Nintendo has a plan to get back into the hardcore gamer world. Nintendo Co., Ltd. announced to the public and at E3 that they would show a playable model of the new Wii console. The Wii 2 will be a high-definition successor to the original Wii (that you probably haven’t played since you got bored a month after purchasing it).

The new Wii is getting some serious attention and loaded with attractive features. Rumours are spreading that it will be powered by a three-core IBM Power PC chip and will feature an ATI R700 GPU for 1080p. Wii 2 will use a gamepad with a 6.2-inch touch screen along with dual analogue sticks and the remote control will have a built-in camera. The successor will be much greater competition for the PS3 and Xbox 360 due to its HD graphics and anticipated Blu-ray player. Wii 2 also hopes to capitalize on an online aspect it will feature making it much more serious competition in the electronic gaming world. The new console is rumoured to be able to support 3D technology, which will launch it into next gen gaming.

The Wii 2 will be able to play all Wii games, which means that you can finally throw out your old Wii that’s probably covered in dust. Or you could give it to that cousin that you never really liked.

Wii 2’s expected release date is early 2012, which will give it enough time to catch on before Microsoft and Sony launch their own successors in a few years, estimated around 2014.

TO LOOK OUT FOR: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword at E3 2011.

Follow myETVmedia at E3 2011 in LOS ANGELES from JUNE 7-9 for more on Wii 2! Stay tuned for our thoughts on whether the Wii 2 is worth the estimated $350 price tag after the Electronic Entertainment Expo this summer.

Kayla Colvin