Rumor: Wii 2 to be released 2010 Q3, features Blu Ray

[elty]

http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=37744

Disclaimer: I have great doubt on this rumor, but to its credit I think maxconsole was the first that reveal the detailed spec of Wii.


We've just received some exclusive news and specs on the Wii 2 via Logic-Sunrise.com) (though a Nintendo of France marketing employee). The leaked specs denote the Wii 2 will get a Blu-ray drive (mainly to stop piracy), but will also support 1080P for games as well as movies. The new system is due out during the third quarter of next year and there will be the option to trade in old Wii's!


Please note the above image is just for illustration purposes.


More details below (translated from French):

This is a nice exclusive we have here at MaxConsole courtesy of Artik from www.Logic-sunrise.com on the Wii 2. The actual information is said to have been leaked from an internal source of the marketing Nintendo France Service. Unlucky for them, this kind of information should stay internal, but that's not our philosophy.

- The Wii2 system will feature a Blu-Ray drive with a secondary aim of stopping piracy.
- 1080P and lower resolutions will be supported, for blu-ray movies and games.
- The release date is scheduled for third quarter of 2010.
- The release will be worldwide and on the same day for all countries.
- A scheme will be available in which it is possible to trade in the original Wii for a cheaper price on the new Wii 2.

Moreover, Nintendo wants to make a worlwide annoucement, only one month before release date. Huge publicity and Viral Marketing will be utilized to create the Buzz. Official pictures are not yet available, and more specs will be released in due course.

Why do we believe it at all ?

* Artik from Logic-Sunrise.com has regularly provided news to MaxConsole and has a lot of 'insider' contacts.

* Nintendo has suggested that it's time they embraced high definition technology for the Wii and Blu-ray has firmly established itself. So a Wii 2 with Blu-ray support does make sense.

[Jon Lai]

While it's reasonable that Nintendo is working to stop piracy, somehow I doubt adding a BluRay drive is a viable solution. Sure, they'll probably be $100 a pop come 2010, but it'll still become a big part of the system itself. And 4 years seems a bit shortlived for the Wii. It can definitely do 6-7 years.

[kanechart]

if the WII 2 is cheap I would buy it just since I know it will have blu-ray. I have a PS3 but the only reason I don't own a Wii is from the lack of hd. I want to be able to play games in HD at min 720p they can be cartoons all they want just gotta be 720P :P

[thechampion116]

While it's reasonable that Nintendo is working to stop piracy, somehow I doubt adding a BluRay drive is a viable solution. Sure, they'll probably be $100 a pop come 2010, but it'll still become a big part of the system itself. And 4 years seems a bit shortlived for the Wii. It can definitely do 6-7 years.

its possible BUT then Nintendo begins to alienate everyone.

Why buy a console from a company that is just gonna push one every 4 years? It makes your console obsolete way too soon which makes me mad.

It's possible because of the supposed new DSi which boasts larger screens. WHat a waste of time that is?

The biggest factor going against this is the money factor? Nintendo has stated that they want to make money off consoles being sold. To start off, Blu-ray = adding money to the system. Secondly, 1080p possibilities don't necessarily mean the power of the Wii is necessarily stronger to even produce 360/PS3 like graphics. That would require another price increase. It would reach the point where Nintendo would not be making money off consoles and I really don't think they will budge from that model anytime soon.

[DiploDocus]

I can definitely see this coming out at that time

however, this is a reason I dislike owning a console, I own a xbox 360, PS3, Xbox. They take up room and I hardly use my xbox 1 and I can see the same scenario with Xbox 360 or PS3

I like the new graphics, new games and I leave the past gen behind

i might end up just selling off my ps3 if the next generation starts in 1-2 years.

[kanechart]

its possible BUT then Nintendo begins to alienate everyone.

Why buy a console from a company that is just gonna push one every 4 years? It makes your console obsolete way too soon which makes me mad.

It's possible because of the supposed new DSi which boasts larger screens. WHat a waste of time that is?

