Wii U's "Power" Not Part of the Equation

Joystick Division: Rumors started popping up earlier this week that Nintendo's upcoming Wii U console is not as powerful as the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Never mind Sony and Microsoft's next-gen consoles, according to unspecified sources quoted by Games Industry, the Wii U (in the department of graphics, at least) can't even keep up with the current generation.

This has, of course, led to an abundance of doomsayers flooding the message boards, prophesying an end to Nintendo on the back of an underpowered piece of hardware.

While I certainly wouldn't mind seeing Nintendo learn a hard lesson or two, I can't help but laugh at all of this speculation.

[Akuma-]

Wii u is rubbish and I've never played it. Wii is rubbish also but it was successful in the beginning and the sales of the games and unit now illustrates that people wised up to realize what crap it is and the frenzy died down.

Wii sold a lot because of a combination of things and not because the wii was great or did anything great. Wii did well because of its cheap price, new control scheme and mass marketing.

Fans are intrigued by wii u not because of the prospect of new games or mass amount of new ups, but because they can play older games with barely any upgrade since previous versions of Nintendo exclusives like Mario. Zelda, pokemon, metroid,

[PopRocks359]

"Wii u is rubbish and I've never played it."

Yeah, credibility is lost right there. Try again.

[Shok]

"Wii u is rubbish and I've never played it"

Nothing needs to be said here.

[LX-General-Kaos]

@ Akuma

The Nintendo Wii U entertainment system will kick off the next generation of gaming in a proper way. You will learn to show respect to the new innovative controls because your console of choice may soon add Nintendos grand innovations one day just as this generation did with the Wii mote and motion controls in general. What would you say if your company of choice made an exclusive similar to Nintendo exclusive Super Smash Bros? Wouldnt that be crazy?

Naming 3 or 4 out of the many many Nintendo critically acclaimd award winning exclusive titles to try to down miyamoto Lord and Savior of gaming and Nintendo is pathetic and poor. Nintendo probably has a safe full of more exclusive titles than any rival console library. You have snatched credit from the Nintendo Wii entertainment systems exclusive library with those sad bold faced lies. But you should do some research on the subject before you try to pass off 3 exclusives as fact.

What would you say if your console of choice appears next generation, and lands a lower price point than the Nintendo Wii U entertainment system? Could I bring this comment back to your attention along with a plate full of crow? People like you are making E3 2012 harder to wait for. Please dont fail to show up on N4G after the Nintendo press event.

You just seem upset over the success of the legendary Nintendo brand, and wish that your brand of choice would prevail once again. I understand that you are upset, and hopefully one day even you will bow down and pick up a Nintendo Wii U entertainment system to paste a smile on your very own face. Nobody will look down upon you for making the right decision, I promise.

Have a blessed day and happy gaming.

Rated E For Everyone

[Redcrimson101]

LX generation chaos that was very well said my friend!! What u said was nothing but the truth, I tip my hat off to u sir. Very well said, I couldn't agree with u more. The wii u will be alright when it drops this year and possible mite even outsell the competion once again. I will be picking up 1. Halla at me bro: psn account-wildffire xbox live account-blackmilk1

[LX-General-Kaos]

Thank you and no problem sir

[closnyc]

sure, you are so hardcore cause you play deadbox and ps3. Please son, stop pretending. Move on to pc if you want hardcore, in the meanwhile youre as casual as a wii owner with that pad of yours and your comfy couch. Wii was a success because nintendo didnt cater to lil bitches like you, in fact, it cataered the audience lil bitches like you hate yet you are part of. The casual gamers. While wii may have uscked in many ways, what you lil bitches did with gaming this generation, ESPECIALLY DEADBOX owners, WITH AUTO AIM, PATH PATROLS, HAND HOLDING, it is unforgivable. You have ruined gaming with day one dlc, milking and COD. So yes, the wii was more successful cause it didnt try to change an entire industry for the worse. It kept its audience, and its audience stayed cause hell, skyward swrod is better than any of the crap you are playing on deadbox right now.

