Previous Generation Radeon HD Powers the Wii U

This is beyond F'ing sad.



I can buy a 6870 RIGHT NOW for $165 after rebate. I'm sure if Nintendo was approaching Nvidia or AMD, they could strike a handsome deal on something similar.


Why are they going to charge in the range of $400, for a console that has CHEAP ASS hardware in it? Nintendo is seriously the Apple of consoles.

It really looks like toms hardware will be shitting on the wiiu untill its released....Zelda in 1080p...comeon that as to count for something...oh an first post

Thanks for pushing the envelope Nintendo! Guess I'll be waiting a while before upgrading my video card again

I just replaced an HD4870 from 2008 with a GTX 560ti. So the next Wii Console might be as powerful as my 3 year old graphics card.

Hopefully the Xbox 720 will come out a year later then the Wii U sporting a HD8000 based GPU in it, and you know be caught up with the current PC hardware.

The Wii U should have been called the Wii 2, it will be just as far behind and based around a stupid controller as the first one!

The console will be cheap, but the controller will be $200 by itself!

If they pack 1 gb of vram on that it will at least be able to run current console games at 1080p, but don't bet on anything too fancy. But when people have talked about the controller they have pointed out the terribly outdated tech in those as well.

When the new Xbox and PS3 comes out, it better have graphics equal to that of the new Unreal tech demo that came out recently at the GDC. Epic said a reason they showed it off was to show what current graphics tech could do when running tri-SLI, in the hopes that this would get console makers to want to put out new consoles sooner rather than later. I'm all for it, but the graphics better be up to snuff.

This is a [insert profanity here] joke. I have a radeon 4670 and its a pos. I could go to a trailer trash store like walmart and buy a better graphics card for gods sake. I love nintendo but wtf man.

This is a smart move, the resolution will never have to go above 1920 x 1080 and the HD4000 series in a PC can bust some serious moves with that.

If they use a HD48xx core that should do for the foreseeable - you really don't need HD6000 series in a console, absolute waste of resources.

You all seem to be down on this announcement, Why ? I will tell you why because you obviously know nothing about Graphics thats why.
Pretty much all games that are being released these days are straight Console ports.
When fully optimized to run the game code like it will be in the Wii U the Rv770 core will be a huge step ahead of the graphical abilities of the other consoles. I don't see people complaining about the Xbox graphics at the moment do you ?

There are quite afew reasons why console makers wont be going for the highest end of GPUs even for Sony and MS:

1. Higher end GPUs of today require quite alot more power then what was needed few years ago.

2. With power comes heat.

Both of these are severe issues for console makers. A console is generally very restrictive when it comes to cooling and doesnt have much space for a proper PSU (a good PSU also costs lot of money console makers generally want to fit the cheapest of stuff).

No console maker will want to deal with issues like RROD or YLOD. Not only will a high end GPU cost alot it will also require a huge casing, good PSU and high airflow.

[quote=whysobluepandabear]This is beyond F'ing sad.



I can buy a 6870 RIGHT NOW for $165 after rebate. I'm sure if Nintendo was approaching Nvidia or AMD, they could strike a handsome deal on something similar.[/quote]

That's not how it works.

When Nintendo started developing the Wii U, that GPU probably didn't even exist. It's a pretty power hungry card and why would you think Nintendo's spending even $100/unit for a GPU? According to Wired, the upclocked Gamecube chip in the Wii cost ~$30 at launch.

[quote=assmar]But when people have talked about the controller they have pointed out the terribly outdated tech in those as well.[/quote]

Are you talking about Nintendo's decision to go with a single-touch resistive display over a multi-touch capacitive one?

Nintendo decided against multi-touch after they found out capacitive screens "don't work well with old hands" and after concerns with precision according to an interview with a German publication.

If you're talking about the screen's speculated resolution (853*480), it has a higher pixel density than the iPad and most laptops.

And it's the perfect resolution for playing any game Nintendo releases on it's Virtual Console service, from NES to (possibly) Gamecube.

You're joking right? Using 3 year old hardware is without a doubt, limiting graphic potential.


That's great isn't it, Nintendo is inspiring to beat Xbox 360 graphics; all the while It's 2012 and we're still not achieving much.


They should be pushing for the best graphics and effects, not this "econo-we-buy-cheap-shit-so-we-make-extra-profits-and-lol-at-you-bro".


They could slap a 5/6 Series Radeon that uses DX 11 and It seriously wouldn't cost much more. It would also open up a lot of room in the future graphics department.


So, the Wii U will have slightly better graphics than the 360 and PS3 - remember that will be IN 2012. Assuming the console has at least 5 years of life in it, that means by 2017, we'll be at a PATHETIC level by comparison to what will be out for PCs, but will hardly cost crap. Seriously, high end GPU's run for around $150 these days.



Nintendo is taking the cheap route and doing what a typical greedy corporation does best: Expects mega-bucks, for cheap hardware.


