Interlaced -> Progressive isn't quite the same thing as actually rendering the game in 720p,
Agreed. Just FYI, the GC games did support 480p. I was just commenting that the B/c mode of the Wii supported it as Well.
Of course if all the licensing issues weren't there and the hardware was more compatible with the old generation Microsoft most likely would of taken the easy way out of rendering the original xbox games exactly how they were rendered before.
Agreed. They backed into Backwords compatibilty, they didn't think it would be so important. So not only did they change arcatecture, they changed vendors which is why they needed to emulate. The GameCube was made by IBM with ATI video. The Wii is made by IBM with ATI video (and didn't change arcatecture design) so I would be surprised to see any issues with their bc.
Boo on MS, and I am afraid what PS3 and Wii has in store.
Though I can't speak for the PS3, the Wii has been 100% compatible with all the GC titles I played, (including Progressive Scan over the Wii Component cables) with no issues so far. In fact I haven't heard of a list of any GameCube games reporting issues with the Wii. The Wii plays the games and can use most of the GC peripherals as it has 4 controller ports, and 2 Memory card slots.
Some peripherals don't work though. The Gameboy player won't work, and neither will the Modem adapter. (Nowhere to put it), and I don't know if the USB Ethernet adapter (for the Wii) be recognised as a Gamecube BBA, as I don't have one. I DO know that the internal WiFi isn't recognised as a BBA. (Mario Kart DD doens't have the LAN option in the menu).
Square began supporting Nintendo again when Bandai's Wonderswan Color/Crystal began losing traction in Japan and the Advance was the clear handheld winner.
Actually there was never a threat there. Square started supporting Nintendo when Yamauchi stepped down, and Iwata became president of Nintendo. There was real bad blood from the N64 / PS1 years, and Yamauchi didn't WANT Sqaure properties on Nintendo platforms. Iwata basically made amends, and Square began supporting Nintendo again with the GBA.
I wanted to say that there are way better and more intresting games than Wii sports and Rayman coming or released for the Wii.
Perhaps, but Rayman, and Wii Sports are both Crazy fun. Wii Sports is more multiplayer centric, but still gets played the most out of all my Wii games (including Zelda). Rayman's sence of humor is great, and you will lol many times during the game. It really should be played, and it shines on the Wii.
"No matter how good it is, it still reminds me of a child's name for urine."
Little known fact; it was the Scots who named it. The Scots from Nintendo of Europe saw 'The Revolution' for the first time and said 'My... that's a Wee console.' Upon hearing this Iwata, Miyamoto and the two Guinness guys toasted its' new name...
But he has original consoles with original games. Why should he pay for games again?
Unless he has some obscure 'I'll Bet they won't re-release these' games then the Wii is attractive from the standpoint of simplicity, ease of use, lack of clutter, and yes some games are improved. Improved, not in better sprites or textures, but in better framerates and if you have the component cables, progressive scan. Mario 64 despite being emulated still looks cleaner and crisper on the Wii than the original N64.
I actually just sold my Genesis and SNES on ebay with games that I already turned around and repurchased with that money (Golden Axe in particular). Part of what I'm buying is the cleaner look from the improved hardware, and cabling. Some for the suspend feature (I can bounce out to home, and it puts my game in a sleep mode) and some for the ability to simply bounce from game to game (I'm a bit twichy) without pulling apart my set up, or moving systems out. So far the Wii has been a great 'party console' and has traveled with me a bit. I like the fact that (despite not being able to 'loan someone' a virtual game) I can take my retro collection with me in that sleek little system.
The Genesis, SNES, were replaced by the Wii and The NES will be once they put my Light gun games on the VC. I don't need all my games to be on VC, simply the 'important ones' and for everyone that's different. Even at $5-$10 they aren't priced for 'Impulse buy every title' They are priced so you pick the best ones for you.
4 (non-game) Reasons Nintendo rules portables...
on
Wii, DS, Not Cannibals
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· Score: 4, Informative
The batteries lasted forever because you had to put in like 18 at a time!
I know that's supposed to be sarcasm, but The original Gameboy took 4, and lasted 10 hours or better. The best any competitor could manage was 6 hours. Nintendo had 4 basic rules about making the Handheld the other handhelds didn't get. Obviously the Games are the reason to buy it, but from an Engineering standpoint Nintendo's handhelds have always had 4 things going for it:
1) Make it portable. - Atari Lynx had a commercial showing a child pulling it out of a backpack. Why? Because he needed to. A portable needs to fit inside a coat pocket so it's always accessable.
