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Post by Link on May 17, 2005 10:00:30 GMT -5
E3 2005: Revolution Details Emerge Two-to-three more times powerful than GameCube. by Matt Casamassina May 17, 2005 - New details regarding Nintendo's next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, have started to sprinkle onto the Internet. The machine, which will be revealed during Nintendo's pre-E3 2005 show on Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, will sport a slick, black design and a front blue light.
Revolution will be "two-to-three times more powerful than GameCube," according to Nintendo, which also acknowledges that the next-generation race isn't solely about new technologies. By contrast, Microsoft's Xbox 360 console is 13-15 times more powerful than the first, according to the publisher. And Sony says it's PlayStation 3 is roughly 35 times more powerful than PlayStation 2. Nintendo also revealed that using Revolution's new Wi-Fi connection, gamers would be able to go online to a free gamer-matching service. Interestingly, in a move similar to Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service, Revolution users will be able to download classic and new Nintendo games over the Internet. Nintendo cited such examples as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Sunshine, which suggests that Revolutionaries could have access to games for all the publisher's previous consoles. --------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 17, 2005 14:39:38 GMT -5
E3 2005: Official Revolution Details A press sheet spills even more details. by David Adams May 17, 2005 - Simultaneously with its press conference Tuesday, Nintendo issued an official press announcement offering first details on the company's next-generation console, codenamed Revolution.
The console, expected for 2006, will indeed be just a little larger than three DVD cases stacked together. Nintendo is showing a number of colors at the conference this week, though all shades of Revolution will sit on a silver stand (the console can also be placed flat).
Nintendo will use the Revolution to power its new generation of games, using power the company describes as "two to three times greater" than that of the GameCube. While the company has yet to release any processor details, we do know that the system will house 512 MB of flash memory; a dual-format front-loading disc drive which handles both DVDs and GCN-format discs; wireless controllers; two USB 2.0 ports; and built-in Wi Fi support.
Perhaps most surprising, the Revolution will give players access to Nintendo's back catalog of games. That's right: you'll be able to download classic titles for the Nintendo 64, Super NES, and original NES systems -- in addition to playing your library of GameCube titles.
Nintendo will use the Revolution's wireless capabilities to offer online gaming right from the start. The company will offer an online gaming lobby, the Nintendo Wi Fi Connection, a "comfortable, inviting environment" for online gaming.
As with GameCube, Nintendo is hoping to please both big-name developers and smaller, independent studios with an architecture which is easy to develop for.
"We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming," said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "With backward compatibility and the 'virtual console' concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming."
"Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime. "We're throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents."------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 17, 2005 15:37:45 GMT -5
Nintendo's Compact Console Will Turn the World of Gaming on Its Side
May 17, 2005
New System Will Be Forward-Thinking, Yet Backward Compatible
Each generation of video game consoles builds on the past to set new standards for the future. As the company with the strongest heritage of innovation, Nintendo redefines expectations for all next-gen systems by employing a wide-ranging strategy to attract more kinds of gamers to more kinds of games. When Nintendo’s new console, code-named Revolution, arrives in 2006, everyone will discover the meaning of All-Access Gaming.
"We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming," says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "With backward compatibility and the 'virtual console' concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming."
Some of the system features that wowed the crowd at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles include:
The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it’s displayed vertically or horizontally.
Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube generation. But there's more…
The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.
The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution’s technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible.
The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world’s richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.
Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo’s newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.
Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game “masterpieces” as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.
"Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We’re throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents."
