hoping that means something. Nintendo don't exactly have a good or any relationship with Epic but I also keep hoping that means maybe they are talking with Crytek instead.

 

[Cheesecakebobby]

Now, put them in HD resolutions, with 2x better lighting, 2x better mapping, 2x better textures, 2x poly count, 2x MSAA and you get this /snip

You need a lot more than 2x the power to get all of that though.

 

[z0m3le]

You need a lot more than 2x the power to get all of that though.

There isn't a 2x power quote, he stated that some parts on paper are 4 to 5 times as powerful (most likely RAM and GPU) but that they only amount to a 2x visual increase.

 

[Cheesecakebobby]

There isn't a 2x power quote, he stated that some parts on paper are 4 to 5 times as powerful (most likely RAM and GPU) but that they only amount to a 2x visual increase.

I see. Well still bear in mind that, for example, the 360 has 8 times as much RAM as the original Xbox.

 

[z0m3le]

I see. Well still bear in mind that, for example, the 360 has 8 times as much RAM as the original Xbox.

Thanks to diminishing returns, there will not be a visual jump similar to xbox vs 360, anyone who is expecting that from any console, only really has to look at current PCs vs 360 and see that even that is arguable.

 

[Cheesecakebobby]

Thanks to diminishing returns, there will not be a visual jump similar to xbox vs 360, anyone who is expecting that from any console, only really has to look at current PCs vs 360 and see that even that is arguable.

In which case, to those such as tkscz whose criteria mean that 360 is a jump of 2x, the jump to the next generation will be much less than 2x, even to the 720.

Which only really shows how subjective the '2x' thing is.

 

[z0m3le]

In which case, to those such as tkscz whose criteria mean that 360 is a jump of 2x, the jump to the next generation will be much less than 2x, even to the 720.

Which only really shows how subjective the '2x' thing is.

If your point was to tell us that multides are pointless, message delivered, just don't expect us to stop using them, because we can measure the minimum of what x2 would mean, for instance: twice the pixel density or frame rate, we have a pretty good estimate of how Wii U games will improve, from that point though, everyone has to realize that every developer will use the box differently, some games might end up being very striking, some might even look only on par with this gen, it depends on art style and directors, but the most important thing is that it simply can't be left behind by x720 or PS4.

 

[cyberheater]

Thanks to diminishing returns, there will not be a visual jump similar to xbox vs 360, anyone who is expecting that from any console, only really has to look at current PCs vs 360 and see that even that is arguable.

This is very true. I've got PS360 and a PC. Obviously, I can crank up the PC to play games at 1080p with AA with all the bells and whistles on and at a normal seating distance from the TV. You can tell that the PC version looks better but it's not a huge leap.

The biggest difference to me is framerate. It does make a difference between gaming around 30fps vs 60fps especially when things get hectic.

 

[Cheesecakebobby]

If your point was to tell us that multides are pointless, message delivered, just don't expect us to stop using them, because we can measure the minimum of what x2 would mean, for instance: twice the pixel density or frame rate, we have a pretty good estimate of how Wii U games will improve, from that point though, everyone has to realize that every developer will use the box differently, some games might end up being very striking, some might even look only on par with this gen, it depends on art style and directors, but the most important thing is that it simply can't be left behind by x720 or PS4.

It's more a point that there is no way that 360 to Wii U can be a 2x jump IF you think Xbox to 360 is a 2x jump, that's all

 

[z0m3le]

It's more a point that there is no way that 360 to Wii U can be a 2x jump IF you think Xbox to 360 is a 2x jump, that's all

Well that's still subjective to him, maybe the cleaner textures and better lighting (bird demo or zelda demo) really stand out to him, so who knows what he will see, but I agree with your logic from the standpoint that the jump will not be of the same size.

Cyberheater, you've got it man, I thought you were a bit of a negative Nancy, but your more like a moderate Molly, I can respect that lol.

 

[cyberheater]

You know. Power isn't just about what's on the screen.

We need more power and memory for:-

* Much better A.I. Most A.I in games are pretty predictable and mechanical. More CPU and memory will help a lot here.

* Better physics and destructible objects and buildings. Trees that sway in the breeze. Actors who's limbs don't disappear through walls (better collision detection). Basically, more believable environments.

* Animation. Creatures and people that move like real people and creatures. That don't look like they are robots playing out pre canned movement sequences. Micro variations in posture and gate.

 

[Maxrunner]

i just hope that they have a wiimote+ in there...

 

[cyberheater]

i just hope that they have a wiimote+ in there...

I think that's been confirmed that wiimote+ will work on WiiU.

 

[H_Prestige]

I think that's been confirmed that wiimote+ will work on WiiU.

If it's not in the box then it's as irrelevant as gamecube controllers on the wii.

 

[Effect]

I think that's been confirmed that wiimote+ will work on WiiU.

