Wii Twilight Princess in widescreen, GameCube in 4:3
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ May 10th 2006 at 4:30AM }
According to a Nintendo press release titled, "Nintendo Introduces the Next Leap in Video Games," the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will feature a widescreen mode, but the GameCube version will not. This can be inferred from the following statement:
"[Twilight Princess] will also be playable on Nintendo GameCube, but without the widescreen format or special controller functions."
Is this Nintendo's subtle way of urging us into its next generation? Why does a stripped-down GameCube version of Twilight Princess even exist? Is Nintendo simply satisfying fans that are hesitant to upgrade to Wii? Wouldn't a Wii-exclusive Twilight Princess drive more sales of the next-gen console? What's Nintendo's strategy here? Questions ... questions ... questions ...
[Via Nintendo press release; thanks, Oro]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jappleng @ May 10th 2006 4:36AM
Their marketting strategies have always been questioned as far as I see it. Though, perhaps they want to test or see something. Maybe there is something their not telling us. This is confusing but they must have their reasons. Nintendo doesn't fail in Marketting and bringing up the hype especially about hyrule. Let us wait and see.
Nmaster @ May 10th 2006 4:41AM
They promised a Gamecube version, and they're just the kind of company that doesn't want the blemish of a broken promise on their record. They operate very differently from Sony and Microsoft in this respect.
That said, releasing a Gamecube version of Twilight Princess is a pretty dumb move from a business standpoint. As you said, making it Wii-exclusive would drive sales much better.
Gareth @ May 10th 2006 4:47AM
"Nintendo doesn't fail in Marketting"
A company that names their product 'wee' has a failing marketing department.
Hans Tseng @ May 10th 2006 4:48AM
I think the qualms Nintendo has about making Twilight Princess Wii-exclusive is that not only will they be going back on all their previous claims that it WILL, in fact, be on GameCube, but also gamers who've been anticipating only having to pay $50 to play the game will not be too thrilled about being forced to fork over $300 instead. Wii-exclusivity might make the console penetrate the market faster, but there is probably a significant number of people who aren't ready to pay for the next generation yet. So even though they won't be making as much money off of the Wii for the time being, having two versions of the game is probably most profitable to them because I'm sure they're placing bets that the gamers who are waiting WILL eventually get their new console.
Amos @ May 10th 2006 4:51AM
No GCN title mean an un-fulfilled promise, as well as the appearance of completely abandoning their former system and it's gamers (which they are...). Appearances are everything, you know.
Monk @ May 10th 2006 4:54AM
From a business standpoint, they really should do a Wii-only release, but they promised that this would be available on Gamecube, so they're simply keeping their word.
enliven @ May 10th 2006 5:01AM
I've been waiting an age for twilight princess. I'll wait longer and spend more to play it on the Wii.
I'm curious about whether it'll be improved at all in appearance. I know the hardware isn't vastly superior to the Gamecube but releasing two identical games is just going to highlight how small an improvement the Wii is over the Gamecube in GPU/CPU terms.
Sean @ May 10th 2006 5:10AM
Gareth, good thing nintendo didn't name their product "wee" then.
Gareth @ May 10th 2006 5:14AM
That's right Sean, it just sounds *exactly* the same and will be spelled like that by anyone who hears its name before they see it.
Thanks for coming.
Ryan Keys @ May 10th 2006 5:20AM
Nintendo are a company that's never gone back on a promise. and the claims that Twilight Princess will be on the Gamcube as well as the Wii could just be them living up to their promise.
HOWEVER. Sony did a similar thing at the release of the PS2. They released a new version of the PSX(the PS One) and continued the production of PSX games until the PS2 had dominated the market.
It could well be that Nintendo are bringing this out on Gamecube as well as the Wii so that Gamecube players can play the game. And then somewhere down the line purchase the Wii and the Wii version of the game for the added features.
(Also, Wii is the best console name to write ever)
Adam @ May 10th 2006 5:33AM
I really, really hope this means that Wii games will either default to 16:9 or have an option to display them as such. Playing 4:3 games on my 16:9 TV is really disappointing...
epobirs @ May 10th 2006 5:38AM
Proper widescreen support requires more memory for additional imagespace and additional rendering power if the 4:3 version is already pushing the hardware hard, as we've been given to expect of this game.
