@ThomasBW84

Yeah but unfortunately that consensus hasn't come from any concrete source/s other than one guy on neogaf who has only now decided it must be the new design, which is contradictory to what he initially said when he first posted the patent images, and he has now come to the conclusion that the patent office has for some obscure reason decided to arrange the images in the patent differently to what it normally would.

I dunno but I'm not buying that, unless that guys supports that conclusion with some compelling evidence and reasoning...

Right now my instinct tells me that what we are looking at is an older model than what was shown at E3 2011, or at best a parallel model.

Doesn't mean the final design can't or won't end up looking like it does in the latest image but I'm just not convinced we're seeing what amounts to the latest Wii U controller.

I'm still more inclined to believe Nintendo would give us something that is more of an equal balance between casual and core (like the design officially shown at E3 2011) than something that's clearly more swayed towards the core audience, despite preferring the most core-centric design myself.

I would however love to be proven wrong by Nintendo.

I'd like to direct you to read this post:

http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/a-different-way-of-thinking-about-that-new-controller-image.452492546/

Nintendo needs more than just a new Mario game at launch to make a console successful but I truly believe launching with a brand new, stand out, truly classic AAA Mario platformer would only be a good thing.

IMO the SNES and N64 launches are two of the most memorable Nintendo console launches ever, from the perspective of the gamer rather than the retailer, and part of that was because on launch day we got to play two of the most stunning games ever, Super Mario World and Super Mario 64, which were about as good as it got on their respective systems.

Nintendo needs to launch the Wii U with a BANG! and a stunning new Mario game, not a cookie cutter New Super Mario Bros title however (which is probably all they're going to have unfortunately), could be what's needed to encourage that explosion.

Interesting. I wonder what they'll use this for.

Could also be used to quickly drag your Mii's directly onto the Wii U controller so they are stored in it's on-board memory for example.

@Randomname19

Yes, it does.

If Nintendo is smart it will put all it's previous generations of handheld games on the 3DS via digital download, as well as putting all it's previous generations of home console games on WiiU via digital download too.

There's absolutely no good reason not to. It's just common sense and good business.

Not doing that is pretty much idiotic.

Well the combat looks pretty cool.

What about the actual RPG part of the game...

Well, F-Zero would be so well suited to both the 3DS and WiiU imo, so I want Nintendo to get it's ass in gear and make it happen.

Is there any reason at all to think this isn't just for the current circle pad but simply with images that are a tiny bit different from the final design seen on the 3DS?

Ah, a fellow Scotsman.

Nice.

This kind of stuff doesn't bode well for Nintendo.

It seems like a few developers, probably a lot more than have come forward, are having problems with Nintendo's processes and red tape as well as low sales etc.

This is rhetorical question, because I already know the answer/s, but other than price why would anyone pick up a DSi/DSiXL over a 3DS at this point in time anyway.

I wish Pit had stayed in two dimensions, and indeed stayed closer to his original NES gameplay routes, because I don't really like the new game on 3DS.

Wii U Perfect Launch imo:

Release the console in both black and white colors (matte but smooth finish, not shiny), with one amazing true next-gen Mario platform game (2.5D but done right and a true sequel/successor to Super Mario World and/or Yoshi's Island) and one mini-game compilation type thing to show of all the Wii U's capabilities in a way that casuals will like (Maybe even a Wario Ware game or something like that). Also secure few high quality third party games should be available at launch too, from known and popular franchises.

A launch price of sub £200 in the UK. If it's going to cost more then also have some kind of alternative subscription model; maybe where you get the console for free, as well as free access to all the digital download software, for a £10-£20 a month contract. Something like a modern phone contract or similar to what OnLive is offering.

Make sure all the online services, like the eShop and Internet Browser etc, are all fully setup and ready for launch.

Don't have anything about the system that's obviously gimped or lacking, such as missing obvious hardware/software features or services, that's going to cause disappointment among consumers and especially core gamers and early adopters.

