Is the Wii U a Next-Gen Console?

Within a few weeks of the Wii U's release and the Internet crowd is still debating whether or not the system should receive the next-gen designation. Well, should it? Hoping for a definitive answer to the argument, Gamers-Association.com editor Luke Frazier attempts to put this oh-so-important issue to rest.

[hennessey86]

Like most people I haven't played one yet

[Abash]

Well it is since it is the console Nintendo will be focusing on when the PS4 and 720 are out. Yet how it compares to those consoles graphically and capability-wise, it's really anybody's guess

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

When a console can easily run games as it's launch titles, that other consoles have taken 5+ years to be able to run, then yes, it is a next gen system.

[morkendo23]

Is the Wii U a Next-Gen Console?

WHY IS THIS posted every week since wii-u first announce last E3??????

is there some kind of ROTATION of weekly article garbage?? this site really begining to become boring,sad and lame. they'll write articles about anything for hits.

people end up saying :no it is this generation console. and others will say PS4-720 is the begining of next GEN. same SHEE-IT every week, every month, every year til E3.........

Wii-U is the here and now console and next step in the NEW generation of gaming!!!!!

[CraigandDayDay]

It's like everyone is so surprised that Nintendo didn't go with cutting-edge hardware. They never do, people. Having said that, I believe Nintendo did at least go with decent hardware this time and not low tech like the original Wii was.

The thing is, once the Xbox 720 and PS4 (Orbis) come out, the Wii U will look more like PS3/360 level tech and not really like full-blown next generation hardware.

The one thing the Wii U has going for it is the tablet controller. Kids will be able to play their Mario even when mom and dad are watching TV. That's a pretty cool feature.

It doesn't matter, though, because the Wii U will still sell like crazy. Probably at least 3 million by Christmas time.

[mdkgod43]

@wraith so Ur telling me ps3 amd xbox didn't launch with playable games lmfao, I have to laugh at that

[jmc8888]

Not really hard to guess, the Wii U, the PS4, the 720, and the PC don't have 'next gen' tech available to them.

Thus none of them will be next gen.

So it's easy to guess when what is needed to achieve next gen doesn't exist, and won't for years even on the PC side, where when it first appears it'll be in the form of a dual gpu that at today's prices costs $1000 just for the GPU.

But again I state, it doesn't matter, all three will be great systems, relatively close in performance, be able to play the same games using the same engines, and have great experiences for those that purchase them.

Next gen is well beyond base level Unreal 4 engine tech. It's something that can do a more modified Unreal 4 engine (or a different engine all together) and do it well enough with FPS to spare.

Then be able to put it in a console because the heat is lower and cost of the GPU isn't $1000 just by itself.

Ideally we'd wait even longer so we could have true beyond 1080p, like 4k (3840x2160) at above 60 fps, so like 120 fps as the norm. If not and it remains at 1080p for one last generation, it simply has to perform a more modified Unreal 4 engine and do it with ease.

None of that is capable as the GTX 6 series basically barely can run decently the stock Unreal 4 engine, and probably can't if it was an actual game, just run the pre-made demo. Not 32 people or more running around on a server destroying stuff like in a Battlefield game.

Hell since the Unreal 4 engine isn't out yet they are still modifying it before they release it to make it better, but once it's officially release, the modifications on it will last for a decade, making the requirements to run it harder and harder on tech. Just like the Unreal 3 engine did.

So you just can't have something that barely meets the Unreal 4 label and call it 'next gen', because it isn't even next gen.

Also you need something beyond the DX11 and 11.1 we currently have, like DX12 and all the features that it will need horsepower to do.

So no, NONE of the consoles coming out can do these things, as no PC can do these things. Or is anywhere close to doing these things, as they don't yet exist. Plus the power to run which doesn't exist isn't quite there yet either. Again what can be done expensively in a PC isn't the same as what can be done cheaper and with less cooling solutions in a small console.

[ShinMaster]

¯¯
It's really simple:
http://i49.tinypic.com/2yv6...
It's only "next-gen" from a chronological perspective. It's the Wii's successor.
But the tech won't be.
It's comparable to current-gen systems and it does current-gen quality games. Not even native 1080p.

It'll be a good system BUT you're not going to experience next-gen with ONLY a Wii U. The same way you couldn't experience current-gen with the original Wii.
You'll need a PlayStation or Xbox system for that.

[ronin4life]

@mdk
No, he is saying that the ps3 and 360 "couldn't" run games like Assassins creed 3 or Mass Effect 3 *At Launch*.

[CraigandDayDay]

What part did you disagree with? Just curious. "Cause it's Saturday, I ain't got no job, and I ain't got $#!^ to do." LoL (Friday reference)

The Wii U appears to be a bit better than current consoles, but with a twist: the tablet controller, which will appeal to kids and parents alike. It will solve the ages old "I want to watch TV, but my kids want to play games" problem.

[-Alpha]

@Shin

By definition, next gen refers to the newest generation hardware available. So yes, Wii U is the next generation of Nintendo products. When we are in the swing of things with PS4, 720, and Wii U, it will all be "Current gen" with Wii U likely being at the lower end of the spectrum.