2) Make it affordable. - Every Handheld system pre-DS sold for $99.99 USD or less. Nintendo is in the business of selling games, not systems. Keep the system price low, so more people can buy your games.
3) Make it last a day. - A reasonable amount of Battery Life is required or Customers get angry. The Sweet spot is at 10 hours or more.
4) Make it durable. - Handhelds suffer more, and accidents happen. Their systems have been outright abused and they still work. There is actually an original GameBoy on display at Nintendo World in NYC that was in the Gulf War. It's half melted (Including searing the cartridge to the unit) but still will play Tetris. As long as a customer has a working system they can buy, and play your games.
Remember the original Halo? People complained about the repetitive levels. Well, the developers are using that extra disk space to eliminate that sort of thing.
Really? I thought it was because of laziness, not a lack of storage space.
Exactly. Halo wasn't anywhere near 9 gigs in size.
But when I tell people now that they wont see any classic nintendo games till some unannounced time in 2007 it just doesnt drum up much interest. So while I understand the logic of spacing out the A games and I think that will boost VC sales numbers it will hurt console sales numbers.
I disagree on both points. The first has to do with the definition of 'classic'. Mario 64, Donkey Kong and F-Zero are all classics in my book. Same With Golden Axe, and the (soon to come Gunstar Heroes.) You may not get what you want right away, and feel upset that Japan IS getting that particular title (I for one would buy 5 from their list), but there are classics to be had.
Secondly, lack of VC titles right now won't hurt their numbers. Nintendo will sell every Wii unit they get to market before Christmas. Despite me having my Wii online since 11-19-06, many people won't see theirs until Christmas Eve, or Christmas day. By then you'll have more titles and the 'Weather Channel'.
The VC at this point to them is just 'the gravy' and not a big sales bullet. I expect that to change in 2007, especially if they can manage the IP rights mess to N64's Goldeneye.
The first Wii game using the Wii-DS connectivity should be Pokemon Battle Revolution, with links to the DS' Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl games. I don't know how the DS' will be used though, probably just to get your pokemons into BR
Actually it was confirmed that Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first Wii title to go online. I'm not sure for what specifically, but the DS versions are online enabled to trade, battle and includes voice chat.
a BIG question as to whether or not their enjoyment of the console, or dozen or so hours of play time I've had with family members over the past two weeks, will translate into a single sale. Will they decide that the system is something that would be just as fun playing at home by themselves, or will they simply look back at fond memories they had spending time with us?
Well, if you only get the latter out of it, it is worth my time to lug the little wii around and set up for these occasions. Honestly, my parents liked it alot and my intention is to make it a Christmas gift for them. (Oh, the irony) Here's a Wii, and an Extra controller / Nunchuck combo. It's up to Nintendo to sell them on the rest, although my dad already asked about Tiger Woods Golf for the Wii soooooo... There's hope.
There was also a recent article on the Wii update bricking some consoles, which seems to be the worst problem for the Wii since launch.
So far I haven't seen an article that anyone got a fully bricked Wii through the update. All the 'Bricked systems' reported have only affected the online function, but you can still play games until Nintendo Support sends you a new system (since the Firmware according to Nintendo, exposed a hardware problem that needs fixing.) Now I'm not saying it isn't possible, I just haven't seen it. All the 'Bricked' articles I read were still offline functional, if you have a link of a completely bricked system (in all seriousness) I'd be interested in reading it.
Unless you've bought shares in one of these three companies
Actually I did, and Nintendo has spiked since their E3 showing.
Nintendo have a good business plan, which all but ignores the other two players. It's practical, manageable, and it also means that they make money every step of the way...
Which as an investor I REALLY appreciate. However what sold me on the system was talking with my parents. (both ~60, and as Non-gamer as you can get). Both love WiiSports and after playing it over thanksgiving, they want one. As a gamer I was happily amazed. As an investor, I bought more stock. Nintendo is definatley on to something.
So it should be no surprise that my sources are telling me Sony will be making a surprising announcement in January. They'll be pulling out, throwing their wieght behind the Wii,
Sorry, I stopped right there. My tinfoil hat wouldn't let anything else in.
That is mind-boggling and cannot be possible. Sony could not be that stupid.
What? After all the good decisions they made over the past year? I think they could be that stupid, or to say it 'politically correctly' They are "over-confident".
Lets be generous and say that localization only costs $50,000, and the game is sold for $10 on the VC. That means that Nintendo needs 5,000 Mother 3 fans to make the game profitable, or a mere.125% of Wii owners (assuming 4 million consoles sold by year's end).