Nintendo's All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum. The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the world of video games – to everyone. Software for the new console will even attract people who don’t consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and the most engaging experiences yet developed – only with Nintendo. ---------------------------------------------------------- Nintendo's Official Site
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Post by Link on May 17, 2005 15:46:08 GMT -5
Nintendo's next console turns the world of video games on its side: Due in 2006, the new console will be backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube. The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Players also can buy and add new levels and characters to games made specifically for the new console. The new console has 512 megabytes of on-board flash memory. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
The console's stylish look houses a single, self-loading media bay for both 12-centimeter optical discs for new games as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. It will have wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. A number of Wi-Fi-enabled games will be ready at launch, and the new console will build on – and add to – Nintendo's rich stable of star franchises. A new development architecture will accommodate both big-budget games as well as artistic, indie offerings designed to make sure that everyone from video game experts to newcomers find ways to share and enjoy the gaming experience. -------------------------------------------------------- Official Nintendo Site
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Post by Link on May 17, 2005 19:48:56 GMT -5
E3 2005: Mario and Zelda Go Next-Gen Nintendo's mascots set to appear on Revolution. by Matt Casamassina May 17, 2005 - Nintendo president Satoru Iwata on Tuesday morning confirmed news that is sure to make fans of the company everywhere say, "Duh!" Taking the stage at the company's pre-E3 2005 show in Los Angeles, Iwata waxed on about Nintendo's forthcoming Revolution console, and vaguely revealed a few key titles in development for the system.
Iwata said that Nintendo bring next-generation iterations of its lucrative Mario and Zelda franchises to Revolution. "Big franchises will of course be there [on Revolution]," Iwata said, adding, "including new versions of Mario and Zelda." The Nintendo president did not offer any more information on either project. Neither franchise is likely to launch for the platform given that Nintendo has already indicated it would launch Revolution with a Super Smash Bros. Melee sequel. It's very likely that the much-talked-about Mario 128, previously thought to debut at this year's E3, is the Revolution Mario game Iwata speaks of.
-------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Calumon on May 18, 2005 13:57:39 GMT -5
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Post by Mephistopheles on May 18, 2005 15:35:44 GMT -5
I want to play the classics too, my nes doesn't work anymore.
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 17:03:39 GMT -5
E3 2005: Hands-on Revolution We take Nintendo's next-generation system for a spin. Literally. Impressions inside. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - Some people can take part in a revolution, but how many can say that they actually touched one? We're feeling pretty lucky this afternoon as we write these impressions, for just an hour ago Nintendo of America granted us access to its Revolution. Following an interview with the company's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, we were ushered into a small room located in the closed-off upstairs section of its E3 booth. Hidden away in a room guarded by two muscle-bound security guards - we kid you not - were multiple powered-on demo units of Revolution, which Nintendo allowed us to touch, and yes, even caress. Based on our hands-on encounter with the machine, we can safely say that Revolution looks every bit as sleek and modern up-close as it does in photos.
A grand total of six Revolution consoles were on display in the top-secret room. On one side, Nintendo spotlighted the platform in five different consoles, including green, silver, white, black and red. Meanwhile, in the middle of the room an additional black system was displayed on a well-lit podium, and it was this unit that we had the opportunity to pick up and examine. On-hand representatives for Nintendo explained that the company is still determining possible colors for Revolution and that the hues of the units on display were by no means final. Still, finished or not, the color choices are already far superior to the toy-purple that the publisher chose to run with for GameCube. We were particularly drawn to the glossy black and white Revolution units. The white Revolution looks like an Apple product, which is just about the highest compliment we can pay an industrial design.
A lot of gamers complained that the GameCube felt cheap, due to the toy-like nature of the unit's shell. Nintendo has definitely addressed this criticism with Revolution. The console is encased in a high-tech, shiny, reflective shell that's both heavier and sturdier than the plastic used for GameCube. The black console in particular reminds us exactly of the skin for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) from Sony. In fact, we noticed that after we handled the unit for some time, our thumbprints were clearly recognizable on its surface, which is a common problem with Sony's handheld, too. However, given that the machine isn't a handheld, this isn't a factor. On a side note, many of Sony's high-end televisions are encased in the same glass-like plastic, which means that the Revolution will match perfectly with gamers' high-end home entertainment centers.
The Revolution rests snugly in an included silver-white base. It can be set horizontally on a flat surface or laid vertically on its side. The system is tiny -- much smaller than PlayStation 2, Xbox or even GameCube. It also weighs less than any of the aforementioned systems and Nintendo says it's only going to get smaller and lighter with the finalized design.
Depending on whether the Revolution is situated horizontally or vertically, its GameCube docking section is located beneath a flap on the right side or top of the unit respectively. The flap is easily raised to reveal four GameCube controller ports and two GameCube Memory Pak slots. This area is of course dedicated to the idea of backward compatibility. Revolution's new controller is likely to be dramatically different from anything we've seen before, and therefore Nintendo needed to include ports for the old pads so that new buyers could continue to enjoy old GameCube software.
