Quote :

"NINTENDO'S COMPACT CONSOLE WILL TURN THE WORLD OF GAMING ON ITS SIDE New System will be Forward-Thinking, Yet Backward Compatible LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – Each generation of video game consoles builds on the past to set new standards for the future. As the company with the strongest heritage of innovation, Nintendo redefines expectations for all next-gen systems by employing a wide-ranging strategy to attract more kinds of gamers to more kinds of games. When Nintendo's new console, code-named Revolution, arrives in 2006, everyone will discover the meaning of All-Access Gaming. "We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming," says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "With backward compatibility and the 'virtual console' concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming." Some of the system features that wowed the crowd at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles include: * The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally. * Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube™ generation. But there's more… * The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo® 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System® (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES). * Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. * Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content. * The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible. * The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world's richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid. * Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. * Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game "masterpieces" as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea. "Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We're throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents." Nintendo's All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum. The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the world of video games – to everyone. Software for the new console will even attract people who don't consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and the most engaging experiences yet developed – only with Nintendo. The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2 billion video games and more than 336 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario™ and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at http://www.nintendo.com."

5/17/2005 10:27:15 PM

So I saw that whole Pre-E3 Conference on G4 today and all I can is that I agree w/ what they all said about Nintendo. According to the hosts, Nintendo wanted to be ahead of the other systems and in their conference, they are a step behind again. They didn't go all out like PS3 or Xbox. Well I dunno about Xbox. I was bored and confused in watching that part. Nintendo said they wanted to focus more on more Mature games and until now they still show very childish games. They said that they will revolutionize the gaming world and in their conference, there wasn't anything revolutionary except for the downloading of all the games ever made for the Nintendo console. I could be wrong but I really agree on what the hosts said about the big N.

5/17/2005 10:57:49 PM

So Nintendo finally found out about the Internet

5/17/2005 11:15:42 PM

my mother who has only ever played level 1-1 of super mario brothers has more gaming cred than the clownshoes over at G4

5/17/2005 11:18:00 PM

I watched the G4 coverage, and I can't really judge the hosts' gaming comments

but they sure look like douchebags

5/17/2005 11:24:32 PM

Quote :

"So I saw that whole Pre-E3 Conference on G4 today and all I can is that I agree w/ what they all said about Nintendo. According to the hosts, Nintendo wanted to be ahead of the other systems and in their conference, they are a step behind again. They didn't go all out like PS3 or Xbox. Well I dunno about Xbox. I was bored and confused in watching that part. Nintendo said they wanted to focus more on more Mature games and until now they still show very childish games. They said that they will revolutionize the gaming world and in their conference, there wasn't anything revolutionary except for the downloading of all the games ever made for the Nintendo console. I could be wrong but I really agree on what the hosts said about the big N."

Wait, because they didnt have fireworks and nekkid chicks dancing around their system braggin about how its 30 times more powerful than their old system? What is all out? I dont get it.

What is revolutionary about the PS3 and XBOX2 ? I swear to god if you quote something from that MTV special im gonna cut your face off.

I really hope noone looks to G fucking 4 for their gaming opinion. The people on there are a fucking joke. The only people that are on that channel that I sometimes put stock into are the guys on Judgement Day.

5/18/2005 8:42:10 AM

Nintendo's chill, y0. They don't need gimmicks and everybody knows it.

5/18/2005 9:17:17 AM

^ SHAZAM!

5/18/2005 9:21:14 AM

i like xplay, it makes me laugh.

5/18/2005 9:35:56 AM

Quote :

"The only people that are on that channel that I sometimes put stock into are the guys on Judgement Day."

I hate those two guys on Judgement Day. They can't rate anything for shit. X-play is much better at rating games maybe except for Sessler who's an annoying douchebag.

Quote :

"Wait, because they didnt have fireworks and nekkid chicks dancing around their system braggin about how its 30 times more powerful than their old system? What is all out? I dont get it. What is revolutionary about the PS3 and XBOX2 ? I swear to god if you quote something from that MTV special im gonna cut your face off."

