The Nintendo NX - despite analysis and predictions based on a mix of patents, press reports and vague statements from Nintendo - remains a mystery. All we do know for sure is that it'll be revealed this year, while there's a strong belief among some that the hardware will also launch - in some form - before 2016 is finished.
That's the view of some consultancy and analyst firms, though now DFC has come forward with its own take, issuing a warning that a 2016 launch could be bad news for Nintendo. It cites the existing current-gen competition, the influx of VR (Virtual Reality) hardware into the market and the negative impact on Wii U as factors.
DFC believes that Nintendo launching a new system in 2016 would be a mistake and under any scenario the Nintendo NX will not have an impact on the market until late 2017.
Of course, our perception is likely to evolve as more details around price points and launch dates become available, but 2016 is looking to be a record year for the game industry. In reviewing 2015 the PlayStation 4 met our expectations while the Xbox One and Wii U slightly underperformed. Going forward DFC believes that the potential launch of a new Nintendo system as well as new VR devices, especially the PlayStation VR will have a negative impact on the Xbox One and Wii U.
Accordingly the market is open for the PlayStation 4 to have stronger sales and forecasts have been raised accordingly.
It's a logical argument, that the ongoing popularity of current hardware and an influx of expensive but desirable products could be to the detriment of the NX if, for example, it arrived in an over-crowded Holiday period. Time will tell whether VR will have much of a mainstream impact, but among the range of manufacturing rumours and investment firms / analysts citing an NX launch for towards the end of this year, it's interesting to see the opposite recommendation in force.
Do you agree with DFC that 2016 is too soon and crowded for the NX to launch, or is the sooner the better? Let us know in the comments.
[source mcvuk.com]
Comments 150
I feel that the main issue with this is Nintendo seems to release their consoles "Mid Generation" The Wii U feels as if it's caught between last gen and the current gen, which I feel is one of the primary reasons Nintendo aren't doing particularity well in the market at the moment
Yep, always said it, always will.
As much as I love wii u, commercially it is a sinking ship.
It would be foolish for nintendo not to push on with NX.
Failure to grasp the future of the console market this analysis is. Nintendo, and to a lesser extent Microsoft, are moving away from being direct competition with other consoles, meaning it matters less of when these consoles launch.
I feel this only addresses the NX as a Home Console, not taking into account that the NX could be a Portable or Micro Console. I feel those two markets are a lot more open for Nintendo this year than a Home Console would be.
Unless the 2016 NX is a handheld console.
I think the "right time" all depends on what the product is. If it's something that's going to try and compete with what's already out there, then yeah, releasing the same year as Playstation VR and a year when presumably a lot of first party stuff will finally be coming out on those systems might be a bad idea.
But if it's something completely different, it may not matter when they release it. I'm truly hoping the product is something that we don't know we need until we see it.
In the end, I don't know much about economics and financials, but in the gaming industry I don't know if there's ever a "right time" to release new hardware. Some might argue that Nintendo screwed themselves with the Wii U's launch in terms of their timing (releasing mid-generation in comparison with the others), but again it all comes back to what the NX is. If it's a handheld, that doesn't matter. If it's a new console with a much smaller target audience (Nintendo fans), it doesn't matter. If it's meant to be a "PS4 killer", it totally matters.
I'm hoping it's NONE of those things and it's something we don't even realize could exist yet. The theories of an app that runs on different devices certainly has my ears perked up though.
Uh obviously it will negatively impact the WiiU, it's a whole new console! The question is, will the NX surpass the WiiU to the point where it won't matter how it effects it? Hmmm
@NewAdvent Good point, but at the same time that's part of the reason why these companies (mainly Playstation) aren't going "all in" on VR. They're dipping their feet. VR might come out this Fall, but so is Horizon, a huge first-party game that doesn't look like it will have VR support (or need it if it does have it). So even if VR comes out and people say "no", there are still options from the other companies.
This is one of those "dammed if you do, dammed if you don't" case scenarios. Whatever Nintendo does in 2016 will neither be wrong or right, it is the public response (and third parties) to what they do that will make or break the NX.
There are so many games coming out this year. I might miss the NX launch if it comes out to soon. That does not mean I won't get it.
Agreed.
I don't get how 2016 could be a "record year for the game industry" when only the PS4 is doing well while the four other systems are underperforming.
I wonder who pay those analysts...
Im not sure I would hire this firm. They sound as though they have shares in one of the other consoles companies.
I turned my Wii U on yesterday for the first time this year. There was nothing I wanted to play. Maybe I would have got Starfox at Christmas if it wasn't delayed.
I bet there are millions of homes with Wii U's gathering dust, and that needs to be resolved asap. With new games games games; either for the Wii U or the NX.
I do think the home console unit needs to hold off until May or even Sept 2017. But the handheld unit, that should arrive this November.
Also people thinking the NX will be a home console have no idea about the state of Nintendo. If they couldn't feed enough the WiiU with HD games then they won't be able to feed another home console.
And don't talk about third parties. 90% of third parties consider the Nintendo audience isn't their target audience.
@NewAdvent It's true. Nintendo could either knock it out of the park with some awesome new concept, or just sort of peter out if it's something like the PS4 but just not as good.
There are so many people who say "just release a PS4-like console and everyone would be happy" - but I don't think that's at all true. The people who say that are already happy with their systems, because they're more adult and yadda yadda.
Nintendo's place to be is releasing something different that occupies a different space.
@zool
Might I suggest Xenoblade Chronicles X, which I personally think is the best game on Wii U. I didn't even touch my PS4, X1, 3DS or Vita for a month and a half.
And if you missed Pikmin 3, Bayonetta 2 or DKC Tropical Freeze, I would prioritize that above all else.
@NewAdvent
Read above, but also (since you have an X1) I wholeheartedly recommend Rise of the Tomb Raider. Best game on the system bar none. And Ori & the Blind Forest. It would be a sin to miss that one.
@bitleman
They will be able to feed a new home console by releasing a hybrid unit, where games can be scaled to play on the handheld as well. This not only solves the issue of software by essentially doubling the number of releases, it's the only feasible approach to resurrect their home console sales.
That's why I'm confident NX is a hybrid. It makes too much sense.
Erm. This analysis is only valid if the NX is the same proposal as PS4 and X1. However, the analysis becomes rather moot if the NX is a new concept that captures consumers imagination.
For sure, NX should release in 2017. Just tread water in 2016, which feels like the plan. Make sure My Nintendo is how you want it. Make sure you realize how online works fully for all multiplayer games, and make sure NX doesn't need a massive day 1 patch like WiiU did. Rushing out an unfinished product (again, WiiU and 3DS), will only lead to a disaster and another failure.
And PLEASE, make sure NX has all the good things the other two systems have AND stuff they don't. Otherwise, wait to release.
I only just got a Wii U because there has not been many games I wanted to play. Now that they do, and have a few good games in the pipe line they say they are bringing out a new console. It doesn't make sense to me.
Releasing console Q1/Q2 2017 would be bigger mistake. Third party would just port old games from Q3/Q4 2016 with too high pricetags. Releasing console before christmas is best way to get it out of shelves and to the customers.
