Hmm. I really hope they don't go all about specs this next gen. Though I would like more 3rd party support, it seems to me games have become more linear because the price of making games has increased exponentially.

If hardware makes the kind of leap from this gen to the next gen that it did from last gen to this gen, that will be too hard on designers and publishers to make and produce quality games with the same amount of gameplay, playtime, and length leaving behind mostly linear single player games, pay to play online experiences, cash shops, more DRMs, and much higher royalties for games (expect to see games normally go for $80 in the US).

Hardware power is good, but it does very little in terms of the over all experience, makes things even more pricey, and should be the final thing focused on. The success of a game like Minecraft is a great example of this. It is not graphically demanding therefore it allows an extremely open experience. It became big on PC because of the style of gameplay, the fact it was so open, the fact the game can be ran on all sorts of machines, and because it had such a strong mod community. That success poured over to other systems like 360 where publishers and developers think the demand for the highest end graphical engine is what people want but in 5 days sold over 1 million copies. In 1999 Miyamoto made a keynote speech saying it was about the gameplay, design, and playtime, not the graphics, and this is testament to it. Having the ability to offer unique experiences on the system and making a good environment for developers of all kinds, whether its a modding community or top tier publisher development teams is the key to success, not focusing on hardware power.

I like the redesign. It looks quite a bit more slick, I like the button placement more and prefer the real analogs to sliders.

Very good read. When I first heard of the Wii and first saw the controller I was NOT excited at all. But then E3 2006 came and I saw what the controller could do and became very interested. Not to mention the trailers for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Twilight Princess and Red Steel had my mind blown. When I finally got to experience the system at retailers before it launched, I knew I wanted it but by that time, it was too late to pre-order it so I actually went to walmart with my 2 cousins and a few friends and waited 12 hours to snag one at launch.

The wait wasn't bad, a bunch of other friends shown up and somebody with a GC and the screen brought Melee and Double Dash and a bunch of got to throw down. People were waiting with their DS's too though at the time I didn't have one but they were all playing together. When the time finally came and I got my system I picked up Marvel Ultimate Alliance and Red Steel 2 that day and Twilight Princess and Rayman Raving Rabbids later that week however when I got home all I played for the next few days was WiiSports with friends and family. It was a lot of fun and a lot of good times.

According to VGChartz which isn't dead accurate but still not very far off, Xenoblade Chronicles is the 3rd best selling game of April in the US and as of April 28th it had over 220k sales in the US. Also according to VGChartz, it currently has 240k total in the US. Not a sell out sweeping smashing hit but not bad, not bad.

1 year ago there was nothing but doom and gloom articles, now look at the system. Bet those people are feeling FOOLISH.

@BalrogtheMaster When I google Console + I can't even find who that is. The numbers at gonintendo don't lead to an actual review. I think I'll wait till I see more reliable sources talk about it.

This is a pretty cool idea. Hope they can see it through and that they can get the game running well.

I'm really looking forward to E3. I have a feeling all 3 companies are going to come out the gate swinging. Really want to see the direction both Sony and Microsoft will be taking their next consoles and I can't wait to hear more on Nintendo Network and how they're going to change up the online experience for the Wii U and possibly the 3DS.

If it's not Starfox it's F-Zero, either way, they'll be showing something off at E3 that will blow our minds.

Very glad this game is finally out, just snatched it up on my 3DS! Finally, a RTS!

I dunno, I know the system is a Nintendo made system which means good software but as far as the system itself goes, I need to see a lot more to be impressed.

Get well soon.

This is what I like to hear. Glad to see they're really making huge strides for 3rd party developers.

I see both sides and both points. One big thing I do want to note is how games go out of print and become rare, usually smaller retail JRPG's or Japanese centric games that have a limited print run. The chance to get these games throughout the systems life span is incredibly good however I don't see it viable to put the games at the same price as retail as there is no package for collectors and the cost of keeping the games on the server is not that of packaging and distribution.

Really can't wait to see what Nintendo's plans are.

Like I said in my comment on the interview, the eShop fixes all of these issues and really is a great service.

Personally, from what I've used of the eShop, I'm liking it a lot more then what I've used on any other system. It's really well set up and does a great job of advertising.

Very awesome

Well this stinks, I was really looking forward to this one. Well hopefully Protocol still makes it here.

The more the merrier though I won't be grabbing it anytime soon.

I haven't played the GBC version. Outside of graphics, are there any significant differences?

This game is looking awesome. I'm definitely going to check it out!

I think Skyward Sword would of done a lot better if the Wii Motion + was supported better and 2011 would of had more of a line up. Xenoblade, The Last Story, and Pandora's Tower should of been released globally in 2011 to help secure the core audience's interest in the Wii in 2011 however they dropped the ball, especially in NA where if it wasn't for a grass root campaign, they probably wouldn't of even gotten any of the mentioned games. If things were to of been changed, sales probably would of been much better.

It's really a sad thing that 2011 turned out the way it did and Wii Motion + didn't take off. Myself, I didn't get Wii Motion + until about a month or so ago when I found the Red Steel 2 with WM+ bundle in K-mart for 13 USD and followed up that purchase with Skyward Sword at Toys R US because it was on sale for 30 USD.

