For the non-nerds among you: Project Cafe is the codename that has been given to Nintendo’s next video game console. It is important to note that this codename will almost certainly NOT be what the console is ultimately called… The Wii was codenamed Revolution (which was one damn cool codename), and the GameCube was codenamed Dolphin (which was one super lame codename.)

But anyway, the internet has been on fire with all kinds of rumors/speculation/leaked information about Nintendo’s follow-up to the Wii system. Here is what is “known” about it so far:

• The new console will be showed off at this June’s E3 show, though there will be an official announcement made before then.
• This system will deliver high definition gaming.
• The system will be as or more powerful than the PlayStation 3.
• The controller will have an integrated 6 inch touch-screen built in to it, which may also be HD.  It may or may not have motion-sensing capabilities.
• The new system will be backwards compatible with the Wii.
• The system is scheduled to be released in late 2012.

Now, I am clearly a Nintendo fanboy, and so I am sure to be on board with whatever Project Cafe turns out to really be.  I’m already excited for an HD system, and the controller with a screen seems like a cool idea – maybe they’ll revisit the concept of “Four Swords” -esque games.  (I liked that game – the problem was that you really needed exactly four people, all of whom had a GBA, and none of whom had severe ADD.)

I am extremely curious if the system will incorporate “waggle,” i.e. a motion controller.  It seems unlikely given what we know of the controller so far, and I’m not sure how I feel about that.  On the one hand, I have enjoyed swinging the Wiimote in Zelda, but on the other hand, I was never too into Wii Sports and those kinds of games.  Whether you love or hate waggle, it’s tough to argue that the Wii’s control scheme moved a lot of units – quite a lot of them to people who wouldn’t have considered themselves “gamers” before; and it has inspired Sony and Microsoft to hop on the motion-control bandwagon.  So for the company to abandon this huge trend that they pioneered seems somewhat odd.  Of course, there is the possibility that the Wii will continue to live on for the “casual” fans, and Cafe will be a separate path for the hardcore gamers who insist on dual analog sticks and photo-realistic graphics.

For me, I just want cool games.  I mean, I know it’s a clichéd sentiment, but that is really what it all boils down to, and that philosophy has served Nintendo well.  I know, the haters will say that Nintendo has not had great games on Wii, or enough of them.  But I’ve been happy with the games I’ve played through, and if their next system continues that trend, then I’ll be happy.  Whether the game requires me to shake my controller, or use a touchscreen, or whatever, if it’s a fun experience, the details don’t matter…

…as long as it’s not really called Project Cafe.