VR is 3D TV all over again. Still based on the same concept as the 80s and 90s versions. I don't want to wear a helmet with screens right next to my eyes. Most gamers are ok with a mouse/keyboard/controller for the amount of movement they want to do. I was right with 3D TV, I think I'll be right with this 'fab' also.
I would think PS4 gets a price cut and/or new model before christmas and will sell an unbelievable amount of systems. Even without price cuts any new console will be left in the dark this christmas. Sony is strong right now. Even without interesting games.
@DefHalan But, but, but the NX is going to replace the Wii U, it can't be a portable console!?
Erm, so they think that vr is disruptive enough for Nintendo yet sony can stick to a console game? I think their brain just crashed.
Besides, I like speculating about the next console, as I said previously, but I also think the nx is most likely a handheld at first.
This entirely depends on how well prepared Nintendo is to launch the NX (launch games, advertising, supply, etc)
@NewAdvent
RotTR is so much better than its predecessor. They nailed it in every respect. More tombs and puzzles, a more Zelda/Metroid like approach where you'll gain upgrades and gear as you progress that grant access to new areas...
It's a 10/10 imo. The reboot was great too, but not on this level...
@erv I think the idea that people will buy a VR device instead is stupid. But it will impact the market. It'll be huge news when it releases. The PS4 will probably peak in terms of sales this year. Those two things do matter though. More eyes on VR and PS4 means less eyes on Nintendo and the NX. A ''silent'' release isn't what they need right now.
The 3DS needs a replacement, and the home console market isn't the place to launch a new console this year. I want Nintendo to succeed, so I'd rather see them wait until 2017. Besides, going with the dev kits rumours, up to 2 years of development time is always better than 1 year.
Can't analyze something that we know nothing about. Is it a system, is it a handheld, is it both combined? Lol, what if the NX was an add on for the Wii U, how nuts would that be? Then again, it would explain the lack of a cd drive, but I'm not really sure if connecting an add on through a USB cord is feasible. On top of that I'm sure many people would think Nintendo was shooting themselves in the foot doing an add on.
Here's the thing - Nintendo has 2 options as I see it. Release NX in 2016 with a strong launch line-up and leave Wii U to die as it's been doing, OR put more effort into the Wii U (which likely won't happen) and really crank out the hits and give Wii U owners a fantastic last 18 months or so of great games then release NX next holiday season. One thing that should NOT be an option is for Nintendo to let Wii U die slowly (as its been doing) and wait to release NX in 2017. Something has to happen in 2016 whether it's a really strong final year for Wii U and 3DS or the release of the NX. It's do or die time.
@JaxonH Can you clarify your "hybrid" comment w/ your thinking handheld end of this year home beginning of next? That's 2 units, not a hybrid. Unless you consider 2 units - home and away - both playing the same games somehow makes them a hybrid?
I'm not sure I have an answer myself, though 1 set of games seems a given, they've proved w/ Wii U and 3DS they can't handle 2 sets of games, and w MK, SSB, HW and XC on both, they don't really need tooto try. Bigger issue is the hardware. I spent a long time thinking Wii U2 w/ a portable Gamepad (different names), but price is a seriously big - as in maybe insurmountable - issue. So Home and Away each costing ~$200. But do you need to use the Home to play the Away on the TV? That's not a hybrid. If you don't need the Home, Away plays on TV, that's a hybrid, but then why buy the Home? Unless they make games that require both Home and Away - making it the Wii U2 in function if not in name - but then we are back to 2 sets of games again, aren't we? 1 set of games for any console, 1 set needs both. So as far as I see it the only hybrid is an Away w/ TV out which would give you 2 screens so you wouldn't need a Home, this year or next. Though I suppose if the handheld only outputs 480p and stereo to the TV that could work as motivation for graphics fans like myself to buy Home. It would be a tough decision to be honest.
Oh, and that guy should wait for RotTR on PS4. If he got the X1 for free he'll splurge on the PS4 eventually
As much as I feel Nintendo hace reached stagnation point with the Wii U and 3DS, I'm beginning to think the NX should release next spring. This will surely give it the best chance of gettting noticed and hopefully succeeding from the get-go, particularly if it is a "new concept". What is the benefit of launching the NX this autumn? It will be competing directly with the PS4 (and xbox one) in the busiest shopping period of the year. The NX will struggle to get noticed amongst a sea of big games and big discounts. VR devices are the least of the competition. Releasing next spring will still fall within the current financial year.
@rjejr
Exactly.
Two units. Both sold separately. But with interfunctionaly. Same games play on both. Perhaps even dual-screen support with both being used in tandem.
That is indeed a hybrid. The key is creating a reason to own both. Which means they'll need to make the inter connectivity worthwhile.
I mean, I'll buy both just because I prefer gaming on a TV, but also on the go. But there'll need to be more.
Poor XBox One when outselling its predecessor's equivalent life cycle pace is failing. And again, only NX-related mistake is making predictions without information.
It would be an even bigger mistake to keep the Wii u on the market without games for another 2 yrs.
Why NX can not wait until 2017 - lack of games on Wii U, and 3DS.
Wii U could still get some good games in 2016 and 2017, however late NX releases in 2017 - Zelda U, Pikmin 4, Paper Mario, maybe Super Mario Galaxy 3 and Nintendo Land 2. And a SM Sunshine HD remaster (that's about 3 years overdue.)
But if Wii U gets those games in late 2016 and early 2017, then what will NX have at launch? Wii Sports 3? If people at Nintendo are working hard on Pikmin 4 and Paper Mario for Wii U - and we haven't seen either of those yet but rumours are rumours, and Pikmin 4 is "nearly complete" - then who is working on NX games and what kind of launch would it have in late 2017?
So yes, Wii U could survive 2016 and 2017 with a really nice set of games, but then what does NX launch with in 2017? How long before NX gets a new Zelda game, open world Mario or Paper Mario?
So keep a slow selling console around for another year with low sales and spend all your remaining bullets giving it a nice send-off with games that won't sell as well while everybody waits for "next gen" ports, or make great new games for a nice launch for your new console in 2016?
Waiting doesn't work.
@Yorumi
Hmm, that is true. Software sales would be the same regardless.
But if they profit off each hardware sale, it may be in their interest to create alluring inter-connectivity. Not to mention it could help the image of the hardware, which helps sales of both.
Nintendo will show the NX at E3 with same early demos / games and then focus on titles for the WiiU and 3DS (including some new un-announced titles). E3 2017 will be when the NX will be the main focus of show and released Nov 2017. IF IT IS A HYBRID, then they may show more of the portable version.
@rjejr
The great thing about the prospect of games working on both (handheld and console) is that if, let's say, NX handheld replaces 3DS end of this year. Then the games they would be making for 3DS can be made for that instead. And if it's out 6-12 months before the console launches, that's 6-12 months of games in the library already when it finally does come.
It's a perfect strategy. Plus, port Zelda U for the console launch, hold back Pikmin 4 for the console launch, add that to a year's worth of games already out from the handheld...
