Wii U Will Have AMD Radeon HD, IBM Power Microprocessors, And 25 GB Discs

Along with its 6.2" touchscreen controller, the Wii U will feature a custom HD graphics processor from AMD, Power-based microprocessors from IBM, and 25 GB game discs. Wii U's discs, which are a proprietary format and not Blu-Ray as was rumored prior to yesterday's system reveal, is significantly larger than the original Wii's 4.7/8.54 GB discs, according to Nintendo designer Katsuya Eguchi in an interview with Kotaku. IBM says its will produce millions of its microprocessors for Wii U. The custom-designed chips feature its IBM Silicon on Insulator technology at 45 nanometer and are based on the company's open, scalable Power Architecture base. The firm claims the microprocessors pack "[its] most advanced technology into an energy-saving silicon package," and include embedded DRAM "capable of feeding the multi-core processor large chunks of data to make for a smooth entertainment experience." Nintendo also partnered with AMD to use the company's custom AMD Radeon HD GPU in Wii U, bringing high definition graphics to a Nintendo console for the first time -- something gamers have been clamoring for from the platform holder for some time. AMD says the GPU reflects the best characteristics of its graphics technology solutions, offering "high-definition graphics support; rich multimedia acceleration and playback; and multiple display support". "AMD shares Nintendo’s excitement for the new HD entertainment experience planned for the Wii U console,” says AMD's Silicon Enginerring corporate vice president David Wang. "He adds, We’re proud to provide our leading-edge HD multimedia graphics engine to power the new entertainment features of the console. Nintendo is a highly-valued customer and we look forward to the launch in 2012."