Could Wii HD be around the corner?
Posted: October 2, 2008 by DerekD
Nintendo’s Wii console is the most surprising and the biggest consumer electronics hit of the last two years, to say the least. Many industry pundits predicted disaster for the product, stating its appeal was strictly for “kiddies” and that it would tank badly compared to the power of Sony’s PS3. To put it mildly, that did not happen.
The console has turned video games into a mainstream phenomenon and put Nintendo ahead of its rival Sony and Microsoft in terms of the number of devices from the latest generation of systems sold worldwide by a wide margin.
Now reports suggest that the company may be working on the next version of its blockbuster console, the Wii HD, in which game graphics will be rendered in high-res HD.
The new device is likely to plug into the high definition content trend and offer HD visuals for users. It could also have some local storage and a more powerful processor, according to several industry trade blogs.
Wii HD, though, may be a while away, with rumors suggesting it is targeted for a Summer 2011 release.
That seems like a long time for Nintendo to wait to update the product. But steadily increasing R&D spend at Nintendo suggests the company could be working on other new products such as a newer version of its handheld console, the Nintendo DS, which may feature a camera and a music player.
Knowing Nintendo’s knack to get its pricing and fun factor right, the products are likely to be hits and should send competitors running into their labs for an answer.
