The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware.
This is not true. It is much faster, has more RAM and a more robust graphics card.
It has relatively similar architecture, but that's like saying that a Pentium I PC with a Voodoo card is the same hardware as a Pentium III with a Geforce 4.
I think you're vastly over exaggerating the differences between them. It's what, a 500Mhz GC processor versus a 730Mhz Wii processor.
Hardly Pentium I to Pentium III scale. I don't think the Graphics Cards are that far apart either.
The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware.
This is not true. It is much faster, has more RAM and a more robust graphics card.
It has relatively similar architecture, but that's like saying that a Pentium I PC with a Voodoo card is the same hardware as a Pentium III with a Geforce 4.
I think you're vastly over exaggerating the differences between them. It's what, a 500Mhz GC processor versus a 730Mhz Wii processor.
Hardly Pentium I to Pentium III scale. I don't think the Graphics Cards are that far apart either.
Clockspeed means shit in the CPU world of today. Going from the GC CPU to the Wii CPU may have added only 230Mhz, but if the architecture of the processor was changed, that 230Mhz difference could essentially be doubled or maybe even tripled.
If I could change something about the Wii, it would be to add HD resolution support without changing the graphics card. The card in there from most specs I've heard, could drive at least 720p. Not all that well, mind you, but it could use 720p (hell, maybe even 1080p with slight modifications) for menus, text, 2D games (maybe), the web browser, etc. I'm not a graphics whore by any stretch but I have an HDTV and the web browser is near unusable at 480p.
After a weekend of watching HD shit at my brother's house, I've come to the conclusion that I could still care less about HDTV. In fact, his HDTV makes SD channels look like shit IMO. Even the HD channels don't really awe me though.
However, I do think that the higher resolution textures put out by the 360 look fantastic on my little old SD set. From what I've seen, the Wii hasn't really seen those texture improvements yet, which is weird considering its got the extra memory in there. I'm really hoping devs step up to use it soon. Luckily, I can't even get my grubby hands on a Wii yet because they're sold out everywhere, so I've got no worries right now.
Nintendo came out with this strategy at just the right time, since we're reaching the era of diminishing returns. Side by side, 360 and PS3 games look better than the Wii's. But not better to the ZOMG AWSME extent you got comparing, say, the PS and PS2. Most people won't care... my non-gaming friends didn't see any difference in the visuals of PS2 vs. Xbox games, even though graphics tarts saw a HUGE difference.
I do wish the Wii was a little more powerful, but most of the current games look good.
The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware.
This is not true. It is much faster, has more RAM and a more robust graphics card.
It has relatively similar architecture, but that's like saying that a Pentium I PC with a Voodoo card is the same hardware as a Pentium III with a Geforce 4.
Quick, read it again more carefully and edit your post.
It's nice to see that someone actually read my post.
The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware - companies rarely utilize all its neat tricks to produce the best looking content possible.
Arguably, the reason behind that with the 'Cube was market share, the overwhelming success of the PS2 and the huge amount of shoddy ports. If the Wii can sustain high sales and give developers a reason to polish their games (a la the DS), then the hardware will be viable - it won't be the best, but it will be fully utilized and that will be good enough.
Anyway, I'm suspicious of someone speaking with any authority about Nintendo's Wii hardware that isn't Nintendo itself, since specifications haven't been given yet.
I'm kind of hoping the Wii isn't all that graphically powerful, because I'm kind of tired of the OMGBLOOM going on with the 360.
I'd like me some nice old school brightly colored sprites. Solid blocks of color are pleasing to look at when it's done with some artistic talent, and I think Nintendo is better positioned than anyone to deliver that kind of content.
I'm not saying I want everything cel shaded, but I don't want everything bloomed and bump mapped to hell and back either.
I think we'll start getting very clean, good visuals soon enough. Like, in the next year. They're never going to be 360-quality, but if they look clean and word of mouth keeps spreading about the wii, then the wiimote itself should be able to carry the wii far enough.
