On September 14, Nintendo will hold simultaneous, superselect press events in Tokyo and New York City to reveal details about its forthcoming Wii console. As part of the hype buildup to the event, Nintendo today revealed that it has already received the first central processing units for its next-gen console.
"The first chips are in our possession," said Genyo Takeda, the senior managing director and general manager of Nintendo's integrated research and development division. "Today's milestone marks the final stage of our drive to reach both core and nontraditional gamers with an inviting, inclusive and remarkable gaming experience."
Though it was not mentioned in the IBM/Nintendo press release, some wire-service reports claim that the first batch of Broadway chips landed in the Mario Factory's hands in July--meaning production of the console could be further along than expected.
The Wii CPU, code-named "Broadway," was developed by American computer giant IBM, which also made the central chip for the Xbox 360. It was made using the 90-nanometer production process at the company's East Fishkill, New York production facility. IBM also codeveloped the PlayStation 3's Cell CPU with Sony and Toshiba.
Not so coincidentally, IBM also made the CPU for Nintendo's current-generation console, the GameCube, which was code-named "Gekko." That chip, made at IBM's Burlington, Vermont, factory, is apparently much less powerful that its successor. "Silicon on Insulator technology from IBM helps deliver to Nintendo a generous improvement in processing power while achieving a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption," said IBM when comparing the Broadway and Gekko processors.
Discussion
FINALLY we will learn the launch date and price. It's about time! Go big N! One more thing, Mr. Bodywave has his consumer science messed up. Pricing doesn't make a difference? Hmm, whatever you say.
I'm finding it worrying that Nintendo aren't sharing the technical specifications of the console. I'm as excited about this console as the next gamer (and I'm a freaking Sega fanboy) but Nintendo keeping the specs from us is making me suspect that something is either going to be wrong or the console won't live up to the hype. It would be a shame if it's true, Nintendo seem to be really putting in a lot of effort into the Wii.
can I just say on behalf of everyone whose been wiating... wooofreakinhoo! So close, i can smell the sweet sweet scent of new console!
this Nov. will be interesting...
Mr Bodywave, I can offer an example. Katamari Damacy How about Street Fighter 2 Turbo for the 360 lol
Well If IBM is making the CPU's for the system I guess it might not be as bad as I tought. I mean, Nintendo is actually puttimg and effort on this.
"People want newer systems for a couple of reasons. 1. Newer games, people dont want to play the same games for 20 years, they want newer equipment and if a console coming out shows better graphics with about the same gameplay then why not get it? " Tell that to the FFXXX and the Mario14, etc. etc. :) So that seems to say that the xbox360 and PS3 are good to get too--better graphics and the same gameplay. :) And actually a strike against the Wii--its graphics are not that much better (better for sure--but not generational gap like the others or in the past). "Also just because the PS3 and Xbox 360 have better graphics do NOT make it superior. " Likewise the PS3 and xbox360 having better graphics do NOT make them inferior either, right? But it is an advantage. And yet "pretty" games sell well. Look at games. WOuld a city simulator with SimCity one graphics do well now? no. How about RTS with C&C level graphics? Or say a Mario game with Super Mario Bros. graphics. About the only place such things are remotely accepatble are in a handheld. " People are just saying that a game with sucky graphics can be very good. " and yet look at games on the PS2 or xbox or whatnot--the ones with "sucky" graphics don't so so well, huh? Can you name me a "hit" in the last 5 years with sucky graphics? "I think what nintendo is trying to do is get out of the whole graphics are what make a system, and that is what a lot of people like about the wii. " I think that is what a lot of people who like Nintendo like--but I don't think the general population will feel that way. Imagine going into walmart or Bestbuy with an xbox360 with HD setup and a PS3 with HD and a Wii setup. Side by side. Now imagine the salesperson saying--"well the xbox is the same price as the Wii if you get the core system" (I think this will happen soon if the Wii comes out at $250 and does well). Or look at this PS3--it has a $1000 BD player in it--and is only $200 more. (Holiday 2007 wild guess for differences). Graphics are real big WOW factor. The price difference isn't that important--the GC had the price advantage all the time--and it couldn't even beat the xbox. Seems to me that the Wii is a supped-up GC with a special controller. Yeah it is cool and innovative and all that--but will it be enough? I don' t think so. There have been special controlers for ages--steering wheels, dance mats, guns, that Steel Batallion thing!, etc. and yeah they are cool, but ultimately are niche products. I also think that the controller will get old. Sure it might be super wicked fun for a while, but will get older faster than "normal" games. Who knows--maybe i am wrong--I sure am cynical. We will just have to wait and see.