Even if the Wii's chipset is only a mild upgrade of that in the GameCube, being able to apply that additional power for purposes like this is a nice inducement to buy the new machine. This also helps make it more attractive to owners of certain other consoles who've already invested in an HDTV 16:9 display. They may not do HDTV in this generation but they can meet it halfway for a more attractive but low priced product.
vrf @ May 10th 2006 5:54AM
Gareth, making wee-wee jokes is SO last week, dude.
(ah hahaa ahahhaah, he said wee-k.)
Twist @ May 10th 2006 6:05AM
I don't have a GameCube but I am all about this game so I may buy a Wii and the GameCube version of this game. Unless of course the Wii version supports playing it without the Wiimote. All the videos I have seen of people actually playing games with the Wiimote (Twilight Princess and Red Steel) has made it look like a very imprecise way of trying to aim.
AJ @ May 10th 2006 7:00AM
enliven, I've heard it does look a bit better on Wii.
scoot @ May 10th 2006 7:02AM
#7 from a business standpoint they should release it on as many consoles as possible. They arent gonna make any money from selling Wii's.
It's also good for their reputation- GameCube has been pretty disasterous for them, its better it goes out with bang than a wimper.
Lou D @ May 10th 2006 7:06AM
I'll bet the hardware can do higher than 853x480. If FMV's are at DVD quality, that's 960x540. I'll swear certain 3rd party Gamecube games didn't always run at 640x480...R:Racing Evolution for one didn't look much better than GT2 on the PS1... I'm sure the GPU can be programmed to display quite a range of resolutions...and maybe, later on in Wii's lifecycle, we'll get games at 540p that will be upscaled by the future televisions to 1080p...
Jeff @ May 10th 2006 7:33AM
"If FMV's are at DVD quality, that's 960x540."
Eh?
DVD standard native res is 720x480. Anamorphic res is 852x480. Where are you getting 960x540?
thomas_h @ May 10th 2006 7:39AM
Lou D, dvd is actually 720x576.. i think you're confusing it with HR releases of tv shows which have the exact same resolution you mentioned.. ( 960x540).
im really looking forward to Revo now.
boots (former bd (former b)) @ May 10th 2006 7:39AM
From a busness stand point:
It's good to release a Wii exclusive version.
It's even better to release both versions, because they promised the gamecube version (but at least the Wii version should have updated polys and textures). It's building consumer loyalty, just like backwards compatibility on PS1 and PS2 (And hopefully on PS3 was). It's "fidelization", feedback, whatever, call it the way you want. It's good marketing. Microsoft stopped supporting the first Xbox, and they also have mediocre backwards compatibility, which is the opposite.
And talking about marketing, I'm over "Wee" jokes by now. The only idiots that will give a damn are kids that want to grow up fast, or insecure adults. Most of the Adults will not think of "Wee", or if they do, it will be more embarassing for themselves to even mention it, or to even *care*. For kids that don't want to grow up faster than they should, it should sound like "Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii". This game is made for that demographic, not the hardcore gamer demographic, which apparently has a problem by labeling Nintendo as childish with that. Anyway, this will attract casual and non-gamers alike, and eventually hardcore gamers, when they accept the name. The only non-buyers will be immature kids/teens/adults, or fanboys of other particular consoles.
Paul Cosgrove @ May 10th 2006 7:46AM
I suppose the theory is that the GC version will still be playable on Wii (does it still have the ports for GC controllers?) through the back-compatability thing, so people who can't afford to upgrade straight away will still be able to keep their game when they do get round to picking up Wii.
On the other hand, they're rewarding people who upgrade early with more features in the game. I doubt there'll be much actual content difference between the two versions.
Purple Haze @ May 10th 2006 7:55AM
I think that it is sorta smart to have it on both because some people are not fully into the idea of actually having to move more than just fingers to play a game. Although even as a fanboy i have to admit they have some screwy marketing strategies. I'm gonna get both versions, for the sake of it. Im not really sure if my T.V or room arre big enough to contain a Wii.