[Game3s]

"DEADBOX" LMAO

[dark-hollow]

sigh....

first off, am glad to what they did with the wii in this generation, reason? because nintendo has been losing for two generations in a row to sony, they cant afford to lose another gen so you can have hd graphics!

in the beginning of this gen, ms and sony were already gearing up some monster hardware for their next gen consoles, if nintendo did the same, they probably would be sitting at last place again, and unlike sony and ms, they cant afford to lose another gen!

nintendo is a gaming company first and foremost, they dont have any other businesses to profit from besides gaming while sony and ms are huge corporations who can afford to sell their consoles at a loss.

but that doesnt mean they will do the same next gen because now things have changed a lot in the past six years and its very doubtful that sony or ms will overpower their console after all those losses in this gen. especially sony since they reported that they wont go all high tech like this gen. they will make it a reasonable upgrade.

now nintendo have a good chance to release a powerful console but in the same time doesnt get overshadowed by the ps4 and the nextbox. even if it becomes the weakest it doesnt matter as long as the gap between it and between the other consoles isnt too big.

[NovusTerminus]

It needs to be powerful, mostly because it would benefit greatly from PS4 / 720 multiplatform games at that point. Imagine when Final Fantasy XIV comes out, if the Wii U cannot run it, it will lose a good am amount of sales.

[christheredhead]

I don't think it "needs" to be powerful, although it would be convenient. If they can get games in HD with online functionality and tablet support, that would be awesome.

[Crap_Turtle]

doubt nintendo

you look like a moron

The least powerful system always gets the most sales, the best exclusives, its a fact

[PopRocks359]

While I do feel Nintendo does get some of the best exclusives out there, to say that the least powerful system always wins is not necessarily true. Thanks to Steam the PC market has been resurrected and many more games are appearing on PC/MAC, especially indie games.

It's unfair to judge the Wii U based on how Nintendo handled the Wii and that's because Nintendo is very capable of changing business plans. Look at the transition between the Gamecube and the Wii for example.

[Crap_Turtle]

nes wins
snes wins
gameboy wins
gba wins
gbc wins
psp wins
ds wins
wii wins

all the least powerful platforms sell the most

[Moerdigan]

Ninendo specifically stated that they went to developers and asked what they wanted in a new machine, and I bet you that unanimously asked that they wanted more power than they have now, among other things. If WiiU's hardware is not more powerful in all respects to 360 and PS3 then that just lacks integrity, and they are just pretending to listen.

[aquamala]

Anything Nintendo put together for $250-300 will be more powerful than ps3/360, this is getting silly

[Hicken]

I don't see how anyone could argue this. It will and SHOULD be more powerful than current generation consoles.

Saying it's not is like saying a PC built today isn't as strong as consoles. It's just silly.

[Redcrimson101]

U guys relax, the wii u will be powerful, it won't be as powerful as the p4 and the 720 but it should be ableto run the same games with less detailed gfx but I know for a fact that it will be light years ahead of the ps3 and 360 in terms of gfx and power.

Have u guys seen the Zelda tech demo? Come on man! I haven't seen any game on the current gen consoles(not even uncharted) that looks better than that wii u Zelda tech demo.

[GamingTruth]

yeah and no 3d

[blackburn10]

People only make excuses because Nintendo doesn't give them any power. If they did they would be all over the gaming sites boasting about how powerful it is. Even now they are boasting how much more powerful it will be compared to five year old systems. As soon as the next gen PS3 or Xbox surpasses it we will degenerate back to 'It looks good for a Wii U game' and back to the 'we don't need graphics or power'.

Look how the insecure people and Nintendo are already trying to lower standards before the system is even out' 'It doesn't matter' with tears in your eyes.The more you deny something is the more you prove that you do care in someway or people wouldn't be so eager to keep trying to convince someone that it is so.