Software designed specifically for Revolution will make use of its wireless controllers and therefore there are no other ports for such devices on the machine.
The Revolution's slot-loading drive is unbelievably gorgeous when viewed up close. It really is striking. The drive is not just illuminated, but surrounded by a sleek blue light, and it accepts both GameCube Optical Discs and new 12cm discs designed specifically for Revolution. The interesting bit is that the drive easily takes both sizes without any fuss. Gamers just drop any GCN or Revolution title in and it automatically works. Nintendo indicated that the drive is one of the first to intuitively do that. Power, reset and eject buttons are located on the front panel of the unit. Meanwhile, a flap on the front of the machine hides the slots for the 512MB memory cards that Revolution utilizes for downloads and game saves.
What about the back of the unit, though? Tech-nuts want to know, what kind of outputs does the machine have? Well, there are two USB outs and a power connection. The machine features no digital audio out. Instead, it boasts a single proprietary output for video and audio. The output looks exactly like the component out on GameCube. We asked Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto if Revolution would play high-definition games and he told us that he wasn't sure if he was allowed to say yet. Still, we expect a bare minimum of 480p support and likely 720p or 1080i, too, given that previous comments from Nintendo execs suggested that the platform would be able to hook up to a computer monitor.
There's also a port that beams 3D images directly onto the viewer's retinas. Revolution!
Just kidding, but that would be cool.
Still, 3D holographs or not, this is Nintendo's best-looking system to date and unlike GameCube, whose toy-like exterior seemed out of place in the living room, the Revolution will be right at home next to any type of high-end electronics. --------------------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 17:20:24 GMT -5
Revolution standing horizontally Gamecube controllers and memory cards ports Colors in which Revolution might be available
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 18:46:27 GMT -5
E3 2005: Nintendo on Sony and Microsoft The publisher outlines the strategy behind its E3 showing and comments on the competition. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, recently commented on the company's E3 strategy and the competition. Kaplan reiterated Nintendo's stance that it is doing something different from Sony and Microsoft, who clearly are competing on the same level.
"I think Sony's strategy worked for them in terms of what they're trying to accomplish with Microsoft. These two companies are over here trying to battle out for one thing. And Nintendo is over here trying to focus on what it wants to focus on, much to the frustration of people like you," Kaplan told IGNcube. "But, we're definitely different companies and I think the reason they showed as much as they did was for their competitive reasons with Microsoft." Kaplan said that Nintendo doesn't want to deliver consumers the same things that Microsoft and Sony do. "I think Microsoft is on the boxing match with Sony. We don't want to be a digital hub for the household. That's not what we do best. I have to say that it has become clearer at this show how different we are from them," she said. "I think some consumers want us to be more like them and they're frustrated by that. But then you have really cool products like Nintendogs and Zelda that show up, and those things wouldn't exist if we were busy doing that. You know, we're going to make millions happy and some very frustrated. But we're still willing to stick with the whole content and innovation."
The outspoken Nintendo executive also talked about the publisher's forthcoming console. "Revolution looks really good. I'm really proud of the way it looks. It's sleek and it's the industrial design. I mean, we heard loud and clear what people didn't like about the GameCube design, even though it has been and is a fine piece of machinery. We know that people want to have a different look," she said.
Finally, Kaplan addressed complaints from Nintendo fans that the company didn't showcase as much Revolution software as it should have. "What [hardcore fans] want us to do is show everything on Revolution today and that just doesn't make sense for us," she said. "We're not launching it for some time. We have a lot of business to do this year and we think it's better to show a little bit and share enough for people to be excited about it. Like the virtual console: having access to nearly every Nintendo-created game over the past 20 years in something that's a really sleek box that's Wi-Fi-enabled. We think that's enough for now. We know people want more, but we're not sure there's a business benefit for us to show more. For competitive reasons, it doesn't make sense for us to do more right now." --------------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 18:48:52 GMT -5
E3 2005: Revolution Launch Schedule Nintendo reiterates 2006 launch, but may not debut before or against PS3. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - In recent months, the official Nintendo line has been that it would launch its next-generation Revolution console before or at the same time as Sony's PlayStation 3, which it has targeted as its main competitor. However, in a recent IGNcube interview, Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs Perrin Kaplan stopped short of making the same claim, opting instead to stay that Revolution would simply launch sometime next year.
