During a recent financial meeting with investors, Satoru Iwata has discussed how Nintendo hopes to improve Wii U sales momentum with the release of Wii Fit U and the month’s free trial period.
The company president explained it was difficult to turn heads once the Wii U launch-period had passed:
Under the current circumstances in which Wii U has lost its launch-period momentum we find ourselves in a situation where it is difficult to turn the attention of those who do not actively engage with games to Wii U; we felt that it would be difficult to hope that advertising and releasing our games in a standard fashion would be sufficient to create enough buzz in society.
Iwata went on to mention how Wii Fit U and the trial period aimed to revive interest in their latest home console, and how initial sales and profits would only suffer for a short period of time as a result of the short-term campaign:
This title is not the kind of game whose success hinges on its initial sales... it is true that its initial sales and profits will suffer as a result of this campaign, but Wii Sports and Wii Fit achieved great popularity and large sales over an extended period of time because they managed to create adequate buzz in society.
The question is — can Wii Fit U and the free trial Nintendo are offering really save the day? Let us know in the comments.
[source au.ign.com]
Comments 104
I fail to see how, people how to go buy a Wii U to get access to the trial, I like the Wii U, I really do, but this is a little... meh. I think the next Zelda and Smash Bros will sell a lot of consoles (and maybe a Metroid if they do it)
It will depend on marketing to a degree, but if the intention of this is to hook in the casual consumers that previously purchased Wiis for Wii Fit, how are they going to prove that Wii Fit U is different enough to warrant splashing hundreds of dollars on a new console?
If Nintendo is really expecting Wii Fit U to increase Wii U sales, they have really lost touch with reality
Then advertise it already! Maybe if you wouldn't have named it so badly people would at least know what the console is. Go ahead and correct that if you ever want to sell.
I may be wrong, but I don't see Wii Fit U being a big seller. I hope Nintendo also realizes this and that is why they're offering it for free. But honestly, this is not the system seller they need and if Iwata really thinks it is, I don't know what to say.
Im sure it will help the wii U sales.. but to what extent, we shall wait and see.
i'm planning to get one for christmas, but its not because of Wii Fit U, but because of wii party U, super mario 3d world, and wind waker HD.
Here's hoping wii U the best
For Japan, maybe. I really don't think the Wii U is for the Wii Fit users. It's gonna be pretty hard to convince them that they'll need a new console to do a lot of the same thing. I think the reason why Wii Fit did well initially was because the people who were interested already had a Wii. I'm not sure there were many people buying the console specifically for that game.
@ferthepoet - What you said.
It's only free if you already HAVE a Wii U. The marketing will be for Wii Fit U Meters (Metres) which aren't free. Maybe he was just misinterpreted as I do feel Wii Fit U will sell some consoles, mostly to people who already own a blaance board and and HD tv and are fascinated by little gadgets. So yes, Wii Fit U coupled w/ Just Danc e2014 and Wii Party U will increase sales. And maybe Sports Club, if they can find a way to advertise it w/o annoying people since it's only tennis and bowling and not all 5 sports right now.
Really Fit U and Sports Club are just demos or trials. And demos help sell games, but they don't sell systems. Combing them all into a fun family commercial would help sell some systems though. The 3DS kiosks had a great big colorful "What are you playing this summer" display featuring Luig's Mansion and Dream Team and SM3DL I think.
The ugly boring blue and white kiosks displays need to be replaced w/ colorful "Wii U - it's what families do" displays w/ Just Dance 2014, Wii Fit U, Wii Party U, Sports Club and SM3DW emblazoned. And maybe Disney Infinity and SKylanders. The system has games and famaily appeal, too bad nobody knows about it or them.
I agree with everything @rjejr said too. Though part of me thinks it is human nature that we want something new. Wii Fit was totally new, people wanted it. Wii Fit U is just like an upgrade, it will be more for those that want to upgrade and a few newbies - like me, just starting Wii Fit U trial - I do like it so far has potential for sure. Wii Fit meter = sold to me instantly haha
Any chance for a Nintendo Life Wii Fit U community? Means we can remove all that flab together!
@awesumsauce1 If you look at the Wii the biggest none wii sports seller was NSMBW. Skyward Sword sold hardly any. Smash Bros was the easiest way to enable making the Wii into a media player (Which wasn't like it is now where there is other easier better and cheaper devices). What they need is new -exclusive - really good across all genres all difficulty levels and lots of it. (Don't think they have done a single thing that is not a sequel yet for the Wii U).
N64
Mario 64
Wave Race
Pilotwings
Gamecube
Luigi's Mansion
Animal Crossing
Pikmin
None of what they are doing is different enough to interest me. (DKCR was perfect for me so as long as the new one is no worse that will be fine).