By your own words, you aren't going to experience next gen with only a Wii-U. But you also wont experience next gen with only PS4 and 720. The PC will have more powerful technology that demonstrates superior hardware that can make the HD twins feel like last gen too. So, if you truly want to make an argument about PS4 and 720 being relatively more powerful, you are bound to extend that to PC hardware as well.

After all, this definition only takes into account what is relatively being done with other hardware. Whether or not Wii U is up to par with its competitor is a different story, but the semantics of whether the platform is a new generation product or not really doesn't make sense

Especially with all three competitors seemingly doing something different, it's unfair to pigeon-hole all products the same way-- Nintendo's emphasis on tablet gaming is going to be different from the way their competitors approach their hardware, it's the actual interface that is being touted as a next gen gaming experience.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

@mdkgod43, let me see if I can make it more remedial for you. The 360 and PS3 didn't have launch games like AC3, in which they looked that good,it took devs this long to be able to put a game like that on those consoles and they still can barely do it. Wii U has these types of games as launch titles so we can only imagine how good games will look once the Wii U's full potential has been realized. I don't know but I still feel as though I'm going over you're head, correct me if I'm wrong. One thing is certain though, there are consoles that devs are more often than not, complaining about being or having maxed out tech. I'll give you a hint, it's not Wii U.

Ah yes, Ronin gets it.

[ABizzel1]

Next Gen in timing: Yes

Next gen in hardware: No

The Wii U is everything Nintendo needed, and a step up from the current-gen CONSOLES. However looking at what current-gen mid range PC's are doing and it's clear the Wii U is still behind the "Next-gen" hardware curve.

The Wii-U doesn't have to be as powerful as the PS4 and Nextbox, because most of the games made by Nintendo rely on art style and simple, but entertaining gameplay mechanics more than pushing graphics or advanced physics, and in that regard the Wii-U is all they need. No one would say the PS360 are weak consoles after seeing games like Uncharted 3, Rage, Crysis 2, Halo 4, God of War, Heavy Rain, The Last of Us, Beyond, and more running on those systems. And the Wii-U is more powerful than those consoles, so while it's not cutting edge it's good enough.

[pixelsword]

Logically speaking, the Wii U is a "next-gen" console, because it's the next one after the Wii

[mdkgod43]

@Wraith again these are ports,black ops2 which was confirmed not to run at 1080p/60fps like they said at first so yea, only exclusive game u have is Zombie U, super mario u is a 3ds port i asure u also monster hunter is a port pikmin 3 aint coming out till next year ummm, wii u next gen i think no, of course your gonna be able to do more with a system that has more ram then xbox/ps3 but i asure u that wii u wont even come close to ps4 specs

answer me this if ur system is so powerfull why is the CPU outdated and less powerfull then the ps3 cpu

[NBT91]

WII is current gen, WIIU therefore is next gen; I don't know how it could be any more simpler.

[stage88]

In the traditional sence it is next gen as its a new generation for Nintendo as its a brand new updated console. However when the PS4 and new Xbox are unveiled i believe it will flounder.

[2v1]

let the games prove it

[CalvinKlein]

it is of the 8th generation, meaning it is after the 7th generation(ps3/xbox360/wii).

THe 3ds and VITA are already next gen as thay are also from the 8th generation.

WiiU is 8th generation even if it is as powerful as the n64, it is nintendo's predecessor to the wii. The generation doesnt cut off when a fanboy wants it to and has nothing to do with power of the console.

I guess amature blog sites still dont know what a console generation is after we are in the 8th.

[mt]

it depends on how you define Next-Gen Console. next gen is broad term.
if your definition is graphics, or raw power basically it is not next Gen .. etc.

[pixelsword]

Then how would you compare the PS3/360's graphics to the PC, does the judgment of the Wii compared to the PS3/360 justify what PC-advocates said all along?

[mt]

^
I didn't make any comparison there that is what I am saying, it is all up on how you define Next gen and what is current Gen.

[showtimefolks]

Do we need a article about this every day? We get it wiiu is next gen get over it

I haven't played one so to me ts only matching what current gen systems have delivered since 2005-2006. Once it's out and in few years we I'll be able to tell how it will compare with ps4 and xbox720. Nintendo is taking a loos in each system sold and they don't do that so it will be very intersteting to see how bth casuals and core fan base reacts to it

[Beastforlifenoob]

Nintendo is a joke, all the fanboys say "It's next gen 'cos no one has made anything like it before"
GRaphics? Yes PS3 and XBOX360 have similar capabilities whilst PC is far far ahead
Gameplay? Dual screen can be done with certain PSP/PS3 game combos and PS-VITA/PS3 combos.
Hardware? Might be newer in the console world but yet again PC is far far ahead.
Nintendo's next gen does not mean it is next gen of gaming.
INFACT, gaming is not accelerating as fast as other technologies. For example Googles glasses are practically sci-fi whilst coming out with 1-2 years
IM NOT SAYING NINTENDO IS BAD, im just saying that Nintendo's next gen does not= Gaming next gen.
Im sure if google where to construct a gaming console it would be out of this world (or Apple or Microsoft) But usually consoles loose money and games gain it back so it is a BIG risk.
Nintendo most likely WONT fail with the WII-U buuuuuut.... I'm sure of 2 things
1) It won't sell as much as the WII
2) It will be a minor disappointing to some
+Nintendo still isn't receiving great 3rd party support

