Nintendo has officially announced their plans to release a new successor to the Wii in 2012. This expected announcement was released through their Japanese investment website, stating: “Nintendo Co., Ltd. has decided to launch in 2012 a system to succeed Wii, which the company has sold 86.01 million units on a consolidated shipment basis between its launch in 2006 and the end of March 2011.”
No further details were revealed, which hasn’t done anything to curb the rampant amount of speculation about the new console’s possible features. Gamers have been busy speculating about the different types of things they’ll get with the new console, including high-definition graphics capabilities, a potential HD screen inside the controller and motion controls. The nickname ‘Project Cafe‘ has also started some creative speculation about whether it’ll also be a coffee maker, but that seems like a bit of a long shot to say the least.
According to the note sent out to their investors, Nintendo has plans to let journalists play a playable model of the new console at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Exposition. The event takes place June 7 in California.
Update: Nintendo President Satoru Iwata commented via Reuters, saying, “We would like to propose a new approach to video game consoles.” Apparently this ‘new approach’ won’t include 3D visuals because it’ll limit the potential customer base. He made mention of the fact that making ownership of a 3D television a requirement for playing the new console is something that would be a bad bet because 3D displays have not yet obtained wide acceptance.
Here is the company’s message that was sent to their investors:
To whom it may concern:
Re: Wii’s successor system
Nintendo Co., Ltd. has decided to launch in 2012 a system to succeed Wii, which the company has sold 86.01 million units on a consolidated shipment basis between its launch in 2006 and the end of March 2011.
We will show a playable model of the new system and announce more specifications at the E3 Expo, which will be held June 7-9, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Sales of this new system have not been included in the financial forecasts announced today for the fiscal term ending March 2012.
Published: Apr 25, 2011 02:57 pm