Well, the problem is that just putting a digital output on there doesn't automatically make it support 5.1 in games. Mixing and compressing the realtime game sounds into a Dolby Digital bitstream takes a lot of processor time or a dedicated chip (neither of which the Wii has).

They would have to pay a royalty to Dolby for the hardware support and for each game...DD5.1 licensing runds higher than Pro Logic so yes, it does cost them to put the support in there.

Does Dolby not collect royalties on PLII?

Source?

Wikipedia (not 100% reliable, I know) is listing audio output as still unknown and there are developer interviews on www.gonintendo.com stating the CPU seems to be just above 1 GHz; seeing as the Xbox ran at 733 MHz and did 5.1 in-game (on top of 720p) I'm not sure where you assumption comes from. I personally believe they'll stick with PLII support but until there's official word on it everything is still guess work.

Xbox 5.1 didn't run off of the processor, it ran off of a dedicated audio chip.

I'd assume the 5.1 capabilities would be built into the DVD add on device, otherwise your right.

Of course, the reports about the Pro Logic II could end up being false as well, but I did see it in several E3 write ups on various sites.

According to GoNintendo reporting on an IGN forum post by PrinceNineOne1 a Ubisoft spokesman (whew!), Red Steel will indeed be bloodified just not in a "graphic way".

http://gonintendo.com/?p=2708

It really makes sense for them to try and make this a rated T title if possible. My issue is the gameplay. Most everyone disliked the game at E3 so they really need to work on getting the gameplay solid. Its obvious that everyone being forced to do their early development on GC dev kits is the major reason why all the games look the way they did at E3.

BTW, I still hate the fact a game where you hack people with a sword and blow them up can get a T rating in this stupid country, but a women's naked breast even a digital one can cause an M or even an AO rating. Get your priorities straight America.

Any Animal Crossing news for the Wii

Friends,

As some of you had made mention in emails to me, you may have noticed my lack of posting following E3. Well, for the time being I will no longer be able to post on these boards do to a job interest related conflict. I am technically able to still post about certain things, but will likely elect not to avoid mishaps and temptations. (I'm sure certain members will miss our often to frequent "discussions".)

I'm not sure if a mod can transfer this thread to someone else's domain of not. I certainly hope this is a possability.

Its been fun,
Jeff

PS: Still predicting a October launch, just a hunch though...

Best of luck at work!

You know what I never really thought about this, what exactly is the Wii media? Being Nintendo I am sure its not a straight up blank dvd and I am sure not 1 gig cube media.

With the news that The Wizard is apparently coming to DVD on 8/29 (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread....ge=1&p=7024493)

Does anyone think this might just be the start of the Wii onslaught? I certainly wouldn't complain if it was as early as September.

Aww man! This is so sudden! I've always enjoyed your posts Jeff, so its sad that you won't be on as much anymore. Best of luck with your new job! Hopefully this won't be the last we see of you .

Just a day after I asked my four questions, there have been two semi-official answers. The first comes from a Ubisoft employee that claims that Red Steel will have some blood, but it won't be overdone like in other M rated games, so they can get a T rating. The second is IGN's report that the Wii in fact will not support Dolby Digital. So one good report, one bad. Now if we could get Sega talking about Virtual Console specifics, and an interview with the Excite Truck developers, I'd be quite thrilled.

Hey.

Since Rare are developing Diddy Kong Racing DS (wasn't it part of Microsofts deal that Rare good still make games for Nintendo?) is Goldeneye on the VC more likely?
Of course Nintendo now will have to strike a deal with Activision..

(Sorry I keep asking that)

I read somewhere that Goldeneye definately wouldn't be on VC.

Thanks.
Oh well

Here is the link to that statement about Goldeneye from Gamespot, it's on the right side of the page above the games.

http://www.gamespot.com/features/6146540/p-3.html

I don't really mind that Goldeneye won't be on the VC, simply because I understand there are too many factors in making it happen (MGM and licensing, Activision, Rare, etc.). I'm more concerned about the lack of Blast Corps and Jet Force Gemini.

Frankly Goldeneye did not age well at all for me. If these companies were smart they would just give everyone a piece of the download price. I don't think it's going to hurt them in any way whatsoever.

From Kotaku this morning:

Worded differently here:
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/25/wi...says-nintendo/

"At a news conference in Osaka, Nintendo senior managing director Yoshihiro Mori said the Wii would sell for 25,000 yen ($220) or lower in Japan and $250 (£133) or lower in the US."

Here's the official press release I had in my inbox this morning:

" REDMOND, Wash., May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following its
overwhelming debut at E3 2006, Nintendo today announced the current fiscal
year unit shipment forecast for its new home game system, Wii(TM). Nintendo
also confirmed that the price of the Wii system, which incorporates unique
freehand control, will not exceed $250 in America, or 25,000 yen in Japan. The
company plans to ship 6 million systems to retailers around the world between
its launch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of its fiscal year on
March 31, 2007.

The projections are part of a full-year financial forecast that sees
growth of 18 percent in sales globally, based on anticipated continuing strong
demand for the Nintendo DS(TM) portable game system, as well as a successful
launch for Wii.

The company also said it expects to sell 17 million Wii games in the
period. Exact launch dates, identification of the launch library of titles and
details on the unique Virtual Console aspect of Wii will be announced soon."


edited to bold.

*Applause*

Unfortunately it looks like their profits are down this quarter due to the Yen strengthening.