It's been a long wait since the last broadcast on 14th January, but we finally have a date and time for the next Nintendo Direct broadcast. It's happening on 1st April at 3pm Pacific / 6pm Eastern / 11pm UK / midnight CET; no, it's not an April Fools prank!
Though there have been major announcements and releases since the last Direct - we had the New Nintendo 3DS Western launch on 13th February and the recent deal and smart device plans with DeNA - there's been an undoubted gulf of information to excite dedicated fans. Some releases and snippets of information have helped, but the glut of hype that comes with a Nintendo Direct will certainly be welcome.
As for what this one is all about, Nintendo's announcement says it's focused on upcoming 3DS and Wii U titles; Nintendo of America shared the following humorous tweet, also confirming a Nintendo Treehouse stream after the main event.
The recent delay of The Legend of Zelda on Wii U makes this an ideal pre-E3 opportunity to remind gamers of the various reasons they should be excited about the Wii U in 2015, while more 3DS project details will certainly be welcome.
How hyped are you for this Nintendo Direct, then, on a scale of 1 to 10? Let us know, and don't forget that we'll be providing live streams, blogs, news and editorial content right here on Nintendo Life as it all happens.
Update:
Just to make the hype that bit more real, below is a countdown that Nintendo has already kicked off on its Japanese YouTube channel!
Update 2:
We have definitive confirmation that the European and North American broadcasts will have key differences from each other, as is the normal trend. The North American broadcast will have a Treehouse stream after it's finished, while Nintendo of Europe has issued a press release to confirm that the region's President - Satoru Shibata - will be hosting segments specific to the territory. We'll be live streaming and blogging both separately here at Nintendo Life.
Comments 428
My body is ready!!
Yeees!!!!!
Guessing that Splatoon will be the game the Treehouse focuses on. As always I'll be hoping for N64 games on Wii U. I doubt we'll see a big new game announced so close to E3. Maybe a localizations.
THE LEAK WAS REAL! YES!
No VC releases announced for Europe in this week's update...
No VC releases announced for Japan this week...
Holding thumbs for N64 releases...
Needed this after all the announcements lately. Hopefully this gets the focus back on games and what's coming out in the next 4 months.
I'm guessing an eshop wii u or vc title will launch given the horrible monday update. For my rampant speculation Im saying SNES Remix and......the 1st 64 title on VC.....Mario 64!
Wish the UK Direct wasn't at 11pm, hate being sleepy during a Direct as I miss stuff sometimes.
Edit: Actually its 10pm (edit 2: wrong).
I am not hyped at all for this. I used to be really excited, but ever since the first Directs, they've been gradually going downhill. And over the next year or so, they're gradually going to get even lamer until they start peppering them with NX information.
I expect it to be information on games we already know about. Maybe a formal talk to fans about the DeNA deal.
ALL ABOARD THE HYPE TRAIN! SEATING IS LIMITED, SO GET YOUR TICKETS QUICK! IS YOUR BODY READY?
Is tomorrow here already?
Woohoo! I know there's about zero chance, but deep inside, I'm still going to be hoping for the announcement that the Zelda delay was just a joke
Hypehypehypehypehypehype!!!
YES!
I'm just too excited. Hopefully we see N64 VC and a surprise new eShop release. SNES Remix, anyone?
Oh please, no. Don't make me go to the internet on April 1st. It becomes such an unbearable storm of bad jokes and even worse april fools, including the fools who fall for them. How am I supposed to believe a single word of a Direct that airs on this terrible day?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Any new news is welcome, can't wait until tomorrow!
I'm mega excited about this direct being trye! I hope Nintendo don't April Fool us with Splatoon being delayed to take Zelda's holiday spot!
I hope there's some kind of new announcement game wise for the Wii U because we are severely lacking right now.
as oi mention somebody/someone will get in trouble by me for a prank (this better NOT be a Prank Nintendo!)
seriously though i can't wait
I knew it because of the nonexistent eshop offerings! Must be a new console added to VC (hopefully DS rather than N64 because Shadow Dragon)
I just get on here and it says this was posted a minute ago. The Hype Train IS REAL!!! Also they leaked the direct, sadly to say...
@ThomasBW84 I realised its actually 10pm for the UK.
Edit: I'm dumb ignore this.
I'm stoked. Normally I abstain from all the internets on April fool's day but this is good.
Please let the VC related stuff from that "leak" be real, particularly N64 VC.
sigh Why April 1st of all dates? Paranoia ....starting to ....set in.
I will cry if they release N64 VC on the day I'm going back home without my Wii U. And it will be April 2nd in Australia so it's no joke.
@Jazzer94 It's 11pm because the UK clocks went forward last weekend.
Yay, a Nintendo Direct!
At 11pm...
@Captain_Toad: "Don’t let the date fool you: This Nintendo Direct is no joke!"
Nintendo's UK tweet says 11pm BST. What are you people on about?
I wonder how long the direct will be.
Hype level 1/10.
A release date for Xeno and Yoshi's would be enough.
Still waiting for Kirby and S.T.E.A.M. anyway...
Pheeew... the article made me panic for a moment, I won't be at home at 3 PM, but luckily that's not the EU time XD
I wonder if they'll dare to place a fake reveal/news in the announcement since the date. Unlikely since the too dangerous backfire, but I wouldn't mind some crazy fake news between great real ones XP
@Nintendo_Ninja Not really, the 'leak' was predicting an entirely different time, I believe. Let's be real, it wasn't a stretch to predict one this week!
One of the most exciting things when the wii u came out, were these little snippets of rumor from nintendo that it would have Gamecube games on the VC. That got me really excited. of course I assumed the WII U would have N64 games, since the WII did. This is the first video game console in history not able to support the features of its predecessor. After the mile long chain of disappointments Nintendo fans have had to endure, the latest being Zelda, the ONLY thing they could do to redeem themselves would be a massive VC library of Gamecube and N64. Though since it hasnt happened yet, I doubt it ever will! Bummer.
Man, picking that date is so very Nintendo. Heh.
But hey, I won't complain. Bring it on!
Azure Striker Gunvolt which will take some minutes on the Direct. I mean is that really necessary? Is the game worth the hype like Shovel Knight (which is both WiiU and 3DS release) when it came to Europe?
Yeah I think Nintendo Life has the perfect opportunity to strike with a great April Fools joke
FINALLY!
Dang it I guess this means that paper mario it the holiday title... Oh well. nothing against paper Mario
@Jazzer94
I think you've got that mixed up.
The UK is currently running on GMT +1, or CET.
GMT timezone hasn't changed and is still 11pm.
So, I think this means that the direct is actually at midnight for the UK too?
Cool. I should be able to get home by that time.
The Direct takes place way after noon so no need to worry about being fooled.
Yeah, they will announce:
Haha! The leak WAS real!
@Grumblevolcano And you're totally right did not even clock that happened ( ) been busy all last week might be why.
6:00 PM EST for me. I will be off work and ready to watch.
Finally! It's been way too long since the last one.
I expect lots of Splatoon and XBX. As a dedicated fan of the company, I hope they announce a long overdue price cut. More people need to play some of Wii's titles and Nintendo's console is grossly under appreciated by consumers.
IT'S ABOUT TIME! Man, that seemed like it took forever to get a new Nintendo Direct! But.. that's probably just me. Either way I'm EXCITED!! Hoping for some more Woolly World info, including release date, Mario Kart + SSB4 DLC info, maybe a little bit of info on Zelda Wii U (doesn't need to be a megaton), and some info on Mario Maker. Maybe something specific amiibo-related software too. And of course Splatoon! Augh, is it tomorrow yet?!
This is going to be the direct where they say, "Kirby Air Ride 2 confirmed!", but then it will just end up being an April Fool's joke...
Also, I hope that those leaka were just lucky guesses, 'cuz if not, well, I already know pretty much everything that's in this one.
@ThomasBW84 that's actually interesting. There could have been more inaccuracies then in the leak... Hoping for the best!
Won't hold my breath for N64 VC.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!
ahem
I want Splatoon news. Lots of it. Fingers crossed for a Splatoon demo at the end. I also expect Mewtwo DLC news.
@RupeeClock Its at 11pm like the article says, I done goofed before.
I tried to check Twitter, to see if Nintendolife fabricated the image as a joke, but apparently you actually need a Twitter account to browse.
I think in addition to games, we may see some new info on the new membership scheme, what with Club nintendo star registration ending today, and maybe the final update on physical rewards for club Nintendo members.
Gold Mario amiibo??
Also, N64 VC may be a possibility. Would love Gamecube VC though....
Animal Crossing U? Heres hoping!
I am a little excited (5) and am glad that it is in the evening here although I won't be able to watch it because that's dinner time for my family.
And of course, it's at midnight. Of course. Well, I'm still hoping for:
Original 3DS amiibo adapter
Attack on Titan 3DS (unlikely, but hopefully)
And that's pretty much it. If I just get the first one, then I'm happy
If that leaked article I saw yesterday was real... We should be seeing the first trailer and title for the new Star Fox, Star Fox: Horizon! Aaaaaaahhhh! Tomorrow can't cone soon enough!
NX will launch after E3 2016 with the new Zelda, please understand.
Aww I'm in 7th period when it starts.
Awesome!! Probably won't watch it till Thursday evening though with the time / work etc.
@Videogamer123 The leak had me yesterday until it said N64 games would be upscaled to 720p - Nintendo doesn't even upscale Wii games! We didn't report it because it was a random Google+ / YouTube comment, basically.
@RCMADIAX We normally just do one April Fools first thing... I mean I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT
About the "leak", the time doesn't match up with the real time (3pm CET compared with 11pm CET).
11PM!? Seriously Nintendo why not 10PM when the rest of our are still awake and not in bed. No wonder you guys struggle in the Eruopean market.
If you read the date 1.4.2015 like we Americans do, the Nintendo Direct would be on my birthday!
@RCMADIAX Funny enough, the block capitals thing wasn't referencing your naming conventions, but I quickly realised it would look that way!
