A gaming year is often summed up by crowded, high-profile release windows, typically in November as Holiday shopping and Black Friday insanity sweep stores in multiple territories. While this week isn't quite on that scale, it does see the rather brilliant Mario Kart 8 on Wii U go up against Watch Dogs on, well, everything else. There was once a time when Ubisoft's sandbox hack-a-thon was also coming to Wii U alongside other platforms, but it's now simply due on Nintendo's system at some point in 2014, making this a bit of a face-off for those with both Nintendo's latest system and another console fighting over attention.
In some senses it's a scenario that best reflects the current status and objectives of Nintendo with Wii U, whether entirely intentional or otherwise. On the one hand we have a much-hyped multi-platform, mature title — which has gathered solid review scores so far — and from the big N we have the latest in one of its most successful and well-loved franchises. Mario Kart 8, of course, has the added pressure of boosting hardware sales, as Nintendo's HD system shoots for a much needed increase in its user-base ahead of other major exclusives on the way later this year. Watch Dogs, strangely, had some of that pressure last year when it was planned in bundles for the PS4, as an example, with some then disappointed when it was delayed. How much that delay has harmed the Ubisoft title is yet to be seen, while it'll also be curious to see whether it performs best on PS4, Xbox One, PS3 or Xbox 360.
Two opposites collide then, though Watch Dogs may have an extra chart advantage — along with its five platforms when including PC — as it's arrived three days ahead of MK8, giving it more time to make an impact in weekly charts (such as those in the UK) and monthly equivalents, as the U.S. NPD results will show in mid-June. With both factors considered we'd expect Watch Dogs to win the all-format sales battle, though it'll be fascinating to see what kind of performance Mario Kart 8 can muster against what's become — this week at least — a marketing onslaught from Ubisoft; the publisher has even taken away the underscore of Watch_Dogs, a minor detail that could trip people up for a while yet.
What about you, though? How are you spending your hard-earned cash this week? Are you getting both of these blockbusters, one of them, neither? Perhaps you're even waiting for Watch Dogs on Wii U? Hit up the polls and comments below to let us know.
Which of these games are you buying this week? (785 votes)
- I'll be buying both
- Just Mario Kart 8
- Just Watch Dogs
- I haven't decided yet
- Neither of them
Please login to vote in this poll.
Which of these games has you most hyped? (753 votes)
- Mario Kart 8, all the way
- I'm more excited about Watch Dogs
- Ooh, impossible to compare my hype levels for them
- I'm not bothered about either of them
Please login to vote in this poll.
Which Watch Dogs version will you buy? (769 votes)
- I'm going to wait for the Wii U version
- PS4
- PS3
- Xbox One
- Xbox 3600%
- PC
- I'm not sure yet
- None of them
Please login to vote in this poll.
Comments (219)
I might be starting a new job this week. I had to tell them I want Friday off but didn't want to admit it was because me and a bunch of other 30-something manchildren are going to spend a weekend playing Mario Kart.
Well since I am buying a copy of Mario Kart 8 for myself and two other copies for family watch dogs can wait. I was going to get it on Wii U anyway.
Mario Kart all they way! Why would I even care about Watch Dogs? It looks interesting, but it's not for me.
The best part of this poll? There is no question asking you what version of Mario Kart 8 you are buying. Everyone gets the same game. That's the way it should be!
Is it confirmed to be available to download at midnight on Thursday? That might be a deal clincher for the digital version for me.
Mario, Kart, been waiting for a reason to use my Wii U.
Watch dogs reviews were decent, but not all it's hyped up to be.
The graphics also look a whole lot worse than they did at E3
Watch_Dogs does interest me, but not enough to get it before having read some reviews for the WiiU version.
@XCwarrior Agrred, that part was kinda pointless.
Watch_Dogs looks interesting, but I'm not going to get it. I have some other games to get for 3DS. I don't own a Wii U, so I'm not going to get Mario Kart 8 either for a long time.
Mario Kart all the way for me. I am just not excited about Watch Dogs right now. Maybe when the Wii U version comes out.
@Nintenjoe64 Yes it will release at midnight, like all retail releases.
Well that was no suprise
I'm getting both for Wii U. The response that people have been giving Watch Dogs is that its mediocre yet still fun. Overhyped for sure.
Mario Kart, easily. I mean, I've already preordered it, anyway. As for Watch Dogs, I just haven't really bothered to look into it. It doesn't seem all that interesting to me.
I could care less about a company who makes cash cow games like Ubisoft.
Well, considering that Watch Dogs isn't available until fall for the Wii U, MK8 sort of wins by default.
Mario Kart 8, obviously. People just getting Watch Dogs=0%
Mario Kart 8, obviously... Watch Dogs doesn't interest me.
But also this week is the head start for Wildstar on Saturday, and also the Arena Commander module for Star Citizen. Hopefully, unless something goes wrong.... So lots of stuff to play!
@brewsky have you bought any eShop games at midnight? I'm worried by the fact that the eShop went down for a few days at Xmas because of a small surge in Wii U owners so I don't really want to commit to a purchase and then have to wait ages for the download.
If Watch Dogs hadn't been put off for the WiiU I'd be buying it Friday. As it stands I'm not interested in it anymore.
Mario Kart for the win. On top of all the features and fun it have, you get a free game to download as well (Pikmin 3 on my wishlist).
With that said I'll also get Watch Dogs when it comes out on the Wii U. Normally it's not my type of game but I'll make an exception just to step out of my comfort zone.
No question asked getting MK8 at launch!
