Quantcast

Reggie: There is no Wii HD

10:40 AM on 11.06.2009   |   Jim Sterling

Reggie: There is no Wii HD photo

It's been rumored for a long time, and many gamers have clamored for such a mythical beast, but Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime has decided to play dream killer and put paid to any fantasies about a Wii HD. Raining on our barbecue, the steak n' kidney executive has said that there is no hi-definition Wii, and that it only exists in analyst Michael Pachter's head. 

"Michael [Pachter] continues to be the only one who believes this is going to happen," Reggie states on GTTV. "I don’t know how forcefully we can say that there is no Wii HD."

Pachter has claimed multiple times that a Wii HD is in the works and has talked about it arriving before 2010 is over. Nintendo's denial may mean nothing or everything, since we all know that publishers will happily lie about their projects. However, Reggie seems incredibly adamant, going so far as to call Pachter out, so who knows? It's not like the Wii needed HD to be a success. Perhaps Nintendo truly doesn't feel it's important.








More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com

Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize. Likes PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3 Meet the rest of the team



Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

85 comments | showing # 1 to 50
prev
next 50 comments

sir monster210's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:44
sir monster210
i remember standing in line on launch night for the wii. its been about 2 years since ive played it.
falinter's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:44
falinter
Why would any one at Nintendo say yes there is a Wii HD and stifle sales for Christmas?
360-ps3-guy's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:49
360-ps3-guy
I LOVE THE PIC LOL
Moofey's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:50
Moofey
Who wants to bet Nintendo will pull a Sony here?
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:50
Xzyliac
Is it really THAT important to anyone? Wii fanboys refuse to admit any fault with the Wii and everyone else is too busy playing games to care.
Onlineatron's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:52
Onlineatron
Jim?

Are you going with the 'if it ain't funny the first time, it'll be funny the 627th time' philosophy in regards to the header images?

I think it's working...
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:54
Jim Sterling
Onlineatron:

I actually subscribe to the "it's funny to me, I don't care if it's funny to anyone else" philosophy.
AfroWalrus's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:54
AfroWalrus
What would the Wii do with HD graphics anyway?
WormFOODx's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:58
WormFOODx
It won't be HD because the 3rd parties couldn't crank out the crappy games for it as fast as they do now.
Sonvar's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 10:58
Sonvar
Wii has done fine without HD and I don't see them changing that without releasing a new console altogether not called wii. Though it might be superwii
CthulhuFtaghn's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:00
CthulhuFtaghn
Yeah, and there's not a new DSi coming eith--

--oh wait, that happened.
Drack48's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:03
Drack48
I've been playing the Prime again with the Wii control and damn if that game doesn't remind me why I love Nintendo.
livestatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:04
livestatic
Nintendo already has to deal with the user base split in the portable market with the DS & DSi.
Wasn't it enough of a marketing struggle to get everyone and their mother to buy ONE console? Of course there's no Wii HD - it would BURY them.
Emrah's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:05
Emrah
There was no Ps3 slim OR price drop either.
jase52476's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:05
jase52476
HD is a fad.
RenegadePanda's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:07
RenegadePanda
They're waiting to announce the Wii HDiLLP first.
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:13
Django Reinhardt
@jase52476

I hope you're joking. If not, then you haven't been paying attention to the nature of technological progression for the last 75 years.
GohanGVO's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:14
GohanGVO
It would take a lot more than an adjustment in horsepower and resolution to justify a "Wii HD." If it does exist, I hope that EVERYTHING receives an overhaul. Otherwise, why bother?

I think a bigger problem that no one talks about is that the controls would remain the same. Are major third-parties going to take the time to elegantly implement the controls into their games, shoehorn them in for a quick buck, or ignore such a console due to the low-install base of a new SKU?
The Silent Protagonist's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:16
The Silent Protagonist
First the DSi XL was a speculation and then it was not. This is a purely optional upgrade, so no harm in coming forward about it.Would Nintendo honestly come out and say there will be a Wii HD with the holiday season upon us? I seriously doubt it.

Not that I really have a burning desire to upgrade yet anyway. I still find the RPG selection on present consoles too sparse for my liking. DS and PSP scratch that itch a lot better right now and PS2 still has a lot left to sift though.
MasterBalls's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:19
MasterBalls
Wait, didn't they deny the DS Lite and DS XL?

Announced tomorrow then.

Or y'know, they could actually be DENYING it...


