110°

Pachter: Wii U A New Console Using Last-Gen Technology

GXC: "Industry analyst Michael Pachter is no stranger to statements that have received a bit of backlash on the internet from the gaming community. Still, he is respected by many in the industry itself as one of the go-to people for the state of the video games market. One of his latest statements was ... centered on Nintendo’s upcoming system, the Wii U."

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gamerxchange.net
Schawk4620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

YYAAWWWWNNN! yea like consoles are gonna be the testing ground for ground breaking new electronics

-Mika-4620d ago

You know he wasn't saying that. The WiiU is just barely an upgrade compared to the ps3/360. They invested so much money towards the controller but they didn't t invest toward the hardware.

metroid324620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

Well what the hell was AMD an IBM doing then for the last 2/3 years with them custom chips ? zero latency and lag easy to code for ect indie friendly,what did Michael Ancel say then about the textures in rayman on how they did movie quality textures and forgot to compress it and it still handled it so its no slouch in the hardware department,shinen also said they havnt scratched the surface and 1080p games at 60fps just take more dev time,Michael Ancel also said th wiiu has no Ram/Memory constraints what so ever ??? Wiiu is powerful and until Metroid/Zelda/MarioKart/FZero/ Donkeykong/Smashbros ect land its patchers job to bash Nintendo before Retro /Nintendos game engine is shown to public with its 1st and 3rd party games that we know are in development.

Shok4620d ago

Didn't know the 360 and PS3 were using GPGPU's........

SlavisH24620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

Didn't know wiiU games run 1080p... oh wait :(

Pachter knows a little more then members here

victoryscreeeeeech4620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

Some do games run on 1080p just not all of them, and what more does he know? He essentially blurted that the wii u has last gen power and walked away. No info to back it up, that is just trolling. He knows no more than u or me

Shok4620d ago

Yep, cause every 360 and PS3 launch title was running at 720p 60 FPS......oh wait...........

ninjabake4620d ago

If playing in 720p native hinders your enjoyment of a videogame I don't know what to tell you bro. The name of the game is still entertainment and graphics play a role in that but it isn't going to break the experience entirely.

Pachter gets paid to run his mouth off be it positively or negatively. Its expected for him to say the things he says, it doesn't mean what he says holds anymore credence and again, doesn't affect your enjoyment of YOUR games.

MegaLagann4620d ago

There'a already plenty of games in 1080p. Also, Pachter is a glorified Nostradamus. Someone who makes predictions with no facts. He said Nintendo made the Wii U Pro Controller because Activision threatened they wouldn't put COD on Wii U unless that made an optional traditional controller. He then said he has no proof, it's just a good guess. I'm fucking serious. He's been wrong 95% of the time, he knows nothing about game hardware, he just crunches numbers and when he does that he screws up.

BitbyDeath4620d ago

'Pachter is a glorified Nostradamus.'

Nostradamus is famous for predicting things right though....

coolman2294619d ago

Oh my gosh. How can you say that?!

It's "than!" Not "then!"

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4619d ago
pixelsword4620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

I'm rusty with this, but if I'm not mistaken the concept behind GPGPU is a GPU doing stuff usually reserved for the CPU. The Cell/RSX (Ideally) does this but mostly in reverse in that they take the stuff usually reserved for the GPU and put it on the CPU.

They said something like that in a God of war article on Eurogamer (got link)

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

From what I understand, it can be done the other way around as well, but I'm not sure about that.

The best thing from what I understand,if you get everything right and code efficiently, the throughput is incredible for either the cell or GPGPU. Which is why on the PS3 Lair's levels were so big but took almost no time to load.

I expect this and more from GPGPU, but I would not say that the concepts or techniques will begin on consoles first, as PC's have been doing this before the PS3 came out, just in different ways; so Before the Wii U, the concept was on the PS3; and before the PS3, The concept was on the PC (maybe not for games, but for other things).

That's (probably kinda) why when Sony did that folding at home, they got one PFLOP out of the PS3... Blue Gene did 280 TFLOPS to compare. I think the program was used to get high throughput from the PS3 in a way they could not get out of PCs... or at least come up with a comprehensive program to work on all PCs as different PCs were connected and folding at the same time with different cards, CPUs, GPUs, etc.,.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the WiiU at all because it's newer hardware, I was just trying to say that GPGPU isn't something you buy off of the shelves per se, it's more about computing: which is using hardware AND software.

Ihaa4619d ago

Im not entirely sure about coding on consoles but GPGPU allows you to access the GPU as if it was a CPU in a sense that you have the ability to control every byte of memory on the GPU whether its shared,global,local,etc. What PS3 and 360 most likely use are shaders that give you a very limited amount of flexibility in terms of programming on the GPU. Sure they get the job done but you have to follow the pipeline created by the shaders. You can't do something drastically different without suffering from performance loss and inefficiencies. Also, correct me if im wrong but PS3 has a fixed pipeline so you can't necessarily program the shaders as much as you can on 360. The fact that the cell offsets work for the PS3 isn't really a feature like GPGPU because CPU's were always very easy to program for. The GPU's were always very unknown because you would have shaders or drivers that don't let you access all of the features a certain GPU has to give. So is it newer technology that doesn't exist on current gen consoles? Yes as consoles now only let you access the GPU from shaders which are limited.

miyamoto4620d ago

PS3 and 360 are current gen

May be by last gen technology he is talking about the ill fated but most loved console - (drum roll please)...

The SEGA DREAMCAST!