I really cant see a free trial pushing sales after all if I need to spend £300 on a console to get the free trial is it really free? I can see a bundle with Wii fit u included being quite popular but only if the marketing is there. I think I've seen one advert for the Wii U this year and it was for Sonic Lost World last week.
Nintendo wont sell 100 million this time but I don't think they need to worry too much with all that money in the bank. I believe that it will be as successful as Gamecube and N64 and I think that's enough for Nintendo they never seem to want to be No1 which sounds strange from a business point of view but their quality shines through always has and that will keep them going into the distant future. Wii U is a brilliant console and I definitely prefer it over the Wii because I don't like having motion controls forced on me and Wii U gives me options over controls, where to play and which screen to use and what's not to love about options.
Bonzai Barber is the only new thing I can think of remotely recently.
A retail bundle with a massive marketing push would sell a few consoles, especially at xmas but, based on Nintendo's current marketing strategies, nobody will know that there is a free trial of a new Wii Fit on a new console. Sending Facebook messages to people who have liked Wii U on FB is not really good enough because they already own or know about Wii U..
I've thought all along that the e3 Demos should have been made available to early Wii U owners and I reckon a Mario Kart or Smash Bros. online beta would have improved the perception of the Wii U to gamers and to Wii U owners like myself. It wont sell systems but it will at least make the console look viable to the people who are just going to wait til they can get MK and Smash and a Wii U for £200..
@unrandomsam I thought Mario Kart Wii was the biggest seller other than Wii Sports and Wii Fit.
Anyone else downloading at the moment? My first attempt at the 4649MB failed!
WiiU will sell this Xmas because it is the only new shiny inexpensive thing in stores atm that nobody except the hardcore fans have... The PSCRASHBOXONE is stuck inside their techlabs awaiting someone to get a idea about how to make a proper gaming system because MicroSony ain't got a clue and 3rd parties won't be saving them this time around
@MouldyK I will happily join your Wii Fit U community! I'm gonna let myself go over Xmas to have some sort of challenge to fight the flab!
I love the way in which they are providing this software... but how on earth will this work at drawing in people who "don't actively play games" if they don't have the console and advertising isn't reaching them.
@Nintenjoe64 - My first attempt at the 4649MB failed!
SM3DW is only 1.7GB and this is 4.6GB? How did that happen?
They did sell 23 million Wii fits maybe they can do it again.
@rmeyer But what percentage are still actively using it now ? (The ones who bought it and didn't use it are less likely to buy it than people who never did).
@awesumsauce1 I agree. Wii Fit had it's day in Wii. People don't care about this. My Dad bought Wii fit, which is strange because he doesn't play video games. He doesn't care for Wii U, because he doesn't care about updated versions of the same apps. They need new content. Why not create Mii Golf, a full game like they showcased when Wii U was first advertised. Moving away from that was a bad business decision. Wii Tvii is good, but not compelling enough as what the twins are showing.
@unrandomsam true not to mention a free month could have them never buy it but perhaps Jintendo doesn't care they just want to sell systems. I think they could get some system sales like before out of this but I don't think it will be as big as the Wii.
@MadAussieBloke My guess is the twins will make most of their money on advertising and micro transactions. Even if they sell few units, they are experts at milking customers. Additionally, they sell market intelligence back to third parties. The most money that is made is usually unseen.
It will? I haven't see any ads for a free trial, and I'm fairly confident that the existing user base are not the majority who contributed to its high sales.
I have a Wii U, and don't care about Wii Fit U.
@rjejr Buy a harddrive dude, they show you what to buy on nindi's website
They need Holly and Phil!
This is good month...
Wii Fit U November 1
Call of Duty: Ghosts November 5
Wii Sports Club November 7
Mario & Sonic 2014 Olympic Winter Games November 8
Duck tales remastered November 12
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes November 15
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag November 21
Super Mario 3D World November 29
Iwata wasn't the best choice for President of Nintendo IMO... If it does sell consoles (which I doubt) they will fall back into the category that the Wii was placed in, 'casual'.
Nintendo have GameCubed the wii u. They have missed the opportunity to make a wow impact like they did with the wii as to the untrained eye the wii u has less to offer. They should have had a wii sports 2 ready at launch and a wii fit 2 ready at launch AND they should have called the Wii U the Wii 2. General marketing and most of the world what the hell the 'U' stands for whereas a '2' blatantly tells even the most stupid person that THIS is a new console to be curious about.
Launching with nothing major at launch, or even the First year is even worse, or even a sequel to a worldwide household name like wii sports as wii fit was silly.
The all new HD Wii 2 packaged with a Gamepad, Wiimote plus, nunchuk and 1 month free trial for wii sports 2 AND wii fit 2 for £350 would have flown off the shelves. It would also have got a higher percentage of people delving into the eshop sooner.