The biggest factor going against this is the money factor? Nintendo has stated that they want to make money off consoles being sold. To start off, Blu-ray = adding money to the system. Secondly, 1080p possibilities don't necessarily mean the power of the Wii is necessarily stronger to even produce 360/PS3 like graphics. That would require another price increase. It would reach the point where Nintendo would not be making money off consoles and I really don't think they will budge from that model anytime soon.

I agree but maybe Nintendo feels like the Wii can't be much expanded on and you really don't see Wii much on cool games coming out as much as you use to.

I think Wii feels like with this new console and offering a trade in program for a better deal they can really increase its popularity.

if done right this can make sure Nintendo is better then ever.

[tonychau]

Seem like alot of rumors going around with Nintendo's Wii HD and DSi 4" screen.

Are you sure Maxconcoles is not affiliate with Nintendo, to stop people from buying/ holding off a xbox, ps3 and Wii until next year?

You can trade in your Wii for Wii HD.... Yay right! (However, with each profit Wii sold from this "generation", why not.)

I will predict price at $279cdn, launch concole colour available - Light blue, and Silver.

[thechampion116]

I agree but maybe Nintendo feels like the Wii can't be much expanded on and you really don't see Wii much on cool games coming out as much as you use to.

I think Wii feels like with this new console and offering a trade in program for a better deal they can really increase its popularity.

if done right this can make sure Nintendo is better then ever.

There's a reason for it. The hardcore gamer (which are the games getting commercials,etc....) are not buying games for the Wii, especially from the 3rd party studios. Nintendo will always make good games but when will everyone else do the same and sell as well.

It ain't gonna happen. Its partly due to the price. For a little more, you get a HDD, better graphics/AI, more things to do, better online experiences, etc....

Even if the Wii2 rumors are true, why would your mom or grandma trade in their Wii for bluray feature or even go buy another for HD graphics.

[snplow]

I would say that it doesn't seem like a bad idea on Nintendo. We know that Sony had been hemorrhaging money for the first little bit for market penetration of the PS3 (I can't comment on the XBOX 360) while the Wii has been largely profitable since the beginning because they were using dated technology for the GPU and CPU.

Since the R&D has been done on the motion controller and all they need to do is refine it, developing the technology for HD graphics does not seem to be that great of a challenge, especially if they want to compete against the current generation of consoles.

[DiploDocus]

If Nintendo comes out with the best hardware :-0

I'm one of the people who buys a console if it has the best newest hardware, great looking games

Wii came out with hardware that was only a little better than gamecube and that never really got me interested

[kanechart]

It be funny if Wii HD was like better video better cpu like 2x quads or even a quad lol.. I mean it would own :P

[shannn]

I highly doubt this will happen because:

a) they are still outselling the competition (sure, the PS3 outsold it for the past month or maybe a bit more, but that is because Sony dropped the price and released a new SKU everyone was waiting/hoping for)

b) Nintendo won't be printing money with a blu-ray player (it would be ironic actually, having to pay Sony a share of money for each game that is bought for their console, lol)

c) this is just IMO, but if they did create such a machine, it would be redundant because all the games would be made for PS3 and Wii for motion controls (maybe 360 with Natal too) -- i.e. they would most likely be ported to the Wii (since Ninty is out to maximize money printing, and thus it will probably be lower specs than the PS3/360) -- Why would Nintendo want to do that after what happened with the GC?

d) Does Nintendo really want to piss off publishers and release a console too early? Look what happened to Sega. If this console does get released, it would be like the DSi (i.e. 90% of games will still be made for Wii, with only a few WiiHD exclusives)

------

Who knows, it could be a true rumour. But I am calling shenanigans

[mariokarter]

the wii still has a a few years in it i think, heck they could prolly squeeze another 5 out of it, the wii 2 won't come out next year, its still selling like crazy and people would feel burned for buying into it because they don't feel its at the end of its product life cycle.

though having a BD drive if not solely to combat piracy makes pefect sense for their next gen console.

