This morning’s revelations about an all new Nintendo Zii have got gadget fanatics the world over obsessing about just what Ninty’s new trademark means. Is it the much-hyped Wii 2? Or how about a revoltuonary take on the Nintendo DS? Here are ten things we think the Nintendo Zii could be.
Hi-def packing Wii successor
Forget the Wii 2. The Nintendo Zii is most likely to be the HD-filled successor to the insanely successful Wii. A next-gen version would doubtless blend the Japanese giant’s knack for family friendly games with hi-def downloads and maybe even a Blu-ray spinner.
Or just a high-end version of the Wii
Who’s to say the Wii will be pulled and replaced by the Nintendo Zii? Ninty could well be lining up a HD-friendly Zii to sit above the Nintendo Wii, flogging it for more while the Wii still sates casual game lovers.
Next-gen multitouch handheld
The Nintendo DSi XL isn’t even here in Blighty yet. But rather than a Wii successor, the Nintendo Zii could be a soundalike sibling to the motion-mad console. We’ve already heard talk of an Nvidia graphics packing Nintendo DS2. Chuck in multitouch and this could truly stamp on the Sony PSPgo.
Zii: Nintendo’s next-gen console revealed?
All new Motion Plus Wiimote
Sticking a dongle into the bottom of your regular Wiimote makes it look a tad naff. So Nintendo Zii might well be a Sony Motion Control-baiting controller with increased accuracy. If it’s kicked out of the door by Spring, the Big S could have a major rival on its hands.
Project Natal-bashing camera
But more tantalising is the prospect of a Project Natal-bashing effort from Nintendo. Zii could be just that and we can think of few things better than zipping about on Super Mario Galaxy by jumping about or playing tennis with our own ham hands. It could even mean a new take on Wii Fit.
A Wii-friendly Blu-ray add-on
The Wii’s still selling at a rate that has Sony and Microsoft both in a tailspin. So why replace it? Nintendo Zii could simply be a Blu-ray add-on, like the much-hyped Microsoft version, giving the Wii a much-needed movie based boost and convincing punters to jump on the HD bandwagon.
A new game for the Wii
Don’t rule out the possibilty of Nintendo Zii being a game for the Nintendo Wii. This could be a title that ties in with new MotionPlus skills, with an unveiling being hyped up for E3 in Los Angeles next summer.
Or a new Wii Channel
The Wii is chock full of channels, but Nintendo Zii could quite easily be a new approach to its TV services, bringing together everything into one place. It’s name would easily hook up with the console and keep everything tidy.
An all new peripheral
With exercise bikes, balance boards and steering wheels already out there for the Wii, there’s a chance the Nintendo Zii could be an all new periperhal. It remains to be seen what it will be, but how about a gym kit? Or a cross trainer? The possibilities are both endless and terrifying.
A simple land grab
Or, just to poop on the parade, Nintendo Zii could be a simple land grab by the gaming types to stop others making gadgets that sound just like its winning hub. Bt late though, what with the Creative Zii already out and proud.
