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Developers Criticise Wii U Graphical Power

04.04.2012

Developers Criticise Wii U Graphical Power on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

Sources working at high profile studios have supposedly criticised the Wii U's power, stating that it's less than the PS3/360.

Speaking to GamesIndustry earlier this week, anonymous folk at key studios who are familiar with Nintendo's latest home offering have confessed that the hardware just isn't up to Xbox 360 or PS3 standard.

No, it's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360. The graphics are just not as powerful.

There aren't as many shaders, it's not as capable. Sure, some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up.

These comments came from two developers working on upcoming Wii U titles.

Previously the Wii U was expected to be at least on par with the PS3 and Xbox 360 in terms of architecture and graphical output. However it's likely if these sources are to be believed, that the overall tech had to be limited to keep costs down with the new tablet controller in mind.

It wasn't just the machine that came under fire either. The controller, boasting a rich touch-screen, camera and the ability to stream high quality output from the Wii U, was also a concern for devs.

The whole thing about the tablet controller is that you only get one of them, and you can only use one and it's not completely independent. The base console has to be on, and you have to be in range. Other controllers are just Wiimotes, or other Wii controllers. They may change the form factor or looks a bit, but it's the same controller.

The main issue was multiplayer - with one or two Wii U controllers supposedly the maximum, just who would get to use them in a four player setting? Could it limit the experience considerably for others?

Whatever the weather, Nintendo is set to reveal all at this year's E3 Expo. Exciting times!

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RudyC3 04.04.2012#1

Which developer was it again who said recently that the first WiiU development kits weren't very powerful but that the latest Nintendo offered to developers were more powerful than the first ones? I'm pretty sure I read something along those lines a couple weeks back.

Perhaps these developers are still working on the older model kits?

Just found this but that's not what i was looking for:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=36382948&postcount=10178

EDIT: Here's another:

http://gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=173468

( Edited 04.04.2012 00:42 by RudyC3 )

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Mush 04.04.2012#2

Rudy, this is a complaint from an ANONYMOUS "high profile" developer. It's probably just a bunch of regular PS360 fans that are making this bullshit up. If they had provided the development team they work for and their names, I would find it more believable. Most of the other devs (Ubisoft, Epic, Gearbox) are very impressed with the Wii U.

bornforthis43 04.04.2012#3

Honestly, I'm really scared for Nintendo's future. It doesn't matter if they come out with the most graphical powerful thing ever because next year, the PS4 and next Xbox will be even more powerful. And power sadly draws the masses.

Sonic_13 04.04.2012#4

I don't believe this for a second for two reasons:

1) We've already seen early examples of what Wii U can produce graphically. The real-time Zelda demo was stunning and clearly demonstrates its graphical prowess.

2) Many non-anonymous developers and reputable gaming news sites have already stated that Wii U is a powerful console and more powerful console than existing consoles.

Now because of "anonymous" sources everybody is up in arms over the Wii U supposedly being weaker than existing consoles?

I wish news sites would stop publishing this crap.

( Edited 04.04.2012 04:24 by Sonic_13 )

Sonic_13 04.04.2012#5

bornforthis43 said:
And power sadly draws the masses.

That conclusion may seem logical but doesn't exactly hold up to the facts.

The less powerful PS2 outsold the Xbox and Gamecube.
The less powerful DS outsold the PSP.
The less powerful 3DS is outselling the PSVita.
The less powerful Wii outsold the 360 and PS3.

The key is developer support, not power. If developers like Wii U and attach to it (especially before the other consoles come out) then it likely won't matter a whole lot if the other consoles are more powerful.

~~Vorash Kadan 04.04.2012~~#6

Honestly if Devs & fans don't stop focusing so heavily on graphics then we're gonna have an industry crash like we did in the 80's.

People are gonna smarten up, want more than just a pretty picture...but no one in the industry will be knowledgable enough to provide...this will be a sad...SAD day.

It is not wise to speak on subjects you do not know all facts about, nor is it smart to judge a game based on looks alone. PSN: Nintendo_Gamer 3DS: 4296-3029-7422

Canyarion 04.04.2012#7

So if the source was anonymous anyway, why didn't he come with some raw numbers? Some tech specs to show his point?
And if he just wanted to say the console is not as powerful as PS360, why did he stay anonymous? It's not like he's not allowed to say that.

All these rumors are really frustrating me. I want Wii U to be at least as powerful as the current other consoles. I agree with Vorash Kadan that graphics will become less important in the next generation, but I'm worried that developers and gamers will criticize Wii U too heavily if it's weak.

E3 where art thou?

Edit: How can "graphics" be "powerful" anyway?

( Edited 04.04.2012 08:22 by Canyarion )

SirLink 04.04.2012#8

The graphics are just not as powerful.

Seems legit.

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Marzeee 04.04.2012#9

SirLink said:
The graphics are just not as powerful.

Seems legit.