Watch dogs though…i have to see more before making my decision…maybe i'll watch a little bit of a playthrough to see if its for me
So weird, I thought that the 30th was this saturday, but the calendar is telling me that I was wrong. I´m glad I was wrong
@Nintenjoe64 I rarely buy games digitally, much less at midnight, but the eShop crash as Christmas was unprecedented due to poor planning on Nintendo's part. We haven't heard of any other crashes with midnight releases, like 3D World, so I don't think it will happen here.
Bottom line, only a select few will be downloading Mario Kart 8 at midnight; the crash at Christmas was because everyone was trying to access Nintendo's networks.
EDIT: To further extend my point, Mario Kart 8 will be released online to the public parts at a time, because we all have to wait for midnight.
My body needs MK first so...not a tough choice at all
Watch Dogs is looking to be a really good game. Waiting for the Wii U version. If I want to play rehashed Mario kart sequels, I'll stick with Mario Kart 7.
The mario kart 8 hype is too high. Watch dogs didn't bring back the hype after the delay (or at least as much) like mario kart did. Heh, also didn't help that GTA came out a couple of months before this having watch dogs perceived as a "gta clone" and the Wiiu version is delayed to who knows how long so.......
Both preordered for Wii U. What else?
@Nintenjoe64 I hear ya, I also have Friday off but it just worked out like that. I was so happy to find out about the convenient release day of Mario Kart 8.
Getting Mario Kart 8 first and the Wii U version of Watch_Dogs later on. If it even still comes of course, you never know these days.
Well from the poll it seems that Mario Kart has nothing to fear from Watch Dogs.
I like the poll results.
@Nintenjoe64 Lol, by the time it's done Dl'ing it will probably be morning anyways so it's not that big of an advantage like say a hour 3ds do.
I just told a friend to preorder our MK8 copies, of which we will buy 3.
I was wary when I saw that the WD review embargo was lifted today, while MK8's reviews have been there for two weeks now. After reading reviews, I feel that Ubisoft made a solid game, but they are hyping it as the second coming in order to build another multimillion dollar IP.
@Dragoon04 Well this is a Nintendo site, did you think the vote would turn put any other way?
After seeing how glitchy WD is, my want for it has reduced by quite a bit.
@Luigifan141 That's pretty sad considering they actually make good games! Maybe you should try them sometime.
@Discostew The userscore on metacritic is utterly awful shows something dishonest must be happening. (The highest one is PS4 at 5.9).
LOL I mean seriously. Is this poll even necessary at a website like this?
Will download MK8 Friday morning. I'm guessing it will be hard to pry the boys away from the tv for a few days. Watch_Dogs seems interesting but I have a few months before I decide on it.
As a Network Premium user, Will I receive both Premium points & a free additional game when registering Mario Kart 8 ?
I'll be waiting for both. No Wii U yet, although Mario Kart will definitely be part of that purchase when it happens. I'd like a next-gen version of Watch Dogs and don't have either of those machines yet either, so I'll be keeping myself amused with other games for the time being. I'm seeing a lot of WD buzz from Facebook and Twitter, so looks like it's going to do pretty well. I'm really interested in how MK8 performs. It's going to do great software numbers week one, that is without question, but I'm really curious if it's going to shift hardware numbers in a major way. I don't mean headlines such as 'MK8 increases Wii U sales by 500%', but making it actually compete with the PS4 and Xbone figures on NPD.
My copy of MK was paid for weeks ago. Purchase pending on solid ps4 reviews for WD.
I don't know why people are surprised Watch Dogs didn't deliver - I mean, constant delays were obvious warning sign, and yet everywhere else saying it won't be as good was meeting with a response "u idiot".
I will probably buy WD when I get PS4 (the end of July) and Mario Kart when the price will drop, for which I won't to have long.
Neither this week. When I get my money in a few weeks, I'll pick up Mario Kart 8.
@Nintenjoe64 haha, I already have Friday off and just this afternoon I put in a holiday request for the Monday as well; good times. : )
On topic: Sure Watch dogs should be good fun, though I don't have complete faith in Ubisoft to not mess it up, but I don't think it will get anywhere close to Mario Kart in terms of sheer fun.
I won't buy Watch Dogs until one of two things happens: it hits WiiU or it is on sale for $20 or less on Steam. If neither of those happens, there's a very slim chance i'll get it when i get a PS4 next year, but by the time that happens my hype for Watch Dogs will probably have expired in favor of other upcoming WiiU/3DS/PS4 games like Monster Hunter 4, Final Fantasy XV and Star Wars: Battlefront 3.
@SanderEvers No collector's edition in North America, and digital versions of games with physical copies do not exist in my mind.
But I gotcha smarty pants
@bizcuthammer Watch Dogs on Steam will be $5 at Xmas time. I can't see how it won't be at that point. Might be when I pick it up, should be patched up by then and actually finished.
MK8 for now and waiting for a WiiU version of Watch Dogs. Then I'll take a really close look at that version in order to judge if the delay was justified. The WiiU version better be making good use of the gamepad and perform almost flawless by being optimised for the WiiU. That is if the WiiU version isn't secretly canceled already
This is a Nintendo site and Ubisoft have arguably shafted Nintendo fans since launch so its pretty obvious what these polls will reflect.
I suggest anyone who wants Watchdogs on PC read the customer reviews first, AMD cards are having lots of issues and a few older Nvidia ones also. I believe the PS4 version is likely to be the best for whatever that's worth. Personally i'll be skipping this game and waiting for Farcry 4 as its the only Ubisoft series i like.
