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[GameplayWhore]

So what can we say about the power of the WiiU from all the speculations?
Considering Nintendo wanted to make it port friendly with current games...

Running current non-optimized middleware will result in on-par performances with the HD twins
Running current but optimized middleware gives it a 50-75% power increase over the HD twins
Running a proprietary engine will offer 100-150% performance increase over the HD twins allowing it to be able to run next gen games.

I think that if the game is highly gpu-bound, the performance boost will be much higher in the second and third category. If the game is highly cpu bound and not sound fx heavy, it would be closer to the second category even with optimizations (but then, a lot of the things that were previously handled by the cpu can be farmed out to the gpu if you do a lot of extra work).

 

[Fourth Storm]

We'll see. For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure the the hacked together tech demo at E3 2011 ran at 720p with no anti-aliasing, so you might not get 1080p .

Yeah, if the series were known for its graphics and they were gonna give it a huge facelift, I don't think they would have shown the game like that even last year. But the art style is simple enough that I'm hopeful they just might be able to pull it off in 1080p.

 

[Rösti]

So, NSMBMii...1080p with minimal graphical overhaul (still some effects here and there to make you say wow) just so they have one game which "checks the box?"

We'll see. For what it's worth, I'm pretty sure the the hacked together tech demo at E3 2011 ran at 720p with no anti-aliasing, so you might not get 1080p .

Well, that's the designation of the screen shots provided anyway: http://e3.nintendo.com/hw/#/software

Best shown in 2011_SW01_5_scrn05_E3 here: http://media.nintendo.com/pressroom/E32011/WiiU/WiiU_Software.zip

I haven't seen any video feed showing the lack of anti-aliasing though.

Also, I have now browsed through the FCC database without finding anything about the CAT-DEV, they are not included in the list of documents by Nintendo anyway. Hon Hai didn't have much interesting either, just a bunch of Wi-Fi modules of different types. Most interesting I could find regarded a test report of 3DS. Proxus Communications Pte Ltd is apparently the supplier of these development kits, according to the Singapore IDA anyway, but that company is not a part of FCC's database.

 

[HylianTom]

I hope Pikmin is 1080p as well.

Man.. this might be the first time in history where Nintendo's console output (1080p) outclasses my TV's ability (720p).

Then again, it might make for a lovely excuse to finally grab a plasma.. hmm..

But how to convince the ol' ball-n-chain? I've got some plotting to do, apparently.

 

[GameplayWhore]

So, NSMBMii...1080p with minimal graphical overhaul (still some effects here and there to make you say wow) just so they have one game which "checks the box?"

Iwata did make a point of saying that some games call for insane-o budget and crazy performance levels, and some don't. 2D Mario does not need that lighting effect where light bouncing off of objects affect the colour of nearby objects. It just needs to have really good controls and amazing level design

Spoiler

and a level editor

.

 

[shadyspace]

Man.. this might be the first time in history where Nintendo's console output (1080p) outclasses my TV's ability (720p).

Then again, it might make for a lovely excuse to finally grab a plasma.. hmm..

But how to convince the ol' ball-n-chain? I've got some plotting to do, apparently.

I know! A Nintendo console is what might make me buy a better television. Craziness.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Man.. this might be the first time in history where Nintendo's console output (1080p) outclasses my TV's ability (720p).

Then again, it might make for a lovely excuse.. hmm..

But how to convince the ol' ball-n-chain? I've got some plotting to do, apparently.

might not even make a difference depending on screen size/distance from tv. In my room it's impossible to notice a difference between 720p and 1080p because there isn't much space, but if I gamed in the living room I'd definitely notice.

 

[GameplayWhore]

Man.. this might be the first time in history where Nintendo's console output (1080p) outclasses my TV's ability (720p).

Then again, it might make for a lovely excuse to finally grab a plasma.. hmm..

But how to convince the ol' ball-n-chain? I've got some plotting to do, apparently.

Threaten to withhold sexual activity. No Nintendo, no nookie.

 

[HylianTom]

Iwata did make a point of saying that some games call for insane-o budget and crazy performance levels, and some don't. 2D Mario does not need that lighting effect where light bouncing off of objects affect the colour of nearby objects. It just needs to have really good controls and amazing level design

Spoiler

and a level editor

.

How did I know the spoiler before reading it? You guys are getting predictable!

But Nintendo going all-out graphically on Pikmin? YES.
That'd be my "graphical showcase" series of choice right alongside the Zelda series (of course). I ain't a graphics ho by any means, but it still wouldn't keep me from drooling..

 

[Fourth Storm]

Man.. this might be the first time in history where Nintendo's console output (1080p) outclasses my TV's ability (720p).

Then again, it might make for a lovely excuse to finally grab a plasma.. hmm..