What they meant by going all out is literally showing off all these clips for their upcoming games and how beautiful it will look like on their system. Well, PS3 that is. Xbox was so bloody confusing and I didn't really see any good games for it. I mean did u see the trailer for Killzone on the PS3. I mean I'm pretty sure it's pre-rendered but damn. That's the kinda stuff that makes most people go crazy about. They will be walking out of the conference trully expecting the real game to be like that. Nintendo didn't really do anything except just show their stuff and didn't say anything revoultionary about it except for the whole downloading stuff. They keep talking about how it's time to take games over the internet when they could've done that for the GC. They keep telling people all these things that u add on the system yet they don't do it. Plus, they keep saying they will provide all these online stuff yet they don't have a history of anything online. I mean they did say that they were thinking of online stuff since the SNES came out yet they were hesitant as usual. Xbox and PS2 has that and ofcourse those gamers for that system know they can play online. Nintendo is so hesitant on all their stuff. From that, who will be so hyped about their new system and all they did was show it and not really show the power of the system and how it will revolutionize the gaming industry.

[Edited on May 18, 2005 at 10:44 AM. Reason : .]

5/18/2005 10:32:11 AM

a BBC e-mail poll to ask users which they think is best: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4558785.stm

5/18/2005 10:46:04 AM

^ Huh?! There is no "BEST"! That's the problem w/ all of this. They all 3 are different, and good in their own right. There is no BEST.

That's like asking which is the best between BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar. Clearly your OPINION might think one's "better" than another, but in reality there's entirely too many factors to blanket-statement that one is indefinitely better.

5/18/2005 10:54:15 AM

Quote :

"I hate those two guys on Judgement Day. They can't rate anything for shit. X-play is much better at rating games maybe except for Sessler who's an annoying douchebag. "

are you serious? The xplay review rankings are vague as hell. They rarely get into the detail level the judgement day guys do. Not to mention judgement day has two guys who have very different tastes so you get different view points.

Half of xplays fucking show is lame ass skits. There is no way Xplay holds a candle to judgement day as far as game reviews go.

Quote :

"I mean did u see the trailer for Killzone on the PS3. I mean I'm pretty sure it's pre-rendered but damn."

I saw the video, it wasnt anything to get excited about. Pretty doesnt mean fun, especially if its pre-rendered. Pre-rendered is useless IMO.

I still dont see how the PS3 or XBOX2 have introduced anything revolutionary either. They have made just as many promises as Nintendo.

E3 is all about hype and promises. Nintendo has said they are getting online with Revolution. They have revealed their downloading plan, which IS something noone has done before (more than I can say about PS3 and XBOX2). I dont see anything more exciting being planned for sony or MS than I see for Nintendo.

5/18/2005 11:00:45 AM

for those wondering about their bongos:

5/18/2005 11:22:09 AM

THAT BONGOS GAME IS THE ONLY REASON I'D BUY A GC
actually
that bongos game is what almost convinced me to buy a game cube

[Edited on May 18, 2005 at 11:30 AM. Reason : `]

5/18/2005 11:29:58 AM

I've always been a Nintendo fan but haven't owned one of their systems since the NES. I thought that the N64 was a big flop but then Nintendo came out with the DS which is really nice from what I've seen. I had a Playstation back when they first came out and it was great. I still have one now actually that I bought recently. For a while I was pretty turned off by Nintendo but after reading up on the Revolution I think I will be purchasing this system.

5/18/2005 12:28:09 PM

^^^ If that is seriously how they want to work the ports I have to say thats just plain odd. Ok, either you lay it down, turn the system in order for the ports to be sticking out the front and when you want to put in a different game, you have to turn it frontside. OR, you have it vertically, having the controllers sticking out of the top and you risk the chance of having your system falling over. Weird.

5/18/2005 12:53:51 PM

I don't get it. That G4Tech conference said Nintendo was behind PS3 and 360, but I might now have to disagree. PS3 is definitly the cream of the crop. However, XBox really hurts itself. They just showed a bunch of crap and are not pushing a "gaming system" yet. Its just an all in one "thing" for all devices which has extensive online capabilities which really bother me and misses the gaming market. Nintendo really has a gaming system. And now that I hear a Smash Brothers is coming with launch !!!

5/18/2005 1:50:04 PM

I can't view that pic (game site?) from work...what's the low-down on the Bongo connectivity??

