AirElephant

You have to imagine that the reason Nintendo doesn't do direct sales through Amazon is that Amazon wants deeper discounts on the wholesale prices they pay than Nintendo wants to give. Of course, Nintendo wants access to Amazon's customer base. A simple color scheme with a cheap, but still poplar, retro game probably allows Nintendo to justify the discount that Amazon demands.

There are too many comments to search to make sure I'm not repeating someone else, but because the Switch appears to create a local wifi or Bluetooth LAN perhaps Nintendo will integrate their mobile efforts with the NS? Why couldn't Nintendo create an app that allows your cell phone or tablet to act as a second screen for optional maps and other features the DS used its second screen for?

That heading delights me to no end. Instead of two crappy, low resolution screens I'll get a huge, bright, detailed one? Capacitive versus resistive? And no more gimmicks to make the bottom screen useful? Yes please!

I still can't figure out why Nintendo isn't making a bajillion of these things right out of the gate. Make five million. I guarantee they'll all sell. Argh. Want get but fear won't get.

@BenAV
I have ABSOLUTELY no desire for any more dual-screen systems. I hope this is the death of that irritating gimmick. Give me a big, beautiful screen and fill it with amazing games. DIE, DS, DIE!

I haven't been this thrilled with a Nintendo handheld since the Game Boy Advance.

I honestly don't care if the graphics are Wii-U quality and 30fps. I want the NX to be a simple, gimmick-free experience with a portable form factor, and a single very high resolution screen. No more crummy, low-res 3D garbage. No waggle. Just comfortable controls, decent power, good battery life and a way to dock it quickly and easily to my TV.

I want Nintendo to put all its efforts into delivering games like they made on the SNES, GBA, and GameCube before budgets went crazy and gameplay became repetitive.

The visuals on that game look terrific! As an old-school (and just plain old) gamer, who loves classic platformers, I'd definitely consider grabbing this game. And now that I know of "Bloodstained" I'll keep an eye out for that, too.

@JoakimZ
It'll almost certainly be the SNES version. I can't say I've seen any clonesole with licensed arcade ports.

It's really hard to get excited about a system with so many B-grade (and worse) titles. As usual for a clone system, Retro-bit is adding a lot of filler--has anyone actually heard of titles like "Water Margin" or "Aguna" before?--to make it look like you're getting a deal. Companies like Capcom won't give them key properties like Contra, Street Fighter, Mega Man, or even UN Squadron.

I'll wait for the reviews but I'm not expecting many to be favorable.

That graph is suspiciously lacking. Why is there no "Y" scale to indicate how many thousands/hundreds of thousands/millions of queries were involved? That graph looks manipulated to possibly make the problem look more severe than it really was.

I actually think that March 2017 will not happen. I know the writers cited other Nintendo hardware launches that fell outside of the normal Fall season, but almost no hardware manufacturers release consoles early in the year. None. Nintendo is simply trying to project stability to the investors by plunking that launch in the FY-2017 window but I can all but guarantee that by early next year the NX will be delayed until Fall 2017. I've seen them do it too many times to count.

And anyone that is relying on Kimishima to pull Nintendo through all of this is smoking something. The man was quickly yanked back to Japan from Nintendo of America, where he briefly served as President after Minoru Arakawa returned to NOJ, as soon as NOA could replace him with Reggie. He's a lifer who has no big ideas but who can simply keep the ball rolling while the rest of NOJ tries to figure out what to do.

I fear that Nintendo might just be putting the nail in the coffin for its home consoles with these moves. I am fearful that Nintendo will no longer be seen as a credible hardware manufacturer and will resort to Mobile games and 3rd party releases on other systems.

Oops. meant to remove the second #1 before I posted. Ignore that, since it was an idea I tossed out while writing.