[lionelglitchy]

next box and ps4 specs have also been "leaked" and they are pretty crap also but those somehow are dismissed as total rubbish yet nintendo "leaks"are treated like gospel on n4g.strange isn't it

[blastermaster77]

I laugh at people that think that specs are everything, what a bunch of jokers LOL :P

[lionelglitchy]

day one for me regardless

[mike1up]

The author makes good points, but I just cannot understand how/why anyone could think that the WiiU won't be as powerful as the PS360. So many developers have said the opposite.

Why validate an obviously false rumor with an article?

[PopRocks359]

Because people are idiots.

Components that can make a machine more powerful than current generation HD hardware is actually pretty cheap. Making the new console weaker is neither intelligent nor ethical. It's a possibility, sure. But the chances are extremely slim of that being the final product.

The Zelda tech demo was more than enough to showcase its power, IMO. Beautiful looking graphics while playing the game in real time on both the TV and the controller at the same time.

For those who don't believe me, the demonstration where they do this is right here at about 1:05.

[ThePsychoGamer]

When they said that, they weren't working with the final specs of the system. It 's possible that Nintendo decided to cut down on the systems power in order to make sure they can release the system at a low price point. (Giving them the edge in sales.)

[Game3s]

Because it brings ratings.

[detroitmademe]

i still view the wii/wii u as an anti-hardcore console,although i do think the wii u's controller is cool.

[yabhero]

WiiU, antihardcore? You obviously missed the E3 line up.

[DytonicsGaming]

The Wii U is more powerful ans second I needless to say this comment is very funny "Wii u is rubbish and I've never played it."

Ummm Hey idiot the Wii U isn't in store now or on the market, Plus if your a Sony fan then the PS3 was rubbish when it came out with glitches and what not.

If the Wii had a network it would be a great Console, the Wii isn't really Rubbish at all its one of the more better running systems I've had. When Nintendo Network comes out this will make Nintendo more competition when there 4D motion controllers comes to life. Gamers like myself want a much more insider when it comes to motion with video games. I hate have to use a remote when I play PS3 or X box and before you say X box has Kinnect I don't like it because its not necessary for the gaming industry. The Wii U, I think it should be renamed the Wii 2, The portable console is going with Nintendo network and it will be connected to the same server's as the Wii U. Nintendo is just getting a clue and you just fail to see Nintendo is attracting hardcore gaming companies.

P.S. btw the lead designer for PS3 is one of the lead designers for Wii U (Wii 2) Make sure you swallow those word's "Wii u is rubbish and I've never played it" and make sure you mean it and don't comeback and say the Wii U is a great system.

[Reaper9937]

I will buy the Wii U day one regardless of how powerful it is. Nintendo's exclusives are just so bloody good that as a gamer, I would be crazy to dismiss them.

On the other hand I still hope that Nintendo can deliver on the graphical front this time...we need to see graphics like the Zelda demonstration on the Wii U.

[metroid79]

You will see better graphics than the Zelda tech demo as Reggie clearly stated these demos are very early and don't represent the final specs,plus Nintendo clearly said the power will go up and up saying it's much easier going up in POWER ie the recent rumour that WiiU was tweaked to handle UE4.

People still on the fence on graphics need to understand with WiiU the graphics are as good as they come,they wont get any better.

To MAX the WiiU out it would need a budget of 300 million plus if you think publishers are going to invest any more than this say on a PS4 with 2x GTX590 that needs a budget of say 500 million to MAX out your delusional honestly,its all about dev costs next gen,obviously ps4 wouldn't have that sort of Graphics it would cost £1500/£2000 for the console and £100 a game not happening WiiU is as powerful as your going to get in RAW graphics NEXT GEN.

When another 10 years passes then consoles might have dual GTX gpu's of that generation not in this decade though thats 4 sure.

[DytonicsGaming]

I agree and plus as someone who know's one of the developers I assure you the Wii U (Wii 2) Will be the strongest and more successful console this generation.

The Wii U is by far the most idealistic piece of technology ever made for gaming, I would like to see more titles and have Nintendo feel that there back from a long waited defeat in this industry. It will attract hardcore gamers as its attracted already hardcore gaming companies.

Just get excited for an inventiveness new piece of technology from the company who started the business all together.