Hopefully they learned from this though and the Wii U controller will be FINAL when it comes out and come with everything the controller needs to have DAY 1.

I feel this is a very good idea. I had a really hard time getting a copy of Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn because it was out of print and would have no problem getting a game new through digital if I can't get it retail.

Interesting, isn't the final Wii U controller supposedly different then the one we saw at E3?

Do want

I love love LOVE the option of having digital game downloads. Don't get me wrong, I'll almost always opt for the physical copy but having both choices is a very VERY wise choice and a VERY good one for gamers.

Example:
I've been very interested in the Fire Emblem series for quite some time but I was never able to pick up the Fire Emblem games when they came out. Today I decided to really look into getting Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn on Wii. I prefer getting my games new, especially on Nintendo systems because I really enjoy Club Nintendo however because the game came out in 2007 it's extremely hard to find a new NA copy. No local stores that carry games have it new and the only place I could find it new was Amazon for over the original retail price of $50, so I decided to get the 1 used copy in my entire city which was at a gamestop nobody goes to for $40. Luckily it had a case and manual but the disc isn't in the greatest condition.

If the game was still in print or if the game was available through digital means I would of gotten the game New. While I do still prefer to get the game through retail, if it were available digitally and wasn't in print anymore, I would have no problem getting it in the online store. So for me, Nintendo deciding to bring their games to a the digital market makes me a very happy camper.

A new Starfox and F-Zero would be awesome. So would a new Baiten Kaidos.

I'm not concerned about Nintendo's losses after seeing the sales they made after they dropped the price, worked in better online features, and got some quality games out. With the strong push they appear to be making for online, I think there sales will be just fine for both 3DS and Wii U. I don't see them reaching the numbers that either DS or Wii made but they won't be far off and the money they make will probably be better because of stronger online.

I'd really like to know more on what they intend to do 3D wise for those who like the 3D features of the 3DS. Would love to see 3D netflix content. I'd also like to see more about there online set up and Nintendo Network. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they can pull off in the future.

Glad the Wii FINALLY got an online Street Fighter though it's on the late side. Better late then never though.

Better late then never.

There's no doubt in my mind that they'll easily beat this. However, when they do, this will of course make analysts shut it, make their stock rise, and make investors very happy.

I don't want too much of one game but whatever helps them get more systems in peoples hands. Personally, I think what Nintendo needs right now is stronger Western support to help push the 3DS and Wii U in NA and EU markets. The fact that Wii didn't have strong western support is what hurt it the most and when quality exclusive games did come, such as Goldeneye, they would sell much better then anticipated.

3DS needs this and so does Wii U. If these systems can have the variety and quality in 3rd party support and still have the awesome Nintendo first parties, they'll do very well.

Does this game REALLY need this many versions? If anything by now they should of brought the game to the other systems.

Very cool, Nintendo is always on it with them bundles.

I am REALLY looking forward to this game.

Well, I can't say I'm not happy it's coming, however, I'm pretty concerned about Mario getting franchise fatigue. Seems pretty soon for another Mario platformer, especially considering there's already so many other Mario games out and more on the way.

The Wiiware had some serious problems in every area. They had to make a completely separate channel to display the kind of information that you'd expect to be in the shop (the Nintendo Channel) which made browsing the Wii Shop one of the most tedious and cumbersome online shopping experiences out there. Furthermore, the lack of demo support for retail and vc games and the limited amount of demo's that would go away over time for the Wiiware was extremely bad.

With those mentioned problems and the ones mentioned by Beamdog, a lot had to be changed. Luckily, the eShop delivered BIG TIME on this. Personally, using the eShop, I feel it has features that make the service right on par with the top tier online stores making the shopping experience quick and simple, keeping people up to date with what's new and what's hot, and helping promote developers games. There's not much I can find wrong with it and quite frankly, if the Wii U is only going to improve on this, I don't see myself worried or complaining about its online store and really can't see where developers and publishers would be worried or complaining about it either.

I think I'll go check out that Pyramids demo.

Reading these articles is very refreshing after all the constant 3DS is doomed stuff that was floating around on just about every other site. 3DS is here to stay and I'm loving it!

This game is going to be amazing. Really looking forward to it!

This is awesome!

Now this looks pretty sweet. Looking forward to E3!

I have been playing this game nonstop (only stopping for sleep, food and bio breaks) since I got back from picking it up at gamestop around 11 AM. This has been an amazing adventure. Easily an instant classic.

Oh boy! Forgot all about this one. I'll be on the look out for it!

I'm so looking forward to Heroes of Ruin.

This is cool though I wish instead of all events being California or New York, Austin Texas would finally get something too....

This trailer is ultra cool

@Stuffgamer1
I completely agree. NoA should be trying to push these games big time...... but you know.... with the push for Wii Music and all.........

I know myself and friends who have purchased the 3DS haven't had eye strain, headaches or nausea and only know 1 person who has seriously had those effects... and they can't handle 3D anything, not just 3DS. One of the big issues with these people that may get this is most people want to just jump in looking at something full blast not realizing they need to gradually ease into it like 3D movies.

Anyways good article. I really do believe the 3DS launched too early and it should of seen a summer launch however I'm glad things picked back up for the system and stuff is looking good now.