I wouldn't be surprised if this turned out to be true. The Wii's motion controls is to the DS's touch screen. The Wii2's projector is to the 3DS's 3D.

I was kind of hoping that Nintendo would bring 3D to their next console though...
I don't know if this will be enough to dominate the charts again. 3D without glasses is so new to us; projection, however, is not.

Wasnt the projection rumour around when wii was still called revolution? It definitely rings a bell. I don't see the projection happening to be honest, I think space is the main issue. The majority of people have space for a normal tv and most rooms are organised around that. Where would the projection go? It's a bit much to expect people to have enough 'blank' space to project on to, wouldn't it need a White background too?

All I want from wii 2 is HD and the ability to upscale wii/GC
games

Nice sig btw



( Edited 08.03.2011 19:07 by slippy_toad )

Myamoto has always envisioned the next console to be something that can be played without the use of a television. He'll be pushing for that as soon as possible no doubt.

However, with people shelling enormous amounts of cash for bigger screens these days, I wonder if technology and price/availability would live up to peoples higher expectations within that concept. I'd just pay money to have a wii veryHD with veryGoodStuff in it, just so my monster hunter quad can look more badass, among other things.

slippy_toad said:
Wasnt the projection rumour around when wii was still called revolution? It definitely rings a bell. I don't see the projection happening to be honest, I think space is the main issue. The majority of people have space for a normal tv and most rooms are organised around that. Where would the projection go? It's a bit much to expect people to have enough 'blank' space to project on to, wouldn't it need a White background too?

All I want from wii 2 is HD and the ability to upscale wii/GC
games

Nice sig btw

@slippy_toad.

You are thinking too small with the projector. And you are thinking in the box....think outside the box. A projector for most would be something that projects to the wall...what if it just projects something...it could be up..it could be into something...it could be holoprojection...i would think the later is probably more in line with what Nintendo could/would do...and it would fit perfectly into their objective of 3D gameplay.

( Edited 08.03.2011 20:11 by ebgeer )

A built-in projector? Haha that's so silly. A good HD projector is still very expensive, I'm sure Nintendo won't include something advanced and expensive.

Not buying it. The projection thing sounds like a massive waste of money, and Blu-Ray is the main reason the PS3 is failing so hard right now. IMagine if it had both? The thing would be a good $700, at least.

Blu-ray aint that much to implement these days. But Nintendo ain't notorious for disc space use so I don't think they will use blu-ray, even if they did use blu-ray they will screw everyone over by not be able to play Blu-ray movies on, jus like the Wii and DVD's.

Stupid rumours from fanboys wishlists.
The only practical "new" thing you could do with a projector would be not a wall projector, but rather something that goes straight into the eyes. (using very precise headtracking, or a HMD).

However, the tech for that is no way affordable or reliable within the next 2 years....and anything beyond 2 years is just nintendo "playing with idea's".

"We are always preparing for the next hardware"

I wish this was drilled into people, press and public alike, however.
Hardware development IS CONSTANT. There is no "news" to a company saying they are working on stuff.

All I want from wii 2 is HD and the ability to upscale wii/GC

No thanks, HD without a graphics bump is worthless, and a graphics bump alone is unimaginative and uninteresting any way.

I'm pretty sure 3D holoprojection without some kind of screen doesn't exist in any useful or affordable capacity. All projection from a console would do is add unnecessary constraints. Even straightforward projection isn't practical, the console is going to have to be positioned in the middle of the room with wires all over; unless its going to project behind the player which is equally pointless! Besides that, what would you project? A full screen needs space, a HUD means you need a tv in the first place. Unless Its going to project ambient light or something...

It's a nice idea and something to keep in mind for when technology gets better but it's not going to happen.

Darkflame, I agree a graphics bump is needed too, the move to HD requires more power anyway. I think in the case of a wii2 an increase in power really is all that's needed. Wii hardware is showing it's age, nintendo seem to keep innovating through the controller so why not provide a machine that's better able to immerse the player through it's visuals as well?

What would you consider a worthwhile upgrade? Not having a go, just genuinely curious!

( Edited 09.03.2011 07:19 by slippy_toad )

Darkflame said:

Stupid rumours from fanboys wishlists.