Have a creative, fun and exciting ad campaign that really sells the system, the whole Nintendo ethos and just makes everyone want to play it.

Ultimately, if they follow this simple business mantra and they're sorted:

"Satisfy the customer, at a profit." - Kirk 1994

Pretty much that.

After seeing how they did the interior sections for Samus' ship in Metroid Prime 3, with all the brilliantly implemented touch interaction and just the look and feel in general, as well as just the quality of the cutscenes and whatever else with the ship in them, I really wanted them to do sections where you were actually flying Samus' ship in Star Fox style levels.

If they are actually making a full Star Fox game and it's anywhere near as good as those sections hinted at then it could be blimmin amazing.

If they're just working on a new Metroid game however then they should most definitely add full flying sections into the game in a similar vain to Star Fox.

These images show off the bottom of the controller a bit better so you get a clearer picture of the contact points etc:

http://computershopper.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/ces-2012/photo-tour-nintendo-wii-u/nintendo-wii-u-controller-bottom-edge/977807-1-eng-US/nintendo-wii-u-controller-bottom-edge_slideshow_main.jpg

http://computershopper.com/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/ces-2012/photo-tour-nintendo-wii-u/nintendo-wii-u-controller-underside/977795-1-eng-US/nintendo-wii-u-controller-underside_slideshow_main.jpg

Note: I can't remember how to post them as actual images.

Nintendo should re-hire some of those characters and do modern takes on these old adverts for their new Wii U console and it's games.

That would be so retro cool.

If Nintendo doesn't make this happen then the people who make the decisions at Nintendo are idiots.

All this can do is increase the awareness, popularity and cool factor of the Zelda franchise.

There is no downside to having Lego Zelda toys.

Be smart, Nintendo.

I think it's pretty much certain the Wii U is going to have a wee charge cradle like this.

It makes sense in so many ways and now with this image it's pretty much set in stone imo.

To be the best console it can be I think Wii U needs all the high quality third party support it can get.

Black Ops 2 is one such game that should be on the Wii U system if I'm supposed to be convinced the next Nintendo console is going to see proper AAA third party support this time around.

@retro_player_22
Yoshi's Island was officially called Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island and despite the facts now being all twisted around I still consider it a proper Mario game and part of the 2D Super Mario series. It should be on that list imo.

There's certainly quite a few things from SMB2 that I wouldn't mind them bringing back for a new Mario platform game.

Multiple different characters, that all feel a little different, picking up and throwing enemies and other things, including pulling things out of the ground, the potions that reveal secret areas, Birdo, Fryguy, Mouser, Tryclyde and Wart...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvlRPs3Taqg

Actually, when you think about even just the variety of "Boss" type characters that have appeared in the various Mario platform games over the years, such as Wart and Birdo from SMB2, I think they could really make the bosses quite interesting and varied if they included all of the ones from previous Mario games in a new Mario platformer.

That potential for the bosses alone in SMB4 would be huge if done properly.

There's all the Koopa Kids, Bowser Jr, Birdo, Fryguy, Mouser, Tryclyde, Wart, Kamek, Reznor (I've probably forgot a few)...and remember all the awesome bosses from Yoshi's Island:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z6UeFNGdxo

This video series that I watched ages ago showed me the potential of what you can do with Mario games:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Rise+Of+The+Mushroom+Kingdom&oq=Rise+Of+The+Mushroom+Kingdom&aq=f&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_l=youtube-psuggest-reduced.12..0l4.9904.9904.0.10550.1.1.0.0.0.0.108.108.0j1.1.0...0.0.

This kind of stuff isn't good enough Nintendo.

The last thing you need it developers refusing to makes games for your system because of avoidable issues like this.

Very cool but the artstyle and graphics aren't quite right imo.

I'd def love to see a proper HD version of the original SNES games however, since I still consider that to be the best Start Fox game.

So basically it's a cheap cash in to make a few bucks of casuals and numpties.

@K0M1C

I think people were more kinda meaning some GREAT characters in GREAT games rather than mostly forgetful characters in games most people don't really care about.