[corrus]

Agreed %100

[Ck1x]

Why do people insist on saying the capabilities are the same, when the PS3/360 are maxed out now and the WiiU is not? Come back and claim that same statement when the WiiU is pushed to its limits as well... The Vita/PS3 combo absolutely can not perform the exact same functions as the WiiU can. It can do a similar style, but it can't do the exact same things and neither can Smart Glass! There's just way to much latency between those devices communicating back and forth to provide the same experience... Do some research first before you go on claiming such nonsense. To go on and compare what Google is doing to what Nintendo is providing is really asinine. Google has way more money to throw around than Nintendo does. How come you don't use that same criticism for both Sony and Microsoft? They aren't doing as much as Nintendo to advance the way in which we play games... The hypocrisy

[bumnut]

It does not matter how good it is, it is still a next gen console.

I find it funny that you guys argue about a systems specs and capabilties, but if I mention the specs or capabilities of my PC im a 'pc elitist'

[Waddy101]

Some people don't seem to understand the term "next-gen", it is /not/ related to graphical performance but to the generation of the console that is being refereed to.
In Nintendo's case the Wii U is next-gen because it is their next generation of console. People who think differently just because it's not as graphically powerful as some PC's that are around really don't understand the term at all.

[dirthurts]

I finally got to play one. While the only game I had access to was Rayman, it felt pretty nice actually. The controller was better than expected, and the graphics were super clean.
I'll reserve judgement until I get a 3d game in my hands, I'm happy with what I see so far.
It feels like what the Wii should have been.

[Bumpmapping]

Hardware hell NO gimmicky controller YES.

[yabhero]

Wait so you current gem consoles have 6000 series GPUs and 2GB. I must have been asleep for the last 7 years...

[ShinMaster]

If Wii U can't even do native 1080p games, not even Nintendo's own New Super Mario after 6 freaking years.
Then no, it's not next-gen.

[Nyxus]

Since it is the successor to the Wii, I consider it to be a next gen console.

[mcstorm]

I agree this is nintendos next generation console there is no debating about it, its a fact.

Its the same argument on if the 3ds is a next generation handheld because the psv has more power. Yes it is the next generation handheld.

[Sp1d3ynut]

I think the thing that causes the debate/confusion on this issue, is the lack of true distinction between the Gamecube and Wii. They are really just the same hardware, with a new control option.

Think of it this way: If Microsoft had waited to release Kinect in 2011, but along with a "new" console, rather than as an add-on for the 360...would you consider it "next-gen"?

NO. But that's essentially what Nintendo did in 2006 with the Wii, by re-releasing the GC, but with a new control scheme...that wasn't even the ONLY control scheme for a lot of games. This means the hardware in the Wii will be 12 years old, by the time the WiiU is launched. So, in essence, Nintendo skipped a CONSOLE generation, choosing to ride out the last 6 years with a new controller. But just like Kinect, they COULD have just released the sensor bar and wand as an add-on for the GC.

It's complicated...especially when you consider the GC was dead at that point last gen, and Nintendo really needed a 2nd chance, with minimal financial risk...which paid off for them in a HUUUUUGE way. But that doesn't change the facts: the Wii WAS NOT a "next-gen console" THIS generation, ergo the Wii U is really a very late entry into THIS "console generation".

[NYC_Gamer]

Hmm...next gen Nintendo console[meaning upgrade]over the old school Wii and into HD with more third party support

[Kalowest]

It's like the Dreamcast for the eighth generation consoles.

[frjoethesecond]

I'm inclined to agree since it's releasing much earlier than it's competition. The Dreamcast and PS2 were pretty close power wise though so hopefully the release windows are where the similarities end.

[Kalowest]

I know multiple ppl that say Dreamcast is the best consoles.

[Schawk]

Yea baby

[Beastforlifenoob]

@yabhero
PS3 has 256mb of sytem RAM then an EXTRA 256mb of video ram

[greenpowerz]

a : a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor

b : a group of individuals born and living contemporaneously

c : a group of individuals having contemporaneously a status (as that of students in a school) which each one holds only for a limited period

d : a type or class of objects usually developed from an earlier type <first of the … new generation of powerful supersonic fighters —Kenneth Koyen>

a : the action or process of producing offspring : PROCREATION

b : the process of coming or bringing into being <generation of income>

c : origination by a generating process : PRODUCTION; especially : formation of a geometric figure by motion of another

: the average span of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring

— gen·er·a·tion&# 183;al adjective — gen·er·a·tion&# 183;al·ly adverb

See generation defined for English-language learners » See generation defined for kids"

You can't claim something isn't next gen simply because you don't think something isn't as capable as you "hope" the thing you support is. Wii U is nintendo's next console leading the new wave of consoles

[CommonSenseGamer]

The only people buying into this whole wii-u debate probably arnt going to buy one anyway. For me its about the software not the hardware.