I can only wish that when the wii 2 comes out that it will be able to compete specs wise with PS3 and 360 for multiplatform games - imagine a non neutered CoD4 2 with wii controls.

[DiploDocus]

the wii still has a a few years in it i think, heck they could prolly squeeze another 5 out of it, the wii 2 won't come out next year, its still selling like crazy and people would feel burned for buying into it because they don't feel its at the end of its product life cycle.

though having a BD drive if not solely to combat piracy makes pefect sense for their next gen console.

I can only wish that when the wii 2 comes out that it will be able to compete specs wise with PS3 and 360 for multiplatform games - imagine a non neutered CoD4 2 with wii controls.

isn't the Wii already at the end of its cycle?

exclusive nintendo games have a great look to them but they have no multi-platform games because their hardware just can't do it or they look awful and nobody buys them

Call of Duty 4 is coming out for Wii but it looks really bad

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/232/970125_20090821_790screen004.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/232/970125_20090821_790screen003.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/232/970125_20090821_790screen005.jpg

[Firestorm]

though a Nintendo of France marketing employeeXD

I doubt the CEO of NOA or NOE know anything let alone a marketing employee. Nintendo is notoriously tight-lipped even within their own company. I swear NCL doesn't tell any other branch anything. I heard a lot of remarks about how surprised Reggie seemed even when the DSi was being revealed.

[mariokarter]

isn't the Wii already at the end of its cycle?

exclusive nintendo games have a great look to them but they have no multi-platform games because their hardware just can't do it or they look awful and nobody buys them

Call of Duty 4 is coming out for Wii but it looks really bad
*snip*


well to befair it only looks that bad because its a half ast effort that will be tolerated by wii owners as anyone whos serious about the game already has it on another platform.

Wii graphics are significantly behind, but not enough for nintendo to do anything about it when the wii is still selling like crazy.

[DiploDocus]

well to befair it only looks that bad because its a half ast effort that will be tolerated by wii owners as anyone whos serious about the game already has it on another platform.

Wii graphics are significantly behind, but not enough for nintendo to do anything about it when the wii is still selling like crazy.

its still a year away if the rumors are true

Sony is gaining ground now with their lower price point

Wii can continue to be supported and Wii2 could be their answer to multi-platform and "hardcore" gamers who crave better graphics

[sfu_lifer]

What a load of bunk. The Wii is still selling quite well thank you very much.
Nintendo of today is not about keeping up with the Joneses. The hardcore was never their main focus so there's no reason to start pleasing them now.

[tonychau]

Totally agree. However with Natel and Magic wands are coming next years, MS and Sony will have to re-market their system package and reset everything. Nintendo has to level up the playing field with HD and a simpler (integrated) WM+ package.

The problem is the casual is not going to stick around with Nintendo when Natel and magic wands are offering HD experience. If the new interfaces failed badly after 6months of launch, nintendo might not need Wii HD this early.

Judging from this years E3, Sony and MS will make sure their new interfaces will have fully support and sucessful launch titles.

Just imagine God of War Fitness, Final Fantasy Cooking and Halo Paint. Hardcore and causal will eat them up.

What a load of bunk. The Wii is still selling quite well thank you very much.
Nintendo of today is not about keeping up with the Joneses. The hardcore was never their main focus so there's no reason to start pleasing them now.

[danman227460]

I can see them doing that to stop piracy but knowing Nintendo, they will lock out the playback capabilities. Nintendo has yet to allow any DVD playback on their last two consoles.

This would for sure alienate the true fans who have stuck with Nintendo while the casual users would be indifferent. As long as it appeals to them, they will buy it.

[SAN66]

I don't see Nintendo lining Sony's pockets on blu-ray royalties in the name of piracy. The average Wii game doesn't even max out the space of a regular DVD. Most are less than a single layer. You can do a hell of a lot with the 9GB layer 2 dvds provides.

