Wii U 'not up to the same level' as PS3, Xbox 360 - Developers

Yesterday reports emerged that the Wii U might be heading to shops on November 18; however, more information about Nintendo's next console also emerged that might be less pleasing to the Nintendo faithful. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, a number of anonymous developers compared the new console in unfavourable terms to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, suggesting it didn't have the graphical horsepower to compete with either, despite being able to output HD video.

"There aren't as many shaders, it's not as capable. Sure, some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up," said one source. Another developer who is reportedly working on software for the new console said, "It's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360."

The developers also opened up on the issue of the new console's controllers. "The whole thing about the tablet controller is that you only get one of them, and you can only use one and it's not completely independent," which means that multiple players on the same console will get different experiences, which may not suit all games or all players. "Other controllers are just Wiimotes [sic], or other Wii controllers. They may change the form factor or looks a bit, but it's the same controller," the developer continued.

It was also suggested that the uniqueness of the tablet controller is likely to be severely undermined as Sony moves further towards integration of the PS3--and its successor--and the Vita. "You can do everything with that combo that you can with the Wii U, and more," GamesIndustry's source said.

As of press time, a Nintendo representative had not returned GameSpot's request for comment.

For more on rumours and speculation concerning the next generation of consoles, check out GameSpot's rumor roundup feature.