[omarzy]

This is a gaming site. Please refrain from posting comments that make sense.

[MasterCratosKong66]

I wish I could bubble you up more

[SonyNGP]

Seeing that it is the first home console to come out for the 8th generation, I would say yeah. (regardless of its technical specs)

[GalacticEmpire]

Maybe people should be saying it IS next gen but just not likely to be comparable as far as hardware specs go.

Although, when a new product comes out with higher specs than a current model people say that the previous model is obsolete, not exactly true but it's the way of tech these days. Does that mean if Wii U is 'next-gen' will it be obsolete in the eyes of most if Sony/MS release much more powerful hardware?

Nintendo may want people to see it as the best of THIS gen after the PS4/XB720 hit shelves, rather than the weakest of next gen, just saying.

[yami930]

I like to refer to it as bridge gen, just like the Wii was, its better than last gen consoles (PS2 & Xbox), but not up to par with next gen console (PS3 & 360) I'd expect the Wii U to be the same when compared to next PS and next Xbox. Not in anyway saying that is a bad thing at all.

[ape007]

the most groundbreaking thing about the wiiu imo is seeing nintendo games in Next gen HD

[humbleopinion]

You mean Current Gen HD? It's being going on for about 7 years now...

Technically the WiiU is a next gen console compared to the Wii, only that the Wii itself is a last gen console (basically the same architecture as the GC). It seems that Nintendo's new approach is releasing a very powerful console each cycle, but only towards the end of the cycle (or after the next one already started, in the case of the original Wii).

[ape007]

i understand but it's a HUGE upgrade from the wii

[OmniSlashPT]

For the past 6 years Nintendo fanboys have been claiming HD wasn't necessary to have great games, that Zelda and Mario were fine in SD and graphics didn't mean nothing.

Now with the Wii-U, HD seems like news lmao

The Wii-U IS a next-gen console. The only problem is that will be completely obsolet in 2 years time.

[Pandamobile]

No. At best, it's Current Gen 1.5. It's got more RAM and an upgraded GPU compared to the PS3 and 360; but there's not a single "Next-Gen" specification about it.

[yabhero]

Interesting point you take. Because its more wrong than people who say WiiU isn't next gen. WiiU uses a mid range 6000 series GPU than craps all over the RSX in the PS3. Also it has 2GB of ram in total while PS3 has 256MB. Whether or not you think WiiU is going to match up with consoles that you expect to make an expensive leap like one that happened once in the past and was relatively unsuccessful in the long-run, that's your problem WiiU is next gen by definition for so many reasons. WiiU does not have a piece of tech in it that's over 3 years old...

[Pandamobile]

The Wii U has a GPU roughly equivalent to that of a 4850, which was a midrange GPU from 2008.

The RAM is a good step above the current consoles, but I'm pretty sure I heard that a good chunk of that 2 GB was reserved for the system, unusable to games.

[stuna1]

The ps3 has 512 mb of ram! 256 dedicated and 256 for video.

The Wii U will have 2gb split ram! 1gb devoted to the os, and 1gb devoted to gaming! Plain and simple.

[Pandamobile]

RAM is RAM. VRAM is VRAM. The PS3 only has 256 MB of RAM.

[Crillvirus81]

Wait till e3 when Nintendo and 3rd partys show off there second wave of games and yes it is next gen but most ms and sony fanboys won't agree cause they know Nintendo is about to kill them in sales again just like the wii lol any one that don't see how great games are going to be on the wii u must be blind come on you can turn off your tv and continue playing on your controller with out losing any buttons inputs that right there alone make it next gen

[omarzy]

It is the console to come after the Wii. Logic, and any rational thinking that requires an IQ above 7 say that it is a next gen console.

If you want to prove that your IQ is above 7, then you have to agree.

[omarzy]

Somebody disagreed.

[Hassassin]

we can see that...

[ItsTrue]

Does it really matter whether it's a 'this gen' console or not?

[mdkgod43]

far from next-gen Nintendo is now catching up when its too late when ps4 and xbox is around the corner

[TotalHitman]

Yes, as is the 3DS and the PS Vita.

[MadMen]

Nope

[PopRocks359]

There isn't any justifiable statement anyone can make to suggest that it is not next generation. It comes a generation after the Wii and to top it off it's more powerful technology than current generation hardware.

In other words, in terms of labels and logic, yes it is next generation.

[jmc8888]

See my post below.

But as I stated, it doesn't really matter. The whole rationale behind 'next gen' doesn't really matter.

It won't be, other than name. But all THREE consoles and PC still won't be.

[PopRocks359]

It doesn't need to be a PC. That's not what I'm arguing. In fact I agree that a console cannot keep up with a PC on a technical level. The moment a console is manufactured and sent out, it's obsolete the moment the next big piece of hardware comes out. That's just the way it works.