It's a no brainer for me, Mario Kart 8 all the way. I pre-ordered the Limited Edition from the Nintendo UK online store, and it's saying: `Dispatched on 30th May. This is worrying me, as most online retailers aim to dispatch before the launch day so it arrives on launch day. I may not be able to play until Saturday, nnnnnnnnoooooooooooooo!
im buying mario kart 8 but only because of the limited edition.... otherwise i would have canceled this game, now where i know what they did to my favourite and most important mario kart mode -,- (but i really want this damn shell xO )
and about watch dogs... i was very hyped until they canceled the wii u dedsec edition... now they need to give me a REALLY good reason to buy this game. (if i buy it i only buy the wii u version because playing on wii u gives me the most fun)
Watch dogs hasn't grabbed my attention too much. I might pick it up when it's $20-$30, but not until then. So ready for mario kart 8 though!
Ubisoft can take the backseat. No priority for them when Ludwig von Koopa is involved, MK8 FTW!!!!!!
I'm fairly hyped for both games, but Mario Kart wins out. I guess it was a good thing Watch_Dogs got delayed on Wii U, otherwise Ubisoft would be facing some pretty abysmal first-week sales on the platform.
Not had chance to read all the above comments but perhaps the Wii U editon if Watch Dogs was delayed to not compete with Mario Kart 8.That way, at a later date, people would then have the money to purchase that game as well instead of a this or that choice being forced upon them because I know which one I would choose.
Sadly no money
renting Mario kart from family video. no money to buy.
I already pre-ordered MK8 and am very excited about it. Watch Dogs is continuing the sad trend of morally defunct games and will certainly not be getting my support.
I'm more excited for Watch Dogs.
I'm buying them both, but I think my feelings towards them can best be summed up by saying this: I want to play Watch_Dogs, I just wish I didn't have to spend $60 to do so. I want to play Mario Kart 8 and am perfectly happy and willing to spend $60 to do so.
Well, this one was easy....
Watch Dogs? Never heard of it.
I'll only CONSIDER Watch_Dogs on Wii U if the game we get is no different from the other consoles' in terms of graphic quality and game content. I'm also at least expecting some interesting gamepad functionality. Anything less than that and Ubisoft won't get my support anymore on any console.
Mario Kart 8 on the other hand... I may have a to wait a couple of weeks, but it's an obvious purchase.
Watch dogs appears to be filled with issues. Maybe thats why there was the review embargo. Mario Kart 8 was handed out a couple of weeks prior to release. Im confident I'll be content with my MK8.
@WanderingPB
http://youtu.be/0dTOnyp58NM
Well whatever you get, don't get Watch Dogs.
Call me an idiot/stupid/crazy or whatever you want, but I want Watch_Dogs to fail and let Mario Kart secure 1st place.
Ubi you can go suck it.
MK is already pre-ordered.
I was underwhelmed by IGN's review of Watch Dogs. If I ever buy the game, it won't be until its heavily discounted.
I'm waiting for the off chance that watchdogs Wii U will be lower in price and have any and all dlc included. It's the only way I'd still purchase a game that delayed
I guess W_D dropped the underscore to make up for MK8 dropping the 60th frame
I feel bad for anybody trying to DL MK8 at midnight, I don't think there will be enough demand to crash the system, but I'm guessing a few hours to DL the 5GB. Would be a nice thing to wake up to though I'm in no rush, my kids are getting it as a gift Friday night, the Wii U wheel is mine though.
Funny poll on a Nintendo fansite...
@Peach64 - "No Wii U yet,"
Surprised to read that, you're very active here, and usually positive. Well as positive as Wii U sales numbers and constant game droughts allow.
You must be a happy 3DS owner.
Well, Ubisoft asked me to wait a while for our version of Watch Dogs to come out, so I guess I'll just wait a while til the price is low and nice, like I did with Rayman Legends. I could care less about Ubisoft at the moment.
I picked up Watch Dogs last night for the PS4. There were like 50 some-odd people at my GameStop waiting to get their hands on it... Though, I was going initially open it and play a bit before my flight in the morning, but I ultimately left it in the package with the receipt. To @sinalefa point, the fact that the embargo was just lifted this morning didn't do well to assuage my fears that the game would be mediocre. I'm still debating on whether or not to crack it open. That just shows the confidence that Nintendo have in their properties to basically say "screw embargoes"
As for Mario Kart 8, I've had my 60 bucks in my eShop account for weeks now. My hype level for this one is through the roof!
@Nintenjoe64 Outside of a few of the Wii U launch games, I'm exclusively digital on the Nintendo platform. In my experience, particularly in the case of SM3DW, It took the better part three hours for download and another 45 minutes to an hour for install. It stopped on me a couple of times. I can imagine MK8 being worse because it's one of Nintendo's bigger releases. Then again maybe they will anticipate a huge flux of downloads this time. But like @brewsky said, I wouldn't anticipate a network outage or any such.
I was worried since i saw this on my account on Nintendo's store:
Status: Awaiting Despatch
Dispatch Date Est: 30/05/2014
Naturally i fired an email to them at about 6:50PM, and have just had this response:
"Thank you for your message.We can confirm that payment for your order has been taken and it is now currently awaiting dispatch from our warehouse. We anticipate that all orders for Mario Kart 8 should be received either before or on the date of release (May 30th).Please check your online store account later for updates from our team and any change in status to your order.Thank you for using our online store and hope you continue to shop with us for all your Nintendo product needs!Should you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us."
So just an error then- phew! So excited now! Great customer service aswell
I am interested in Watch Dogs, but I am much more interested in Mario Kart 8.
Also, I am waiting for the Wii U version of Watch Dogs.