He's really lost the plot. You have to ADVERTISE! And a free trial isn't gonna make wii u fly off shelves ffs. Its a bit embarassing tbh =/
I don't think that Wii Fit U will bump sells considerably by itself. But, if Nintendo were to promote the free trial as a holiday addition to the great bundles available, it would increase the percieved value of investing in Wii U. The free trial should be promoted on every new Wii U bundle. Buy our bundle and get a free game or games depending on the bundle, and you get a month of Wii Fit U free. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Better than adding another costly subscription with the XB1 for their fitness component.
If Nintendo wants to improve sales momentum in the UK over Christmas then it needs to get stock on the High Street. The Wii U Fit Meter is not available in my local HMV, Game, Blockbuster, Argos or Asda. The staff I spoke to hadn't even heard of it.
Wii Fit was quite a sleeper hit. But they need to ramp up the marketing to tell people whats new and different about this incarnation and why it had to be on the WiiU and not their trusty Wii.
Tell the people out there, that it is not only Wii Fit HD, but a combination of WiiFit, WiiFit+ and some new content, tell people that they can post and compare their training successes over MiiVerse, one of the biggest aspects of fitness training: shared results.
Advertise the usefulness of the new meter gadget.
I personally think, that the MiiVerse is the biggest selling point here. Solitary training sessions are fun at the beginning, but get shoved to the sideline pretty fast. If you have other people to compare and compete against, its a whole other story. And a bundle with a pre installed copy of the software, both the ballance board, the meter and a pair of remotes would make a swell christmas gift for the "non hardcore gamer" demographic.
Also, they added the feature to post WiiU screenshots on websites, so why not advertise that thing on facebook, telling people to share their fitness results via screenshots. That would reach quite a lot of people, and no advertisement campaign can beat definite training results shown by your friends.
Maybe the facebook folks around here could do it themselves, Even the weirdest stuff can trend overnight, why not make the next trend getting fit with Wii Fit U ? Post daily results, tell people how it works etc.
@awesumsauce1
Yeah the only way to pick this up, is to go all out.
They have to bring the Nintendo Core games, Starfox, F-zero, Metroid, Zelda.
Smashbros, Mariokart, Donkey Kong. Kid icarus etc. and more cross over games, like in the tv series Captain N, i would love to see a game, where mario, sonic and megaman or another Character to be in one game. (just dreaming)
But Nintendo has to step up, and create more games.
They have to step up with Xenoblade for WiiU, thats a game that many want.
@Einherjar All this and more on your shiny new golden WiiU of awesomeness
@TruenoGT Usually in NA things are available after noon EST. A few more hours and time to download. I'm looking forward to using the wii fit meter to keep track of things when I'm away from home and maybe it'll be motivation. That combined with Zumba next week should help keep fit over winter before running season again in spring!
I don't see why not. Pretty much you buy a Wii U with a price cut, 1-2 free game(s) included, 10% cash back (kind of) on any future download purchase, free trial games (even of one of them is more useful for past balance board owners), and other features we known already.
If your a kid trying to convince your parent(s) to buy a Wii U, now is a good time.
No.
Has anyone in NA found a Fit Meter in store? I checked Gamestop and Best Buy websites but it looks like they're online only...? Was hoping to pick one up today.
I think it can. They are right in that advertising is going to miss on both titles because the general population are not gamers and will not see the ads. However, a good grassroots campaign can spur interest.
For example, I am bringing my Wii U into work next month so a few people can play with it during lunch. What got them intrigued was the Off-TV play, which is not demoed well at the kiosk and is difficult to describe. That is something that I haven't seen a demo kiosk feature.
Does anyone know if you can unlock the full free game with the Fit Meter after the trial ends?
ie: if I download the free trial now and it ends before the Fit Meter arrived, can I still keep the full free game when the Fit Meter arrives?
Just curious because it says 'during the trial' alot.
@LittleIrves - Target's website says "in store" but every store w/in 30 miles of me says out-of-stock.
You know, I want to give Iwata the benift of the doubt due to translation error, and he's nervous abut losing his job after that 100 billion projection, but then it's always the same old Nintnedo.
This game is available to DL today, but the US only has the black Fit Meter, nobody can find it in a store, and the bundles aren't out until when exactly? Amazon has most games but not this, neither does Walmart.
It's always 1 step forward, 2 steps back.
@The-Chosen-one At the current rate they are going it will be 5 years or more before they have enough for it to be interesting.(Not going to get a console for games I only kind of want). Lost World and Donkey Kong is all I have seen so far. (Not seen a single part of 3d world I think I would really enjoy).
anyone else notice the weekly sales pamphlet at best buy in america has missed on the windwaker, pokemon x and y, and now sonic lost world release advertisements as they were released their respective weeks? They'll show it the week after with a NOW AVAILABLE but still.........