Here's a thought... Given that CPU manufacturer AMD (Of PC fame) recently purchased ATI (Of graphics card and GameCube/Wii GPU fame)... Will this affect the next console from Nintendo, I.e. If Nintendo want to use ATI again for their graphics next time, will AMD insist that a CPU from them is used as opposed to one from IBM?
"kort-nilsen Mr_Bodywave: Why buy a 600$ console to play games from old and cheaper consoles? " You wouldn't--but if you already have a collection of those games--that immediately makes your new system more valuable. Plus you can buy/rent great PS2 games cheap. Why buy another PS2 when you could put that money toward a PS3?
"little bit of money is better than no money. and they would be making a little bit of money off all three consoles. " sure--but I don't see that as being the "big winner". I mean the big winner will likely be making billions of $--I doubt IBM will see that kind of profit.
BodyWave - "So if graphics don't matter--why is teh NES, SNES, PS1, N64 not good enough for people--why would they want the newer systems? How many people are running Atari 2600s or emulating them and playing the games because they had such good gameplay? Not very many. THe idea that great graphics has to mean poor gameplay and lame graphics has to equal great gameplay is just hilarous. What this means is that for most games on the Wii--they will have lame graphics and mediocre gameplay with a few standouts. While the PS3 and Xbox360 will have all great graphics with some having mediocre gameplay." People want newer systems for a couple of reasons. 1. Newer games, people dont want to play the same games for 20 years, they want newer equipment and if a console coming out shows better graphics with about the same gameplay then why not get it? Also just because the PS3 and Xbox 360 have better graphics do NOT make it superior. I have a 360 and the graphics are wonderful, but the people buying the wii do not care about the graphics. They are buying it for the innovation of the control and the ability to play all of their old NES and SNES games. So in conclusion for these people graphics really dont matter, i mean sure it is a great plus but it wont take away from the overall gameplay. Also nobody is saying that to have good games the games have to have sucky graphics. People are just saying that a game with sucky graphics can be very good. I think what nintendo is trying to do is get out of the whole graphics are what make a system, and that is what a lot of people like about the wii.
is this good or bad :P
Mr_Bodywave: Why buy a 600$ console to play games from old and cheaper consoles?
"tight" I hope they make launch by a mile. It's been forever it seems like. I already got rid of my Gamecube for the Wii.... etc, etc. Well I'm selling it right now any ways.
Mr_Bodywave People keep saying how IBM is the big winner. How so? Are they really going to make that much money from this? This represents what--60mil units top a year among the 3? All they get is the little bit of profit off of each chip--the makers (Nin, Sony, MS) will reap the big rewards. -------------------------------- little bit of money is better than no money. and they would be making a little bit of money off all three consoles.
People keep saying how IBM is the big winner. How so? Are they really going to make that much money from this? This represents what--60mil units top a year among the 3? All they get is the little bit of profit off of each chip--the makers (Nin, Sony, MS) will reap the big rewards.
sweet!
Gekko. Hah ha. Nintendo reminded me of Geico. I bet Geico paid IBM to name the Gamecube CPU like that just for product-placement.
Getting closer and closer to a release date... CAN'T WAIT!!!
cool maybe they will be like yeah the wii is done and its available in a week at their press event
"TeraTricker Mr_Bodywave Okay, perhaps China won't become a superpower in the coming few years (once they are, they'll become a huge money supplier in the console market, and a lot more ofcourse), so you might be right, but it won't be too long till China becomes another superpower in the world, look at their GDP, it's growing at an incredible rate, 9% per year (though, they're now slowing down due to prevent a crash). And uhmm... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_China , on the right, below GDP, you can find that about 7000 per capita. ' nice post. I absolutely positively agree that China is on its way to dominating a lot of things. I think a lot of people are ignoring it. It is going to be HUGE. HUGE I tell you (well you already know). They use to be having double digit growth. Ahh--that is GDP per capita--which is not average income. Average income is lower--about $1000 per person.
"kort-nilsen Mr_Bodywave get a life, also one cannot predict the outcome of the "console war" by just looking at the previous generation consoles, if this was true, then Nintendo would have a monopoly, right? " I will get a life when you move out of your parent's basement. And no--Nintendo wouldn't have a monopoly--Atari probably would. And a big difference--those old consoles weren't backwards compatible. The PS3 is (as is the Wii with GC). However the PS3 is BC with PS2 and PS1. There is a HUGE installed base of PS1 and PS2 games. I mean out of the box the PS3 can play something like 2,000 games or something.