But how to convince the ol' ball-n-chain? I've got some plotting to do, apparently.

Haha, I'm in the same camp. We at least have some time to save up, though.

 

[Agent Unknown]

I have a 42 inch 1080p Hitachi Plasma so I'm covered.

 

[HylianTom]

might not even make a difference depending on screen size/distance from tv. In my room it's impossible to notice a difference between 720p and 1080p because there isn't much space, but if I gamed in the living room I'd definitely notice.

True, but the colors on our plasma in our bedroom looks soooo much better than the colors on our old, old DLP in the living room - even after professional calibration! This might be my chance!

Threaten to withhold sexual activity. No Nintendo, no nookie.

It's crossed my mind. But I'm a weak man.

 

[snesfreak]

Wii U is why I bought my Panasonic, well that and I wanted an HDTV anyway.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Wii U is why I bought my Panasonic, well that and I wanted an HDTV anyway.

better late

Spoiler

as hell

than never

 

[GameplayWhore]

How did I know the spoiler before reading it? You guys are getting predictable!

Hey, just about every 2D Mario has had a level editor

Spoiler

made by very highly skilled fans after the fact

, and it has done nothing but good for us

Spoiler

(basically kaizo mario and a couple really amazing NSMBW user-created worlds)

.

But Nintendo going all-out graphically on Pikmin? YES.
That'd be my "graphical showcase" series of choice right alongside the Zelda series (of course). I ain't a graphics ho by any means, but it still wouldn't keep me from drooling..

Pikmin will look good, but a game has to be in specific genres to catch many eyes. One of the graphical showcase games will definitely be a racer (either "Concept Grand Prix" or "Project CARS").

 

[snesfreak]

better late

Spoiler

as hell

than never

I even bought a Blu-Ray player!

Spoiler

It was $35 and refurbished.

 

[HylianTom]

Wii U is why I bought my Panasonic, well that and I wanted an HDTV anyway.

There are a few Panasonic models that are on the short list already, just from casually looking a few weeks ago. It's been on my mind, but the more I hear about this, the more I'm convinced that this is a "it will happen" thing instead of a "it might happen" thing.

 

[shadyspace]

Damnit LiK.

 

[HylianTom]

Pikmin will look good, but a game has to be in specific genres to catch many eyes. One of the graphical showcase games will definitely be a racer (either "Concept Grand Prix" or "Project CARS").

Sometimes I wonder (being cynical here) if Nintendo is doing their Enthisiast Racing title just in order to "check that box." I hope that they have passion for that kind of thing.

Otherwise, I'd love a showcase title in the form of F-Zero. I mean, the GameCube one still looks pretty godly to this day. Imagine what a new F-Zero would do; my sockets would melt!

 

[EatChildren]

I haven't seen any video feed showing the lack of anti-aliasing though.

Had a quick look, and it seems all footage of the tech demo is off screen, which always does a great job of hiding aliasing. Nintendo's press assets seem to be direct feed shots, and yeah: 720p and no anti-aliasing.

Granted I don't expect tech demos that could pass for a quick and dirty port to be polished to perfection, but I'd certainly expect assets as low key as the NSMB series to fairly easily render at 1080p with no slowdown.

 

[AceBandage]

Sometimes I wonder (being cynical here) if Nintendo is doing their Enthisiast Racing title just in order to "check that box." I hope that they have passion for that kind of thing.

Otherwise, I'd love a showcase title in the form of F-Zero. I mean, the GameCube one still looks pretty godly to this day. Imagine what a new F-Zero would do; my sockets would melt!

I think we'll see one. And I don't think we'll see that magical "Grand Prix" game.

 

[BGBW]

I still have an SD tele. Ha ha ha.

 

[GameplayWhore]

Sometimes I wonder (being cynical here) if Nintendo is doing their Enthisiast Racing title just in order to "check that box." I hope that they have passion for that kind of thing.

Otherwise, I'd love a showcase title in the form of F-Zero. I mean, the GameCube one still looks pretty godly to this day. Imagine what a new F-Zero would do; my sockets would melt!

They have to check boxes if they want to gain particular segments of the audience. There's a ton of people who think "futuristic == kiddie". They won't buy a racer unless it looks like the current races, they won't buy a shooter if they're not shooting people who're sneaking around backpack nukes in Southeast Asia, and they won't buy a sports game unless it has this year's roster. The actual game quality and visual fidelity, while important, is a secondary priority for them.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I am like nastradamous in this bitch. I was saying it months ago that the only system seller nintendo can throw together is a NSMB title. High res that shit, clean it up, throw in new levels and all that, and bam, a launch title that will lure people in. Save the real 3D mario for when the base is much bigger.