@Worthy I think you can unlock the full game up until Jan. 31, since the full game will be available to buy through the eShop on Feb. 1
@rjejr Thanks for the info. Yeah, it's certainly odd that there's been so much confusion w/ Nintendo at retail recently. This year has been kind of a mess, with Fire Emblem hard to find, systems stolen out of trucks, some other big game was stuck at customs I think (?). You'd think a company with 30 years of experience in the space would have this fine-tuned by now. Oh well... I'll be scouring stores for a Fit Meter. Makes it kind of fun, in a way...
Uh.. I can't even download the game yet.. Is it supposed to already be available or do I need to sync my Balance board first?
@Dogpigfish
If it's marketed the same way Wii Fit was when it was released... it'll sell systems hands down. Wii Fit was a phenomenon that caused people to spend $250 on a new console + $100 for a Balance Board/game. Now, the price of entry for those who kept their Balance Boards (like I did) but don't own a Wii U is $320. And considering the increase in value Wii Fit U and the Fit meter offer this time around compared to its predecessors, that's quite a bargain.
Don't underestimate the fact that we will never have a shortage of new overweight/obese people entering our society and looking for new ways to shed those pounds. They spend $20 a class on yoga, $30-$60/month on gym memberships, and $100+/hr on personal trainers, $600+ on treadmills and ellipticals. When it comes to being healthy and happy you can't put a price on fitness.
So, yeah this game/bundle has the potential to be widely successful if Ninty splurges a bit on marketing.
"We find ourselves in a situation where it is difficult to turn the attention of those who do not actively engage with games to Wii U"
Don't forget the people who actually do.... Gamers and non-gamers alike couldn't care less about this system, Iwata. The WiiU has NO appeal.
Well, if you really want a free trial to sell consoles Nintendo, then you have to advertise. There's no way around it. Only people with a Wii U can see Wii Fit U right now. The masses won't be aware of something they don't know exists. And seeing how fitness fads have never gone away, this could sell more units.
I am convinced Iwata is a fool. I own a Wii U, and I don't know what the hell they are doing.
See this is a good idea, but it's not going to go anywhere if they don't advertise! Which they're done a HORRENDOUS job at for this poor console.
This game will increase sales by 0%
No one will purchase a wii u for 300 dollars to play wii fit u when a gym membership which actually gets you in shape costs the same.
No one who currently owns a wii U will keep playing this game for more than the one month trial because Mario is coming out.
I won't be playing this garbage title on my wii u I am waiting for Mario.
Nintendo is becoming such a joke... It's like they are trying to fail.
@Darknyht : You have good intentions brother. But it is not our job to advertise for Nintendo. These fools need a dramatic overhaul with their console division. Instead of this Wii Fit garbage, Nintendo should be pushing the games that utilize the gamepad to its fullest. God forbid, they push Pikmin, Deus Ex, or Zombi U. If I was a developer, Nintendo could try to pay me millions at this point, and I would still say no. They are clueless with advertising, charge an arm and a leg for everything, and expect me or you to sell their system via word of mouth. Get real.
I like the idea of having something to do while inside during long-cold Maine winters. We are picking up the meters today. I will wear it all day at work and sync it at the end of the day. Nintendo is doing fine and will be strong after the holidays.
Doesn't a trail only bring momentum if the systems are already in people's hands. It seems that despite them being digital deals Nintendo should have started advertising Wii Sports Club and Wii Fit U being on the Wii U. The avergae consumer despite loving the software doesn't even known these sequels exist and you'd be suprised at how many average people who know of PSN and Xbox Live doesn't even know the Nintendo Network exists.
@IxnayontheCK
Seriously I am so embarassed to own a Wii U
Thanks Iwata for humiliating your clients and your brand.
I wish I was CEO
@marko
You really believe that?!? If people paid $350 to play Wii Fit, why wouldn't people pay $320 to Play Wii Fit U? And why does everybody think the Wii Fit series is supposed to replace a gym. It's more or less there to help you set goals, track your progress, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I consider myself a hardcore gamer and I've used the Wii Balance Board consistently since I bought it. I find it much more convenient to workout at home and besides a gym membership doesn't do calorie counting or show visual progression charts. You do more with this software than just exercise.
Also people gotta keep in mind that Wii Fit U is mainly aimed at casuals and overweight hardcore gamers. If you don't fall into that category, there are other games on the horizon to fill your library with.
I'm sure Wii Fit U will pull decent numbers on its own but I think they're dreaming if they expect it to drive sales of the system.
wii fit u will sell good once the wii console is off the shops.
Now, it will only sell normal to the wii u owners and fans of the game
ooh wow, isn't Mr. Iwata just the marketing genius now!
"we felt that it would be difficult to hope that advertising and releasing our games in a standard fashion would be sufficient to create enough buzz in society."
so they decided to skip that stuff alltogether and offer Wiifit U for a whole month! The day is saved!
