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[Mpl90]

IIRC, when Nintendo announced both 3DS and Wii successor (not Wii U yet), they said they would have been shown at E3, right away. This didn't happen when they talked about the QoL platform. They just said that the platform would have been shown / officially announced this year.

Today I would like to limit my presentation to the general direction of our new business, but I plan to announce more details within 2014. I then plan to talk about its specific features and a clearer vision of what we really mean by the term “non-wearable.”
This new business will be launched during the fiscal year ending March 2016, which begins in April 2015. As this is a completely new field of business, our plan is to make it contribute to our overall business and position it for growth from following fiscal year.

At the same time, Iwata didn't esitate to say their brand new efforts in using NFC would have been at E3.

This year, we will make full use of this function by preparing multiple proposals, including the implementation of NFC payments with JR East’s “Suica,” which we announced on a previous occasion. We will showcase our detailed propositions for utilizing the NFC functionality at E3 in Los Angeles in June.

So, if this rumour has any resemblance of being true, it shouldn't be the QoL platform.

Spoiler

I would have said also due to the whole tone of the announcement (including the "Games fan, this is what you have ben waiting for" phrase), but maybe it's better to not use obvious hype-inducing slogans as definitive hints

 

[Hex]

Thiss talk of suicide is cracking me up.
I don't believe it is a new system, but by no means would pulling the plug on the WiiU hurt Nintendo any more than the albatross of the WiiU is doing now.
"Hey it plays WiiU games" no harm done.

What? Is it going to drive away third parties?
Affect their strong market standing?

 

[outunderthestars]

I want a small $100 console with a wireless SNES style controller that plays Virtual console games and new downloadable content.

Give me that and a proper account system and I'm back in Nintendo.

I'll buy three of them and give the rest to family.

I have wanted that for years. They could sell wireless controllers from each generation if you want that truly classic feel, dump netflix, hulu, and amazon on it, and then make bank selling VC content.

 

[TheRealTalker]

WiiU redesign

without the gamepad likely

or maybe a cheaper gamepad and more memory

 

[takoyaki]

After the 2DS, everything is possible when it comes to Nintendo hardware. If they don't announce their QOL platform (which they probably won't at E3, unless it's more gaming related then we think), they will probably re-launch the WiiU.

My guess: "Wii2", same hardware without the gamepad, new game boxes that clearly say Wii2 on them, all Wii2 games will play on WiiU, WiiU games that use the gamepad won't play on the Wii2. Low entry price ($199-ish), first bundle with Smash around Xmas.

Or they'll announce an axe-shaped WiiU with mono-speakers ;-)

 

[Natureboy99]

I thought they're NOT doing a conference though?

 

[NimbusD]

Ugh, this is a no win scenario. If they do and it's not a backwards compatible handheld (that's the only thing I can think of that makes sense to unveil at e3) they're screwing over a lot of people. If they don't, well the hype train's building with or without them.

 

[Aquamarine]

I thought they're NOT doing a conference though?

So? Nintendo has announced hardware through Nintendo Directs before.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

Whatever it is we will all probably react like

 

[Freeman]

It sure was suicide when they released the DS when the GBA was only 3 and a half years old. The DS sold sooo poorly, am I right?

Completely different context now, 3-4 years cycle for a gaming portable now that everyone owns a smartphone is just crazy.

 

[Trago]

Put it this way if the highly unlikely happened,new revised hardware with better third party support I could be there day one. This is the first gen for me that I haven't bought Nintendo hardware.

I'm not expecting much on that front, maybe a Call of Duty announcement, and maybe even Destiny since Activision is one of the last peeps paying the Wii U's life support bills.

 

[Sandfox]

Blame Sony. The PSP announcement got Nintendo into a reactionary stance: one that turned in solid gold.

This is no longer the Nintendo that reacted to that announcement.

Gameboy Color?

 

[ArchedThunder]

I cannot see it being a 3DS replacement or a replacement WiiU either, both would be years too soon.

That's it, I'm exploding, I've had to explain that this is completely wrong like 20 times in the past month.

 

[Zalman]

Too early for a new console.
Too early for a new handheld.

Which means it's a revision.