IBM rules as does the Wii : )
WIi FTW!
ibm is a beast!
Man, IBM's making a crapload of cash supplying CPUs to all these next-gen consoles...
Mr_Bodywave Okay, perhaps China won't become a superpower in the coming few years (once they are, they'll become a huge money supplier in the console market, and a lot more ofcourse), so you might be right, but it won't be too long till China becomes another superpower in the world, look at their GDP, it's growing at an incredible rate, 9% per year (though, they're now slowing down due to prevent a crash). And uhmm... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_China , on the right, below GDP, you can find that about 7000 per capita.
Mr_Bodywave get a life, also one cannot predict the outcome of the "console war" by just looking at the previous generation consoles, if this was true, then Nintendo would have a monopoly, right?
"HD will be more common in 3 years, BUT, don't forget, N.A. , Japan , Europe aren't the only major money suppliers when it comes to consoles... No, there is more in the world you know, all the other countries in the world provide a great deal of the sales as well, and since most of those countries aren't as rich as us, most people in those countries can't afford an expensive HD TV. Look at China, 1.3 billion people, their GDP per capita is a little above 7000 international dollars. Those people all need food and stuff... meaning they can't just buy a HD TV set all out of a sudden. You see, that's what Nintendo's trying to do, they're trying to get all those 'poorer' countries to buy themselves a Wii which is cheaper, doesn't require huge costs for maximum gameplay, and most of all, great games! " Tell you what--come back to me with the percentage of console sales accounted for by Japan, NA, and Europe. Is it 50% or more like 80-90+%? Those same 1.3B chinese who can't afford an HDTV, also can't afford a $200 game system and $50 games. and if you really think a winning strategy is to go after the "poorer" countries, well I don' tknow what to tell you. Well, let's see. US and Europe was about 80% of PS1 and about 75% of PS2. Japan was a huge portion of that last 20-25%. So likely US, NA, Eur account for 90+% of sales. So, yes--that is who we should be looking at the most. China will play a much bigger role in the next generation. One last thing--where do you get that $7000 figure? Numbers I have seen say about $1000.
"repus3000 AGAIN COMMENT: To the poster who (incorrectly) thought I was comparing different generations and (assuming on my part) trying to directly compare popularity and status…" You are comparing different generations. There is no denying it. Why would would try this subtrifuge is beyond me. "It's PERFECTLY fair to compare the success and sales rates of the original PlayStation to that of its successor, just as its fair game to compare the PS2's recent sales reports in comparison to that of the XBOX 360. " Only if you are trying to trick people by playing with numbers. "The fact is, and the fact remains: the DOMINANT console of its time has never been the most powerful. EVER." Only if you mix generations--which is a simple trick. All to try and make people think the Wii is going to "win". "For the PlayStation2, this didn't happen until nearly two years after the system was released¦ not immediately. " Perhaps you don't know your facts. IN the first year and bit (like 14months) they sold about 12mil. Which other system sold 12mil during that time? none--It was dominant and most powerful. The next year they sold like 27mil. SO they had a HUGE lead before xbox or GC were released. "And while this was happening, the original PlayStation remained the dominant console, much to Sega's misery and chagrin. So during that short time-frame the PS2 enjoyed being the most 'powerful console' on the block, it wasn't by any stretch the dominant console, the best-selling or the most supported" Except it was. Its sales beat the PS1. "The point I made remains intact, despite whatever bizarre intentions you have into turning my comments into some sort of argument. I wasn’t being invective, but merely stating a fact. " You are not stating facts, but rather spinning them to reach a point that isn't supported that well. "Lastly, the point I was trying to make wasn't to assume that Nintendo would return to home console dominance…quite the opposite. Right now it's a legitimate coin toss, as each of the major companies have gone in different directions." I really don't think it is much of a coin toss. There is almost zero chance Wii will come out on top this generation. Sony and MS just have too many advantages going in their favor. "It's just baffling to me that Sony has made so many easy mistakes and that they don't seem fazed by it." Yeah they have--but the know several things. They have exclusives--a very good number of very good exclusives which move consoles. They also know that while their price is high now that it will drop fast. They also know that despite what people say--they do know that BD players are more than PS3s for now. THat makes the PS3 look like a SUPER bargain (A $800-1000 BD player for $500 and it plays awesome games too!). They know that two of the most expensive items--Cell and BD--will drop in price VERY fast. Sure they know that WIi has the price advantage, but they know that will disappear soon enough--by them and MS. Like I said--xbox360 and Wii at roughly the same price--which will sell better? Sony also knows that they have about 100mil loyal customers who bought the PS1 and the PS2 (well not perfect overlap, but still). They know they have backwards compatibility. So all those people who own PS1 or PS2 will see that as a nice plus. "For ME that smacks of taking its place for granted…and through that taking its fan-base for granted. " Somewhat, but probably better is "build it and they will come". Sure the first year might be a little slow--but they will be building share, lowering manufacturing costs, getting games out--all which will lead to big sales. Notice the quesion isn't usually IF the PS3 will catch up with the xbox360--but WHEN. Look at it this way--the PS3 at $500 and $600 is more than the xbox360 and will hurt somewhat by the price difference--however--what happens when the xbox360 premium and PS3 low system are priced the same? They are largely equivilant. $100 premium isn't really that much--and that gap is relatively easy to narrow given economies of scale. Especially if Sony is a little aggressive. "Microsoft has set a dangerous precedent with their confusing skews, unjustifiably high software costs, and lack of coherence or vision. " SKUs. and huh? The games cost more--So will Sonys. "what with a horrid points system and lack of morals in paying-for-play online gaming" What they heck are you talking about? The points and online gaming are 2 of the things that are praised the most! where is the lack of "morals". What does that even mean? Because they charge? or something else?