@ThomasBW84 hmm now that you mention it that does seem odd. Well, that good then. Speculation time!!
BREATHING INTENSIFIES
@ThomasBW84
I have a feeling while everyone else in the industry will be April-fooling tomorrow, Nintendo will drop major bombs that will catch everyone off-guard leaving their jaws on the floor to pick up. I expect E3 2014-level Direct with already confirmed Treehouse streaming. Isn't Famitsu teasing a new major game? That's just my hunch on the Direct tomorrow.
All bodies are ready to rumble !
They must show a good strategy, good plan and good execution!
Between each Direct Nintendo is knocked into a hole, and
must constantly prove itself to get back on track.
The Direct will start midnight for most of Europe, basically April 2nd.
We not only suffer games delay, We even have a Direct delay!!! 8)
Star Fox or bust.
Perfect. I should be home from work just in time.
SO EXCITED! I don't know if anyone else read the detailed leak posted a few days ago, but if it's accurate (which so far it seems like it is) we will finally be getting N64 games on Wii U among other incredible announcements. Either way my body is ready! This Direct is long overdue.
I can only imagine that nothing new will be dropped and it will just highlight Splatoon, Xenoblade, and Amiibo incorporation.
If the leak is real, my hype is 10
Wow, sounds like the leak was true. Here comes Star Fox Horizons!
@RCMADIAX the pre watershed is 9PM after which you can show mature content on TV with adult being shown around 11PM for stuff like Playboy, but whether or not that applies to internet live streams is another question entirely.
Alright, I still have my exceptions up for an announcement on the New 3ds (standard) release.
Still will have my guard up for any tricks tomorrow, even in the direct.
Would be nice if the Nintendo Direct isn't a joke but everything announced in it is .
So yeah, that leak might actually be real.
Ah but what is the big title that will replace the Zelda sized gap in this years release schedule?
Geist HD, Sunshine/64 Remake, FFVII Remake, Chrono Break, F-Zero U, Resident Evil 7, Eternal Darkness 2, Sonic, Alex Kidd, Silent Bomber, A Tales Game, Dragon Quest XI, Pokemon Z, Metal Gear Solid 5, Excite Bike U, Wave Race U, Super Mario Bros. 4, Super Mario 3D World 2, Fire Emblem U, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Final Mix U, FFXV, Sadness, Mad World 2, Vanquish 2, Streets of Rage 4, Tamadochi Life U, Animal Crossing U, Cardfight Vanguard U, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate U, Ice Climbers U, Project Ukulele, Diddy Kong Racing U, Metroid U, Yoshi's Cookie U, Mario Paint U, Devil May Cry 5, Punch Out U, Pac Man Sequel, Bat Man Arkham Knight, Nintendo Land 2, Bravely Default U, Secret of Mana U, Kingdom Hearts 3, Poke Warriors, Mario Warriors, Fire Emblem Warriors, The Legend Of Zelda Remake, Zelda 2 Remake, Arc Raiser III, Call Of Duty, Destiny, MineCraft, Grand Theft Auto 5, Wii Play U, Chibi Robo U, Pikmin 4, The Wonderful 102, Game & Wario 2, Walugi's Own Game, Advance Wars, Battalion Wars, Endless Ocean U, Lost Winds 3, Trauma Centre 4
Come on Nintendo don't tease us like this, we need to know ASAP.
Time to make another timeline...
@Peach64
I think if anything maybe 3DS' big holiday first party game.
I'll be in the air on my way to Japan when this airs!
a few mentions of games we already know and release dates annoyed but other than that a typical just ok direct
I'll be in the air on my way to Japan when this airs!
I'm not hyped...
@Quorthon everything about nintendo is gradually getting lamer lol
They are going to have SNES games on the 3DS, VC and N64 on Wii U, a Splatoon Amiibo, May be Star Fox "Horizon," Mewtwo DLC Release Date, and some Wii Games for the Wii U in the e shop, and some Smash Stuff. Also the German Leak was fake, go on Etika's youtube channel to see why.
Someone up there is dreaming big!
So Yoshi, Mario Maker, Splatoon, Xenoblade, (and a surprise or two)
Since I have no clue what's coming for 3DS, those will be a surprise, Yokai Watch would be awesome tho!
Some surprise for VC or eshop would be Nice, N64/GC or more Wii titles for Wii U. SNES and GBA for 3DS would be nice as well.
@Azooooz
You too? Seems like people's heads explode over the prospect of yet another kriby or mario game.
@opeter lol ooooo u gonna get alot of hate from nintendo lameboys
@opeter lol!
I want some more exclusives for New 3DS
Club nintendo is closed. here is the new thing we doing and also here is the final rewards for platinum and gold memebers, enjoy!
@RCMADIAX yeah but in america it's being streamed before the watershed time so I don't think the late timing is because of that. I don't think watershed time applies to the internet.
I bet the only worthwhile thing to come out of this is a release-date for Mewtwo..
I'm guessing we'll get some Splatoon, Mario Maker, Xenoblade, Yoshi and Mario Maker (all games IMO we already have plenty of information on) info and if we're really lucky, they might show us some Star Fox.
Ah well, here's hoping I'm wrong and it'll be hype.
@Mr_G: yeah, I know. Doesn't bother me to much ...
YEEESZZZ! Finally a new Direct! I'll be able to catch it even if here in Europe it starts at midnight because I'll be on holiday! Here's hope for more about the new Fire Emblem game!
My hope is we will get a release date on the amiibo reader/writer for the older 3DS systems. I got a Mario for Christmas and he's gathering dust sitting on top of my tellie. News on the Mewtwo DLC would also be welcome. Other than that, surprise me Nintendo.
EDIT: Hoping to hear something about the replacement for Club Nintendo.
SNES Pit Fighter confirmed.
!!!!!!!!
@opeter lol yeah im the biggest nintendo lameboy there is but im also not totally oblivious to whats going on with nintendo. people in such denial
Totally hyped if the leaked rumours on reddit are true!
N64 and GC games are long overdue, time to put up or shut up Nintendo!
What rumours?
DANGIT!! It just HAD to be when I start class for 4 straight hours! >
SNES and GBA VC on the New 3DS! free to those who own the games on the Wii U. also GB and GBC VC on the Wii U! Come on! Make it happen!
"We regret to inform you that Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem has been cancelled... April Fools! Here's a new trailer..."
Would love some more info on Fire Emblem If and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U update. That's all I want...
Looking for some sort of a new VC and plenty of announcements.
@tysonfury
What rumors?
Now, this is something to look forward to!
I had to check myself those "rumors" because I had no idea...
http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/
It's this what you all are talking about?
7/10 - Sure I'm excited but they need to talk about what I want to hear about. A lot of people will want a lot of things. As for me, I hope for more details on Art Academy and Mario Maker - a release date for each please. I'd also love to hear them announce they're working on a new F-Zero. Smash update or even better, new DLC. More info on the new Fire Emblem.
I'd also love to know more about this partnership with DeNA and what Club Nintendo will be about.
My ideas
1.new 3ds the one with face plates comes to NA/US region
2.more game gear games with gba virtual console for 3ds
3.Snes for 3ds virtual console
4.snnes 3d classic for 3ds
5.xenoblade theme 1.99 for 3ds and free with new 3ds xenblade faceplate and games
6. N64 vc for wii u and new 3ds only
7.Super mario world the first 3d classics of the snes series
8.club nintendo replacement
9.old 3ds amiibo adapter
10.wii u games release dates
Finally can't wait hopefully more news on fire emblem, new Pokemon game, Smash Bros Dlc and splatoon release date.
@mrchills
Can't you play N64 games in Wii mode?
It would be nice if that AAA port / remaster thing got a mention. Erm...other than that, maybe Sega Saturn games for Virtual console?
@outburst
@andreoni79
Yes! These ones!
http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/
Awesome that there's a Direct, but this makes me wary that they're going to pull something on us.
@Kevlar44 Yeah you can, I am playing F Zero X and Yoshi's Story right now.
@andrew20 Why new 3DS only?
While I doubt we'll get big news so close to e3 hopefully we get some release dates finalised. Would like to see a bit of Devils third as well since I reckon it'll get overshadowed at e3 by the "what's gonna replace zelda" buzz.
Give meh Rhythm Heaven! TwT
What a birthday present!
Reading some of the speculation here is worth it alone. My hype level is zero at this point. Last week was such a disaster from Nintendo, and so far 2015 has been sad. Call me when Eternal Darkness HD and it's sequel arrive.
@mrchills
" This is the first video game console in history not able to support the features of its predecessor. "
Are... are you serious? That is not even remotely accurate. Hell, the first sequel consoles--the Odyssey2 and Atari 5200 weren't backwards compatible, nor did they support the features of their predecessors. The SNES didn't support the NES games or features.
Honestly now.
@OdnetninAges Heh, that would be so freaking epic.
Nintendo direct starts Nintendo announces that they bought out Microsoft and show a trailer for Halo 5, after the trailer ends Iwata then says APRIL'S FOOL.
The End
I don't get that comment either, considering every Nintendo console could not support all its predecessor's functions. Heck, Wii and Wii U are the only backwards compatible ones
I've seen the 'leaked' info, I've crossed my fingers, hoped for the best and that all I read is true......... Please don't let us down now, it's been a slow start to the year news wise!
Anything that it not heard about + Starfox = a good Wii u direct
Treehouse after ? !!!!
Freakin' finally! Gimme mah Splatoon, Wooly World, and Mario Marker!
I'm pumped!
PLOT TWIST: It's all a joke after all.
@Jazzer94 Here in the Philippines is 6am.... talk about sleepy, i think im just gonna wake up at 7am and watch it later.
There is going to be at least one troll.
Amusingly it airs on the second of April in the Netherlands.
@Cyberbotv2
Yeah, if only. Unless that mystery project that heads from Retro claimed "is something fans want us to do" turns out to be Eternal Darkness in some form, I have a feeling that Nintendo is just going to leave that franchise dead. Very unfortunate.
