‘Sources’ point to Wii HD at E3

US games site GameInformer claims to have word from "multiple sources" that Nintendo is preparing to unveil a true successor to the Wii at this year’s E3 expo.

It says that the machine will run games in HD though it’s not sure whether it will offer comparable power to that seen in PS3 and Xbox 360 – though the site does say that it boasts "competitive specifications".

"Nintendo is doing this one right," an anonymous source is quoted s saying. "[It’s] not a gimmick like the Wii."

Publishers have already been briefed on the device, apparently, with an aim to getting new titles ready for a late 2012 launch.

There’s also speculation that Nintendo could drop the Wii branding for this successor in an effort to "embrace the Western gamer". Those are the same Western gamers who have purchased Wii in record numbers.

Additionally, GameInformer’s assurances of a new focus on third party publishers sound very much like rehashed comments we’ve read before every Nintendo launch since the GameCube.

A new Nintendo home console for E3 would not be a shock, but treat the details in this report with a suitable air of scepticism.