Mr_Bodywave ''Also another thing--the Wii may look fine now as a console--but how will it look in 3 years? The PS3 and xbox360 will look good, but the Wii will look even more dated. Why? Because HD sets will be a LOT more common, and the Wii will seem more "old" (or less hip maybe). '' HD will be more common in 3 years, BUT, don't forget, N.A. , Japan , Europe aren't the only major money suppliers when it comes to consoles... No, there is more in the world you know, all the other countries in the world provide a great deal of the sales as well, and since most of those countries aren't as rich as us, most people in those countries can't afford an expensive HD TV. Look at China, 1.3 billion people, their GDP per capita is a little above 7000 international dollars. Those people all need food and stuff... meaning they can't just buy a HD TV set all out of a sudden. You see, that's what Nintendo's trying to do, they're trying to get all those 'poorer' countries to buy themselves a Wii which is cheaper, doesn't require huge costs for maximum gameplay, and most of all, great games!
All the people over-ANALysizing Nintendo's new console's strategy, "Just Shut up and buy it."
Genyo Takeda said: "Today's milestone marks the final stage of our drive to reach both core and nontraditional gamers with an inviting, inclusive and remarkable gaming experience." What about releasing the Wii? Wouldn't that be the final stage?
Can't wait to see Nintendo's full Wii ad campaign. As much as we all freaked out when we heard the name, wait until the full ad campaign lands in mainstream prime-time media. I think we'll see that "Wii' is totally unforgettable. The word flow between 'Nintendo' and 'Wii' is amusing and memorable too.
YEA!!
To Erebus: Lolz. Absolutely correct!!!
Erebus MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!
It looks like IBM wins this console war. =)
[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]
and so the moments draws closer. I just can't wait
It makes me sad that Nintendo has such good news, and all Sony ever does when it opens it's gaping hole is spew bad news out, like an unruly shellfish sandwich.
AGAIN COMMENT: To the poster who (incorrectly) thought I was comparing different generations and (assuming on my part) trying to directly compare popularity and status… I didn't feel that I had to point this out, but it looks like I have to. It's perfectly fair and absolutely necessary that when speaking of a system's popularity and exposure to compare it to competing systems. It's PERFECTLY fair to compare the success and sales rates of the original PlayStation to that of its successor, just as its fair game to compare the PS2's recent sales reports in comparison to that of the XBOX 360. Perhaps I didn't go out of my way to state various reasons/theories in minute detail, but that wasn't the point I was trying to make. The fact is, and the fact remains: the DOMINANT console of its time has never been the most powerful. EVER. There were several occasions on which Sega Saturn sales surpassed the original PlayStation's. At several points both GameCube and XBOX sales edged ahead of the PS2
A follow up---one of the Nintendo's biggest draws is its price advantage (similar to DS). How well would everyone think the Wii would do if it were $350? Not nearly so well huh? Well that price advantage won't last forever--and you know--the GC had a price advantage--it didn't help it that much. DS is a similar situation. How would sales of PSP and DS be if they were priced the same? I imagine things would be a little different. Nintendo is likely going to be taking a loss on the Wii initially (judging by their reported expected earnings--though how much of that is due to manufacturing or marketing/costs of launch is not known). Actually what htey said was something like they expect to be break-even this fiscal year plus or minus a little. Well with the GC, GBASP, and DS making them lots of profits--that means that hte Wii must be costing them. However we know that Nintendo doesn't like to lose money on hardware, so they will be less aggressive at lowering prices than Sony or MS. MS is also nicely poised to lower costs since they have addititional revenue streams associated with Live. It is possible (likely imo) that the PS3 will drop in price by about $200-300 by holiday 2008. Also another thing--the Wii may look fine now as a console--but how will it look in 3 years? The PS3 and xbox360 will look good, but the Wii will look even more dated. Why? Because HD sets will be a LOT more common, and the Wii will seem more "old" (or less hip maybe).
