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Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime squashes Wii HD rumors... again

by Darren Murph posted Nov 6th 2009 at 12:52PM

Oh, brother. Here we go again. Just over a year after Nintendo's own Reggie Fils-Aime denied the existence of a forthcoming Wii HD, the bigwig is having to make that very same denial again. Naturally, a few new rumors of an HD-enabled Wii have surfaced since that fateful day in October of 2008, and with the recent price drop, it made sense to think that the Big N might actually be looking ahead. Instead, it seems that it's perfectly content selling hundreds of thousands of consoles that want nothing to do with modern amenities like "HDMI," "1080i" and "things that the PS3 and Xbox 360 have offered since day one." The man's exact quote?
"I don't know how forcefully we can say there is no Wii HD."
And Reggie, we don't know how much more forcefully you can continue to break our hearts.

[Via Joystiq]

Netflix streaming purportedly hitting Nintendo's Wii next

by Darren Murph posted Oct 28th 2009 at 5:24PM

Mmhmm. We see precisely where this is going. First came Microsoft's Xbox 360, then came the PlayStation 3. Now, the beast that is Netflix's "Watch Instantly" is coming to Nintendo's Wii... or that's the scuttlebutt, anyway. According to StreamingMedia, an undisclosed source close to the project has confirmed that the Big N is currently testing Netflix streaming on the Wii, and that it'll be rolled out to the public "very soon." Our initial reaction is to think that "very soon" will translate into "before the holidays," though we all know that only time will tell. But hey, when you've been waiting for this to happen since March, patience comes naturally.

PlayOn for Wii beta to be announced tomorrow

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 25th 2009 at 1:44PM

We know that some of you streaming media fanatics have been indulging in this one for the better part of a month already, but just in case: tomorrow the kids at MediaMall officially announce the beta release of PlayOn for Wii. The software license runs $39.99, but there is a 14-day free trial -- so you can see for yourself whether or not it makes sense to tie up your console with re-runs of CSI: Miami when you could be better off shakin' your groove thing to Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party. Hit the read link and decide for yourself.

[Via New York Times]

PlayOn media server now serving Wii customers (in beta, anyway)

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 2:49AM


We knew good and well that the fine folks over at MediaMall were toiling away in an attempt to bring internet TV content from YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN and a host of other sources to Nintendo's white-hot Wii, but there's just nothing like hearing that intentions have become reality. Based on an email from MediaMall support to a particularly curious user, the "latest version of PlayOn includes a beta version of Wii functionality in it." Naturally, the company's doing its darnedest to keep this under wraps for now, but we're eager to get legions of Wii users testing it out and reporting back with performance evaluations. The note does mention that quality will be lower than on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 due to the inherit hardware limitations on Nintendo's baby, but hey, you knew that going in, right? Hop on past the break for the letter in its entirety, which includes instructions on getting this going on your console.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Continue reading PlayOn media server now serving Wii customers (in beta, anyway)

Analyst sees Wii HD in 2010

by Richard Lawler posted May 6th 2009 at 7:17AM


Really need to know when Wii games in 720p or higher resolutions will finally be officially available? In lieu of having no idea whatsoever, let us substitute the (slightly better?) option of dates pulled out of the air estimated by noted industry analyst Michael Pachter. He doesn't see any new consoles from the already-HD camp until 2013, with the long rumored Wii HD due in 2010. We know, 480p maximum output is the only thing keeping you from a fit, balance boarded lifestyle and also hope to see a proper high definition console from Nintendo as soon as possible, check the read link for all the financial details and reasonings why next year could be the year.

[Via Joystiq]

Emulator runs Wii games in 720p while we wonder what might have been

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 31st 2009 at 7:02PM


Using PCs to do what Nintendon't, YouTube user renebarahona is running Wii games in HD resolutions through the Dolphin emulator. One peek at Super Smash Bros. Brawl in 720p is enough to make any of us wonder what a world where Nintendo didn't hate HD (even yanking 480p capability from the Gamecube, we're still not over that) would be like. These games aren't merely upscaled like DVDs, they're being rendered in a high resolution natively with extra anti-aliasing Xbox 360 BC-style, producing surprisingly crisp visuals. Check out the embedded videos after the break (remember to hit the HD button) for an example, including how to set this up on your own computer.

