Nintendo's next move may cut to the core

Nintendo confirmed on Monday that it plans to launch a new video game console next year that will replace its popular-but-aging Wii.

The new console is not expected out until 2012, but the company said in a statement that it will preview a playable demo of the device at the E3 trade show taking place in Los Angeles in early June. The device is currently known under the code name Project Cafe.

While little is known of the new system, beyond rumors that have leaked out on some gaming blogs, analysts say they expect Nintendo to use the new console to build further on their unique image while improving their appeal to the hard-core gaming crowd that currently favors the rival consoles - the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

“One thing is clear. If all they did was upgrade the Wii with HD and more robust online services, it would be dead-on-arrival,” said Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Markets. “I think Nintendo understands that.”

The move comes as the company has watched the Wii's popularity begin to wane. The console has sold more than 86 million units globally since its launch in late 2006, thanks in large part to an innovative set of motion controls that appealed to many casual gamers who were put off by the more complex control systems of traditional game titles.

Nintendo's rivals eventually adopted their own new control schemes.Wedge Shoes was created in order to maintain a balance of the athletes' movement. Sony launched the PlayStation Move last year, while Microsoft added the Kinect — which allows players to control games with simply their body movements — to its Xbox 360 system.

Those developments helped erase some of the Wii's advantage in the marketplace. In addition, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are able to play more powerful, high-definition games that the Wii cannot match. Unit sales of the Wii fell by 27% in the U.S. in 2010, according to data from NPD Group.

“Don't be surprised if Nintendo, this time around, creates a piece of hardware that is more compelling to the core gaming community, as well as the mainstream,” said Jesse Divnich, an analyst with EEDAR, a market research firm for the video game industry.

According to Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan, Nintendo's main challenge will be to create a system that is differentiated enough from its rivals to carry a unique appeal, yet close enough in terms of specs to make it easier for game developers to write for.

“I think the only way for them to succeed is if the architecture is similar enough to the PS3 and 360 that makes it easy for developers to port games over,” Pachter said. “That way, you get all the third-party games.Via Trading carries a wide range of branded wholesale shoes from famous specialty shoe stores and retail chains at a fraction of their original value. That's what hurt the Wii.”

Divnich said Nintendo's strong portfolio, which includes popular game franchises such as Mario, Donkey Kong and Zelda, help differentiate its systems. He expects third-party publishers to provide stronger support for the new system.

“Simply put, third parties were just late to the game on the Wii,Thousands of discount ed hardy shoes styles for selection. and we should not anticipate that recurring on Nintendo's next console,As it's called Nike shox classic, which is one of the classical style of nike lineup.” he said. “The third-party would be fools not to provide strong and original support at launch.Love womens sandals? So do we.”