We often talk up Nintendo's alternative and unique approach in the current games market, primarily that of generally focusing on colourful, fun games that often run at a silky smooth 60 frames per second; when it comes to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, we're even looking at a native 1080p resolution to round off the package. Whether accurate or not, it's common for devotees of the big N to look kindly on its actions and declare it a beacon of honesty and generosity, with the pricing of the Mario Kart 8 DLC double pack being a strong example.
Of course, that outlook isn't always entirely correct. Nintendo is a business, first and foremost, and a major corporation that suffered losses in consecutive years that's only now creeping back towards profitability. Following the phenomenal success of the Wii and DS era, in particular, the company is flush with assets and cash in the bank — we like to picture the executive board having cash fights — though it still has investors to please. Satoru Iwata's briefings in recent times have often acknowledged a need to return to 'Nintendo-like' profits, through gaming products and new platforms like the Quality of Life (QOL) sleep sensor.
We've also argued — not necessarily our most popular observation — that the amiibo figure platform has the potential to evolve from a rather benevolent original 'pitch' into a sprawling range giving the cynical Skylanders and Disney Infinity toys a run for their money. Yes, Nintendo's range supports multiple games in various ways, but the secondary functionality of the Smash Bros. batch is relatively minor at this point, with more series-specific ranges confirmed to be a future reality. The interactive toy market is lucrative and Nintendo is keen to make the most of it, even if it risks consumer confusion and discontent if the wrong moves are taken in the next 12 months.
We'll see how it evolves, but that range of 29 figures — that'll be available by the close of February 2015 — adds to the double whammy of Smash Bros. on Wii U and 3DS. It's clear that Nintendo, courtesy of technology and some clever planning, can finally make the most out of a franchise that, by its very nature, has a huge amount of potential to be a significant money-spinner for the company while also promoting a bevy of brands.
Though not quite in the Super Mario or Pokémon bracket, Smash Bros. has consistently shifted millions of copies and is a particular success in North America — the reaction to Super Smash Bros. Brawl in the US is testament to that. Its impact — in terms of maximising profit — has always been limited by a variety of factors, however, with the main one seemingly being Masahiro Sakurai. A perfectionist by nature that seems to take on much of a project himself — in terms of refining details, movesets etc — he's well-known for taking his time, which can certainly be a good thing for gamers enjoying the end result. His history with Nintendo goes back to the beginnings of his career, of course, but there's a degree of autonomy to his work, previously forming his own studio and developing the latest titles in partnership with Bandai Namco. That certainly eases the load on Nintendo's teams, but there's also the sense that Sakurai-san is very much his own boss with these projects and, undoubtedly, is happy to go at his own pace.
Of course, he's not a completely loose cannon, with Nintendo no doubt putting its foot down to ensure the new games arrived before the Holidays this year. The smart move to develop across Wii U and 3DS has given Nintendo double the impact, meanwhile, especially vital considering the comparatively small userbase on the home console. It's a happy coincidence of having portable hardware that's got enough power — even if it's clearly a tight fit on the original models — to deliver, while connectivity between the two versions provides some incentive to pick up both. It's happy timing, as releasing solely on Wii U would concern Nintendo in terms of the once-in-a-generation release not quite delivering as many millions of sales as hoped.
Another change in technology brings us the aforementioned amiibo, which has the potential — not yet proven — to become a major seller. The concept of NFC (near field communication) figures was barely a twinkle in an executive's eye when Brawl arrived in 2008, with the first Skylanders game catapulting interactive toys to prominence in 2011. The NFC chip in the GamePad is finally put to use, then, while the New Nintendo 3DS offers integrated support — older models are set to have a separate portal. It shows how rapidly the games industry moves that the argument's made that Nintendo is 'late' with amiibo, when in reality the concept was only first brought to mainstream attention three years ago.