I could see them releasing a Wii HD next year with a better GPU and CPU, with the ability to play new Wii HD games but still regular Wii games as well. They can sell them in parallel. It's even possible to release some Wii games that would run on both the Wii HD with enhanced graphics and features and the regular Wii.

Nintendo is king of small incremental changes, just look at the DS's evolution.

[TenzoR]

If they are releasing something more powerful that means they are adding new "innovative" features that requires those powerful hardware. Else I don't see them bothering with it. They'll release a couple games here and there, add some new planned features, add different colours, etc. Milk it out until everyone has a Wii then come out with something extraordinary.

[PHYSH]

I also have a Wii and when I first got it and hooked it up to my HDTV LCD, I was like, why couldn't Nintendo just futureproof this machine a little. They didn't have to be a graphics powerhouse like the Xbox 360 or PS3, but at least give it HD resolutions.

[danman227460]

It was a lose lose for them.

The money they had to spend on developing a machine that could keep up with 360/PS3 would have cost them dearly and they probably couldn't compete with those two toe to toe. The cash also need to develop software to play games on new hardware is also going to cost them especially if they don't translate well or even take advantage of the technology.

Nintendo has fallen behind since 64 days and haven't caught up since. They were smart in targeting an audience they have no competition in and where they had the strong games (Mario, Zelda etc) to keep people interested.

So they are right now dominating sales in a market where no one beyond the younger and causal audience are interested. All the true gamers either use PS3, 360 or PC. While the die hards are still buying Nintendo.

I also have a Wii and when I first got it and hooked it up to my HDTV LCD, I was like, why couldn't Nintendo just futureproof this machine a little. They didn't have to be a graphics powerhouse like the Xbox 360 or PS3, but at least give it HD resolutions.

[Psubs]

If they are releasing something more powerful that means they are adding new "innovative" features that requires those powerful hardware. Else I don't see them bothering with it. They'll release a couple games here and there, add some new planned features, add different colours, etc. Milk it out until everyone has a Wii then come out with something extraordinary.

Maybe make a Wii DVD? That's a small incremental step that I was hoping was available with the original Wii. Add upconverting DVD capabilities for an extra $50? Do that in 2010. Then in like 2012 release the next generation.

Wii DVD
- new Wiimote with WM+ inside
- include component cables (sheesh)
- upconverting DVD
- all black

Cheap upgrades but should continue sales of the Wii.

[TenzoR]

Maybe make a Wii DVD? That's a small incremental step that I was hoping was available with the original Wii. Add upconverting DVD capabilities for an extra $50? Do that in 2010. Then in like 2012 release the next generation.

Wii DVD
- new Wiimote with WM+ inside
- include component cables (sheesh)
- upconverting DVD
- all black

Cheap upgrades but should continue sales of the Wii.

I doubt they'll do a price increase. I would say they will add in DVD support keep the same price. Component cables will not be included as a standard as they make more by selling them separately. They will most likely pre-package Black Wii with something special

[winstona]

Great news if true. I will trade in my old Wii in a heartbeat. I have been waiting for Nintendo to make this move for a long time.

[Super strokey]

Why would nintendo even consider doing this? They are way way out in the lead tech wise and doing a turn around this fast wouldnt help them. The only real changes i can see is more of a refresh with a maybe a HDD or something added. WMP being added to the controls would likely be another step before a new system. YOu wont see a Wii 2 till the wii sales drop a fair bit. No reason for nintendo to spend the money at all, the ds and wii are still printing boat loads of cash and that wont be changing for a while.

[Super strokey]

It was a lose lose for them.

The money they had to spend on developing a machine that could keep up with 360/PS3 would have cost them dearly and they probably couldn't compete with those two toe to toe. The cash also need to develop software to play games on new hardware is also going to cost them especially if they don't translate well or even take advantage of the technology.

Nintendo has fallen behind since 64 days and haven't caught up since. They were smart in targeting an audience they have no competition in and where they had the strong games (Mario, Zelda etc) to keep people interested.

