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Iwata: "Nintendo is not working on a next-generation console"

Game giant president tells Japanese daily that the Wii is a lower-graphics console by choice, sheds light on online plans.

Iwata-san, leader of the Nintendans.

Iwata-san, leader of the Nintendans.

Though many game pundits have called the face off between the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii the "next-generation console war," one of gaming's leading lights does not see the conflict in such terms.

"Nintendo is not working on a next-generation console," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in an interview with Japanese news service Nikkei Business' Tech On! spinoff. "'Next-generation' implies that the console is an extension of previous installments. We believe that extending our current line will not lead to larger markets and could possibly even lead to smaller markets."

In the Tech On! interview, Iwata further distanced the Wii from other next-gen consoles with some familiar arguments. He said the increasing complexity of gameplay has put many novices off, and that the Wii was going after said novices with an interface that "would appeal to anyone."

As proof, Iwata cited the success of the DS as a reason for the Wii controller's existence. "When Nintendo opted for the dual screens for the DS, more people were shaking their heads," he said. "Yet the market turned out favorable to the DS...I feel that this had led to more people looking upon our new [Wii] controller favorably."

Still, the decision to go with the so-called "Wii-wand" form factor was a difficult one. "Some of our staff disagreed with changing it," said Iwata. "Yet after some hands-on time with the prototypes, we knew we had a working formula."

Iwata also told Tech On! that mass appeal was the main factor behind the decision to add a speaker to the Wii-wand. "We introduced it fairly recently," he said. "Households sporting 5.1 channel speakers will certainly be able to enjoy realistic sound, yet not all homes have such audio equipment."

Potential Wii-owners will likely be most interested in Iwata's comments on WiiConnect24, the Wii's online network. Unlike Xbox Live, which makes users download demos, WiiConnect24 will automatically deliver Wii and DS demos to any connected console--presumably at the user's discretion

"Let's say your Wii is connected to the Internet in a mode that allows activation on a 24-hour basis," explains Iwata. "This would allow Nintendo to send monthly promotional demos for the DS, during the night, to the Wii consoles in each household. Users would wake up each morning, find the LED lamp on their Wii flashing, and know that Nintendo has sent them something. They would then be able to download the promotional demo from their Wiis to their Nintendo DSes."

601 Comments

  • AdrenalinDragon

    Posted Aug 31, 2006 4:08 pm GMT

    Well, the Wii is an improvement over the Gamecube so I'd say it's next-gen

  • Deathraith

    Posted Aug 21, 2006 6:20 pm GMT

    interesting

  • irsteve

    Posted Aug 14, 2006 7:13 pm GMT

    They are all good systems if you think about it we are all just fighting about one that stands out in a more physical way....... I agree with the guy near the top who made the touching speech

  • EXgaming

    Posted Jul 16, 2006 12:21 pm GMT

    SCREW GRAPHICS! It's all about the gameplay!!!!!1

    Making two Nintendo Wii versions (HD non-HD) is a STUPID idea. It will give game developers more trouble, and the other console might not handle the games as they will have to be ported out to the more powerful system. Just get real, that idea won't work.

    Videogames were started and made, because they were fun and not the eye-candy. Nintendo is going to have GOOD graphics, just not as good as Xbox 360 and PS3. Many people cannot afford HD and EXPENSIVE CONSOLES!! Nintendo wants to make their console cheaper so many people will not be left out.

    Graphics? Who wants to use joysticks too aim guns. Let's use a controller to physically point at your target and BAM. In racing games you can steer holding the motion sensor Wii-mote sideways.


    NINTENDO WII IS NOT NEXT-GEN, IT'S NEW-GEN!!!!

  • wii___man

    Posted Jul 13, 2006 4:50 pm GMT

    Hey why not release 2 versions 1 capable of HD and the other non-HD i honestly dont know how that would work but nintendo is falling behind they arent the only ones making the consoles better anymore i mean who invented wireless controllers, vibrating feedback, analog stick etc NINTENDO but now who had the first online service and HD gameplay MICROSOFT and sony UHHHHHHH well they just copy and improve

  • yeyahbenji

    Posted Jun 13, 2006 6:51 pm GMT

    Though it's probably way too late for this to be of any importance anyway, I just want to point out that nowhere in the article, besides the little subheadline, are graphics even mentioned. Not one bit of it talked about it.

