Reggie Wii U

We've said this every year since its launch in November 2012, but this truly is an important period for the Wii U. With 2014 delivering improved momentum but still seeing the system lag behind newer rivals PS4 and Xbox One, the aim for 2015 is for momentum to continually improve and to bring the Wii U closer to its competitors. It's an important year for the 3DS, too, with the New model having the task of halting declining momentum and extending the portable's generation.

In an article on Cnet, the focus is on Nintendo's ability to utilise popular franchise for continuous success, highlighting the recent NPD results that showed The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D performing strongly alongside the New Nintendo 3DS XL in the US. Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime is quoted on the topic, reiterating why he feels Nintendo's key brands continue to deliver, and the importance of major releases to sell hardware.

Nintendo has always put out content that is lasting and is content that the consumer plays for extended periods of time.

In this games business, the axiom is that software drives hardware, and we've seen that over our 30+ year experience in this category.

When considering the Wii U and its ability to carry the same nostalgia and passion as previous hardware for fans in years to come, specifically, Fil-Aime is relatively reticent by his standards - he expresses hope, rather than positive certainty.

We certainly hope so. And in the end it's going to be placed on our ability to have these unique compelling experiences that stand up to time.

Further showing the tipping point in which the Wii U finds itself, IDC analyst Lewis Ward states that he isn't surprised to see Nintendo continue to devote resources to key franchises, and states that there's a chance for the Wii U to remain competitive, if not leading its rivals.

I don't blame Nintendo for going back to the well. If you go back to the Wii, there were some Mario games released in the first couple years that were still selling significant volumes at the end of the Wii's life cycle.

I don't think there's any opportunity for the Wii U to come back and be the top-selling console.

If you asked me a year ago [on being competitive with PS4 and Xbox One], I would have said no shot, but I do think that you see signs of hope.

Let us know what you think of these quotes, and whether Nintendo's announced plans for the Wii U, in particular, give you optimism for 2015 and beyond.

Thanks to Benson for the heads up.

[source cnet.com]