Purple Haze @ May 10th 2006 7:58AM
Oh yeah and didnt they delay it for about a year to make it compatible with the Wii? So in that case it would make more sense to have it GC exclusive.
godspiral @ May 10th 2006 8:03AM
Expect different prices for each version.
I'm sure the title was developed to push GC hardware to max, so widescreen version is the same as pushing a game from 640x480 to 800x600... graphics slowdown.
Tao68 @ May 10th 2006 8:13AM
I was expecting both versions, but i was also expecting a special "collector" package including both...
I'd like to play TP both old school and new school, just like many others i guess, and for all the fans to forget about the long wait, such a package would have been nice ...
My only question is: why not release the Cube version right now, and then the Wii version for the Wii's launch? There's nothing new on the Cube right now, and we'd have a lot of fun with TP old school...
OK, maybe less surprises when we'll play it new school, but maybe a better learning curve then, so really, why such a long wait for the Cube version if anyway, we'll have to pay it twice?
Just a little disappointment from a huge Zelda fan, but the game will just be incredible... how may i argue and not feel excited, and thankful... i guess Nintendo's fans are too demanding, it must be hard for Nintendo to satisfy them all, all the time...
;)
GlitchCog @ May 10th 2006 8:26AM
I guess this is just Nintendo keeping its promises. They said it'd be a GameCube game, so there it is. But they also decided mid-stream that they wanted it to help usher in the Wiivolution, so they did that too. I think it's a testament to Nintendo's integrity that they are releasing the GameCube version, which will probably not sell especially well, just for the kids who say they "got a Cube just for this game," or who aren't going to buy a Revolution despite owning the under-owned GameCube.
I don't mean to say that Nintendo wouldn't spit on every gamer if it made them more money than making video games, but they've really kept their word on this one. This is also pretty much the only satisfactory explanation for Nintendo defending this as a GameCube title while all the info was being leaked about the Revolution functionality.
riffgod @ May 10th 2006 8:37AM
I think Nintendo is just keeping their word here. After all of the delays of Twilight Princess and rumors of it being delayed until the Wii launch, Nintendo time and time again promised that TP would be a gamecube title. They don't want to be seen going back on their word. However I think Wii version will prompt some people to purchase a Wii. I also think that some hardcore Zelda fans will be getting both version and completing both.
THL @ May 10th 2006 8:47AM
Here's the reason for a dual-release:
Cureent scenario: Nintendo can release a Wii version, claiming (truthfully) it to be an enhanced version of a GC game. The expectations for visuals would not be as high as a "new" Wii title.
Conversely, if they were to make it a Wii-only release, the game would not have the polish of a true next-gen title. They would really have to put extra time into the development to upgrade all of the assets to take advantage of the (admittedly meager, but existent) hardware upgrades. That means no killer Zelda title at Wii launch.
It makes sense.
Fuzz @ May 10th 2006 8:53AM
Forget all this talk "from a business point" and think about it for a second . . what system would you rather play it on? Ya, that right there is enough to drive sales. People arn't going to not buy a Wii just because Zelda is also available on the Cube. They are doing it because they said they would, and they no it isn't going to hurt them one ioata.
Andreas @ May 10th 2006 9:25AM
From what I remember, Miyamoto himself was against Twilight Princess coming to Wii. It was designed for the Gamecube after all. I think they went through a lot of trouble redefining the gaming style for Wii last year so that it doesn't just feel like a silly conversion. And also a lot of people simply doesn't have the money to buy a new console once their favourite game comes out. I think a dual release is good for the actual game sales. The game sales will be huge for both systems. The Wii console sales won't be weaker just because of this.
KilgoreTrout XL @ May 10th 2006 9:35AM
It seems like a concellation prize for those who keep their gamecubes & don't upgrade.
Or, is it a subtle hint that the Wii won't be nearly an inexpensive as we all once thought? Perhaps N is trying to get ahead of the backlash by bringing it to both systems, so that when the price tag hits, there isn't a general riot about the outlay gamers are forced to put down to play it (if it were Wii exclusive.)