    I believe a headline should talk about what's in the article and not what isn't. My point has been made.

  • tj156

    Posted Jun 13, 2006 8:24 am GMT

    ya know, i keep hearing the nay-sayers saying that the wii's gonna suck and that nintendo is just admitting defeat because they dont have the graphical horsepower to be a true contender with microsoft and sony. Let me introduce a little thing into those peoples heads......gaming.....is where you play a game.....not where you spend 600 bucks to watch a pretty doa look even more real than the last time she played volleyball...lol....truth of that matter is this, all 3 systems have there strengths and flaws, ps3 has most graphic power but is most pricey, x360 is about middle, which is where i'd wanna be to make the most money, but the game selection is subpar until halo3 comes out. the wii is definitely gonna be the cheapest, but with the least power of all 3....do you think it matters to a real gamer that its not gonna look as real as say a game on the ps3....i'll be one to tell you no.....real gamers play games because of the stories and the gameplay......i mean hell even in the 8-bit days we played super mario bros because the gameplay, surely not for the graphics, and because that same story about mario and king koopa, as little complexity as there is to it.......is still around 20 years later.....nintendo isnt about beating anyone...they never have been....they've always gone against the grain....perfect example being back in the day when sega was showing those infamous "sega does what ninten-dont".........iwata would never let his company do anything like that, because eventually there will be a backlash. the wii is a gaming machine for people who like to play games, and dont need the best cgi based graphics ever seen.......because i'll tell ya this........there will always be something prettier..........but it takes a good game....and a good system to make people wanna play it.......thats why my snes is still hooked up to my widescreen....because those games are fun to play.....not just look at.....................and someone said the formula for a good game was good graphics+ good gameplay= good game.......no no no no NO.....lol....if you put it that way your idea of a good game is a f'ing dvd special feature....lol....gameplay is what you do with a game..............and for the person who said name one good game that had crappy graphics but still did well.......gimme a sec........................mario 1,2,3, all the ea nhl games on the 16-bit consoles, zelda on the nes, goldeneye on the n64.....bomberman on any platform, the only game that me and 4 friends can pick at any time of the day and have fun....ANY panzer dragoon game...GTA. Series , mainly 1 and 2.........yeah ya know BEFORE the ps2 made it famous.........the list could go on and on............but when it comes down to it.........my philosophy is thus..............i bought my systems for one reason and one reason only..........because i play games.........fanboy's, can kiss my as*

  • Blacksamurai87

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 8:31 pm GMT

    You say name one game with horrible graphics but amazing gameplay? Final Fantasy VII. I only needed one...

  • 4Swords

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 3:25 pm GMT

    Lageeasy311: What's best, slicing a man with a sword or slicing the man with the press of a button? We're talking innovation, I seriously don't see anything about innovation on the PS3. And what the hell do I need a PS3 for? I've got a computer that'll be greater than both machines in about a year and then it will leave the PS3 outdated, and I would have two gaming experiences left: Wii gaming and PC gaming, and if you ask me it's a thin line between PS3/Xbox360 and a PC.

  • lageasy311

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 12:44 pm GMT

    I'm tired of people saying graphics aren't everything untill I hear Ninty fans saying "well game cube had better grapshics than ps2" so you guys change your pitch everytime the wind blows. Now it's "graphics arent everything it's the games" Well good for you....but lets not forget ps3 and 360 aren't just the same games but better graphics....the things you will be able to do and the realism in the games b/c of the graphics cards and processors will be through the roof!!! Don't forget that these are monster machines....why bash a system jst b/c it's powerful. It's like owning a toyota and hating on the Viper b/c it's faster.....they all bring something differ to the plate! Just wait and see what game the 360 and ps3 will be able to do that wii won't. Sure it will be life like hitting a ball but it will be more life like hearing and seeing and being able to interact with EVERYTHING just as well.,

  • strife22

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 4:43 am GMT

    the reason u become bias and a gamer that doesnt really apperciate console is because, u buy them all u will only play one so really ur losing money and time. its kool if u buy one and its not urthing r and take it back to exchange it for a different one. mmmmmm really wot im trying to say if u have all three u are goingt to turn around to people and say " yeah my
    ( ps3/360/wii ) is just collecting dust i dont know why i bought it. that makes u bias when u havent expeiance the console enough.

    i hope for the sake of all future ps3 owners that u dont get a the crap that the 360 has done with all those circular ring burns, crashes (freezes), because if u make a console to do so many things like a pc it will act like a pc and pc's crash alot so expect them. and to all that have chosen the console they are going to buy , have fun and enjoy because the wii and ps3 are coming.