Dude the Donkey Konga game (and Jungle Beat helped) along w/ Mario Kart: DD & Smash Bros. convinced me to buy a used bundle on eBay.

I got a platinum GC w/ all boxes & manuals, 1 original wired controller, 3 WAVEBIRD controllers, Smash Bros., and a Monster S-Video hookup for $149, and all the junk was like 2 weeks old. That was a deal.

I bought Jungle Beat & Donkey Konga used w/ bongos so now I have 2 sets and it's crazy fun. Jungle Beat is an awesome single player game too....I'm lookin' forward to Donkey Konga 2. I hope the bongos can connect to the Revolution 'cause that would be money.

Awesome! I see the pic now...odd layout, but hey I'll take it

[Edited on May 18, 2005 at 3:26 PM. Reason : .]

5/18/2005 3:23:28 PM

A Nintendo spokesman told me the company doesn't care about DVD players and all that. He said if someone wants a DVD player, buy a DVD player, Nintendo is for gaming. I like that mentality. I agree my DVD player in the PS2 is handy at times, but, damn it, focus on the games.

5/18/2005 3:24:40 PM

Don't they know that that's the reason why the Dreamcast lost and Sega became what it is now?

5/18/2005 9:46:24 PM

That's not at all the reason Sega went down the tubes.

You can point out a bunch of flaws with how Sega went about the Dreamcast, but the fact that it was a video game console and not a "video game console + DVD player + DVD read errors" isn't one of them.

5/18/2005 9:48:55 PM

^It actually was one of them. Back then, the PS2 was the cheapest DVD + game console you can buy. And ofcourse people will go crazy about it since it's never been done before, especially the Japanese. I know that the PS1's win over the N64 generated that also. I'm sure the DVD thing is not entirely the reason but count is as one reason for the DC's fall.

5/18/2005 9:56:57 PM

if I remember right when Dreamcast came out, Sega jumped the gun. It released the system before Sony and Xbox hit the market, which then put the two companies ridiculously farther a head in hardware development.

5/18/2005 10:08:35 PM

uhh the xbox had nothing to do with the dreamcasts demise.

it was poor market timing. The system was solid but sonys ps2 came out with far more features and pretty much buried the dreamcast.

5/19/2005 9:57:28 AM

don't forget the fact that we all downloaded the games after the first year
i had a whole cd binder full yo

POWERSTONE WHAT WHAT

5/19/2005 10:06:35 AM

dreamwhat?

5/19/2005 10:07:10 AM

Quote :

"IGNcube: Can we expect Nintendo to collaborate with more third parties on Revolution games? Shigeru Miyamoto: At this point, we've only been talking with a few companies. However, if other companies come forward and they want to join us to work with us to create games, of course that would be great for us. "

There's goes the good games to the other systems.

5/19/2005 4:10:51 PM

Thats not what that quote implies.

Read it again :p

5/19/2005 4:14:27 PM

Yea I know they don't want to have the same gameing genres but they could at least talk to more companies to get more good games

5/19/2005 4:16:45 PM

yea i think they should be on the offensive for getting other companies on board. and trying to "sell" their idea and their system to the gaming companies instead of sitting back waiting to come to them

5/19/2005 4:22:44 PM

^ Exactly. They're not aggressive enough. In this market, its not about the ratio of good:number of games, rather number:number. Case in point: Xbox. Many terrible games, but the wealth of the games allows them to hit or miss and get away with it. They're the most aggressive on trying to pull people abord. Nintendo still thinks they can get away with the "you come to us" approach.

5/19/2005 4:28:09 PM

My point exactly

5/19/2005 4:36:53 PM

Moot point, nm.

Nintendo makes the best games on the market, second to Square IMO.

[Edited on May 19, 2005 at 4:43 PM. Reason : blah]

5/19/2005 4:42:47 PM

FYI, at the current Xbox price point, MS is losing money on every console sold. My sister-in-law's roommates all work at MS in Redmond. I was talking with one of her roommates and asked if they could get a discount on Xbox games and such. She said that they do get a discount but it's based on Microsoft's cost. The cost is higher than the retail price, so if they take the employee discount they end up paying more for the unit than if they just buy it in the store. She said that the break even point comes from game sales. They break even on a unit once they sell 3 games for that console.

