The NY press conference just finished their Q&A session. Here is what I've gleamed from the conference...
I'm watching some of the game demonstrations now - I don't know guys, the graphics do look impressive to me. Granted, its on a low-quality data stream from a camera to a game screen... but it does not look like GameCube graphics to me.
Each "channel" tunes you into specific content. The first channel, of course, is the "disc" channel. When tuned into this channel it will play the Wii or GameCube title that is in the console itself. Another channel, the Wii Shop, is where gamers will purchase Virtual Console titles. As a side note, Fils-Aim e confirmed Legend of Zelda (NES), Super Mario World (SNES) and Super Mario 64 being available on launch day.
Additional channels: News Channel, Weather Channel, Mii Channel (more later), Photo Channel (reads your photo's from the Wii SD memory card and displays them) and Wii message board (forum for gamers). There is also an Internet Channel, which Reggie says can be used to turn your TV into your PC. Basically, you don't need a PC if you're on the Internet channel with your remote and your Wii web browser (snap! Microsoft). Will it take off? Dunno, wii will see...
How much are additional remote controls?
A Wiimote has an MSRP of $39.99 and sells unique from the NunChuck, which has its own MSRP of $19.99.
Will the Photo Channel only use the memory card or can you store them on the console?
The Wii does have storage but the majority of the photo's will be on SD cards.
What is going on with Zelda
Release on GameCube december 11th but will launch on the Wii with the console.
Cost of online functionality?
Free ($0.00). Using Wi-Fi or local cabling you can access all the content and console features for no additional cost.
Third party title pricing?
Third parties can price however they wish, but Nintendo encourages a consumer-friendly pricepoint like first party titles.
Widescreen gaming? All of them
Most titles will be widescreen, all first party titles are widescreen (third parties can do what they want however). All downloadable content is widescreen as well.
How will the DS work with the Wii
Nintendo will announce it in the future, otherwise they had no comment.
Multi-player online gaming?
The first multi-player game, releasing in Japan, will be Pokemon battle game. Online multiplayer functional and it will be the first US multi-player online launch title as well.
In-Game Advertising?
Nintendo says it will use in-game advertising where it should be: in games that mimic real advertising (ie. boxing, nascar, etc.) Pretty much like it has been used in most games today. So far, there is no plans for "Branding" on any of their "Wii channels."
Talking about launch title staggering and "lag." Nintendo says they learned from the failed GameCube title launches and have strategies and plans to make sure titles flow out at a regular basis without dry spells.
Graphics not as good as other next-generation consoles? "Entertainment and access is first priority, if you want power, frankly, you'll go somewhere else." They put it plain and simple. They're goal is to have gameplay and graphics working in combination for a "wow!" experience. Good graphics with good environmental control and gameplay is a good system. They're not out to push any envelopes and make graphics take priority over fun gaming experiences. As Fils-Aime put it "we're out to launch a console not rockets."
I think that covers all my notes. Happy gaming!
I'm watching some of the game demonstrations now - I don't know guys, the graphics do look impressive to me. Granted, its on a low-quality data stream from a camera to a game screen... but it does not look like GameCube graphics to me.
The Wii TV ("Wii Channels")
It looks like Nintendo has learned from the success of Microsoft's Live system and plans to push a similar product line (although it's free). The Nintendo "Wii channels" is a 12-channel "interactive TV," which to me sounds like an advanced XBox Marketplace.
Each "channel" tunes you into specific content. The first channel, of course, is the "disc" channel. When tuned into this channel it will play the Wii or GameCube title that is in the console itself. Another channel, the Wii Shop, is where gamers will purchase Virtual Console titles. As a side note, Fils-Aim e confirmed Legend of Zelda (NES), Super Mario World (SNES) and Super Mario 64 being available on launch day.
Additional channels: News Channel, Weather Channel, Mii Channel (more later), Photo Channel (reads your photo's from the Wii SD memory card and displays them) and Wii message board (forum for gamers). There is also an Internet Channel, which Reggie says can be used to turn your TV into your PC. Basically, you don't need a PC if you're on the Internet channel with your remote and your Wii web browser (snap! Microsoft). Will it take off? Dunno, wii will see...
Wii Points
Similar to Xbox Live Markeplace points, Wii Points have a currency conversion from local currencies (i.e. US Dollar) to "points." The US point conversion is: 100 Wii Points = USD $1. Currently:- NES titles cost 500 points ($5)
- SNES titles 800 points ($8)
- N64 titles cost 1000 points ($10)
Mii Channel
A character creation system that will allow gamers to create a picture of themselves on their Wii console. You can then transfer your character to your Wii controller to bring to your buddies house to "be yourself."Q&A
The press was given their chance to ask some questions. Here they are:How much are additional remote controls?
A Wiimote has an MSRP of $39.99 and sells unique from the NunChuck, which has its own MSRP of $19.99.
Will the Photo Channel only use the memory card or can you store them on the console?
The Wii does have storage but the majority of the photo's will be on SD cards.
What is going on with Zelda
Release on GameCube december 11th but will launch on the Wii with the console.
Cost of online functionality?
Free ($0.00). Using Wi-Fi or local cabling you can access all the content and console features for no additional cost.
Third party title pricing?
Third parties can price however they wish, but Nintendo encourages a consumer-friendly pricepoint like first party titles.
Widescreen gaming? All of them
Most titles will be widescreen, all first party titles are widescreen (third parties can do what they want however). All downloadable content is widescreen as well.
How will the DS work with the Wii
Nintendo will announce it in the future, otherwise they had no comment.
Multi-player online gaming?
The first multi-player game, releasing in Japan, will be Pokemon battle game. Online multiplayer functional and it will be the first US multi-player online launch title as well.
In-Game Advertising?
Nintendo says it will use in-game advertising where it should be: in games that mimic real advertising (ie. boxing, nascar, etc.) Pretty much like it has been used in most games today. So far, there is no plans for "Branding" on any of their "Wii channels."
Additional Information
Nintendo has re-iterated their point that there will be 4-million consoles sold by December 31st. They corrected the word "shipped" and replaced it with "sold."Talking about launch title staggering and "lag." Nintendo says they learned from the failed GameCube title launches and have strategies and plans to make sure titles flow out at a regular basis without dry spells.
Graphics not as good as other next-generation consoles? "Entertainment and access is first priority, if you want power, frankly, you'll go somewhere else." They put it plain and simple. They're goal is to have gameplay and graphics working in combination for a "wow!" experience. Good graphics with good environmental control and gameplay is a good system. They're not out to push any envelopes and make graphics take priority over fun gaming experiences. As Fils-Aime put it "we're out to launch a console not rockets."
I think that covers all my notes. Happy gaming!