The only practical "new" thing you could do with a projector would be not a wall projector, but rather something that goes straight into the eyes. (using very precise headtracking, or a HMD).

Your wrong. Advances in HD projector technology see the ability to display in 3D without the need for glasses, and it can allow multiple users to view the 3D effect perfectly. This is exactly what Nintendo wants.

edit:

In fact, it appears Apple patented one method of 3D projection two years ago. I can well imagine Nintendo have devised their own since then.

http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708960/Apple-Patents-New-3D-Projection-Technology----No-Glasses-Needed.html?utm_source=g4tv&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=TheFeed

( Edited 09.03.2011 11:06 by Squidboy )

Squidboy said:

Darkflame said:

Stupid rumours from fanboys wishlists.

The only practical "new" thing you could do with a projector would be not a wall projector, but rather something that goes straight into the eyes. (using very precise headtracking, or a HMD).

Your wrong. Advances in HD projector technology see the ability to display in 3D without the need for glasses, and it can allow multiple users to view the 3D effect perfectly. This is exactly what Nintendo wants.

edit:

In fact, it appears Apple patented one method of 3D projection two years ago. I can well imagine Nintendo have devised their own since then.

http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708960/Apple-Patents-New-3D-Projection-Technology----No-Glasses-Needed.html?utm_source=g4tv&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=TheFeed

I think you just backed him up, actually. He just said there was nothing "new" you could do, and your rebuttle was "Nu-uh, they've had this technology for YEARS!"

Then, for some reason, you act like he said 3D projection was impossible, which he didn't mention in any way, let alone claim wasn't possible.

Anyway, as for your post, I don't think Nintendo will do that. That technology is pretty damn expensive. So far, the 3DS appears to be the furthest out on a limb Nintendo has ever gone as far as money goes... when they make a system, they usually have two rules: play it safe, and play it cheap. The 3DS is the first time they've broken either of those rules, let alone both.

Then again, the 3DS is pretty new, so maybe we're seeing a new era of the big N.

But even still, I don't think it would be holoprojection technology. Not unless you're okay with paying ~$1700 for a video game console.

I'm betting the new console WILL have a built in projector but that it may be used a a way that we haven't seen in mainstream multimedia. I.e. We will still need a TV to play a game but the projector may be projecting onto us or on the wall/roof/floor behind/above/below us. Think of Kinect or something.

But even still, I don't think it would be holoprojection technology. Not unless you're okay with paying ~$1700 for a video game console.

All we need is for this technology to become mainstream. Once it does the price of the required components will become cheaper because they will be produced/bought in bulk by Nintendo. This is the case for all modern technology. Always has, always will.

I think we will all be pleasantly surprised.

Birdo Is A Tranny said:
I'm betting the new console WILL have a built in projector but that it may be used a a way that we haven't seen in mainstream multimedia. I.e. We will still need a TV to play a game but the projector may be projecting onto us or on the wall/roof/floor behind/above/below us. Think of Kinect or something.

But even still, I don't think it would be holoprojection technology. Not unless you're okay with paying ~$1700 for a video game console.

All we need is for this technology to become mainstream. Once it does the price of the required components will become cheaper because they will be produced/bought in bulk by Nintendo. This is the case for all modern technology. Always has, always will.

I think we will all be pleasantly surprised.

Okay, but it ISN'T mainstream technology... your logic is kind of circular, there. If the technology needs to go mainstream for it to be cheap enough to be Nintendo's next system, then it isn't going to be Nintendo's next system, because it isn't mainstream yet. And I don't think Nintendo is going to release it to MAKE it the mainstream, and even if they did, the system would still cost a LOT of money for the four or five years that'll be needed for the tech to reach the mainstream.

Look again at the 3DS. Nintendo wanted to implement 3D with the Gamecube, but it wasn't ready. It wasn't ready for the GBA or DS, either. They tried again with Wii, but it still wasn't ready. They waited for it to become cost efficient, and even then, this is the first time they're really stepping forward with a new technology first, and it's producing the most expensive system they've ever released. If they've been looking at projector technology since the Wii's development and it wasn't ready then, it probably still isn't ready to be released and still be affordable.