Would love N64 & GCN VC, but doubt it. If the Paper Mario U "leak" turns out true I will be very happy.
@BarryDunne I feel it was the guesswork of a fan, and we couldn't report on it as it was a comment posted on YouTube, so I'm afraid there was no credibility there.
Some of what it said was possible (again, good guesses!) but the N64 being upscaled was a big red alarm for me.
This would be the greatest con in history if it was actually an April Fools joke from Nintendo. Imagine that it opens in a deep space setting, the camera pans around and you see Samus' gunship blast by. As an orchestrated rendition of the main Metroid theme starts building, it just abruptly cuts to this:
@tysonfury
Thanks! If it's true then it's awesome. I'll be downloading games til morning on my N3DS if that's the case.
Well its about time!
@Quorthon You said "backwards compatability". I didnt. The wii had n64 games on their vc. The wiiu doesnt. I could go back to my wii and play n64 games that i got on my wii. But the wii u doesnt offer them. That is one feature I could access on my wii that I cant on my wii u. Show me another console in history that is inferior to the one that it replaced.
Hype 7/10 but It might be a lot better. Worst than 7/10 I don't think it's possible.
7
@Kevlar44 I could play the n64 games I downloaded on my wii on my wii u. Though I have to go back into my wii folder and play the game using my wii remote. Keep in mind, nintendo has yet to release one n64 game or gamecube for that matter, that I could download to my wii u.
If those rumours are true...then I'm buying a 3DS the next day!
Feck the vc. I want loads of HD GameCube remakes please! One each month up to Jan 2016 at €45 each in stores from next week.
"I am pleased to announce Mother 3 will be released on the Wii U and 3DS Virtual Consoles after this Nintendo Direct is over"
Wow really!?!?
"Nope, April Fools, please understand"
@outburst its realy realy good.
April fools?! PLZ let them announce that zelda delay was a prank, oh plz oh plz oh plz!!!
Here we go! Won't be able to watch it but I'll follow the live blog!!
Awww~ How generous of you Nintendo! To release a Nintendo Direct on my birthday. What a nice present!
Awesome! I cant wait
@mrchills: Uh, yes it can. Go to Wii mode and play them there
Whoa. I've already read that it's starting on two users' birthdays. Neat.
It's about time there was a Direct that didn't start on a school day (or at 3 AM). Now I can finally bask in its full awesomeness! It's definitely like Nintendo to do this on April Fools Day. I can already see the live chat before the Direct airs.
"Guys! You're not gonna believe this! They're making another Mother game! Yessss!"
I hope they wont show off Splatoon and Xenoblade again, those games have had plenty of coverage recently. Announce some new games please! MORE Virtual Console! More love for Wii U!
April 20th is the 25th anniversary of Fire Emblem so I am hoping for news of the new game and hopefully some sort of English release of the Japan-only games.
@TingLz
the snes is new 3ds only also the small new 3ds needs to come
the gba is 3ds and new 3ds
I'd like to hear more about Mario Maker.
Please announce that XCX is coming out in late June!
@andrew20 That...didn't answer my question. Why would the SNES games be new 3DS only?
If I were to shoot the moon, give me Fire Emblem Warriors. Give me SNES on the N3DS, too. My imported one should be here tomorrow. Most excited.
@TingLz I know that. but the fact that I can only play n64 games I downloaded on my wii and I have to use my wiimote, and i need to switch to the wii folder in order to even access the game, means I cant play them on my wiiu.
@A01 your revision was appreciated.
@mrchills Another console in history that was worse than its predecessor? Ooh. This actually sounds like an interesting topic. I'd defend the Atari 7800, and the Saturn was just poorly marketed and supported, but not a bad console.
Hmm. I'm going to work on this one for a bit.
The hype is real, the leak ain't!
They should make their times better for people here in the U.K. Who is expected to stay up till 11pm to watch a Nintendo Direct? The times have been the same for the past 4 or 5 broadcasts, and it's annoying missing live information.
@seb5049
Because America.
@Vineleaf Saturn was great! I loved battle arena. It replaced the genesis right? The atari 7800. First was 2600 and then 5200. I cant remember the 7800. So many good games on them! Im starting to drool.
I hope more dlc than just mewtwo for smash! A secret character to be revealed perhaps or maybe new levels! Who knows?
@mrchills Still doesn't change the fact that most of your accusations are incorrect.
If the rest of the leak was real, then Nintendo is completely forgiven for the "Zelda" delay. 720p 16:9 N64 with the Pro controller - you'd better believe that's a big deal. "Fatal Frame" localized... yes, please. "Devil's Third" and "Starfox Horizon" trailers (drool).
Well it's about time! Let's see what they have to offer.
@Grumblevolcano
I don't particularly care about Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon being re-released because it was a pretty mediocre game, but Heroes of Light and Shadow ought to have a localisation.
@ZenTurtle I think if any of the Japan only Fire Emblem games were to be given official English translations it would by FE6 given that many still want Roy in Smash.
@TingLz such as?
@mrchills
I actually listed a console inferior to one that existed before: The Atari 5200. It was more powerful, but woefully inferior in every other way. Terrible controllers, terrible games, small library, etc. Although it did have Berzerk with the digital voices--but it's almost unplayable with those awful, awful analog sticks. A good argument could also be made for the Saturn being inferior to the Genesis, and the Wii inferior to the GameCube. It depends on what your metrics are for measuring that.
Your original point only referenced "features." Backwards compatibility is a feature. Then again, you never said anything about inferiority.
I expect some trolling on the part of Nintendo.
Reggie: We will also be launching every first party N64, SNES and NES game on the Wii U virtual console this Summer.
Fans: FINALLY!
Reggie: April fools!
@Quorthon I stand corrected. Rock on!
HALLELUJAH
As for me, all I need is more info on Mario Maker. And perhaps the Mewtwo DLC.
@StuOhQ
Where are you guys finding these leaks and rumors? I'd long ago given up on Fatal Frame being localized.
@mrchills:
"This is the first video game console in history not able to support the features of its predecessor."
Completely false. Most consoles historically don't support the predecessor's features.
"That is one feature I could access on my wii that I cant on my wii u."
I don't care how many times you deny it. Wii mode is part of the Wii U, and therefore you can access them on your Wii U.
"Keep in mind, nintendo has yet to release one n64 game or gamecube for that matter, that I could download to my wii u."
Wii mode is part of Wii U. Download them there
Mewtwoooooooooooo
But really I hope this covers wii u releases this spring and summer. Like mario maker, mariokart/smash bros dlc, splatoon, and (starfox?.)
@Quorthon
http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/
@TingLz Okay. I dont understand what you are arguing. Theres a reason why Nintendo has never released a gamecube let alone an N64 game on the wii u vc, cause they cant. I know I could play it on my wiiu, although i need my wii controller and if I didnt get the game while I had a wii, then im out of luck. Technically I can play the game on my wii u. Im the first to admit that.
I expect nothing and therefore may be pleasantly surprised by a drip of information they might squeeze out of their ridiculously clenched fists of information.
Then they will say Wii U has been abandoned.
@devilwaffle
Channeling Etika, aren't you?
@mrchills You can buy them on your Wii U too. Did you notice the "Wii Shop" channel on Wii Mode?
@Zach777 By that logic, since you expect nothing, you will be disappointed when there isn't nothing
@Quorthon You know, I had a 2600 and a 7800 growing up, and I don't even remember the 5200 EXISTING.
@outburst
Gotcha. Some sounds interesting. If accurate (and it's a rumor), then that means my long-held sentiment that Project Guard and Project Giant Robot "are not actual games targeting release" continues to be supported, as they are again not mentioned.
A lot of this sounds terribly underwhelming, except for the Fatal Frame/Project Zero bit--which I would greatly welcome, but there is no mention of it coming to the States, just Europe.
Paper Mario? Boring.
VC cross-buy? That better be true.
Collectible Badge Center for the 3DS...? What the hell is that? It sounds like, but it can't be... Achievements?
I think the next 3 months will have a lot of announcements. Right now the 3DS has very few games set for the latter half of 2015, most of which are pretty niche. There's no way Nintendo will let that be the case for much longer.
That said, I doubt there will be any ground-breaking announcements tomorrow. If they have any to make, and I'm sure they do, those will probably be saved for E3. They'll probably show a lot of Splatoon, the Mario Kart DLC, and the SSB MewTwo. I wouldn't be surprised to see some other SSB DLC in the works too.
My predictions:
1. 3DS Amiibo Portal release date
2. Xenoblade 3d shown, again.
3. More shown for Fire Emblem, no date
4. Yo-Kai Watch for EU & NA, no date
5. New 3DS game shown (either DKC:TF 3D or Metroid)
6. Zelda Wii U apology but we're releasing the following!
7.Yoshi's Wooly World release date
8. Splatoon release date
9. Mario Maker release date
10. Star Fox shown, no date
11. Smash update update upon completion of direct, codes for Mewtwo sent out.
12. Mario Kart 8 update + DLC release date
13. New Amiibo
14. Amiibo cards
15. Eshop games announced
16. Nintendo App announced, available upon completion of direct.
17. Club Nintendo Gold/Platinum rewards announced (available upon completion of direct, no one can log on for a week!)
@Quorthon It's not achievements. It's sort of a cross between a crane game and a gashapon thing. You have a chance to get free plays, but in at least the Japanese version, you get 5 tries for about 75 cents. I think they decorate your home menu, ultimately. I'm getting my Japanese machine tomorrow, and I plan to tinker with the badge thing.
If they do a Star Fox trailer, I would love the music to be a tribute to the original opening on the SNES. That dark bit while the enemy ships come in. Give me that flavour with this thing.
@Vineleaf
Ha, I don't blame you. The 5200 was a huge embarrassment for them, and one of those over-sized boxes created because test audiences "wanted to feel like they got more for their money" which you might note, is also the reason the original Lynx was savagely over-sized.
I forgot the worst part of the 5200--it requires a very specific, very strange component that, for some idiotic reason, had the power cord and TV switch (coax component) incorporated together. No other console in history did this, and without it, the 5200 doesn't work. It's so specific, it can't be replaced with off-the-shelf components or parts from different consoles (like, I can use the TV switch from the Intellivision on the Atari 2600).