An emphasis on clean, though. As in, like SMG or MP3; not amazing poly-counts or anything, but pleasing to look at simply because it knows what it can do with the hardware, and does it well and efficiently. There's something similar with the PS2, actually. Take FFXII or okami, for instance. Could they have looked better on an xbox or gamecube? Yes, but they still look great because they harness the power of the system correctly, be it limited.
Live Arcade and VC are like my "kid in candy-store" situation, but a limit of 256 MB available to the user pretty much means that we won't be seeing very much new content or add-ons. Someone mentioned new dungeons for Zelda on the Wii Shop, but it's not likely.
Take back your Wii. Someone stole half your onboard memory.
Live Arcade and VC are like my "kid in candy-store" situation, but a limit of 256 MB available to the user pretty much means that we won't be seeing very much new content or add-ons. Someone mentioned new dungeons for Zelda on the Wii Shop, but it's not likely.
Take back your Wii. Someone stole half your onboard memory.
Nope. The user only has access to 256 MB for game saves and downloads. The other 256 is reserved for system use, like the UI, the Weather and news channels, etc.
Note that the browser takes up around 32 MB before even counting the cache. Your Wii's memory isn't nearly as big as you'd like to think. I've burned through a quarter of mine already with the browser and six VC games.
The highly successful game developers know that there exists a balance between graphical superiority and captivating gameplay.
On one side of the extreme, you have a developer that spends most of its budget on artists, models, textures, shaders, etc. The game looks phenominal, but it may be devoid of actual style and life. (Everquest 2 anyone?). How long does it take before that fancy polish wears thin and you're stuck with an expensive frisbee?
On the other side, you have a developer who spends most of its budget on gameplay development and comes up with a brilliant idea; unfortunately, the execution lacks something. Whether it's nice graphics, storyline, or something else, the game doesn't take off.
There needs to be a balance between the two. I think the Wii has the hardware to support a game that exists within the confines of that fine line. Not to say that the competing console can't also support that very same software, but the Wii certainly isn't left out. Not to mention the Wii's remote.
The Wii: if it hasn't already broken your heart, maybe it'll go for your TV.
It's looking, to me, like Nintendo is going to start pulling a Japanese "hit a lot of singles instead of a few home runs" style product support. Incremental, almost yearly, updates to the hardware that retains the same core functionality, while adding new features that are now cheap enough to include and remain at profit levels. Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model. I wonder if there *will* be a WiiHD sometime in the next few years (when market penetration gets there, or components get cheap enough) that just has a better graphics chip set to upsample its output (and, of course, with an update for the menus and and channels to work in real HD). Only problem being that the amount of RAM would have to be increased for the better texturing, which would make for non backwards compatible games. Though, they did the same thing with the memory pack for the 64.
We'll see.
jonxp on
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
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Live Arcade and VC are like my "kid in candy-store" situation, but a limit of 256 MB available to the user pretty much means that we won't be seeing very much new content or add-ons. Someone mentioned new dungeons for Zelda on the Wii Shop, but it's not likely.
Take back your Wii. Someone stole half your onboard memory.
Nope. The user only has access to 256 MB. The other 256 is reserved for system use.
Reaaaaally? Interesting.
Well, is it entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nintendo could release external harddrive support? Those USB ports on the back have to be used for something.
It's looking, to me, like Nintendo is going to start pulling a Japanese "hit a lot of singles instead of a few home runs" style product support. Incremental, almost yearly, updates to the hardware that retains the same core functionality, while adding new features that are now cheap enough to include and remain at profit levels. Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model. I wonder if there *will* be a WiiHD sometime in the next few years (when market penetration gets there, or components get cheap enough) that just has a better graphics chip set to upsample its output (and, of course, with an update for the menus and and channels to work in real HD). Only problem being that the amount of RAM would have to be increased for the better texturing, which would make for non backwards compatible games. Though, they did the same thing with the memory pack for the 64.
We'll see.
They only way that the Wii is expandable, hardware wise would be via the SD slot or the USB ports. I don't think either have the bandwidth for a memory pack, but it'd be interesting to see it be done.
Well, is it entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nintendo could release external harddrive support? Those USB ports on the back have to be used for something.
