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When we first wrote "Everything We Know About Wii 2," we were scrambling for details. The truth was we didn't know much at all. Little scraps of details and hints were all we had. Nintendo aggressively defended Wii's marketplace performance, saying the console would last a great deal longer, and that no successor was needed.

A few months have made a world of difference.

We've learned a great deal about Nintendo's next console. Codenames, possible product names, controller details, and even a release date have all been leaked, even confirmed by Nintendo in some cases. We launched this article a while back to make sure you had the latest information about Wii 2, also known as Project Cafe, and now we're updating it to make sure you're caught up to speed.

Last Updated: April 27, 2011


Wii 2 is the temporary name we've been using to describe Nintendo's successor to Wii. This is not the final name for the console. We've heard the name "Stream" suggested as a final product name for the system, but Nintendo has yet to comment one way or the other. The publisher has confirmed the system is in development, however.


Most consoles and handhelds have some sort of working nickname while in development. Wii was infamously called "Revolution." GameCube was known as "Dolphin" for many months. Nintendo's next system has the working name "Project Cafe," though that will clearly not be the hardware's final name.

Project Cafe needed a logo... so we made one.
[imglink]http://wiimedia.ign....27062347264.jpg[/imglink]

Officially Nintendo has confirmed "Cafe" for 2012, more specifically April or later. We do know the company originally had a much more aggressive timetable in mind, with the system coming as early as October of this year. For whatever reason that's changed, and we're about a year (or more) away from the console's debut. We've heard Nintendo is eyeing a retail price tag of $350 to $400, though this is very much subject to change.


We know a great deal about Nintendo's hardware plans for Wii 2. The publisher is teaming with AMD for its graphics processor, developing a chip featuring a custom version of the R700 architecture. Cafe's CPU will be coming from IBM, this time a custom-built, triple-core IBM PowerPC chip.

Not sure what any of that means? All you really need to know is that Nintendo's new system will be more powerful than the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. (We've been told "significantly" more powerful, though it's impossible to determine that at this point.) Project Cafe will be capable of supporting 1080p HD display as well as stereoscopic 3D, though we don't know if Nintendo plans to aggressively push 3D for its home console. (We're thinking it won't.)


Project Cafe's controller is perhaps its most unique component, which isn't too surprising given Nintendo's history for unique control mechanisms. What is a bit surprising, however, is that Nintendo is moving away from the "remote" concept for its new design, opting for something more traditional.

Our estimation of the controller, made shortly after our news hit.
[imglink]http://wiimedia.ign....27062320281.jpg[/imglink]

Cafe's main controller will feature dual analog sticks (which apparently are not staggered) and a d-pad, plus shoulder and face buttons. Where this design deviates from the norm is that it contains a six-inch tablet-like screen in the middle, which cannot only be used for displaying menus or gameplay, but is touch-capable. The inclusion of the screen has resulted in a more rectangular design for the controller, though we've heard there are grips or handles of some sort. We've likened it to a wider Dreamcast controller, but we have yet to get what we consider to be solid confirmation on the exact design.

More important than the technical layout is what the controller will actually do. As previously noted, the it can both function as display as well as input. This potentially has a number of applications, including one where you could "stream" your game to your controller, turning off your TV and continuing to play in the process. Other options could be playing Virtual Console-like games directly on the portable screen, or perhaps even monitoring what online allies are doing. What's critical to note is that this is a process that would require the console to be on. This is not a replacement for the Nintendo 3DS, and while we know the controllers are wireless, there is likely some sort of limit to the console's signal strength as well as the portability of this functionality.


We know that Project Cafe will not only support Wii titles, but GameCube games as well. This not only calls for support for Wii Remotes, but GameCube controller ports. One thing we don't know is if the system will somehow support the existing Virtual Console library. Will Nintendo have a comprehensive strategy to port over data from older Wii hardware?


It is dangerous to speculate too much on Nintendo's strategy based on the unconfirmed information we have. The fact that Wii Remotes and Wii software will still work on Project Cafe seems to indicate that Nintendo wants to preserve relationships with the casual-oriented Wii audience. And yet a very powerful, very pricey machine seems to lean towards a more hardcore group of consumers.

Ultimately, software will determine what audience is attracted to a new console. Some sort of Wii Sports HD or Wii Fit HD would certainly lean towards preserving Nintendo's existing strategy.

The fact is that we won't know what Nintendo intends to do with its console until it spells out its strategy at E3 2011. We'll also need to see the games Nintendo is preparing as well as what third parties are readying for launch. That will paint a much clearer picture.

Nintendo, we want this... in HD.


We honestly have no idea. Zelda? Mario? Smash Bros? The possibilities are endless, and we're just waiting to find out. Just to set expectations though, it's unlikely we'll learn too much about Nintendo's software plans before E3 hits. It's far easier to protect software secrets, which don't rely much outside exposure. Hardware plans, however, are communicated to a wide array of partners in many types of industries.

The games are no doubt the most exciting part of the Project Cafe reveal. Let the speculation begin.


How long do you have to wait for more information? Good news – the answer is "not long." Nintendo has confirmed a full unveiling for its sixth home console at this year's E3. The system will also be playable at the show. E3 2011 begins on June 7, which is also when we believe Nintendo's press conference will be held. Keep tuning in to IGN for confirmation on those details, including where to look for our live stream and live blog of the much-anticipated event.


That's what we know and what we've uncovered, and now it's all here for you in one place. E3 2011 is just around the corner, so be sure to keep an eye on IGN for all the latest details on Wii 2, including when and where to watch Nintendo's press conference
For the headlines they did pictures so I didn't post them.
So...will the Wii 2 be a success?
Source - http://wii.ign.com/a.../1135489p1.html

(Complete credit to IGN.)
 
Desire

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Tbh, I don't really care for the Wii. But I do think it will be a success.
 
DiiSHoNoR

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Of course it will be a success, thats like asking if battlefield 3 will be a success..
 
Dave

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It won't be as successful as the Wii - not many consoles will... But it will be successful regardless :smile:
 
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Yea. The Wii 2 might be good. But I'm not buying it. Wasted money on the Wii. Don't wanna buy the new one.
 
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