Just look at this piece of crap:
Why, just why would they incorporate the coax and power into the same external device?
Per your other point, I didn't expect Badges to be Achievements (otherwise they'd naturally be expected to also be on Wii U). Gotcha. Sounds like another F2P deal.
@Robotron2084
That's my hope, at any rate. I was thinking the same thing--this is just the European version of the Direct. But then I remembered that Europe got several Wii games before we did--or like Disaster, that we didn't get at all.
I wouldn't mind seeing an April Fools Joke thrown in the Direct.
I know its April Fools, but they better not toy with me. Thats the last thing I wanna see from them. I hope they make good on this year and have some great news to deliver. Please let it be great.
Even if the leak isn't true, it's time to board the hype train once more.
@Quorthon Gah. What on Earth was Atari thinking? That's like a prototype for Vita memory cards.
And I forgot the Lynx existed until you mentioned that. My brain just went from 7800 to Jaguar to dead.
OKAY GUYS. If the leak is true..PAPER MARIO..STAR FOX TRAILER..N64 GAMES ON VC..MARIO KART 8 DLC TRAILER..EEEEEK!! Let's get excited, don't get down about what we won't get, get up about what we will! =D
@Quorthon : I think I read somewhere last year that Nintendo renewed the Eternal Darkness trademark, but for what purpose, who knows. I just can't stomach anymore Mario, Link, etc. franchise anymore. Splatoon sounds fun, but seems multiplayer focused, with no voice chat which damages the interactivity greatly. I wanted a focus on other franchises. But so many like Eternal Darkness, Jet Force Gemini, the sports division have all vanished.
@Iggly Mother 3 it is then
My post from yesterday:
Nobody in their right mind would do a Direct on April Fools day, so Wednesday it is then
Pokémon Z. It IS happening.
@Quorthon
I'm not that excited with Paper Mario U either but I'll welcome it. Fatal Frame would be awesome so is VC crossbuy. Meh on N64 VC unless they magically add gyroscope aiming/controls (on OoT at least). If not, I'll just buy their 3DS/WiiU remakes which is better. Those Wii VC releases are nice, but they better add more rare-to-find games to fill the drought. I don't care that much for the 3DS unless it's Fire Emblem. As for Splatoon and Yoshi's Wooly World, I'm already sold and just waiting for the release date so I don't care what they show in the Direct.
Maybe 6 - a pessimist never gets disappointed
1 am here - meh, my alarm will go off at 6am like everyday and maybe I just reach my phone and instead of snooze I just check NL what's the fuzz aabout.
@TrueWiiMaster
Per your point about Nintendo "not letting this continue much longer" on the diminishing 3DS release schedule, I'm afraid to inform you that this is standard operating procedure for Nintendo if new hardware is looming.
Nintendo has a terrible habit of reducing support for a current device to almost nothing up to two years before the release of new hardware--shortly following the announcement of said new hardware.
The N64 was dead nearly two years before the GameCube launched.
The GameCube was dead a year before the Wii launched.
The Wii was dying increasingly quickly for the two years prior to the launch of the Wii U.
Usually this pattern doesn't follow the portables, but it would not surprise me at this point.
Suffice to say, Nintendo is very bad at supporting their hardware for a full generation these days. They simply don't have the capabilities, especially to do it alone. The Wii was dead by 2011, but it's competition are still selling--frequently better than the Wii U. MS and Sony's last gen frequently sell better than Nintendo's next gen.
This year is the last hurrah for the Wii U, this is the last year that will see (relatively) steady releases, particularly of a set budget. Zelda U isn't just the biggest title of 2016--it may well be one of the only ones. That's if it comes to the Wii U at all. I would not be surprised to see it pull a Twilight Princess--and make the jump to NX. I pretty much expect it.
@tysonfury @Pinemeowth
That rumor would be pretty sweet, eh? Seems incredibly unlikely and more like a fan wishlist with some temperence thrown in to make people buy into it. Even if all of it was somehow true, how would that fit in one Nintendo Direct?
I recommend that no one use that as their expectation list for tomorrow!
@mrchills
All sorts of stuff can't be played on consoles that are related from generation to generation. That doesn't make the newer ones inferior. @Quorthon just gave you comparable examples, and you ignored them. You want someone to list more? And, by the way, I play N64 games on my Wii U all the time simply using Wii mode so, I'm not sure exactly what you are on about.
@Cyberbotv2
Yeah, I remember them renewing the trademark for Eternal Darkness. They did that twice over the past several years, and then didn't do anything with it.
Grumble grumble grumble.
I suspect this to be damaged control, but nonetheless I'm excited to see what they are going to offer...
One of the subtler rules of an April Fool's joke is you are not actually allowed to say "This isn't an April Foo's joke." If you acknowledge April Fool's day in your prank, then it make's you the fool.
@Captain_Gonru - Well I was half right on Friday, Nintneod didn't have the ND while I was at the auto mechanic, but they announced it then.
"Oh, my new prediction is an ND next Tuesday b/c I have to bring my car in for another recall so I'll be gone most of the day. So expect 1 Tuesday morning "
I was only gone half the day b/c they have to order the part and it's on a national backorder. They told me that after I sat there for 90 minutes w/o WiFi.
On the bright side, my long rant this morning paid off, this posted 10 minutes after I wrote it, which was the plan all along, and I love it when a plan comes together
@Quorthon No not achievements, just something you can customize your 3DS....It's been out for Japan for a while now..
My expectations are in check. I really don't think we'll see anything mind blowing announced. I'm just hoping for MK8 DLC info, Splatoon release date, a mention of Mario Maker and Yoshi's Wooly World, and some 3DS news.
@aaronsullivan I think he may have overlooked the Wii Shop on the Wii U's Wii Mode. Either that or he claims he can't play them without a Wii Remote now, which is true.
@dxcalibur Oh, I forgot about the 3DS amiibo reader. That has to be on the list, too. As I said, I expect an abundance of information.
@Quorthon That would suggest that the NX is a handheld and not a home console then. We know of more games for the Wii U coming from Nintendo in the 2nd half of the year than for the 3DS. The 3DS's 2nd half of the year only has Rodea the Sky Soldier confirmed. That's 3rd party and on Wii U as well. Most suggestions of games are localisations of 3rd party games or Pokemon, which doesn't count as Pokemon doesn't come to new hardware until 2 years in anyway.
What's coming to the 3DS from Nintendo? Fire Emblem? I doubt that's coming to the west in 2015. Rhythm Heaven? Maybe. That's literally all we know of.
@rjejr Nice call, I remember that now.
ACORDING TO THE LEAK HERE IS WHAT WILL BE SHOWN,
http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/
Not sure if true or fan but certainly tasty!
I hope they will have some nice little surprises, and some instant releases on the Virtual Console or something of that kind. I don't expect anything huge so near to the E3 though.
@VeeFlamesNL
That's the one item that I think is a sure thing. The old 3DS received an update that support the portal so that must mean that it's right around the corner. Plus, with almost every new game containing some sort of Amiibo support and with the figures selling as good as they are, Nintendo will want to tap into the "old 3DS only" market.
@TingLz Yeah, I didn't want to sound harsh but his claims are pretty far out there. As far as Wii Remote, how many consoles have maintained any controller compatibility from generation to generation? Wii U is one of the few, isn't it?
And they'll mention the mobile aspect, the same Wii U games that everyone knows is coming, a few indie download titles for both systems, and then look at the screen and say 'hah...bet you thought we'd announce something new!'. I think most of it will be on indie titles for both systems, rather than big named titles, or it will just be more on Splatoon, Yoshi's Wooly World...or maybe give people some screenshots and videos of Star Fox (but I think they'll show off star fox at E3). Other than that, don't expect a lot of stuff people, E3 is coming soon and they'll want to get people excited there more!
I wonder what's the hold up for Nintendo to release GC games now on the Wii U eShop in a similar fashion as Wii download titles. The Wii U can run GC games natively in Wii mode and we now have the GC controller adapter, so everything should be good to go.
@aaronsullivan Wii U and Wii only on Nintendo's side. I think this argument's been beaten to death anyway. Let's switch back to HYPE!
Well there was a source that said it would be on april first and that it would announce n64 games coming out in june if i recall with a promotion of buy either super mario 64 or the legend of zelda ocarina of time and get the other free. There will be a total of 4 n64 games coming out in june and they will be 9.99$, new paper mario game since the legend of zelda game is being delaid, snes games will be announced for 3ds eshop, a web eshop, new preorder function in the eshop where u can preorder games, The amiibo gallery app which allows you to scan your amiibo and see it on wii u and even use it for pictures etc... and play smll demo's of thier old games, mk8 dlc2, new wii games announcement, starfox horizon, dettails on games we know, mewtwo dlc for april 9th, also next wave of amiibo. This is what all was said by a supposed employee who said this stuff and april first and so far right but remember still take some salt.
I suggest either ignoring him or post happy thoughts instead -Lz
Anyways, my predictions (leak is fake until proven real):
The Treehouse stream will probably be for Splatoon.
Please show me Star Fox and let it be everything we hoped for!!
I hope no April Fools crap in it. I won't be believing anything they show, lol.
@Lord
Seriously though? That in 40 minutes? I'm highly, highly skeptical. Like I said above, I'd bet on that being a fan wishlist tempered back to help people buy into it.
I'd welcome most of it, though.
I work tomorrow so I'll catch up on a recap. I am hoping for details on Mario Maker, Yoshi's Woolly World and maybe Star Fox . I am also warming up to Splatoon which I was not interested in at first. I hope for new surprises as well.
YES! Finally they will announce the release date for the knitting peripheral!!
http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--RhQtpiJT--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/17xkh9s036tvljpg.jpg APRIL FOOLS!!
@SH007ME: Supporting the NES still? If only that wasn't a joke
I swear, this will be a missed opportunity if they don't say anything related to Mother 3. XD
I look forward to watching this one live. I've missed the last few.
