Nintendo's second-generation Wii console will come equipped with Blu-ray, with new reports suggesting the updated console will hit shelves in 2010.
Gaming website Maxconsole.net believes it has got hold of some leaked information which details just what hi-def goodness the new Wii will house.
The info was allegedly leaked by a Nintendo of France marketing employee, who suggests the new console will have a Blu-ray drive and will support 1080p games and movies.
If this is the case, then it means that Microsoft's Xbox 360 will be the only console on the market not to pack in a Blu-ray drive. But, rumours also suggest that a Blu-ray add-on for the Xbox 360 may be on its way.
Leaked details
Translated from French the supposedly leaked details are as follows:
- The Wii2 system will feature a Blu-Ray drive with a secondary aim of stopping piracy
- 1080P and lower resolutions will be supported, for Blu-ray movies and games
- The release date is scheduled for third quarter of 2010
- The release will be worldwide and on the same day for all countries
- A scheme will be available in which it is possible to trade in the original Wii for a cheaper price on the new Wii 2
Maxconsole.net is also reporting that Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata noted is a recent press briefing that Nintendo would likely make use of HD in its next Wii console update.
Via Blu-ray.com and Maxconsole.net
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
caimbeul
November 2nd
5. "Just can't imagine this happening. How will Nintendo keep the price low with a blu-ray drive? Surely one of the main selling features of the Wii is its price?"
True, A BD drive wont be cheap but i would have to disagree that the selling point of the Wii is its price. It is vastly overprice for what it is and an Xbox360 can be had for he same price, if not less. Also regarding the DSI XL - i personally see this as another milking effort from Nintendo rather than playing to the older generation. Also just for the record i own all the consoles so am not anti-nintendo or anything and would love to see them put out an amazing product but i just cant see it happening with them intent on their blue ocean (read: make loads of dosh)strategy or whatever it is.
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watcherzero
November 2nd
4. 360 is now cheaper than the Wii in most countries and you can buy a PC blu ray drive for not much more than a standard dvd drive. I could see this launching at £199-£219.
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mattdoc30
November 2nd
3. I imagine this will be late 2010 to make the most of XMas sales and hype, Blueray is bedding in now and I imagine that production scales will mean the Wii2 could still be delivered on a good price. I would suggest this should worry Sony more than Microsoft, a cheap alternative to the blueray lure of the PS3?!
Having said that, I already have a PS3 and therefore a blueray player and I only thought three games for the Wii were worth buying, unless the new Mario is amazing I wont be upgrading.
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iggy82
November 2nd
2. Just can't imagine this happening. How will Nintendo keep the price low with a blu-ray drive? Surely one of the main selling features of the Wii is its price?
It would be interesting to see Nintendo aiming for older generations again, perhaps the release of the DSi XL thing is a sign of things to come.
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caimbeul
November 2nd
1. Good news if true but it will need serious graphical oomph to compete in the current market of HD consoles. New HD Mario & Zelda? who knows, I have learnt to no longer trust Nintendo when it comes to having gamers intrests in mind.
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