As predicted, Nintendo today has formally announced the existence of their next home console. Although no further details about the console were revealed, we do know it will release in 2012 and that this years e3 will be the consoles coming out party.

Still unconfirmed by the Big N is whether previous reports of six inch touch screens and powerful HD capabilities are headed our way, but I suppose we will all have to wait until June.

Well, it’s official folks. In 2012 the wallets of Nintendo fans everywhere will be weeping.

Source

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More news about ‘Wii 2′ continues to flood the interwebs this week as French news website 01net is reporting that Nintendo’s next home console will be codenamed Project Café and the console’s input device will feature a six inch single input touch screen. 01net cites unnamed sources, but keep in mind that they were the same site that first broke the news of the Sony NGP.

This new console business is really starting to gain some steam. If the touchscreen controller turns out to be true, think of the creative ideas Nintendo must be cooking up. Imagine your next Madden tournament with your friends where each person has there own screen to choose their plays. How about a sequal to Okami where to use the celestial brush you literally must draw the symbol (much like you do in Okamiden) on the controller?

How much credence do you give to this new rumor? Do you think a touchscreen style controller is a good idea? What games would you like to see made with this input method? Did I ask enough questions?

via Joystiq

[updated] links to 01net will be redirected to a google translated page

Many analyst, market stalkers, and bored fans have placed several bets on just when Nintendo will roll out their next console (Wii 2). Some say 2010, while others believe 2011 looks good, but it’s obvious Nintendo will need a “reboot” when/if sales begin to droop. A recent interview with Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata reminds us that it’s Nintendo’s turn at world domination, and why update that?

“I don’t think any hardware can enjoy eternal life. Someday, we’ll need a new platform for sure, and of course, Nintendo is always preparing for that. However, now that our customer base has expanded this drastically, we do not think it’s appropriate to conclude that past platform lifecycle theory can or should be applied to the current generation.”

No kidding, right? Why change the recipe when it already tastes so good? The current Wii setup has a very good chance at lasting long into the next decade without economical harm to Nintendo. However, in the long run consumers might become a bit more aware of the cheaper, more appealing competition as the global economy continues to weaken.
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