All of this was highlighted by Satoru Iwata in his most recent President's Presentation to investors, in which he emphasized the potential impact of this generation's Smash Bros. releases:
As for bringing the “Super Smash Bros.” franchise into multiplatform format and releasing the Nintendo 3DS version first, there had been skepticism that each would end up consuming the demand for the other or it would weaken a key title for the Wii U platform. We now have a strong belief that our decision is giving the “Super Smash Bros.” franchise even more momentum. On the morning of October 24 in Japan, we released a trailer titled “Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 50-Fact Extravaganza.” A great number of people watched it online and we received a large amount of feedback.
The two installments of “Super Smash Bros.” are packed with elements that utilize the specific features of each platform. Before disclosing the “Extravaganza” trailer, people had been skeptical of whether we could actually have 50 new facts about the Wii U version. But as the trailer showcased the differences between the two versions, which seemed to surpass expectations, pre-orders for the Wii U version rapidly started to increase.
“Super Smash Bros.” is the most appealing when played together with others, and as the two versions have noticeable differences, they will not cannibalize each other. Rather, as more copies of the Nintendo 3DS version are sold and more people enjoy it, the momentum for the Wii U version becomes stronger.
...The amiibo figure lineup for “Super Smash Bros.” will continue to be released even after this year-end sales season, and we hope that this will help to update store shelves. As store shelf space is limited, some amiibo will remain stocked on the shelves as staple choices while some will be limited-time offers which will cede their positions to new ones once they are sold out.
With these offerings, I believe the Nintendo characters lined up on shelves, which usually only contain standard-sized boxes, will have an outstanding presence, and this means a lot to us.
Of course, an area where the franchise may not reap benefits is with paid DLC. We know that Mewtwo will eventually be paid DLC, yet the perfectionist's approach of Sakurai-san means this fighter is not due until Spring 2015, with no other paid DLC apparently being in development at this time. The independent nature of Sakurai-san, and his apparent dislike for retreading old ground too, makes a run of DLC rather unlikely, especially as we doubt he'd willingly allow others to tackle this without his oversight. On top of that we have the fact that, between them, the two new entries are packed with a huge amount of content, with online Tourneys already promised for the Wii U post-launch.
Nevertheless, there's certainly a unique opportunity — with cross-platform versions and amiibo — for Smash Bros. to truly reach its full potential in this generation. All that holds it back from being a truly monstrous hit is that these circumstances come a generation too late, in an era of the 3DS and Wii U rather than the giddy highs of DS and Wii. For fans, however, there's surely never been a better time to enjoy the brand, while its unique combination of IPs and manic action is at its most diverse. Newcomers can opt for portable or HD to see what the fuss is all about, and some of us in Nintendo Life HQ have already fallen into the spell of collecting amiibo to fight as our 'buddies' in the game.
Super Smash Bros. has always been a big deal, but it has a chance to play a particularly vital and definitive role for Nintendo in the next couple of years. For anyone with a even a passing interest in the big N or any of the featured brands, it's tough to ignore.
Comments 43
I'm really curious to see how much money this will give Nintendo at the end.
Hoping it boost noticeable Wii U sales.
I hope this becomes successful for Nintendo. If played right, I could see it being more successful than both Skylanders AND Disney Infinity.
@Gridatttack Between Smash and the amiibos, I believe Nintendo will be swimming in cash by this time next year. The WiiU may not hit 30 million units, but the profits should still be substantial. Just my take. I'm no analyst
Really fascinating to see what it does for Wii U hardware. I still feel there's a big chance a big percentage of the 'Smash crowd' are Nintendo die hards enough to already own a Wii U, which means we could see another MK8 situation, where the game sells amazingly well but does little for hardware.
Of course, console sales go up phenomenally in November and December even WITHOUT a big game due to all those people that have waited til Christmas to make their big purchase, so it's going to kind of mask the true impact of the game. I have no doubt November and December's NPDs will bring 'Wii U sees large percentage increase in sales' headlines, but it also got those last year without the big games.
