Wii U: New Tech Built on Old Tech? Maybe not.

By Aragrist — June 7, 2011
Tags: e3-2011 nintendo-wii wii-u

Just watched the Nintendo press conference for the wii u. I love the wii u but hate that they are still using the Nintendo wii as the console it runs off of. Or is the wii-u a totally new console with improved graphics and 1080p outputs?

UPDATES

Appearantly I was hasty with my take on the video from the conference. My brother-in-law pointed out this tech spec list that claims to be from Nintendo. I hope our guys at the conference got a copy of this spec sheet to confirm it. But it shows that the wii u is actually a NEW CONSOLE with updated graphics and 1080p outputs. Here is the list of specs
It also seems there are some games that are displaying PS3 game play visual levels. I'm not 100% sure just how well they compare at this point since I'm going by what I see on the videos. Actual game play could be less pretty if these early builds turn out to be final builds. I am completely blown away by the Aliens trailer, the new wii-u UI and controller will make that game jump off the screen and completely freak you out like the movie did.

Nintendo has released a specs sheet for its upcoming system, Wii U.

Text direct from Nintendo:

Launches: 2012

Size: Approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide and 10.5 inches long.

New Controller: The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.

Other Controls: Up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers can be connected at once.
The new console supports all Wii controllers and input devices, including the
Nunchuk controller, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro and Wii Balance
Board.

Media: A single self-loading media bay will play 12-centimeter proprietary high-density
optical discs for the new console, as well as 12-centimeter Wii optical discs.

Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI,
component, S-video and composite.

Audio Output: Uses AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI.

Storage: The console will have internal flash memory, as well as the option to expand its
memory using either an SD memory card or an external USB hard disk drive.

CPU: IBM Power-based multi-core microprocessor.

Other: Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible
with Wii games and Wii accessories.