@Socar
Why? Do you really think that the hardcore Wii-U fans, who bought the system despite its limited library, wouldn't also buy the NX? Do you really want motion controls forced on you despite all of the evidence so far that it's a gimmick and doesn't help gameplay at all? You'd still get the game, you'd just have to buy the NX — which you will, anyway.

Nintendo has had an extra six months or more to "fix" the motion control issue and they still haven't. At this point, I see three scenarios:

1. (Probable) The game is delayed again and the motion controls are improved, but not perfected. The game enjoys modest success, though complaints about the control still linger.
1. (Most likely) They release the game with questionable control. Reviewers consistently criticize the controls, discouraging many buyers. Sales aren't bad, but also aren't great.
2. (Less likely) Motion controls are either perfected or removed entirely, delaying the game until after the NX is announced. If they're perfected, the game goes on to moderate success. If removed, questions arise as to why it wasn't released on the NX with improved graphics instead.
3. (Unlikely) Game is canceled for the Wii-U and announced as a launch title for the NX. Motion controls are removed and graphics significantly improved.

Persionally, I'm still rooting for #3 as unlikely as it seems. Star Fox will NOT shift Wii-U systems, especially since the NX is likely to be announced in four short months. Why not use it to help brand new NX systems instead?

I wish Nintendo would just swallow their pride and cancel the Wii-U release. Retool it for release on the NX and ditch the motion controls entirely. Make it a day one release.

I think a lot of people abandoned the original Wii because Nintendo and many licensees shoehorned motion controls into games that worked better using standard buttons. If the complaints for Star Fox continue to revolve around the controls, why keep them? Games are supposed to be fun, and they can't be if you're fighting the controls.

Fans will forgive a delay and why Wii-U is practically dead anyway. I'd be willing to bet that it would do better as a solid NX launch title than as a disappointing Wii-U release.

@garyoakfj
He probably read the article on geekwire.

http://www.geekwire.com/2015/pokemon-sues-fans-to-block-pokemon-party-on-eve-of-pax-game-convention-in-seattle/

The event has been taking place since 2011 but this is the first year Ramar ran it. I don't know why TPC hasn't sued before; perhaps they weren't aware it existed.

Also, those noting that TPC isn't prosecuting fanfic and original drawings have to realize that fan art can fall under fair use laws. Most probably don't qualify, but I suspect that TPC largely ignores them because they actually promote the brand in a positive light. I'd imagine that you don't see much Pokemon erotica or pornographic artwork because TPC would legally ban it.

I can see why TPC might object to this event as much due to the presence of alcohol, considering Pokemon is largely aimed at children, as it is in defense of its copyright. If I were them, I might see it as a negative association.

The amount that The Pokemon Company was suing for was $4,000. Ramar set up a Gofundme site to raise the money. I'd suggest reading the site to see how you feel about his behavior.

https://www.gofundme.com/ng5f2ukk

Personally, I think he handled the issue immaturely and could have raised the money without having to cast TPC as the bad guys. His lawyer did him a disservice if he didn't advise him to be more discreet about raising the settlement money.

Mr. Kimishima ran Nintendo of America between when Mr. Arakawa returned to Japan and when Reggie took over. It was not considered a very dynamic time. He seems to be a nice fellow, but certainly not a visionary or leader that will return Nintendo to the top of the heap. Investors have seen what Mr. Kimishima could do at NOA and realize that NOJ isn't going anywhere until they find a permanent, dynamic replacement.

It's a market. If their talent is important to the sales of a game, the publisher will likely pay them well. It's obvious when a company hasn't used quality actors, and when they have. Competition for good actors should be all they need to negotiate their pay and working conditions. This sounds like more of a move by established actors to prevent competition in a market where the barrier to entry is low. Why pay Wheaton big money when you can pay an unknown actor with a great voice much less?

All this would do is increase costs to consumers. The problem for voice acting is that in most cases there are plenty of people that can do the job. Only a few, like Billy West, are irreplaceable and they are paid well for their work.

