Developers Say Wii U is Still Less Powerful than PS3 and Xbox 360

[Shawn Zipay]

Ouch, this has to hurt for hopeful fans expecting the Wii U to at least even the playing field with its bigger brothers. Developers with Wii U development kits in hand state that the console, while powerful, still isn't up to par with the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

Developers and sources close to GI.biz gave their first hand accounts of the device. These are multiple quotes from different sources.

"No, it's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360," said one developer who's been working with the Wii U. What does that mean? "The graphics are just not as powerful."

"Yeah, that's true. It doesn't produce graphics as well as the PS3 or the 360," said the source. "There aren't as many shaders, it's not as capable. Sure, some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up."

With that said, it seems as though Nintendo's "big thing" for the Wii U won't be it's raw power, but rather a greater focus on the tablet based controller for the device. Keep in mind that only one of those controllers can be used at any given time with the Wii U, so at least one person will have a vastly different gaming experience compared to their pals.

The problem? Well, developers are already seeing that developing for the more powerful combination of PlayStation 3 and PS Vita to be far easier and far more inviting than developing for the Wii U. Does this already spell doom for the Wii U before it even ships to the public?

[The_Eliminator]

Nintendo continually frustrate me. Everyone was extremely underwhelmed when the Wii U was announced and now we are being told that it isnt even up to par with technology thats already 6 years old. I will say it again, whats the point?

[Vreki]

Re: Developers Say Wii U is Still Less Powerful than PS3 and Xbox 360

The lack of graphic powers didnt hurt the Wii because it offered a unique gaming experience.
But now Xbox gives us kinect, and Wii gives us... a tablet not too different from the games that allowed DS integration. And only one player can benfit from it.

I have a Wii, but I see no reason to upgrade.

[The_Eliminator]

Im not so much talking about graphical power but i think you hit it on the head Vreki. Why do i want to upgrade to something only one person can benefit from and other more powerful consoles can now replicate anyway?

[The_Eliminator]

Im still waiting on the "No backwards compatibility" claim :/

[CptainCrunch]

Re: Developers Say Wii U is Still Less Powerful than PS3 and Xbox 360

Yeah, when you have a choice between the next gen Wii and the next gen 360, I dont see anyone going with the Wii. I also own a Wii and I see no benefit at all for me going to this new unit. That tablet thing is terrible. If I want an iPad then I would go get me one and not a knock off.