before i start this off, yes i already know iwata said that the next console will be in hd. please don't remind me. this is just hypothetical.

if the next nintendo console was NOT in hd, what would happen? would sales be hurt much? how many people will have hdtv's by then? will they care?

just trying to start a discussion.

Well if there weren't any other improvements, why would Nintendo even release such a console...and even more importantly, why would any consumer even consider buying it?

If they didn't go HD, they would probably find some other way to innovate. I'm not sure what they would do, but I bet Nintendo could find a way

Nintendo CEO already stated they will only release a new console when there is something to justify it, and upgraded specs isn't one of them. Like, DS was a powerhouse in release, but the main upgrade from GameBoy Advance was the dual screen. Next wii should be something like that , great specs but it will be secondary.

I don't think HD is really an issue for the mainstream, non-gamer audience. Most of them aren't even sure what HD is, they just know that some tvs are supposed to be "ready" for it when it happens. Hence that part of the market would not base their console purchase decision on such a factor.

Nintendo would lose a lot of real gamers, but still keep the core Nintendo fans.

Exactly, the question is... why bother... more internal flash storage or hard drive?


How about...
what if Microsoft/Sony made a low-cost SD only version of the 360 or PS3 next?

My parents now know about HD. They went into a store, saw the HD broadcasts on the flatscreen tv's on display and bought one instantly.

Trust me, everyone is aware of HD now;P

They'd lose one sale on launch at least (me)

Do you know what HD is? Personaly, I think it is a marketing word. Yes, I think, not sure.

I remember several Genesis adds where they promoted it as an HD console. In 15 years from now, there will be a new HD generation. It's a marketing cicle, just that.

Patcher would go nuts