Damien, that was one of the meanest subheadings you've ever written! Now I'm all depressed. Where did I put that Super Metroid cartridge, dagnabit?!!

@Dakt
Which is why I spend much more time on Nintendolife than Wiiudaily. The difference in the quality of the articles is substantial. If you want to see a site that simply generates hyperbole in return for clicks, go there. I'm glad the guys here have a bit more integrity.

It really depends upon whether or not console makers can do what Nintendo did with the Wii and create a new, unique gaming experience that cannot be replicated using generic hardware.

I am amazed that people seem so taken with the PS4 and XB1, which are nothing more than highly-customized, low-end PC's. There is literally nothing that can be done on one of those consoles that cannot also be done on a decent PC or, increasingly, even one of the newer STB's from Amazon, Apple, or Google. (The mobile chips, while not as powerful, are increasingly able to produce visuals that are "good enough" for most gamers on 1080p TV's.)

Pachter cannot possibly predict whether or not the gaming companies can create new interfaces or use existing technologies in unique ways. None of them want to go the SEGA route and become mere content producers for Apple, Google, and Microsoft. I expect that the next cycle will still come and that the companies will push themselves much harder to create consoles that do unique things. And gamers will benefit.

Ah Mario Paint. What a weird, yet wonderful addition to the Super Nintendo library. It just reminds me of how hard Nintendo tries to do new things and is, in its own way, a perfect topic on the day Nintendo releases Mario Maker.

You know, they could do it as a hologram and I wouldn't care. The only thing that makes Mario more or less enjoyable to me is the control. I hated it when the Wii Mario introduced "waggle" and I hated it when the DS version made me use the stylus. Keep the control simple and direct so that I don't have to think about what I'm doing with my hands and can concentrate on what's on screen and I'm happy.

I dearly hope the NX ends the obsession with gimmicks (touch screens, dual screens, motion controls, and stylii) and we go back to basics. If they do that Nintendo can have my money. ALL of my money!

@Inkling
Inkling, you're absolutely right. They are different games. How could I have gotten that so wrong? Sorry. In fact, "Don't Crash" is a game that also appears on silvergames.com. It appears that it's one of those HTML5 games, just like Pixel Slime, that a more capable programmer licenses to various mobile companies. You can therefore play it all you want for free.

http://m.silvergames.com/game/dont-crash/

Still, neither are RCMADIAX's games. It should have been clear when the quality went up sharply from what he'd vomit...er...produced before.

I want to add that Pixel Slime was already a HTML5 game, developed by "Bilge Kaan." The product was made available for licensing, which is apparently exactly what RCMADIAX did. As they also seem to have done it with "Don't Crash" (originally: "Stay on the Road".)

http://td2tl.com/available-for-licensing/

Just shovelware indeed.

As always, it seems the developer's philosophy is, "Put in the least amount of effort required to qualify the product as a 'game,' release it at the lowest possible price point, and hope enough people impulse buy it to turn a profit."

The quality, and i use the term lightly, of these products are little better than those of first-year computer programming students.

P.S. There's a reason that those archaic design cues were left in the '80's. I don't want a phone that reminds me of a Fiat X1/9 car

Ugh, no. No. NO! Retro is great, yes, but that just looks cheap and the snap-on gamepad looks frighteningly fragile. The leverage that one could put on that edge would quickly damage those connectors.

The main problem I have with all of these homebrew designs, though, is that the designers have no understanding of electrical engineering and therefore while they can make a clean-looking outer shell, there is no consideration of the placement of chips, screens, etc. that would dictate whether or not such a design was even feasible.

Also, I'd MUCH rather see a design that places the D-Pad/Analog stick and buttons to the side (like the PSVita) instead of below the screen. Holding the gamepad from the bottom not only makes it uncomfortable for those with bigger hands, where exactly are you going to put the triggers?

I'd LOVE to see a Nintendo smartphone, but not one that looks anything like this.