And you've got a winning strategy.
@JaxonH I guess we have a difference of opinion on the definition of "hybrid". I suppose it you want to refer to both together as a "hybrid SYSTEM", meaning using both together would be a hybrid, like Voltron, then a hybrid SYSTEM is ok, but if there are 2 consoles I don't think either is a hybrid just b/c it's plays the same games. PS3/Vita, PS4/Vita, PSVita/PSTV play some of the same games as well but I've never called any of those pairs a "hybrid".
@rjejr The problem becomes though that if the 1st party lineup is too strong at launch then Nintendo can again say goodbye to 3rd party support for yet another generation which in turn would make the NX flop even more than the Wii U has. Best to give the Wii U a good end and only have a few key launch titles for NX which never appeared on Wii U (e.g. new 3D Mario, F-Zero and Pokemon main series game).
@JaxonH "I mean, I'll buy both just because"
I don't think you needed to continue that sentence, it ends fine for you right there. The real question is how many of the Away do you buy when they start having Monster Hunter and Fire Emblem bundles?
@rjejr
But PS4 Vita has separate games.
And can only stream, not actually natively play the others games. And only one way, not visa versa.
If two pieces of hardware play the same games and exhibit inter functionality, that's about as close to the definition you can get. Each works independently of the other, but nonetheless natively play the same games.
This is all speculation of course. Nothing is confirmed. But, not sure what more you would expect from a hybrid. Selling them separately is advantageous. Surely selling them together for $600 is going to limit your potential customer pool.
@Octane you make a lot of sense there. I really consider it a possibility that the Wii u will live on for much longer than most of us give it credit for.
I also agree that the handheld is the most likely route for Nintendo. Though one thing I love about them is their ability to surprise with absolutely anything.
Well, it all depends on what the NX is. There's plenty of speculation that it's a hybrid, but I'm not aware of anything being definite yet.
@rjejr
I suppose that depends. How many can you fit in a digital shopping cart?
As much as I love 3DS but the system aged so well the last 5 years which means they need to move to the next handheld ... yet the 3DS doing great and I'm so happy with the games ... But Wii U is dying not enough games no support and the console can't Handel good games with high graphics of what ever ... It's not even powerful than PS3 or 360 which both came 6 years before ... I think it's time to move on and replace both of them ... And they need to stay away from milking the success of Wii and DS and get new names for the new systems !! Away from Wii and DS
I kinda agree, but we will let E3 decide it's fate.
Strange argument, either they are suggesting that Nintendo should wait, and eventually go up against the PS5 and XboxWhatever, or they are meaning to say, that any time is going to be a bad time for Nintendo, because I don't see the competition slowing down much next year either ...
Also, I'm not sure the NX and PSVR are in any way competitors. Plus, Nintendo becomes less relevant in the mainstream gaming space which each passing year where they are de facto not present in the console space. I read gaming-related news every day, and Nintendo just doesn't come up very often - and as they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity, there is only no publicity being a very bad thing =(
I agree with the analysts in this case. Many people seem to think mostly in the short term or imagine Nintendo in a bubble where they somehow aren’t competing with their competitors. Nintendo competes with any company pushing an entertainment concept—period. Nintendo might particularize their target market and try to find space with less competition, but even then, those spaces are ultimately more shaped by their competitors than by Nintendo themselves.
Unless the NX is something very different or strange, Nintendo would only disadvantage themselves to release a new console right in the middle of the current generation of consoles. They would have to start from scratch when the other consoles have a significant start, and then combat the inevitable leap-frog by other platforms in just two or three years.
The only way they launch in 2016 and avoid that scenario is by making the NX very distinct and unlike anything else so they don't have to compete on computational power, or by making the NX highly modular or less hardware dependent as a platform. But, as the analysts here point out, even in either of those cases, Nintendo still has to compete with a lot of competition this year. They have to make a case to people as to why they should buy their stuff instead of Sony’s or someone else’s. There is a lot of attention grabbing software and hardware already announced by competitors. They are going to suck some of the air in the industry, and I’m not sure Nintendo can cut through all of that to obtain the attention they need to establish enthusiasm and demand for a new platform. If it’s as new and exciting as the Wii was, they might have a chance, but I don’t think a Wii-kind of concept is easily repeatable.
It seems to me they should stick it out and focus on selling as much desirable software as possible until 2017, if we're talking about replacing the Wii U. Software still sells well on the platform, which usually makes them more money anyway. If a mobile unit is indeed a part of the NX, Nintendo has a lot more freedom to do what they want as they still command the market for dedicated gaming portables.
And just because Nintendo hasn’t announced any software, doesn’t mean they aren’t working on any, or that their unannounced software cannot be for the Wii U. I see what people are thinking. The Wii U has failed to establish a large install base, and if Nintendo had so many Wii U games for the year, they would have announced more of them. That isn’t necessarily true.
With all that said, we can’t make accurate assumptions without more information. My guess is Nintendo will release hardware this year, and the NX probably won’t look like a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One (—a very good thing in my opinion).
VR is going to need to get really cheap really fast in order to make sizable impact on the market. And launching the NX would hurt the Wii U? So would not launching it. As much as I love the system, the U's dead. Time to give it a nice send-off (for many that will be Zelda; for me it'll be SMT x FE).
@Vineleaf
Eh, the Wii U is arguably just as alive as it's ever been (sales wise). It's up to what, almost 13 million now after 3 years? Been selling about 3 million a year, consistently (after a 4 million unit launch). Which is paltry but, it's steady growth nonetheless.
The question is, how much longer can it continue before sales finally drop off.
Speaking of sales, has the 3DS plateaued yet?
When PS5 and Xbox Two come out, Nintendo will just be the underpowered console again that third party will avoid. Best give Wii U one last push to make the loyal owners happy, then move on. Next year is appropriate.
Oh, these analysts on their soap boxes not explaining (or even knowing) what they are talking about.
My understanding (from this site alone) is that the handheld NX might come out in 2016 and the console NX is slated for 2017. So which NX is he speaking of? And is Nintendo even contemplating a 2017 NX console release?
I love NL, but with so much noise and confusion about the NX, I think I need to stop tuning into NX talk until some FACTS are actually released by Big N.
I agree with the analyst. I don't think they should release it since there's still Wii U games coming out (assuming Nintendo is still making games for it by the end of the year). If the rumors are true and the NX is in fact a hybrid console with the portable version coming out first, that would confuse and agitate consumers for being "incomplete" and "not the whole package". I would also not release the portable first and the console next. If they did, they should have fairly close release date windows.They should probably release both around sometime next year, but this is just my opinion.
The 3ds needs a successor more than the WiiU. Especially now that Sony is dropping out of the handheld race. If Nintendo pulls third parties that made games for the vita that could be used to leverage games for either the wiiu or the next console. A new console means nothing if Nintendo is the only one making full gaming experiences for it. Nintendo needs to start striking deals with some of the major western third parties (and make console deals with the Japanese third parties). At the very least they need to barter for exclusives if they can't get the multiplats. That is what makes the WiiU library so strong but if they could do that with bioware/ea or activation? It could go a long way in digging them out of the hole they are in with the casuals.
