Wii U Forum

Topic: Did Nintendo make a mistake by not including a hard drive?

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Gigagator

1. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:11 GMT

Hi all,
Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on Nintendo not designing the Wii U with a built-in hard drive.
It didn't bother me at first, as I figured 32GB would be plenty and I purchased an external hard drive anyway, but I've been doing some thinking in the past hour and the following springs to mind...

For starters, I think quite a few developers were expecting a hard drive, especially since consoles have featured the use of hard disk drives since the PS2 era.
I also think some games are going to rely on hard drives. Have any of you played Skyrim on PS3 for example? I think that game installs something like 5GB of data to the hard drive straight away? That's just one game; I'm sure a lot of you know how quickly games ate up space on PS3 and Xbox 360. I think developers are going to rely on the hard drive a lot more in the next generation too, especially with games getting so much larger.

Of course, there's always external hard drives to use, but no developer can really guarantee that everyone has access to that, unless they included one with the game package which would likely never happen due to cost.

So I've put forth my two cents, will be interesting to hear other peoples' views on this. Would just like to add that I love my Wii U which I got at launch so I'm not a hater, just worried that third party developers are going to turn their noses up again.

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rayword45

2. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:16 GMT

That game you mentioned Skyrim? It has the hardcore appeal which basically ensures almost anyone interested in it will have an external hard drive. The casuals will want to play Wii Fit U or NSMBU. Those probably won't require as much HDD space.

I still do believe they should've included a larger option then 32GB, but it's not really a problem since most people will want to get another Hard Drive anyways.

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theblackdragon

3. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:18 GMT

it's already expensive enough, and including a hard drive may have pushed too many consumers over the edge if the price reflected its inclusion. i think they were kinda between a rock and a hard place, and leaving it up to the consumer to purchase one or not was probably the smarter decision pricewise.

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DudeSean

4. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:19 GMT

You can get a terabyte hard drive for less than $100 nowadays. If it were included with the Wii U, it would've just made the Wii U cost more for something that not everyone will need. So, no, Nintendo didn't make a mistake.

Plus, this way, people can get whatever size external hard drive they want, depending on if they plan on getting a bunch of downloadable games or not.

Edited on Mon 14th January, 2013 @ 04:21 by DudeSean

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Tasuki

5. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:21 GMT

They probably could have but it would have ended up drive the price up on the Wii U. As Rayword also said by doing it this way they leave it as an option. By not including a harddrive it kept that price at 350 where as with one it probably would have been alot more and I am sure would have caused people to pass on the Wii U. Those who want the extra harddrive will get one anyway.

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Bankai

6. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:22 GMT

This headline is misleading. The Wii U has a hard drive included in it. 8GB or 32GB.

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rayword45

7. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:25 GMT

Bankai wrote:

This headline is misleading. The Wii U has a hard drive included in it. 8GB or 32GB.

You know what he actually meant :P

A more accurate title would be "Did Nintendo make a mistake by including an SD-Card sized Hard Drive?"

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Hokori

8. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:29 GMT

Reminds me... I need a Terabite or 2 for my WiiU, so I can get Tekken and Bayonetta 2, they might be BIG

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SCAR392

9. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:31 GMT

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

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Bankai

10. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:40 GMT

SCAR392 wrote:

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

Sigh.

PS3 installs data to the hard drive to speed loading times and minimise the use of the laser, thus prolonging the PS3's life. It's got nothing to do with cutting corners.

The Wii U's laser is going to burn out hella quickly, considering it continues reading the discs even when the game isn't being played. I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new Wii U in two years.

Edited on Mon 14th January, 2013 @ 04:41 by Bankai

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Hokori

11. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:46 GMT

@walts :o that's good to know, glad I made the right choice to DL only

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SCAR392

12. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:51 GMT

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

Sigh.

PS3 installs data to the hard drive to speed loading times and minimise the use of the laser, thus prolonging the PS3's life. It's got nothing to do with cutting corners.

The Wii U's laser is going to burn out hella quickly, considering it continues reading the discs even when the game isn't being played. I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new Wii U in two years.

I know what it does, and I called it 'cutting corners'. I have a PS3 slim. I think Nintendo used the flash storage so Wii U can read discs and have the data being constantly run so it doesn't have to install it. I agree though, it does probably prolong the life of the console, but it's also kinda reliant on installing games in order to work at all in some cases. Some games don't even install that much data on PS3, topping out at 200mb sometimes, so what about those games that don't install? At that point, you might as well download you games, because not only will you have a disc, but also a ton of memory taken up by installing it.

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Bankai

13. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 04:56 GMT

SCAR392 wrote:

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

Sigh.

PS3 installs data to the hard drive to speed loading times and minimise the use of the laser, thus prolonging the PS3's life. It's got nothing to do with cutting corners.

The Wii U's laser is going to burn out hella quickly, considering it continues reading the discs even when the game isn't being played. I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new Wii U in two years.

I know what it does, and I called it 'cutting corners'. I have a PS3 slim. I think Nintendo used the flash storage so Wii U can read discs and have the data being constantly run so it doesn't have to install it. I agree though, it does probably prolong the life of the console, but it's also kinda reliant on installing games in order to work at all in some cases. Some games don't even install that much data on PS3, topping out at 200mb sometimes, so what about those games that don't install? At that point, you might as well download you games, because not only will you have a disc, but also a ton of memory taken up by installing it.

It's not cutting corners, so you called it wrong.

The Wii U does not save game data to the console. It saves saves, and perhaps some extra data (DLC, SpotPass), but what's on the disc needs to be read by the console.

And yes, you might as well download the game to the PS3. What's your point?