It's funny how that 1% who is just getting Watch_Dogs is @Superiorspider. Type whatever you want, but the poll obviously tells the truth, and how amazing Mario Kart 8 is going to be!! Nothing else you will ever say from this point will be worth a cent.
I'm super stoked for MK8 and was excited for Watch Fogs until the delays. I only have a WiiU so that is my only option to pick it up on; I was disappointed to read the initial Watch Dog reviews but I'll wait to see the final WiiU version before I make my final decision about purchasing it. As for MK8...Friday can not come quick enough!!!!
@RantingThespian agreed!
@Nintenjoe64 funny but awesome
The release coincides with my wedding anniversary and frankly I am more stoked about MK8 than my anniversary celebration, sad and wrong I know but I bet she feels the same!
Mario Kart 8, definitely. Pre-ordered it for my birthday so I've been waiting since then for this. As far as Watch_Dogs is concerned, I'll wait for the Wii U version. Hoping that Ubisoft will surprise us with a demonstration of how it works/looks on there at E3 or soon after.
@rjejr Ubi didn't drop the underscore, they just delayed it.
Pretty much any game could come out alongside a Mario Kart release and I'm always going for the Kart. I can't resist it. No series has given my family, my friends, and me such consistent entertainment and value. Mario Kart is literally the only series that everyone I know was to play if given the chance.
Poll results were obvious given the site.
My friend works at GameStop and had to do the midnight launch of WD last night... I felt so bad for her, they had over 500 preorders. Me, I'm MK all the way... but then, I only have a WiiU (and PC of course).
I think I found the reason as to why Diddy Kong and Bowser Jr. are not returning: Diddy Kong's hat would fall in anyti-gravity (Mario's hat is adjusted tighter), and Bowser Jr.'s handkerchief would block his face in anti-gravity, thus not allowing him to see during the race.
I'll be picking up Mario Kart 8 digitally. And MK must destroy Watch Dogs. This is meant as their system seller. Time to put up or shut up. Sort of like my Pacers who are down 3-1 to the Heat.
@plunkettmonster :Haha! Hey man, your prime responsibility as a man is to....play MK 8! I feel the same way!
Honestly interested in both, but Mario Kart definitely has my priority. :3
@bouncer0304 The logistics are still dealt with by Zavvi / The Hut.
@Funny_Moblin Yeah but there is also people like me who are getting Mario Kart but given the choice of anything else with the free game I wouldn't have been. (Even two out of the UK list of free games I wouldn't have got Mario Kart).
The reason is the free download offsets probably the next price drop so might as well. (And it is digital which is what I want anyway).
I was waiting for the watch dogs reviews to land before deciding which game to buy first. With watch dogs only getting 7s I've chosen to buy Mario Kart now and watch dogs when it's either cheaper or gets released on wii u (if it ever does)
Ill be buying mario kart friday and havig a blast with my friends. I might get watch dogs for ps3 or wii u later down the line.
MK8 doesn't have to "win" the weekly charts. The best Nintendo games are evergreens, they keep selling throughout a console's lifetime or even beyond.
@Nintenjoe64

How about neither game? I don't really care to get Watch Dogs for my PS3 until it drops in price, and I don't have a Wii U to play Mario Kart. Besides, I really don't care about Mario Kart that much.
Now, if this were a new F-Zero with online? Then we would be talking!
Well, guess I'll be finishing up Mega Man 10 and Duke Nukem Forever this weekend.
A family member is getting Watch Dogs for Xbox One (which I've never actually played tbh) and I'm very interested in the game.. so I might play it a bit if it looks good. Also Wolfenstein looked amazing.
As for MK8, I pre-ordered the bundle but still haven't saved up enough to buy it, leaving me in a little .. predicament O_O
@Nintenjoe64 Nintendo fanboys are respectable and full of talent that's why they support the best video game company of all the times Of course Nintendo. Check this out !!!
http://youtu.be/FyusSlPf6rI
Mario Kart 8 for me. The recent footage I've seen of Watch Dogs has made it seem more like a typical sandbox game, which I don't really care for; I was only paying attention to it because of the hacking aspect, but I haven't really seen that aspect pushed in the trailers. Then again, it's been a while since I've seen a trailer, so they might have addressed that complaint. But I'll be keeping an eye on the Wii U version to see if it's any different; if it's different enough, I may buy it after all.
I would have bought both if watch dogs was released on Wii U this week too. I can understand if Ubisoft want to hold off on the Wii U version to have a bigger install base, which Mariokart 8 will hopefully achieve.
I'm disappointed Ubisoft are not supporting Wii U as much now though they have been a great advocate for Wii U, I have bought most of their games on Wii U. I hope the Wii U install base improves and more 3rd parties come back so that we can enjoy a wider variety of games.
Mariokart 8!!!! Preordered already! Watchdogs seems lame.
People want the Wii U version of Watch Dogs it's rivals are way too overhyped usually leading to lower scores than expectations
Nah, I already played assassins creed 3. Oh wait.
@SetupDisk for those who are thinking in buying watch dogs be carefull it's a broken game!!!! The game just launched today and take a look at what people are reporting on YouTube here is the link
http://youtu.be/fL98zhe-frg
@Dragoon04 Yeah, who'd have thought that most people on a site called nintendo life would be buying a MarioKart game over a 3rd party game only on other systems at the moment?
@ultraraichu
Pardon me, but what's this free game biz that I've started hearing murmurs about? I would surely like to know what it is that some are speaking of.