Continue reading Emulator runs Wii games in 720p while we wonder what might have been

Netflix headed for the Wii?

by Paul Miller posted Mar 21st 2009 at 1:29PM


There's a new survey from Netflix making the rounds, asking customers if they'd like to watch Netflix on the Wii. The service would apparently require a $9.99 "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc," which users could pop into the system when they wanted to watch -- far be it from Nintendo to offer a firmware update. While many of the folks we know are already getting Netflix on their Xboxen, the Wii would obviously let Netflix hit a lot more households with those Instant Watch goodies, if this ever comes to pass. As for Sony, it's still denying any plans for Netflix on the PS3, but perhaps this would help change its mind (and won't involve another $10 DVD -- we only have so many Hamiltons to go around).

Reggie Fils-Aime denies Wii HD rumor

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 7th 2008 at 11:07AM

Reggie Fils-AimeNintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime sat down with VentureBeat on the heels of last week's DSi announcement, and while he didn't drop any major bombshells, he did put the kibosh on those Wii HD rumors, saying that they were "pure rumor and speculation" and that Nintendo wouldn't show off upcoming models to devs as the rumors claimed. Reggie also downplayed the talk that Nintendo is going head to head against Apple, saying that Ninty's always "viewed ourselves as competing in a larger entertainment space." That's the end of that for now, we suppose -- but Reggie didn't close the door on either rumor entirely, and his closing comment that Nintendo's good fortunes "makes us the most paranoid people in the world"certainly keeps possibilities open. Hit the read link for the full interview.

Ask Engadget HD: Which gaming console suits HD junkies best?

by Darren Murph posted May 28th 2008 at 11:45AM


Now that the big three have been out for quite some time (though securing the white one is still somewhat problematic, we hear), we figured it was a good time to throw this question out for folks finally looking to make their pick and snag a console:

"I've got a satisfactory HDTV now that I enjoy HD programming and Blu-ray movies on, but I'm getting the itch to pick up a console as well. Obviously, the only two out there that can really support HD gaming are the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though I'm not ruling the Wii out completely. I know the PS3 would seem a no-brainer if I didn't already have a BD player, but removing that from the equation, which is likely to suit the HD lover best?"

Drop those gamepads and get over here -- this fellow needs some advice! Does the gameplay on Nintendo's unit trump the woefully underpowered hardware? Is the Xbox 360 superior to the PS3 graphically? Sound off however you'd like, just keep the fanboy comments to yourself.

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Nintendo launches TV Guide Channel in Japan, enables Wiimote to control TV

by Darren Murph posted Mar 4th 2008 at 11:05AM


For Wii owners not located in Japan, get ready to weep. Why? Because users in the aforementioned nation now have access to an incredibly fascinating new channel and you, well, don't. Details on the TV Guide Channel are still a bit fuzzy (read: lost in machine translation), but based on what we've pieced together, users can surf through shows on the EPG, share their favorites with friends, see how popular a program is (using demographic data, too) and even receive an e-mail / SMS alert 30 minutes prior to a flagged show's start time. Best of all, however, is the ability to use your Wiimote as a television remote. You heard right -- owners can use their Wii controller (via the sensor bar) to dictate volume, switch channels and flip back and forth between their shows and the TV Guide Channel. Now, how long must the rest of the free world wait? Check out the gallery over on Classic for a few more looks at what you're (probably) missing out on.

[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]

Continue reading Nintendo launches TV Guide Channel in Japan, enables Wiimote to control TV

Poll: Is your console connected to an HDTV?

by Darren Murph posted Dec 22nd 2007 at 12:00PM


We know what Nielsen found, but now we're interested in doing a little super-scientific research of our own. For all the gamers out there, what kind of television is your console(s) connected to? Still rockin' the RCA tube set circa 1991? Just upgraded to a snazzy new flat-panel? Check out the options below and toss in your vote, or if you don't see anything you like, sound off in comments, capiche?

