Nintendo’s next console turns the world of video games on its side: Due in 2006, the new console will be backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube.
The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES). Players also can buy and add new levels and characters to games made specifically for the new console. The new console has 512 megabytes of on-board flash memory. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
The console’s stylish look houses a single, self-loading media bay for both 12-centimeter optical discs for new games as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.
It will have wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
A number of Wi-Fi-enabled games will be ready at launch, and the new console will build on – and add to – Nintendo’s rich stable of star franchises. A new development architecture will accommodate both big-budget games as well as artistic, indie offerings designed to make sure that everyone from video game experts to newcomers find ways to share and enjoy the gaming experience.
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