Smilie

Canyarion 04.04.2012#10

I made a speculation thread about the Wii's hardware power. http://www.cubed3.com/topic/61672

Supa_hyped 04.04.2012#11

nintendo would have to be using ancient components to make wiiu less powerful than current gen xbox/ps3. besides as has already been said, top studios have come out with completely contrasting statements. whats the name of this studio who made these comments?

the worlds biggest software studio, EA, came out and said something akin to the wii u will be the first next gen console. thats good enuff for me.

even if the console is weaker graphically when the nextbox/ps4 drop there wont be such a noticeable difference and we all know what nintendo can do graphically with their games. wii is less powerful than current gen hardware but games like galaxy and smash bros hold their own against lesser current gen games. imagine what they could do with more powerful hardware.

at the end of the day wiiu info is thin on the ground at the moment so this rumour has gained legs and has been jumped on by ppl who have short term memories.

as always wait till nintendo speak then the truth will be revealed

Darkflame 04.04.2012#12

"not many shaders" is very supprising, normaly Nintendos pretty good with that. (check out the water effects on the Cube on Sunshine etc, they still look better then most current gen games)
Likewise RE:R on the 3DS has a lot of nice shadeing techiques.
--

That said, I share the controller worries.
I want a improved Wiimote as standard, theres a lot more that can be done with the tech.

Overall I think it was a mistake to have a new, separate, screen controller - having a optional screen plugin the side of a wiimote like device would have worked better.

Also, why no analogue triggers on the thing?

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

Darkflame 04.04.2012#13

Edit: How can "graphics" be "powerful" anyway?

It doesn't have enough "Bit" Smilie

http://www.fanficmaker.com <-- Tells some truly terrible tales.
Last update; Mice,Plumbers,Animatronics and Airbenders. We also have the socials; Facebook & G+.

Mush 04.04.2012#14

Vorash Kadan said:
Honestly if Devs & fans don't stop focusing so heavily on graphics then we're gonna have an industry crash like we did in the 80's.
People are gonna smarten up, want more than just a pretty picture...but no one in the industry will be knowledgable enough to provide...this will be a sad...SAD day.

...We're not focusing on graphics at all. Even if the Wii U was less powerful/Just as powerful as the PS3/360, I would still buy it. I'm a fan of Nintendo, I love they games they make, I don't care about graphics. With that being said though, I'm sure you would like to see some of Nintendo's top series with HD graphics. Just as a little... extra, I guess.

Mandown 04.04.2012#15

One thing is for sure, Microsoft and Sony's next consoles will make Nintendo's WiiU look feeble in comparison. If Microsoft and Sony show at this years E3, as some now expect, it could seriously hamper WiiU.

SirLink 04.04.2012#16

Linkyshinks said:
If Microsoft and Sony show at this years E3, as some now expect, it could seriously hamper WiiU.

I thought both Microsoft and Sony made it quite clear a few months ago when they both stated that they won't announce their new consoles at this year's E3 and that 2012 still belongs to the Xbox 360 (+ Kinect) and PS3.

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bornforthis43 04.04.2012#17

SirLink said:

I thought both Microsoft and Sony made it quite clear a few months ago when they both stated that they won't announce their new consoles at this year's E3 and that 2012 still belongs to the Xbox 360 (+ Kinect) and PS3.

Yep, that's why this is gonna be Nintendo's year to shine. 2013 is when Orbis and Durango will come out.

~~Vorash Kadan 04.04.2012~~#18

Mush123 said:
Vorash Kadan said:
Honestly if Devs & fans don't stop focusing so heavily on graphics then we're gonna have an industry crash like we did in the 80's.
People are gonna smarten up, want more than just a pretty picture...but no one in the industry will be knowledgable enough to provide...this will be a sad...SAD day.
...We're not focusing on graphics at all. Even if the Wii U was less powerful/Just as powerful as the PS3/360, I would still buy it. I'm a fan of Nintendo, I love they games they make, I don't care about graphics. With that being said though, I'm sure you would like to see some of Nintendo's top series with HD graphics. Just as a little... extra, I guess.

Don't stress Mush my comment wasn't directed at you, it's towards the people who are true Graphic Whores & have started with the ps or later. It's THOSE people who lack experience now (just like we did when we started gaming in the 80's/EARLY 90's) but they WILL gain a better understanding of what people truely find enjoyable in games, even if it's subconcious to them now.

I USED to be a heavy Graphic Whore, esspecially during the SNES Genesis war. But as time went on & the more I played, the better appreciation I gained for what's underneath a video game's skin. THAT is the only thing that lasts the test of time & gameplay will always be enjoyable...but graphics will always get better so what looks good NOW will look dull later, & people will realise this FACT & want more from their experience.

It is not wise to speak on subjects you do not know all facts about, nor is it smart to judge a game based on looks alone. PSN: Nintendo_Gamer 3DS: 4296-3029-7422

Sonic_13 04.04.2012#19

Linkyshinks said:
One thing is for sure, Microsoft and Sony's next consoles will make Nintendo's WiiU look feeble in comparison. If Microsoft and Sony show at this years E3, as some now expect, it could seriously hamper WiiU.

For sure? People said the same thing when the non-HD Wii was introduced against the powerful HD 360 and PS3 at E3 2006. Yet the complete opposite was true. People formed some of the largest lines ever seen to play Wii at E3 and the system was constantly sold out for almost a year after launch.

The one thing that is "for sure" about this industry is that nothing is for sure.

Stulaw 05.04.2012#20

I can't believe people believe this BS, it reads like a youtube fanboy comment, even the people over at neogaf have been rational about this, it's amazing that whenever named developers praise the system, no-one bats an eyelid, but when it's annonymous and negative, everyone believes it.

( Edited 05.04.2012 21:28 by Stulaw )