As a non-sequitur, I thought that the N's CEO (name escapes me) explanation of the "Wii" name was damned good.
denny williams @ May 10th 2006 9:39AM
i think it's funny how one company or developer can break a promise and catch shit for it, but Nintendo keeps it's promise and some people still aren't happy. just proves that you can't please everybody. especially a demographic as fickle as gamers.
Gonzo @ May 10th 2006 10:28AM
As long as they don't price it as rediculously as Microsoft and Sony, they're really not going to have to twist my arm.
I'm sold.
I'm not holding my breath for Zelda though. Wii'll never get to play that damn game.
Art Guy @ May 10th 2006 10:35AM
Count me as disapointed.
If Nintendo hadn't kept their promise about this game I would have been very pissed. But I had assumed since the Wii has backward compatibility that I would just have to purchase one copy that would work on both systems. My plan was to buy Zelda and play it on my Cube until there were enough Wii games out to justify it's purchase. I need at least 5 games to make a system worthwhile to me, as of now there are only 3 scheduled I'm interested in at all.
Every company has broken a promise or two, including Nintendo, although Sony is by far the worst offender in that area.
Kevin D @ May 10th 2006 10:50AM
I STILL say that after a few hours of waving your arm around, your shoulder muscles will KILL you...LOL...
Mark my word, people will be complaining BIG TIME about this...
Personally, I'd rather spend a few relaxing hours with a controller and not have burned out shoulder/arm muscles...LOL... So I can do it again whenever I want (and not stop because 'it hurts too much'....LOL)>...
Oh well, we shall see in time....
chairhome @ May 10th 2006 11:20AM
I don't see what the big deal is, they're still releasing the same games for the Xbox and 360. As someone stated earlier, they just want to give the option to those that aren't early adopters.
Twist @ May 10th 2006 11:36AM
I have to say that I agree with Kevin D here. I can't imagine doing an 8-10 hour session of Twilight Princess using the Wiimote. I am hoping that developers give us the option to use the Classic Controller or the Wiimote in most games. After all all the Wiimote is really giving us is a point-and-click interface for a console. And from what I saw of the game-play videos it is an even less accurate method than using an analog stick.
Onion @ May 10th 2006 11:50AM
Pay attention to the title of this blog post, which grabbed your attention. I think Nintendo is smart. Immediately you associate Wii as a better console which is capable of displaying games in widescreen format. It doesn't say HD, but people who has recently acquired a new TV would probably tell his friends, "I have just got a wide screen TV", not "a HD TV". Gamecube can do widescreen, but they dumb down Zelda GC to just 4x3. Nothing to lose, Gamecube is already dying when Nintendo releases Wii. Such move is a smart marketing decision, imo.
Artr @ May 10th 2006 11:55AM
Nitendo also has two versions of their Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon.
Blue is for the DS
Red is for the Gameboy
of course a DS can play both. it shows that Nitendo are willing to support their past consoles for some extent during a transition period. especially with such valuable franchises like pokemon and zelda....
Seandizzle @ May 10th 2006 12:35PM
#26: There's a good reason there won't be a special edition package with both games: Then someone could just give away or sell the spare edition they don't need and get their own for a discounted price. I've done that with multiple-license games before. There's just no way that would be feasible, even though cost-wise the disc pressing would be minimal.
Kevin D: You don't actually swing the Wiimote for sword fighting. That's handled by the buttons. You only use the nunchuck for controlling your shield and throwing things, and the Wiimote for aiming over-the-shoulder weapons and the downward-stab finishing move. Sounds like enough to make some moves more interesting without tiring the game out.
Wolff @ May 10th 2006 12:38PM
Everyone's discussing the differences between Wii and Gamecube (admittedly it's the topic of this article), but I haven't heard any comments from anyone yet on the content of the Zelda trailer we've seen. I LOVE seeing a mature Link! I liked Wind Waker a lot, but this new look is just too cool!
KwadDamyj @ May 10th 2006 12:39PM
I dunno about you guys, but I ain't buying this thing. This year's E3 was a disappointment to high heaven to me as far as Nintendo's stuff goes---and I had been viciously loyal to them since my first game system AND first Ninty console, which was the SNES.
It looks to me like the gameplay is going to be the same ol' same ol' we're used to, based on the E3 trailer vids, and I was hoping one of the developers would make good use of the tech. How disappointing.
