So according to this article, rumor has it that Nintendo will be coming out with a game console that is the 3DS, WiiU Tablet and WiiU console all wrapped up in one. Does anyone believe this is actually happening? If so, can Nintendo really pull this off with the lack of new IP and online infrastructure they have in place?

I'd rather see new Nintendo IP than a new console.

Interesting rumor.

True or not, the hardware list by itself is very interesting reading and provides a lot of fodder for commentary.

The POWER8 main chip having a co-processor that is basically a Wii U is an interesting thing. Google says the chips are still only available in labs and limited runs and not yet in consumer products, so that's something to think about.

The inclusion of 4K video is certainly a thing. The memory combinations of 4GB and 2GB is an eyebrow-raising thing.

The 3DS replacement parts list is a thing, especially when comparing it to the current 3DS hardware and the age of the 3DS on the market. Dual capacitive touch screens is a thing. Some of the items on the list like GPS and specifically calling out cell phone details rather than simply writing "bluetooth" are also interesting things.

Yes, they are things indeed.


The timing of the leak is interesting. While I've worked on pre-release hardware a few times so I know the rough schedule from the time test units are available to third parties and when the hardware detail leaks start to happen, it makes me wonder where in the development chain the leak came from; I have quite a few suspicions on that. We're only 14 months out from the Wii U's launch, but almost exactly 3 years on the 3DS. An official press release from Nintendo could steal some of the PS4/XB1 thunder since they're only a few months old, but it would have a similar impact on the Wii U... but probably no impact on 3DS that makes much more revenue. Waiting a few months for an E3 announcement this year could have less of an impact on Wii U, but what impact would it have on the rest of the market, both console and handheld? The Wii U has lower sales than expected but the trend lines are solid; the fact that the leaked details show a Wii U processor on board could mean they are willing to take a hit similar to what the did with DSi followed by a 3DS release, although that situation was a little different. If they were working very rapidly they could possibly do an E3 announcement with a November launch, sacrificing some of the Wii U hype (what little there is) and making a big push on a very rapid iteration ... but Nintendo usually doesn't push rapid dates, often preferring a more Japanese style of releasing when the product is ready instead of a marketing date.

As a rumor this is interesting. As a rumor with that specific of hardware list it becomes something to notice. As a rumor with those details at this point in the current hardware cycles since it would impact both TV console and handheld moves it from interesting to very noteworthy.

It seems to be a slap in the face to anyone that invested in a WiiU. And this only works, if the XB1 and PS4 keep to a 10 year lifecycle like last generation's.

And I take it that Holographic thing-a-ma-bob is for the stereoscopic 3D and not some new tech.

And I take it that Holographic thing-a-ma-bob is for the stereoscopic 3D and not some new tech.

Two interesting passages from Wikipedia on the topic "Holographic Data storage":

The three main companies involved in developing holographic memory, as of 2002, were InPhase and Polaroid spinoff Aprilis in the United States, and Optware in Japan.[5] Although holographic memory has been discussed since the 1960s,[6] and has been touted for near-term commercial application at least since 2001,[7] it has yet to convince critics that it can find a viable market.[8] As of 2002, planned holographic products did not aim to compete head to head with hard drives, but instead to find a market niche based on virtues such as speed of access.

and,

Some have speculated that Nintendo will be the first video game console maker to implement holographic data storage due to the uncovering of a Joint Research Agreement between InPhase and Nintendo.[12]
Nintendo is also mentioned in the patent as a joint applicant: "... disclosure is herein made that the claimed invention was made pursuant to a Joint Research Agreement as defined in 35 U.S.C. 103 (c)(3), that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made, and as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the Joint Research Agreement, by or on the behalf of Nintendo Co., and InPhase Technologies, Inc." [13]

It seems to be a slap in the face to anyone that invested in a WiiU.

As mentioned, they did it before with the DSi at just over two years between releases. Their sales were bigger than Wii U, but the games for it weren't there.

The WiiU is at 14 months, so a quick November release would be 2 years. More likely would be 36 months. There are only about 50 Wii U exclusive titles to date. Although Nintendo is pushing a few new titles, it faces the same issues as the DSi.