Nintendo Wii U

[Leon Retro]

Funny you should say that as I get a lot of GC use out of my Wii and it is always something I look for in a new console (BC).

I play my favourite GC games quite a bit on my Wii. Backwards compatibility that works 100% is a really nice feature - and I think all modern consoles should offer it.. as they have the power to run last gen games easily. I think the PS4 & Xbox 720( whatever it'll be called ) ... should run their last gen titles. I think tech is settling down to a point where old tech isn't completely different, so BC should be an option.

[Grapple Convoy]

Bit ironic that the GameCube sold the least of the previous gen consoles, yet it's the only one whose software you can still play unhindered on current hardware... Not that that's a bad thing, as the GC was ace.

[abigsmurf]

It's been pulled from Gamescom, the reason? "Security concerns"

That's... weird.

Could there be a major rethink of the console happening? I know Gamescom isn't respected as much as E3 or TGS but that's still far too flimsy of a reason to pull out.

[Neon Ignition]

I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo is reworking the branding and maybe casing of the system but I'm not expecting anything major. The system still has an age to go before release so it's not too controversial a change if they do make it and the hands on impressions of the system so far have been very positive. They'll likely just be very conscious of not showing too much too early and repeating the mistakes of the 3DS. Better to leave any more WiiU showings till next year and keep the emphasis on 3DS this Xmas

[abigsmurf]

The problem they've got is that the cat's out of the bag, calling it anything other than a Wii U now could have an incredibly negative impact.

That said, I think they've a few avenues they could do down : new logo (same name) and a console case that looks less like the love child of a 360 and a Wii. They must realise that trying to cash in on the DS brand for the 3DS was a huge mistake, can't see them wanting to repeat it.

Also entirely possible that they could bump up the specs to make it more noticably powerful than the current gen. Nothing too major, just clock speed bumps.

That said, they could just be pulling it from Gamescom because they don't want to show off the same stuff from E3 and other games aren't ready yet to show.

[Dogg Thang]

It's not too late for a complete branding change, including the name. All that's out there now are really the initial announcements. Those of us interested to really be aware of the thing are interested enough to keep up with a name change. The rest will be hit with the proper marketing close to release. Besides, a name change is a news story, more coverage.

Not saying they'll do it. Just saying they still could.

[Flabio]

Gamescon is a public show, so maybe they're unhappy with the arrangements that are in place to stop filthy Joe Public stealing their prototypes?

[abigsmurf]

But TGS is a public show too and I find it difficult to believe there will be no Wii U demo units there (even if Nintendo themselves don't attend).

For a 3 day event they could hire their own security for what, ?500 a guard? Heck they could just attatch cut resistant wires to protect against to the controllers being stolen.

[Flabio]

I'd be stunned if any Wii U showed up at TGS. Nintendo never go to that, and we're far too early for them to want any third parties showing things.

[abigsmurf]

Probably depends on if Nintendo are doing a spaceworld type thing or not.

[Grapple Convoy]

It's not too late for a complete branding change, including the name. All that's out there now are really the initial announcements.

I agree. After all, the Nintendo 64 did have a name change before launch. I think it'd be a wise decision if the Wii U does too. (By "wise" I mean, essential.)

[mekanor]

Nintendo always change the names of their consoles before release. The 3DS was the exception and that ended up being quite damaging.

[Kit]

Nothing to see here.

[egparadigm]

I agree that it's not too late to change. It might actually settle nerves alongside Iwata's apology/salary cut.

However, the difference with other name changes is that usually they change from codenames such as 'Revolution'. WiiU is surely Nintendo's originally intended final name.

[Dogg Thang]

Wasn't the N64's Ultra name (is that right?) pretty final until they changed it?