Wii 2 Could Be Released Piece by Piece

Nintendo could be releasing Wii 2 right now

Disclaimer: I don't, for one second, think this is "real."  I don't think this is what is "going to happen."  The point of this article isn't to make any sort of predictions.  It scarcely should even be considered speculation.  Instead, this article is strictly entertaining a hypothetical situation; it's a mental game of problem solving.

Nintendo positioned themselves as a low-cost option in the interactive entertainment market.  They did well to innovate in terms of control input for this generation.  Also, they decided to forgo high-definition graphics with the Wii.  They went for a simplified online system (compared to the competition).  Many consider the Wii "current gen" when comparing it to its Gamecube predecessor, which the Wii is based on.

How can Nintendo catch up to Sony and Microsoft in terms of the high-tech gaming elements?  Are they destined to be last place in graphics (in technical terms), online systems, and the things that Nintendo has seemingly disregarded?

Reposition

First, we need to accept this concept: Nintendo cares.  In a world where Nintendo cares about competing with other companies in terms of the "core gamer" elements, this situation could actually come about.

We don't have a solid notion that Nintendo does care about competing in the high-powered areas of gaming, but that doesn't stop this situation from being considered.  Instead, we need to accept this hypothetical circumstance to continue on.

So, Nintendo wants to create a new console with HD graphics and a revamped online system (or what have you in regards to "high tech" gaming elements).  Assuming so, they could have troubles keeping it at a low price.

The best solution for Nintendo is to change gears.  Nintendo needs to shift their focus from being control-centric to zoning in on the more "non-tangible" elements of gaming.  The company centers around innovating on control input.  Logically, less effort and R&D dollars (more appropriately, yen) being spent on new and exciting controls should leave more time and money for the things most complainers have yearned for: a more fleshed-out system.

The question turns: how does Nintendo accomplish this?

Reuse

Microsoft looms with Project Natal.  Sony edges closer with Arc.  Even with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime showing "no fear" (via Gizmodo), a wise businessman takes their competition seriously.

Microsoft and Sony are taking interesting turns at this stage in their console cycles.  Both companies, whose game systems predominantly demonstrate the advancing technology and graphical capabilities of home gaming, are developing new controllers.  Without a doubt, this is very "Nintendo" of them.

Let's not assume that Nintendo's plan is to counter-attack in predictable ways, with new(er) and (more) exciting control styles.  Instead, as we're hypothesizing, Nintendo is striking back in the graphics and online department, the one area of video games where they decidedly come in "last."

To accomplish this, they use the Wii Remote.  Again.

Even better, Nintendo would update the Wii Remote.  This proven device with an already-established install base becomes the iPod of gaming, with newer, better versions of it available.  As a better comparison, one could liken it to the DualShock 2 controller.

To clarify, recall that PlayStation owners that upgraded to the PlayStation 2 could play their original games and even new ones while using their PlayStation controller.  Still, a newer, altered version of the controller was released with the PlayStation 2.

Similarly, the Wii Remote begets the Wii Remote 2.  Perhaps Nintendo would include a better speaker in this new controller.  MotionPlus, as many rumors go, would certainly be included in its initial design.

This would be Nintendo's low-cost solution: existing technology (arguably, again).  The Wii Remote has been a success story.  With millions sold, why would Nintendo abandon it?

This also means that the Wii Remote 2 could very well be released BEFORE the new console.  Nintendo could be working on new peripherals that are designed just as much for Wii HD (or 2, or Dolphin, or whatever) as they are for the Wii.

Reduce

Nintendo could then release their new console "in pieces" for Wii gamers to pick up ahead of time.  What happens then?  A new Wii HD could easily be reduced to a $250 price, and you would already have the controllers to go with it.

Were Nintendo to go the Sony route, there's no need to change the design of the controller as well.  Good news, all those plastic guns and wheels that your Wii Remote clips into would also hold the Wii Remote 2.

This works the other way as well.  If Nintendo shows consistency, then a Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and MotionPlus could be sufficient controllers for the new console.  Buying all those devices sounds a lot better to the consumer when they find out they work for two systems.

Were this to be Nintendo's solution, expect the new system to sell out all over again for the next few years

With the Wii, Nintendo already turned everything we thought we knew about game console releases and video games on its head.  I wouldn't put it re-using controllers past them.

Re-think

After entertaining the thought, I find that doubts still linger.  For one, we have to assume that Nintendo cares about things like high-definition graphics or a more enriching online experience.

Even more, we have to assume that Nintendo is willing to act on this soon.  Nothing could be further from current indications from the company.  If anything, Nintendo's constant denial of an upcoming console shows their desire to ride out the Wii to its last sale.

Nintendo, especially Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata, have made a habit of denying "Wii HD" for the past few months.  Their thought process revolves around adding HD to the current system, and how they don't consider that "enough" to make the new system worthwhile.  It's likely that they would also feel the same about using the same controls again in the new system.

However, the new console we hope for has far more features than what the current Wii offers.  Also, this doesn't discount the idea of Nintendo still innovating on supplemental controls for the system.

This brings up the Vitality Sensor.  Nintendo will be exhibiting the mysterious heart rate/pulse monitoring accessory in July, and possibly in June at E3.  If Nintendo believes that the Vitality Sensor can breath new life into the Wii, they have no reason to announce a new console.

Of course, none of this stops Nintendo from releasing the first parts of their new system, in the form of the Wii Remote 2.  As long as it doesn't come in white and no other colors for the first three years of its release, you'll hear no complaints from me.