Even though I can care less for sales but I want to see sales...I hope it sales like crazy.
I think the Wii U will be at 9.5 million units sold at the end of the year, and if Nintendo keeps releasing games on a steady basis, it should get to 25 million, by the end of it's life, again that's if they release games on a steady basis.
I think the amiibos, as figurines, are well-crafted and pretty cool for collectors.
However their functionality, imho, seems very weak and tacked on to me. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain a popularity.
I agree that the collectible aspect of the figurines is more appealing than any perceived gameplay functionality. Maybe in time they'll actually be something to get for games, but for now, I have mine as collectibles.
Before they start working on DLC - if they ever do - lets hope they finish up what SSBU is supposed to get (as listed in that vid of 50 things) - a Miiverse stage, sharing and tournaments. And lets hope they don't charge us for them.
Has anybody at Nintendo given us a timeline for when we can expect those things?
I'm sure Nintendo is already developing a game similar to Skylanders/Disney Infinity (correct me if I'm wrong, never played any of those games), like a huge platformer with all available characters having different skills and powers neccessary (or at least helpful) in order to progress further. They are just waiting for a right moment when all the figures are releases to surprise us with new title (probably next E3?)
@rjejr
They're already working on DLC. Most likely stages. Just look at Mario kart. A flagship title that sold millions. Anyone that thinks they're not working on DLC are naive.
I am really disappointed with Amiibo for smash, I though I got to play as my leveled up amiibo, but the is only like a computer player. Am I missing something? I wouldnt have got one if I knew this.
I'm interested in the open-world concept, though they really are pushing amiibo for specific games. We talk about all of them being out, but I can't see there being a finite number. If they can build in the functionality of the existing and future ones together into something open-world, then they'll do more than fine. Imagine a Mario 64 with whoever you want, and stages/worlds/realms/planes from a bunch of their other IPs. A huge task, but massive opportunity.
@mateq
Interesting idea. I could see that happening as well, it certainly would add to reasons for buying more amiibos
@crzysortagamer that would make absolutely no sense and there has been info about what the amiibo's do in ssb4 for a while now also no matter how much you would lv up there is no way it can technically increase a persons skill level because its simply not that easy.
@crzysortagamer Unfortunately, in Smash Bros, you can only use them to fight against or with. I like the idea though, as sort of a real life Pokemon, training them up to battle, but I can see why other people might not be too fond of the idea.
I'm OK with just the Mewtwo DLC. This is a full and complete game that doesn't need much added. The only thing that would make it better would be an adventure mode done right.
I can't wait 'til I get a Wii U, because this is the first game I'm going to get for it.
@Samuel-Flutter Yeah I didnt follow amiibo enough cause I thought I understood it. Yeah its alright, but when you were thinking like I was its a disappointment. Most everyone I know thought what I did too about fight as your amiibo. My bad for making assumptions though.
Nintendo hit paydirt with this. between the amiibo, and both smash games I've spent about 250 on Smash. I doubt I'm the only one.
As long as Nintendo doesn't fix the Amazon angle (USA), they are losing millions of sales, who knows how much. Smash Bros best selling game on Amazon - number one, yet the consoles are simply not for sale directly... the bundles would sell like cupcakes but some kind of dispute with Amazon unbelievable.
@rjejr I'm not sure why you'd need to "hope" they aren't charging for those things. Pretty sure all of those aspects are just delayed. Considering how heavy of an emphasis they want to put on tournament play this time around (and the fact they are hosting tournaments themselves) that mode will most likely be free, well unless Sakurai wants to not follow the precedent Nintendo has set for that kind of thing in Mario Kart 8. Same thing with sharing.
The stage on the other hand is most likely going to be free as Sakurai showed it before talking about paid DLC AND didn't mention anything about restricted distribution like he did with Mewtwo. That doesn't mean that it might not end up being paid DLC but chances are very low with the given evidence so far.