This tired argument that ANY consoles being a generation behind as defined by their specs and overall power is ludicrous. Was the Dreamcast in the same generation as the Nintendo 64 and PS1? No, it belonged to the generation after despite being weaker.

[DivineAssault]

was the dreamcast next gen compared to ps1? cuz dreamcast launched with ps1 ports that looked MUCH better graphically.. Hey, DC had a screen in the controller too didnt it? Wait! DC had a modem in it for online play too didnt it? Was it nx gen? If it was, PS2 murdered it within a yr of its release.. Whats going to happen when PS4 comes i wonder..

Good thing i like nintendos 1st party games cuz wanting it for anything else is pointless imo..

[SonyNGP]

The PS4 will not kill off the Wii U like the PS2 killed off the Dreamcast. That's beyond retarded.

[jmc8888]

None of the consoles are next gen other than them all being the 'next console'. The tech doesn't exist for anything to truly be 'next gen', and won't for years, not even on the PC side.

So if PC has to wait 3-4 years to get there, then consoles made to be 'next gen' won't be there for 5-8 years. Unless they want it to cost over a grand and sell it for a loss that dwarfs what Sony took on the PS3 the first couple of years. (and that's to do it in 3-4 years and under the assumption that we don't have hyperinflation, or even stagflation)

But none of this matters, all three consoles WILL be 'this generation done right', and all three will be pretty similar.

The Wii U will just be a PC options tick lower. So think very high settings versus ultra. Hardly a massive selling point on its own to pay more for a system.

I'll be getting all three, but I'm not going to be fooled that any of them will be vastly superior than the others, nor think any of them will be 'next gen' other than in name only.

All the consoles will put out great experiences. All will have hardcore games. All will serve what they want. Except some people grown accustomed to cutting edge will either hate that it's not cutting edge or will lie to themselves that it is.

[2v1]

is a wii upgraded whit a added controller

[Rockoman16]

All consoles are upgrades σ_____σ0

[Gr81]

3 Days we get this crap? Unbelievable.

[FinalomegaS]

and it gets approved.

by Tuesday it'll be re-worded.

[Gr81]

It's funny because its true.

[Smashbro29]

Technically, yes it's coming out around that time.

However, it's practically all outdated tech with a new controller. It's "next gen" until something else comes out. C'mon.... PS4!

[Jadedz]

Going in the logical sense.

A lot of people are forgetting that this is Nintendo we're talking about. The developers of the highest rated games on metacritic (Super Mario Galaxy 1/2) of this current generation, using hardware that the other competitors trample over.

No one ignored PS1/2 sales and facts during Sony's dominated periods, so why are they now with Nintendo and their Wii console?

[StraightedgeSES]

The only people who say it isn't next gen are people who play video games for graphics.

@Smashbro29 The people who say it is not next gen say it because of the launch title graphics, They never bring up all those stuff you mention if they did that means it would be next gen because the Wii U has better tech then the 360 and ps3.

[Smashbro29]

This is by far the worst most common argument, power does not only bring graphics, it brings draw distance and effects, more power means more things on screen. Remember Dead Rising chop till you drop? That was a game ruined because the Wii couldn't handle that many zombies at once.

[nypifisel]

Sigh.. Again with this, people on here claiming that the next PS/XBOX will be "true next gen" and be a major upgrade from the Wii U, you're fooling yourself and are living an illusion. Jeez! They won't be a bigger step up from current consoles than the Wii U is.

And again, the Wii U is hardware wise many times more potent than the PS360, it's not hard since they are built on 7 year old tech, which are ancient in computer terms. Stop with this mindless fanboyism, it's stupid and uneducated! (I own no console just to get that out of the way)

[FinalomegaS]

jesus, just reading through the comments is like WW3.

back and forth...over and over again. same topic: gargle, rinse,repeat...

As far as I can see it's hard to convince people that have made up their minds.

the technical side of the games, FPS/screen tears/ native resolution etc, these will show that even a port running more smooth with little time the system is capable. So lensoftruth will surely doing some overtime soon.

[GraveLord]

Of course it is.

[MWH]

god damn kids trying to be wisemen while they're a bunch of wise asses "me me" spoiled brats.

until we see the full specs and what the console is capable of then simply no one knows but if it offers the same shit we have now then no it isn't, if it's better then yes it is. finished.

there's the answer to your "astronomically" hard question.
now stop recycling the same waste of time.

[Armyntt]

Nintendo is on their own cycle in comparison to SONY/MS. The Wii U is in fact and not an opinion next-gen. The Wii U is the next generation of consoles for Nintendo. How it compares to the current-gen and next-gen of Sony/MS is another story.

[Gr81]

Are the specs of these fabled consoles? And how much $ are you willing to spend on them?

[Armyntt]

Oh i have no idea the answers to your questions. I was just stating the obvious facts to the posts headline. The Wii U is next-gen..... for nintendo. It is a fact it is the next generation of console for...Nintendo. How again it compares with MS/SONY for their similar sonsole generation cycle is another story.