Interesting...

You know how to easily fix this Nintendo...

Stop making cookie cutter sequels whenever you release a new 2D/2.5D Mario platformer on your home consoles.

I'm gagging on a proper full-on new 2D/2.5D Super Mario Bros platform game that would live up to the legacy of the best classic 2D Mario platform games like SMB, SMB3, SMW, Yoshi's Island and actually be deserving of the SMB4 title.

Basically, give us a TRUE Super Mario Bros 4 game, with all the polish, quality, flair and excellence that entails, and I promise you it will sell a crap load of units in the UK.

I'm assuming we will however be able to connect the controller to the Wii U with some form of cable to charge it at least, since I also assume it has a rechargeable battery pack built in (based on what I've seen and read elsewhere), right?

@CBattles6

Once again, I 1000% agree.

Other than price and general convenience (going to the store, physical storage, transporting multiple games around) there's no reason to buy a digital version over a retail copy.

If the price isn't dramatically cheaper for the digital versions I feel Nintendo will be doing customers, themselves and digital gaming a massive disservice.

@Squiggle55

I 1000% agree.

@tweet75

Well you can use external hard drives too so that's not as big an issue.

The one problem I have with that is that it's once again another box sitting under my TV that I don't really want because my whole goal is to try and have no boxes under my TV ideally.

Here's what I think:

"There are still concerns, however, that the direct eShop option will feel expensive, and that a one system limit is draconian."

The download games need to be cheaper than retail copies, by quite a large margin imo, and ideally it would be great if there was some way to possibly play them on another 3DS or Wii U system if we so choose.

I really want to go all digital. Christ, I've been dreaming of that for years. There's so many advantages and very few disadvantages when it's done right. It has to be done right however.

On the surface Nintendo seems to be trying to give us what we want but looking deeper it doesn't seem to want to give us what we really want.

Time will tell if Nintendo REALLY and TRULY gets it or not...

Maybe UK consumers realize that the prices for the games is just too high.

@Gavin_Rozee

Yeah, that's why I'm not even considering buying one until it's available in black.

@DeadAntelopesGo

"But for real, this gives me ideas on how the next smash bros might work, since the characters are already "figurines" that come to life."

If Nintendo doesn't jump on that particular gimmick they are absolute FOOLS I tells ya!

@James

Bit of a let down that it's just a sticker.

lol

@James

Nah, a bit later on in the vid you see the back of the controller with a big black square on it.

http://oi49.tinypic.com/ar046.jpg

@James

Yeah, it's probably pretty processor intensive but I'd still like to see some basic support for stuff like this.

Even some basic filtering and stuff for older games, like you get on SNES emulators and the like, would also be nice.

Well that's what we all fairly assume anyhoo (regarding the GC downloads).

@Bass_X0

Well, if it's not going to be any cheaper it might be worth getting the retail version just so you actually own it properly and can let your friends borrow it, give it to your sister when you're done with it or even trade it in for a little cash when you don't want it any more.

Personally, I think the digital versions have to be cheaper or it's just a blatant rip-off and it's going to upset a lot of savvy gamers and consumers who know better.

@3dbrains

Some good observations there.

I wonder what those little changes are for eh?

Edit: Yeah, James is right about them just being dev controllers. Although it's still interesting to see the extra black box on the back of the controller in the promo trailer. It might be nothing but it could be representative of small changes to the design. Most likely James has probably got it right however.

@Heavy_Barrel

Absolutely.

Christ, I would hope they have the common sense to do this. It seems like a no-brainer and would only serve to make the Wii U an even more attractive value proposition.

It's also kinda so obvious that Nintendo must just not include it. Kinda like the fact that we supposedly won't be able to run Wii games in HD even though you'd think it wouldn't be that hard to allow the machine to upscale them, or something like that, in the same way the homebrew Dolphin emulator already can (or whatever it's called).

You just never know with modern Nintendo.

@Luffymcduck

100% agree.