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SCAR392

14. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 05:04 GMT

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

Sigh.

PS3 installs data to the hard drive to speed loading times and minimise the use of the laser, thus prolonging the PS3's life. It's got nothing to do with cutting corners.

The Wii U's laser is going to burn out hella quickly, considering it continues reading the discs even when the game isn't being played. I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new Wii U in two years.

I know what it does, and I called it 'cutting corners'. I have a PS3 slim. I think Nintendo used the flash storage so Wii U can read discs and have the data being constantly run so it doesn't have to install it. I agree though, it does probably prolong the life of the console, but it's also kinda reliant on installing games in order to work at all in some cases. Some games don't even install that much data on PS3, topping out at 200mb sometimes, so what about those games that don't install? At that point, you might as well download you games, because not only will you have a disc, but also a ton of memory taken up by installing it.

It's not cutting corners, so you called it wrong.

The Wii U does not save game data to the console. It saves saves, and perhaps some extra data (DLC, SpotPass), but what's on the disc needs to be read by the console.

And yes, you might as well download the game to the PS3. What's your point?

Let me clarify my 'cutting corners' comment. Wii U can physically read a disc similar to bluray and put the content on screen as immediately as a PS3 without installing. I guess I should rephrase that to an obsolete way to run disc based softare when it comes to consoles, so not cutting corners, but rather outdating it.

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Bankai

15. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 05:26 GMT

SCAR392 wrote:

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

Bankai wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

PS3 installs disc based games on the HDD to 'cut corners', while Wii U runs disc based games straight off the disc with no extra data being used. I think Nintendo figures that people will buy an ext. HDD if they want digital downloaded games, but for discs it won't be a problem. Technically, any device cost more than just the console, because you're gonna but controllers, accessories, etc, so it's really up to the consumer to 'seek out' what exactly they want to get the function they want out of their purchase. Xbox 360 consoles with 320GB go for $400 + tax, while a Wii U goes for $350(deluxe) + tax and whatever size HDD you get 500gb-2TB variences in memory space is $60-100 + tax which is slightly more expensive, but you're getting alot more for your money. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger memory space, and Xbox 360/PS3s 320/500gb space vs. Wii U 2TB IMO.

Sigh.

PS3 installs data to the hard drive to speed loading times and minimise the use of the laser, thus prolonging the PS3's life. It's got nothing to do with cutting corners.

The Wii U's laser is going to burn out hella quickly, considering it continues reading the discs even when the game isn't being played. I'm fully expecting to have to buy a new Wii U in two years.

I know what it does, and I called it 'cutting corners'. I have a PS3 slim. I think Nintendo used the flash storage so Wii U can read discs and have the data being constantly run so it doesn't have to install it. I agree though, it does probably prolong the life of the console, but it's also kinda reliant on installing games in order to work at all in some cases. Some games don't even install that much data on PS3, topping out at 200mb sometimes, so what about those games that don't install? At that point, you might as well download you games, because not only will you have a disc, but also a ton of memory taken up by installing it.

It's not cutting corners, so you called it wrong.

The Wii U does not save game data to the console. It saves saves, and perhaps some extra data (DLC, SpotPass), but what's on the disc needs to be read by the console.

And yes, you might as well download the game to the PS3. What's your point?

Let me clarify my 'cutting corners' comment. Wii U can physically read a disc similar to bluray and put the content on screen as immediately as a PS3 without installing. I guess I should rephrase that to an obsolete way to run disc based softare when it comes to consoles, so not cutting corners, but rather outdating it.

The PS3 is capable of running games without installing them. Some do.

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DudeSean

16. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 05:26 GMT

Installing the game on a ps3 increases load times. It doesn't make content appear on the screen faster.

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Bankai

17. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 05:56 GMT

DudeSean wrote:

Installing the game on a ps3 increases load times. It doesn't make content appear on the screen faster.

Hm.

So DudeSean tells me it makes loading times longer.
Dead or Alive 5's "please install to improve performance," must be a lie. Plus, having played the game both uninstalled and installed - that improvement to loading times and framerate in-game? Yep, entirely my imagination. Because DudeSean said so.

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SCAR392

18. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 06:05 GMT

Bankai wrote:

DudeSean wrote:

Installing the game on a ps3 increases load times. It doesn't make content appear on the screen faster.

Hm.

So DudeSean tells me it makes loading times longer.
Dead or Alive 5's "please install to improve performance," must be a lie. Plus, having played the game both uninstalled and installed - that improvement to loading times and framerate in-game? Yep, entirely my imagination. Because DudeSean said so.

Well, I agree it does make the games run slightly faster, just as it does on Xbox 360, but Wii U can get the same performance from PS3/Xbox 360 game installs without installing it. I'd say that's an improvement.

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Bankai

19. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 06:06 GMT

SCAR392 wrote:

Bankai wrote:

DudeSean wrote:

Installing the game on a ps3 increases load times. It doesn't make content appear on the screen faster.

Hm.

So DudeSean tells me it makes loading times longer.
Dead or Alive 5's "please install to improve performance," must be a lie. Plus, having played the game both uninstalled and installed - that improvement to loading times and framerate in-game? Yep, entirely my imagination. Because DudeSean said so.

Well, I agree it does make the games run slightly faster, just as it does on Xbox 360, but Wii U can get the same performance from PS3/Xbox 360 game installs without installing it. I'd say that's an improvement.

Yeah, right until the laser blows up in two years from overuse.

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DudeSean

20. Posted: Mon 14th Jan 2013 06:07 GMT

Excuse the hell out of me. Decreases load times.

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