So they are right now dominating sales in a market where no one beyond the younger and causal audience are interested. All the true gamers either use PS3, 360 or PC. While the die hards are still buying Nintendo.

Im going to have to disagree with you on a few points, the GC was more powerful than the ps2 and as a result they were never really behind tech wise till this gen and really Mario and Zelda's appeal to the "hardcore" (whatever that is) as well as the casuals. Also a "true" gamer doesnt care what system a game is on, just that its good and that its fun.

[danman227460]

Was it? I knew a few games were good looking but nothing ever approached God of War, Gran Turismo, or other games on the PS2. Give me a list of games that were equal or better.

Really? The casuals all bought the Wii for the exercise games and other aspects but they didn't buy them for Mario/Zelda. Only the true Nintendo fans bought the console for that reason.

Look at the list of Wii games and you can see how many of them are all exercise based, wii remote based or a lot of games that get casual gamers into the console. The list is short on games that truly appeal to the Nintendo fans and there has been cries for more games like Star Fox, Metroid, Mario etc but Nintendo hasn't given Wii games except gimmicks.

I do realize their potential in some games but their general library are nothing more then ports, bad ones, sub par third party and some Nintendo games. There has nothing been on the Wii that screams MUST own or I will grab a console for this game.

How many more versions of Mario games can a person take before they give up? Mario has been pimped in everything from the olympics to soccer to even DDR. Why don't they pick up their socks and make a TRUE next gen Mario, Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid.

I guess they are waiting for the new console to come out so they can release the TRUE games. What a method of doing business.

And yes, a true gamer is that but guess where all the games are? PC/360/PS3 where the online community are.

You can only play a game so much before you get bored, online adds replay.

Im going to have to disagree with you on a few points, the GC was more powerful than the ps2 and as a result they were never really behind tech wise till this gen and really Mario and Zelda's appeal to the "hardcore" (whatever that is) as well as the casuals. Also a "true" gamer doesnt care what system a game is on, just that its good and that its fun.

[zod]

I don't the Wii can capture the same market twice. The Wii did something consoles before it couldn't do. They got the attention of casual to non-existant games. They did this with the novelty of the wii controller.

At the same time we had the 360 and the PS3.

The people buying the wii's obviously didn't do it for is graphics capabilities, they did it for novelty of the motion controller. Are those casual gamers really going to feel the need to upgrade?

I'd agree with putting a bluray in it though. Not only to stop piracy, but DVD is starting to reach its limits for HD gaming, so if you're looking another 5 years ahead, you'll probably need the storage space.

Hopefully they'd make the Wii HD retroactive so it plays original wii games.

btw I don't know if i'd buy one. I rarely use the WII, but part of that is because it looks so budget on my HDTV, and that keeps alot of real games from getting ported on it. My 360 gets the most use, followed by the ps3.

[CFRTim]

Breaking News: Nintendo adding "blu" technology to the Wii.
They should call it: Wii-2-blu-balls

[Lone_Prodigy]

While 2010 Q3 seems a little early, I think late 2010/early 2011 is where the Wii will start to tail off. No one is interested in the Vitality Sensor, and after Galaxy 2, Metroid other M, and the next Zelda, Nintendo will need to start looking ahead. With Natal and Sony's Wand, the motion-control field will start to look saturated.

[tonychau]

DSi LL (4.2 screen) is out on Nov 21 Jap.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/index.html#

We might see Wii HD in Dec. :)

[ephemera]

I think even the old farts in retirement homes are bored of the WII.

[Psubs]

Hopefully they'd make the Wii HD retroactive so it plays original wii games.
The would have to if they're doing a swap-promo. Maybe not gamecube games and have them just down-loadable.

Breaking News: Nintendo adding "blu" technology to the Wii.
They should call it: Wii-2-blu-balls

Paint it blue and call it Ka.

Ka-Blu-Wii!!!!!! ;)

[Super strokey]

Was it? I knew a few games were good looking but nothing ever approached God of War, Gran Turismo, or other games on the PS2. Give me a list of games that were equal or better.