@dumedum That would be more of an issue if it was Amazon as a whole. Nintendo doesn't have any problems with Amazon outside of the American branch of the company. The last time I checked, the Americans aren't as big about buying online as their UK compatriots.
Sure it would translate to some sales lost, but it would be doubtful that it would amount to "millions of sales" unless you mean in terms of pure revenues and not actual units sold.
Also, the dispute had something to do with the 3DS when it first came out. The portable wasn't originally doing well and Amazon wanted a bulk discount comparable to Walmart's when buying 3DSs from Nintendo. When Nintendo refused (kind of understandable when you're already in a bad spot with your investors), Amazon sent back huge amounts of 3DSs back for "screen scratching" problems. Apparently, these were warehouse stored 3DSs so it appeared rather suspicious and hence Nintendo got real annoyed at them. To give you more context with this, Amazon seems to have the occasional problem with keeping Sony and Microsoft consoles in an undamaged state while in their warehouses as well.
@Ernest_The_Crab - Millions would be an exxagaration no matter how it was measured, but it makes sense that its losing Nintendo a few Wii U sales. Maybe not enough to matter, people could just buy them elsewhere, but I do think the exposure to the general public would be better overall if Amazon was promoting them to their millions of paying Prime subscribers.
As for my hoping about not paying for DLC, versions 2.0 and 3.0 of MK8 being free do probably mean that stuff will be free, but I dont like Nintendo getting such a free pass leaving that stuff out w/o even giving a timeline for it, days weeks months? When?
@rjejr See that's up to the developer in this case though. EAD is an internal dev team and were in charge of Mario Kart 8.
Sakurai is a contractor and frankly Namco is 3rd party. Considering the ill will between Iwata and Sakurai caused by the surprise Smash Bros announcement during E3 and considering that Sakurai is a pretty famous game designer, I'm pretty sure Nintendo is being very careful not to aggravate him.
Sakurai is most likely not the one whom would be losing out if the contract isn't renewed. Considering how Nintendo's competitors haven't really been able to do a cross over game with the same recognition level or following as Smash Bros, chances are he would be swiftly picked up for his Smash Bros. work alone.
I think that Amiibo support in smash bros., while a little underwhelming,isn't bad considering it's a platform that isn't focused on a "gotta buy them all" to get full enjoyment premise.
@mateq that would acctually be really cool.although i did just think that if this game were to be made that the only people worthy heading that game would be sakurai, who is probably really tired after making SSB and is probably going to be working on dlc or miyamoto, who only wants to advise projects.
@Ernest_The_Crab - Sakurai should get whatever he wants just for doing Kid Icarus: Uprising. I actually never played it - still waiting for the Wii U version, we got GBA games, why not? - but both my kids got it at launch and they still talk about it and play it. I know the controls were a bit wonky and ground fighting segments were weak but if you think about what they pulled off on the 3DS it's really impressive.
And the guys' only 44, Miyamoto is 62. 1 is Nintneod's future, 1 is the past and present.
It's all coming together.
I truly loved the 3DS version and the Wii U release really does feel like the other half of one giant title.
I'm a bit surprised with how much I'm enjoying the ammibo figures I picked up today. It's like having a nano pet or something... they learn and grow the more attention we give them and also unlock some sweet racing suits in Mario Kart 8. The paint jobs on the lot at my Toys R Us varied wildly... do check them before buying.
Sending my Mii fighters over from the 3DS version was a breeze and I look forward to the Club Nintendo soundtrack release.
Nicely done, Nintendo. This entire process has been pretty darn beautiful.
just got the game today and... the next day: wii u outsell PS2 selling 300 million units. what happens when a game like this comes
Are they going to do anything amiibo for the 3ds soon? I know it needs an adaptor...
@Ryu_Niiyama $300 for me including the Strategy guide.
I got the amiibos for collecting reasons mainly. There are a bunch of people such as myself. I plan to get everyone of these. Although it looks like Marth is going to be a little tough.