Like the Wii U it was small, it was the least powerful of its competitors, have motion controls, on line gaming, internet browser,
.... and most of all it has a controller with an LCD screen - that you have to look back & forth from the TV, check inventory, play games on etc., rumble, ABXY face buttons, analog stick placed on the upper left of the controller, concave LR triggers that very much resembles the Xbox 360 controller like the Wii U Pro Controller.

I could be wrong but the similarities are very very obvious.

chadboban4620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

Holy crap!

Here we are constantly debating the specs of this thing like idiots and Pachter has had them all along. I knew Pachter was pretty big in the games industry but to have that kind of inside info is something else. C'mon man spill the beans already. Also can you tell us what the specs of the PS4 and 720 are, seeing that you are so privy to these things. Thanks Pach!

PopRocks3594620d ago

Okay, NOW I want to smack him. It's one thing to have an opinion, it's another to back it up with this kind of crappy misinformation.

Jinkies4620d ago

I would say it's in between it's a little bit more powerful then this gen but in my opinion I don't think it will be powerful enough to keep up with the PS4 and Nextbox. Developers will learn they can do more things with the PS4/Nextbox and develop games for that aswell...still they have untill 2014 to supply the Wii U with third party games.

ChickeyCantor4620d ago

" In my opinion " ...As if benchmarks can't be measured.

You don't say " In my opinion the color blue is red ". It either is blue or it isn't.

Jinkies4620d ago

an opinion is an opinion

Like it, don't like it...I'm not looking for your approval. I'm just stating what I think on the current situation.

ChickeyCantor4620d ago

I wasn't trying to appeal for approval. I'm simply explaining that what you said made no sense. You don't say " in my opinion" to something that can be measured. It's either true or not.

It's not a matter of me liking your " opinion". It simply makes no sense in this context.

No hard feelings though.

metroid324620d ago (Edited 4620d ago )

What part of wiiu isnt going to be a good as ps4 ?

It has Compute shaders/2gig Ram/Shader model 5.0/massive disc space/tons of EDram shared across gpgpu and cpu/it uses opengl 4.1basically dx11 features but at a higher level/a second window in the gameworld ie Gamepad/supports 3TB harddrives/supports HCSD cards/Has a dedicated sound processor that handles un compressed sound at 5.1 surround and more/miiverse and nintendo network ID's, Hmmmmmm this is like 2/3 gens in front of ps3.

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190°

While Layoffs Hit the Industry, Nintendo Retains 98% of Staff Including 78 With Disabilities

TNS: Based on its most recent ESG data, Nintendo boasts a remarkably low staff turnover rate of just 1.9%, with virtually no reported layoffs.

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thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai2d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes1d 4h ago

It’s unreal that people are downvoting this when they consistently have the best scoring games on metacritic.

2d ago
rlow12d ago

Well it doesn’t surprise me. As much money as they make and how they value their employees. It’s a great company in that regard.

1d 23h ago Replies(1)
drivxr1d 21h ago

Well, when your games remain full price many years after release.

And you make profit off of outdated hardware.

I would be shocked if they couldn't afford to retain their staff.

lodossrage1d 18h ago (Edited 1d 18h ago )

I didn't want to say anything but drivxr is right.

Nintendo always sells at a profit because they purposely use tech that's always 5 or more years behind. And it's also true their games hardly ever get price decreases.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they kept most of their workforce, but making a point to have your tech specs behind everyone else affords that luxury.

Darkegg1d 15h ago

I don’t think it’s their purpose to use old tech. It’s their purpose to make value of software and know their value. Nobody makes games like them that’s for sure. I just don’t appreciate their customer unfriendly policy.

It’s not impossible to take their status. Companies need to have a selection of 8-bit and 16-bit. Now imagine a split screen for 8 player game for SNES Mario kart and selling at $9.99. The problem is that it doesn’t make profit. So many companies won’t invest in “old” technology. Everyone guns for triple AAA modern technology software but honestly we can enjoy modernized 16-bit creative ideas that allows 8-player mayhem. It’s a pipe dream, possible but impossible.

Shane Kim1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

If they ended up kicking people out after all of that stated above, it would be truly shameful.

DivineHand1251d 12h ago

Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Tesla and Meta are all trillion dollar companies yet they are laying people off in large numbers.

I believe the reason Nintendo layoffs off less workers may be a result of their culture. It seems Japanese companies believe in giving their workers long term or life long employment opportunities and will exhaust all options before laying off workers. This is something we don't see much of in the west unfortunately.

Rdeal1d 6h ago

might be something to do with the fact all those companies hire more than 20x the employees than Nintendo

LoveSpuds1d 11h ago (Edited 1d 11h ago )

What the hell are you talking about? It has nothing to do with how profitable they are. Its completely cultural, MS and Sony make stacks of cash and still lay folks off. Nintendo chose not to lay off staff for the same reason their execs took pay cuts to increase staff pay instead; because they value their staff and view them as colleagues, and respect them as such.

If Sony weren't so US centric I fancy they'd fare better too, they should get shot of US and European leadership and go back to when Japanese execs were running the show if you ask me!

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470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

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tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai22d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7222d ago (Edited 22d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX22d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK22d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog22d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
1Victor22d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje22d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra22d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje22d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac22d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex22d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje22d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter21d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
gold_drake22d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos22d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8622d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos22d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8622d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr21d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8621d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 21d ago
hiawa2322d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos22d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker22d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg22d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake22d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr21d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
Terry_B22d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

22d ago
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80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

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nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer42d ago

Not surprising at all.

I mean, they´ll be releasing a new console in a few weeks.

repsahj40d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.