...nah.
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:23
Wedge
Probably because "Wii HD" doesn't make a damn bit of technical (or other) sense and anyone that even suggests it belies their total and utter lack of knowledge on what that would even mean.
Spectreman's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:25
Spectreman
* Wii HD will not help if they don´t change the way that online gaming is made in Nintendo products.
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:26
Wedge
I want to kill all the marketing dipshits that coined "HD" as a gaming related term, as if it actually means anything. If someone makes an Atari 2600 output to 1920x1080, it's "HD", but it still looks like shit.
grasslunatic's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:43
grasslunatic
Reggie is bullshitting as usual.
Kvb's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:46
Kvb
Good. I don't want another one of those console-that-already-exists-but-better.
Just save up all your technology until you're ready for a real new console, Nintendo.
Hcapt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:50
Hcapt
Wii HD, just like Natal's release date, doesn't exist, never existed, and will continue to not exist until there is no other alternative than to release it.

The only way Nintendo will release a Wii HD is if they must abandon their wii platform, which is currently not necesary nor advisable.
q-pa's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:51
q-pa
Still don't have an HDTV, so I don't care.

...Yet.
bustaballs's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:54
bustaballs
Xzyliac: Is your comment really that important to anyone? Wii haters refuse to admit that the Wii has just as many good games as the PS3 and continue to troll every article related to the Wii and the Wii fans are too busy playing good games to care.
Zepwich's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:54
Zepwich
Sound like Bullshit to me.
Excel-2011's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:55
Excel-2011
Do we really need an upgraded Wii? Most of the Wii's problems lie in software. Overhauling the hardware will bring a minimal improvement.
Mattchewie's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:55
Mattchewie
Would it be all that hard to get the damn thing to pump out a 720p signal? ...really? I'm not even asking for HDMI, they can stick with component cables...I just want something better than SD so it doesn't look like garbage on my LCD tv!
Ganjookie's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:58
Ganjookie
At least I'm not the only one who thinks Michael Pachter predictions/analyst reports are BS. reggie is with me!

I think Michael Pachter should become the next analrapist (analyst/therapist)
IKenjiI's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 11:59
IKenjiI
Nintendo love money, they love making multiple versions of the same thing, they did it with the DS, making 3 versions with a 4th coming.

The Wii HD will come... and so will i.
PEICanada7's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:02
PEICanada7
"i remember standing in line on launch night for the wii. its been about 2 years since ive played it."

Here's another quote from Reggie that you might like. Reggie: "One of the questions that I keep asking is, for all of those core gamers who cry the blues about the lack of content, there's been a lot of great content. Open up your wallet and buy some."
EdgyDude's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:10
EdgyDude
1) Why do we care about Patcher, ins't this the guy that said Borderlands was sent out to die?

2) Why should we believe anyone from Nintendo, after all didn't the DSi XL get announced a day after they denied their existence? how about the constant denial of a price cut for the Wii? they did keep their word righ-- oh wait!

We'll know the day it's announced (or a few days early if leaked), case closed people
NoMoneyLeftBoy's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:15
NoMoneyLeftBoy
HD as a term is such a load of bollocks I dont think I could bare to spend a second longer here writing about it.
MrPibb's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:17
MrPibb
I doubt that this is a lie, if only because of the Wii's success. It may seem like a mistake to many, but when something is successful it sets a precedent of what is assumed will work in the future. The only problem with this mentality is that it can stifle creativity and also leads to a hubris and self-enclosed viewpoint, something that is becoming a hallmark of this industry and the people who give the money to the companies that make the products in it. With the Wii, it has seen a level of sales where, to invest money into an upgrade that would probably not effect the back catalog of titles already available, to release an update does not make sense from an economic standpoint. From a human standpoint, of course there would be improved graphics. Then again, the Wii would probably need more processing power/RAM to take advantage of High Definition, and that leads to all sorts of backwards compatibility issues. We'll see what they do next generation, it should be enlightening.

@PEICanada7:
"Here's another quote from Reggie that you might like. Reggie: "One of the questions that I keep asking is, for all of those core gamers who cry the blues about the lack of content, there's been a lot of great content. Open up your wallet and buy some.""

But isn't that true? There HAVE been many great, hardcore games on the Wii, but they don't get purchased. To deny they exist is to choose to be blind, something a lot of gamer's seem to take to these days. There are differences between the systems, but this is a business where companies try to make money. They make products mainly for that purpose, but also to give people a good time. It is hard to admit, but this is an industry, just like any other, and when ideas do not get supported by the financial backing of the consumers, it only makes the people making the products take into account what the consumer is willing to buy in the first place. The "hardcore" (I'm getting sick of that word) gamers seem to despise the Wii, but there are several great 3rd party titles they would love if they chose to purchase them. Everyone has options, we just sometimes choose not to notice they exist.
jawshoeuh's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:24
jawshoeuh
I hate Reggie and his stupid jerk face.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:24
Xzyliac
@bustaballs
Point: proven.