  • strife22

    Posted Jun 12, 2006 4:28 am GMT

    polarb88 the wii will take very little electricity like the ds. when u are playing a ds the great thing is if ur in a hurry u can just close it over and it will not reset the game it will continue from where u closed it and when it is closed it can take a up to a couple of days (1 to 4 days depending on how charged ur battery is) in that mode b4 its battery runs out. now that i have to say is amazing much better that having to try and find a save point in a game when u are in a hurry to go sum where.

    now about the wii it is very much doubted that u will be piled with all these demos every day and month, and have to delete them all the time, u will be most likely able to choose wot u want. also ur wii doesnt need to stay on allthe time it can be turned off so i dont know why people are complaining about geting lots of info and demos on their wii.
    about the graphics i think to some extent the graphics should be better and which they are maybe not as much as ps3 or 360 but it the wii is basically new idea so think about it this way the wii might not be as powerful but i will tell u this for free the console to come out after the wii from nintendo will match the power no problem.
    also the wii is small compared to the other 2 consoles and is the better lookin console by far. dont get me wrong i like PS and xbox was ok but there is nothing new. i have a computer i dont need another one (ps3) and always remeber the graphics from gameplay are differn from the graphics of the video clips of the game, so the gameplay will not be as good as u once thought.
    i have always had a console in my house and i have been playing games since i was a little boy and i can safely say that i am not a geek. i am not bias and i am fair, i am fan of all consoles but only one can make it to my home from each generation of consoles. because if u have all the consoles thats how u become bias, and become a gamer who doesnt appreciate consoles. this year the wii looks the favourite to make it to my house. but u never know.

  • polarb88

    Posted Jun 11, 2006 8:21 pm GMT

    two issues I have with the WiiConnect24 idea. First, what sort of security will there be for the Wii if it's constantly connected to the internet? Will it be succeptable to viruses? Will I have to purchase virus protection software for my gaming platform?

    Also, what about power consumption? Having my console constantly on could run up my electric bill to excessive levels. What about people who can't afford to waste power by having the console constantly downloading material?

  • Keronos

    Posted Jun 10, 2006 6:47 pm GMT

    first of all, to all those ppl saying "the Wii doesnt have good graphics". the graphics are not the biggest thing you should think about, is the awesome games, gameplay, and company support. havent people noticed that Nintendo has always come up with something different in every system, the controllers to their systems have been different, im not sure about the NES and SNES, but Playstation and Xbox, have pretty much the same controller, the PS3 Controller looks the same thing as the PS2 only it has a different color and it has a PS3 logo on it i dont think thats new, and they said it has motion sensor as well (OMG, copycaterrrrrrrrrrrs) but how can ya use motion sensor on that kinda controller?!?!?!?...sure is gonna have high graphics, but that aint no reason to make the dang system $600! Now, Microsoft is doing good with the PC and Xbox, im not sure how the 360 is selling, but some bad things i been hearing about the 360 is that when ppl put in their game disk and it only runs for a few seconds and when stops, when the ppl check their game, there is a burnt ring under the CD, now if it does that because of power, what you think PS3 gonna do? the whole CD inflamed!!!? Now I am not sure what Iwata means by not being next gen, but i know is not for a bad reason! The Controller is different as of what Nintendo has done many times, they always refresh the gaming generations, heck they are the ORIGINALITY of GOOD gaming, Now with all these Kick-@$$ launch titles (Ex. Legend of Zelda, Red Steel) and other games coming up, and those in the imaginative minds from Millions and Billions of ppl. Ppl are so blind now, except for those who agree with me on this and Nintendo fans and those in between, these ppl who buy playstation stuff thinks they so cool, and like they got a testosterone injection or something, Now Nintendo dont always have some Games ment for kids, there are some that are more mature based (ex. Geist) and Metroid, Zelda, and Starfox arent really "Kiddy" based they more Teenage type, and Mario may be a bit "kiddy" But heck even ADULTS play Mario Games for gods sake. Kirby, is pretty much the closest for Kiddy type stuff. Donkey Kong is a so-so. Fire Emblem is teen like. So, now i am sure thats not all "KIDDY" GAMES YOU DOLTS! Nintendo makes games that ALL ages will play! Nintendo is starting to do more mature games seeing how they kind of made a mistake with that of the Gamecube, but who knows, i aint the Nintendo Speaker, im a Nintendo Fan.