Correct, it would need 5,000 Mother 3 fans worldwide, over time to break even. Considering though that there are very small costs associated with keeping it on the VC channel, packaging, and distributing it (they won't get stuck with a warehouse of unsold catridges) then these are the chances the NEED to make. There is no guarentee of course, they may get 1,000 customers or they could get 200,000. Given the low costs/ risk involved the VC should be a sandbox for this type of exparimentation.
I'm not saying that there wouldn't be a large demand for more Japanese ports, or that said Japanese ports wouldn't be accepted by even the mainstream (surprisingly, to some), but simply that because there are several posts requesting specific games (Mother 3, for example, in this very thread), that doesn't mean there is a large enough market to justify the attempt...
Ok, Let's take 'Mother 3' as an example. I understand it's very TEXT intensive and would take a team of people to do localization in English. The fact of the matter is though that the game is DONE, and being sold to the Japanese. So localization is all that is required. Let's say a team of people localizing that game goes for $50,000-$75,000 To finish the project. They now have a game that costs near nothing on a per unit basis to 'package and distribute' to EVERY other potential customer in the world who can read English. You don't even need to market it, just put it on the VC so people will see it.
Mother 3 might not be a mainstream success, but at $5-$10 on the VC it could be quite profitable.
Game #1 - Rockstar presents Wii Table Tennis. Tell me you don't see it coming.
Honestly I was amazed when they announced that for the 360 and not the Wii. I was like WTF? That would be perfect for the Wii! Hopefully GTA4 comes to the Wii (Though I don't like it, It would be good for the platform) but please, please, please give me Max Payne 3....
I love how Nintendo fan boys say that as if its a good thing. Me, I'll play my good, pretty games. That's right. Good and pretty aren't mutually exclusive.
Agreed. However it's simply a counter argument to the trolls that spout that if it isn't Teh HD!!! (1080p) it can't be a good game. Just because the Wii isn't doing HD doesn't mean it won't have 'pretty games'.
I expect they're pretty darn close to ideal market price.
I agree. Even though I'm pretty liberal with my purchases so far (I never owned a Turbo16, or Genesis back in the day) I find it pretty much reasonable. Circuit City had a deal the first week that all Wii accessories $19.99 or greater were $5 off each. This made the Wiimote $35, Nunchuck $15 and the 2000 Wii Points cards $15. So at a 25% discount I found these game were priced quite well. I hope in the future they offer bundles or bonuses for other purchases like buy Mario Galaxy, and get another 'Mario Game' free.
Most of them would overflow the built in flash card anyway.
Most? the GC disks are 1.5 gig capacity. I'm not sure any would fit on the 512 included, but yeah it would be silly to try. I'm surprised they (Nintendo) all but completely abandoned GC support as you can target 2 markets now if you really wanted to with the same product, especially something like Donkey Konga or DDR...
Picture a Donkey Konga game for the GC, but you could download new songs (Royalty free ones like Classical, Swing, or Nintendo themes) on the Wii. I know a GC disk pretty much makes the Wii a GC (all other functions pretty much stop working) but I'd imagine they could change this with a firmware update.
I think Nintendo doesn't fully understand the difference between Japanese and U.S. game markets, and more to the point doesn't understand how they've been coming closer together over the past few years especially now that the internet lets us all know what the other markets are getting well in advance.
Basically, the core of it is I don't understand why VC titles don't have the same availability. It should default to the region of the system, but If I want to buy a Japanese game that has no english text, and no english manual, LET ME! Throw up a warning or something, but let me do it. I hate the fact that some games never make it to the US or Europe for no good reason. The VC titles should lower the costs/ risk to doing this, so why don't they?
Slashdot Mirror
Agreed. Just FYI, the GC games did support 480p. I was just commenting that the B/c mode of the Wii supported it as Well.
Of course if all the licensing issues weren't there and the hardware was more compatible with the old generation Microsoft most likely would of taken the easy way out of rendering the original xbox games exactly how they were rendered before.
Agreed. They backed into Backwords compatibilty, they didn't think it would be so important. So not only did they change arcatecture, they changed vendors which is why they needed to emulate. The GameCube was made by IBM with ATI video. The Wii is made by IBM with ATI video (and didn't change arcatecture design) so I would be surprised to see any issues with their bc.
Though I can't speak for the PS3, the Wii has been 100% compatible with all the GC titles I played, (including Progressive Scan over the Wii Component cables) with no issues so far. In fact I haven't heard of a list of any GameCube games reporting issues with the Wii. The Wii plays the games and can use most of the GC peripherals as it has 4 controller ports, and 2 Memory card slots.