I hope MS and Sony release high-end GPUs and stomp the ever living shit out of Nintendo. We'll see then how successful they are in bringing back the hardcore crowd, like they've already have admitted to losing due to the casualness of the Wii. Trust me, It wasn't the lack of HD, It was the lack of your console was an upgraded Gamecube with a gimmick controller.

Um, no and no.



Power management and heat have actually gotten a bit better. You might really want to look into this. Assume they're using a 4850, and then really look over your statement and see if you want to run with that.

Power requirements have actually gone up, If people are thinking console makers will be using GPUs like the GTX 580 or some high end 6000series GPU, its not going to happen.

At load a GPU like 4000 series would be very comfortable with about 150watts. A GPU like 6000series or GTX 580 will require anywhere between 300 - 400 watts at full load. Try fitting in one of those GPUs in a small HTPC with console like airflow and see where the temps get to. I can assure you it wont be pretty.

Last thing console makers will be doing is investing in large PC like casings then giving the same machine expensive PSUs, just to accomodate todays high end GPU requirements.

Sony and MS at best will be going for entry level to mid range parts so that they can start making profits day one. Lets not even count Nintendo in this as they are not going for entry level or mid range they are going for outdated stuff.

http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 76-22.html

and what, put 1200$ worth of gpu into it? please, think before you post. it may be single card in 5 years but not next year or the year after that.


to even begin to take advantage of dx11 you need 2 off the highest end cards, yea, im not spending 1000+ on a console, and nintendo isnt eating a 5-600$ loss per system to make it reasonably priced.

i actually dont think they are the apple of console , seriously you are stabbing your foot in your mouth saying this , yeah they are using older vid chip , but cosider the cost of packing that chip into a smaller profile than it's ever been in previously (on board vid chips in consoles are indeed smaller than a graphic card version of said chip) not to mention the cooling space restraints it will be under compared to a 4000 series video card in a pc, reagardless you havent paid attention at all to what the Wii U 's big selling point is apperently. the console is not the main cost factor in that 400 dollar price tag those controlers equipped with an HD lED-LCD display are the big cost factor on this system not the graphics hardware. likely the lower end vid chip was used as a means to bring down the total cost of the system, so this is by no means an "apple-sell-on-looks/name" case here. imagine the cost of this system if they had slapped a brand new 6000 series chip in it.

nintendo's pricing has always been fair compared to MS and sony, the orginal wii launched at a flat 250, compare that to Xbox 360 releasing at 399 or 499 for a model that came with a hard drive, or compare it to sony's rediculous $499 20 gig and $599 80 release models. and you can see a very different picture.
If you ask me Sony is you "apple" of consoles NOT nintendo.

At least you have DX 11. You know you can use it for future proof and development. The fact still is, that The Wii U is going to be extremely outdated by the time It hits It's 5-6 year life.


At least MS & Sony are willing to provide you with hardware that they take an initial loss at. Nintendo wants to milk for the console, games and everything else.

Except that Nintendo doesn't take a loss on their hardware like MS and Sony did.


The Wii was profitable from DAY 1. MS and Sony were losing HUNDREDS per console.


MS & Sony are willing to give me more for my money, knowing that they'll make it up in games and etc. I'll take the better hardware please.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4061 [...] hd-6950/24

Check out the system with the GTX 580 needing nearly 500watts of power at full load. The temps taken are in open PC cases not in restrictive cases like what consoles get.

6970 is touching 80C in crysis with proper airflow, in a restrictive console casing who knows where those temps would reach.

You're an idiot. You seriously are.


You're using the highest of high end GPUs. I wasn't even TALKING about $300+ GPU's, so WTF are you talking about?


I've been preaching about the 6850/6870, or somewhere close around there, and you come here throwing me cards that whoop the [insert profanity here] out of the 6850/6870.


Way to skew the debate.

I am disappointed with nintendo. They are trying to sell ideas over substance. People want Technology that is hi tech to last several years without concerning themselves with upgrades and not be overwhelmed with choice. I don't mind nintendo not supporting media playback aslong as its made up for in game performance. I think nintendo is trying to fill a niche thats cost effect with decent profit.

I have the wii, xbox 360, and ps3. Wii was feel good fun for a while but the motion control responsiveness combined with blocky picture and terrible games has left it collecting dust. I bought an xbox several months later because it was cheaper than pc upgrade. I was very impressed. Clear picture, sound, controls where comfortable and HD. The games like gears of war have gameplay that is the core of the experience. several months later again i got ps3 for bluray and killzone 2. The Ps3 has the best visual effects, full control of video and audio. The best force feedback to date. Exclusives such as killzone 2 are very immersive and addictive. Its the immersion that bring people to xbox and ps3. Wii is fun but lasts aslong as an icecream on a summers day.