[TheDivine]

It would help to have multiplats on par with 720/ps4 but Nintendo needs to stand out. They need to get more exclusives back, a console resident evil, exclusive final fantasy's, dragon quest (it is getting this), and the nintendo exclusives themselves (not just mario and zelda but xenoblade 2, last story 2, kid icarus wii-u exc). The wii had a gang of exclusives but for whatever reason people ignored them, big names will help this.

If the wii-u is in hd it will be fine imo, it was painful this gen because both other consoles were hd and the wii was sd. Next gen all 3 will prob be 1080 (maybe 720 for the wii-u idk) so it will be closer in looks

[jacksheen0000]

Guys,

The real gamble here is whether Nintendo Wii U lives during the graphical comparison phase when the 720/PS4 comes out in 2013.

Though I am sure the Wii U is going to have some incredible looking graphics but if the Wii U falls too far behind in the graphical department in comparison to 720/pS4, the wii u will end up like the Wii.

So, I think the key to Nintendo success is to make lots exclusive to compensate for the lack of graphical power. By that, i mean lots of games that goes way beyond the same old usual stuff(Mario, Zelda, metriod, etc)

[CaptainN]

When it comes to gaming, innovation always triumphs over graphics.....but that doesn't mean graphics shouldnt be up to par to todays standards. I personally don't believe the Wii-U will match current gen.....I expect it to be beyond current gen. But, I also don't expect it to be able to match the most up to date computers either. Videogame systems usually use older comp tech because its cheaper to mass produce and to turn a profit with. If Nintendo were to put the most up to date hardware in it, we would be paying close to $1000 for a Wii-U.

Nintendo knows how to balance their hardwares output with how cost effective it will be towards them. It doesn't matter if some other system comes out a year or 2 later that can push a few more shaders or slightly better lighting effects. By that time, Nintendo will have a large market share and be making a nice profit. The tablet input alone will attract true gamers due to new play controls and options. Competitors fanboys will always pretend that its a gimmick or not important.....until their console manufacturer replicates it. Gamers on the other hand can already recognize the potential for having a second screen...either for gameplay use or control input.

[ZoidsRaven]

People need their consoles to be all mighty and powerful to enjoy videogames? 7_7

[madjedi]

They don't need to be "all mighty and powerful" but certain minimum levels should be reached, ie avoiding the 3rd party game gap that existed between the ps3/360 and the wii.

Why would you want a system to be less powerful, than it needs to be to meet the manufacturers goals? More power isn't a bad thing, it is why we play in 3 dimensional worlds with larger more detailed worlds/enviroments and more detailed characters.

If the only thing you play is casual friendly nintendo games, then you don't need alot of power, but if you play alot of shooters or games that use heavy physics ect the power will come in handy.

It depends on the game, i play games that need alot of power like kz3 and uc3 and games that don't need as much power like disgaea ect.

[ZoidsRaven]

"They don't need to be "all mighty and powerful" but certain minimum levels should be reached, ie avoiding the 3rd party game gap that existed between the ps3/360 and the wii."

Are you speaking for all of the GFX hounds?
Enlighten me.

"Why would you want a system to be less powerful, than it needs to be to meet the manufacturers goals?"

So what makes you think I want a system to be "less powerful"? The thing about me is, I don't care how powerful a system is. I'll play games on a console with the GFX/power of an N64, PS3 or PC. It really doesn't matter to me.

"More power isn't a bad thing, it is why we play in 3 dimensional worlds with larger more detailed worlds/enviroments and more detailed characters."

2D, 3D, detailed or pixelated a game can still be fun and enjoyable (not to say you implied otherwise). Detailed HD games can still suck, it's all up to the devs really...

"If the only thing you play is casual friendly nintendo games, then you don't need alot of power, but if you play alot of shooters or games that use heavy physics ect the power will come in handy."

XD
Are you saying that shooters AREN'T "casual friendly"? Most of the "casual friendly nintendo games" take more skill to beat than these "hardcore" shooters. Define what you mean by "casual friendly nintendo games"...

