Wii getting 65nm CPU/GPU this summer?

[grossaffe]

We got a word from a tipster (who frequently tips off Chinese trade paper Digitimes), that Nintendo will be refreshing Wii internal hardware this summer, with 65nm versions of both its CPU and graphics chips, while clock rates would stay the same.

Currently, the IBM PowerPC based CPU is made on a 90nm process and the ATI “Hollywood” GPU is likewise 90nm. Both companies have been making 65nm chips for over a year, while ATI also has 55nm working technology as well.

Furthermore, thanks to the new chips, the Wii is said to be “passively-cooled”, meaning it won’t require any fans.

Considering how cheap flash memory is these days, it would be easy to assume that Nintendo would increase the 512 MB internal flash storage as well. However, according to the source, the new version of the Wii would have no other hardware changes besides 65nm technology and new heat sinks for cooling.

It makes perfect sense for Nintendo to go 65nm, as both Sony and Microsoft have updated their CPUs to 65nm (in Microsoft’s case, the GPU as well) and are currently working towards 45nm. Compared to 90nm, the 65nm manufacturing process not only brings lower power consumption and cooler processors, but substantially reduces manufacturing costs as well. However, as usual, there is no official word from Nintendo. Considering that the company still hasn’t released the official Wii specs, it’s unlikely that they’ll share the news of 65nm parts.

We’ll only know when someone dissects their new Wii this summer.

http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/03...u-this-summer/


Looks like this may be helpful for better Wii portablization. Smaller chips could mean a smaller board, and lower power consumption is always a bonus. Passive cooling so no need to waste space for fans.

[eagle5953]

That all sounds logical except for not increasing the storage space. Everyone knows that has been an issue for years now, especially Nintendo! Unless they are planning on releasing a flash drive/hard drive that is compatible with the Wii, they need to start upping the amount of internal memory.

[XCVG]

They should AT LEAST add SDHC support.

[grossaffe]

They should AT LEAST add SDHC support.

that should just be a matter of firmware, I believe.

[eagle5953]

They should AT LEAST add SDHC support.

that should just be a matter of firmware, I believe.

Just announced - new firmware update with support for up to 32 GB cards.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09 ... d-channel/

Edit:

Basically, the update adds a button that opens up a new 'desktop' of icons loaded from your SD card. When you try to play it, it will take a moment (technically, it's transferring it to your system storage) and then plays. In short, it automates the previous process of moving stuff from the card to the system storage (not memory, that's RAM! grr).

[Harshboy]

Basically, the update adds a button that opens up a new 'desktop' of icons loaded from your SD card. When you try to play it, it will take a moment (technically, it's transferring it to your system storage) and then plays. In short, it automates the previous process of moving stuff from the card to the system storage (not memory, that's RAM! grr).

Perfect for Piracy! Yay

I'm about to go test the Gamecube Backup Loader now, time for some Majora's Mask!

[Metallica Man X]

Why would the Wii need 65nm chips? It's not like it's processing next-gen, HD graphics or anything else that would warrent the use of the latest in chip technology... HA! Totally burned the Wii on that one! mwa ha ha ha!

[grahf]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not..

[XCVG]

He called the Wii a piece of crap. Which is true power-wise: both the PS3 and X360 are far more powerful. Even my two-year-old half-upgraded Core 2 rig is more powerful.

[grossaffe]

He called the Wii a piece of crap. Which is true power-wise: both the PS3 and X360 are far more powerful. Even my two-year-old half-upgraded Core 2 rig is more powerful.

Consoles typically are weaker than computers. They don't have to run resource intensive operating systems and they cost far less than a quality computer. Also, the Wii came out more than two years ago so your computer is newer than the Wii.

[Bibin]

Why would the Wii need 65nm chips? It's not like it's processing next-gen, HD graphics or anything else that would warrent the use of the latest in chip technology... HA! Totally burned the Wii on that one! mwa ha ha ha!

Is this funny because 65nm chips are certainly not latest gen?

[palmertech]

Also, the Wii came out more than two years ago so your computer is newer than the Wii.

Exactly. I was thinking just that.

And I bet it cost you a lot more than $250, too.

[ian2120]

Eh, the only advantage I can see to this would be to make a new, even smaller version of the Wii, due to less heat. It really doesn't need the upgrade

[bicostp]

Smaller, and they can cut costs because you can get more processors per die with a 65nm process. (It also gives them a chance to make it draw less power, and maybe revise the power supply to make it cheaper to produce as well.)

The better SD card support just makes me think "well duh, that's how it should have worked in the first place!" You'd think they would let you play videos with it, now that it fully supports SDHC cards. I guess they don't want to license Windows Media or Divx, though there's always XviD or Ogg. Oh well, you can always make your own web interface for a full-screen Flash video player on your desktop if you really wanted to.

I doubt they'll drop the price significantly, maybe to $199 at most, because people are still more than willing to pay the current price for one. It's mainly a move to make a more effective money printer.

[themadhacker]

That made me laugh