Really? The casuals all bought the Wii for the exercise games and other aspects but they didn't buy them for Mario/Zelda. Only the true Nintendo fans bought the console for that reason.

Look at the list of Wii games and you can see how many of them are all exercise based, wii remote based or a lot of games that get casual gamers into the console. The list is short on games that truly appeal to the Nintendo fans and there has been cries for more games like Star Fox, Metroid, Mario etc but Nintendo hasn't given Wii games except gimmicks.

I do realize their potential in some games but their general library are nothing more then ports, bad ones, sub par third party and some Nintendo games. There has nothing been on the Wii that screams MUST own or I will grab a console for this game.

How many more versions of Mario games can a person take before they give up? Mario has been pimped in everything from the olympics to soccer to even DDR. Why don't they pick up their socks and make a TRUE next gen Mario, Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid.

I guess they are waiting for the new console to come out so they can release the TRUE games. What a method of doing business.

And yes, a true gamer is that but guess where all the games are? PC/360/PS3 where the online community are.

You can only play a game so much before you get bored, online adds replay.

Here is a quick lost of some of the best looking GC games, for a direct comparison just look at resident evil 4 on teh PS2 and the GC. Tthe GC is significantly nicer even though it came out first.

http://cube.ign.com/articles/608/608634p3.html

Also you dont think SMG was next gen (if this game doesnt scream must own for a system i dont know what does... not so mcuh since though i agree)? It was far and away the game of the year when it came out even though its not on "next gen" hardware. As for the comment about casuals buying it I must have misunderstood your first post, I thought you meant that casuals only bought it for mario/zelda/metroid and stuff. I made an assumption that you meant that these games were casual in nature when they obviously are not but do still appeal to the casuals.

I do agree that the 360/ps3 are where its at for gmaing though but there wii does deserve at least some credit.

[Super strokey]

DSi LL (4.2 screen) is out on Nov 21 Jap.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/dsiLL/index.html#

We might see Wii HD in Dec. :)

wow didnt know it was confirmed... any new functionality?

[Firestorm]

Was it? I knew a few games were good looking but nothing ever approached God of War, Gran Turismo, or other games on the PS2. Give me a list of games that were equal or better.

....
How many more versions of Mario games can a person take before they give up? Mario has been pimped in everything from the olympics to soccer to even DDR. Why don't they pick up their socks and make a TRUE next gen Mario, Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid.They went for the true gamer with both the N64 and GCN. They made little profit. They went for everyone with the Wii. They became one of the richest companies in the world.

As for your first:
Metroid Prime
Super Smash Bros. Melee
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Tales of Symphonia (Namco Bandai)

Some of my favourite games of all time there.

As for Mario, Mario has had two mainline console games in the last 10 years. The games you listed as the best of the PS2 have had 2 and 4 games respectively in that same time frame.

Edit: Actually I think you mean graphics. As far as graphics go, you can easily tell by any game that was multiplatform. Last gen it was XBX > GCN > PS2.

[appleb]

I don't know how a blu-ray would stop piracy. With the current Wii you can run stuff off a USB stick and the optical drive becomes totally irrelevant.

[Longobongo]

Hard to believe these rumors, especially from a source at retail, France no less.

Blu ray drives are still for the most part expensive, Nintendo has always relied on cheap, abundant technology to keep prices down, I don't think they're willing to adopt blu-ray this early.

Wii trade ins? Lol can't be serious, Nintendo like any business is about making a profit, what are they going to do with millions of last-gen Wiis?

These rumors sound like they were made up by a 12 year old.

[Super strokey]

Wii trade ins? Lol can't be serious, Nintendo like any business is about making a profit, what are they going to do with millions of last-gen Wiis?

These rumors sound like they were made up by a 12 year old.

Yeah, the number one thing going against this even being possible is teh trade in concept. Has nintendo EVER done something like this? How many different DS systems has their been? Have they ever offered something like that then? No, and we wont be seeing it here either.