So are the principal shareholders the only ones that can fire him? How soon?
He sounds like my dad lately but my dads 83; proclaiming the wonders of amazing concepts that will revolutionize an industry - like 20 years ago.
@The_Fox
If they stopped dreaming, they'd realize how badly the current leadership is doing in the console market.
@ScorpionMG
Aren't Normal Wii U sales usaully Bomba.
The biggest problem is that Wii Fit doesn't improve sales momentum it keeps the momentum going. The orginal Wii Fit took the momentum the orginal console had and extended two times over. In the case of the Wii U there isn't any momentum to carry.
@Turbo857
Those clients that bought wii fit on wii. failed to get in shape they are casual gamers and the market has shifted they don't even know what the wii U is.
They spend all their time on their tablets and ipads and Nintendo missed the chance to target that audience.
the 3 million people who bought Wii U is a different market segment than those who would purchase Wii fit U.
Those casual gamers are probably going to go to wal-mart and see the new game on the shelf. They will think its just some other wii title and they will pass. And If they are interested they will she shocked when they hear its for another console and not the wii and they will be like well forget that not paying 300+ dollars...
I would love to be wrong about this but I know I am right.
(A lot of people I know who bought the wii and bought wii fit have no idea what this game or new console is and their balance boards are sitting on the floor forgotton)
@marko
Look, some of your points are valid. Your 3 mil Wii U user base statement is a fact, hence the reason Wii Fit U isn't for them (unless they're like me and into health and fitness).
At the end of the day: It all comes down to the marketing. If Nintendo puts a Wii Fit U commercial after every fast food restaurant ad, you'll see some Wii U's flying off the shelves. If they mention Wii Sports Club is available too, that'll "sweeten" (no pun intended) the deal.
There are slim-average sized people gaining weight everyday. The casual market may have shifted, but if their weight's shifted as well a Wii U Fit bundle should appeal to them. Ipads and tablets aren't going to make these casuals any lighter.
If the marketing is there you'll be wrong, if the marketing isn't there you'll be 100% on the money. We're just going to have to wait and see.
Considering the position the Wii U is in currently, selling Wii Fit U in this manner isn't a bad strategy.
@Turbo857
You mean the same Tablets and smartphones that connect to fitnes programs and applications like fitbit, Nike+, runtastic, and other fitness programs that replaced the Wii U.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/6/4594158/fitness-tracker-quantified-self-workout
'Sigh'...This is yet another reason why Iwata should step down. The casual market and hardcore market are not going to download this, even if it is free, and I'll explain why. No.1 : The download space of this game is apparently Huge. I say that because during the Nintendo Direct of this game, Reggie said something like If you own a basic Wii U set, then you'll need to buy a internal hard drive or something like that, Implying this thing will take up whatever space is left from that massive update the first time you played on the Wii U. Which is absurd of course. No.2 : The marketing idea for this game is asinine. You have to download the game (Assuming you have enough space.) within a month long period and go out and buy a Wii Fit Meter and then sync it up to your game on the gamepad. Wow. He's a better Idea. Why not just simply release the game in stores with the Wii U Fit Meter? To be fair, That's exactly what they're doing at a later date but still, why not just get rid of this whole gimmick and do that? The message is more clear, the save data won't take up to much space and consumers won't have to go through all that tedium. No.3 The casual market is not on the damned Wii U. I understand that this game sold quite well and that's why Nintendo is making another game in the series. But at the same time, the audience is not downloading this. The Wii U is too underrated, too expensive, and too foreign. No.4 The hardcore is most certainly not buying this....Do I even have to explain why? Whatever I'll try to anyway. Hardcore gamers like me and I assume everyone who's commenting/reading here because if you are a casual gamer, why would you even be on a dedicated Nintendo site? Are not going to buy this. Were (Hopfully soon) playing games like Mario/Zelda/Pokemon/etc. Why would we even play a game that's sole purpose is to work out You know, there's a new invention out, I've no clue if you've heard of it but it's called A GYM! In conclusion, all that and other reasons I failed to mention combine isn't going to make this damned thing sell. Now before anyone gets the ignorant impression that i'm hating I'm not. I would love nothing more than to be wrong about all my negative criticisms, but I don't see that happening. I want my beloved video game company to thrive...But I don't see it happening. Yes, the 3ds is selling wonderfully which is good, I think the system deserves it, but the Wii U?...'Sigh' I'm sorry Iwata, I just don't see how this game is going to push Wii U momentum...I can't see it, and I hope I'm not alone in this. But if the man truly believes that this game is going to thrive, then he seriously needs to go. You can't simply just look at sales numbers and say to yourself, Oh hey! this sold well the last time, let's do it again! I think that's a cannibalistic and one dimensional business practice. 'Sigh' I suppose...at the end of the day...Will see what happens...