@XFsWorld thanks for the link. I just watched the video preview for Watch Dogs on GameXplain channel looks really good on the PS4 but those spider tank missions got me very interested. Still ima watch some more playthroughs to see if it sways me to buy it but so far so good
I was excited about Watch dogs till I saw they put guns it. Total turn off for me. I'm an application developer, that just seems silly to me. If you have a gun why bother hacking anonymously. It's just my option and just my feelings. I'm sure others will enjoy it.
Nah MK8 all day. I will be getting Watch Dogs at a much later date for the PS4, but MK8 has my full undivided attention at the moment! WOOOOOOOOO!! Yes I'm bias for this game and I admit it!
I've played Watch Dogs for several hours now on PC, and have come to a verdict. Great open-world, immersive gameplay, endless possibilities, you don't really even have to use guns, you can go through entire sections through hacking alone. Only complaints, are the awful arcade-style driving, and just how screwed up it is on PC. Anyone who has a PC, DO NOT GET WATCH DOGS ON PC. At least not until they patch it. It is so messed up, on all options, whether low settings or ultra, the game is screwed up (and I have a high-end PC, Nvidia GTX 780, 16GB RAM, intel core i7, e.t). Awful, inconsistent framerate. Not sure about console versions though. To be honest, I've been much more pumped about Mario Kart 8 though. I am awaiting the hundreds of inevitable hours to be spent on there.
MK8 for me and Watch dogs can wait. Plus we all know there's E3 coming and I'm also excited for hyrule warriors. You never know what else nintendo going to suprise us this coming june E3.
@Spoony_Tech I never said that Ubisoft wasn't "good", I just said that they're a cash cow company. "Good" can be subjective, though. For instance, I love the Pokémon games and think they're "good", but there are people out there who think they are "bad". That's how you and I feel about Ubisoft's games. I've played games like Rayman Origins, Assasin's Creed I, and ZombiU, and to be quite frank, I didn't like any of them. Origins was very easy, linear, and repetitive (which Legends didn't improve on, according to the demo in the retail Wii U units), Assasin's Creed was also very linear and vastly overrated, and ZombiU, admittedly, was a lot scarier than I expected and personally didn't like it for that. I know you probably loved these games and have a polar opposite opinion, and I respect that, but to outright claim that these games are all-around "good" is biased and doesn't speak for everyone. Plus, I wouldn't hate these games if I didn't play them. How else would I form a personal opinion?
Also, the reason that I claimed Ubisoft to be a cash cow company is because they really are; they make these games because they sell. Why do you think there are way too many Assasin's Creed games? Because people love the series and will buy any games for it. Why are people so hyped for Watch_Dogs? Because people loved Assasin's Creed and are loyal customers who will buy any of their products. Could Watch_Dogs get sequels in the future? Absolutely. Because their games make money, and that's one lf the biggest reasons that they make games in the first place.
@gameboy1975 basically, when you buy Mario Kart 8 digitally or physically, then you can choose one game from a selection of ten games including WindWaker, Pikmin and the Wonderful 101. These are digital downloads and the offer is available until the end of July. Basically, for £40, you're getting two games for the price of one. Really tempted by TW101 but still unsure of the controls. Still maybe worth a punt for nothing since i don't mind paying for Pikmin or Windwaker. Others don't appeal to me but good to see a broad selection available.
@gatorboi352 I was thinking the same thing. The results on online polls are skewed anyway, this will be even more so, lol.
Not bothered about either of them. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to play one of them...I'd probably take the bullet. But if you gave me strawberry cheesecake, I'd probably play Mario Kart 8. I was almost considering getting it so I could get Wii U Party free with it, but my brother didn't want to play either of those games, so it's a total no-go now.
@unrandomsam i actually ordered through the online Nintendo store and seeing the estimated dispatch date as the day of release got me worried. Read someone else was worried too but basically it'll be delivered then, so an error really. This is the first time i've ordered from Nintendo directly so no idea how it'll go. I'm hoping it'll come Thursday as i'm out Friday morning and i'd HATE to miss my package since, like most others on here, i've waited two years for this game to arrive. Oh, Firday is SOOOO close AND far away aswell. Depressing really....
Watch Dogs has been my most anticipated game for 2013 and it was in 2014 for the beginning part, but the more I look at Mario Kart 8, the more I want it.
Like so many others Mario Kart 8 all the way for me and the kids. Watch Dogs intrigues me but I'll wait for the review for the Wii U version before making any decision to buy the game.
Not sure what console for WD yet because I either want to wait for Xbox 360 version to drop in price, wait for Wii U version, or get a PS4/Xbox One for WD.
MK8 on the other hand is pre-ordered.
Watch Dogs is most anticipated game because of the Ubisoft marketing hype machine. There are some actual honest reviews out there and I can tell it isn't for me. Ubisoft Montreal hasn't made a game I've liked except maybe a couple of the early Splinter Cell games. All their latest games have a tiny bit of original game play that they repeat for hours on end. Mario Kart 8 I'm sure is the better game.
I forced myself to put down MK7 for the last few weeks to beat loz2worlds...but I can't wait for fri. Watch dogs has me 0% hyped, but I will by it day 1 for wii u. Dark souls 2 is all my ps3 is used for nowadays...and no point to getting another console yet...
How good is Watchdogs compared to Nintendogs?
So pumped about downloading Mario Kart 8 at midnight. I'll probably get Watchdogs on Wii U when it arrives later in the year, but it's not really on my radar at the moment because of that.
I've heard about connectivity issues between people who have the pre-order bonus codes for Watch_Dogs and their inability to play with people who don't. Furthermore, a GameStop employee went over how Ubisoft has no plans to patch that issue. It's pretty much become my sole reason to wait for the Wii U version.