Besides, aren't video games and projectors all but incompatible? Every manual for every system I've ever purchased tells me to never use it with a projector or projection tv.

Whatever they're working on, I hope it blows my mind. But I also hope it blows my mind without blowing my wallet too much

justonesp00lturn said:

I think you just backed him up, actually. He just said there was nothing "new" you could do, and your rebuttle was "Nu-uh, they've had this technology for YEARS!"

Then, for some reason, you act like he said 3D projection was impossible, which he didn't mention in any way, let alone claim wasn't possible.

Anyway, as for your post, I don't think Nintendo will do that. That technology is pretty damn expensive. So far, the 3DS appears to be the furthest out on a limb Nintendo has ever gone as far as money goes... when they make a system, they usually have two rules: play it safe, and play it cheap. The 3DS is the first time they've broken either of those rules, let alone both.

Then again, the 3DS is pretty new, so maybe we're seeing a new era of the big N.

But even still, I don't think it would be holoprojection technology. Not unless you're okay with paying ~$1700 for a video game console.

-
Your grasp of the English language doesn't appear to be up to scratch, I suggest you read his post properly. He said "Practical", suggesting practical use...No company has such 3D technology on the market, most companies have taken the the TV route because of earlier investments they've made. The patent Apple has is simply a design concept which is owned by them. It's plausible that Nintendo and a host of other companies have black project technology which achieves the same effect, and may well be cheaper. The technology in Apples patent is two years old, two years, at the rate technology advances, and cost drop through mass market use, in two years, that is an age.

The ability to view projection visuals in HD & 3D has "practical" use for Nintendo.

Actually, comparatively it would be the N64. Apart from the 3D display all the components are relatively cheap, including it's dual Pica's, which I'm sure they're getting for dirt cheap.

( Edited 09.03.2011 17:39 by Squidboy )

Squidboy said:
Apart from the 3D display all the components are relatively cheap, including it's dual Pica's.

A console isn't limited to just the hardware on the inside, the materials are to be taken into account as well, and they cut no corners in regard with that. The 3DS manufacturing lines are the most complex Nintendo ever came up with for any of their handhelds to date, and this comes at a cost too.

Kafei2006 said:

Squidboy said:
Apart from the 3D display all the components are relatively cheap, including it's dual Pica's.

You should read the Iwata Asks then, and see how much research and how expensive the external plastic alone is. It's the most shock resistant plastic they ever used, and the external part is treated so that it's less prone to finger prints. That's nothing new, sure, but that's not cheap either. Even the protection on the inside that keeps both of the cameras for 3D pictures perfectly aligned doesn't come cheap.

A console isn't limited to just the hardware on the inside, the materials are to be taken into account as well, and they cut no corners in regard with that. The 3DS manufacturing lines are the most complex Nintendo ever came up with for any of their handhelds to date, and this comes at a cost too.

Nintendo always spend a lot of resources on R&D, but the finished product itself can be cheap to produce and cost less in the long run. I believe that's the case with the casing plastic used, which albeit is robust, is also rather cheap looking and lacks the quality feel of the DSi. The DSi has better overall build quality in the opinion of owners. As I've suggested in another thread, Nintendo have stunted the design of the 3DS intentionally, both in terms of aesthetics, and the quality of it's feel. Because from a financial perspective it makes good sense too, when you can offer a new version down the line. The 3D slider feels a little cheap too, it would be better with a decent level of resistance.

The 3DS isn't Nintendo's biggest risk, far from it on the back of the DS. Nintendo have simply latched onto the advances made in display technology (by Camera and TV makers) at the right time, perfectly timed really.

Too soon for it. And projecting HD images ain't cheap as is the case with a Bluray disc drive soooo....

Squidboy said:
Your grasp of the English language doesn't appear to be up to scratch, I suggest you read his post properly. He said "Practical", suggesting practical use...No company has such 3D technology on the market, most companies have taken the the TV route because of earlier investments they've made. The patent Apple has is simply a design concept which is owned by them. It's plausible that Nintendo and a host of other companies have black project technology which achieves the same effect, and may well be cheaper. The technology in Apples patent is two years old, two years, at the rate technology advances, and cost drop through mass market use, in two years, that is an age.