@IceClimbers
Besides the joke and Smash DLC, that seems pretty reasonable. Yoshi's World and Mario Maker should make an appearance of some kind though, right? Plus, I'm thinking it's either Mario Maker, Yoshi, or Splatoon in the treehouse event.
Some sort of tease on Star Fox maybe? I'm assuming they'll target the big reveal at E3.
Sakurai: Here's Mewtwo's trailer.
We haven't had anything on virtual console, so there must be something announced and available after the presentation.
I hope it tells us about mewtwo for the smash bros :3
I'm hoping for Mario Maker in the Treehouse myself, but I know it will be Splatoon since Nintendo wants to push that the hardest now.
I'm just more excited for Mario Maker
Star Fox release date, Zelda gameplay, and Xenoblade release date are all I really need.
@GrailUK I think you and others are right about this. Maybe they've been storing up a couple to get a big day to ignite interest again? One can hope. N64 remix to go with it!?!?
More Fire Emblem (3DS) news please Nintendo, since its one of the only interesting things you have coming up.
@B3ND3R
We aren't even getting Zelda gameplay at E3 as officially stated, so I can't imagine what they'd want to show in a Nintendo Direct. I do have to think that they might want to tease some story elements or a character to string us along a little bit, but Zelda is far off in 2016 now, Nintendo will want to focus on what's exciting about Wii U now.
@aaronsullivan The Smash DLC isn't unreasonable, unless you mean it being available following the presentation. The Miiverse/tourney update and Mewtwo is a safe bet, especially since the Club Nintendo offer ends today.
A Star Fox teaser (CGI) is possible. I wouldn't expect actual gameplay until E3 though.
F-zero or I don't care
@TwilightV nobody cares about mother 3. Nobody in any significant numbers anyway
Nintendo will announce Mother 3 (-1)
If the leak was real, my hype's around a 7. If it was a lucky coincidence and it's not true, the Direct's content may differ a lot from that for better or worse.
Like others here I mostly just want a Metroid reveal and info on the new Fire Emblem.
@JaxonH - Ditto on Splatoon, MM and YWW. E3 is in 2 1/2 months (seems late this year) have to save any big news for that.
@aaronsullivan Yeah, it'd just be nice to see how it's going along.. Maybe get an idea as to why we haven't seen Link in his green garb.. I'd expect to see Star Fox for sure, and MAYBE... JUST MAYBE, whatever Retro Studios has been working on since two Decembers back... Xenoblade Chronicles X is a given, and I'd be super happy to hear when it is gonna release here!
@IceClimbers
I was under the impression that there was going to be no additional DLC for Smash. Maybe I misunderstood along the way.
@DESS-M-8
Hey, it is April Fools, you may see a couple stories about F-Zero tomorrow.
@aaronsullivan - I'm one of those sticks in the mud who doesn't like April Fools or prank calls, so I really wish they would have chosen another day. Kind of figures though. Early pizza dinner tomorrow.
@TingLz I'm thinking it could be Smash, would seem like a perfect opportunity to show off the Miiverse stage, Mewtwo's moves and how tournaments work (Maybe a Mewtwo only tournament).
@aaronsullivan: Sakurai didn't want to do DLC, but that doesn't 100% completely mean it won't happen
@Grumblevolcano: I would show off Splatoon to be honest. Most Smash players will get the update anyway.
Please slip even just one surprise easter release.
@DESS-M-8
[youtube:ZyW81dHtNmE]
^Now take this and apply it to F-Zero for the next decade or so.
@B3ND3R
The problem is we are getting close to E3, so I'd think Nintendo would be saving up for then. For now, I'm guessing the Nintendo Direct will probably be more focused on games that are more imminent.
On your side of the argument, however, there is the need for something new and exciting to help put a positive spin on the recent mixed news about Nintendo. So I'd say there's a decent chance at getting one or two of those wishes.
@rjejr It's happening during a night computer class I'm teaching and it's the last class of the quarter so I'll be busy running around helping students finish their work. Haven't decided if I'll try to sneak a peak at the Direct, or just wait until after, though.
I wish it was in the morning like usual, instead of the afternoon. Sometimes working graveyard shifts can be such a drag...
@TingLz @Grumblevolcano Splatoon is probably the best bet. On the other hand, they may know that we expect Splatoon and decide to troll us by showing Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros Edition. Or the Japanese version of Mother 3. No localization.
@TingLz
due to
the buttons in the japan version of the snes
Hopefully we get Mew2 release date, an approximate XCX date (ie Q2, Q3), Splatoon release date, some info on MK8 May DLC, a new major title, more info on FE if, and some starfox stuff.
@ColdingLight Haha, sweet, April 1st is my birthday too!
Let's see what happens tomorrow,i'm not hyped just interested. And maybe the leak is real?
@andrew20: Which are the same aside from color as the western version http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Super_Famicom_Controller.jpg
@GrailUK the 3ds has nlt have anything in a month in the US it is getting boring on virtual console they have not swaid anything for US virtual console on Wii u or 3DS I think it is something going to happen
@CreativeWelshman nice list but nothing but sequels though
I really hope the knitted yoshi in the rumoured leak comes true.
As for Star fox horizon.... can outer space have a horizon?
@Sergio151 Only America and Japan have Gold and Platinum rewards
@aaronsullivan - Well I suppose since it's the last class of the quarter
@aaronsullivan Just give an assignment that takes the entire class. Then uh...watch some "educational" videos
@IceClimbers Or maybe it'll be a GBA Mega Man game coming to VC in NA, remember when they spent over an hour on the September stream playing Mega Man 7 (SNES)
I'm guessing more about Starfox including the announcement that it will include F-Zero for ground missions.
@dkxcalibur
That prediction made an outright scary amount of sense. I got chills when I read "Zelda U apology but we're releasing the following", that was unsettingly accurate.
I expect plenty of requests to understand by Iwata-san.
@rjejr @TingLz
Haha. Well, I wouldn't do that to my students. Some days, it is slow (meaning the students are getting a lot of work done independently) and I get to post on here quite a bit for instance, but that day will get pretty busy. I may get a little time because of a test they need to take. Just need to schedule it right.
@Quorthon
Games usually slow down towards the end, but right now the 3DS has virtually none. Fire Emblem is the only Nintendo game coming to the 3DS after May. The N64, Gamecube, and Wii all got at least a few Nintendo games in their last years.
As for the NX, I'd be very surprised if it replaces the Wii U next year. So far Nintendo has basically announced that they'll officially announce the NX next year, and they usually don't release hardware the same year they announce it. That gives the Wii U at least until 2017, which means it has as much life left as it has lived so far. I doubt Nintendo will leave it with nothing for next year, or the year after.
And, of course, that's all assuming the NX is the Wii U's replacement. It could very well be the 3DS's successor, or the "3rd pillar" Iwata has talked about, existing alongside Nintendo's console and handheld. In fact, the diagram Nintendo has shown suggests exactly that. It shows the Wii U, 3DS, and NX on one side, and tablets, smartphones, and PC's on the other, all as part of Nintendo's new membership program.
@IceClimbers
Would be nice to get a trailer for Mewtwo, actually. Because after the blurb saying "Mewtwo strikes back!", we would be met with the unexpected once the patch allows another couple of familiar faces...
"Ice Climbers are back!"
@AlexSora89 Or we just get Iwata in Smash using his super-strong Please Understand attack.
Also, flying-pigs material right here:
"Mario Maker has been delayed due to a 3DS companion game, available with cross-buy."
Let the hype craze begin.
@Vineleaf Complete with a variant of the PK Starstorm as his Final Smash: localized copies of Mother 3 falling from orbit, only to explode once they collide with the battlefield. Then Iwata absorbs the tears coming from the fighters' eyes and his damage meter drops to zero.
Why in glob's name would you have a Direct on April 1st.
People won't be sure what's real and what's a joke.
Biggest April's Fools joke: There isn't actually a Nintendo Direct.
@TingLz This argument is futile. Yes I can buy n64 games on my wii u, but through my wii and with my wii controler. We can argue for the sake of arguing, some people really enjoy it. But Im just asking for nintendo to place some more n64 games (or gamecube games) on their vc. they havent once with the wii u. Yes, technically I can play an n64 game that was uploaded to the wii vc ten years ago on my wii u. Ive never argued that. I dont think Im alone in wanting a bigger selection of games more recent on the wii u vc than super nintendo
Why Nintendo, why choose this day to do an ND? Some people could easily brush these off as April Fool (meaning they pay no attention) even if it's not.
Splatoon demo!? Okay, one can hope, right?
@aaronsullivan I guess im the only one who has a problem with this. but for starters there hasnt been an n64 game on the wii u VC ever, nor are there gamecube games. I know if you got the game through the wii vc, and you have a wii remote, and you click into the wii folder you can play it. I agree with that 100%. So technically you could play these games on the wii u. But why dont you think nintendo has ever downloaded a game from a more recent system than super nintendo for the wii u vc? Thats all Im asking. I d love an answer.
If Professor Layton is announced as tomorrow's rumored "brains" character I'm going to scream.
@IceClimbers
Indeed, it could suggest the NX is a portable.
Here's the deal on NX, and why it could really go either way:
1. All hints from Nintendo seem to point to a new console, not a portable. Not just the relatively lazy way they approach the Wii U and seem to have no interest in "saving" it, but in that new game announcements dried up last year. When was the last new Wii U game revealed or spoken about? E3 last year? Earlier?
2. Odd hint from Miyamoto about "the next major Mario game" being on the next hardware, not Wii U. This would both seem to hint at a new console and that they are moving major projects away from Wii U.
However:
3. The 3DS is due to be replaced first, if Nintendo continues to follow their set pattern of "new portable, then new console."
4. Support for the 3DS, despite sales, has dried up the same as the Wii U--but perhaps in a more troubling sense given the sales. Even Nintendo does not have much to offer on this front.
