Shigeru Miyamoto On WiiHD: “I don't think there's anything wrong with pretty graphics, and if I'm a consumer that has an HDTV, I'd want to be able to play my games with nice graphics too. And I think as we've seen the penetration rates for HDTV increase, we're going to see video games and Nintendo's games move along in step with the progression of technology.
"But what I don't think is necessarily true is that the graphics itself is something that's going to make the gameplay experience better. So we're still going to focus on the gameplay, but we'll take advantage of the technology as it comes out.”
http://nintendodpad.com/Welcome/News/Entries/2009/10/16_Miyamoto_talks_WiiHD%2C_Zelda_Super_Guide%2C_2D_gaming%2C_and_more.html
With some evidence that the Wii has seen stagnating sells over the last year or so
(http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?publicUserId=5991317&bId=9006515, http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=5560&mp=1)
combined with a recent rumour that a new DS may be planned for 2010 to use new Nvidia mobile technology, and the fact that Microsoft and Sony have motion tech coming out for their consoles in 2010, I'm wondering if Nintendo could also have a big hardware surprise of their own planned for 2010.
I think the successor to DS will most certainly be announced in late 2010. However, I think Nintendo may have an even bigger hardware announcement planned. I think Nintendo will announce Wii 2 for a holiday 2010 release as well.
I think in Nintendo's case they should strike with a new hardware upgrade for Wii while that system is still hot especially since it uses older tech than 360 and PS3. And that they could release a new machine in 2010 that would solve many of the complaints people currently have about Wii.
If they released a new version of Wii that was as powerful as 360 or PS3 at a very competitive price (maybe $250.00), then they would solve all the issues they've had with third parties this gen as well as interest those consumers that are nonplussed about Wii graphics in the new console. I feel the new version of Wii would be backwards compatable with all old Wii software plus have a launch lineup of games including the Wii 2 versions of Metroid: Other M, Mario Galaxy 2, the new Zelda (maybe a Wii 2 exclusive?), and Final Fantasy XIII Wii Version (with new characters and story elements as the PS3 version of Tales of Vesperia had) giving the new system one of the most impressive launch lineups ever. The only thing I'm not sure about would be what optical disc format they would use.
Anyway, I think this could be a possible Nintendo answer to Natal and Sony motion control, a way of reinvigorating interest in Wii and getting their console on a more even tech footing and third party favor with the 360 and PS3, and also a way for Nintendo to get a jump on the next gen in 2010.
What do you think of this idea?