I'm getting both (well, I've already got Watch Dogs on the PS4). My birthday is on Thursday, so I've got Watch Dogs as an early present, and I've ordered Mario Kart 8 which might even arrive on my birthday! Pretty good week for me.
@gameboy1975 Happy to help. When you buy the game physical, digital, or Wii U Deluxe Set bundle and register the code included to Club Nintendo by the end of July, you can receive a free download code for one of (10) games if you're in Europe or one of (4) if you're in U.S. and Canada. Here the link with detail on which games are included.
Eu
http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Campaigns/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion/Mario-Kart-8-Bonus-Game-Promotion-879238.html
NA
http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/Mf9RJDcWmALXECxUdPB0Lf3N9Jb2VtRt
@kensredemption That sounds disappointing to not patch the PC version.
I'm still really looking forward to playing Watch Dogs. I don't own any Xbox or PlayStation systems (aside from the Vita), and my pc probably has around 2% of the power needed for Watch Dogs, so yeah... Wii U version for me.
Completely meaningless poll to run on a Nintendo site.
@Luigifan141 If you COULD care less, that means you care a significant amount. The expression is supposed to be I COULDN'T care less (which means you care the smallest possible amount).
@Luigifan141 That's kinda harsh don't you think? I mean Rayman Legends was epic, Child of Light is the very definition of beautiful and personally I loved Assassin's Creed 3 and 4.
Honestly, I'm going to wait for Watch_Dogs to hit the bargain bin before I buy it for my Xbox One...
...but Mario Kart 8 is a DAY ONE BUY BABY!
@gsmaciel I'll let you know when I get my copy of Watchdogs: French Bullfrog Edition.
@SanderEvers
You forgot the Amazon Germany's Steelbook edition. xD
Gee I wonder how people on a Nintendo fan site are going to vote.
I'm not really fussed about either right now, but I'm a little more interested in Mario Kart.
@Nintenjoe64 Haha, that's hilarious. I'm taking a half day of work on Friday for Mario Kart as well. I have yet to tell my manager my reason for taking time off.
@brewsky 3D World release had a crash?!?!
Lol, we make a poll on a NINTENDO site about which game people are getting....smh. I've got to say I'm honestly surprised about the results /end sarcasm
@SuperMikey Ummm.....no.
I was comparing midnight retail releases on the eShop because someone asked if the servers would crash when Mario Kart 8 is released, like the server crash at Christmas. I pointed out that other retail releases like 3D World did nothave a server crash, so this won't be an issue.
I preordered both as I have a Best Buy GCU account making them $38 each after bonuses. But honestly I would have paid $60 or more for MK8 and will buy any DLC should it release. Mario Kart is the stronger title in my opinion.
@CharleSketch So if it's in 2160p and has double the content, you'll pass on it?
@Captain-Falcon,
I heard rumors about Ubisoft downgrading the graphics! If they really did this, then I think its a sin! And I never heard about something similar before!
@Nintenjoe64 yes on the digital dl at midnight.
I wasn't ever really hyped for Watch_Dogs. After hearing it doesn't run very well on AMD cards I might have to wait to see if Ubi does anything cool with the gamepad or if Steam has a good sale on it. I have already added the money to my eShop account though in preparation for MK8
I'm conflicted. I really want to start building funds for my trip in July, but I also really want to try Mario Kart 8 (not to mention the tantalising offer of a free copy of NSMBU). I saw in a catalogue that I could get MK8 for just under $50 (first-party Wii U games are usually $80 here), which when coupled with a bonus game means it's a saving of over $110! Decisions, decisions... 9.9
Well the PS4 version runs at 30fps and is upscaled from 720p so it shouldn't be hard for the Wii U to meet or beat that. If UBIsoft doesn't accoplish this there just tired, lazy, or both.
Watch Dogs 30FPS on the PS4 and Xbone, broken empty pits and other bugs on the PC, another GTA/Ass Creed type game, apparently, because we don't have enough of those. lol. FAIL. Mario Kart 8 wins by a landslide.
MK8 in two weeks, but whatever! At least I'm getting it! I've looking forward to it for years!
I have pre-orders in for both, but my Watchdogs is on Wii-u I will be buying a PS4 though
Already bought Watch Dogs on the PS4,
I'm personally more excited for MK8, but I think in general, Watch Dogs has more hype / media attention,......hopefully it dosen't distract from MK8 too much.
Still getting MK8 on release date as well......which I'll probably have more fun with as it looks amazing and easy to get into.
Mario Kart 8 all the way. Watch dogs is an over-hyped game that I really never got into any of the trailers (main character seemed so ... mundane). Now, child of light... that is a good game.
@Rafie You seems to admit that you're biased towards many different games games when giving your opinion in articles. I like that, you're honest and clear, #Inb4FanboyRage.
I will be buying Mario Kart 8 within the month, but like most Ubisoft franchises (with the sole exception of Prince of Persia) I may pick it up at a later time if I have the money and nothing more interesting grabbing my attention.
@Luigifan141 "I couldn't care less about a company who makes cash cow games like Ubisoft."
Even the most diehard Nintendo fans should not be able to say that looking someone in the eye!
Have you never experienced such charity-conscious publications as Wii Play, Party, Sports, Sports Resort, Sports Club, Fit. Fit U, Music, Nintendogs, Nintendogs & Cats, Brain Training, Maths Training...every Mario game with a NEW in the title...???
...and all this selfless R&D at the expense a new Metroid, Star Fox or F-Zero game!
I pre ordered both awhile ago but when the wii u version got pushed back I switched it ps4.