It has to be confirmed to be in the box with the Wii U. Same for a nunchuck. That insures that pointer controls, especially for FPS, will be included in future games by default since everyone will have access to the hardware. Otherwise some developers will make the escuse it isn't a standard controls scheme for the Wii U simply because it isn't in the box and will ignore that past Wii owners also bought the Wii U. Making sure there are no excuses developers can use when making games for the system is important. Pointer vs dual analog exist in the gaming community. It certainly has to exist among developers and I'm sure some would love to not have to include it given the chance simply because they don't like it.

 

[Nibel]

You know. Power isn't just about what's on the screen.

We need more power and memory for:-

* Much better A.I. Most A.I in games are pretty predictable and mechanical. More CPU and memory will help a lot here.

* Better physics and destructible objects and buildings. Trees that sway in the breeze. Actors who's limbs don't disappear through walls (better collision detection). Basically, more believable environments.

* Animation. Creatures and people that move like real people and creatures. That don't look like they are robots playing out pre canned movement sequences. Micro variations in posture and gate.

I've always thought about this:

How would Nintendo games change with the implantation of physics? I don't mean as a visual effect like in most games nowadays, but as a gameplay element like in Half Life 2 or Portal. I find that physics haven't really been explored that much.
Imagine the next big console Mario with physics.. I know this post is weird for most people, but I see an huge opportunity here: a good physic engine and Nintendo's creativity could do something amazing.

 

[wsippel]

You know. Power isn't just about what's on the screen.

We need more power and memory for:-

* Much better A.I. Most A.I in games are pretty predictable and mechanical. More CPU and memory will help a lot here.

* Better physics and destructible objects and buildings. Trees that sway in the breeze. Actors who's limbs don't disappear through walls (better collision detection). Basically, more believable environments.

* Animation. Creatures and people that move like real people and creatures. That don't look like they are robots playing out pre canned movement sequences. Micro variations in posture and gate.

Better AI has little to do with processing power. The algorithms simply don't exist. Also, really good AI would make games less enjoyable, as weird as that may seem. It would mostly make them brutally fucking hard.

Better animation is a double edged sword as well. More realistic and natural animation looks nice, but it gets in the way. It makes the gameplay less precise and predictable. And I think we'd all prefer tight gameplay and responsive controls.

 

[MadOdorMachine]

I've always thought about this:

How would Nintendo games change with the implantation of physics? I don't mean as a visual effect like in most games nowadays, but as a gameplay element like in Half Life 2 or Portal. I find that physics haven't really been explored that much.
Imagine the next big console Mario with physics.. I know this post is weird for most people, but I see an huge opportunity here: a good physic engine and Nintendo's creativity could do something amazing.

Pikmin

 

[snowdog1971]

*Have snipped the long post*

I think for Nintendo to see genuine developer interest in all sectors, it must carefully plan the security of SDK solutions in regards to portability and interconnectivity before installment, configuration and deployment, and must do the best possible with the time before launch. And this not only for the current generation but for the next generation as well, as Microsoft and Sony will most likely bring out new systems to combat Wii U, and unless Nintendo has something really special to offer, I don't think the Wii U remote together with contemporary graphics (will of course evolve over time though) will suffice, especially if developers choose to utilize engines not compatible with the system.

I hope Game Developers Conference brings something new to the table, most importantly for Nintendo's business partners as the outcome of the games targeting launch (window) will ultimately set the tone for the entire generation regarding Wii U. And as Nintendo is aiming for an alluring product slate for launch, en-trammeling "speed bumps" are probably not that favored and thus there should be news, at least to some parties, soon.

I'm 100% certain that Nintendo have something up their sleeves regarding the controller that will be announced at E3. The DS pioneered touchscreens for gaming and everyday use. The Wii pioneered motion controls for gaming and everyday use. The 3DS has pioneered glasses-free 3D for gaming and everyday use.

Just bunging a bog standard touchscreen on a controller isn't innovative enough and doesn't follow Nintendo's new philosophy of bringing innovative experiences to gaming from the DS onwards. My money would be on a haptic touchscreen. These NDAs have been ridiculously strict imo and I suspect the strange semi-reveal at last E3 was an attempt to get Microsoft and Sony jumping on the touchscreen bandwagon (and it appears to have worked judging by the 720 rumours) so that next gen porting will be easier with a common interface but haptic technology in the U's touchscreen will make it stand out compared to the 720. When it's revealed at E3 this year it'll be too late for Microsoft to 'borrow' at least if the 720 is going to be released next year.

You heard it here first! ;oP

 

[Xun]

This is very true. I've got PS360 and a PC. Obviously, I can crank up the PC to play games at 1080p with AA with all the bells and whistles on and at a normal seating distance from the TV. You can tell that the PC version looks better but it's not a huge leap.

The biggest difference to me is framerate. It does make a difference between gaming around 30fps vs 60fps especially when things get hectic.

That's because the PC games use the same current-gen engines.

Trust me when the next-gen actually arrives you should be able to see a big jump.

 

[themadcowtipper]

That's because the PC games use the same current-gen engines.

Trust me when the next-gen actually arrives you should be able to see a big jump.

So when Wiiu arrives we will see a big jump...... The ps4 wiiu and nexbox will all be next gen systems. They will all be 8th generations machines.