 

[BurntPork]

better late

Spoiler

as hell

than never

I don't have an HDTV, nor any plans to purchase one in the near future.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I don't have an HDTV, nor any plans to purchase one in the near future.

first late on the script and now wayyy late on HDTVs. TBH I'm not even sure how you live.

 

[AceBandage]

They have to check boxes if they want to gain particular segments of the audience. There's a ton of people who think "futuristic == kiddie". They won't buy a racer unless it looks like the current races, they won't buy a shooter if they're not shooting people who're sneaking around backpack nukes in Southeast Asia, and they won't buy a sports game unless it has this year's roster. The actual game quality and visual fidelity, while important, is a secondary priority for them.

I don't think any if this is true. GoW and Halo are pretty huge and the WipeOut franchise always does well.

 

[Sadist]

I have two! All set for the next Nintendo console.

 

[D_prOdigy]

I absolutely cannot wait for the discussions over the anti-aliasing situation in a fucking Mario game.

More of that, please.

 

[bgassassin]

I'm also a part of the SD crew. *high fives the others*

Yes you can, bg, I don't mind.

I'm sure you don't, haha.

Well, that's the designation of the screen shots provided anyway: http://e3.nintendo.com/hw/#/software

Best shown in 2011_SW01_5_scrn05_E3 here: http://media.nintendo.com/pressroom/E32011/WiiU/WiiU_Software.zip

I haven't seen any video feed showing the lack of anti-aliasing though.

Also, I have now browsed through the FCC database without finding anything about the CAT-DEV, they are not included in the list of documents by Nintendo anyway. Hon Hai didn't have much interesting either, just a bunch of Wi-Fi modules of different types. Most interesting I could find regarded a test report of 3DS. Proxus Communications Pte Ltd is apparently the supplier of these development kits, according to the Singapore IDA anyway, but that company is not a part of FCC's database.

I don't recall a video feed showing AA.

And thanks for the search work.

I even bought a Blu-Ray player!

Spoiler

It was $35 and refurbished.

You're doing it wrong. You're supposed to not buy one and then complain about Wii U not having Blu-ray movie playback.

 

[AceBandage]

I absolutely cannot wait for the discussions over the anti-aliasing situation in a fucking Mario game.

More of that, please.

To be fair, AA in 2D games is far more important. That said, we can't really judge anything based on the demos we saw last E3. It was obvious they were all really rushed.

 

[Gaborn]

I am like nastradamous in this bitch. I was saying it months ago that the only system seller nintendo can throw together is a NSMB title. High res that shit, clean it up, throw in new levels and all that, and bam, a launch title that will lure people in. Save the real 3D mario for when the base is much bigger.

They've probably had teams working on titles for about two years just based on the huge drought in releases and I suspect there will be multiple million selling titles at Wii U's launch. Ultimately I mean, not right away. Anyone NOT expect a Wii U Sports/Play title at launch? Multi Million seller confirmed. That's without Mario or any other surprise title.

 

[HylianTom]

I am like nastradamous in this bitch. I was saying it months ago that the only system seller nintendo can throw together is a NSMB title. High res that shit, clean it up, throw in new levels and all that, and bam, a launch title that will lure people in. Save the real 3D mario for when the base is much bigger.

Yup - like when they need The Big Mack Daddy of All Games to counteract the PS720 releases next year. It's making more and more sense.

(and shadyspace.. your comment about a new television is spot-on, had me laughing.)

 

[GameplayWhore]

I still have an SD tele. Ha ha ha.

Represent!

(I have an HD computer monitor, but both my TV and Media Room projector are SD, and I don't really care about that yet; the friend whose house I multiplay at also uses an SD TV for his Xbox 360. Truly, we are heathens!)

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

They've probably had teams working on titles for about two years and I suspect there will be multiple million selling titles at Wii U's launch.

I don't know about that, they'll probably spread it out in the launch window, but I was saying specifically that mario and even more specifically nsmb will be the one for launch. BOOOOK IT.

Ace didn't believe me especially. I am all knowing.

 

[methodman]

I absolutely cannot wait for the discussions over the anti-aliasing situation in a fucking Mario game.

More of that, please.

I'm so excited too! Is that mushroom AA'ed? If it isn't, Fuck this game and fuck Nintendo!

 

[AceBandage]

I don't know about that, they'll probably spread it out in the launch window, but I was saying specifically that mario and even more specifically nsmb will be the one for launch. BOOOOK IT.

Ace didn't believe me especially. I am all knowing.

We'll see about that. I still don't believe they'll have Mario at launch. And I believe even less that they need it.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

We'll see about that. I still don't beloved they'll have Mario at launch. And I believe even less that they need it.

Yeah nintendo might think they don't need it either, but they might also be saying "better safe than sorry" and whip out their shlongs and laugh.