Mario kart all the way don't even care anymore about watch dogs i played it on my PC. God help me there are so many glitches and bugs in the game is unplayable. What happened ubisoft didit you say the reason the game got delayed cause you wanted to polish the game. Its not polished what happen?
Defiantly getting mario kart 8 been waiting for it for so long and cant wait...and come on you get a free game with it how can you pass that up/ Watch dogs looks great but i'll wait for the wiiu version.
[looks at poll results...]
Glad we agree fellow N-lifers, glad we agree...
Coulda scored Watch Dogs on PS4 for $37.99 through Best Buy, but it's not about the price. I want the Nintendo version. With gamepad support. And no online restrictions. And do we have any takers for Watch Dogs on the 360? Anyone? Not even one? Ah well.
I want too see the sales of mario kart 8 and watch dogs at the end of the week too see who won and if mario kart wins which is going to happen, it will show ubisoft to not release a game in the same week with a mario game.
MK8 Rawr, it's almost time! Feels like i've been waiting forever~
@bouncer0304 Yeah but the online Nintendo store is not like a warehouse owned by Nintendo it is run by the Hut Group. (i.e Zavvi / The Hut). Maybe it is better organised somehow but I would rather not have anything to do with them two.
@SuperMikey I will still only consider it, getting it later when it's cheaper. Ubisoft delayed the release? I'll delay my purchase.
I cant wait for Mario Kart 8! Already have it pre ordered, Cant wait tell Friday!!
Definitely Mario Kart 8!! will wait for the Wii U version of Watch Dogs...
ughh why can't Watch dogs just be released in mid June! Now this is possibly affecting the decisions of people buying Wii U Mario kart 8 bundle who own PS4/XONE/X60/PS3/GAMINGPC who really want Watch dogs so they will get Mario Kart 8 later. BUT... I still believe Mario Kart 8 will sell very well and the Wii U sales will boost!
@ledreppe Don't be worried, I also pre ordered the limited edition bundle... I contacted Nintendo and this is what they said:
We can confirm that payment for your order has been taken and it is now currently awaiting dispatch from our warehouse. We anticipate that all orders for Mario Kart 8 should be received either before or on the date of release (May 30th).
Additionally, we will be using a courieer, DHL, to deliver your order.
Please check your online store account later for updates from our team and any change in status to your order.
Thank you for using our online store and hope you continue to shop with us for all your Nintendo product needs!
Should you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Buying MK8 first thing on Friday. As for Watch Dogs, I really want to play it. Considering getting a PS4 and it soon. I don't want to buy it on PS3 or 360... so it's either that, get a new desk so I can play it on my PC, or wait on WiiU version.
I'll only be picking up MK8 this week. Watch Dogs looks cool though. A lot of people are comparing Watch Dogs to the show "Person of Interest" and that's my favorite show. However, the ESRB rating turns me a way a bit.
as far as i'm concerned, watch dogs doesn't come out for another bunch of months, so there's really no choice here, mario kart all the way
I'm enjoying Watch_Dogs on PS4 but it will instantly be put on hold the moment I get Mario Kart!
I will just download something not MK8 or W_D related... Both Batman games on the cheap
Watched WD and wasn't impressed on PS4 its still a unique game but not worth getting over MK8, gtav looks better and WD was delayed for silly reasons like other games coming out! They definitely should have worked on more detail in the game.
Can't believe people are relating the embargo on Watch_Dogs to it's quality.
Not a matter of either or for me. I was looking forward to Watch Dogs since it was announced and despite losing some interest after the delay, I still bought the PS4 version yesterday and have been enjoying the game quite a bit. Mario Kart 8 of course is a no-brainer purchase. I don't think I've ever disliked a game in the series.
@Hunter-D well said
@Mk_II I agree completely. We see it happening time and time again.
@Aviator What do you mean? If a game is not a must have NOW kind of game then why not wait? Plus I read some reviews and they do say that although it is a great game the hacking is not as dynamic and revolutionary as the trailers made is seem.
@FLipSide5254 would you like to race with me ?? Can I add you on my wii u friends list ??
@Luigifan141
So you really care about it then?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=I%20could%20care%20less
No point doing the sales comparison, WD has the user base on the systems it's on to potentially sell 30 times what MK8 does.
I'm getting MK8 though. WD will be in the bargain bin soon enough, I'll consider it if the Wii U version gets released or if I get a PS4 at some point
@camerica1618 ...are you serious? ESRB rating don't equal quality. Can we please not have the "all M rated game sux" mentality back please? It's another reason why I loathe the state of nintendo's fanbase.
NO wonder the Wii U has no flipping 3rd party 80% mario kart 1% watch dogs Nintendo fanboys killed the Wii U even when we finally get an amazing 3rd party people still choose freaking mario
@Scott123 Given that about half of the votes are waiting for the Wii U version of Watch Dogs and the most of the other half aren't buying it at all, the 1% Watch Dogs only and 10% both should not come as a surprise as the Wii U version isn't out yet.
@Parasky I agree that judging how good a game is by ESRB rating isn't great. In the UK PEGI splits M into 16+ and 18+ and I've found lots of great games at 16+. Although most 18+ games I've seen don't interest me, (only ones I own that are great are Bioshock series, Tomb Raider (2013) and Gears of War series) I consider it to be just a coincidence rather than all round bad quality among that PEGI rating.
Its an easy decision in my house as my 7 year old daughter is as hyped as I am for Mario Kart and thats our friday evening planned.
I'd like to get Watch Dogs but will be waiting for the Wii U release, assuming its not a scaled back port.