  • DeadlyWhispers

    Posted Jun 10, 2006 9:31 am GMT

    The wand is a cool Idea, but what about durability? after playing with this thing, waving it around all day, swinging it like a bat and sword, will it still work a couple months down the road, or am I gonna have to buy a new one? Also, what about AI? this isn't a very powerful system, and you need some more processing power to make better, more realistic and smarter AI. I mean, look at games like Mario party, even on the Brutal setting, they're all still midnless, stupid characters, and are still really easy to beat.

  • westcoastxbox2

    Posted Jun 10, 2006 8:57 am GMT

    its not that they dont care, its how much they care?not that much if they wouldnt put any effert to make it look next gen. the ? should be why buy a console next gen if its not next gen(save more money by getting a gc dc ps2 xbox). if you dont want next gen but mario just buy a GC and you will save money.and thats why they did the controll like they did.some will like the wii and some will not.

  • Global_Nexus

    Posted Jun 10, 2006 2:51 am GMT

    What's with these "OMG NINTENDO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT GRAFIX WTF!!!11" posts? It's not like they're going backwards to Pong, the graphics just aren't the -focus- of improvement. Good grief. Am I the only person on Earth that understands that?

  • mattxavier

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 10:22 pm GMT

    The WII sucks, XBox 360 is the future.

  • GAMEADDICTX1

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 6:08 pm GMT

    I really don't know what to say, I love Nintendo. But to say that Iwata said that the Wii is not next gen?It's almost sounds Nintendo has something else up their sleeve for after the Wii. I'll tell you the truth, I've been watching the progress of the Wii ever sense day one and everyday Iwata says some thing better about the Wii. Then he tells the world that the Wii is not next gen. I'm really confused.

  • ShadowFlood

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 5:03 pm GMT

    Nintendo has gone so far downhill from the snes days, i wish they would actually become smart and say that graphics do matter to the gameplay, you cant have gamplay without graphics, and as for the 24 hour thing, i can download a demo on xbox live and leave it on overnight, whoppie same thing. Nintendo often overexaggerates on mediocre features.

  • snyper16

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 4:22 pm GMT

    NOT NEXT-GEN, THAT JUST MEANS WORSE GRAPHICS AND GAMEPLAY...FORGET NINTENDO!!!

  • gamepro345

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 2:39 pm GMT

    Have fun with your Wii, NOVICES AHAHAHH!
    ~ and whats with this guy? Novices? ohh yeah, im sure resident evil 5 will surely be aimed towards small children, not that all the violence will frighten them or anything? There are plenty of games clearly aimed at adults on any nintendo system. And theres lots of games on sony and microsofts systems aimed at kids as well. Additionally, the game system has no impact WHAT-SO-EVER on how good of a gamer you are.

  • gamepro345

    Posted Jun 9, 2006 2:32 pm GMT

    oh great now they are calling this the wii wand, nintendo cracks me up,someone said buying a system just for graphics is pretty stupid, well umm actually it works like this, great graphics + fun game=great game, name one game that had horrible graphics but played real well, but also there are games with great gaphics and horrible game play, that really falls on the developers not the systems company, i plan on getting the wii along with the ps3, and nintendo, please atleast do ok this time, or i will trade in the wii just like i did with the N64 and gamecube
    ~
    hey a-hole did you realize this? GTA has some pretty marginal graphics, there not too hot, and look how popular it is? Game play priortizes graphics anytime.

  • stunner20

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:27 pm GMT

    I dont have a DS so basicly this means i have to wake up and delete crap everyday. Yay... Why cant the DS just download its own demos? It has wifi! My PSP lets me download demos, then again my PSP has tons of space on Memory Stick Duo. I just dont like how the DS needs the Wii. As a Wii customer im afraid the DS is just going to get on my nerves.

  • wildsimulation

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 11:12 pm GMT

    sounds mean.
    id be keen as to not have to wait for stuff to download.

