Cakes

I spent an hour yesterday completely transfixed by Wii Street U as I toured around an old town where I used to live.... even though, as you say, you could see the same images on your computer, the effect of viewing it through the GamePad and being linked to the TV for sharing can't be overstated. A wonderful little bonus to a system already full of them. Really hope more people discover how charming and lovely this system is.

Wow, Totilo was really pushing Ward to say something about the Wii U's raw power. I usually like his perspective and approach, but that was a tad obnoxious.

I'm curious about this version then. I usually have zero interest in modern racer's (I GameFly'ed the previous Need for Speed for 360 and was instantly bored) but I want to give this a chance.

As crazy as it seems, the fact that they've sold over a million retail-priced copies of ABT shows this was a good business decision. It also shows how much power retail still has, and how many customers aren't being satisfied by Android/iOS marketplaces. Even if it's the same game for 10x the cost, many want the experience at home, on the big screen TV (or in the palm of their hands with buttons). Even if you don't like the game, this should come as good news to all those who think dedicated gaming platforms are dying.

So is River King like a Fishing RPG-lite? Or something? A neat little pick-up-and-play fishing sim could be a great classic download. (Game Boy) Color me interested.

While a brand-new game would've been cool, I'm pretty psyched to see how this looks and plays on 3DS. The original game was brilliant — those defending the SNES trilogy over this are flat crazed. (IMO.)

And nobody should be surprised at the remake. This is Nintendo's bread-and-butter strategy. Make awesome games. Sell same awesome games to new people on new platforms. More people play awesome games. Hopefully the high income margin on something like this can help fund new, riskier ideas.

Just be happy it's not Donkey Kong Barrel Blast 3D...

How does a one-person team create such lush visuals in only 4 months? Am I missing something? Or are dev tools these days so good at making this possible?

Tank! x 3 is waaay more fun than it has any right to be. Definitely worth a go. You might find yourselves addicted to solo missions (as I was) and then pulling in a friend with My Kong Mode. Will be interesting to see how the f2p model works...

"Are you pleased to hear Platinum Games will be keeping Bayonetta 2 and The Wonderful 101 on Wii U?" Kind of a silly question... but I'll bite: YES SIR. The U needs all the help it can get, and two anticipated games unavailable anywhere is is a start.

Very curious as to what game the dev was referring to when he said it's sold tens of thousands instead of millions...

This certainly isn't great news. But to be fair, DICE had a negative/uncertain vibe for console gaming in general, not just Wii U. Watch Jesse Schell's keynote where he speaks about the iPad's unforeseen disruption... It's a very murky situation in the industry as a whole, not just in Nintendo Country. If anything, 3rd-parties have the most to lose since they don't have the sure-fire hit franchises of Nintendo. So of course they're the ones who will be freaked out and negative. Whoa man it's gonna be an interesting year...

I really wish Ken's Rage 2 was a budget price. The video on Wii U eShop looks balls-out wacktastic. But I can't stomach what's most likely a $49.95 price tag for essentially a crazy brawler.

This looks like a great little unique addition to the platform. If nothing else, it might pique the interest of someone who hasn't played games before, get the WiiU GamePad in their hand, make them more comfortable.... which could lead to a round of Nintendo Land... which could lead to playing more games, etc.

I'll add another to gblock's list, especially for those in the New England area:
http://www.pinballwizardarcade.com/<br />
And of course Fun Spot http://www.funspotnh.com/<br />
Can't wait for Pinball Arcade on Wii U. I just can't get into Zen's tables, nice as they are. Love me the real deal.

I agree with drunkenmaster76 that friends/acquaintainces of mine have already zero interest in Wii U 'cause they're tied up in their 360/PS3. I was at a friend's house (this is in the states, but sales are waning everywhere, not just UK) and I asked a guy what he thinks about the Wii U, or what have people been saying about it. He said he doesn't think about it. People aren't talking about it. And these are kids that play lots of games. Just not Nintendo games. Not anymore, at least.
Without the huge mainstream push the Wii got, the U could have an uphill climb... That said, I absolutely love mine. So. We'll see.

