Speculation what the next Nintendo product will be (more info)

[Santo]

This is from Game-Science... I'm questioning what the hell Nintendo is coming out with, it definitely sounds like a Game & Watch-esque product:

Nintendo // Latest details on Nintendo's new game machine 17:03
Here is the latest information we know on Nintendo's new game machine, collected from a number of sources, including recent articles.

- To be announced at E3 2004 in the US, next May
- Planned release at the end of 2004, possibly global
- Will stand alongside GC and GBA as a third main product
- Although not a direct successor to either the GBA or the GC, it will give some indication of the direction their successors will follow
- For some time it will be sold alongside the current machines
- It is a new type of game machine
- It will include wireless communication, built-in
- They have successfully made a test model
- It will enable players to experience a new kind of gaming, not dependent on high-spec technology

[Eddz]

I have an inkling that Nintendo will again use the connectivity feature and have Gamecube controller compatability.

I also have a small feeling that it may contain USB 2.0/3.0 ports for Flash/SD Cards. Games like Donkey Konga and upcoming titles will benefit from this, as downloads keep games constantly up to date. SSBM with upgrades would be great - it was played for so long.

If not, Nintendo may make it CD compatible, as if they are starting to dwell into the music area they may recognise that people want to use their own memory cards.

With the success of the Warppipe beta editions, Nintendo may even bring the console online.

Who knows? www.clubskill.com do.

[Santo]

Nintendo and online in the same sentence? One can only dream.

[Eddz]

Well GameFAQs' polls do show that more and more people are getting faster 'net connections.

When the GCN was released the polls showed that about 10% or so of GameFAQs people had a fast enough connection. Now most of the voters are on +56k connections.

[Santo]

56k? What's that? I think I was born after that time...

Seriously though, PS2 & Xbox have had decent success with the online scene and I really think that's the one thing missing in Nintendo's line-up. Could help them significantly.

[Eddz]

Gaming is always getting better.

When people say "Online games are wrong", "You don't even know who you are playing with" and "it defeats the fun of multiplayer with friends" I feel sorry for their lack of understanding.

The advance from one player - two player was a big step up in arcades. Originally games were played alone. When the multitap bought in four players people were happy. Online gaming is a step-up from that.

[Santo]

I have a strong feeling that the next generation will be completely focused around online gaming. And why not? Those who don't play online, won't have to, it's just an added bonus when buying a game.

[Eddz]

..Like the additional multiplayer modes on games? That's exactly what I'm thinking.

[Santo]

To quote a popular video game system (guess which one :rolleyes: ) "it's good to play together*

[rpguidry]

We can even use that slogan to support single player games too. Personally I'm crossing my fingers for a portable Smash Brothers, but that won't happen. I really don't know what this device will be but if it tries to hybridize the handheld and console market into one machine then I predict another Virtual Boy.

[Eddz]

Yay, the good old VB. LOL.

[Messiah]

As long as you can play the game offline i'm happy.