French site 01net has revealed information about the new Nintendo console, thanks to a source who previously detailed Sony's NGP before it was announced. The same source earlier talked about Nintendo's upcoming E3 unveiling, which was reported by other sources on the internet as well.
The new Nintendo console is said to be codenamed "Project Café," possibly in an attempt to screw around with American bloggers who don't have the combination for the é key at the ready. The controller will be a tablet kind of controller in "standard definition" or at least sub-720p. Apparently it's supposed to be akin to an über version of the Dreamcast's VMU -- that little display thing you inserted in your controller.
The controller itself is said to include a 6" single-touch screen, d-pad, "L and R," two triggers, and "others." The functionality of the Wii's sensor bar has now been integrated into the controller, which would mean that you'd just use your controller as a sensor bar for Wiimote gameplay. It would a sport a front facing camera.
Also, because it's Nintendo we're talking about here, the cost of this controller is said to be "modest" and we shouldn't expect iPad levels of power or performance here. They call it an "iPad with buttons" for lack of a better term. 01net's source also elaborated on the hardware specs of the console itself.
The architecture would be similar to the Xbox 360 with a custom IBM PowerPC three core CPU, and "probably" an ATI R700 series GPU with shader model 4.1 support (i.e., higher than the 360's shader model 3.0 support). You can easily spin the shader model stuff into the console being more powerful than an Xbox 360, so if this is true that's something to keep in mind for the future.
This architecture would also allow for easier porting of titles developed for the 360, which has a similar architecture, and that would also make it much more interesting for third party developers to develop for Nintendo's new console as well (or just port old stuff over). Sources close to Blu-ray.com are also claiming that Nintendo is looking into Bluray for its medium of choice.
01net's sources tell them that Project Café has another big surprise coming up, but that is as of yet shrouded in mystery. All of this doesn't sound too far-fetched, as it would allow for a more developer-friendly current-gen console to take over from the Wii's struggling hardware sales. And it gives Nintendo a strong boost for the next couple of years while Microsoft and Sony scratch their heads over how to approach their next generation consoles.
Project Café : la Wii 2 de Nintendo aura une tablette pour manette [01net via Develop]
Contest:
10:40 AM on 04.15.2011 | 
Verrrrry interesting.
Nintendo memories; Dolphin, Project Reality, Revolution, Atlantis
miscellaneous; Sega Katana, MS Xenon, MS Marz
NOW "Project Café" ??!? --weak.
they just listed buttons, dude.
You're welcome.
HUK on the controller would not be good at all. Why would you want to take your eyes off the action that is in front of you to check out your health/ammo/position on a map?
If it has a D-pad it better have two analog sticks....
HUD on the controller would not be good at all. Why would you want to take your eyes off the action that is in front of you to check out your health/ammo/position on a map?
If it has a D-pad it better have two analog sticks....
You know, Microsoft could just release a controller with a touchscreen in it and be in DIRECT COMPETITION. It's PC based. It'd be easy.
But seriously Nintendo, I was so disappoint with the Wii.
As for the controller and it's price - yeah, I can see that happening. Look at cheap Android Phones for example: 600Mhz processor, 3 inch display for around 80 dollars (T-Mobile Pulse Mini) - subtract all the stuff you don't need, such as Camera, GPS and the whole Phone/Mobile Internet part, add a Gyroscope and some more buttons and bam - Controller with a little flexible touchscreen in the middle. Then take into consideration that hardware prices will have plummeted even more by that time and the controller with integrated touchscreen doesn't look that unlikely anymore.
lol
Sony's actually patented tech based on brain wave manipulation...way back in '05 i think.
I'd think you'd see Sony lead that charge, not Nintendo.
I was absolutely convinced that they were going to come out with a controller with a touch screen on it.
Anyway, if this new Nintendo console will be able to play Nintendo games AND the kind of games that are available for the 360 and PS3... well, then there's no need for anything else. But Nintendo better get their shit together and provide a decent online experience. I can see that being a crippling blow if they don't.
If any of these nintendo rumors prove 2 be true, we'll see sony and ms scrambling to emulate nintendo again, only to fail miserably.
Ms and sony should have never invested so much in their motion controllers. They suck anyways. I sold my moves and my kinect, there are no games 4 them worth my time; and by the time they come out, we'll all have moved on anyways.
I like all three systems, so don't get me wrong, but I've been sollid with nintendo since I got my first NES as a kid, back in '86.... so I'm rooting 4 them. I think this new system and the 3DS are a step in the right direction.
I usually spell it with an O.
You rule, and beat me to it.
Anyway, my mind's eye makes this controller look like a PSP, only square shaped and cheaper looking being as though it's a controller. I think, over the years, that Nintendo has trained me to stop being scared of the controller and go with the flow of things. I mean... I didn't think the N64 controller would work at all, but it did and it was fun so whatever, I guess.
I'm convinced that the system will be "up to date" graphics-wise, but I'm more interested in the other stuff that comes with a console (or should I say, the stuff that we assume will come with a console these days). Nintendo hasn't been known for keeping a very strong hand in the online portion of gaming. The system that the 3DS has in place seems like a good step and all, but they need more... And since we already know that they're not going to get rid of the friend codes, they need to work the kinks to get a good Online system going with all the fun stuff that goes along with it. That's the stuff I'm tapping my foot on the floor for.
The touch pad built into the controller is perfect. It allows the developer to basically create whatever controller they want. Hey, you want 20 buttons, then you can do that. Want an extra analog stick, well, you can replicate that with the touch screen. Want a texting keyboard, well they can do that to. This gives them that flexibility.
And then there are others things. I'm sure they will make it possible to pet your Nintendog by stroking the touch pad. That just made me feel kind of creepy.
And let's not forget all the in-game HUDs and stuff this can be. Imagine your whole backpack being shown on the screen, and you can touch any item to use it without selecting any screens...it would be even easier than using a mouse /keyboard.
Also, I believe the 3ds is the big secret that they are referring to. If you don't have enough controllers, you can use your handy 3ds which contains the same functions. I think the new console will use a number of controller options, just like the current Wii can use gamecube, retro, or wiimote controllers.
- The controller itself is said to include a 6" single-touch screen, d-pad, "L and R," two triggers, and "others."
Where does that say that you won't have any analog sticks? This is all leaked reports here, so the "others" in that statement, could mean anything. It could have 3 analog sticks, for all we know. People are so quick to jump to conclusions. A lot you guys are acting like this is all factual information and its a done deal. These are rumors people. Sure they might be coming from credible sources, but they're still just rumors. So until we actual see the thing at E3 for ourselves, we won't know what's real and what's not.
Not sure how I feel just yet, but this is Nintendo and they rarely disappoint me. I'm sure whenever they release their next console that I'll be quick to buy one.
I don't think it's going to have BluRay though. They would have to pay Sony for that, so that makes me question how legitimate the source is.