Ikachan could be another game that really benefits from 1) being on a handheld, and 2) the 3D top-screen. I don't know, but something about NightSky really clicked with me, but only because I was holding it in my hands and the subtle 3D depth really added to the atmosphere. I don't think I would have played it to completion--twice--if I'd downloaded it for cheaper on Steam. So I have no problem if eShop games have a slight increase in price.

Emily Rogers strikes again.

@harman, Tetrisphere had some sweet tunes. Picked it up used a few years ago. Almost like the predecessor to ThruSpace/Ketzal's Corridors, in a way...?

Orla, why is your article about Amazon Instant when the topic is Sony's PS3 exclusives? Wait I'm confused.

(For my money, the PSN store seems like the best part of Sony's console; I'm bummed I've missed out on Journey, Everyday Shooter, Pixeljunk, and more...)

@KnightRider666 Galactic Pinball! I really do like it, but wish the ball/disc moved more fluidly or naturally. I guess it's in space, though, so.... hard to complain.

And as much as I'd love to have the VB library on 3DS, might it be problematic with the red-on-black visuals? Wouldn't ghosting be a constant issue? Unless they re-did some backgrounds, a la 3D Classics: Kid Icarus. We'll see. For now I'll just unearth my Virtual Boy from time to time and escape into the redness....

Is there any other major company President/CEO like Iwata? The hounds are at his heels, and he keeps talking about empathy and smiling faces.

This is a compliment, by the way. Fans/investors are all so reactionary. If Nintendo had thrown in the towel after the 3DS launch, they wouldn't be outselling all hardware combined (in Japan at least). Give Wii U the next year and we'll see what happens.

So far I'm loving the system. Miiverse is a constant wonder, and NLand is seriously underappreciated. Even a throwaway like Tank!x3 is surprisingly addictive. And Little Inferno, and oh yeah, NSMBU... what's the problem again?

This actually looks intriguing. Haven't played a sports sim in a loooong time. But I'm concerned about buying a launch port... will probably wait for at least next year's version, or something that is exclusive to Wii U just so it uses the system to its fullest (no frame rate issues, better Miiverse/GamePad integration) even though it sounds like this is a viable option.

@DarkCoolEdge Not sure if it will be any good or not... but "bland"? Tokyo Crash Mobs ain't no bland. Personally I can't wait. (Well, I can. Since I'm in America and will be waiting a few days.)

It drives me crazy that so many equate Nintendo Success with a new Zelda title. 1) It hasn't been selling as well recently. 2) Skyward Sword came out not too long ago. After E3 2012 and Nintendo Land was the big showcase, a well-known games writer on whatever TV channel was actually showing the conferences (Spike?) asked, in all seriousness, "Where was Zelda!?" Um, it was on the shelves six months ago.

I know it's an amazing franchise, and people get all gooey over the prospects of a new one, but they're not annual installments or cookie-cutter updates. Anyway, a new Zelda will not suddenly make the Wii U desirable to the wide audience Nintendo is going for. The next unexpected, exclusive piece of new software will do that. And the new stuff is coming. It's just not out (or confirmed) yet. People gotsta slow their roll.

I liked Origins, but wasn't that excited about Legends.... UNTIL I played that demo. Hard or not, it looked lovely and the GamePad-specific sections were actually quite fun. I would have absolutely no problem if Wii U became the place for beautiful 2D games with innovative controls, just like the Wii became a haven for 2D platformers in its last few years.

<please please do not take me seriously please>

Too bad the 3DS is such a failure. This might have sold a few dozen units. Oh well... can't wait for Mario games on my iPhone6!

Add me to the list of people wishing/hoping/praying for the Walking Dead Telltale game to come to Wii U. Operation Brains-fall?