Some peripherals don't work though. The Gameboy player won't work, and neither will the Modem adapter. (Nowhere to put it), and I don't know if the USB Ethernet adapter (for the Wii) be recognised as a Gamecube BBA, as I don't have one. I DO know that the internal WiFi isn't recognised as a BBA. (Mario Kart DD doens't have the LAN option in the menu).
Actually there was never a threat there. Square started supporting Nintendo when Yamauchi stepped down, and Iwata became president of Nintendo. There was real bad blood from the N64 / PS1 years, and Yamauchi didn't WANT Sqaure properties on Nintendo platforms. Iwata basically made amends, and Square began supporting Nintendo again with the GBA.
Perhaps, but Rayman, and Wii Sports are both Crazy fun. Wii Sports is more multiplayer centric, but still gets played the most out of all my Wii games (including Zelda). Rayman's sence of humor is great, and you will lol many times during the game. It really should be played, and it shines on the Wii.
Little known fact; it was the Scots who named it. The Scots from Nintendo of Europe saw 'The Revolution' for the first time and said 'My... that's a Wee console.' Upon hearing this Iwata, Miyamoto and the two Guinness guys toasted its' new name...
Brilliant!
Unless he has some obscure 'I'll Bet they won't re-release these' games then the Wii is attractive from the standpoint of simplicity, ease of use, lack of clutter, and yes some games are improved. Improved, not in better sprites or textures, but in better framerates and if you have the component cables, progressive scan. Mario 64 despite being emulated still looks cleaner and crisper on the Wii than the original N64.
I actually just sold my Genesis and SNES on ebay with games that I already turned around and repurchased with that money (Golden Axe in particular). Part of what I'm buying is the cleaner look from the improved hardware, and cabling. Some for the suspend feature (I can bounce out to home, and it puts my game in a sleep mode) and some for the ability to simply bounce from game to game (I'm a bit twichy) without pulling apart my set up, or moving systems out. So far the Wii has been a great 'party console' and has traveled with me a bit. I like the fact that (despite not being able to 'loan someone' a virtual game) I can take my retro collection with me in that sleek little system.
The Genesis, SNES, were replaced by the Wii and The NES will be once they put my Light gun games on the VC. I don't need all my games to be on VC, simply the 'important ones' and for everyone that's different. Even at $5-$10 they aren't priced for 'Impulse buy every title' They are priced so you pick the best ones for you.
I know that's supposed to be sarcasm, but The original Gameboy took 4, and lasted 10 hours or better. The best any competitor could manage was 6 hours. Nintendo had 4 basic rules about making the Handheld the other handhelds didn't get. Obviously the Games are the reason to buy it, but from an Engineering standpoint Nintendo's handhelds have always had 4 things going for it:
1) Make it portable. - Atari Lynx had a commercial showing a child pulling it out of a backpack. Why? Because he needed to. A portable needs to fit inside a coat pocket so it's always accessable.
2) Make it affordable. - Every Handheld system pre-DS sold for $99.99 USD or less. Nintendo is in the business of selling games, not systems. Keep the system price low, so more people can buy your games.
3) Make it last a day. - A reasonable amount of Battery Life is required or Customers get angry. The Sweet spot is at 10 hours or more.
4) Make it durable. - Handhelds suffer more, and accidents happen. Their systems have been outright abused and they still work. There is actually an original GameBoy on display at Nintendo World in NYC that was in the Gulf War. It's half melted (Including searing the cartridge to the unit) but still will play Tetris. As long as a customer has a working system they can buy, and play your games.
Exactly. Halo wasn't anywhere near 9 gigs in size.
I disagree on both points. The first has to do with the definition of 'classic'. Mario 64, Donkey Kong and F-Zero are all classics in my book. Same With Golden Axe, and the (soon to come Gunstar Heroes.) You may not get what you want right away, and feel upset that Japan IS getting that particular title (I for one would buy 5 from their list), but there are classics to be had.
Secondly, lack of VC titles right now won't hurt their numbers. Nintendo will sell every Wii unit they get to market before Christmas. Despite me having my Wii online since 11-19-06, many people won't see theirs until Christmas Eve, or Christmas day. By then you'll have more titles and the 'Weather Channel'. The VC at this point to them is just 'the gravy' and not a big sales bullet. I expect that to change in 2007, especially if they can manage the IP rights mess to N64's Goldeneye.
Actually it was confirmed that Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first Wii title to go online. I'm not sure for what specifically, but the DS versions are online enabled to trade, battle and includes voice chat.