I think it all depends on the system. Right now my gut tells me that if it launches in 2016 it might just end up being some stupid gimmick forced into a half-*ssed console and ultimately a big mistake, but I really don't know sh*t about it so who knows. I just don't want a half-way-between type thing, and especially if the gimmick isn't anything particularly mind blowing and revolutionary.
I whole heartedly agree. To launch in 2016, giving the Wii U only a 4 year lifespan when Nintendo consoles have always have 5 or 6 year lifespans in North America, would harm confidence in Nintendo to support its consoles. That's a large part of what killed Sega - they killed consumer confidence. They need to tough it out another year and release the NX in the fall of 2017.
@JaxonH Yeah, I worded that poorly. I was thinking more on the software side than the hardware side.
I still tell people it's a system worth owning. Feels like it'll have that cult status in a few years.
I agree with the analyst. Releasing the NX this year would be a gigantic middle finger to loyal Wii U owners.
It's difficult to say conclusively without knowing what NX is. My instinct says they need it out this year though. Unless 3DS and Wii U have some absolutely stunning software unannounced (and I mean top-level stuff, not the filler they've been so reliant on recently) waiting will just see the Nintendo name slide further into obscurity. As that seems unlikely, NX needs to be launched and launched well in 2016.
@JaxonH I got Bayonetta 2 and started it yesterday. Graphics look good, to early to comment on game play.
Missed DK because I had played the 3ds version.
I'm starting to truly believe PSVR will do well but honestly, I don't see it impacting any sales of any handheld device and, depending on the gimmick, the NX. Different market.
@BaffleBlend I totally agree with you.
The problem is that the 3DS and Wii U are going nowhere at this point. Both consoles are losing steam at this point and the Wii U was never popular to begin with, so there's absolutely no problem with replacing it. They need new hardware ASAP if they want to attract the mainstream again, and if they wait until 2017 they risk launching too close to the Microsoft and Sony's next consoles, which will inevitably steal the show from Nintendo.
Also, if they're doing a hybrid console with two separate units, it makes no sense to release the handheld in 2016 and the console in 2017, IDK why people keep saying this. That would hurt the console's marketing if they only have half of the system out, especially if they're focusing on interaction between the two units because then one of the console's biggest features isn't even available at launch. They should release the two relatively close to one another, if not simultaneously, so that they can get the full NX experience right at launch. So I'll say both the handheld and the console will be out by Holiday 2016, that's the only scenario that really makes sense.
I don't see VR in general as a threat to NX, its a heap of extra cost ontop of your exsiting PC, I don't see it driving people to buy PC's on mass. I see VR appealing to exsiting PC players. The PlayStation VR could be an issue if they launch nearby as the two will probably cost in the same region and odds are a fair amount of potentail NX owners are PS4 owners. But as always we can't say to much until the NX reveals itself
It's a fair point. With highly attractive exclusives like Street Fighter V and Uncharted 4 among others, as well as the anticipated vr headset, this could be an enormous year for the ps4. If Nintendo have a launch on par with their recent efforts, they might as well not bother. Even launching with a new fully 3D Zelda, Metroid, Mario Kart and Mario title wouldn't make a dent in Sony's takings this Year, and I say that as one of the many patiently waiting for these. What they need is the above for their fantasy, plus something special to pull in the fifa/cod crowd (the same people who only bought a Wii for one or two games and ignored the Galaxy and Zelda games). If they launch with New Super Mario Nx they're Sega
@Bolt_Strike Exactly! People would be ticked-off if they found out there was a console version coming out the next year. If the NX is a hybrid (which I don't really care if it is or not) and both versions come out at later dates, they should be released relatively close to each other.
Personally a 2017 launch would suit me, as it gives me time to finish up all the games I'm currently developing for Wii U.
But 2016 makes business sense. VR will generate a lot of hype, but it lacks a real killer app/game, and has only a relatively modest volume of substantial sized games. So I think although it will get a favourable reception, it won't sell that well (as in low millions). In that context, NX can directly compete and be a success. The only question being does Nintendo feel it is ready (which ultimately is the most important)
@NewAdvent "but they'll come out on PS5 if current trends are anything to go by"
I'd like to argue against that, that you will gt a PS4, but I can't. I've already made at least a dozen jokes on Pushsquare about waiting to get the PS5 version - in 4k! 4k will be the BIG selling point for PS5 and the main reason to rebuy all of our 1080p games. (Also why PS4 doesn't do 4k, b/c then we wouldn't have a reason to buy PS5. )
NX should be 1080p if there is a Home, and while I'm hoping for 720p on the handheld I realize doubling the 3DS's 240p (400x240) to 480p (800x480) is more likely and might be easier to port 3DS games. The much heralded screen of the Vita is 960x544 so at least 480p would be close to that.
So I suppose if the handheld does 408p, and if it output to a Tv at 480p, they could sell a Home NX version of the game at 1080p, w/ 5.1, to justify a Home NX purchase. Same game, but different. But more importantly NX Portable would still be a hybrid w/ TV out, but maybe still enough reason for people to buy NX Home b/c 480p and stereo is lackluster for home theater.
I've kind only recently decided that NX would be a "Home" console w/ limited portability rather than a true portable w/ TV out. It's when you start getting down to the details that subtle differences emerge. Things like battery life. And size. To me the 2DS was made to be a home console, too big to take anywhere. And just how does the signal get from the handheld to the TV? It may really just com down to marketing though. But one big diference would be TV integration. Would tv out simply mirror the portbale screen, or would it work like the Gamepad in XCX and Starfox? If games are made for 2 screens it's a home console - provided the handheld only has 1 screen - but if it's easy to hook up to a tv, a small HDMI dongle like Roku Stick that slides into the back of he portabel like the sytlus - then it's a "portable" "home" console - you can easily take it to a different room in your house, or a friends house, or a hotel, or a college dorm; a portbale Wii U is different from a 3DS w/ TV out. The Wii sensor bar has to go. And no power brick, just a plug. Maybe a small brick like a cell phone.
Point is, we don't know what it is yet, but there are several things NX could be, we still don't knw yet. But it must have some type of TV out and portability, can't be 2, needs to be 1 hybrid system, even if there are 2 systems later on. I'm not opposed to NX portable first and then the more powerful NX Home later. Might ned Home for on TV mutliplayer. I know how multiplayer works on 3DS, but not sure how to get handheld multiplayer onto the TV when each portable has its own screen, and you can't do 8 player Smash on a small handheld screen, too tiny.
Something needs to be out end of 2016 though.
All his Playstation this and that talk is unconvincing. Nintendo NX is as hot a topic on the internet as VR, maybe even more between gaming sites. And the iron of conversation won't be as hot come late 2017.
I don't see Super Mario Galaxy 3's sales being impacted by Playstation VR, which is the kind of game coming out at NX launch.
The sooner the NX launches, the better it is at giving the Wii U or 3DS at least the appearance of legacy support, which Nintendo isn't strong at because of their software dev resources and the lack of third party.
