Wii U Hardware: What We Know

Watchful 33 Comments

The Wii U Console:

  • IBM Power® multi-core processor.  No word on number of cores or clock speed.
  • GPU – Unspecified, but probably an AMD GPU like the GameCube and Wii.
  • Backwards compatible with the Wii.  GameCube compatibility unspecified.
  • No Hard Disk Drive.
  • Built-in flash memory.  Size unspecified.  Can be extended via SD card or by USB drives.
  • USB connectivity is four USB 2.0 ports.
  • Video formats supported: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i.
  • Video output: HDMI and Nintendo’s AV Multi-out.
  • Audio: 6 channel linear PCM via HDMI.  (6 channel is likely 5.1 surround.)
  • Optical Drive: New ‘high density’ format (so not Blu-ray) 12cm optical disks. Will play Wii optical disks.   Slot loading as with the current Wii.
  • Connect up to four Wii remote controls (or Wii remote control pluses).  Your nunchucks, classic controllers, classics controller pros and balance boards will all still work.

The Wii U Controller:

  • Screen: 6.2 inch, 16:9 widescreen.  Resolution unspecified.
  • Screen is touch-sensitive.  Almost certainly resistive, not capacitive.
  • Stylus is stored in the top edge of the controller like the 3DS.
  • Buttons: power, Home, d-pad, start, select, A, B, X, Y.
  • Shoulder buttons: L and R, plus twin triggers ZL and ZR.
  • Accelerometer and gyro for sensing your waggle.
  • Rumble/vibrate.
  • Front-facing camera.
  • Microphone.
  • Speakers.
  • Headphone socket on the top edge.
  • Looks like a covered AC Adaptor port on the top edge too.  No word on the controller’s battery capabilities.
  • You can also see an expansion port on the bottom edge of the unit in the pictures, similar to that on the Wiimote, though it looks like a different shape.  No word about that from Nintendo.

Source: Nintendo

 

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33 Comments

  1. Looks like the playing field got a little bit more even, all three consoles will have HD graphics, motion control and some cross platform functionality between console and handheld devices … at least i think Microsoft is going that route with Windows mobile 7..

    We need to know more and see what functionality makes it past concept . I’m not that swayed by Wii U now but it will be interesting to see how things develop.

  2. So how many Wii U controllers can be connected at the same time? They specifically mention 4 Wii remotes but they didn’t show more than one Wii U controller…

  3. Okay; those with a PS3 will likely just buy the PSV – the hackers found that all PS3 games can support remote play, it’s just a flag in the settings of the program itself. All but a core audience of Wii owners will go on the saying ‘Once bitten, twice shy’, and not update – or they’ll update to the PS3 / PSV for the blu-ray and advanced online functionality.

    Not going with Blu-Ray is likely to cripple this console. I’m waiting for the first videos of the WiiU controller in a TV, and the Xzibit meme pics to follow.

  4. Nintendo have never wanted their machines to play DVDs and be media centres, so no Blu Ray will only keep the cost down. And trying to compete with Vita this ain’t.

    I think this has to support proper 1080p, not the 720p that 360 and PS3 games play at. The difference is noticeable, and if they get that step up I don’t know where there is for Sony or MS to go with a new console, unless they do opt for the same focus on gadgetry.

    This looks powerful and offers really interesting tools to developers, and I will probably buy one.

    • What people expect from a console has changed a lot in the last few years; just look at the Netflix takeup on the Wii. I suppose though that it won’t have a problem with streaming services; perhaps Ninty’s putting its money on HD streaming becoming a lot more widespread in the next few years.

      Also, my Netbook can put out 1080p; doesn’t mean it can do it with any style. It’s all going to come down to the CPU / GPU combo, and I can’t see it being any more than a 4-core on the latest 25nm tech coupled with a mid-tier current-gen ATI graphics chip, based on Nintys habit of making a profit on the hardware from day one.

  5. Controller looks really sensitive and expensive if it falls to the ground then… well you know…

    • you are right and with having motion in it is just asking for trouble. I drop my controllers all the time.

  6. I’m guess a launch price of £250 with a 1 controller (maybe a classic one bundled with it), controllers to cost £60-£80 (balance board price range) and a release date of October/November 2012.

    PS3 is £200 and the hardware costs won’t be that different and the ps3 will have dropped in price in a year. Nintendo also like to make a tidy profit on hardware.

    Looking at uDraw as an example of something similar to this controller (which currently costs about £55 but needs a Wiimote), the £60 to £80 seems about right.

    I think the Wii U leaves itself in a position where the new controller can fail and there is still a Wii HD there to be used with a classic controller but that will need low low price as it doesn’t appear to compete with the 360 and ps3 media capabilities. The lack of them may allow Nintendo to get the Wii U down to under £200 with a controller. A new console at that price may persuade enough people.

    Personally its not for me.

    • feel the same I wanted something that said it can do more than what I have currently. looking forward to my PSVita-PS3 link.

    • If ppl just want at classic controller with the new wii u, i don’t see 3rd parties fulling staying on that console while most of there buyers are on 360/ps3. To me it looks like the gamecube days again. fanboys are happy but only they will play on it while others will play on the console with the most games.

    • EB Games in oz are showing this at $598 which is the same price as a 320GB PS3 with UC2,Res2 and LA Noire

  7. no hard drive?
    how can they launch a console in 2012 with no hard drive?

    dlc, downloadable games, demos, media playback.
    all those things become a problem with no hard drive.

    hell, will this thing even play audio cds? the wii didn’t.

    • If they fulling use ext usb hdd then I’m cool. Makes it very easy to upgrade storage space I even think Nintendo could sell there own ext hdd but knowing Nintendo they will not keep this option. Makes to much sense and hackers will use this for something.

  8. Controllers going to be expensive!

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