This was about a year ago, so if the Xbox BOM has changed they may have been able to reduce production price, but I imagine they are dumping their budget into R&D for the next generation system instead of improving upon the current design.

5/19/2005 5:06:06 PM

^ essentially, take away halo and you have a disaster on microsoft's end of the deal

5/19/2005 5:20:55 PM

The point of the X-Box was never really to make a profit anyway.

So it's not like it matters.

5/19/2005 5:24:28 PM

Are there other games for Xbox?

5/19/2005 5:24:51 PM

^^

wtf are you serious?

5/19/2005 7:32:58 PM

the xbox was made to gain a foothold in the console market so microsoft could then sell their game system/media center/set top box.


and every console is sold at a loss to be made up by software sales.

[Edited on May 19, 2005 at 7:37 PM. Reason : ]

5/19/2005 7:36:34 PM

Quote :

" rather number:number. Case in point: Xbox."

case in point ps2 as well, even more so. ps2 has friggin millions of games that suck compared to either gc or xbox.

xbox was averaging plenty of game sales per console bought either way so they are doing fine in the long run. somewhere between 2.5-3.5 bought with the system itself is what i heard the average was a while back.

personally i think xbox has the most sleeper hits which is why ppl rag on it. you cant just pick up a known title, gotta do lil more research. if we count all the games with mario in the title sure GC seems pretty awesome cuz the gameplay is tried and true, with little tweaks. think about it, mario tenis/party/kart/golf, all were pretty similar to the last installment, with minor tweaks. they are still great games, but i can honestly say i didnt play any of them as long as i had played the previous ones (especially kart). metroid was a nice step towards new styles, but shrug.

5/19/2005 8:05:09 PM

Quote :

"the xbox was made to gain a foothold in the console market so microsoft could then sell their game system/media center/set top box."

This is very true

5/20/2005 12:34:49 PM

Quote :

"FYI, at the current Xbox price point, MS is losing money on every console sold. My sister-in-law's roommates all work at MS in Redmond. I was talking with one of her roommates and asked if they could get a discount on Xbox games and such. She said that they do get a discount but it's based on Microsoft's cost. The cost is higher than the retail price, so if they take the employee discount they end up paying more for the unit than if they just buy it in the store. She said that the break even point comes from game sales. They break even on a unit once they sell 3 games for that console. This was about a year ago, so if the Xbox BOM has changed they may have been able to reduce production price, but I imagine they are dumping their budget into R&D for the next generation system instead of improving upon the current design."

In a recent article I was reading it said that Microsoft was taking an intentional loss of, I believe, $1.2 billion since the launch of the console just on the price difference. They still cover their ass though, and even turn profits when major games are launched (Halo, Halo2, Jade Empire, etc.). THis will only increase since MGS has significantly broadened their library in the last year or two.

Quote :

"essentially, take away halo and you have a disaster on microsoft's end of the deal"

Halo isn't the sole bread winner. Microsoft knew that they would probably not ever turn a profit (even though they have) but didn't care because they just needed to secure their place in the industry. With next generation consoles they have the very real possibility of becoming the king of the hill (earlier launch, tremendous number of developers on board, proven Live! service, acceptable pricepoint, etc). MS, as a whole, enjoys revenues of nearly $10 billion and often pay more in lawsuits than the loss they have on XBox production. This past year they reported a net profit of just under $3 Billion.

5/20/2005 2:07:47 PM

im looking forward to the ncaa football games for the new nintendo system...i liked ncaa 2005 best on gamecube

5/20/2005 2:14:02 PM

Quote :

"Agreed. If they can get this new Smash Brothers game to have a 16 man melee, I will explode."

I think you just blew my mind.

5/20/2005 2:54:51 PM

and i blew my load.

5/20/2005 3:19:59 PM

not practicle

16 people on one screen cant see shit but 16 dots

5/21/2005 1:03:51 AM

They don't all have to be on one screen. The stages can be large enough to accommodate 16 people and the camera can be set to only zoom out to a certain distance.

5/21/2005 1:33:38 AM

Has anybody seen this photoshopped pic yet?



Pretty funny and cool at the same time. I'd definitely buy one if it looked like that.

5/21/2005 2:13:55 AM

lil spray paint and i could make that happen

5/21/2005 2:15:41 AM