Holiday 2017 is too far for both Wii U and 3DS sales to sustain NCL's margins between now and then, especially the overhead of HD developed games with any quality, and remember it's only fist party development making up the entire release schedule for the console, which Nintendo knows is crazy and unsustainable. Get third party's a box they'll publish in again asap!
Throw in the idea of legacy support for Wii U / 3DS in 2018 and it's not worth it in the face of competitors offerings by then.
I may have been playing too much XCOM lately, but I read this in the voice of the spokesperson.
@JaxonH Not sure how an NX handheld sells this holiday though IF - yes big if - Pokemon XZ and YZ are on 3DS, and based on B2/W2 Z game(s) would be on the 53m strong 3DS family install base, not NX. Gen 7 will be on NX. And then the west gets MHX in Feb/Mar 2017 on 3DS where it already is in Japan. I think Wii U needs to go bfore 3DS.
Now if Pokemon Z is NX bound this November - and they haven't announced it yet but Japan will literally sink into the sea if there isn't one this year - then by all means. And if NX has tv out, even I might play a Pokemon game. And let the $199 Home version release in spring 2017 w/ a Zelda U port. But Wii U better have Zelda U this CHirstmas - which you know I doubt - or Wii U has nothing for this holiday w/ NX so close to launch. So they lose there too.
But I'm still not calling 2 consoles a hybrid.
@rjejr
Call it whatever you want. But if it's 2 devices that play the same exact games, and interact with each other (like the gamepad becomes a portable handheld unit on the go) then a hybrid it is indeed, whether you label it as such or not. It has to be 2 units to be a hybrid. Otherwise there's nothing hybrid about it.
But Pokemon Z would just be a re-release of 2 year old games. Nothing to write home about. In fact I would make sure any games releasing for 3DS from this November onwards received an NX handheld version as well.
And I can totally see Zelda U releasing November with an NX port to follow 6 months later, make a nice launch title with a Smash GotY port.
@JaxonH When you say 'play the same games' do you actually mean the same physical copy of a game or do you mean that versions will be available (like Smash Bros) that you buy both (if you are that rich!) and they will be able to use the same save from the cloud?
A reveal is one thing, but a release really might be too much. They say the WiiU & 3DS aren't going away. They'll release this thing, people will wonder why there's now 3 systems, maybe even 4 or 5 since people are dumb enough to think the DS & Wii are still being supported full blown just because they see the games in the stores still. An NX release would probably seriously damage the WiiU sales, hurt 3DS, and I bet the NX wouldn't even take off as fast as most of you think even if they give it some hefty running power. People who are out of the loop will have so little idea as to why this is all happening, and there are more than plenty who are out of the loop.
oh my god NL fix your horrible layout and replies
@JaxonH "How many can you fit in a digital shopping cart?"
Jax the Zen master.
FF7 99
FF13 999
FF15 9,999
Probably more if running the game on a Win 95/ Pentium chip combo.
And speaking of combo's, you may be technically correct about the "hybrid" thing, but I'm calling NX an "amalgam". Rolls off the tongue like "asymmetrical game play". And "amalgam" does not have "hybrid" as a synonym, but it does have "fusion". Maybe we should just go back to that? Maybe they'll even actually call it "Nintendo Fusion", I kind of like it.
https://www.powerthesaurus.org/amalgam/synonyms
"It has to be 2 units to be a hybrid."
No, a hybrid vehicle is 1 car that runs on both gas and electric, the hybrid is the combination of 2 things into 1. A mule is 1 animal, a combination of a horse and a donkey. You can't put a horse and a donkey in a zoo and charge people to "pet the hybrid". If they sell it for $600 in 1 box for both home and away I'll call it a hybrid, even if it is 2 parts like a Wii U 2. But 2 separate consoles that play the same games and can be used together for a 2nd set of games that require both - like FFCC on Gamecube AND Gameboy - I prefer fusion or amalgam. Time to move on.
@GrailUK
Well, again this is purely my speculation, but I suspect it will actually play the same physical games.
I think they're going to use cartridges that can play in either console or handheld. Which would be consistent with reports of Nintendo's next console having no disc drive.
@rjejr
Well right, 2 things into 1.
A console and handheld that both serve as 1 platform with 1 library (see above post about both playing same physical cartridges)
@Yorumi you nailed it with that first comment! You can always look into possible options beforehand but it's only with hindsight we'll see if they made the right call eh?
@blackbox64
I just want to point out, that the entire concept of gens for home consoles started out focused around the NES.
If anything, it's Sony and Microsoft that release mid-gen each time.
Release timing has nothing to do with why the Wii U didn't sell.
That's down to marketing, system features, and lack of AAA multiplats.
@blackbox64 The Wii U fails for a few reasons, firstly it's a Nintendo console and many developers have simply either shrugged it off (EA) or have done a decent effort, but other current consoles have performed better (Ubisoft). Other reasons include the name, Wii U and people's perceptions of it being an add-on to the original Wii. But ultimately the Wii U has had a great run, and we have many good games to enjoy from it. I think it's time for the Wii U to be replaced. Whether Nintendo decides to release the NX in Q3 or Q4 of this year or waits until next won't make a big difference without good games to back it. Sure a Christmas release would be best to get the most consoles in homes, but without a good launch library it will likely struggle. Either way I'm optimistic for Nintendo and looking forward to the games we know of and those we don't know about yet to be released.
@Captain_Gonru I don't like hardware launches except in the fall, that's it. American's are in their shopping feeding frenzy, spending like mad. Even if it's only a "cheap" $200 Home or Away I think it only sells well in the Sept-Nov time period. And if people know it's due in Jan-June then they wont buy a Wii U or 3DS for Christmas no matter what the price.
So that's in general, hardware launch in fall. Add to that the miserable Wii U sales, and it being replaced, why would anybody buy 1 at any price? Wii sold so well they made a $100 Mini w/o Netflix, but people wanted Sports or KNWii or SSB for $100. Wii U at $200, what's to want?
You do bring up a HUGE question though. Will NX be backwards compatible w/ Wii U, 3DS, or both? Or will it be PS4/X1 clone? Or will it just be is own thing? I don't think it can be it's own thing, but I think it could work better as a machine to play both Wii U and 3DS games both at home and on the road than a 3rd leg multiplat clone. But more than hardware I really want to know what games it will play - NX, 3DS, Wii U, PS4? It's still gaming, and game sell hardware.
Oh, and expect Jax to talk you into a Vita purchase, he's very persuasive.
If the NX doesn't come out this year, I will be very surprised. Sales numbers for the Wii U in particular were awful last holiday, and this year will be even worse. Nintendo is a distant third (with almost a two year head start), not only globally, but especially in lucrative North American market. The 3DS is Nintendo's only sales contender, and that is on its last legs as well. All the talk of the NX has gotten people thinking the Wii U is the lame duck that it is with very few titles on the horizon and no reason to invest in one going forward with a new console coming (seemingly) very soon. I firmly believe that Nintendo cannot even compete this coming holiday without a new system in the market somehow.
