Just realized after reading the recent manufacturing cost estimate that the tablet is so cheap. I suspect it will retail at 79.99$. But this got me thinking about the future. Nintendo could now release new models of the tablet itself we know it will be able to play apps and likely have memory add one etc..etc..

Nintendo could release a new tablet model in 2013 right when Sony launches their console. By then the basic models manufacturing costs will be far lower. Nintendo could release a 1080p tablet with the texture screen we recently heard about. Maybe a 16-gig internal memory. An actual tablet.

Nintendo could retail this tablet at 150$ it would work with WiiU but could also be brought a short distance away. It wouldn't add features that would effect game play on the older model. Thus meaning older consumers wouldn't have to upgrade if you wanted the higher end tablet you could simply go to the store and buy it. It would be a luxury that adds to game play it would also give Nintendo another tool to hit competitors.

Not to mention the new model would sell and Nintendo could turn a massive profit off each unit. Of course the tablets primary purpose would be to be used with the WiiU but it would be able to work without it for a little while.

hat do you think do you want Nintendo to release new models? Is it a smart business plan?

Don't see the point really.

It likely wouldn't have nearly enough features or support to bring over current tablet owners, and as a portable gaming device Nintendo would be eating into it's own market (3DS).

AJ not really pitting an emphasis on making it in dependant just one idea how it could be upgraded for a new model. The 1080p screen upgrade the possibility of 3D screen tech the idea of the textured screen the ability to put some internal memory on the device so you can take apps and save files and other things to other peoples homes to play in their console. Maybe you bought a movie or book and want to read or watch it at a friends house you bring over your WiiU and can. Take your online data with you your NFC data.

I can think of several upgrades from what we have heard the tablet will be. Nintendo would want to make the device portable enough to bring it from house to house or use it at least basic use without the console. To my knowledge the WiiU has the processors in it that run the two tablets.

An upgrade model might have a weak processor inside not good enough to run WiiUWare but good enough to read a book surf the internet and a few other features. Thus not competing with 3DS. Of course in the future if Nintendo wants to add two more controllers they could release tablets that can handle the processing themselves enabling them to play three and four player.

So many upgrades Nintendo could shrink the tablet too maybe releasing a mini model.

Limitless abilities for Nintendo to release new models!

1080p?

The console is going to work harder to stream 1080p, this will affect the overall performance like framerate drops...

Good idea....

Nintendo won't do it. I remember hearing Iwata and Reggie both saying something about, "The moment we stop making Games/Gaming Consoles is the moment you'll know when we're done and out." (These weren't exact words so I shouldn't have put it in quotes...)

Its not really a tablet to begin with.

Its a controller with a screen in the middle.

You could cram an onboard processor in there perhaps.

Not that Nintendo would ever do something as stupid as an expensive controller add-on. 

Why does anyone think this is a diversion from gaming? Rol how is a tablet with 1080p, 3D or Haptic screen tech built to hold some save data and DLC that can be brought over to friends houses. As for movies they are a huge selling feature for Wii already NetFlix is huge allowing movies to be downloaded is a possible future. Reading books has already been confirmed you could download the strategy guide for a game then bring it to your friends on your tablet.

Nothing I suggested is in any way a diversion from Nintendo policy.

The tablet would not be much different then the current one. Just built to improve the experience

If Nintendo doesn't release a remodel of the tablet within then five year life cycle they'd have to be insane. It fits Nintendo's business model entirely. Nintend could launch the tablet with 1-gig memory or such to enable them to profit more of the remodel.

You could download smaller games to the tablet, which would be a space in which Nintendo could excel at delivering old-school handheld experiences

The only problem with Joel's theory is cannibalizing the 3DS, that the kind of games they would have to make to make a standalone U Pad worth it would be games that might as well be made for the 3DS