@idork99 NightSky and Fluidity are both essential eShop games, imo. Almost passed on NightSky due to mediocre reviews (outside of NLife) but am so glad I picked it up. Very soothing, intriguing experience. Played through it twice, 2nd time on the harder difficulty which really makes it a whole new set of levels.

Both this and Nano look good and are priced right, but I'm just not interested in playing remastered versions of 3DS games I already own. That's why the only Wii U eShop game I have so far is Little Inferno. (Which is freaking awesome.) Can't wait for the next batch of promising new Wii U downloads to hit....

This actually sounds good to me, as I'd rather not pay again for those tables I already own on 3DS (Shaman, Excaliber, etc.) and just purchase the tables I haven't played yet.

It'll be interesting to see how different the infrastructure is for Pinball Arcade... they seem to be selling you the first 4 tables, and then releasing 2-table DLC packs. I kind of wish Farsight (PA devs) was releasing it like Zen Studios is. But like @Sean I'm "not too fussed" as long as Pinball Arcade comes out already. Drastically prefer the real tables to Zen's fictional ones, nice as they are.

I've never really had a bad time at Gamestop. It's weird — seems like everybody hates them, but the people in my local shop are pretty cool and helpful and don't really push anything. Huh.

That being said, I pre-ordered my Wii U at Toys 'R Us. Usually only buy the occasional used game at GS. But I'm glad they're around, since they offer games other big box stores (Wal-Mart, Target) won't supply.

Also: "...it certainly seems like a focus on quality over quantity, with surely more unconfirmed goodies in the pipeline for later in the year."

N. Life's Best of 2013 feature with a bit of prognostication.

I'm not a Pokemon player, but to those complaining about the graphics — does anyone think there's almost a purposeful attempt to keep the visuals lo-fi or not Super Beautiful, just as an aesthetic choice? I mean, I think this new 3D engine looks pretty good, but seeing the evolution from Game Boy to DS (in the N. Direct video) really does show how stagnant the visuals have been. That said, people love each game and they sell millions... I sort of admire how they don't feel compelled to "keep up with the Jones" and make it technically-brilliant just for the sake of it, as long as the core gameplay works.

All of the above. I've been intrigued by this since the first reveal (wasn't it a DS title back then?).... really hope this comes our way.

@JebbyDeringer I agree that Rayman Origins/Legends and Trine 2 look more beautiful than NSMBU... that being said, I've had WAAY more fun with Mario U than I did playing Trine 2 on XBox360. The floaty feel of that game just completely turned me off, whereas 2D Mario has always been about tighter, super-responsive gameplay and level design, and U has that in spades. Plus the new Challenge Modes are addictive and tough. The discussion of assets by Digital Foundry is neat, but in my mind a completely separate conversation than whether the game is any good or not.

That video of it being built by invisible nano-bots or whatever is pretty funny. Love the swell of dramatic music, like, "It's finally here!! What we've all been waiting for!!"

The ability to stream PC games is neat. And playing that on your TV. But isn't Valve doing something similar with Big Picture mode? I read an article that said this can output at 4K resolution, i.e., a mode that nearly 0% of the TV market supports as of now. So why have all that power and juice if it's just going to 1) make it more expensive, and b) fragment the Android market even more? Will be interesting to see what happens. My guess is we won't be discussing this in 2014, but who knows...

So is 2013 the year when Other M supporters finally come out in droves? If so, count me among you brave souls. I thought Other M was a very cool, risky move on Nintendo's part. As much as I loved the Prime Trilogy, I'm so happy they gave us Other M instead of just Prime 4. People always yell and scream for something different — then they get it and cry that it's not the same as what came before.

(That said, I hope Team Ninja isn't working on an established Nintendo franchise. Unless it's Urban Champion... wait a sec: Wii U-rban Champion? Yes!!)

High-quality, low-price Wii U eShop games? Yes. EDGE in particular looks intriguing. (But also what @erv said: New stuff please! But I get you want to suck as much coin out of the developed projects.... just as long as said coin is re-invested back into unique ideas)

@Slapshot I'm not arguing that Wii U has the same intuitive, instant "magic" feeling as the Wii, because you're right, it doesn't.... but my point was simply about NintendoLand, and how there's much more to it than many are giving it credit for. Perhaps that's the game's fault for not spelling it out; perhaps some should have a bit more patience.

