A big question over the Wii U, Nintendo's next-generation gaming console launching by the end of 2012, is how it will perform graphically in comparison to this and next generation consoles. Nintendo (Worldwide) president Satoru Iwata said in a question-and-answer session with investors it won't lag behind competition.

Iwata was asked if developers are capable of taking advantage of the hardware on the Wii U, and said some developers are comfortable in other aspects such as "creating games with breathtaking visuals or heavy storylines." Iwata also reiterated that Nintendo is working with third-party developers on the Wii U - a key problem of the Wii, which relied on Nintendo properties.

On online systems and subscription costs, Iwata again stated Nintendo doesn't have plans charging for Miiverse - its online service - but will be selling content through the service. Part of that's almost certainly going to be downloadable content; Nintendo is offering the Coin Rush mode for New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the Nintendo 3DS post-launch, which Nintendo president Reggie Fils Aime said isn't cut content from the game.

Moderation was also talked about in Miiverse, particularly as Nintendo's audience is often the more casual and younger player. It was therefore asked how Nintendo is going to prevent negative/abusive comments from filtering through when playing alone.

"We have several plans and formats, including the elimination of comments from such people, and other ways to prevent children from being exposed to them," Iwata said. Protective measures weren't detailed because users may find ways to work around them.

Iwata also touched on competitors' consoles, and whether a similar life cycle as this generation's will cause the Wii U to be outdated in terms of graphical capability.

"Other companies might launch a next-generation gaming console with more power, but we don't necessarily think that the difference between the Wii U and such console will be as drastic as what you felt it was between the Wii and other consoles because there will be fewer and fewer differentiator in graphics," Iwata said. There has been concern Nintendo will effectively be a generation behind, and therefore needs to take advantage of the 12-month head start it has over Microsoft and Sony.