I like how I'm suddenly a "hater" though just because I criticize Nintendo. Guess I can't say anything bad about the Wii now. You know the system I drove through 2 states to buy and played the bejeezus out of for the good 6 month streak when games were actually coming out for it.

Gee now I know how Jim feels.
FunkzillaBOT's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:39
FunkzillaBOT
I hate this Reggie Fucker. Really, I do.
TheJesusNinja26's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:40
TheJesusNinja26
@ Xzyliac - I'm 100% with you, I played the Wii a ton at first, then it just collected dust. NINTENDO has gone from my most loved childhood play device to the gaming company I HATE more than the Yankees, Starbucks or Walmart.

Oh and BTW Nintendo is the WORST consumer electronics company there is when it comes to being responsible about how they make their products.

See here...
Web link


http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-the-companies-line-up
Hcapt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:43
Hcapt
@ Xyliac

No, you're a hater because your biased against Nintendo. Just like I'm a fanboy because I'm biased in favor of Nintendo.

There's also a bit of an indication that you loved the system when games were coming out for it. Implying that games aren't currently coming out for it. This is in the wake of Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, and the imminently upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Now you don't have to consider any of these worthwhile, but if you don't consider the sequels to some of the best selling games of all time as high-tier games, then don't be too critical when there isn't any software you're interested in. If nothing else, Nintendo is making titles that their customers have shown a huge previous interest in, well beyond the interest customers showed in Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Twilight Princess.

No one would care if you were merely disinterested in Wii games because there isn't much you like, but it's hard justify criticism of the software because the software currently coming out are sequels to games more purchased than CoD4: MW.
SoraX3's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 12:58
SoraX3
Wait, You guys reported that a POSSIBLE new Ds was being made. Just rumors right? Somewhere i found article saying that Nintendo denied it. BAM! DS XL! Were back to the same situation. Nintendo, what are you scheming?
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:25
Xzyliac
@Hcapt
My problem is none of it is consistent. Every title you mentioned are so few and far in between.

And yes of course it's based in what I'm personally interested in. Hence it being my opinion.

Respectfully you'd be the last guy I'd expect to defend sequels. :P

But I'm not biased against Nintendo. This particular generation I think they've been lackluster. Is that a crime? No. It's a criticism.
PEICanada7's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:31
PEICanada7
"But isn't that true? There HAVE been many great, hardcore games on the Wii, but they don't get purchased."

Exactly, that was my point. When I see people say that they haven't played their Wii in two years, all I can think of is, how stupid are you? You wasted $250 for a system that you purposely just let sit there and collect dust. Its not the system fault, its the persons fault for not buying any good games for it.

I don't play my DS much, but that's because I don't buy many games for it anymore. That's my fault, not the systems, because there's plenty of good games on the DS every month, so its the same for the Wii. It would be the same for any system. If you don't buy games for it, then of course you're not going to use it!
Frohike's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:33
Frohike
Yeah, screw upgrading our resolution to contemporary standards. Let's release two more DS SKU's. Weeee!
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:37
Xzyliac
@PEICanada7
You don't think Nintendo has anything to do with the support (not lack thereof but rather the selection of) they get?
Django Reinhardt's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:43
Django Reinhardt
Could someone defending the Wii's library please give me a list of the supposed killer apps that have been coming out consistently since launch?

Really. I'd like to know. I was one of those people who played the Wii quite a while after launch but ultimately sold it because I felt there weren't any games coming out in the foreseeable future.

If I've made a reconcilable mistake, please let me know.
PEICanada7's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:48
PEICanada7
@Xzyliac

Sure Nintendo has a part in it, but come on. Can you honestly say that anyone who owns a console and doesn't by one single game for it in two years isn't at fault as well? Nintendo didn't just stop putting out games altogether, they still release stuff, but yet people say they haven't bought a Wii game in two year. That's just absurd.

The real question is, why haven't they bought anything? Core Wii gamers seem to come up with every excuse in the book, as to why they don't buy a Wii game for $50, but have no problem with paying $80 to $150 for a ridiculous collectors edition for a 360/PS3 game. I don't know, it just seems a bit hypocritical too me.
matrixdude171's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/06/2009 13:52
matrixdude171
And this will help them to save their sinking crap ship how?
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!