How about you buy a dirt cheap SD card and stick it in the slot on the front of the Wii?
Well, is it entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nintendo could release external harddrive support? Those USB ports on the back have to be used for something.
How about you buy a dirt cheap SD card and stick it in the slot on the front of the Wii?
The Wii doesn't support running games from the SD slot, though. You'd have to constantly juggle saves between system memory and the SD card or delete and redownload if you want to use them. I'm sure they are considering this for a future update, but they don't want to leave a door open for running maverick code on the Wii.
Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
Well, is it entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nintendo could release external harddrive support? Those USB ports on the back have to be used for something.
How about you buy a dirt cheap SD card and stick it in the slot on the front of the Wii?
I've yet to see a 320gb SD card on the market, but clue me in if you come across one.
An external hard-drive opens the door for downloadable content outside of 10k NES or 2mb N64 games.
The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware.
This is not true. It is much faster, has more RAM and a more robust graphics card.
It has relatively similar architecture, but that's like saying that a Pentium I PC with a Voodoo card is the same hardware as a Pentium III with a Geforce 4.
I think you're vastly over exaggerating the differences between them. It's what, a 500Mhz GC processor versus a 730Mhz Wii processor.
Hardly Pentium I to Pentium III scale. I don't think the Graphics Cards are that far apart either.
Clockspeed means shit in the CPU world of today. Going from the GC CPU to the Wii CPU may have added only 230Mhz, but if the architecture of the processor was changed, that 230Mhz difference could essentially be doubled or maybe even tripled.
Maybe, except people think the broadway is based pretty much on the same architecture as the gekko, a modified PowerPC750.
Even outside of that, it's not like it's a fancy dual core chip or anything which could really boost performance.
I'm still waiting for somebody to mention, "Sony/Microsoft to buy Nintendo in 5 years," or the always popular "Nintendo should go software-only like Sega!"
Anybody? Aaaaanybody??
I used to be on the software only bandwagon. I am so glad that never happened, because then I wouldn't have a Wii, and would never know the joy of waggle.
Ditto. For about a month there, when their positions solidified last gen, and Nintendo wound up third place, I thought it wouldn't be so bad to have the next Zelda on my Xbox. Thankfully, that didn't last long.
The problem with the Wii hardware is the same as the GameCube's hardware.
This is not true. It is much faster, has more RAM and a more robust graphics card.
It has relatively similar architecture, but that's like saying that a Pentium I PC with a Voodoo card is the same hardware as a Pentium III with a Geforce 4.
I think you're vastly over exaggerating the differences between them. It's what, a 500Mhz GC processor versus a 730Mhz Wii processor.
Hardly Pentium I to Pentium III scale. I don't think the Graphics Cards are that far apart either.
Clockspeed means shit in the CPU world of today. Going from the GC CPU to the Wii CPU may have added only 230Mhz, but if the architecture of the processor was changed, that 230Mhz difference could essentially be doubled or maybe even tripled.
Maybe, except people think the broadway is based pretty much on the same architecture as the gekko, a modified PowerPC750.
Even outside of that, it's not like it's a fancy dual core chip or anything which could really boost performance.
i agree that the cube/wii difference is not as dramatic as lots of people perhaps assume
there are developers (possibly the farcry developers?) that said the wii hardware's pixel-shaders are still not as robust as the original xbox's
everything seems to point towards a modest clockspeed hike and little more, but, when you're talking about a console that can put out resident evil 4, is it even important? even ps2 managed MGS3
Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
I didn't explain my point enough...a common thing that happens in Japan is for electronics manufacturers to steadily come out with a better version of their product year after year...not to make people repurchase it, but to make it so that when a person DOES buy one they have the latest in technology in it.
So adding a DVD player, more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
jonxp on
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
3DS Friend Code: 2707-1614-5576 PAX Prime 2014 Buttoneering!
more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
As long as the updates don't prohibit prior console owners from playing newer games. The ram for the N64 was an example. Owners didn't have to buy a new system with more ram, just the ram.
more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
As long as the updates don't prohibit prior console owners from playing newer games. The ram for the N64 was an example. Owners didn't have to buy a new system with more ram, just the ram.
