Neal Ronaghan: I've been convinced for a while that the Wii successor will be making an appearance at Nintendo's E3 2011 press conference. It just makes sense, especially with the Wii's lineup being total crap right now. All the news and rumors about Nintendo's new system that's going to capture the hardcore and be on par with or more powerful than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 aren't really shocking, but they are bringing the idea to the forefront.
The degree of the reveal is going to determine just how much we're going to learn about the next Nintendo system. Remember, E3 2005 didn't even unveil the controller, and we could get a similar unveiling at E3 this year. I'd say the lowest reveal we'll get is a cursory mention, and the most we'll get is something similar to the 3DS showing last year.
Smart money is on Q4 2012 for the system's release, but I think it could very realistically hit before the end of the fiscal year, much like the 3DS did this year, though that's a scenario I see as similar to the 3DS launch. Nintendo might hope for a fiscal year 2011 launch, but they'll probably get a fall 2012 one.
As far as what the system actually does? Well, as long as Nintendo keeps on making games I'm interested in, I'll be excited. Also, keeping Virtual Console is a huge thing for me. Hell, maybe they could add GameCube to Virtual Console for this new super console.
I think the 3DS is a good representation of what we'll see from Nintendo's next system, especially as far as online is concerned. It'll be a large step in the right direction, but there will still be a few things that will make you scratch your head.
Carmine Red: I'm terrified. The traditional console cycle means console makers make
huge gambles every 5 or 6 years and that fans are compelled to take that leap of faith with them. What if Nintendo's next console is their Dreamcast?
But I have to confess that that fear is balanced with utter, joyful, giddy excitement. Market success is only meaningful if it enables the next D-Pad or Motion Controller. And fancy new hardware is only there to drive innovative gameplay.
That's the thought I cling to as we start off on another rollercoaster ride of expectations and disappointment. No matter the hardware, services, image, or success of the next console, I know that companies like Nintendo will be doing their darndest to push the
boundaries of fun and finding me new ways to play. Because really, that's what it's all about.
Aaron Kaluszka: The talk of power is unsurprising and "safe." However, I do hope that
at least their programming systems are brought up to modern standards to reduce developer strife and lead to higher quality games from third parties. Even the inclusion of a screen on the controller would not surprise me -- it would be the evolution of the Wii remote's speaker combined with some of the connectivity experiments from GameCube/GBA and Wii/DS, which had interesting ideas, but limited implementation.
Nintendo will undoubtedly release great games, but their ability to push new consumer tech is just as exciting. That is why I hope to see a new type of game interaction as well, even if we are on the "evolutionary" side of development -- mechanisms to really immerse players in ways that were promised with Wii, but couldn't be delivered at the time technologically... This could include a touch screen with true tactile feedback (where the buttons literally pop out of the screen), or a peripheral with active weights/gyroscopes to provide more realistic force-feedback (e.g. real sword hits).
The rumors coming out now are getting more implausible. I don't see how a true HD screen built into a controller could be cost effective. That is, unless the controller IS the new system à la iQue. There have been comparisons with iPad, and there's the supposed "Project Café" codename. If those rumors are true, then a system with at least
current gen specs that can connect to the TV, but also be taken to a coffee shop would be radical and compelling, and would make Nintendo more competitive in the growing mobile/tablet space.
The one thing that Nintendo absolutely needs to fix is their online system, both from a social interaction standpoint, as well as from a shop experience standpoint, both of which are pitiful. While the 3DS does make some improvements, its current rendition is still nowhere close to where they should be. And transfer of downloadable titles is a must.