@Shiryu As I've said I think the NX will succeed or fall short at launch from it's initial library. But that's just my opinion, and this DFC firm seems to have their own opinion on a pass and fail for the current generation of consoles. Though from their statement, they don't really have any specific criteria they mention for their rating other than a "because we say so" statement.
If it's a console Nintendo has got there work cut out for them, they'll need the software asap without delays & here is the big one 3rd party support. But here is the thing the Wii U is a lot cheaper then it was at launch & it's still not selling, so you gotta ask yourself is it a software problem. People buy consoles for the software (Games), I just wonder how other people see Nintendo's software. Games & the people who play them have changed over the years, it's another form of entertainment.
How is the argument logical? Nintendo should just cede another year so that Wii U can eke out another pathetic year of barely existing? Yet more idiot analysts who don't know what they're talking about.
Completely agree with this assessment. Despite the excitement for new consoles expressed by fans and journalists, a 2016 launch for the NX would be a disaster for Nintendo. Unlike for the Wii's mostly evergreen titles and consistent market for all genres of games, the sales of Nintendo's upcoming AAA Wii U titles (and possibly 3DS titles of the same nature) would be overwhelmed by those saving their pennies for the NX's imminent launch. We only have to look at Sega's hasty release of the Dreamcast to see how poor and alienating of a decision Nintendo would be making if they decide to release a new platform simultaneously with upcoming killer apps for their current platform. This is besides the fact that, yes, in 2016 VR will still be running its very temporary course, which would overshadow a NX launch in the same timespan.
Regardless of the doom, gloom, and generally bad sales history surrounding the Wii U, surely they won't act hastily, but enduring, riding out the storm through 2016, at the same time revealing the NX at this year's E3. This will allow adequate time and space for the launches of Star Fox Zero and Zelda U while still safely building anticipation for 2017's new Nintendo system, likewise maintaining the 5-year span characteristic of Nintendo's big ones.
@Octane I hope it's a portable console or something that blows my mind like a NES cartridge. I really hope Nintendo releases something that is similar to 3DS but a million times more advanced and awesome!
Its not like those tech blogger who will be the first VR owners aren't going to buy a NX just because they've bought VR.
@Gauchorino upcoming Wii U AAA releases...
2 games.
The reason I didn't get the Wii U is simply because of the unknown arrival of the NX.
If the NX were to come like after five years or so, I'd gladly get a Wii U! X|
@JaxonH Ah right! Well, I'll believe that when I see it lol. I have the feeling Nintendo still view hand held and home gaming as two separate markets. Nintendo merging divisions to make games like Smash across mobile and home consoles easier was not for our benefit. I think they wanted to make the process easier so they could effectively double their games output (and will still expect people who own both consoles to pay). I hope you are right...but I cannot see Nintendo giving away free games!
Should Nintendo really launch a new 600$ console this year with no games?
Everyone: Yeeeeeees!!!!
Does anyone really want new triple AAA full HD home console titles like 2xZelda, Fire Emblem, Paper Mario, Starfox, and Pikmin, along with a few surprises and 100 interesting indie and VC games this year?
Everyone: Nooooooooo!!!!
The amount of unlogical decisionmaking and crazy opinions in here is breaking all records.
Another case of people putting too much hype into VR.
Actually, I think with all the VR stuff coming out, people might be more apt to go with a Nintendo console that doesn't have anything to do with it.
@SKTTR GIR#FE is not Fire Emblem, it's basically Persona!
VR being the main reason? That's just dumb.
Don't get me wrong, I think VR is really amazing, but I don't see it being a success in the gaming industry. VR is too expensive, and requires a lot of setup on PC. I don't even think a casual will invest on an expensive VR set.
@bitleman PC/Steam along with Ps4 and VR and mobile games are really selling well. I'm thinking that's why they're claiming a record year.I couldbe wrong.
Yeah, let's talk about something the analyst doesn't even know about what it is..
The hype for the NX is there if you keep people waiting that will die down so need too release it sooner I think.
@DreamOn What do you mean by "legacy support"? That they'll keep supporting them even with NX on the market?
2016 is too early for a home console. I don't believe it's too early for a handheld, though. A handheld would also not be competing with VR.
@zool Tropical Freeze isn't the same game as the 3DS version.It's the sequel and is as close to platforming perfection as you can get.I can't recommend it highly enough.DK Returns was good,Tropical Freeze is sublime.You really should give Splatoon a try too,considering it can be bought for 25 pounds,even if for some reason you can't get into the online multi-player (you will) ,the single player is still fun enough.The game is so good,i'm sure it will recover some of your lost faith in Nintendo.I love my Wii U,have several games I'm very happy with but if not for Splatoon I'm not sure I would have come out this gen completely satisfied.
What negative impact could this have on the Wii U that the Wii U doesn't already inflict upon itself?
@AVahne
Well, and I mentioned this earlier but, the Wii U is still growing at 3 million a year (after a 4 million launch). So it's sitting at nearly 13 mil after 3 years. Nothing to boast about, surely, but it is enough that it still has a chance of catching the GameCube if given a full 6 year cycle (which won't happen, but still).
Software is selling well all things considered, and is just now beginning to rake in some serious cash as the install base continues to grow.
To bring out a new console would wipe 4 years right off the table. Back to a ground zero install base.
I'm just a gamer so I don't know what they should do, but perhaps keeping the system on the market for another year or two would be wise to milk some software sales from the install base that they've built, and at least get what they can from it before abandoning it?
@whodatninja Like tech support, just for outdated systems. And maybe they'll also allow ports to be made of games coming out primarily on the new, current, fully supported system (NX)
@OorWullie I will take a second look at DK. I was going to get Splatoon for the single player mode but most reviewers said the single mode on its own as not worth buying for. I was thinking about giving 101 a go.
It depends on what he is talking about. It would make sense for a handheld console, as the 3DS's life cycle is running out. A home console would be risky as if Nintendo releases it in 2016, it will cut off Wii U support, and if they do it in 2017, there will be speculation about PS5 and Xbox Two, which might arrive in 2018 or 2019.
I think we should WAIT (key word here) and see what the NX has to offer before saying what Nintendo should do. I'm pretty sure at this point it is a home console that will be the successor to the Wii U, but will it also be part portable? We have no idea yet, just abunch of rumours. If it part portable part console, it might be smart to release one part before the other, but releasing it late 2017 seems like too far off considering Nintendo might want to get money back where they lost with the Wii U.
Personally, whatever Nintendo shows I will support, because they make the best games and experiences, and that is honestly what it's all about.
@zool 101 has been on my to get list for some time now.i'm hoping it will be added to a Nintendo Select range eventually,it's already budget price in the US.
As for Splatoon's single player mode ,it would be hard to justify buying it at it's official price of ÂŁ35 for just the single player mode as it is admittedly short,really though it's still long enough to be worth ÂŁ15 to ÂŁ20 if it was released as it's own stand alone game.it's a lot of fun to play and you can tell a lot of love went into it.It's the closest we'll get to a new Mario Galaxy experience on Wii U and I enjoyed it more than I did 3D World.Like you ,I'm not much of an online gamer either,before Splatoon ,MK,Smash,Dr Mario and the occasional game of FIFA was about as far as my online gaming went.Then Splatoon came along and has given me some of the best fun I've ever had in gaming.Even though I'm playing alone at times it takes me back to the fun of playing Goldeneye and DK Racing with my mates.I really can't recommend it enough,one of the all time greats.