The current Wii isn't really upgradeable, though, so it'd pretty much force early adopters to rebuy the systems. Granted, there is a price of being an early adopter, but it's never been that high. Has it?
more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
As long as the updates don't prohibit prior console owners from playing newer games. The ram for the N64 was an example. Owners didn't have to buy a new system with more ram, just the ram.
The current Wii isn't really upgradeable, though, so it'd pretty much force early adopters to rebuy the systems. Granted, there is a price of being an early adopter, but it's never been that high. Has it?
$599
Could they do something like trading in old consoles, re-using the parts that are viable and giving early adopters a discount?
How about you buy a dirt cheap SD card and stick it in the slot on the front of the Wii?
I've yet to see a 320gb SD card on the market, but clue me in if you come across one.
An external hard-drive opens the door for downloadable content outside of 10k NES or 2mb N64 games.
Not to mention that external hard drives are a fuckload cheaper in terms of dollars-per-gig than SD cards.
I'd personally rather just have more flash memory, or at least the ability to use the 4 GB SD card that I already have. It wouldn't need more power or the need to keep the drive powered up all the time, since the Wii is on all the time.
The 360 has a 20 GB drive, with 13 or so available to the user. I have 41 Live arcade titles on it, and they only take up about 1.3 GB, along with a ton of DLC for Oblivion, Chromehounds, Kameo and saves for about 12 games.
Flash memory is enough for what the Wii needs to do, but it needs more standard memory than it has and more external memory than it can currently support. I was hoping to just get the one 4 GB card and be set for life on the system. It's a shame that it doesn't support that size (yet?).
will the wii do this in the future? i mean as a rule.
i got component cables and was sad to see SOOOOOO MANY JAGGIES.
ps...i just figure this is a fine place to ask. after zelda and wii sports, i am not sure i will buy another system this generation. and this is after finding out about chrono--errr...i mean blue dragon.
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Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
I didn't explain my point enough...a common thing that happens in Japan is for electronics manufacturers to steadily come out with a better version of their product year after year...not to make people repurchase it, but to make it so that when a person DOES buy one they have the latest in technology in it.
So adding a DVD player, more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
I get what you're saying, but it also goes completely against Nintendo's philosophy this generation of appealing to the common man. A simple and intuitive interface isn't going to mean jack-shit if he's got four versions of the console to choose between, and I have faith that Nintendo knows this.
Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
I didn't explain my point enough...a common thing that happens in Japan is for electronics manufacturers to steadily come out with a better version of their product year after year...not to make people repurchase it, but to make it so that when a person DOES buy one they have the latest in technology in it.
So adding a DVD player, more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
I get what you're saying, but it also goes completely against Nintendo's philosophy this generation of appealing to the common man. A simple and intuitive interface isn't going to mean jack-shit if he's got four versions of the console to choose between, and I have faith that Nintendo knows this.
Good point. The upcoming DVD version, however, is already a start to this. We'll have to see if they decide to do more redesigns down the road.
jonxp on
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Similar to what they did with the DS. They are already planning the DVD playing model.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
I didn't explain my point enough...a common thing that happens in Japan is for electronics manufacturers to steadily come out with a better version of their product year after year...not to make people repurchase it, but to make it so that when a person DOES buy one they have the latest in technology in it.
So adding a DVD player, more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
I get what you're saying, but it also goes completely against Nintendo's philosophy this generation of appealing to the common man. A simple and intuitive interface isn't going to mean jack-shit if he's got four versions of the console to choose between, and I have faith that Nintendo knows this.
Good point. The upcoming DVD version, however, is already a start to this. We'll have to see if they decide to do more redesigns down the road.
And honestly, I get a real feeling that the DVD version is just going to be a current version of the Panasonic Q, and I'd be suprised if it ever sees the light of day here in the states.
The DVD version is currently Japan-only. Nintendo has said this themselves. Probably the same situation as the Q: it's being made by Panasonic and not Nintendo.
