High Voltage Software (HVS) today unveiled the Quantum3 game engine for the Nintendo Wii, which it claims can be used to develop "games that look like Xbox 360 or PS3 titles."

"We think it's a real shame that publishers and developers aren't taking advantage of the technical possibilities of the Wii platform. Most Wii games don't even look as good as the later day PS2 titles and that's a real slap in the face to consumers," HVS CEO, Kerry Ganofsky, recently told IGN.

"We believe that third-party developers need to step up to the plate and deliver. The Wii platform is capable of a lot more than what consumers have seen so far. We're hoping to raise a new bar."

Technically speaking, Quantum3 promises "better dynamic bump mapping, light effects, glossing and other visual improvements," a feat possible through the use of a "16 TEV stage material pipeline that can blend up to 8 separate texture sources."

Previous versions of the engine have already been utilised in the likes of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Ben 10: Protector of Earth and Harvey Birdman – Attorney at Law.

 HVS notes that it will release five Quantum3-powered projects "in the near future."