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..