Heh. I wonder how many more times they'll re-make the old Lunar Lander game? Yeesh. The mobile gaming shovelware continues. I dearly, dearly hope the NX has a deeper library and doesn't lean on the mass proliferation of cheap "indie" titles to compete.

@ikki5
To each his own. Though I recently traded in my Wii-U, since I just wasn't interested in the games right now, I will still consider buying an NX on day one if the price and features are right. The problem for me is that I strongly dislike the Wii-U GamePad and I fear that the NX will end up being a portable system (with screen) that connects to the TV either directly or via a Miracast-like dongle.

If that happens, I'll be just as disinterested. But I'm not going to make up my mind until I know much, much more. I also sold off my XB1 so performance and power aren't my primary concern. The NX has to be a fun, exciting idea and I dearly hope they greatly revamp their game purchase pipeline.

We'll know in less than a year.

I was just watching the Game Historian YouTube video on Super Mario Bros. 2 yesterday and it got me thinking to how big the difference in graphics and technique was between Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3. The NES/Famicom was such a well-designed system for its time and it's nothing short of amazing what great developers were capable of doing with it. I still look back on those days with great fondness.

@oats-81
Actually, I think what they'll say is, "Reggie WHO?!"

I am not putting much hope in the idea that the NX will be anything more than another Nintendo "compromise" console. I'm expecting a souped-up handheld with graphics slightly better than the Wii-U could muster, but still nowhere near as powerful as the PS4. Nintendo's recent history suggest they'll put an effort on budget and a new gimmick rather than producing a truly powerhouse console. So disappointed in Nintendo.

I dearly, dearly wish Nintendo would stop forcing us to use their specialty controls and give us a wide array of options instead. When I first bought the Wii, I greatly looked forward to the New Super Mario Bros. game but I dropped it like a hot rock when it forced me to "waggle" the Wiimote to use Maro's propeller hat. There was nothing whatsoever that was fun about that. What I wanted were the better visuals and creative, new levels.

I fear that I won't be buying StarFox for the same reason. While I COULD get used to the controls, I don't wish to play a game that I have to fight to overcome my initial trepidation to enjoy it.

I re-bought the Wii-U for some VC titles and games like StarFox and Zelda, but with Nintendo abandoning the SNES on VC, StarFox looking like a dud to me, and Zelda in the distant future I'm struggling to see why I want the system anymore. i'm also considering dumping my XB1. Perhaps I've just outgrown consoles, as painful as it is to admit.

It's interesting that folks are mentioning the HoloLens when all I've been reading after this week's E3 is how disappointed reviewers have been with the difference between the prototype and the near-final version. Because Microsoft wanted to untether the HoloLens, the field of view has been substantially reduced. As a result, the feeling of "immersion" is significantly reduced.

Reggie could be pulling a Ballmer--recalling when Steve Ballmer addressed the new iPhone dismissively--and that Nintendo will miss the VR revolution. But it's also possible, as the HoloLens seems to be proving, that the technology still isn't mature enough to be mainstream.

Personally, I see VR at the same place that Kinect is and was: it's fun technology, but not essential. And I'm not sure I'd rather spend long playing sessions with weighty goggles strapped to my head or in front of a gigantic, 40" 4K monitor. (I'm inclined to think the latter.) VR might be fun for awhile, and it will certainly have a "wow" factor, but I'm not sure it's poised to change gaming.

It could, but it won't. Face it, the Wii-U is dead for all third party games. All it will get until Nintendo finally commits the mercy killing it deserves are first and second party titles and ports of Indie titles from smartphones. That's it.

@kenzo
Google may not support it, but AOSP is open source and Nintendo, I'm sure, has the expertise to fix the code in the open-source version. At that point, there's no good reason for Google not to include the code in their closed-source fork.

I am fascinated at this possibility. I've thought for awhile that Nintendo could co-opt the Android OS. One of the biggest issues with Android is that there is no standard for gaming, especially when it comes to external controls. You can buy any of a host of bluetooth gamepads, but few except perhaps the Moga approach the quality of a Nintendo controller.