I mean New Super Mario Bros Wii U looks alright, assuming the footage we saw at E3 2011 is indicative of the actual game (and I think it must surely be), but that really isn't enough to get me excited at this point about a new Super Mario Bro platform game on the supposedly true "next-ten" Wii U system.

If this is just a stop-gap game then fine but I expect Nintendo to impress me whenever I see a new Mario game. They managed it every time they released one from SMB on the NES all the way up to Super Mario 64 on N64, and even games like SMG 1/2 and SM3DL were impressive in various ways, and I don't see why they can't keep up that tradition now on Wii U too.

I really don't think that's too much to ask in all fairness.

@pastasauce

I did tell people in other forums not to get too excited about the potential of multi-Wii U Pad support.

At the very most I think Nintendo might allow 2 Wii U Pads to be used at once but even that I consider unlikely.

Nintendo has their plan already laid out as far as I'm concerned and it involves:

A. Playing single player Wii U games using one Wii U Pad or, if an option, a Wiimote/Nunchuck.
B. Playing local multi-player games with one person using a Wii U pad and everyone else using Wiimotes/Nunchucks etc.
C. Playing online multi-player where each individual uses their own Wii U pad, or if they prefer a Wiimote/Nunchuck assuming it's an option.

There rest is all just wishful thinking imo.

Great.

Now just lower the price of the digital versions compared to the retail versions of the games rather than charging exactly the same price as the retail copies, Nintendo, and everyone's happy.

I hope they don't expect me to consider it a privilege to have to pay the same high price for a virtual version of a game, which doesn't really cost them any extra cash to reproduce ad-infinitum and there's no retail store markup, that doesn't have a cool box or instruction booklet and that I can't even let my friends borrow or give to my little sister when I'm finished with it.

Do it right and do it fair Nintendo, is all I ask.

@James

Oh, I'm pretty sure the footage we saw of that NSMBWii HD footage at E3 is a pretty good indication of where Nintendo is aiming with this game.

Mario Wii U based on New Super Mario Bros. Mii

The "New" games are pretty good but they aren't even in the same league as the likes of SMB3, SMW and Yoshi's Island imo and they do feel a little bit like cookie cutter sequels rather than the next proper new truly classic Mario platform game sequels that we're all really after imo, so I'm not going to expect a true SMB4 quality game, whatever that means, when the Wii U version of NSMBWii launches.

I'd love to see the true next 2D/2.5D Mario platformer, essentially SMB4, but I really don't think NSMBWiiU is going to be it.

I predict more of the same but now in HD and not a lot more, which to me really isn't the same as a game that could be worthy of the SMB4 moniker for example.

Slightly off topic though, so, Rayman Legends does however looks pretty stunning!

It also looks like we'll be seeing developers take advantage of the NFC right away and this could actually be a bit of a feather in the cap USP for the WiiU, which might help it get some positive attention out the gate. It will likely end up a bit gimmicky I suspect but I'm sure it has the potential for some pretty cool features and gameplay additions/enhancements. It will be interesting to see what developers do with it...

Looks stunning!

Wouldn't it be nice if New Super Mario Bros WiiU had this amount of love put into it's visuals rather than apparantly just being a quickly slapped together HD version of a Wii game that was already a slightly quickly thrown together higher-rez version of a DS game?

Just a thought...

@SuperUberBear

I'm thinking it will be "too much".

It was the introduction of things like Super Meters, Ultra-combos, forced tag-teams and Super Arts that ruined the once pure Street Fighter experience for me.

Those extra bars on the screen, the convoluted player selection and all those weird Arts choices/settings, that I still have no clue about whatsoever, kinda spoiled the best fighting game ever imo.

I just want to pick a fighter and fight against another fighter 1 on 1 without having to worry about multiple extra bars and Arts that I really don't care about. I think the tag-team thing is great for group sessions where you have a few friends round but I'd like to have the choice to play simple 1 on 1 matches when I'm just playing on my own or against one mate.

Go back to the classics Capcom...

Anyhoo.

@James

Which reminds me.

Lunch...