They said it would be sleek...and it is. The first image and new details, inside. Now.

[Note: to see the Revolution's unveiling, check out our conference pictures/video page.]

USA Today just broke the first image of the new Nintendo console, codenamed Revolution. At long last, here it is:

Along with the image, new details on the console were also revealed. As previously hinted, the unit will feature a front self-loading disc slot that will accept standard-sized DVDs as well as the smaller GameCube discs. Also verified, the Revolution will offer playback of DVD movies.

In terms of the raw power of the system, Nintendo purportedly made the modest estimate of the Revolution being approximately 2-3 times the performance of the GameCube. This is in contrast to the (possibly exaggerated) XBOX 360 (10-13 times the performance of the original XBOX) and the just unveiled PS3 (supposedly 35 times the performance of the PS2). Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan pointed out that "It's not all about having 'turbo power', it's about what you do with it."

The USA Today article also included the comments of one analyst, Richard Doherty of The Envisioneering Group, who listed one of the Revolution's chief advantages as a platform being that it will truly be considerably easier and cheaper for developers to work with compared to the competition. In Doherty's own words, this is because "They do not need to make major changes from the games they were designing, [as such] they have better performance without having to do a lot of extra work."

A bit more was also revealed regarding the Wi-Fi capability of the Revolution, specifically the shape its service will take when the unit is released. Gamers will apparently have access to a free online matching service, and furthermore the service will enable the download of Nintendo classics from previous systems, such as the original Donkey Kong, as well as new Nintendo games.

With more details just around the corner at Nintendo's Pre-E3 Press Conference, Kaplan was firm in stating "We've built Revolution around the concept of 'all-access gaming,' [regarding the unit's ease of adoption by both gamers and developers] ...We're about sticking to the soul of gaming."

Stay tuned...much, much more is to come.

Updated with official shots and press release:

Nintendo's Compact Console Will Turn The World Of Gaming On Its Side

New System will be Forward-Thinking, Yet Backward Compatible

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 - Each generation of video game consoles builds on the past to set new standards for the future. As the company with the strongest heritage of innovation, Nintendo redefines expectations for all next-gen systems by employing a wide-ranging strategy to attract more kinds of gamers to more kinds of games. When Nintendo's new console, code-named Revolution, arrives in 2006, everyone will discover the meaning of All-Access Gaming.

"We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming," says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "With backward compatibility and the 'virtual console' concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming."

Some of the system features that wowed the crowd at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles include:

• The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally.
• Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCubeTM generation. But there's more...
• The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo� 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System� (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System� (NES).
• Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
• Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.
• The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible.
• The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world's richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.
• Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo� Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.
• Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game "masterpieces" as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

"Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We're throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents."

Nintendo's All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum. The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the world of video games - to everyone. Software for the new console will even attract people who don't consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and the most engaging experiences yet developed - only with Nintendo.

The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy� Advance SP, Nintendo DSTM and Nintendo GameCubeTM systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2 billion video games and more than 336 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as MarioTM and Donkey Kong� and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid�, ZeldaTM and Pokémon�. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.

For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.