"Going forward DFC believes that the potential launch of a new Nintendo system as well as new VR devices, especially the PlayStation VR will have a negative impact on the Xbox One and Wii U."
DUH! That's the point! Nintendo wants the NX to have a negative impact on their business rivals to get ahead, and replace the Wii U ASAP.
DFC Intelligence (their full name) of San Diego, California, is just making a statement based on their desire for the market to have impossibly constant growth. Obviously, that's now how the world works... They're not using their library of statistical data as grounds for their statement, so their claim is invalid.
I agree with the main point but disagree with two parts of it:
1. I don't think VR will be as big as some are predicting. It's a high end niche market. I think of myself as an early adopter. I won't hesitate getting something on day 1 and I'm a multiplatform gamer. I'm waiting for VR gen 2 or 3. It's just not there yet.
2. NX could easily be a portable.
@SKTTR Yes, because releasing and prioritizing more first party games that came too late for a console with a ~12.6 million base, and no signs of significant further growth or market presence, instead of prioritizing the release of better opportunities for new growth, is a logical decision...
No, Nintendo is much more likely to focus on utilizing their 42 million and counting Amiibo sales, while moving forward with NX and mobile...
2017 FF: same article but for 2017! /s
we don't even know what the NX is, can we wait for them to reveal the NX first? pls
I currently have a PS4, Vita, and 3DS. I have no intention of getting a WiiU. I had one and frankly there isn't enough to play on it. So, if the NX is a hybrid handheld, then bring out the handheld first and then the console part next year. I would buy the handheld for sure, but I think Nintendo will have a hard time selling consoles period. It will always be second fiddle to their handhelds. If they figure this out and get a powerful handheld out they could make lots of money and win over fans as well. Looking forward to E3 for sure.
@8bitforever Actually, I have a Wii U and Xbox One. However, being a fan of Japanese games, PS4 is pretty attractive. I can see why people will buy a PS4 now.
Home NX alone: plays Wii U games (with the full Wii U VC from Day 1).
Away NX alone: plays 3DS and DS games (DS is essential to make all those great 3rd party games available).
Together: PS4 / PC quality games.
The problem isn't that games aren't available right now. The problem is that we're almost done. And the sliver of hope the 3DS has left is mostly Square Enix and a host of Atlu et al bringing over RPGs.
You need to get butts in seats, so to speak.
Those games will do nothing to sell systems.
It's funny how there are those questioning 2016 being a big year for gaming.
It's going to be massive. From the Division, Uncharted 4 and SFV to the multi-plat release of RotTR, the next Call of Duty (always a runaway hit) and Watch Dogs 2, it's going to be big.
And yeah, a whole host of new franchises, (potentially) a new Zelda and VR on top of that.
The big questions lay with Nintendo, just not because they're the most interesting or important. But because if they flop again, consumer confidence will have them playing golf with Sega.
I ask again, how did Sony sell 4 times as many systems in 65% of the time?
Really, it's baffling.
Then again, Microsoft could own Sega and be dominating Japan so I've learned to just nod and smile when talking about consumer purchasing habits, game console manufacturers and the figure heads who try so hard to hide the painful looking wires sticking out of their backsides.
@AyeHaley At least 3, if we're counting "Genei Ibun Roku #FE." Watch how fast they flop once the NX drops. Also, wave goodbye to any near-future sightings of Star Fox and other nichey Nintendo series, because Nintendo's not going to market what doesn't sell.
I recently purchased a Wii U, and love it. Nintendo games in HD are a blast! My PS4 has become my secondary console for sports games, and stuff like GTA V. Sure, the PS4 has more games...so what! overall the games are too long and not much fun. Yes, Nintendo made a few mistakes with the Wii U: Price of system and games, game pad, and marketing. But, these can be fixed. Third-party support is over-rated, so I don't consider that to be an issue. Delay the NX until 2018. The only thing that really matters are good games. Based on what I've seen, the Wii U is a very capable system.
@8bitforever handhelds are key, yes.
But Nintendo is still of the mindset that local multiplayer is big too.
Without a home console, Nintendo loses out on a big market.
And to be honest, it's not one that Sony or Microsoft have really cared to touch.
It's literally the only market that PC gaming can't really compete with.
It's an area mobile gaming can't compete with either.
Smash, MK and Mario live on that market share and Nintendo abandoning that would be foolhardy. It has Splatoon, but the online there is hardly an elite feature.
They need the local play 10x more than their 'competitors'.
As much as I want an nx... I can see some truths to this. I am almost definitely going to buy a PS4 this year, not sure if I personally can do both...haha! (Why does money have to be so...finite?)
@fbrathwaite that's a great point, but the Wii U can only be a 'primary console' with something else supplementing it.
I spent 1600$ on the Wii U and games. I had it for 26 months. I racked up hours upon hours on both Mario platformers, finally played Xenoblade Chronicles and the Last Story and 100% Lego City.
And yet after buying a PS4 in October of this past year, I've spent less than 1000$, with more games to show for it.
Between the Witcher 3, Saints Row IV, SAO: Lost Song and Bloodborne, I have more than 220 hours played, or about as much time invested as every Wii U and Wii game combined.
And that's maybe half of the time I've used it.
Yeah this analyst needs to read the rest of the internet, aka other analyst's are saying if Nintendo don't do this year it's more dangerous. because sony/ms could push out a new system in 3-4 years. it'll be wii u all over again.
What a strange theory. As if Nintendo have any choice but to put the Wii U to bed. Sure, VR is launching this year - but what if it takes off, and it's a third of the price by the time of a 2017 NX launch? Nintendo are screwed again.
@Gauchorino Just like they did nothing to promote the incredibly amazing Xenoblade Chronicles X /sadface
I want Nintendo to do so well but they aren't really helping themselves sometimes...
My prediction and hope is that the NX is some sort of cross-over device with Xbox. A Nintendo handheld that pairs with Xbox One, adding Nintendo functionality to the one. I really think this could solve a lot of current issues in the way of catching Nintendo up in the hardware race, while still allowing them to have Nintendo mechanics. This would be a win win for both companies, and really is probably the only way to compete with the PS4.
@ericwithcheese2 Actually, the Wii U sales have increased ever since 2013, last year was on par with its launch year. It's the 3DS that has seen a rapid decline in sales.
Read all the comments with interest - thank you. Personally I have such a huge backlog on my 3ds, both already purchased and on the eshop watch list, that a new console of any kind is a no go for me.
My XB1 gets used for Netflix (although the wife plays Lego and Minecraft on it), my PS4 has disappeared into one of my son's rooms - he bought BO3 on that instead of his XB1 and I rarely fire up the Wii U any more - not enough hours in the week lol
@AyeHaley XCX sold pretty much on par with XC in a console that has 10% of its player base
Im not sure what are you trying to say with that comment.