@Funny_Moblin yeah, superiorspider acting a bit trollish. Anyone who calls any Mario Kart game 'rehashed' is clearly lacking experience in gaming.
Be gone, foul creature! (Not you Mr Moblin)
I want both but have buy only mario kart this week, but watch dogs next week for sure:) So many games to play!!! I got dragons dogma and xcom enemies unknown for total of 20$ and sheesh theyre some time consumers, i could see putting butt ton of hours
If I am lucky I will be playing MK8 tonight because I preordered it. Watch Dogs is to violent for my taste, but if I was going to buy it, it would be on my Wii U...
@Scott123
What are you on about? The Wii U version of Watch Dogs isn't out yet.
@Luigifan141
'They make these games because they sell'. And? Why do you think Nintendo and every other company makes games?
I'm so hyped for Mario Kart 8!
HYPE TRAIN! ALL ABOARD!
Maybe MK8 is the real reason why Watch Dogs won't be released on Wii U yet ...
watch dogs looks cool...but MK8! MK8! looks like nintendo hit it out the park and there's online play...don't get much better than this
I am getting Mario kart this week. I would get watch dogs on wii u but the delay is just hurting it. And I just used the ipad app for watchdogs. It is pretty cool. And since the wii u is not going to work with it I wonder if the online will even be inline with the ps3 and 360 versions. By the time this comes out I will probably have a ps4 and I will probably get it on that. The delay though still makes me wonder if it is even coming though. Ubisoft had another game coming to the wii u in that ghost recon game and that has not shown its face. Sure this game is bigger but with the sales numbers for the wii u they have (like 3%) and almost all western developers not working on nintendo machines anymore who knows if they will bring this out. I know they said a team is working on it but they are not a core team so there work for this could be scrappe. Not to be negative but this is one of the worst times in Nintendo's video game history.
Everyone here has convinced me to spend the same money on a disc version.
@JQuest - "Ubi didn't drop the underscore, they just delayed it."
Maybe they're saving it for the Wii U edition:
Watch_Dogs Wii_U
There are a number of games coming out for other systems first or exclusively that make me wish the WiiU were more in demand as a platform. But Watch Dogs isn't one. I don't doubt that it plays well, but the look (more dark and gloomy aesthetics) and plot don't seem special or fun to me.
watch dogs to me just lost its hype and delaying the wiiu version really killed it for me
MK8 is already paid for and I'm hoping for a midnight launch
watch dogs doesn't even interest me in the slightest. looks like any other game of its type which is meh. MarioKart 8 all the way!!
@Nintenjoe64 enjoy it... Hope you get the day off. I have a Yosemite trip with my kids this summer so I can't take any days off even for Kart. But hey it's Friday so as soon as I get home I know I'm going to be a big happy baby
I'm one of those that will get both games. But will wait for WD WiiU if/when it comes out. Have summer trip so MKart will keep me busy. If WD comes out in fall it will give me something fun to do. I hope there is still some multiplayer aspects on WiiU version.
As for my PS4 it's strictly for stuff I can't get on WiiU. So last of us since I did not have ps3 last gen. I've played tomb raider which I thought was great. Looking forward to BF Hardline (hoping it's like counter strike in some ways) now if ubi does in the end cancel wii u WD that means I can get PS4 version for cheap, I'm sure it will be like 30 by then.
@HappyMaskedGuy Yeah, I completely agree. Aha, I see what you did there will the last sentence. He is literally a foul creature because he is superiorSPIDER. The trolling, the name, can it get any more obvious that he is an unwanted creature? And a small, pesky creature while he's at it.
Woooooow....Mario Kart 8 had an average Metacritic of 89, and now it dropped to 88 with the first mixed review....I was hoping Mario Kart 8 would get away with pure positive reviews...WHY, TORONTO SUN!??
@gameboy1975 register the code inside your copy of mario kart 8 on the ninty site and get a download code for a game free there is a choice of 10 games check out the web site
I got watchdogs and it's a great game but it will be out on hold Friday for my mario kart party as mk gives the best mp experience
Yeah I got Both games... let just say Mario Kart will be collecting dust...
@XiBTWU Made an account 39 minutes ago and this is your only comment, which is right after you created your account. Troll couldn't make troll comment more obvious. Nice try Superiorspider, you spidermonkey.
Ill be getting MK8 this week, and wait for Watch_Dogs Wii U version. But only because I have nothing else to play watch dogs on. And another thing, as I am watching watch_dogs on twitter it looks too much like GTA mixed with Dues Ex: Human Revolution. Getting rather boring to me actually. Less and less from me for Watch_Dogs
0.0 so?
yes its troll you got me.
@XiBTWU Any...awkward feelings? I mean, what's the point? You're not fooling anybody. xD Our friend @memoryman3 used to be a troll, but I think he got over it and joined the good side. Maybe you should too.
@Funny_Moblin

@XiBTWU Yes I am a troll...
@XiBTWU yes you are as you bought 2 MK8's, bit suspicious much.
On watch dogs, i'm pretty disapointed with UBI because of the shoddy PC port. When will UBI get their PC right? I've heard tales of 2GTX titans only getting 40 FPS on Ultra, and AMD is apparently not optimised at all.
@Captain-Falcon The game runs fine on the x1. It's easy to get your hand on a Nintendo product especially when they aren't selling well.
@XiBTWU Hmm...what's your Mii's name? I will post a comment and perhaps I shall see a response..?
@gameboy1975 Yeah and actually the Spider Tanks sold me on getting the game. Lol
@Sir_Deadly
http://youtu.be/ulFeUCAI5xM
@Funny_Moblin My username is Reggie
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