Anyway, I've been looking at the specs between the GC and the Wii on Wikipedia. The Wii seems roughly twice as fast as the Gamecube. It's kind of like a Gamecube 1.9 or 1.8. Considering what could be done with Resident Evil 4, I have high hopes that we'll see some nice stuff in a year or so.
Anyway, I've been looking at the specs between the GC and the Wii on Wikipedia. The Wii seems roughly twice as fast as the Gamecube. It's kind of like a Gamecube 1.9 or 1.8. Considering what could be done with Resident Evil 4, I have high hopes that we'll see some nice stuff in a year or so.
Oh god... I had to stop reading when they started talking about "casual" vs "hardcore" gamers. Those terms have got to go.
Seriously... with the success of the NES, GameBoy, PS1, the PS2, and the DS ... why do people still think that graphical superiority matters? Each one was technically weaker than it's competitors, but came out on top.
Seriously... with the success of the NES, GameBoy, PS1, the PS2, and the DS ... why do people still think that graphical superiority matters? Each one was technically weaker than it's competitors, but came out on top.
Considering the reaction people had to the CoD3 comparisons, it does matter.. until a specific piece of hardware comes out with a "killer app".
Basically it seems like graphics get the foot in the door, but innovation builds up the fan base. In this day and age of multi-million development costs, publishers see more value with the foot in the door because it yields better short term results.
Yeah, but the CoD3 port was just lazy development. They pretty much just dropped the PS2 version onto the Wii.
They need to make new versions.
Considering that the Wii has twice the RAM, etc (even if it's still not much), how much do you guys think the graphics can improve? I was thinking it could go way beyond the X-Box due to the architexture, but I'm not so sure.
Yeah, but the CoD3 port was just lazy development. They pretty much just dropped the PS2 version onto the Wii.
They need to make new versions.
Considering that the Wii has twice the RAM, etc (even if it's still not much), how much do you guys think the graphics can improve? I was thinking it could go way beyond the X-Box due to the architexture, but I'm not so sure.
The Wii has the stuff to make kickass awesome high-res 2D vector-based games, like Geometry Wars, Castle Crashers, Alien Hominid, Paper Mario, Wario Ware, etc. RAM is very important for this.
I'd love to see gaming move in this direction, especially since the control scheme seems best for 2D games. I think they also added some neato tools for Cel-shading a la Wind Waker.
Considering that the Wii has twice the RAM, etc (even if it's still not much), how much do you guys think the graphics can improve?
They could fit either more textures, or the same amount of textures at a higher resolution. Since the Wii is limited to 480p, remaking everything with 2048 pixel textures would be overkill, but even on standard def a bump from 256 to 512 would be a big improvement.
It's entirely a function of how developers want to use the free space and how ambitious they get with detailing.
I'm pissed that I'm paying 250 for it and it doesn't push out an HD resolution. That and I have to pay for cables right off the bat to make it look decent. I'm bitching at the PS3 for this too. Component cables should be standard, they barely cost anything to make.
I'm fine with PS2 caliber graphics. FF12 and SoTC are still impressive to me, its just as time goes on the gap is going to widen. The real question is how are 2nd and 3rd gen Wii games going to stack up against the 360 and PS3?
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I think you're vastly over exaggerating the differences between them. It's what, a 500Mhz GC processor versus a 730Mhz Wii processor.
Hardly Pentium I to Pentium III scale. I don't think the Graphics Cards are that far apart either.
Clockspeed means shit in the CPU world of today. Going from the GC CPU to the Wii CPU may have added only 230Mhz, but if the architecture of the processor was changed, that 230Mhz difference could essentially be doubled or maybe even tripled.
However, I do think that the higher resolution textures put out by the 360 look fantastic on my little old SD set. From what I've seen, the Wii hasn't really seen those texture improvements yet, which is weird considering its got the extra memory in there. I'm really hoping devs step up to use it soon. Luckily, I can't even get my grubby hands on a Wii yet because they're sold out everywhere, so I've got no worries right now.
Wii games may be ugly but my wife sure as hell doesn't notice.
I do wish the Wii was a little more powerful, but most of the current games look good.
Except Far Cry Wii. Blergh.
