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Since our last post on the Wii 2, there has been a considerable amount of new information to hit the interwebs. So let's break it down!

First of all, Nintendo pretty quickly confirmed the rumors that were going about: yes, there is in fact a new console well in the works, codenamed "Project Cafe." Because, you know, you gotta have a codename. As initially supposed, the console will receive its first public unveiling at E3 2011.

We also have a few notable details about the system's capabilities. Its processing power will be greater than what is currently boasted by the PS3 and Xbox 360. Apparently, Project Cafe will be able to achieve resolutions of 1080p. I don't really know what that means, but another source says that it will be capable of HD resolutions, so I'll just assume the terms are synonymous. In addition, it has been stated that the new system will be fully backwards compatible with the Wii.

Perhaps the most interesting info currently available concerns the new control. Nintendo appears to be returning to a more classic style with this control, which will feature analog sticks and a pretty standard layout. Oh, plus a 6-inch touch screen right in the middle. Think Dreamcast appearance. This touch screen controller will allow for additional interaction with the game, but it will also be able to stream content from the console to be played on the control exclusively. Sources have said that the touch screen will also be HD resolution, leading to some serious cost speculations. In addition to the already-existing usefulness speculations. (Check the first link below for more information and an image.)

Most recently, information has come out suggesting a system price in the range of $350 to $400. The console will apparently be ready to ship as early as this October, though Nintendo may very well hold off on that date. "Stream" is rumored to be one potential name for the new system; and we'd only just gotten used to Project Cafe.

Nintendo also intends to make a pre-announcement (it's kinda like LeBron, just go with it) in the relatively near future.

Source: IGN, IGN, IGN

Sounds cool. I really hope the touch screen doesn't become the main focus like wii's motion gimmick (give it a rest nintendo) though the controller design looks promising. At first I thought it was a little soon to have a knew console, but I guess they did the same this with the 3DS. And it plays wii games I guess it works out. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what this system can do.

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1920x1080 == 1080p == "Full HD"

1080p is the native resolution for most widescreen monitors and TVs nowadays. A little confusing, because there are multiple HD resolutions, and there are plenty of resolutions larger than 1080p. The HD on the touch screen could be a different (smaller) HD. A 1080p touch screen seems completely ridiculous to me, but Nintendo's previous two ridiculous platforms have been the best-selling systems of all time, so maybe I should pipe down.

Quote (No-Name @ 27th April 2011 17:19)

Sounds cool. I really hope the touch screen doesn't become the main focus like wii's motion gimmick (give it a rest nintendo) though the controller design looks promising.

That's my main worry- it seems to me like a touch screen in addition to all the features of a standard controller would be overkill, and could easily lead to annoying controlls. The size of the screen caught me off-guard a bit too.

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Quote (Death Penalty @ 27th April 2011 18:05)

Quote (No-Name @ 27th April 2011 17:19)

Sounds cool. I really hope the touch screen doesn't become the main focus like wii's motion gimmick (give it a rest nintendo) though the controller design looks promising.

That's my main worry- it seems to me like a touch screen in addition to all the features of a standard controller would be overkill, and could easily lead to annoying controlls. The size of the screen caught me off-guard a bit too.

It does mean you don't have to go out and buy 4 GB Advances to play Crystal Chronicles with your friends!

Seriously, though... I think it could be interesting, so long as both 1st and 3rd party companies produce games that make good use of it.

I like the idea that stats for RPGs could be rolling on that screen, focusing more on the big screen's display. Or, it functions as your simultaneous rear-view mirror while you play F-Zero (which they had better damn well make a new generation of) or Mario Kart. Maybe even an altimeter for flying games or an HD Pilotwings.

This could be awesome. But, conversely, could be awful. I'm hoping for the former, because it seems like it could be a good idea if used right.

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Well, I'll comment on two things with irrational hatred once again.

Project Cafe to me implies it'll be something cheaper than the big names. Something smaller and cosier, but just not as nice and after a while it's really just a greasy spoon. No real reason to stick with it beyond the lower price and the different atmosphere when the better product is in the fast food chain up the street.

Stream on the other hand... I know they mean like "stream of concious" or the whole streaming crap to the controller thing, but after the Wii, I'm thinking "stream of urine".

Also, a small stream is known as a Burn in the north/northeast of the UK, plus parts of Ireland and New Zealand. And I dearly would like to see Nintendo do this as I have little to no optimism the Wii 2 Stream Cafe 3D will actually have games I want to play or that actually make videogames a credible art form.

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Quote (Del S @ 28th April 2011 11:51)

Project Cafe to me implies it'll be something cheaper than the big names. Something smaller and cosier, but just not as nice and after a while it's really just a greasy spoon. No real reason to stick with it beyond the lower price and the different atmosphere when the better product is in the fast food chain up the street.

They might be trying to downplay this. It doesn't yet seem like they're making a major deal out of it. In fact, didn't they just casually let it slip that this is a new console?

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Praise Be To Helix!

I'm in no hurry for the next generation of systems and it could be another 9 years before they come out. Then again i'm still on PS2/Wii