Finally:
5. This could all be hinting at the fabled unified console as has been long rumored, and as I illustrated at another point: Literally incorporating the portable into the console, with the OS, profiles, and 1/3 or half of the RAM, CPU, and GPU processing in there, and the other 2/3, disk drive, and hard drive built into the base. Physically connect the portable into the console base to "activate" the entire console, which then syncs up the CPU, GPU, and RAM automatically.
Cost effective, and a way to get the larger portable audience to adopt the console base for relatively low cost. I confirmed with a much more tech-savvy friend of mine that this is something that makes sense and is handily technologically feasible.
Whatever the NX is, most gamers seem to be under the impression that it's a new console to replace the "pretty much dead" Wii U, in large part because the Wii U has been flatlining since birth. In general, the Wii U's best year is obviously going to be this year, and even this year feels like a downhill slide since it's featuring mostly games we've known about for ages. XCX was one of the first games announced for it, and it's still not out. Even if gamers are incorrect in this assumption, the damage will most likely fall to the Wii U and further damage it's sales potential. The ridiculous price isn't helping, either.
In the end, NX is announced. Consumer interest in the 3DS and especially the Wii U is dropping because of that, and consumer interest was not exactly that high to begin with. We have two years over which, no matter what, development on the Wii U and 3DS will be diminishing noticeably as Nintendo reallocates resources to develop "new" software for the NX.
After XCX launches, the Wii U will be quickly falling into it's twilight.
@MagicEmperor
Could also be either a ReDead or a Mother 3 zombie, who knows?
They'll announce all the Pokemon games and Mother 3 for VC.
#TheHypeisReal
All I want is Mewtwo's release date.
@KingMike
They should remake them, again, in order to make them available with the Pokémon Bank. Now that would work.
@Vineleaf
I find it amusing that the rumored content of this already points to Iwata opening with an apology. This time about the Zelda U delay.
"Please understand. We don't know if we want to spend all this money on a Wii U game. We are going to delay and probably put it on NX."
As long as they don't put in any cruel April fools day jokes, I'll be happy for it
I HEARD THAT SAKURAI IS MAKING A NEW EARTHBOUND GAME!!!!!!!! Lol, now that I (hopefully) have your attention, does anybody here know if Nintendo UK will be streaming this on their Twitch channel?
Only thing I want/expect/anticipate is a XCX release date. Anything else is icing on the cake.
I'm guessing they won't be announcing PN03D.
I would probably be the only one to buy it.
Do we give Nintendo enough credit? Is this hoax, not hoax, April 1st announcements all their making? Maybe they do know what they are doing about marketing on the internet. And I would love a new game with Venessa Schneider
@retro_player_22
Especially if they let Sakurai have some fun with it. When it comes to trolling, the guy is cruel.
@TrueWiiMaster
My point was that Nintendo slows down much more noticeably than anyone else--and has ever since the N64. Almost like around the halfway mark, they just stop caring about the hardware--especially the home consoles.
Sony released God of War II in 2007--a year after the PS3 released. The PS1, PS2, X360, and PS3 have incredibly strong support after the release of their successors--because all were very successful platforms. Yes, even the PS3 somehow!
It's telling of the "anti-success" of the Wii that it's support and sales crashed pretty hard in the final 2~3 years while the X360 and PS3 continued at pretty steady paces and release schedules. It's pitiful that a console that sold as well as the Wii still died the lame, malingering death of the N64 and GameCube.
But even without the NX announcement, the Wii U doesn't have the life left in it to last cleanly to 2017. It just doesn't. As I've noted before, it's sales are lower and slower than the Dreamcast and GameCube. It has no momentum. With the announcement of NX, it will just worsen.
The NX will most likely launch in 2017, but if Nintendo wants the best opportunity to reclaim lost ground, they should try to get it out next year and quickly and quietly kill off one or both of their current machines, which are not expanding their reach and are not strengthening their brand.
The biggest problem here is that 2016~2019 are likely to be the strongest years for the PS4 and XBO--machines that are already selling better than all their predecessors. No matter what, Nintendo is planning to launch more hardware straight into a lions' den of competition.
I have become very worried for Nintendo when it comes down to the Wii U. They have to keep this system afloat. It has a lot of potential. I just hope that they make some good decisions fast.
Come on Nintendo, Give us MOTH--Gets shot
@Lord : I read through that link. Sounds like a crazy Nintendo fanatic posting a Direct scene by scene. That's actually a little scary.
@Tsurii897 True, but that doesn't mean there won't be lame april fool's stuff...
@Quorthon It probably doesn't help their standing, but considering the path they take, Nintendo needs to really be the second machine people have to have. Having portable gaming in with a console and some compelling software at a reasonable price could do that. They could release in the teeth of the two-horse race and still be popular.
They have to do a lot right, though.
Goin' to my Krav Maga lesson now. Unavailable for replies for a couple hours. I'll chime in when I come back, this is a fun thread.
Also, I've seen a few folks asking each other to leave with TingLz's replies. No need to tear each other apart, guys.
@Vineleaf
Yeah, and I hate to say it, but that's where my worry sets in.
Nintendo has a habit of seemingly, deliberately, trying to do something different for the sake of different, and flatly in the face of the reasonable.
A writer over at IGN--back when IGN mattered--once commented on a rumor as "this idea is so good, that it's too smart of an idea for Nintendo to do it." A lot of fans got angry, and then he turned out to be right. I don't remember what it was, but as I recall, Nintendo fans were expecting whatever it was to happen. It was during the GC era.
Finally. It's been too long.
Hope they clear up the confusing Club Nintendo stuff.
Newly released games will no longer have CN points.
DL games from the ehsop will have points until 20th April
Cartridge game codes from the red leaflets can still be registered until 30th September, providing they are still within the original date limit set when they were released.
All stars must be redeemed by 30th Septemebr when the whole thing closes. There are now some digital games, but more physical products are set to be added, so don't blow you stars on games that cost only a few pounds anyway.
No one seems to be interested to trade their Smash 3DS Club Nintendo code for my Omega Ruby code so let's try something different. Is anyone ready to trade for a game download code worth 1300 stars (The Legend of Zelda, Zelda 2, Link to the Past, SMB2, Punch-Out!!, Duck Hunt, etc.)? I'm starting to get really desperate. I need that Mewtwo code.
Whenever I see treehouse, I think Animal Crossing. Animal Crossing U Go go go!
I would like some news on Mario Maker, I'm looking forward to seeing that. I'd like to hear Nintendo say more G.C adapter's will be available in the UK and if those Paper Mario rumours are true! fanstatic if so. Remember folks Mario is 30 years old this year so I am hoping for something special from them but I will see the presentation or at least I will try to.
There better be Shin Megame Tensei x Fire Emblem!
I'm almost positive we'll get nothing of substance. If a new game is announced, it's not going to be a $60 Wii U title or anything. A downloadable budget title seems more likely.
Apart from that, we'll just be getting info on games we're already well aware of, a formal announcement of Zelda's delay, and details of DeNA's partnership. I used to be excited about these Directs but now they're frustratingly predictable.
@Quorthon
They do, but they usually still release at least a few games in the last year of the console, which often end up among the best games of the generation. Right now the 3DS has only one, and I don't think they'll leave it at that.
The PS2 was the best selling system ever, selling more than 50% more than the Wii. That aside, Sony pretty much dropped support for the PS3 as soon as the PS4 came out. The only games it has gotten since 2013 are the annual MLB releases, LBP3, and a few digital games. They had better support leading up to the PS4, but after that it was over pretty quickly. And to be fair, Nintendo usually starts with much better support than Sony and Microsoft. Just compare the first years of the Wii U and PS4, for example.
The Dreamcast sold 10.6 million units. The Wii U has sold 9.2 million as of last December, with at least 1-2 years left to sell. The Gamecube sold only a little more than twice as many in twice as long. It's entirely possible for the Wii U to catch up to the Gamecube at this point, though that would still make it tied for last place among Nintendo's systems.
Also, I think the NX, if it is the Wii U's successor, could benefit from launching in 2017. It could beat the PS4 and Xbox One power-wise, match them price-wise, and have Nintendo behind it. If the new systems last as long as their predecessors, they'll both have 3-4 years left when that happens, after which the NX will have a successor on the way too.
I think the console industry will be facing hectic times ahead in general, though. The Steamboxes are supposed to come out this year, and even their worst models outdo the PS4 and Xbox One for a fairly meager increase in price, which is offset by free online and a massive library of cheap games. In a battle of exclusives, Nintendo wins, and in a battle of 3rd parties, Steam wins. The Steambox could turn the market on its head.
crosses fingers for Fire Emblem IF information
also for XenoX western release date
and Bravely Second news
and maybe a Star Fox teaser
and wishfully hopes we might at least see some concept art from Zelda U (which probably won't happen but I can dream)
@Quorthon: Out of curiosity, how is releasing a game for an old system a good idea? If Nintendo wants to support the new system, why not make the games for that system?
I'm hoping for:
That's all I want really. I don't really care much for Xenoblade X at the moment (I don't like the battle system), and I doubt Metroid would get announced in a direct. That's more of an E3 thing. Even though I want Metroid most of all.
Anything Pokemon will do it for me. Otherwise, VC announcements, please?
@Cyberbotv2
Ha. I read "fanatic" as "fan-fic" which to be honest could be interchangeable terms in this context.
@rjejr 90 minutes without wifi?? Oh the horror!! Though funnily enough, that statement reminded me of this meme I came across yesterday.
Concerning the article, I'm not holding my breath for anything exciting, paticularly concerning the "leak" You gotta go into these things with low expectations... Though one thing I'd liked mentioned, that doesn't seem to be touched on is when pre-orders or something, anything opens up concerning wave 4 amiibo.
Also, Pokémon Stadium Wii U. It should support XY and ORAS, plus Z if it gets made. That would be beautiful. And as it stands, I could care less about an amiibo announcement. Fix the freaking stock shortages, and maybe then my interest will come back.
@Sir_JBizzle - Nice gif. And I may have gotten into that truck this morning.