 

[GameplayWhore]

I don't think any if this is true. GoW and Halo are pretty huge and the WipeOut franchise always does well.

I'll grant you God of War, but Halo is sort of taking a back seat to Call of Duty.

Anyway, I wasn't saying that there are audiences for those games. I'm saying that there's a huge audience that specifically wants modern-time realism.

But Wipeout? Not counting the obviously unrelated Wii megahit, did any game in that series sell well in this past generation?

 

[HylianTom]

Represent!

(I have an HD computer monitor, but both my TV and Media Room projector are SD, and I don't really care about that yet; the friend whose house I multiplay at also uses an SD TV for his Xbox 360. Truly, we are heathens!)

Cool beans.. you're not heathens - you're like many normal people!

While I'm not at all a specs snob on consoles, it's the computer (and its games) where I clamor for ultra high-defness.

 

[Plinko]

I absolutely cannot wait for the discussions over the anti-aliasing situation in a fucking Mario game.

More of that, please.

LOL...I was actually going to complain that if they can't hit 1080p in a 2D side-scrolling Mario game I'd have serious reservations about this system.

 

[Gaborn]

I don't know about that, they'll probably spread it out in the launch window, but I was saying specifically that mario and even more specifically nsmb will be the one for launch. BOOOOK IT.

Ace didn't believe me especially. I am all knowing.

Sure, absolutely we'll have Mario at launch. I'm not even sure that's their BIG title yet though. I don't know, I just don't think Nintendo would blow their biggest news announcement pre-E3. I know how enormous Mario is, I just can't shake the feeling that there is a fuckton more we're missing. I mean, I STILL fully expect a 3D Mario to be announced and shown too. Probably not launch of course. Beyond that... I mean, what if they pull off a Mario Kart at launch?

 

[HylianTom]

I'm so excited too! Is that mushroom AA'ed? If it isn't, Fuck this game and fuck Nintendo!

I can honestly see some of this slliness coming with WiiU reviews. We're going to need a "ridiculous Wii U game reviews thread" for mocking these people at some point.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Sure, absolutely we'll have Mario at launch. I'm not even sure that's their BIG title yet though. I don't know, I just don't think Nintendo would blow their biggest news announcement pre-E3. I know how enormous Mario is, I just can't shake the feeling that there is a fuckton more we're missing. I mean, I STILL fully expect a 3D Mario to be announced and shown too. Probably not launch of course. Beyond that... I mean, what if they pull off a Mario Kart at launch?

I expect the megatons for nintendos E3 will be Retro's new game and also a new partnership or two they announce with other studios.

 

[LegendofJoe]

Pikmin 3 within the first year of WiiU's release, any takers?

 

[Plinko]

Sure, absolutely we'll have Mario at launch. I'm not even sure that's their BIG title yet though. I don't know, I just don't think Nintendo would blow their biggest news announcement pre-E3. I know how enormous Mario is, I just can't shake the feeling that there is a fuckton more we're missing. I mean, I STILL fully expect a 3D Mario to be announced and shown too. Probably not launch of course. Beyond that... I mean, what if they pull off a Mario Kart at launch?

0.001% chance of that happening, but I would go on record calling for the most successful launch ever.

 

[Plinko]

Pikmin 3 within the first year of WiiU's release, any takers?

Launch title, easily. It's been in development for way too long to miss launch.

 

[GameplayWhore]

Cool beans.. you're not heathens - you're like many normal people!

While I'm not at all a specs snob on consoles, it's the computer (and its games) where I clamor for ultra high-defness.

I raged hard when I learned that pretty much all consumer-level monitors being sold today have a general upper limit at 1080 lines, whereas the upper limit fifteen years ago was 1200 lines.

I was happy to find a monitor that had the advantages of both the modern era and the "more-lines" era.

 

[Gaborn]

I expect the megatons for nintendos E3 will be Retro's new game and also a new partnership or two they announce with other studios.

I'm looking forward to Retro's game reveal as well but I don't see that as likely to be their biggest hold back. I think we're going to see a ton of games revealed from Nintendo for launch, launch window, and into next year. I think it could be something totally unexpected too, maybe a new Wario game for example. Multiple AAA titles at launch and launch window. I think Nintendo figures their titles tend to evergreen so they might as well be released in proximity.

Plinko - MK64 was launch window, I don't think it's impossible. I mean, even if not AT launch, could make it right after the holidays.

Edit2: eh, close enough.

 

[RedSwirl]

Actually this might be a good time to ask: What would/should Mario look like on an HD console?

In my opinion SMG graphics in HD with some anti-aliasing would be satisfactory, but what, theoretically speaking, would Mario assets look like on this level of hardware? Maybe something closer to the CG art or just SMG graphics with more rounded models?

Also: I don't even know what framerate Nintendo's first party Wii games run at.