  • MonkeyFodder95

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 10:03 pm GMT

    look how powerful the psp is compared to the DS, it can play movies and download ur favorites mp3s and surf the web and games and many more stuff. Now look at the DS, it can play some really awsome games, pictochat, DS download play, play some of ur favorites games online and other stuff. Even if the psp is more powerful than the DS, the psp is still and always be inferior to the DS. the DS may not be as powerful as psp, but the only reason people have psp is because of not it games, but it features, like the UMD and mp3s. When i walk around town i see psp's all the time, but i never see it being played for just for its games. the games really suck compared to the ds games, that just shows that a system can be powerful as crap, but nintendo can still compete with it no matter what, just like they will do with the wii

  • xChemicalOathx

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 10:00 pm GMT

    As long as it's at the user discretion, that works perfectly. Graphics aren't everything anyway. If the gameplay surpasses the lack of "next-generation" graphics (which, I know it will, because that's what Nintendo claims to be focusing on), then it's all good.

    Besides, great graphics are what I'm buying a PS3 for.
    I'n glad that the Wii will be cheaper too, because, well, I just can't afford to buy a controller for 50 bucks.

    "all i got to say is, bring GOLDENEYE online from n64"

    You'll have to ask Microsoft first.

  • inthezone

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 7:02 pm GMT

    that's it then, saving up for a wii.

    for everyone's who skeptical - remember that no-one expected the DS to have a chance... and it has dominated the PSP. wii and the ps3/xbox360 seems a rather similar scenario.

    plus that line at e3... says it all doesn't it. go ninty!

  • ScarFace8248

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 6:54 pm GMT

    [This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]

  • HyruleanLink

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 6:15 pm GMT

    Yeah, Nintendo knows best! Iwata has a blueprint in his office on what Nintendo is doing. Go Nintendo!

  • bitedcurbnow

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 1:51 pm GMT

    Have fun with your Wii, NOVICES AHAHAHH!

  • fon1988

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 12:32 pm GMT

    Hell yeah, I definitly agree with Metamorbis. All the ps3 and the X-360 are is just a new look and better graphics. Screw graphics, games are supposed to be about having fun not about "Watching" how kool your new game is. Anyone who says graphics makes a game needs to be shot cuz they obviously dont know how games are supposed to be. Ever since the Nintendo 64 people have complained about nintendo even though they are the most successful gaming company in the market

  • DevilHacker

    Posted Jun 8, 2006 2:32 am GMT

    "pat360xb =
    will the wii support 56k dial up?"
    God... I hope not. That would be bad for playing in online matches

  • Metamorbis

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 7:14 pm GMT

    This is exactly what I expected from Nintendo. It is very true, but also in a way, the Wii is going to the only "Next-gen" console of the X-360, PS3, and Wii because it's doing more than adding nice graphics. The phrase "Next-gen" has been morphed into something that signifies graphics capability and processor speed, which sickens me. I can name at least 10 amazing games that aren't even in 3-D. Good job Nintendo, you are the only company actually moving the video game industry somewhere!

  • urluckyday

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 6:41 pm GMT

    Yep...you can't beat Nintendo...

  • Monkey316

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 5:41 pm GMT

    Did he just say its going to download stuff automaticly?

    If so thats not cool I only have a limeted amount of bandwidth I dont want it being all used up on demos that my Wii Decided thet Id like

  • bladeswinger77

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 3:16 pm GMT

    i think that anyone who doesnt like getting all these downloads is because they cant ignore anything that is tellling them to buy somthing. then they buy everything since there weak minded =P

  • imrlybord7

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 2:40 pm GMT

    When they say the Wii is not Next Gen, they are correct. The graphics are a little better than Xbox 1, but barely. Its highest HD support is 480p, and its processors are maybe a tiny bit better than the Gamecube's. And yes there will be online multiplayer. Oh, and by the way, THE WII IS GONNA ROCK!!!

  • tenbeast

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 11:13 am GMT

    all i got to say is, bring GOLDENEYE online from n64

  • remmbermytitans

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 9:12 am GMT

    now all we need is a price and a release date

  • arnaldostafa

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 8:12 am GMT

    [This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

  • PatchMaster

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 8:02 am GMT

    Oh, and I realize that the hand-held market is different from the console market, but the DS is proof that innovation beats horsepower. The PSP could have a built in Walkie-talkie, GPS & cappuccino machine & it still wouldnt be as interesting to play as the DS. The games are what's important, not the machine that plays them.