A JRPG that its not called Final Fantasy its bound to fail, its actually impressive that both Xenoblade games are a success (in their own way, obviously)
No, prolonging the pain (that is the Wii u) for another year would be a misstake. I mean, the Wii u failed sales-wise and will never be a true succes. Time for Nintendo to try their luck with a new console!
@Henmii Against the PS4 in 2016? Yeah good luck, not sure why people want to see Nintendo stumble again. Everything has to work in their favour if they want another succesful home console launch. 2016 isn't the year.
"especially the PlayStation VR will have a negative impact on the Xbox One and Wii U."
Hahaha.
I hope that NX will be a handheld, a powerful one, displaying 1080p at 60Fps, streaming to the Tv (no imput lag of course). In addiction, up to 4 controllers can be linked for local Multiplayer.
Retro compatibility with all the WiiU and 3ds Library (included VC).
That would be a great thing and only in this way Nintendo can survive this year. (and if they bought Konami they could battle in Europe against ps4/Xone FIFA with a exclusive PES 2017...)
Its not that hard to make a console thats far more powerful than the ps4/xb1. Nintendo needs to do that.
You can build PCs that surpass the consoles power with the same money, if they are betting with a Zen APU they will have a such an advantage in terms of computing power.
Too bad, because they're definitely launching something this year.
Analyst in stating the obvious shocker
@JaxonH
Two years might be a bit much. I'm all for Nintendo going for the usual 5 year lifespan and releasing NX in 2017, but I wonder if desperation could cause them to cut the Wii U short.
Honestly I would prefer if they released a new handheld (preferably one without a stupid name) to succeed the 3DS family (and perhaps succeed the DS line as a whole?) this year and ride the Wii U fail train to the very end before releasing the NX home console next year.
EDIT: And about the new handheld creating a new line of Nintendo handhelds...I really think it's time.
The Game Boy line had the GB, the GBC, and the GBA while the DS line only had DS and 3DS. However, if we look at revisions, the GB to GB Pocket and GB Light didn't really have any spec upgrades between them and the GBA to GBA SP and GBM didn't either. The two members of the DS line both eventually had revisions that actually bumped the specs a little bit. Minor bumps, but still notable in that the GB line didn't have anything like this (unless you count the GBC as the Game Boy's DSi/New 3DS).
So....yeah, I think we're due for a totally new handheld design (or perhaps a modern evolution of the GB line? Then again that's basically what the PSP and Vita were) with a brand new family name.
@Captain_Gonru "might appeal to that crowd that was buying a $100 Wii Mini."
Anybody who bought a Wii Mini probably doesn't know Wii U exits, and won't know a Wii U Mini exists either.
B/c is a strange animal. I can't even decide if it would be Wii U or 3DS b/c, so it's hard to say if i twill have it or not. And if it's a PS4 clone - which I highly doubt - then porting the PS4 versions would be easier than the Wii U versions probably, and NX can actually get DLC.
But I think the only 3rd parties that matter for Nitnedo are Skylanders, Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions, not the indies. Like it or not Nintendo is a family friendly console, and I don't see that as a bad thing. Couple all the 3DS Monster Hunter and niche JRPGs w/ the Wii U games and you have a console for anyone and everyone, even if it doesn't have COD. Madden and FIFA really need to come back though. Even if it is the Vita versions. But I'm ok w/ the "2nd" console moniker. If NX comes out late this year or (and if it's 2 parts) early next it will be the defacto 2nd console anyway, as all Nintendo consoles going forward will be launched right between PS and Xbox generational launches. You aren't really competing in 5 year cycles when you come out off 2-3 years, there's just no getting around that. NX2 will not be out as soon as PS5 and Xbox Two or as late as PS6 and Xbox Squared.
If the NX is actually a home/handheld console hybrid everyone thinks it is, it's in a pretty sticky situation in regards to release date. If it releases too early, the Wii U's life cycle is too short; if it releases too late, the 3DS's life cycle is too long. They just have to time it right
@Octane,
Here's some news for you: The PS4 is also around in 2017! And so is the XboxOne. Its no excuse, in my opinion.
And Nintendo isn't in competition with them anyway. Though Nintendo would have loved much better Wii u sales. Wii u is just a immense flop.
@Henmii Sure, but this year is probably going to be the PS4's peak year. It doesn't matter what console is around, but it matters how many other consoles are sold. More PS4's sold = less Nintendo consoles sold.
And Nintendo is competing with them. Unless they pull another Wii and go for the casual crowd, which is extremely unlikely, they have to deal with the PS4 and Xbox. If Nintendo gamers want third party games and multiplats? Yeah, they need to compete with the PS4 and Xbox.
Oh, cmon. I am 90% sure it will be handled part of the device only at that stage.
Think of 3DS, maybe even compatible with WiiU as a gamepad. This step gives them time to make new TV console, and keep it backward compatible with WiiU games, and also ties sales on both directions. Ones who will love portable device, will buy a TV one later, and vice versa. Manufacturing price for hand held device will go down enough to bundle it with TV console at the time of release. Handheld games will be re-skinned to match TV console power.
@Octane,
Yeah, 2016 may become the PS4 peak year. But who knows what 2017 has in store. And if Nintendo is in competition, then they have a very bad way of showing it. I wished they where in competition, and yeah I would love the big third-party games on a Nintendo device. But nowadays Nintendo aren't fierce anymore, they have gone a different direction. Maybe they become competitive again someday, but there aren't any signs yet! Personally I wouldn't bank on it!
@Henmii Well, that's what I've been saying. They're better off waiting until 2017 if they want to compete in some shape or form with the PS and Xbox. I doubt the casual Wii crowd is coming back and I don't see the point of replacing a Wii U with another Wii U this soon.
"I doubt the casual Wii crowd is coming back"
Sure, but Nintendo is VERY stubborn and might try to get them back. But we'll see!
As we now know the price for both Oculus and HTC Vive, it's pretty safe to assume that these devices will have little to no impact on console sales. That's a PC-enthusiast tech for now, and it will remain like that for a while. Not sure about PlayStation VR, the price will be very important, but if it will be higher than the console itself, the NX will probably get more attention. A matter of spending significant amount of money on an accessory with very limited library of games vs the whole new system that gives access to gaming not available on any other platform.
I really hope that Nintendo take some time to create a really solid line-up of first and third party launch games before they blow their load. Taking their time over the operating system and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible on day one. This would mean (to me) waiting until late 2017, with ports of later Wii U games readily available and launching in line with some of the bigger third party franchises launch window (e.g.: FIFA and CoD) in autumn. I'm not a huge fan of either of those mentioned franchises but having the most powerful platform to play those games on (if indeed the NX is the most powerful console), with bundles for both, certainly helped the PS4 and could help the NX launch. But having ports of those games running well without bits missing (like the Wii U did) means they need the decent development cycle. With Dev kits going out late last year, a 10 - 12 month turnaround would be hard without cutting corners and the NX would be off to a rocky start with bad press everywhere, just like the Wii U was.
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