Nintendo could easily use AOSP instead of Google's implementation giving developers who are already familiar with Android the ability to easily code for the platform or port to it without having to bow to Google's whims. Face it, most of the indie titles on Nintendo systems are ports either from other systems or from IOS and Android mobile titles.

If Nintendo DOES do this, there's a really good chance they could greatly influence the development of the Android gaming platform which, let's face it, will eventually eclipse consoles. I'm looking forward to see how or if this develops.

The lack of anything substantive in those videos should be of concern. The overall look isn't encouraging; my son (a college student) is turning in better looking assignments using the Unreal 4 engine. I wouldn't get my hopes up.

Frankly, I'd just be happy if the VC went the emulator route. Let customers know that the emulations might not be "perfect" but adapt one of the best emulators (like SNESoid, NESoid, etc.) on the market and make it as solid as possible. Then give users a menu of every possible Nintendo title and let them go at it. Offer it as a subscription, "all-you-can-eat" service and I'd be there on day one.

@mjc0961
Try that on a 3DS and get back to me. That's the reason I returned my 3DS, which I primarily bought to play VC titles + Zelda.

I'm absolutely done with Nintendo's virtual console.

• The prices are too high.
• The selection is slim.
• You must buy a separate copy for each hardware type.
• They are anchored to the actual hardware you buy them on. (And the process of getting them off is tedious.)
• You cannot remap the buttons to make game play more customizeable

I used to be a huge Nintendo supporter. In fact, I've spent tons of money on the VC in the past both on Wii and Wii-U. But the news that they're likely ending support for the SNES was the last straw. I can grab an old phone and turn it into an EXCELLENT emulator and play every game I want to for free. (And on a screen that beats the snot out of the low-res, bad viewing angle 3DS screen.) Would I pay for that same access if I could have every title I wanted? ABSOLUTELY! But I am sick and tired of waiting and paying and dealing with Nintendo's half-baked efforts.

I don't care if emulation is 100% perfect, I'm through with Nintendo's lame approach to old consoles. If I decide I really want the experience, GameStop's decision to stock old consoles and games will take care of my needs.

I think that Nintendo's fans need to make peace with the idea that the Wii-U will remain a platform for Nintendo titles and little else. Fill in the corners with a few nice indie titles and a smattering of VC titles and the console has a decent menu to choose from.

I don't know where the NX will take us, but as long as Nintendo pumps out great games there will always be an open input on my TVs.

Looks solid. Like CTs_Lieutenant, though, I think the music is just terrible. I've heard starter garage bands with better riffs. Hopefully, you can disable the music.

Playing games on the Apple Watch seems silly. You have a much, much bigger screen in your pocket that is designed to be on for long periods of time. The Watch is designed for brief use. Using it to play games will drain the battery so fast you won't make it halfway through the day. At least for the first generation of watches, or two, these games will struggle to gain any traction.

@MasterGraveheart
I'm absoLUTELY for B-K or Bomberman! Bomberman would be an inspired choice.

To: Nintendo:

Please. Please. PLEASE do not make ANY of the Yarn Yoshi Amiibo exclusive to any one retailer. And make a metric ton of the things. I promise you will sell every one. (The fact that they have a key loop means they'll be fun both there and hanging from Christmas trees in the years to come.)

If there's a classic Nintendo game that's as badly in need of a remaster as SM64, I'd love to hear it. I refuse to buy a re-release of a game that is only marginally changed from its Wii incarnation for the price Nintendo is asking. It's ridiculous. Give me HD textures and 1080p and I'd be happy to shell out 3x-4x the price. But I can use my Club Nintendo points to get the Wii version and play exactly the same game.

According to the FB page all Wave 4 Amiibo were sold out. Since the website never came online I can only guess they sold out at the retail level. Looks like no Ness for now, but here's hoping they make extra runs.