As gaming and gadget enthusiasts are already speculating what’s next for gaming consoles, the first in line for an update is Nintendo’s own console. While its next iteration, named the Wii U, was unveiled at the Electronics Entertainment Expo earlier this year, recently more detailed specifications were uncovered.

According to wiiudaily, Nintendo’s forthcoming Wii U will boast a quad core 3 GHz CPU along with at least 768 MB of RAM, while a version with 1 GB of RAM is reportedly also being tested. This puts it firmly in the same league as the Xbox 360 and PS3, enabling Nintendo’s new console to offer high definition 1080p graphics alongside support for 3D.

According to the site, developers working on the Wii U reported that it is apparently 50% more powerful than the current crop of consoles. Earlier this year, EA came out in support of Nintendo’s next-gen console, telling Eurogamer that the Wii U could do anything the PS3 or Xbox 360 could.

However, Ninteno will likely not be alone in the next stage of the console wars – rumours are that the Xbox 720 and a PS4 are also currently in the works.

Now and then

However, the biggest change  between the Wii and the Wii U, besides from the tantalising tablet like controller, may well be the difference in the games available for each console and the target audience themselves. It’s no secret that the Wii primarily catered to the family and casual gamer, and offered numerous family friendly titles (such as Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, Mario Kart and New Super Mario Bros alongside the recently released Skyward Sword).

The Wii U may mark a shift to Nintendo’s more hardcore followers;  a number of highly anticipated titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Darksiders II, Ninja Gaiden 3, Metro Last Light and Tekken have already being slated for the console on its release.

More exciting though, is what next generation versions of Nintendo’s exclusive franchises could look like in high definition – such as a Legend of Zelda game. All we can say is we cannot wait to see where the console wars are headed next – and what innovations lie in store.For a view of the Wii U in action, hit the video below.