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Project Cafe, it seems you cannot flick the power button on your modem without some more info on the new console flooding your Wi-Fi with these drip fed snippets of tasty goodness.

IGN seem to be the best-connected gaming news network and have led the way in reporting from there as yet undisclosed sources. However, do they report it with the same style and panache as the hard working GT team? HELL NO!!

First a little recap on developments as reported by our editor. Then some WILD speculation on Nintendos stratergy and possible applications for this exciting new console.

According to the latest info, Project Cafe could take on the name Stream. Perhaps referring to the streaming capabilities to the handsets. These of course are rumoured to have 6.2 inch touch screens. (Which i have a theory on but I will get back to that.)
Under the hood of the new console there is said to be a revamped R700 GPU made by AMD alongside a custom built triple core IBM Power PC chipset capable of delivering 1080p visuals and maybe stereoscopic 3d.

Here is the really interesting part. Foxconn is manufacturing the console in Taiwan. Who at the time of writing will be shipping these little beauties by October 2011! So you could see the product on the shelves this year. Depending on Nintendos strategy.

Nintendo in the past have not been one to flood the market from day one. Instead releasing a console in limited numbers in what has been criticised as a blatant PR stunt. This Make it desirable. Make it rare approach has served them well in the past. Do you remember the Wii launch? I do and the console was completely unobtainable for months unless you pre-ordered.

So i would expect limited numbers to hit the streets followed by a flood of hardware six to eight weeks later. This of course generates headlines and makes world news.

“STREAM SELLS OUT “

“NEW CONSOLE IN HIGH DEMAND”

Ring any bells?

This early release date is made even more likely through Nintendos decision to build the console on existing tech. They already have the technology for the controllers. Through their considerable experience with the Nintendo DS, and the console itself while more advanced than the Xbox and PS3, is not groundbreaking or more importantly does not have to be developed from scratch.

Remember the biggest Headache for Sony with the PS3, was being too advanced with its internal chip structure. The cell chip itself considered space age stuff.

Now for my opinion on the application of these new controllers. Some have speculated on these being used for maps and inventory and such. My theory is a little different.

I envisage the Stream as a console and a hub for these controllers. With the game flicking between the two for both players. One minute your directing Mario on the Big screen, The next a chase scene activates and your running from a giant Kirby shaped ball on your handheld! While player two is franticly trying to turn levers on the main screen. To direct the massive balls path away from you.

The Depth these controllers can bring to games can reach further than boring menus and inventorys. But it depends on developers taking risks.

Imagine running around a COD map in multiplayer having sent a recon Drone in the air and getting a live video feed of the map streamed to your handset. These are the things we Gamers desire. Not looking down at the handset and seeing an ammo count.

Such potential.

If Nintendo can wow us with innovation and groundbreaking game play mechanics i genuinely think they could steal the next generation away from Microsoft and Sony.

Stay tuned to Games thirst as we deliver and dissect every new bit of info we can find.

Just for you!