[Ck1x]

People thinking that PS4/720 will make the WiiU look like the Wii is very funny! How far advanced do people think these systems will be to make the WiiU look SD in graphics comparison? The WiiU is already capable of running high resolution textures uncompressed, so how is this just on par with the PS3?

[AO1JMM]

Better question is are we done with this discussion yet?

Beating a dead horse on N4G every day.

[Digimortal]

The Wii U is without a doubt a next gen console.

Now if i may here for a minute. Allow me to explain my faded dream but might very well come true. I believe the Wii U will be the start of a mainstream aspect called "User Generated Content" now i know what your thinking. This is where my faded dream comes into play but i have hope that many games on the Wii U will add this as a feature. Pushmo on the 3DS allowed us to create our own Stages, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will also feature a Stage creation system (I at least hope its still in from the first trailer back at E3 when the Wii U was first announced). Now just open your mind on this for a min and think. Wouldn't it be awesome if Nintendo would create a Next Gen Mario game that would allow us to create our own Courses for users to play through, Rate, and recommend via Miiverse. That would increase the life spawn of that game. Now of course DLC will still play a part but this time around it will take more a backseat this time around. Now just think, playing an RPG that would allow us to draw on our characters Armor or even draw out tattoos to make your character stand out more. Yeah that's my faded dream but hey you never know. Right? :(

[LKHGFDSA]

hahahah nice trolling there, you've just described Playstation's Little Big Planet!
Good point though, the Wii U is only designed to be on par with current gen consoles and thus is a part of the same generation.

[Digimortal]

HAHA nice attempted at calling me a troll since you don't understand facts. So i guess when the Xbox 360 first launched it was a current gen system too right. Since all the launch titles that came out where just ports of the original Xbox. Except for me like what 3 games. Good try buddy.

Also, i am aware of LBP user content stuff. What I'm saying is if you turn your brain on. Is that i would like to see it become a main aspect for the Wii U. Next time before you go running your mouth about crap you don't even remember. Stop and think before you make yourself look like an idiot.

[8amoreno]

I can agree untill specs of each of the consoles are released, we really cant judge what next gen console standards are to be.

[TBONEJF]

IT's a upgraded version can't say for sure its a next gen. It's because Nintendo didn't want a HD CONSOLE because the number of HDTV'S is in consumers homes. But they should of realize that already theirs lots of HDTV's in homes PS3/XBOX 360 play FULL HD 1080P games. They want to create another new controller like their successor of the Wii remote. Plus they want to make more money the two only good things i like bout the new Wii U is the finally a HD CONSOLE from Nintendo and their tablet control which I'm really excited bout

[metroidfusion2]

WHY WHY WHY are people so fuckin stupid ha lol and how come only a few people know what they are talking about damn and stop talking about the 720 and ps4 could nobody doesn't know anything on it but you can be a dumbass and go off of rumors which can change in the 1 or 2 or more years the 720 comes out and the 2 or 4 or more years the ps4 might come out and a lot of the stupid people need to read on gaming history then do research on the wii u and its games

[schlanz]

Next gen hardware? No. Next gen console? Can't be argued.

[black911]

Beyond: Two Souls Looks Better Then any game Ever!!!!!!

(Take a Look)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/...

[Ck1x]

Something is seriously wrong with your eyesight if you think Beyond: Two Souls is the best looking game ever... The whole game doesn't even look that detailed! They show close ups and the characters faces look very detailed, but nothing else in the scene looks as sharp though. TLOU is doing the same camera trickery and playing with Level of Details and texture resolutions to make it easier on the taxed hardware... Stop making these games out to be graphical phenomenons, which they aren't!

[mightylucky]

The Wii U is the next console from nintendo, so it is the next generation of their consoles. Is that so hard to understand?!?!

Even if the next PlayStation or Xbox was less powerful than they are now they would still be the next generation of those systems...

[lfclee]

Bubbles for PopRocks359

[lfclee]

The wiiu rocks i have played it and it knocks the socks off current gen.

[YoungPlex]

"Without a doubt, the Wii U successfully differentiates itself from that popular predecessor to earn the title of a next-gen system. From bullet-point graphical details to the “Holy S&!t, The Controller’s Like a Tablet,” the Wii U is something new."

Well said!

[TotalHitman]

I think you guys are confusing specs with actual video gaming generations.

Anybody who thinks differently should read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[taquito]

it has 4x the ram of ps3/360

hopefully 3x the cpu of ps3/360

and hopefully 4x the gpu of ps3/360

so yes, it is going to kick ps3/360 nasty, 720p or less, jaggie riddled, pop-in infested A$$

....i hope

[PurpHerbison]

I expect a new Wii to be announced by the time PS4 and the next Xbox drop.

[MasterCratosKong66]

the fact that nintendo is taking a loss on the wii u is proof enough that it wont happen

[PurpHerbison]

What am I saying? I forgot that I am on a website FILLED with experts. My apologies.