Wii U looks to become the next dreamcast. The lack of analogue buttons/triggers is a huge mistake. Circle pads for joysticks if like the 3DS will be terrible because its very slingy, smooth movement of 3ds circle pads is hard due to tension. joysticks are higher than the pivot point which requires less force to move the stick. Circle pads could work only if the centering force isn't too strong to aviod flicking the sticks/pads.

The screen if not hd needs to be of high quality if its to be used a main display, as a secondary it isn't necessary.

The control layout looks terribly awkward to move, aim and access xyab buttons. Every pic i see looks like you have to dislocate your thumb knuckle to access them.

The console is simply a curved edge wii. Using a 3 year old card graphics card might be economical but with nintendo releasing a console approximately mid cycle with a modest upgrade isn't acceptable/competitive. Nintendo should use state of the art hardware and aim for a long life cycle. I think if nintendo made a state of the art console with a hefty price, say 800 dollars and they oulined how much u needed to save a week to afford it on release, it will sell like hotcakes.

THANK GOD WE HAVE PCs

IDK, what do you think. Comparing a $500 GTX 580 to a $170~ Radeon 6870.


Of course you're under the belief that GPUs have progressively been getting hotter and more power hungry, you look at the absolute highest end of the spectrum.

future proof? when it cant take advantage of everything that dx11 has to offer? even optimized, a lower end 5XXX (5770) cant handle dx11 good enough to use 11 over 10 or 9

and its not milking, nintendo is only a game company, they dont have other sections to keep them floating like microsoft and sony do.

AMEN to this , get sick of people down console graphics around here , with out and forthought. seriously , do you expect that in 2 years (aobutt eh tiema new xbox and ps 4 will come out) that they wil soem how magically figure out how to reduce size , heat and cost of say a GF 580 or radeon 6970 , let alone beable to cram the current vid chip we ahve in two eyars into that same package , i'll be super amazed if the enxt xbox packs any thing over a 5770 or a 6770 in two years. and sony has already said taht the ps4 it's self wil be incremental step in power nothgin mind blowing. in short the next gen consoles (excluding wiii U) will be aiming for modest DX 11 support (meaning only slight sue of tessellation) with 1080p support. though i'd love for them to aim higher, but the technology to fit a monster 12 inch video card that uses a 2-3 slot cooler into a console's profile JUST DOESNT EXSIST , and most likely wont exsist in two eyars either.

peopel can cry consoles are holding games back all they want to when teh time comes , but face facts technological limits will be waht is holdign consoles back thus inturn it wil also hold graphics back. i suppose they could build a monster console that uses uber hardware , and is the smae size as a full tower PC to accomadate the chip sizes and cooling but right off the bat you can throw out two of the MAIN selling points for consoles vs PC's those being small form factor for living room use and cost. no one would buy the dman things , so going with older vid chips only makes sense for this market , technology ahs allowed them to reduce teh size of older chip dies which improves cooling drastically , it also reduces cost to make the chips.

+1000
Like flies arguing over who gets to eat the turd, console gamers dissing the opposition.
I think i'll keep playing on a PC thanks, for less than the cost of any of these consoles I could do an incremental upgrade now that could keep me sweet against the Wii 3, PS4 and Xbox 720.

And the games are cheaper.
And I don't have to pay for online play.
And I can use it as a "computer" as well as a games machine.

Keep playing with your toys, real gamers use a PC.

I find all this hilarious, my 4850 1GB easily plays bad company 2 at 50 - 60fps at 1920x1080 with most settings on max (just shadows on medium and no AA) while a 360 and ps3 render most games at a max of 1200x800 and then upscale the game with a few exceptions if the game is not as graphical but even then they are maxed usually at 25fps for a really graphical game by the consoles standards and even then they suffer from horrendous drops in fps.

even my old 1800xt i had at the time easily beat the 360 and ps3 in graphics performance.

I think too many butt hurt console owners on here and not enough people who think.

Dude no point calling people names. Even if you consider a 6870 under load it will easily break the 75C mark in a large PC case with proper cooling.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4137 [...] -edition/6

Now imagine what sort of temps this chip would touch in a closed console environment. Like i mentioned to start off Sony and MS will be using low end to entry level GPUs. which would mean a 5770 or 450GT GPU. Sure their will be die shrinks etc however the problem with temps will still exist.

Certainly not, but if you know anything about consoles its that its games are pricier due to licensing and that the regular user usually pays more in the end for a system with 10ish+ games than a working PC game rig and the same number of games.

Whats also sad is that when the new version of the console comes out the "gamer" can't even use the new console to run purchased games. With a PC the story is different, instead of purchasing a new system the gfx card for instance can be replaced with ease and the system is taken to a whole new level AND the old purchased games will still work (with greater detail/resolution)

This is not a hard choice for me, get robbed for medicree gaming and complete system AND game cycles or robbed for good gaming with only a component swap each cycle!