"A lot of people really asked for a long time who was going to be launching when. There is a reshuffling of the deck every time a new console is launched, so in some ways it doesn't really matter who's first, second or third," Kaplan said. "I think content is more important. But nobody's launched yet. We've just said 2006 and that's all we've said. Sony has said that they're going to try their best to make spring 2006 and they're saying that for Microsoft reasons. It's too early to say." Pressed on whether or not Nintendo still holds true to the claim that it would launch Revolution before or against PlayStation 3, Kaplan responded: "I hold true that we're going to launch in 2006."
Some reports indicate that Sony's PlayStation 3 could launch before the end of the year in Japan for a price tag of approximately $465. Sony has not officially set a firm release date for the machine, but is aggressively pursing main competitor Microsoft, whose Xbox 360 console debuts this November in America. -------------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 18:50:53 GMT -5
E3 2005: More on Revolution Soon Nintendo says that it will reveal more information on its next-gen console before E3 2006. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - Nintendo may have decided to downplay its next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, at this year's Electronics Entertainment Expo, but fans may not have to wait another year for more information on the platform. Asked whether Nintendo would premiere more Revolution news before E3 2006, the company's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, said yes.
Nintendo has in past years held Space World shows in Japan to show off its hardware and software lineups. Space World events have traditionally taken place in August, just three months after E3. "We don't know yet," Kaplan said when asked if Nintendo would hold another Space World event. "It eats people alive to do these shows. It's a huge amount of work. So we really have to think it through seriously."
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto reiterated Kaplan's comments in a recent interview, saying that more Revolution information would be forthcoming sooner rather than later, and that a new Space World was under consideration. ------------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 18:52:31 GMT -5
E3 2005: Last Minute Revolution? Rumors persist that Nintendo scrambled to get a Revolution shell made for E3. Are the rumors true? by Matt Casamsasina May 19, 2005 - In a recent IGNcube interview, Nintendo's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, dismissed rumors that the company had to scramble at the eleventh hour in order to ready a Revolution concept for the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2005.
"No," Kaplan said. "I saw it eons ago." While the general concept may have been finished for some time, Nintendo may have put some last minute finishing touches on it before it unveiled the Revolution to the world.
"Mr. Iwata wanted to make sure that the final coating on the prototypical examples looked good," Kaplan noted.
Readers should be aware that even now the design of the Revolution remains unfinished. Nintendo has indicated that the platform will likely undergo some minor revisions and shrink further in size before its release next year. ------------------------------------------------------------ IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 18:53:56 GMT -5
E3 2005: Revolution Not Final Name There's a Revolution logo on the console, but it's still just a codename, says Nintendo. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - According to Nintendo, Revolution will not be the final name of the company's forthcoming next-generation console. Although the console itself bears a Revolution logo, it's just a codename.
Asked if Revolution would be the system's final name, Nintendo's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, said no. "It's a codename. We have not finalized any names yet." It should be noted that Nintendo said the same thing about the at-one-time codenamed Nintendo DS, which after much consideration the company decided to make the official title of the portable.
On a side note, Kaplan also revealed that the publisher's recently announced Game Boy Micro was formerly codenamed Oxy. -------------------------------------------------------- IGN
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Post by Link on May 19, 2005 19:17:44 GMT -5
E3 2005: New IP for Revolution Nintendo underway with a new franchise for the launch of its next-gen console. by Matt Casamassina May 19, 2005 - Although Nintendo has delivered GameCube owners a wealth of sequels to existing licenses, such as the Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Metroid, the company's library has noticeably lacked new franchises or intellectual properties. In fact, the one new GameCube IP that comes to mind is Pikmin.
Quizzed on the subject, Nintendo's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan, promised that Revolution owners would not have to worry about the same fate. "Wait for Revolution," she said. "At least one new franchise. Brand new." Further pressed on whether this new franchise would debut with the launch of the Revolution, Kaplan said yes.
Nintendo has already confirmed that a Super Smash Bros. Melee sequel enhanced with Wi-Fi online capabilities would also debut at the launch of Revolution. ------------------------------------------------------ IGN
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