@Revolution909 Agreed. When I went to TRU today ALL of the Marth had been purchased... probably destined for eBay.
I picked up Mario and Peach for their MK8 Racing Suits. Sadly my fiance will be holding them for Xmas so I can't try them out just yet. I also plan on buying Rosalina and a few others when they come out, even if only to display.
amiibo is a big deal. Loot Crate's amiibo run has sold out and that wasn't cheap.
Most people I know with a Wii U got 1-5 and one girl got 8 (I know 1 person with a PS4, nobody with the X1, 4 people with a Wii U, over 30 people with a 360 and over 20 with a PS3).
My interest in it has plummeted to nothing after seeing the figures and my interest in Smash dropped even further, despite receiving it as a gift from a friend.
I'm still partial to the original and honestly really don't like the Wii U game.
Aside from Bayo 2, I haven't played the system for more than an hour this month.
Console sales prediction?
8.8 million Wii Us before the end of 2014, 9 million by the end of March (end of the fiscal year). 12.6 million by the end of 2015, 13 by the end of March 2016. 13.7 million units lifetime, with Nintendo pulling the plug in March of that same year. By September 2016, the Wii U will no longer be manufactured.
The thing is, Nintendo waited too long to do anything worthwhile with this system and deserve this fate. Hopefully the New 3DS can carry them long enough to retool their console division, to make something more in line with their penny pinching than a video game console.
It would be stupid to not release promotional DLC like a Zelda U or Splatoon stage.
I would love to get DLC every 6 months or so.
I know they won't but Nintendo should work with activision or disney to get amiibo a working in sky landers or infinity
Nintendo's emphasis on these ridiculous marketing toys to buttress an already tired 1 v 1 fighting genre that features a bunch of characters they can't bother to actually make real games for tells me it's still not yet time to come back to WiiU and have a look. Just me though, I guess they've always been about the under 17 market I just wish it wasn't so.
Oh amiibo (in conjunction with Smash Bros) is going to be a cash cow for sure, and Nintendo is going to exploit and abuse it to its absolute fullest imo (maybe not in the best way for consumers but certainly in the best way for Nintendo to get as much of their money as possible), but even given that, I still don't think it's going to sell too much outside of hardcore Nintendo fans, Nintendo toy collector types and core Smash Bros players. I don't think your random kid is going to be asking their parent for these figures and even if they were I certainly don't think many parents are going to buy a brand new Wii U console alongside a few of these figures; as in I don't see sales of these figures leading to increased sales of Wii U hardware. Basically, amiibo is surely going to do really well among the already established Nintendo, Wii U and Smash Bros fan base but I don't think it's the key to turning the Wii U situation around. I don't really know what realistically is at this point.
I bought the game and thats it. Couldn't be less interested in the amiibos nor the over priced adapter. There is nothing wrong with the pro controller's. While i like the gc controller a lot, not that much though.
@Ernest_The_Crab I can assure you though that Amazon is huge here in the States. Absolutely huge. And it's a huge market Nintendo is losing. Not sure how the 3DS theory relates also the Wii U's. Hardware seems not to be sold in Amazon while Sony's and Microsoft's do. For a long time. Briefly 3DS's returned then disappared again.
Smash Bros reached money spinning status with Brawl, and it became a cultural hit. I don't think Smash 4 will quite repeat that success, though... Fragmented experiences + Lack of full package (including proper adventure mode and cultural phenomena) = Less cohesiveness and impact.
As for Amiibo's, their first impression usefulness is key. If their features for Smash 4 are really as underwhelming as they're made out to be, then that presents a mediocre first impression. If that doesn't improve, then their momentum will drop like a rock.
Previous products like Skylanders stuck because the figures were essential to success, while being compelling enough to invest in. In the case of Nintendo's current offerings, their figures are optional attachments that can be sidestepped with few reservations. Not exactly a recipe for long term success.
There will be offline tournament mode in the tournament patch right?
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