Probably not a Wii U revision. They already have a lot of stock they need to sell.
So my guess is it's a new 3DS model.

 

[Trevelyan9999]

It will be the QOL platform. They will probably show some kind of prototype that looks all magical/fantasy like but say it's coming in 2016-17.

They will most likely announce the 3DS succesor as a combo announcement, saying that it will be compatible with the QOL also.

This will give Nintendo the opportunity to double down on the Wii U right now and tell everyone to buy it since it is not going anywhere and also give those investors something to invest in for the future.

Sounds like a fun E3.

 

[Ataru]

Wow, at the unrealistic expectations. It's probably a new 3DS model. Unless it's some sort of third tier hardware, targeting casuals or the Chinese market.

Obviously not Wii-U related at all, just look at the pricing of the Mario Kart bundle.

 

[Mory Dunz]

QoL is a non wearable though...

Joke backfire.

 

[big_erk]

Maybe a new 3DS sku but nothing more

Would 3rd parties have much knowledge if it was only a new SKU?

 

[Linkstrikesback]

the 3DS is fine. I doubt there's even a revision coming.

Why? Look at the recent release history for nintendos handheld hardware.

DSi XL : 2010
3DS OG: 2011
3DS XL : 2012
2DS: 2013

And everywhere outside of japan, you also had the original DSi model in 2009(it dropped very late into 2008 for Japan).

It's extremely likely nintendo is going to have another 3DS model of some sort this year.

 

[Hip Hop]

So... $999?

NINE-HUNDRED AND NINETY-NINE US DOLLARS!

I can already here it.

 

[Mango The Magician]

So the dude who worked at Nintendo saw GAF and told IGN?

I didn't read the article and still haven't, but any rumor that starts with I work at X company, is usually just some dude on the internet.

 

[outunderthestars]

Completely different context now, 3-4 years cycle for a gaming portable now that everyone owns a smartphone is just crazy.

Not sure I follow you. Do you mean that Noe days, a 4 year handheld is crazy because it is too long, or too short?

 

[jax]

3DSi, built from the ground up with NNIDs and Miiverse completely integrated into the OS. Friend Codes gone forever. Faster CPU and more RAM, which can be used by 3DSi-enhanced games. Better cameras. Second analogue slider, and two extra shoulder buttons, which together act as a Circle Pad Pro in supported games. Can be used as a Wii U controller.

Add SLIM and you're right on the money.

 

[GregLombardi]

They need something, whatever it is. I expect craziness, but I could see it being something small as well.

 

[georly]

Too early for a new console.
Too early for a new handheld.

Which means it's a revision.

Probably not a Wii U revision. They already have a lot of stock they need to sell.
So my guess is it's a new 3DS model.

Or a '3rd Pillar'

They could always come up with something that doesn't directly compete with 3DS/Wii U.

 

[Rösti]

From the earnings call earlier this year...

- QOL platform will roll out in April 2015, integrated with games, business plan details in 2014,

Obviously this could mean an E3 reveal of the QOL 'non-wearable' hardware (whatever it is).

It could most certainly mean that. The programming format (Digital Event) makes sense if they want to reveal it at E3. Less noise and distracting reactions than if they did a regular press conference. Though I think we can expect something more about the QOL platform at the investor meeting next week.

 

[Aaronrules380]

IIRC, when Nintendo announced both 3DS and Wii successor (not Wii U yet), they said they would have been shown at E3, right away. This didn't happen when they talked about the QoL platform. They just said that the platform would have been shown / officially announced this year.



At the same time, Iwata didn't esitate to say their brand new efforts in using NFC would have been at E3.



So, if this rumour has any resemblance of being true, it shouldn't be the QoL platform.

Spoiler

I would have said also due to the whole tone of the announcement (including the "Games fan, this is what you have ben waiting for" phrase), but maybe it's better to not use obvious hype-inducing slogans as definitive hints

Pretty sure Nintendo said that because leaks and rumors had already started spreading beforehand from credible sources. I don't think it's a brand new system, probably just a revision at best, but still not impossible

 

[Joco]

New handheld? That seems most likely. Whether or not that means a 3DS revision or an entirely new model, who knows.