BTW - It wasn't so much the 90 minutes w/o WiFi, it was waiting 90 minutes to tell me they had to order the part,which they knew about beforehand as it's a recall and should have told me over the phone before I even got there. When the guy came to tell me they didn't have the part I thought they had replaced it already. Morons.
Nintendo sure does have a sense of humor. I hope they don't crush our poor fragile hearts with a joke announcement. Nah, they wouldn't do that, right?
....Right??
Guys, don't get your hopes up for the things said on that "leak". It was pretty obvious that there was gonna be a Direct on the 1st anyway. Anyone can make that stuff up. Although, there is always a chance that I'm wrong...
@CreativeWelshman
You forgot Startropics 3 and 3D Classics: Virtual Boy Wario Land.
@Late
Get yourself a good game bud, I could be wrong but Mewtwo might be up for purchase a little later on.
@PKNoUsernameHere I want MOTHER and MOTHER 3 localized.
Take all my money Iwata!
@Peach64
I'm with you… I just want TWO things:
1. N64 on Wii U
2. SNES on 3DS
Pleeeeeeease!
this is going to be good!
If it is N64 VC, I hope they release Pilot Wings 64. It would be good to be a game that isn't already on the Wii VC
I'm just expecting Sakurai to say Mewtwo is available for download at the end...
...Then break all of our hearts with an 'April Fools'.
Please be DS VC!!! Maybe three games to start out with for the console like they did for GBA VC! I got a veeeery late start on the DS so I missed out on a ton of first party offerings and since I'll have $50-$60 to spend on the eshop for my birthday on April 2nd I'd love to pick up a few DS games to play on my 32" Sharp TUBE HDTV! I have eye problems so I tend to avoid lengthy handheld titles, so this would be absolutely awesome! Also would be nice if we got another Wii VC game for the Wii U in North America, "Twilight Princess was briefly listed on Nintendo of America's website so who knows?"
Oh and remember the DS prints money!
@Quorthon Quite true. If the NX is a hybrid, what you described seems like the best option to keep costs at least at a reasonable level. Otherwise they might as well just play the clip of Kaz Hirai saying "599 US dollars" (that would actually be somewhat amusing, but at the same time facepalm worthy).
As far as the PS4 and XB1 go, we don't know if they are still outpacing their predecessors. I'm sure the PS4 is, but I'm not so sure the XB1 is. Remember, the 3DS was outpacing the DS at one point too, and we all know how quickly that changed. I'm not sure how long shareholders and developers will allow the PS4 and XB1 to stay on the market - I don't expect developers to allow them to stay as long as the PS3/360 have, especially when the two systems are quite outdated even in comparison to some mid-range PCs.
Will be interesting to see which year the PS4 peaks. 2016? 2017? 2018? Hard to say. I can't fully predict the future. For the first couple years of last gen, it was pretty much the general opinion that the PS3 would never catch up. We all know how wrong we all were. For all we know, the XB1 may pick up it's pace with numerous exclusives - whether timed or full - and sell more than the PS4 in the end.
A direct?! ohh time to show that Paper mario U eh nintendo!?
This is exciting. I'm hyped. I can't get to hyped because I don't want to disappoint myself. It will be about the new nintendo membership, something about Amibos, and hopefully a new IP. I cannot hold my breathe for more VC games because I will get mad. Let's just hope it is a whopper of an IP. They will probably talk about splatoon too.
YES!!! Well, better go but my hype train tickets
Wario e Waluigi Super -Udventure? (for wii u)
@ThomasBW84
You're incorrect. N64 games on the GC/Wii were emulated and up-rendered to 480 lines, and you should very well know that the Wii eshop downloadables are not emulated therefore are restricted to vWii hardware. You're comparing apples with oranges basically.
Also the red alarm you had should've been from widescreen support, that doesn't make sense, if Nintendo did that they would have to spend a very long time testing only one game and only to make sure every little thing works.
Yes! I have workshop then!
Do we know how long the Direct will last? Because I can't find the time anywhere. Hope it's 45 minutes! The longer, the better!
I hope the leak is wrong, if only because Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on the Wii U is an awful idea. Who even wants that! GBA is already pushing it, but at least that I can sort of get.
I hope they'll start doing GameCube Virtual Console!
Tell us that NA is getting a f-ing non-XL N3DS!!!!!!!!!!
Iwata - "We have many great new experiences in store for Wii U"
...
"April fools please understand"
"Buy our new smartphone app"
@AlienX I know how the Wii downloads work, and the fact they're the simplest option suggests that Ninty isn't going to go nuts and mess about too much. Fair play on the GBA comment above though, with the smoothing effect etc.
I ultimately think the 'leak' is nonsense but, hey, if it's actually correct then it'll be a fascinating Direct! Ultimately a few parts of it didn't seem right, and it wasn't from a reliable source. Goodness knows if we'd reported it we'd have been fairly slammed, so damned whatever choice we make! Some of it was obvious stuff, so it'll be 'right' in a few cases.
In any case, we'll know soon enough!
11/10!!!
Pokèmon Z (hopefully!!), Splatoon (most likely), Mario Maker release date & details, Xenoblade Chronicles X release date maybe, Yoshi's Wooly World, and... Zelda U news? Ok, probably not...
And hopefully something else totally unexpected! I'M HOPING!
Aww, again with the separate streams? But then we wont be able to chat with our friends in the Americas! Guess I'll watch both simultaneously
The Google+ leak was fake. However, the 4chan leak could still be true.
This should fill the gap from now and E3, expect Rumble World, XenoX, Yoshii, Splatoon etc. They should probably give an update on star fox or unveil a new game to keep the press and guy cocker off ther back
@whodatninja It's clearly because of Codename STEAM and Kirby.
YESSSS MARIO MAKER PLEASE!!!!
@Nintenbomba128 I like you
@Nintendo_Ninja @GP8 The leaker admitted to creating that fake leak. He just guessed the date right.
I am not getting my hopes up for anything. This will probably just be an update and we will not have anything new announced. If there is anything new, it'll be 3DS as that is the least know system for the future. There could possibly be something for the VC... as Europe got nothing this week.
NOOOOO I have to work!
We remember, this week there wasn't a single WiiU eShop release listed in Europe, not even a VC game. I'm sure the Nintendo Direct will bring some announcement and at least one game will be made available a few minutes later. In most of Europe it's practically already Thursday at that time of the Direct anyway.
You all disappoint me. 400 comments and no obligatory hype train picture?
About time! I am hoping for some info on Starfox myself.
Finally! They basically had to have one after the delay and such. Can't wait!
Looks like that leak was legit, it was a lot of out there information for someone to make up. Anyone who haven't heard of the leak yet. http://mynintendonews.com/2015/03/30/rumour-nintendo-direct-on-april-1st/
April Fools! Zelda isnt delayed, its coming out next week.
To quote Etika " MEEEWWWTTTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! " I can't wait till Sakurai finally give us the complete SSB4. I'm also hoping for some release dates.
@Mega719 WOW! If true. Cant wait. Starfox in the hands of Platinum. YES PLEASE!
@Resh I did a hype train video that didn't work.
@Mega719 That leak was fake, the leaker admitted it. However, it doesn't rule out the 4chan leaks.
@Jazzer94 That means it'll be 11 pm for me in Norway. I'm very curious to see what they bring. Anything new will be welcomed with open arms and I'm guessing that they'll have a game or two ready for the Virtual Console straight after the Direct. Long shot but I'm hoping for more compatibility for the GC adapter on games.
@SeepMan Yes please.
@Inkling oh well
I am really hyped for this Nintendo Direct so I'd say around a 9! So many questions need answered about the future of Nintendo, and I know they will be saving a bulk of the information for E3, but I hope they will at least give me some tidbits to salivate over. Whatever happens, I know this Direct won't disappoint. I'm positive of that.
Ooo. The Treehouse! They're awesome! I hope whatever they show can be viewed at a later time like their E3 2014 coverage.
@Resh Here's the obligatory "my body is ready" picture:
@TrueWiiMaster: I believe the 50 dollar steam link is what may be a huge kick to consoles behinds.
I'll just hope for what I always hope for.
N64 and/or Gamecube titles for the Wii U's Virtual Console.
Because at this point in its life cycle, the Wii VC was taking on NES, SNES, Genesis, TG-16, Arcade, C64, N64...
Looking forward to it, though watching this at 11PM, and proceeding to record, edit, and render my thoughts on the Nintendo Direct for a video the following day is likely to knacker me.
In any case, my expectations are for the direct to focus mostly on Spring and early Summer releases, possibly dipping into late Summer/August time. Of course, like with most directs, I expect there to be a surprise revealed for later on in the year.
I'm personally hoping for a definitive release date for Splatoon and Yoshi's Wooly World (a June or July release date would be perfect timing). I'd also like to hear about Project Guard, although I believe it was Project Giant Robot that was listed as a first half release, and it would be nice to see Legend of Kay Anniversary getting some coverage given it's expected to release in either May or June.
All in all, I look forward to this Direct.
@Inkling That makes sense, the one which looked most fake was confirmed fake. The 4chan leak seems more credible with the most out of place thing being about FE If being set in Magvel, the same continent as Sacred Stones (the GBA game that NoA hasn't released on the Wii U VC yet)
Has to be some Animal Crossing U soon. Why else does it feature so strongly in the MK8 dlc in May?
Metroid
SNES VC confirmed. I also want Metroid. A NEW ONE. No remakes.
Crossing my fingers for Splatoon Amiibo!
What if Reggie apears, announces a new f-zero then pauses and goes APRIL FOOL! How bogus would that be? :/
Get ready for april fools!!
Im guessing/hoping Mewtwo and the miiverse stage will be available post-stream, but at least news on it i can count on. also counting on some MK8 DLC footage, splatoon release, and more Mario Maker footage (so hyped for that one), as well as stuff on Wolly World, Wii rereleases, Zelda U, and Xenoblade. Im going out on a limb and predicting a 3d F Zero X remake, and for April fools, a fake cross platform melee remake (i would alternate between laughing and crying).