I've notice a handful of errors in my last comment, so anyone reading that comment bare through it. I'm not perfect. Obviously. Thank you.
thanks @ColdingLight well said.
I wish your points were less commonly held but basically it's just Iwata who doesn't get this anymore. He's the LAST person who seems to still not get what to do with WiiU. What a sad time for my once favorite game company.
That's okay, ColdingLight. we can see the passion. Even still, just because you don't want to download the game doesn't mean other people won't. I've said this before on another forum, if you need more space save $50 and get a 1 terabyte hard drive. It's not that big of a deal really.
@Sony_70
Yeah, fitness apps on smartphones exist (and I've used a couple of them) but they seem fairly one dimensional for the most part imo and not as comprehensive as all of the features offered by Wii Fit U + Fit meter. I like to see my lifetime workout progress on bigger screens and the fact that the Balance Board can measure my weight and BMI is a pretty convenient feature. So, there are numerous ways Ninty can distinguish itself from other fitness programs on various platforms.
Pretty cool that you included that article btw. It just brings up another excellent point that should be communicated in the Wii Fit U's marketing campaign, comparing its comprehensive features to inferior offerings from smartphone and tablet apps.
@LittleIrves Same here in the uk,i think they will be online only until december 6th when the physical wii fit u goes on sale
GAME didn't have the fit meter today.
@Turbo857
It's mostly dependent on the person as well I guess. I'm more of the guy who'd rather do these things at a normal gym. Even doing it in the Video game sense I'd argue that the Wii Fit is a bit too light and I much rather grab Xbox Fitness.
With that said that type of high intensity isn't great and can be intimidating for newbies which is how nintendo should market the system.
As far as your lifetime fitness the Fitbit ecosystem of products does that pretty well. It has open Api's and can tie into other applications even one's for dieting. But if you already have a Wii U than the Wii U is obviously the way to go, Ninteno would be wise to advertise how cheaper the WIi Fiy ecosytem is compared to others.
http://www.fitbit.com/story
The only problem I can see Nintendo having is the desgin of the Wii Fit Meter. As small and comprehensive it is, its also the type of product I know many people will forget to grab when going out of the house. I think the braclet style desgin is much better for running since people usually like to workout as light as possible (usually only carrying keys and a device/phone).
@ColdingLight I think you might be underestimating Wii Fit's appeal as a "game"-game. I poured 80 hours into Metroid Prime Trilogy. I also bought Wii Fit and had loads of fun. And I'll be getting a Fit Meter w/ Wii Fit U (along with Super Mario 3D World). No need to have a black-or-white range of taste.
I love my Wii Fit meter! I registered it today on Wii Fit U and Hey Presto! Don't need to pay any more at the end of the month's trial!
Enjoying exploring the new software - glad to see they had Free Boxing!
@Turbo857
You are right about Marketing thats for sure.
Nintendo has been trying but failing to market the wii u.
There has been a lot more negative press about the wii u than positive.
Nintendo has an uphill battle to climb, between losing major 3rd party support long waits between first party releases and a system with older specs that won't be able to compete with ps4 and X1. Nintendo needs to figure something out fast! because they are setting themselves up for failure. if at the end of the next 5 years they only sell 20 to 30 million wii u consoles thats a failure!
Personaly despite buying a wii u I would be totally fine if Nintendo scrapped the whole thing and build a true next Gen console with with wii U gamepad compatiblitiy. I am truly sad for nintendo. I wish I ran the company...
Anyway on that note you seem like a smart person and I have no friends on miiverse! so if you wanna add me lol
go home Iwata, you're drunk
I'm concerned about the apparently huge number of used balance boards available on the market (asking prices are around $5 to $20 from what I've read on 'GAF). This suggests to me that the people who bought the original Wii versions (Fit and Fit Plus) have dumped it. I don't think that speaks favorably for the Wii Fit brand.
I hope Wii Fit U is a huge success and sells millions of Wii U consoles...but I seriously doubt it.
Having this game come out in retail for $50 w/ the Meter or $90 w/ both the Meter and balance board are good ideas. Families on the fence might see this as an added incentive to pick up a Wii U, a Fit bundle, COD and SM3DW. That covers everyone.
My problem now - the retail packages don't come out until Dec 13th (US). That seems a little late for the holiday shopping season. People buy gifts that late, but they usually know what they are going to buy before then. And since Nintendo has been so bad at advertising anything before it comes out (Olympic game is next week, very little advertising so far) nobody will even know about the bundles until after they've decided to spend their money elsewhere. Anything releasing after Black Friday better have a big campaign behind it. COD or GTA or even MGS could come out on Xmas and still sell well.