Well, if you only get the latter out of it, it is worth my time to lug the little wii around and set up for these occasions. Honestly, my parents liked it alot and my intention is to make it a Christmas gift for them. (Oh, the irony) Here's a Wii, and an Extra controller / Nunchuck combo. It's up to Nintendo to sell them on the rest, although my dad already asked about Tiger Woods Golf for the Wii soooooo... There's hope.
So far I haven't seen an article that anyone got a fully bricked Wii through the update. All the 'Bricked systems' reported have only affected the online function, but you can still play games until Nintendo Support sends you a new system (since the Firmware according to Nintendo, exposed a hardware problem that needs fixing.) Now I'm not saying it isn't possible, I just haven't seen it. All the 'Bricked' articles I read were still offline functional, if you have a link of a completely bricked system (in all seriousness) I'd be interested in reading it.
Thanks.
Actually I did, and Nintendo has spiked since their E3 showing.
Nintendo have a good business plan, which all but ignores the other two players. It's practical, manageable, and it also means that they make money every step of the way...
Which as an investor I REALLY appreciate. However what sold me on the system was talking with my parents. (both ~60, and as Non-gamer as you can get). Both love WiiSports and after playing it over thanksgiving, they want one. As a gamer I was happily amazed. As an investor, I bought more stock. Nintendo is definatley on to something.
Sorry, I stopped right there. My tinfoil hat wouldn't let anything else in.
What? After all the good decisions they made over the past year? I think they could be that stupid, or to say it 'politically correctly' They are "over-confident".
Yup. Also the PS3 games are $60 each so that would be $1800.
Need that address. NOW!
Correct, it would need 5,000 Mother 3 fans worldwide, over time to break even. Considering though that there are very small costs associated with keeping it on the VC channel, packaging, and distributing it (they won't get stuck with a warehouse of unsold catridges) then these are the chances the NEED to make. There is no guarentee of course, they may get 1,000 customers or they could get 200,000. Given the low costs/ risk involved the VC should be a sandbox for this type of exparimentation.
Ok, Let's take 'Mother 3' as an example. I understand it's very TEXT intensive and would take a team of people to do localization in English. The fact of the matter is though that the game is DONE, and being sold to the Japanese. So localization is all that is required. Let's say a team of people localizing that game goes for $50,000-$75,000 To finish the project. They now have a game that costs near nothing on a per unit basis to 'package and distribute' to EVERY other potential customer in the world who can read English. You don't even need to market it, just put it on the VC so people will see it.
Mother 3 might not be a mainstream success, but at $5-$10 on the VC it could be quite profitable.
Honestly I was amazed when they announced that for the 360 and not the Wii. I was like WTF? That would be perfect for the Wii! Hopefully GTA4 comes to the Wii (Though I don't like it, It would be good for the platform) but please, please, please give me Max Payne 3....
Ok, Mario Kart DS IS Awsome. However, even though there are 4 MK64 courses it's hardly a 'remake'. It's it's own animal and quite awsome at that.
Agreed. However it's simply a counter argument to the trolls that spout that if it isn't Teh HD!!! (1080p) it can't be a good game. Just because the Wii isn't doing HD doesn't mean it won't have 'pretty games'.
I agree. Even though I'm pretty liberal with my purchases so far (I never owned a Turbo16, or Genesis back in the day) I find it pretty much reasonable. Circuit City had a deal the first week that all Wii accessories $19.99 or greater were $5 off each. This made the Wiimote $35, Nunchuck $15 and the 2000 Wii Points cards $15. So at a 25% discount I found these game were priced quite well. I hope in the future they offer bundles or bonuses for other purchases like buy Mario Galaxy, and get another 'Mario Game' free.
Most? the GC disks are 1.5 gig capacity. I'm not sure any would fit on the 512 included, but yeah it would be silly to try. I'm surprised they (Nintendo) all but completely abandoned GC support as you can target 2 markets now if you really wanted to with the same product, especially something like Donkey Konga or DDR...
Picture a Donkey Konga game for the GC, but you could download new songs (Royalty free ones like Classical, Swing, or Nintendo themes) on the Wii. I know a GC disk pretty much makes the Wii a GC (all other functions pretty much stop working) but I'd imagine they could change this with a firmware update.
Basically, the core of it is I don't understand why VC titles don't have the same availability. It should default to the region of the system, but If I want to buy a Japanese game that has no english text, and no english manual, LET ME! Throw up a warning or something, but let me do it. I hate the fact that some games never make it to the US or Europe for no good reason. The VC titles should lower the costs/ risk to doing this, so why don't they?