@ThomasBW84
Oh, what I meant is that if they upscaled N64 games just fine on the old GameCube, nothing's stopping them from doing the same on the way more powerful Wii U with 720 lines instead.
As you already know this doesn't apply to Wii games so there was no point in bringing it up.
I've been so disappointed by Nintendo over n over so wouldn't be surprising if this direct was less exciting than going to a yawning festival.....but I hope I'm wrong!!😊As far as virtual console goes I think it would be more realistic for an announcement of turbographx 16 games being that the wii u in japan has almost 30 turbo 16 titles already!! Of course N64 would be welcome as would GameCube - Genesis - master system- Neo geo- VC ARCADE- and yes dreamcast too. But I've given up on Sega now! They're just not interested in wii u at all. A real dream would be to see Atari classics like asteroids - centipede - millipede - food fight- tempest- Missle command- black widow- desert falcon- yars revenge etc
$1.99 each price point!! 👍😃
@EvisceratorX Your prediction just might be true! he he,
I WON`T BE FOOLED Nintendo.
Prepare yourself guys, we will be trolled...
I expect focus on Wii U please, a new game, english Xenoblade trailer and maybe that abandoned Fire Emblem game.
@Chaoz
If we quoted the entirety of that video, we'd get banned in no time
@drewb0203
How about SNES 3D Classics? With "Super Mario World available right after this Direct" maybe? Or 3D Classics Donkey Kong Country? A man can dream!
@AlexSora89 ALTTP would be awesome, because I never played ALTTP
All I want is some Star Fox footage! Pretty please!
Still, not a good date for a Direct, but I can't wait to see what's inside!
How about some more info on Fire Emblem 14?
Only want:
I won't miss Zelda. The last good Zelda game was Ocarina of Time... Zelda is gone.
@Thearnaud44 2nd April, 6AM.
Makes me happy to see that it'll be up just as I wake up!
OMG, My body has been ready since February.
I will have to re-hook up my desktop for this but it will be totally worth it. I'm hoping for some more info on Star Fox and one or two (THREE!!!!) surprise games for Wii U and 3DS. I do not want any talk on NX, but some info on QoL would be welcome. And as always, N64 VC releases are always good news if they ever get around to them, even if they do only re-release the initial 20+ games they had on Wii VC.
I think it's safe to say that anything relating to QoL, the NX, or mobile games won't be present. The new membership program probably won't be seen yet either
@Achoo @ThomasBW84
I actually read from another German that the English translater mis-translated the 720p upscaling part. He basically said that the original German post made no mention of the upscaing and that the translater seemed to add that part on his own.
Tomorrows Direct:
1. The Zelda delay was a joke! Haha!
2. Xenoblade X for NA and EU is releasing on the same day as the Japanese release!!
Please don't burst my bubble.
@Pius That wouldn't be nice at all.
N64 VC, Xenoblade X NA release date, Yoshi's Wooly World release date, Mario Maker release date, SSB Mewtwo DLC, Splatoon, Star Fox footage, and one more big announcement.
Besides offering new details on games that are being released this year, I hope this Direct will include development footage on Zelda and unambiguous assurance that it will be published for the Wii U. That would put any doubt to rest.
all i want is youkai watch release date. and maybe attack on titan.
They are insane. Its nearly midnight. I have to wake up earlier to work.
I guess i watch it later. Shame.
They will reward Wii U loyalty by giving everyone who owns one $1000000 each!*
*So much hype I could not control myself.
@IceClimbers Mario Maker?
Almost midnight, eh? Well thats a new one~
But yeah, Yokai Watch Shuichi would be nice to have over here. A release date for Xenoblade Chronicles X would be sexy as fawk. And an Amiibo update is necessary, I believe. GIMME MY NESS!
Been waiting for this for over 2 months and yet my body is nowhere near ready.
I feel morale amongst the Wii U community is low right now and Nintendo really needs to address that with some reassurance and surprise announcements.
We need something big on the VC front, though I'd also like another high profile HD upgrade or three a la Wind Waker HD.
@opeter
Why?
@beautifulstrong: don't know. Maybe it's April 1st joke.
Ask Iwata and Nintendo ...
brace your selfs for the comment "please understand" to be said often -_-
but not really excited about this direct though it was needed like finally but on april 1 out of all days they could of had it tomorrow april 2 but what ever i be surprise if they say the zelda delay was a april fools joke..... guess they also couldnt stand the big talk of the delay and wanted to put something else out there to talk about...
only thing i am hoping for is the yoshi game release date and hopefully it being soon :/
I read a "leak" and from what I saw of it, this direct looks pretty good.
@IceClimbers
The comment on the PS4 and XBO outselling their predecessors is from MS and Sony themselves. As I recall, the Xbox 360 took a little more than a year to sell 10 million, and the XBO did it slightly faster. The PS4 has already sold 1/4 of what the PS3 did, and if it's actually outselling the PS2, that's pretty incredible.
Yes, things could change, as you noted, the 3DS briefly out-performed the DS, but dropped sharply as the new releases dried up. I don't think that's going to happen with the PS4 or XBO, even with their less-than-PC power--in order to get drastically better than the PS4 or XBO, you have to spend a pretty substantial amount on your gaming PC. But it's not about power, it's about convenience. In general, consumers still prefer to game on consoles and to have the features of consoles (like the Blu-Ray player and streaming services).
I think the PS4 and XBO will outsell the PS3 and X360 at this point. Which is a reversal of what I was thinking two years ago after the 3DS, Wii U, and Vita all had lackluster launches. I was wondering if those were a hint about an upcoming trend, but the PS4 and XBO have proven that wrong. The problem isn't console gaming, it's Nintendo and portable gaming (the latter largely being replaced by mobile).
I think I understand what hurt the 3DS, Wii U, and Vita now--the casual and portable audience left and moved to mobile, and Nintendo banked too heavily on the casual audience with the Wii and DS, and was wrong to expect them to stick around for Wii U and 3DS.
@TingLz
Are you referring to my God of War II note?
It seems odd that you wouldn't see how this is a good idea, though there is a bit of counter-intuitive nature to it, mostly concerning the importance of supporting the new system.
The basic point is retaining your audience. Not every PS2 owner moved over to the PS3 right away (not all of them clearly moved to the PS3 in general), and the PS2 was still selling well after the X360 and PS3 launched. Still having a high-profile release after the new console is out builds and maintains consumer confidence in the product and brand. Those who adopt later have more to play--hell, the PS2 was still seeing a couple lingering releases in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Mostly annual sports games, but they were obviously profitable or they wouldn't have continued. There is still an audience there.
Not everyone adopts a console right away. I bought my Wii in 2007 (as soon as I got home from training), my Xbox 360 in 2008 (3 years after launch), and my PS3 in 2011 (5 years after launch). For those with the older-gen console, it's good to have late releases continue to trickle out. Hell, Nintendo has long recognized this on the portable side, though not on the console side, for generations. For some reason, they allow their consoles to die early, but will support the portable a bit longer. Pokemon Black & White 2 came out well after the 3DS released.
That's the point. Retention of consumer confidence. And it works. The PS1 and PS2 are both extremely fondly remembered, as will be the X360 and PS3, with their steady stream of late-gen and even cross-gen releases. There is still a large audience there to appeal to. There were maybe 5~8 million PS3's in homes when God of War II released on the PS2, which was well past 130 million by that point.
Look at it like this: The year the PS2 launched, the original Playstation had an astounding 525 releases. The year the GameCube launched, the N64 had only 20. Which one of those retains consumer confidence in the brand or company? Which of those makes the new console sound more exciting merely because of the level of support? Those Playstation owners had ample reason to continue playing, and to be excited for the future of the brand. The N64 owners had pretty good reason to think the N64 was already dead, and to have little hope for the next console.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the biggest reason the GameCube struggled--was because of the N64.
Oh, here's where I got the numbers: http://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/playstation/2000/
http://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/n64/2001/
Margin for error based on whether or not MobyGames users have added every game.
@TrueWiiMaster
I also think the Steambox could turn the industry on it's head--and I also see why it could release and be ignored.
Also, Sony did not drop the PS2 immediately after the PS3 was released. Hell, Sony didn't even stop manufacturing the PS2 until 2013! Check it out: http://mashable.com/2013/01/07/sony-stops-manufacturing-playstation-2/ Again, God of War II released in 2007, a year after the PS3 was out.
I do not think the Wii U will catch up to the GameCube. Note, those sales numbers of the Dreamcast occurred in about two years, as it was discontinued in 2001--the Wii U has sold fewer consoles over a longer period.
And holy crap, I just double-checked this. The DC released globally in 1999 (Japan in 1998), and was discontinued March 31, 2001. It wasn't even in production for a full two years worldwide. It spent one year in Japan, then had about a year and a half with the "rest" of the world. It sold more consoles than the Wii U, with fewer territories and less time on the market.
At this point, I expect the Wii U to top off around 12.5 million total lifetime sales, with a maximum of 15 million--well below the 21 million of the GameCube. In what I can see, it seems that the only hardware it is currently outselling is the Xbox 360 and the Wii.
Which brings up the baffling question of "who the hell just bought a Wii?"
@Quorthon Unless they can get more than a handful of publishers to support the SteamOS, the Steambox is going to have limited appeal. The most expensive part of the PC hardware is the OS license, and really can hurt the pricepoint of a Steambox and puts it's fate in Microsoft's hands.
@Quorthon
They supported the PS2 for a long time, but that's because it was such an incredible success. The PS3 sold just over half as many units, and was dropped almost immediately. Actually, they dropped the PS1 pretty quickly too. Aside from MLB's up to 2004, and a couple licensed games, the only games Sony released on it after the PS2 were Spyro 3 and MediEvil 2, with only a few games in the previous year.
I'm not sure if the Wii U will catch up or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. I expect its lifetime sales to be 15-20 million, but I also think it will last at least until the end of 2017. As for the Dreamcast, how many of those sales were at a deeply discounted price?
To answer that question, probably the mother of a disappointed child who wanted a Wii U.
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