 

[z0m3le]

That's because the PC games use the same current-gen engines.

Trust me when the next-gen actually arrives you should be able to see a big jump.

Frostbite 2.0 was built as a PC engine, Epic's popular demo is a UE4 demo (at least what they had up to that point), cryengine 3 is a PC engine first...

Those engines don't scream next gen, they look nicer, but I think we have come to a point where graphics mean very little, they are at a point where they can already be photo realistic.

Example, just look at Crysis on ultra, resolution and framerate matter more.

 

[MadOdorMachine]

That's because the PC games use the same current-gen engines.

Trust me when the next-gen actually arrives you should be able to see a big jump.

This. People said the same thing about the transition from last gen to this gen. You can't really count PCs either because most PC games are console ports.

The fact of the matter is that a lot can be improved. Subtle things like hair, clothing and the environment can be drastically improved with physics. Textures and overall detail are going to be greatly enhanced. Some games won't need it, and some games you might not be able to tell, but the potential will be there. These are just some of the examples. I'm sure we'll see much, much more if the hardware isn't gimped.

 

[MadOdorMachine]

Frostbite 2.0 was built as a PC engine, Epic's popular demo is a UE4 demo (at least what they had up to that point), cryengine 3 is a PC engine first...

Those engines don't scream next gen, they look nicer, but I think we have come to a point where graphics mean very little, they are at a point where they can already be photo realistic.

Example, just look at Crysis on ultra, resolution and framerate matter more.

The same thing can be said about Half Life 2 and Doom 3 which were also on Xbox and were the best looking games on PC at the time. Look how much better games have gotten since then. Very few games are taking advantage of the power of PC and if they are, it's only a fraction of the power. They are capable of a lot more, but we aren't seeing it yet because the demand isn't high enough. Once people start adopting more powerful consoles, we will see the jump.

 

[twingloxx2]

Didn't see this posted...

Eurogamer: Tekken Wii U: 60fps, low image latency


Tekken on Wii U will run at 60fps, has impressive image latency, and will make use of the console's touchscreen controller in interesting ways, designer Katsuhiro Harada has revealed.

...

According to the report, Harada doesn't think Nintendo is planning to enter the graphics race with the Wii U.
Instead games will stand out courtesy of the touchscreen controller and the unique features it enables.

 

[Smiles and Cries]

Didn't see this posted...

Eurogamer: Tekken Wii U: 60fps, low image latency


Tekken on Wii U will run at 60fps, has impressive image latency, and will make use of the console's touchscreen controller in interesting ways, designer Katsuhiro Harada has revealed.

...

According to the report, Harada doesn't think Nintendo is planning to enter the graphics race with the Wii U.
Instead games will stand out courtesy of the touchscreen controller and the unique features it enables.

I cannot say I am impressed by a fighting game pulling good Wii U numbers also TEKKEN hardly sells well but I guess this gives us hope for SF vs games

 

[Xun]

The same thing can be said about Half Life 2 and Doom 3 which were also on Xbox and were the best looking games on PC at the time. Look how much better games have gotten since then. Very few games are taking advantage of the power of PC and if they are, it's only a fraction of the power. They are capable of a lot more, but we aren't seeing it yet because the demand isn't high enough. Once people start adopting more powerful consoles, we will see the jump.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Also seriously I know Samaritan is enough for some people, but that's only UE3.

UE4 is where we'll see a proper difference.

 

[tsab]

Didn't see this posted...

Eurogamer: Tekken Wii U: 60fps, low image latency


Tekken on Wii U will run at 60fps, has impressive image latency, and will make use of the console's touchscreen controller in interesting ways, designer Katsuhiro Harada has revealed.

...

According to the report, Harada doesn't think Nintendo is planning to enter the graphics race with the Wii U.
Instead games will stand out courtesy of the touchscreen controller and the unique features it enables.

Another thing worth mentioning from the interview

For Tekken, one of these unique features may be using the controller's screen to display an interactive strategy guide.
"I've often heard about or seen fighting-game players playing with a strategy guide open at their feet," Harada said. "So it would be useful if we could, for example, distribute an enhanced digital version of the guide that the player could see while playing, and even touch to have a live preview on the main screen."

Mindblown of the possibilities

 

[guek]

The same thing can be said about Half Life 2 and Doom 3 which were also on Xbox and were the best looking games on PC at the time. Look how much better games have gotten since then. Very few games are taking advantage of the power of PC and if they are, it's only a fraction of the power. They are capable of a lot more, but we aren't seeing it yet because the demand isn't high enough. Once people start adopting more powerful consoles, we will see the jump.

While this is true, I don't think it's going to be the norm. Just about all next gen games will get a noticeable bump but not all of the bumps will be equal. We're getting to the point where it's not feasible to produce BF3 level visuals for the majority of the games in development. I'm not one of those people who think game development costs will kill us all, but I also recognize that costs aren't going to go down any time soon. I don't expect more than a handful of games each year to really push next gen hardware to its absolute limits. Most will shoot for something more affordable.