Nintendo to reveal new console, likely launch in 2012

14 April 2011

Nintendo is likely to reveal a successor to their current console, the Wii, at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) event. E3 is one of the gaming industry’s biggest showcase events, and all publishers and console manufacturers love to have something big up their sleeve come show time. With E3 starting on 7 June, the timing is pretty good for a new Nintendo console to make an appearance.

It might just be a ‘rumour’ at this point, but it’s a pretty solid one since it’s coming from reputable gaming publication Game Informer. Coupled with the facts that the Wii is pretty knackered, that Nintendo has been drastically cutting back on the release of first-party titles for the Wii, and that the Wii will likely be receiving a price cut in the near future, it’s almost guaranteed.

GameInformer cites confirmation with ‘multiple sources’ by way of evidence. The system will reportedly be capable of HD resolution gaming. It is unknown what the device will be capable of in terms of visuals, but one would presume that Nintendo will at least try to match current gen competitors, Xbox 360 and PS3.

The device is rumoured for a late 2012 release, and Nintendo has apparently already begun showing it off to publishers in an effort to get them on board in time for release.

The details are obviously still up in the air. Controller types, backwards compatibility with Wii titles and controllers, media playback capabilities, online capabilities – all of it will likely remain unknown until an official announcement.

All Nintendo has had to say about this rumour so far is that “Nintendo does not comment on rumors or speculation.” I imagine Satoru Iwata smugly delivering this line while the rumour mill does its work for him.

Do you think Nintendo will be announcing a new console soon? << Have your say in the MyGaming forum.

You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.

Read now

The best gaming website in South Africa
MyGaming proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to [email protected] Contact the Press Council on 011 4843612.