The ability to view projection visuals in HD & 3D has "practical" use for Nintendo.

Actually, comparatively it would be the N64. Apart from the 3D display all the components are relatively cheap, including it's dual Pica's, which I'm sure they're getting for dirt cheap.

No need to be rude. And anyway, your point is wrong; Apple may have patented that technology two years ago, but that doesn't mean the technology has actually advanced whatsoever in that time. A patent is just a piece of paper, it doesn't mean they're actually working on it, so suggesting that technology has advanced to the point of practicality based on a patent another company filed two years ago is a pretty wild stab in the dark. You say yourself, it depends on "mass market use", but the technology you're referring to currently has zero market use. Nobody has released it, so why would it be cheaper now?

slippy_toad said:
I'm pretty sure 3D holoprojection without some kind of screen doesn't exist in any useful or affordable capacity.

True.
Unfortuntely the whole idea of projected holograms is a myth film/tv keeps putting forward. You cant get light to just "stop" in midair.
The closest we have to that is some high powered lazers that can make small pockets of air explode in precise ways...giving you floating red dots.

Other then that, -all- forms of projection..3d or 2d..have to be onto something. (even if its just smoke or water). Apples system even needs a very special display for you to hang on the wall in addition to the projector - I could that as a "screen" personaly, even if it is passive. (to be honest, 70% of their patent diagram applies to all 3D techiques, so I'm not quite getting how the "allows anyone to view from any angle" bit actualy works...I'm guessing it tracks where the eyes are and moves the projection to match)

In either case, your still quite right, far too impractical for home use.

What would you consider a worthwhile upgrade? Not having a go, just genuinely curious!

Well, I guess like the 3DS, I want both a graphics boast and some new innovation as well.

A few ideas;

Headtracking for first person game would be an easy thing to do. Did you see the Johney Lee wiimote demo with it? That was pretty impressive.
I'm sure for next gen it could be done just with a camera though. And it would be cool if it was standard for all next gen first person games. (or at least very very easy for developers to choose to use).

Other then that, obviously refinements to the wiimote.
Wireless nunchuck is "duh", but Id also like to see gyros in both bits, usb connector to charge while playing, better force feedback (recoil as well as shake), built in speaker better/mic added.

Also some way to give the wiimote better sense of 3d positioning when not facing the screen....fish-eye lens on its sensor maybe?
---
As for software, this is a really silly idea, but wouldn't it be call if developers could define a bit of their game as "module" for other games to use if they wish. That way as you get a bigger and bigger game collection you build up a collection of modules on the systems SDD.
Other games could use this in freaky or fun ways...diving you into the middle of one game from another, or taking models/sound/art from different games and putting it in the current games world.

While not suited for everything, for some stuff I think it would absolutely rock - and give the player a more personal expirence as their unique game collection is influenceing the game.

( Edited 10.03.2011 13:55 by Darkflame )

THere are still some easy improvements they should take on:

-Hard drive support

-Get rid of friend codes. The one code per system and for all games thing for 3DS is a start, but just let us pick our own names. Sure, some idiots will fill their username with swears, but it helps the vast majority of gamers. Nintendo caters too much to their fear of little kids and their parents getting offended.

-Better Wifi; the Wii's is a bit outdated. 802.11n support would be cool.

-Graphics boost. Duh. It's pretty cheap to get things looking as good as the Xbox 360 and PS3, by now.

-Rechargeable controller, wireless nunchuck (if they even base the next system on the Wii at all).

Anyway, back to projection, I just don't see how it would work. You'd need a screen, and you'd need to set the system some 10-15 feet away from said screen. People have enough trouble with the Kinect when it comes to spacing, switching to projection would be even worse. Unless they can make it project straight up from right below the screen, or something. But the more complicated it gets, the more expensive it gets, and Nintendo has never really gone for expensive.

The origin of this so called rumor was an anime fan site and is completely bogus. The only reason this bogus crud could spread so far is everyone is expecting a move from Nintendo. It's entirely possible that Nintendo's new console may be announced at E3 in June. That doesn't make this HD projector rumor anything more than the bogus story it began as on an anime fan site.