Is your console connected to an HDTV?

XCM unveils Multi-Component Cable v2: console connections unite

by Darren Murph posted Jan 6th 2007 at 9:48PM

We're all about keeping things nice and well kempt, and if you're the type who's sporting a house full of consoles, you know precisely how difficult a clean wiring solution is to maintain. Helping to clear out that rat's nest of cabling is XCM -- those same folks who brought us the XFPS -- which is delivering the Multi-Component Cable v2 to simply that cord conundrum. Sporting a trio of connectors, this single device can simultaneously connect to your Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, and reportedly your dusty PS2 as well, and plugs into your TV set via component outs. As you might expect, a simple flip of the toggle switch changes the console you see on screen without you having to risk your life climbing atop the television. Currently, the device is still stuck in "preview" mode, but XCM promises to have a full list of specs and availability details ready soon, and if you can catch a video sneak peek after the jump.

Continue reading XCM unveils Multi-Component Cable v2: console connections unite

Surprise of the day: HDTVs top holiday shopping lists

by Darren Murph posted Nov 29th 2006 at 11:54PM

Okay, so it's probably not exactly shocking, especially considering the skyrocketing sales of RPTVs in the most recent quarter, and the (presumed) riots over cheap LCDs and plasmas on Black Friday. But the fact still remains that even though Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft are off tooting their own (console-based) horns, consumers are still eying those big screen televisions above all else. Reports suggest that TVs don't seem "very complicated, and they're not terribly expensive," which makes sense considering the plummeting prices of HDTVs over the past few months. Notably, the holiday's dust collectors are none other than "DVD players / recorders," presumably including those still pricey HD DVD and Blu-ray units. So if a svelte new set is atop your holiday wish list, rest assured, you're not alone.

Hooking up a Wii to your HDTV? Preorder cables now

by Richard Lawler posted Nov 15th 2006 at 5:56PM

The Nintendo Wii might max out at a 480p resolution, but plenty of HDTV owning gamers will be picking one up at launch. Unfortunately, component cables for the console (not included -- although even some high priced consoles don't have them either) won't be available on store shelves at launch either. With the cables not listed as arriving until December at popular videogame retailers, the only sure option is to order now from Nintendo's website and spend extra on shipping. If you're asking yourself why cables are so important when the system is at best EDTV anyway, remember the lessons learned from the last generation. PlayStation 2 and Xbox games (and other sources) are considerably clearer on HDTVs when using component connections as compared to S-Video or composite cables, and early reviews of the Wii show the same trend. Remember, friends don't let friends game in 480i.

Read - Wii component cables available online now, in stores December 5
Read - PSA: Use the right cables for your TV

Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi: HD is very important to gaming

by Richard Lawler posted Jul 26th 2006 at 2:28PM

Finally, someone who gets it. While some (Nintendo) seem to believe HD comes at the expense of gameplay, Tetsuya Mizuguchi believes that the increased resolution can give games even more emotional impact. He remarks on a feeling that many of us have had, when watching a movie we've seen over and over, watching it again in HD can give an entirely new feeling. Sure playing Mike Tyson's Punch-Out on NES was (and is) fun, but this is 2006. High definition allows you to appreciate lumping up opponents faces in Fight Night Round 3 in ways the SNES never could. Even simple games like Geometry Wars are even more inpressive on HDTVs, there's nothing like having millions of multicolored geometrical shapes chasing you on an enormous screen with no blurring whatsoever. In the interview with Games Industry Mizuguchi goes on to add that he thinks other elements like 5.1 surround sound and particularly online connectivity combine with high-def as a new frontier for gaming.

This is the man who created such classics as Sega Rally, Lumines, Rez, Manx TT and others. He understands the importance of good gameplay, but instead of shrugging off HD as a niche product with little value, he's willing to acknowledge the possibilities and look for ways to enhance gamers experience, rather than limit it.




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