And FYI: Shooters can still be enjoyable with low GFX and while being played on a system with low power, like Goldeneye 64, Perfect Dark, Quake and Deus Ex. 7_7

"It depends on the game, i play games that need alot of power like kz3 and uc3 and games that don't need as much power like disgaea ect."

Ok. That's all good, but if you don't need your console to be all mighty and powerful to enjoy your games, why did you make this post?

If you DO need your console to be all mighty and powerful to enjoy your games, then how can you argue my post?

[madjedi]

Graphic hounds, lord whatever, one of you gameplay over graphics zealots.

Btw casual vs hardcore i refered to has nothing to do with "skills"(lmao try ninja gaiden on master difficulty or dmc getting triple sss on it's max difficulty, if you want to boast about games taking more skills than others).

I would consider mario by it's design needing alot less power than say a next gen fallout or any game involving destroying structures in real time.

I was arguing with your attitude that anyone wanting a powerful system, should immediately written off as a graphics whore.

But that is useless effort, btw no one said an older less powerful game cannot still be enjoyable, so you can drop the retro pride speech.

But i guess anyone wanting a powerful system so it games can be better is a graphics whore to you.

Why would a console being mighty or powerful be a bad thing.

[ZoidsRaven]

"Graphic hounds, lord whatever, one of you gameplay over graphics zealots."

........... That didn't answer my question. 7_7

"Btw casual vs hardcore i refered to has nothing to do with "skills"(lmao try ninja gaiden on master difficulty or dmc getting triple sss on it's max difficulty, if you want to boast about games taking more skills than others)."

>:@
You act like I said "HD game aren't hard" and none of the games you listed are shooters. Did you take the time to really read my post? Man..
Go play some PunchOut if you wanna talk difficulty.

"I would consider mario by it's design needing alot less power than say a next gen fallout or any game involving destroying structures in real time."

....So? What's your point? 7_7

"I was arguing with your attitude that anyone wanting a powerful system, should immediately written off as a graphics whore."

Where did I even say that? Why reply to a post when you don't even know what the poster's point is?

"But that is useless effort, btw no one said an older less powerful game cannot still be enjoyable, so you can drop the retro pride speech."

That's not the point I was making by bringing up those old games, my point is that games can be enjoyed no matter what their GFX/power level is. We having fun yet? 7_7
Retro pride speech? From what you showed me, you wouldn't know a "retro pride speech" if it was made by someone with the username "IHateModernGames".

"But i guess anyone wanting a powerful system so it games can be better is a graphics whore to you.

Why would a console being mighty or powerful be a bad thing."

Ok..
1) No. If someone wants a console to be powerful, that doesn't make them a GFX hound.
2) Next time reply to yourself, you put enough words in my mouth to make for one good argument against yourself.
3) Mind pointing out where I said a powerful console is a bad thing?

Out. 7_7

[metroid79]

WiiU has Custom IBM Multi-core Power7 cpu using Watson tech and Tons of EDRAM/ps3 has none/360 had 11mb.

Custom Radeon HD GPU using the most current graphics tech from the Radeon family AMD's words.

1st devkits were 6 times the power graphically of 360,the kits are more than twice the power now so 12x/14x the 360 in pure graphics.

[madjedi]

And you have a link to a wii u tear down video proving this, where exactly?

[Thepcz]

Wiiu's graphics will be better than reality. The wiiu will be powerful enough to render the universe and its entire contents (including dark matter) in real time. In fact it can render up to 18 universes at once. The wiiu's cpu is called god. The wiiu is the second coming as prophecised in the bible.

[metroid79]

You don't need a link look up the HD4870 and its 6 times more powerful than 360's gpu,360 does 240 G-flops the HD4870 does 1.2 Terra flops.

The WiiU GPU got a lot more powerful since then more than twice easy so that's my maths its simple.

People forget that ps3/360 gpu wise are not fully equipped to deliver a true 1080p 60fps experience with high end graphics,the gpu's are weak for this kind of gaming gaming.