Also, the lack of Smash Bros. makes me suspicious.
I'd elaborate but I have business to attend to outside of the 'net.
Oro @ May 10th 2006 12:50PM
Yay, my first time sending a tip in and it gets posted and I get credit! :D
I think it'd be nice if they just released both in the same box, together, for $50~$60. People who would be thinking, "Well, I'll just get it for my Game Cube" will spend $50 on it, and then think, "Well, I've already got this Wii game sitting around now, maybe I should buy a Wii so I can try it out." I think a move like that would move a lot of people who would otherwise feel fine with just playing the GameCube version to buy a Wii eventually later on.
If they release both separately for $50 each, though, I'll feel a bit miffed.
brandlore @ May 10th 2006 12:53PM
my question is, is the wii version compatible with the gamecube controller, it would only make sense, nintendo is being smart, launching with such a strong line up already and then technically having the most wanted zelda game launch with it. If that doesnt push console sales I dont know what will
JC @ May 10th 2006 1:17PM
I don't think there's much to question here. Twilight Princess was originally a Gamecube title, designed for Gamecube, not Wii. The game received Wii functionality as delays brought it's relase date close to Wii's, and Nintendo decided to also use the game as a Wii launch game adding wiimote functionality and widescreen, which all new systems support. It wasn't stripped down for Gamecube. It was upgraded for Wii.
The ZeroCorpse @ May 10th 2006 2:03PM
I'll tell you why there will be two versions, from the retail point of view.
I have a ton of customers who have little kids. They own a GameCube and a GBA SP, and that's all. They won't purchase the $130 Nintendo DS, because their little kid doesn't need more horsepower. They won't purchase a $250 Wii because the kids are perfectly happy with with the $99 GameCube and its library of games.
Also among these people are the extremely casual gamers- The ones who play a Mario or Zelda title every once in a while, but otherwise ignore gaming. They're not out for the newest thing. They're happy buying the $20 games and playing through those over a long period of time.
Nintendo knows this is their core audience. Families, casual gamers, parents... They would be shooting themselves in the foot to exclude the GameCube from the next Zelda title. They will make more money selling it to GameCube owners who have no intention of upgrading this year than they will if they make it exclusive.
I swear, some of you guys forget that we hardcore game freaks are NOT the core audience. For every one of our kind I see in my store, I get ten families who don't know all the terminology, newest technology, or details, and they just want something low-cost, simple, and available.
With every console that plays DVDs, I offer a DVD remote as an add-on sale. Customers almost always say "No thanks. I won't be watchng movies on it. I just want it for games."
Mainstream customers do not want a lot of multimedia features. They come to the games department to get games. Period. Half of them don't even know their PS2 & XBox can play music CDs and movie DVDs.
We're not the target, guys, and it appears few of you know how to think like the target audience. Nintendo DOES know how to think like their target audience, which is why they do so well.
effervescence @ May 10th 2006 2:04PM
I don't see why everyone is jumping to the conclusion that there will be two versions. The one title, Twilight Princess, will be playable on both Wii and Gamecube. Playing it on Wii simply enables better features. Just like, for example, back when Nintendo put out the Game Boy Color. They released a bunch of games that were still playable on the old black and white Game Boys, but if you had a GB Color, you'd get, well, color in your game. Same thing here, I think. Nintendo will release only one version, and depending on what system you play it on, you get a different feature set. Why'd everyone leap to the conclusion that it must be two seperate versions?
The ZeroCorpse @ May 10th 2006 2:09PM
Maybe because the press release says "The Wii version will feature... but the GameCube version will not."
The ZeroCorpse @ May 10th 2006 2:12PM
Oh, wait... my bad. It does say "playable on GameCube" which would indicate that you're right. One version that plays on both consoles.
The"version" stuff in in Joystiq's writing--- A bit to close to quotes.
Tim @ May 10th 2006 2:50PM
I'm hoping that Nintendo will put both discs in one box. Not many people would buy both separately, and this way GameCube owners can buy the game, play it on their GCN, and then get curious about that bigger disc and wonder what they're missing.. and thus be more tempted to go out and buy the new console, knowing that they don't have to buy the game all over again.