But yes, one of the big challenges the Wii U will face is the intimidating nature of its many possibilities/limitations. The Wii was simple and elegant, and succeeded largely because of this complete lack of barriers to entry. The Wii U is more complex and not as immediately gratifying. Once it has its hooks in you, though.... whoa man. I hope Nintendo is able to figure out their messaging and gets this in enough people's hands, 'cause there's loads of potential.

@aaronsullivan I've listened to multiple industry podcasts where people start to play NintendoLand, get turned off by something or other, and say they'll never go back to it. And it makes me CRAZY! Because it's balls-out awesome and too many "experts" aren't even giving it a chance.

For example: One was upset that he'd have to re-play early levels of Yoshi's Fruit Cart. Never even realizing that the warp gates shoot you to the last level you reached.

Another: One was annoyed that the F-Zero game wouldn't let him look at the TV screen to control his racer, forcing him to look down at the GamePad. But that only happens in the Tutorial! Had he played for 30 more seconds he'd see that you can play however you want. And if you figure out the powerslide turning technique the whole race can be fast and difficult and intense.

But enough from me... suffice to say, I'm "slightly disappointed" in so many so-called experts who have written off one of the year's most gutsy and joyful games.

The moment I realized your special stickers would shine and shimmer on the bottom-screen along with the movement of the system is the moment when I realized Paper Mario: Sticker Star was phenomenal and worthy of really long sentences in the comments section of an article about the game.

@couchpotato @Radio_KJ And a color VB at the time would have cost maaany times more than it already did. So no, don't think it would have sold gangbusters. Still, I love the Virtual Boy for what it tried to do. Bought one at the time, returned it to the store, then out of grief and regret bought one used on eBay fifteen years later. Play it every now and again... there's nothing else like it.

Love that a $2 3DS game actually looks to be interesting and worthwhile. Gunman Clive, I'll be trying your chaps on soon.

The game's pretty brilliant, and would be worth having on Wii U for the music (by Disasterpeace) alone.... sure, the guy's buffoonery doesn't make him very likable. But I don't want to have a beer with my President; I want him/her to run the country. I don't want to be pals with my game developers; I want them to make awesome games.

I realize localization and production would be costly, but perhaps releasing a game to other markets is the only way Namco could hope to get back some of their initial investment.... so this could be good news for a western release? Maybe?

Mutant Mudds comes out: "YAY it's amazing!"
MM dev speaks out on potential negative consequences of piracy: "BOO it's way overrated, who needs ya anyway?"
Well that was unexpected...

2013 is going to be a veeeery interesting year.... between the post-holiday Wii U period in its first full year on shelves, and the reveal of whatever Sony'soft have up their sleeves, and the continuing evolution of tablet/mobile gaming, there's lots of competition out there. Hopefully it forces some innovative surprises and not just more of the same.
(Also: Go Blue. Following the U-Mich football game on Nintendo TVii. Join me!)

@evildevil97 Same here. This is good news, people! (As long as they actually do make original, new games.) Can't wait until devs start releasing info on their slate of new Wii U stuff for 2013. Hopefully sales figures and its potential are enough to get devs on-board....

WHERE"S DENPA MEN? FREAKYFORMS!? PILOTWINGS!!?
Just kidding. Y'all crack me up. What OnionOverlord said.
But you gotta respect the passion.

@Windy Even better than porting Android games to 3DS — get these teams making original games specifically for the eShop! Mr. Horberg, we will support you. Excited for Clive's release in the states.

This just reminded me that I hope Kid Dracula comes out on 3DS VC some day...
But yes, more limited-edition hardware! How about the 1-year anniversary special edition Virtual Boy with matte blue casing and F-Zero pack-in? <<confers with assistant>> Wait, what??