 

[Anth0ny]

QOL or 3DS revision.

 

[TheFLYINGManga_Ka]

New Nintendo console with Zelda as its launch game! 2015 release date!

As powerful as a PS4! $349.99!

Zelda U cancelled!

Wouldn't be too mad as long I play that next Zelda!

 

[hipbabboom]

Or maybe:

12 Core Intel Xeon 2.7 GHz Processor with Nvidia Titan Z Graphics
32GB of DDR4 RAM with 16GB of GDDR6 RAM at 2 TB/s
2TB PCIe SSD
802.11ac wireless
Archival Disc (300GB to 1TB storage per disc)
Backwards compatibility

Make your jokes but save for the gpu... this is likely going to be the spec of my next PC

 

[MrGreencastle]

Add SLIM and you're right on the money.

The 3DS U.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

Featuring 10 minute battery life. Seriously, that gamepad only gets like 5 hours tops without all the wii u internals inside.

Solar AND Moon powered, duh.

 

[Kyoufu]

I wouldn't mind a vastly improved GamePad refresh with USB charging.

 

[Xater]

Completely different context now, 3-4 years cycle for a gaming portable now that everyone owns a smartphone is just crazy.

There are people that buy a ne phone every year and you think that a 3-4 year cycle for a handheld is crazy?

 

[GYNGA]

3DS or Wii U redesign is my guess

 

[ArchedThunder]

I didn't read the article and still haven't, but any rumor that starts with I work at X company, is usually just some dude on the internet.

That's not what the rumor is, it was one of their sources, as in verified people. Maybe you should actually read before posting.

 

[ekim]

All those meltdowns when Nintendo announces a new console that's more powerful than it's direct competitors.

 

[Dion Blaster]

The Wii U Lite. Comes with 2 pro controllers, no gamepad, updated firmware for navigating UI without gamepad, and a game packed in. $200

 

[jony_m]

3ds xl lite plz

that thing is a monolith

 

[Gorillaz]

Did Nintendo ever say what they wanted to do with a QoL division? is it more of an educational and exercise thing?

That could be interesting.

 

[outunderthestars]

The Wii U Lite. Comes with 2 pro controllers, no gamepad, updated firmware for navigating UI without gamepad, and a game packed in. $200

Pro controllers still cost money to make. No way they could put two in the box and sell it at $200

 

[Canis lupus]

QoL.

What does this even mean, healthcare, medicinal gaming?

 

[ahm998]

I think It will be called Wii U Boost with strong third party support.

And Nintendo will make wii U for Qol+ Indie + first party games.

They will stop support wii U after 4 years and complete support on Wii U Boost.

 

[ReturnOfTheRAT]

All those meltdowns when Nintendo announces a new console that's more powerful than it's direct competitors.

Let him dream.

 

[georly]

"Wii U 4 One"

The all-in-One Nintendo System system, just 4 'U'!

Duh.

 

[Tathanen]

Gotta be my much awaited final 3DS revision. GIMME DAT.

 

[Tobor]

I have wanted that for years. They could sell wireless controllers from each generation if you want that truly classic feel, dump netlifc, hulu, and amazon on it, and then make bhnk selling VC content.

Exactly. They won't do it of course. It makes too much sense.

 

[Dion Blaster]

Pro controllers still cost money to make. No way they could put two in the box and sell it at $200

Okay maybe one. But I was under the impression that controllers are massively marked up and don't cost anywhere close to the $40 selling price to produce.

 

[Exterminieren]

I thought they're NOT doing a conference though?

Assuming that this is just a revision rather than a new console, Nintendo revealed the 3DS XL in a Direct the month after E3. They announced the 2DS out of the clear blue sky.

In fact, if whatever this is IS being revealed at E3, I'd suggest that it's something more important than a cosmetic refresh- along the lines of a Wii U sans Gamepad, possibly.

I think It will be called Wii U Boost with strong third party support.

And Nintendo will make wii U for Qol+ Indie + first party games.

They will stop support wii U after 4 years and complete support on Wii U Boost.

Holy consumer confusion, Batman.

Hell, I'd confused.