A game that nobody knows about on a system that barely exists? Not going to move the needle much. There's still plenty of time to advertise in print, in store, on tv, but advertise they must. The games are coming, the price is right, but you can't sell the unknown.
"we felt that it would be difficult to hope that advertising and releasing our games in a standard fashion would be sufficient to create enough buzz in society."
While that quote basically sums up Nintendo's current business mantra, I can understand how it applies to WiiFit U. The game has less appeal than a diarretic camel.
No it won't. Because casuals didn't buy the Wii U. And hardcore players (not enough anyway) won't play Wii Fit U.
Nintendo has to accept the gigantic casual market they had on the Wii is gone, and they're not coming back. Not that there shouldn't be games targeted as casuals, but it is foolish to think they are the core audience that should be appealed to.
Casuals have moved on to smartphones and tablets and they're not coming back, accept it Nintendo.
They are gonna get the $20 out of me cause I think my boys will have fun with it
@Nintenjoe64 - my download is 3516 and is almost done
@The-Chosen-one - I wonder if a Lego game involving all of Nintendo's characters would work.....seems like a great way to work with a company that already has 2 highly touted games for the Wii U.
@Sony_70
Heh-heh, there are indeed a lot of variables at play here. I'm intrigued by the XBone's fitness offerings actually and I commend them for not selling their new hardware without Kinect (don't limit innovation). But that half a grand price-tag without a game is going to be a tough sell for many this holiday season.
Those fitness-centric wrist devices are cool too but a common complaint is how sweaty it gets when running which is something the Wii Fit meter may have an advantage with, lol.
@marko
I hear ya man, likewise. I'll catcha on miiverse. Looks like we got a lot of passionate fans on here and that gives hope. The Wii U doesn't deserve to sell like a Gamecube.
But rest assured: The games are coming. The true litmus tests will be... drumroll... Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros., and Super Mario 3D World. Those are the true system selling franchises. If we don't see units move after those... then we gotta problem.
But in the meantime, we can't blame Ninty for trying to court back these casuals.
@SuperChutney
For many, the simple graphical upgrade is enough to warrant the purchase- the fact the games are now full HD, not to mention the console's dual screen mechanics via the gamepad. And a couple hundred bucks isn't as much money as you make it sound like. Maybe for someone without a job it's a lot. But for any full time worker, it's not much at all.
@rjejr
My thoughts exactly. Their strategy is fine for gamers in the loop who just need a bit of convincing the console will provide games they like. But for any person not in the loop, advertising is a must (at least for the foreseeable future until word of mouth can exponentially spread).
I agree, and feel Nintendo is really missing the mark here. They're putting too much stock in their games' ability to sell themselves. I mean, we all know how great their games are, but like you said, doesn't matter how great they are if no one knows they exist.
I see this as further proof that iwata needs to go. A limited time wiifitu promotion designed to appeal to consumers that arent even aware that the promotion exists is what we're pinning our holiday hopes to now? F'ing really? This makes no sense.
Wiisports and wii fit sold well because the public was engaged from the start. Most people dont know that wiiu is a thing, much less what was announced for it in a nintendo direct. Nintendo's helplessly out of their damfool minds at this point.
@JaxonH - Smart move, just agree w/ me from the beginning and we won't have any problems
Now if you'll excuse me I need to go vent in the forums. If you don't hear from me in awhile I've been banned. And deservedly so.
@rjejr haha... hey, when you're right you're right!
And been there, it happens. Just go easy on em, don't go out in a blaze of glory lol
@JaxonH - I think this was the mood you were in the other night when you wrote that post. The part you edited out after I got the email
https://www.nintendolife.com/forums/wii-u/screw_u_nintendo_deleter_of_data_denier_of_dls
THIS is their plan?!?! Come on Nintendo... Are you even trying anymore?!? Watch them announce Wii Music U at E3 2014 and say "This should turn sales around."
"Wii Fit U's Free Trial Period Will Improve Wii U Sales Momentum"
Who are they kidding?!
I even go a bit further: The "touch generation" titles don't work anymore! People won't rush to the market for a new Brain training, Nintendogs, Fit, or party games (I mean the Wii/Wii u party games, with the mii's)! They didn't even run to the shops for New super Mario bros u! The only thing that can save it this year is Mario 3D world! If that also doesn't work, then the christmas sales will be bad!
They are DEAD WRONG! I went to 13 different game retailer stores today; 4 walmarts, 3 targets, 4 gamestops, 1 best buy, and 1 toys r us ... and guess what? Not a single one of them knew what I was talking about when I asked if they had any Wii Fit Meters for sale .... not one. They didn't receive any to have in stock "supposedly" waiting for all these new WiiU buyers for wii fit U and meter lol. 1 guy at Gamestop thought I was talking about a Wii Fit Board ( not balance board) he referred to it as a wii fit board. Meaning, if the distributors don't know anything about it, then how do they expect the public to know anything about it? I just don't get nintendo and what they think is right for the system. The price drop will sale systems, the newly released bundles will sale systems, but Wii Fit is not going to push any systems. Well, maybe 2 or 3, MAYBE.