[MasterCratosKong66]

doesn't take an expert to know how to make money. kids do it with lemonade stands all the time

[dubal-e]

Yes, next question

[LKHGFDSA]

As far as I'm concerned, no.
With what it does and doesn't do, and the lack of a wow factor, I'd consider it current gen.

Although it probably technically would be considered next gen.

[jakmckratos]

Just gonna have to wait and see. From all accounts developers and publishers have said not to expect a huge graphical upgrade on the PS4/720 but games like the Unreal Engine 4 look like current gen cutscenes so that might just be them talking themselves down to impress us more.

I mean Im judging from online videos but everything I've seen from the Wii U puts it just about where the current gen is. I think it has capability to be better but that's up to devs to figure out how to make the most of it.

But I think my ps3 is my standard for 3rd party games. The only reason I'd buy a Wii U is for the promise of good 1st party and exclusive titles. Would LOVE to see Star Fox HD, Metroid, a Mario Action RPG, the next Zelda, a non-side scrolling kirby, F-Zero, a decent 3-D pokemon title, DOnkey Kong 64 U, SMash Bros of course, and hopefully some decent new stuff from nintendo!!

[metroidfusion2]

Shut the fuck up and do your research on the wii u ya deer scat eating kid but keep crying your tears are delicious

[sandman224]

I just played the Wii u a couple of days ago at best buy. They only had that rayman game to play. And to bring honest. I loved it. The only thing that I was concerned about was the feel of the controller. The Xbox 360 controller felt better in my hand. But I'm sure I'll adjust to it.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

next gen yes.. current tech no..

[Gr81]

There's no way for a console to be right up to date with the latest and greatest. The PS3 was obsolete the moment it released, 360 had tech in it that low end PC's shi* on. This is the nature of technology.

Hell look at smartphones and smart TV's. It's pointless to try and keep up with the jones' especially concerning a games console.

And if you are trying to remain affordable to the masses, tech means even less important. The most important thing regarding games consoles is...ya know, games.

[ziggurcat]

no.

[Dynasty]

Since when have crazy powerful specs made a console next-gen? As long as something is being innovated or improved upon, (imo) it's next gen. The Wii U seems to be doing both of those things, so what's up with the debate as to whether it's next-gen or not? It's obviously next-gen and only retard fanboys would think otherwise.

[ShadowKingx]

i am going to have to say no. But it is a step in the right direction. 1080p should have already been added and thats pretty much whats makes the Wii U besides the selection of games coming out for it worth getting.

I might be crazy but if its was not for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate coming out on the Wii U i would not buy one. But since MH is my weak point. Nintendo has my money.

[iOmegaSeriousi]

article wont stop writing about the same sh*t. if ppl are going to start b*tching about next gen dont buy one, damn i get to this website and what i founf the most its the WII U a next gen, if u dont like it dont buy it.

[josephayal]

yes. is the most powerful console ever (until PS4/720 arrives)

[mrbojingles]

It's math people. 2GB RAM vs 512MB.

Jeez, did the Dreamcast get called not "next-gen" despite having four times the RAM of the N64?

[Eyesoftheraven]

Even if Microsoft and Sony both charged $600 for whatever they come up with, the hardware would still be behind in terms of most ideal modern performance for high quality graphics + physics + resolution + additional features.

In other words, I wish it was possible for "next-gen" consoles to have the TBA Ivy Bridge-E i7-3930, TBA OC 3Gb GDDR5 8970 or OC 3GB GDDR5 GTX 780 equivalent and 64GB of at least 1866Mhz 9-10-9-28 RAM and at least a 1TB high end SSD.

Imagine exclusive video games running, well optimized, on a configuration like that? I live in America, where one can dream!

[Legion]

Wii U is current Generation Version 2.

[urwifeminder]

Sure as the n4g ad spam it is,this message was no brought to you by dishonored.

[Snake45]

The whole "is it next gen" debate makes no sense because the generations mean different things to different people. Someone says it's obviously next gen just because it's released in 2012 or has a gimmicky new controller. To me neither of those matter and it's all about how powerful it is. Therefore, in my opinion, it's last gen or perhaps somewhere between gens but I'm not gonna start arguing if someone disagrees with me because we're both right by our own criteria.

My threshold for truly next gen is having 60 fps and 1080p as standard quality. Wii U sure as hell isn't gonna achieve that and if PS4 and Nextbox can't either then they're dissapointing 7.5 gen consoles as well.

[Ck1x]

Just because in peoples heads they don't agree with what the term next generation means in the dictionary, doesn't make them right! All of these years next gen has always meant the same thing, until the 7th generation of consoles and now everything is suddenly about power... Lol
Why then when both Nvidia and AMD come out with next gen GPU's, you don't classify the entry level cards as last gen even though they are weaker than the high end cards!