  • PatchMaster

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 7:56 am GMT

    Right on yaminoshadow!
    Hopefully there will be more like you in the future.

  • yaminoshadow

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 6:23 am GMT

    great graphics = great game...

    THAT IS SO NOT TRUE.

    i own a 360 and recently bought a gamecube cos i was interested in metroid prime. while the game looks pale in comparison to 360 games, say, call of duty, the gameplay is totally awesome and most importantly fun and accessible

    a game is supposed to be fun. if u say there arent any good games that doesnt look good ud be dead wrong. look at diablo. how does that game qualify as good looking. or disagaea. on the other hand take a look at doax. looks great, plays horrible. lets face it guys, nintendo's trying to offer something fun, for any ages. so lets all accept it. give it a chance, try it. if u r still not convinced after that THEN start complaining.

    i know i am excited abt the wii

    -a true gamer-

  • Chasseresse

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 1:43 am GMT

    "Let's say your Wii is connected to the Internet in a mode that allows activation on a 24-hour basis," explains Iwata. "This would allow Nintendo to send monthly promotional demos for the DS,
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I'm eager to see how this will turn out,
    Is Wii gonna send the demo over bluetooth(or whatever means the DS have for local gaming), or will it need to access a wireless connection? I don't mind investing money on Wii if it's good, but were I live,the wireless router cost about 300$ and that would make my Wii more costly than a PS3

  • Global_Nexus

    Posted Jun 7, 2006 1:11 am GMT

    Interesting.

    "Next Generation"? The next generation is basically "more of the same", only with more muscle. Analogous to the next generation of Homo habilis, one of the earliest human ancestors, the next generation is of course stronger and a little smarter than their parents, but are still basically a beefed up version of the previous generation.

    "New Generation"? This is analogous to the creation of an entirely new species -- the console equivilent of Homo erectus. Upright, with greater intelligence and sophistication. Less brute strength? Indeed, but our kind has not reached our level of development by having gorilla-like strength. When your enemy plans to tear you limb from limb with his hands, a stone axe or hammer can fell that enemy quite effectively.

    Consoles aren't even close to reaching an analogous "Homo sapiens" level of interaction, sophistication, and immersion, but the Wii -- like the DS -- is a first step. The "not Next-Gen, but New-Gen" thus works very well, in one manner. If one isn't blinded by bias and fanboyism, anyway. Good day. ^_^

  • rivest4

    Posted Jun 6, 2006 10:20 pm GMT

    Nintendo has & ALWAYS will be on Top of what we Want & Need TY..

  • revgamer92

    Posted Jun 6, 2006 7:47 pm GMT

    ok, so think about it, the Wii doesn't need great graphics to be awesome! For two decades they've brought us great games from star characters. What does Xbox and Ps3 bring us? hyped up versions of old games. Sure they brings more FPS games than nintendo ,but nintendo gives us enough. Red Steel looks awesome and so does Super Mario Galaxy! I also think a Super Smash Bros. Brawl will be awesome!!!!! (and i hope they don't cut out too many characters...) Even so, NIntendo has survived not by Portable gaming support, but by innovative control(the analog stick, Dual Screens). Even Sony "included" the motion-sensing control of the Wii-mote, into the Ps3 controller. BOTTOM LINE------Nintendo knows what they are doing, even the N64 and cube did ok. They didn't fail, so do you really need great graphics to enjoy a game? Of course not !!! So, low price+great gaming experience+virtual console=Wii! Nintendo rules, Microsoft's so-so(cuz they make good computers, not great game systems)and Sony sucks cuz they don't make good gaming experience, and that's what counts! GO NINTENDO!!!

  • Flimsyfishy

    Posted Jun 6, 2006 2:01 pm GMT

    you know how nintendo works, they keep things quiet and tell you piece by piece to keep the hype alive... sometimes it gets dragged out too much, but sony has told everyone what to expect. nintendo likes to drag it out and tell you piece by piece to build more and more anticipation. it's their main sales 'pitch'

  • funky_muzic

    Posted Jun 6, 2006 12:42 pm GMT

    I agree with those of you that have said the Wii is definitely a next-generation console. It's true. After the Wii jumpstarts Nintendo's return to the #1 position, the whole industry will be focused on the user-interface of gaming rather than graphics. Of course, graphics will continue to improve, but the focus will definitely be on creating a true "virtual reality" gaming system!

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