Plus, even if there were a billion advertisements promoting this promotion, it would not drive system sales. The Wii fad and everything that went with it has long gone set sail. Nintendo had some cool game ideas and gimmicks with the Wii; but they CANNOT expect that to follow through for the WiiU's success.
The concept behind it is cool. If you have a balance board and a wii u just buy the $20 meter and you are in. But I don't have a balance board so this is worthless to me. And paying $90 for something I will use for a little is not a seller for me. And since people already know what wii fit is I doubt they will be selling a lot of these.
Now if they made like a smash or Mario kart beta for this holiday that came with systems and was available to download now they could build buzz and start moving more systems. They have to understand their casual efforts are not going to be that effective anymore thanks to other devices out their.
What was effective though for them this year was the 3ds. And it worked because they released games we wanted to play for it for almost the whole year. But seeing as how they are struggling to even make casual games on time with the wii u I fear they may not even close to get the wii u where they need to get it before the x1 and ps4 completely make it look like just the other console.
Nintendo needs to get some third parties on board to full out next year and more first party games or wii u might not even be a quarter the success the wii was.
This is a fun game if you have a balance board. Watching my 4 year old trying these mini games is worth me ordering a meter alone....but I have to get it from Amazon because.......NO STORES HAVE IT! This is geeting ridiculous.....Nintendo needs to start cutting some shelf space deals with Target or Best Buy
Edit: Toys R Us seems to have them in stock.
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for the Wii fit U. I'm probably gonna end up buying the fit meter :/ to turn the trial in to the full game.
I'm wondering if I should just get 1 fit meter or 4 for the whole family. Fit U itself is totally worth getting 1 at least.
People might help Nintendo a little When you buy Mario, Fit U and Party, TAKE your U to a friends(preferably with kids) and let the fun, laughter and surprise do the talking I know when its setup and on the go, it'll be an utter hive of activity.
I will buy the entire Wii Fit U bundle, as I originally purchased Wii U for this belated game. System seller? I thought Sonic more likely the system seller than this one.
I downloaded this Friday night after placing an order with Nintendo (their online store takes PayPal which is great) for a red Fit Metre because I had no doubt I'd want it. So great to do some Wii Fit Yoga again this morning after a year without; my partner is also going to give it a go since her studies and placement for uni don't afford her time for the gym lately.
Long live Wii Fit!
Maybe they should-I don't know-MAKE COMMERCIALS for their games.Seriously,the last Wii U commercial I saw was one of the new Sonic and Mario Olympic Games game.The only way something is going to increase in sales is by promoting it the RIGHT way.
I have an idea for a good commercial to advertise Wii-U Fit.
It can start with a family on a couch watching tv when an ad comes on showing Wii-U Fit! Then the mom says 'hey, we should buy that', then the little boy says 'we already bought that game before almost five years ago!' then he points to the corner of the room, and the camera pans to show a Wii balance board and Wii covered in cobwebs as rats scurry around it.
Then the screen cuts to an image of Iwata while sad violin music plays and the screen fades to black.
Talk about a plague of ignorance- this forum is seriously infected.
This game is absolutely awesome! I played it and love it!
You cannot compare going to a gym, getting changed, finding free equipment, all after working a full day to switching on this absolutelt gorgeous game whenever it is convenient and do as muc or little excercise as you want.
Combined with the pedometer, it also factors in your food intake to give create an intense personal training experience for Twenty Freaking Dollars!!!!!
This is far from just a hi def update- Nintendo has created a truly unmatched home excercise and personal health system that is fun, effective convenient and beautiful- The ignorance of the vast majprity of comments here is sad.
@Chi I couldn't have said it better myself. This reminds me of the days when I would import DDR and sweat it out for hours straight.
I hope they actually advertise this, because that is the main problem...
@Chi
I agree completely. I own and actively played Wii Fit for a long time now and loading up and trying Wii Fit U really blew me away with its presentation and all of its added features. Especially the options to completely customize your own routines, select and combine pre-set routines, or have the software generate random routines for you based on either how many calories you want to burn at that moment or how long you'd like to work out. And the gym joining community option is a really cool addition, making health and fitness an interactive experience. But the mirror mode was a total surprise! You can actually see in real-time how you're doing some of the exercises along side the Wii Fit U trainer. Should be helpful to many users.
The body tests have new ways to test you and some of the tests use the Gamepad in pretty cool ways (same with some new mini games/exercises).
If there is any "casual" gamer that bought the first Wii Fit, they need to try Wii Fit U! Now I just gotta find a Wii Fit U meter.
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