It's nice to see that someone actually read my post.
Anyway, I'm suspicious of someone speaking with any authority about Nintendo's Wii hardware that isn't Nintendo itself, since specifications haven't been given yet.
I'd like me some nice old school brightly colored sprites. Solid blocks of color are pleasing to look at when it's done with some artistic talent, and I think Nintendo is better positioned than anyone to deliver that kind of content.
I'm not saying I want everything cel shaded, but I don't want everything bloomed and bump mapped to hell and back either.
An emphasis on clean, though. As in, like SMG or MP3; not amazing poly-counts or anything, but pleasing to look at simply because it knows what it can do with the hardware, and does it well and efficiently. There's something similar with the PS2, actually. Take FFXII or okami, for instance. Could they have looked better on an xbox or gamecube? Yes, but they still look great because they harness the power of the system correctly, be it limited.
Take back your Wii. Someone stole half your onboard memory.
Nope. The user only has access to 256 MB for game saves and downloads. The other 256 is reserved for system use, like the UI, the Weather and news channels, etc.
Note that the browser takes up around 32 MB before even counting the cache. Your Wii's memory isn't nearly as big as you'd like to think. I've burned through a quarter of mine already with the browser and six VC games.
On one side of the extreme, you have a developer that spends most of its budget on artists, models, textures, shaders, etc. The game looks phenominal, but it may be devoid of actual style and life. (Everquest 2 anyone?). How long does it take before that fancy polish wears thin and you're stuck with an expensive frisbee?
On the other side, you have a developer who spends most of its budget on gameplay development and comes up with a brilliant idea; unfortunately, the execution lacks something. Whether it's nice graphics, storyline, or something else, the game doesn't take off.
There needs to be a balance between the two. I think the Wii has the hardware to support a game that exists within the confines of that fine line. Not to say that the competing console can't also support that very same software, but the Wii certainly isn't left out. Not to mention the Wii's remote.
The Wii: if it hasn't already broken your heart, maybe it'll go for your TV.
We'll see.
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Reaaaaally? Interesting.
Well, is it entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nintendo could release external harddrive support? Those USB ports on the back have to be used for something.
They only way that the Wii is expandable, hardware wise would be via the SD slot or the USB ports. I don't think either have the bandwidth for a memory pack, but it'd be interesting to see it be done.
How about you buy a dirt cheap SD card and stick it in the slot on the front of the Wii?
The Wii doesn't support running games from the SD slot, though. You'd have to constantly juggle saves between system memory and the SD card or delete and redownload if you want to use them. I'm sure they are considering this for a future update, but they don't want to leave a door open for running maverick code on the Wii.
I don't see those examples as similar.
The upgrade to the DS made the console much more portable, fun, and easy to use. Every DS owner I know bought DS Lite even though they already owned the DS Pudge.
Can you honestly tell me you're going to buy a Wii w/ DVD when it's released if you already have a Wii? I don't think there will be many people, not many at all. With a DVD player costing as little as $20 these days, it makes no sense. I think Nintendo is just looking to spice up the Wii for future Wii owners, and not for current Wii owners to buy a whole new console.
I also believe releasing an HD Wii would be a mistake. The games that the Wii will likely house don't really need HD in the sense that say, Gears of War, does.
The Wii stands for bringing gaming to the masses, especially those who are overwhelmed with the market's modern shift to fancy hardware and flashy features. It's not about attracting hardcore tech junkies who want the latest and greatest gadgetry--although it does attract them--what I'm saying is Nintendo's primary audience isn't concerned with HD and the like.
I've yet to see a 320gb SD card on the market, but clue me in if you come across one.
An external hard-drive opens the door for downloadable content outside of 10k NES or 2mb N64 games.
Maybe, except people think the broadway is based pretty much on the same architecture as the gekko, a modified PowerPC750.