@ste90 The specs on the processor is pretty irrelevant (interesting, but irrelevant). The trick is speed doesn't necessarily mean better performance - try looking at benchmarks for different processesors (especially if they're used for marketing) - each CPU has its own strengths and weaknesses, and if you're good at cooking benchmarks, you can come up with tests that make you look good while covering up what you're not good at. At anyrate, Broadway should be powerful enough for what Nintendo wants, be cheap and high-yield. IBM is the winner of this generation, providing custom CPU's for all three systems. ATI comes in second place providing custom graphics for two of the three. Nvidia gets special honors since they've yet again successfully adapted their GeForce technology and got it into a console (ie, getting the biggest bang for their R&D buck). True winner? Whoever buys a system and enjoys it :)
it seems that that october launch window seems very possible... :D
wow all teh way back in july?? anyways its awesome news
very exciting, the war is about to begin :)
i htought wii isnt next gen
"ShadoweaverCode bodywave - are you seriously predicting the wii to come in 3rd? how in the world do you come to the conclusion that it will have the smallest userbase? If i would have known you had that at the end of your post i would not have even took the time to keep scrolling down to find out what you were referring to repus's posts about. go check out the PS3 launch details forum, im sure you will find out by reading the 1500 posts who will come in 3rd. OR you could vote on the poll on the front page of gamespot and find that 5% of total people who voted, voted in favor of ps3. either way, if you respond, post some facts so you dont come off as another angry fanboy. " Yes I think the Wii will come in 3rd. You are going by a poll at an enthusiast site. Do you really think a significant portion of the 100mil PS2 owners come here? Facts? There ARE no facts at this point--just opinions. Talk about fanboy--you are sounding like a big one right about now. Anyone not say the Wii is wonderful and will win over all others and you attack. It will take Nintendo years just to catch up to the Xbox30--much less pass it. Plus the PS3 will be weighing in. oooh--1500 posts. Well heck--I guess that settles it--1500 people on some internet forum--yep that's it. Why do I think it will come in 3rd? Many reasons. The main one is that I think the novelty of the controller will wear off pretty fast. At which point it will be seen as "gimmicky" more than "innovative". Second, Nintendo has fewer supporters from last generation. Xbox360 and PS3 has some HUGE HUGE HUGE franchises that are not on Nintendo. Nintendo has the same franchises that they did last gen and it didn't work then. GC had fewer games than the others, I don't think this gen will be that different. Longer time between big releases (because there are fewer big releases). Nintendo's image in the home arena. The price (likely $250 at release). Oh yeah--and PS--exactly which "fanboy" do you think I sound like? I mean I own a PS2 and a GBASP--both of which were gifts to my kid from other people. IOW--I haven't bought a game console in about 20 years. Not sure how someone who hasn't bought a console in 20 years can be a fanboy, but hey. PSS--the xbox360 is only just getting started, imo. With Vista and its Live incorporation and the MCE extender abilities of the 360 and MCE, I think those will really help the 360 long term. Also, MS is in the best position to really put pressure on both Nintendo and PS3 price wise. Assuming Nintendo comes out at $250, that means the 360 core system only needs a $50 cut to equal the price. That is easily doable by MS in 2007. Additionally the Premium can be cut next year (I probably wouldn't if I were them--wait to get the big boost in hardware sales from Halo and GTA and lower it for hoiday.). Finally you have the online component. This will only get more and more important as time goes on. Xbox is way ahead of both Sony and Nintendo here. So MS has some serious advantages this gen. However Sony also has some serious cards in its hand (exclusives, 100mil PS2 user base, to just name 2). Also, everyone is complaining about PS3 price--however what they don't realize is that the PS3 is the best poised to drop price. Why? Because the Cell and Blu-ray drive are huge portions of the cost and both are almost assuredly going to drop STEEPLY in price/cost in 2007. So if the choices at holiday 2007 are the Wii at say $200, the xbox at $200 and $300, and the PS3 at $300 and $400, then I am not sure how well the Wii will do.
Hmmm...i live next to east fishkill.......i wonder.