GameStop expected to stop selling the Wii U Basic on June 18

Next week sees E3 kick off, with the big talking points being games for the PS4 and Xbox One, as well as Sony finally revealing what the PS4 looks like. But it’s also a key event for Nintendo because the Wii U is struggling, and they need to turn that around before the other next-gen consoles arrive at retail.
One announcement we may get is that the 8GB Wii U Basic console is set to be discontinued. Evidence of that comes from an internal GameStop message that says the company will stop selling the 8GB Wii U on June 18. It’s true that may just be a GameStop decision, but it’s just as likely Nintendo has decided to focus on the 32GB Deluxe console at retail.

For the moment, both Nintendo and GameStop are refusing to comment as this classes as just a rumor, but one coming from a source Kotaku trusts in the retail chain (meaning they’ve been right before). If Nintendo is discontinuing the 8GB model, we’ll most likely find out on June 11 when a Nintendo Direct broadcast is planned.
If you look at the Wii U Basic and Deluxe side-by-side the Deluxe is clearly the better choice. The 8GB of storage on offer in the Basic model just isn’t enough, and it’s less than an extra $100 for the 32GB Deluxe if you shop around. With retail prices falling to help move units, Nintendo could also be considering a price drop. A 32GB Deluxe model for $300 would certainly help the console look more desirable.
What the Wii U most needs is good games released regularly. They are coming, and with a refocus on the Deluxe Nintendo could have a good summer before the competition arrives in time for the holidays.
Now read: Wii modchip creators claim to have cracked the Wii U
View the original article here

Read More

Thinner MacBook Pro using a Haswell processor expected at WWDC

On June 10 Apple kicks off its 4-day Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, better known as WWDC. Last year’s conference saw a new MacBook Pro unveiled complete with a Retina Display and a resolution of 2560 x 1600. And this year the focus is yet again expected to be on the MacBook Pro and Apple’s thinner and lighter laptop the MacBook Air.
Of course, Apple isn’t saying anything until WWDC begins, but that doesn’t stop analysts taking educated guesses as to what we can expect to see. This year, Intel’s Haswell processors are expected to allow Apple to make a few changes to their laptop line up. More specifically, it’s expected the Pro models will get even thinner.
Currently, both the MacBook Pro and Air use Intel’s Ivy Bridge processors. Haswell improves upon Ivy Bridge in a number of ways, but most significantly for Apple, reduces power consumption and adds an advanced power saving system. That means less heat production and the same battery life from a smaller battery.
If Apple embraces Haswell early, which it is expected to do, we could see a new MacBook Pro unveiled that’s even thinner than the current 0.95-inch 2012 version. Alternatively, we could see the thickness stay the same, but the battery life extended beyond the existing 7 hours Apple quotes.
KGI securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will opt for a thinner MacBook Pro. The FaceTime HD camera is also expected to improve from the existing 720p part to a 1080p-capable solution. As for the MacBook Air, alongside a similar move to Haswell processors, it’s also expected that dual built-in microphones will be added for improved voice quality.
Such improvements are just speculation, but I’m sure many would argue the MacBook Pro is already thin enough and improved battery life is more desirable. Apple shipping a new Pro that looks the same as the existing model, but achieves 10 hours of battery life surely wouldn’t lose it any fans. A similar battery life improvement for the MacBook Air would also no doubt be welcomed.
Now read: Double retina: iPhone 5S reported to pack twice the pixels

View the original article here

Read More