[bishbosh]

it's down to the developers to produce the games at 1080P the fact the wii u system states it support this means it can run games at 1080p!!! FACT otherwise they can not advertise this on their product! the issue is that current game developers are porting at present ps3 and xbox games that are not designed to offer 1080p resolution but as far as I understand their are games including Zombi U which have been built from the ground up for the Wii U that play in 1080p!! give the system 12-24 months and games will be selling in 1080p and if Activision end their exclusive agreement with Xbix then cod games will also be in 1080p, at present they are designed around the xbox and ported! what you will find is they are maxing the xbox out so it may have running issues due to RAM limitations, but it will run smoothly with NO issues on the Wii U in HD at 720p minimum with anti-liasing etc.... It's doen to the game companies to develop to the potential of the Wii U, at present most 3rd party games are developed around the older consoles

[metroidfusion2]

The wii u has 9 native 1080p and 60fps games as of now you dumbass deer scat eating kid lol you don't do research do you

[Max-Zorin]

Not this again.

[GrahamGolden]

no

[RedSoakedSponge]

of course it is.

if it releases next, its a next gen console....

[1upgamer99]

The PS3 has just been completely maxed out in the last 3 years, and the Wii U is doing what that can at launch. I love PS3, and read how the Vita and PS3 combo can do what Wii u can do and that just is not the case. Where are the games if the combo can do the same as Wii U. If not from 3rd part then at least 1st party games. Look at launch games on Wii U some are BETTER on Wii U because it is a more capable Console. Gearbox say this http://www.nintendolife.com...
Now with Gearbox which makes awesome looking games is not complaining I am not going to. So if when PS4 comes out and is a power house (over a year from now) I doubt that ports to Wii U that are on the PS4 are going to look bad at all. This Next Gen Simply put is NOT going to be the graphical leap for Sony and Microsoft some may think it is...It will not be PS1 To PS2 graphically. Gamers say graphics don't matter, well Nintendo Wii U Will have very nice graphics SO if its GAMES you want and your a "gamer" well Why the heck would you not want one? I kind of understand why a "gamer" would not have wanted Wii, BUT I do NOT understand why they would not want Wii U. The ports are mostly better, the Exclusives are going to be AMAZING, Metroid, Zelda, Bayonetta2, Galaxy, Fatal Frame, Zombi U, and all of the other Wii U games being worked. CryEngine3 is running on Wii and Crytek is supposed to be working on a Wii U game, though it is not Crysis 3. http://wiiudaily.com/2011/0... Wii U is VERY capable of AMAZING games and if that is what you care about, shut up and buy one!

[stragomccloud]

I have no doubt that the next Sony and Microsoft consoles will be more powerful than Nintendo's. However I imagine that people are grosely overestimating how much of a leap that will be. Younger gamers who only know the Nintendo from the Wii believe Nintendo always goes with lo fi tech. However, this gen marks the only gen where Nintendo didn't release a powerhouse. Furthermore this gen marks the first gen where Sony has gone for power. The PS1 and PS2 weren't exactly super cutting edge.

[_LarZen_]

The Wii U is a next-gen console for Nintendo, and it will probably deliver slightly better performance and visuals if the developers dont have any problems writing code for it.

There are articles allready about bad porting to the Wii U (Mass Effect 3) and that is something we just have to expect now in the start. It will take some time for most developers to get the hang of it, just look at early X360 and PS3 games and compare them with new games.

The "problem" is that by the time the Wii U really starts to show it's muscles Sony and Microsoft will either have announced or launched their new consoles and it will probably out performe the Wii U in a big big way.

Personaly I dont care, it's the exclusive games and the new exciting controller that will make millions of people buy it. Cant wait to get mine :)

[jakmckratos]

Just tried the demo at Best Buy and although I got to play a couple minutes of Rayman Origins(no other demo was availible for some stupid reason) the graphics were gorgeous for a cartoonish game and the tablet screen looked nice although it wasn't clear how to get it on JUST the screen. I need more time with it..hopefully with a non 2D side scroller to really feel the power but Im looking forward to it..not gonna be a day 1 purchase at all though

[level 360]

After seeing a couple of demo games and trailers at the Sydney Games Expo I'd say a definite no.

Some game titles are about even while some only just better compared to the PS3 and XBox 360.

[Ulf]

I personally define "next gen" as "able to offer an experience significantly more advanced than what is currently available". I could care less about timing, or raw power -- its all about the game experiences.

By that definition, the only worthwhile definition in my eyes, the Wii U is not "next gen", whereas the Wii was, because it offered something new. The controller pad just isn't the Wiimote, in terms of new experiences.

[mulder1617]

I would say it is more "next" in the "gen" of Nintendo consoles. As far as being next gen its hard to say. Since its first out the gate before the Xbox whatever it will be called and PS4 I guess I would say yeah its next in this new generation of gaming within a six or seven year span which seems to be how long a "gen" lasts in console "freshness" :)

[kwaidonjin]

The Wii U is not Next Gen. Gaming graphics should leap ahead graphically not limp along. The 360 and ps3 were way ahead of the xbox and ps2. The wii U put all of it's technology into a stupid controller. It is a sad excuse for next Gen tech. it should of been called Wii 1.5...... pitiful.