Project Cafe - Requirements for Success

So Nintendo's E3 Press Conference is just days away - as is the public unveiling of their new console - codenamed Project Cafe. Ignoring all the speculation, I thought I'd have a think about what Nintendo needs to do with Cafe, to ensure that the console is a success - and by success I mean 'accepted by gamers'.

OK, so in my eyes there are 4 key areas for success:

1. A functional and easy to use online system
2. Hardware comparable to the next-gen Sony & Microsoft machines
3. Triple-A third party support
4. Killer apps at launch

Now, points 1 & 2 will both contribute to point 3, which will also contribute to point 4 - but I'm going to run through these one-by-one regardless, so relax.

A functional and easy to use online system

It's simple, rip off Xbox Live and rebrand it. As long as it has a single sign in (not game specific), and the ability to download demo's, virtual console, Cafe-ware, downloadable content and patches we'll be sweet. Also the ability to add randoms after an online match (although this may be game specific) would be nice. 

I've been hearing things about spectator modes - and I like the idea - but baby steps, we need to be able to see at a glance which friends are currently online and what they're playing. The ability to join them/send them a message at that time is a must. If I'm playing Game X, and my friend logs in an starts playing Game X too, I need to know about that.

Voice chat needs to be integrated through the console itself (not game specific), but also the option to use a wireless (bluetooth/usb whatever) keyboard too. Acheivements/Trophies/Stars (for a Nintendo-themed option) needs to happen. Too many Wii games are adding similar systems that have zero impact on anything else. Obviously developers want to include this type of thing - it needs to be integrated.

Hardware comparable to PS4 & Xbox720

Who knows how far away the next iteration of Sony & Microsofts machine's are - I suppose that depends on how well Cafe is received - but Nintendo need to ensure that they are not technically gimped again. I'm not just talking about graphical power here either.

The Cafe controller needs to have all the features and the same number of buttons as PS4/Xbox720 controllers. This is a biggie. The Gamecube only had one less button than PS2/Xbox, but they also didn't have  'clickable' analogue sticks. That's essentially 3 less buttons. And the Wii Remote? Don't even get me started. The Classic Controller (Pro version) needed to be bundled with the Wii. Note that additional features - such as the rumoured touch screen  - won't detract from this, so long as the touch screen is not expected to be used as a substitute for buttons.

If Cafe has a robust online system (see above), it needs to have some form of storage - preferably a hard drive (storage is so cheap these days it's ridiculous). It needs to be big storage too - at least 50GB - and preferably the ability to add storage via an external USB device too (just in case). Demos, save data, virtual console, cafe-ware all take up space. We don't want the 'cleaning out the fridge' debacle that the Wii suffered, and we don't want Cafe-ware developers to have to be restricted to stupid size restrictions ala WiiWare either.

In terms of graphics and RAM etc, Cafe needs to ensure that it's comparable. If the system is far less powerful that PS4/Xbox720, multiplatform titles either won't come, or they'll be B-team ports with limited features. 

Finally the little things - HDMI/Component/Composite out is a must - preferably all provided in the box. Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is a must. I'd say Nintendo will use a proprietary disk format again - but it needs to be high capacity - 30GB at least. As for resolution, 720p minimum for developers, 1080p maximum resolution. 

Triple A 3rd Party Support

History tells us that if we get my first two points right, Triple A third party titles are much more likely to come to Cafe - but Nintendo need to do more! They need to make partnerships with Western developers and publishers, offer incentives - get those exclusives (timed or otherwise). 

Things like having Link & Gannondorf in Soul Calibur V (remember how big Soul Calibur II sold on Gamecube??) ensures that the Cafe version is the definitive version. Make deals with Activision, EA, Rockstar - get Call of Duty, Dragon Age, Grand Theft Auto etc on Nintendo systems. If Western developers don't already have Cafe DevKits they need to get them quick smart - throw money at them to support it.

I remember when Wii was announced, and it had all this 'awesome' third party support.While Konami had Metal Gear Solid 4 for PS3/Xbox360, Wii had Elebits. While Ubisoft had Prince of Persia for PS3/Xbos360, Wii had Red Steel. While SquareEnix had mainline Final Fantasy titles on PS3/Xbox360, Wii had Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles. While Capcom had Resident Evil 5 on PS3/Xbox360, Wii had a remake of Resident Evil 4, and some RE light-gun spin offs. Notice a trend here? I bet you can guess which games sold more copies too, despite the higher Wii install base.

Simple fact, B-team games will get B-team sales. If Nintendo can convince developers to put their AAA titles on Cafe, and they are full-feature or have exclusive content for Wii, they will sell. 

Killer Apps at launch

The 3DS launch showed Nintendo exactly how not to do things. You need killer apps - whether they are Nintendo made or 3rd party. I'm talking a main-line Mario, an online F-Zero, Super Smash Bros from Nintendo (at least one of) and from 3rd party's: Soul Calibur V, Mass Effect 3, Grand Theft Auto 5.

Something that is so hot, that you can't afford not to have Cafe. Cafe needs a Super Mario 64, it needs a Halo.

Now, here is my semi-off the wall idea for Cafe. Include Animal Crossing in the Project Cafe firmware. Your Animal Crossing house is the OS. Play games by using the TV. Use the Cafe shop by using the computer. See achievements at your trophy cabinet. See friends by using the diary. The interface for this is menu driven - not avatar-driven, but choose to leave the house, and you're full-on playing Animal Crossing.

I'm ready Nintendo - it's time to drop the bomb.