Even outside of that, it's not like it's a fancy dual core chip or anything which could really boost performance.
there are developers (possibly the farcry developers?) that said the wii hardware's pixel-shaders are still not as robust as the original xbox's
everything seems to point towards a modest clockspeed hike and little more, but, when you're talking about a console that can put out resident evil 4, is it even important? even ps2 managed MGS3
I didn't explain my point enough...a common thing that happens in Japan is for electronics manufacturers to steadily come out with a better version of their product year after year...not to make people repurchase it, but to make it so that when a person DOES buy one they have the latest in technology in it.
So adding a DVD player, more RAM, a better card, etc. in small updates as we go down the road, as long as it doesn't break backwards compatibility (it just gives forward progress) would be feasible.
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As long as the updates don't prohibit prior console owners from playing newer games. The ram for the N64 was an example. Owners didn't have to buy a new system with more ram, just the ram.
The current Wii isn't really upgradeable, though, so it'd pretty much force early adopters to rebuy the systems. Granted, there is a price of being an early adopter, but it's never been that high. Has it?
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Could they do something like trading in old consoles, re-using the parts that are viable and giving early adopters a discount?
Not to mention that external hard drives are a fuckload cheaper in terms of dollars-per-gig than SD cards.
I'd personally rather just have more flash memory, or at least the ability to use the 4 GB SD card that I already have. It wouldn't need more power or the need to keep the drive powered up all the time, since the Wii is on all the time.
The 360 has a 20 GB drive, with 13 or so available to the user. I have 41 Live arcade titles on it, and they only take up about 1.3 GB, along with a ton of DLC for Oblivion, Chromehounds, Kameo and saves for about 12 games.
Flash memory is enough for what the Wii needs to do, but it needs more standard memory than it has and more external memory than it can currently support. I was hoping to just get the one 4 GB card and be set for life on the system. It's a shame that it doesn't support that size (yet?).
will the wii do this in the future? i mean as a rule.
i got component cables and was sad to see SOOOOOO MANY JAGGIES.
ps...i just figure this is a fine place to ask. after zelda and wii sports, i am not sure i will buy another system this generation. and this is after finding out about chrono--errr...i mean blue dragon.
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Good point. The upcoming DVD version, however, is already a start to this. We'll have to see if they decide to do more redesigns down the road.
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http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94832
Anyway, I've been looking at the specs between the GC and the Wii on Wikipedia. The Wii seems roughly twice as fast as the Gamecube. It's kind of like a Gamecube 1.9 or 1.8. Considering what could be done with Resident Evil 4, I have high hopes that we'll see some nice stuff in a year or so.
Oh god... I had to stop reading when they started talking about "casual" vs "hardcore" gamers. Those terms have got to go.
Seriously... with the success of the NES, GameBoy, PS1, the PS2, and the DS ... why do people still think that graphical superiority matters? Each one was technically weaker than it's competitors, but came out on top.
Considering the reaction people had to the CoD3 comparisons, it does matter.. until a specific piece of hardware comes out with a "killer app".
Basically it seems like graphics get the foot in the door, but innovation builds up the fan base. In this day and age of multi-million development costs, publishers see more value with the foot in the door because it yields better short term results.
Thus, graphical superiority matters.
They need to make new versions.
Considering that the Wii has twice the RAM, etc (even if it's still not much), how much do you guys think the graphics can improve? I was thinking it could go way beyond the X-Box due to the architexture, but I'm not so sure.
The Wii has the stuff to make kickass awesome high-res 2D vector-based games, like Geometry Wars, Castle Crashers, Alien Hominid, Paper Mario, Wario Ware, etc. RAM is very important for this.
I'd love to see gaming move in this direction, especially since the control scheme seems best for 2D games. I think they also added some neato tools for Cel-shading a la Wind Waker.
This is what I want the Wii to do, graphically.
They could fit either more textures, or the same amount of textures at a higher resolution. Since the Wii is limited to 480p, remaking everything with 2048 pixel textures would be overkill, but even on standard def a bump from 256 to 512 would be a big improvement.
It's entirely a function of how developers want to use the free space and how ambitious they get with detailing.
I'm fine with PS2 caliber graphics. FF12 and SoTC are still impressive to me, its just as time goes on the gap is going to widen. The real question is how are 2nd and 3rd gen Wii games going to stack up against the 360 and PS3?