Rumor Mill : Nintendo's next console to expect a hard disk?

[Steel X]

From Gamespot's rumor spot, it says in an article here :

A recent patent filed by Nintendo has sparked a series of rumors that the company was reversing its position on "convergence"--the combination of game consoles with multimedia and online functionality. On August 3, the US Patent and Trademark Office approved patent #6,769,989. The abstract for the patent describes the device as "an existing video game system...modified to include additional communication and storage capability via a modem and hard disk drive." The hard drive "permits downloading from the Internet of entire games."

The device's communication system would be expanded with the "use of an expansion device coupled to a video game system port." This expansion would incorporate "a cable TV tuner" that would allow a user to "watch TV while viewing overlay information from the video game console." Users could also "receive a TV channel guide downloaded via the Internet, spot a program which the user desires to view and immediately access, via an IR input, the desired channel through the expansion device TV tuner." The machine would also let a user "watch TV while simultaneously logging onto the Internet." The abstract did not say whether or not the machine could record shows on its hard drive like Sony's PS2/PVR hybrid, the PSX.

Given the concrete proof of the machine's existence, theories quickly sprung up about what it could be. Some Nintendophiles pegged it as the vaunted Revolution, the next-generation console that will be unveiled at next year's E3. However, given that the patent is for "an existing video game system," a more reasonable theory was that it was a revamped, online-enabled GameCube with content-download capabilities reminiscent of Xbox Live.

However, all those theories are wrong. After acquiring a scan of the actual patent documents (pictured), GameSpot has learned the August 3, 2004, filing was merely for a supplementary patent to the 64DD, the online peripheral for the N64 console. The patent #6,769,989 was originally filed in April 1999, eight months before the 64DD's lackluster release. Shunned by consumers, it was discontinued, and its online support was shut down in March 2001. Nintendo reps contacted by GameSpot confirmed the patent was indeed for the 64DD and not for a new console.



Aw...the 64DD...how I always wanted that for my Nintendo 64 to save more data and improve graphics and mapping, etc... but of course, it never came out in Japan and US...so if it was cancled, then why did they bother inventing the 64DD in the first place?? It would've been so cool to play games online with your N64 and it would've been truly be an REVOULTION of the 20th century online gaming lol...

anyway, I'm still hoping that Nintendo's next console would include a hard disk and the ablity to play DVDs...if not...like I said, Nintendo is history.

 

[Banjo]

it never came out in Japan and US.

Actually, it was released in Japan when Nintendo was on its deathbed. The quantity of 64DD was very, very limited.

I am not sure but I don't think it was really "sold". It was released, but there was like only 5 to 10 users.

 

[Steel X]

really? no wonder there was never a chance for it to come to the US anyway lol

 

[BigSpike]

Banjo is correct...yes 64DD was never officially released in US, as it was originally planned to be connected with N64. Even they developed few 64DD games including Zelda64 but project was dropped for releasing in US, so instead 64DD Zelda was transferred to Gamecube but it make much better graphic than 64DD, it is what I read in EGM magazine so far...I cant remember which month issue (sorry).

I realized this Nintendo always have failure plan, did you know this Super Nintendo have extenstion slot in back of Super Nintendo system...it was originally planned this they invent CD system to connect with Super Nintendo system for advanced graphic on CD to be played on Super Nintendo..unfortunately project didnt work out due to difference, so the team who originally planned to invent CD system went to Sony and it went out to invent playstation..so it was how PSX was born the Nintendo's new enemy how true. I realized this Nintendo have history of failed project. So PSX2 was released first thing then Xbox was release later on among with Gamecube but Gamecube didnt carry hard drive and modem at same time Xbox was release...so what wrong with Gamecube. So Nintendo was like huh to themselve so they rushed and developed modem port as to sell for additional to Gamecube as same go for PSX2...Xbox dont have to worry about anything

One thing :topic: I told my friends...I saved alot of money on Xbox than hearing xbox fan, you know why...I dont have to buy additional special sounds such as stereo attach to Xbox to make videgaming more excellent what for????? I am profoundly deaf...I never raise volume on my big TV to play xbox...most important to me is enjoyable, high graphic, and storyline!!!!

 

[VamPyroX]

It seems that in order for Nintendo to make up for their losses, they keep making additional consoles and mini-consoles. So far, there's Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Gamecube, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Gameboy Advance SP, Virtual Boy, Nintendo DS. Gameboy Advance is almost like an improved remake of Nintendo and Super Nintendo. Nintendo DS is almost like an improved remake of Nintendo 64.

 

[BigSpike]

It seems that in order for Nintendo to make up for their losses, they keep making additional consoles and mini-consoles. So far, there's Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Gamecube, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Gameboy Advance SP, Virtual Boy, Nintendo DS. Gameboy Advance is almost like an improved remake of Nintendo and Super Nintendo. Nintendo DS is almost like an improved remake of Nintendo 64.

Bingo, VamPyroX...that that that's reason

 

[Steel X]

I realized this Nintendo always have failure plan, did you know this Super Nintendo have extenstion slot in back of Super Nintendo system...it was originally planned this they invent CD system to connect with Super Nintendo system for advanced graphic on CD to be played on Super Nintendo..unfortunately project didnt work out due to difference, so the team who originally planned to invent CD system went to Sony and it went out to invent playstation..so it was how PSX was born the Nintendo's new enemy how true. I realized this Nintendo have history of failed project. So PSX2 was released first thing then Xbox was release later on among with Gamecube but Gamecube didnt carry hard drive and modem at same time Xbox was release...so what wrong with Gamecube. So Nintendo was like huh to themselve so they rushed and developed modem port as to sell for additional to Gamecube as same go for PSX2...Xbox dont have to worry about anything

Yeah super nintendo was going to have a CD player connection, just like Sega CD. and Nintendo was having some difficulty doing some shit with the super nes and decided to partner with Sony to do the super nes/ CD combo but then later on Sony decided to go alone with its own system, the Playstation and then of course, thats when Nintendo and Sony were enemies indeed lol

So now Nintendo is in partnership with Panasonic for the electronic stuff...such as TV, surround sound, memory cards (not sure if theres one from Panasonic yet) and of course, a gamecube/DVD player combo from Panasonic, which never came to the US and was discontinued as well.

Sega Dreamcast was going to have a DVD combination as well but never made it...