Only problem I have ever personally experienced with them relating to pre-orders was the whole Super Mario Maker debacle.
Pre-ordered my Switch in store purely because I have over £400's worth of Gift Cards and Reward Points to use, and you can't use them on pre-orders online.
I have always maintained that their March release was a smart move for a number of reasons; including what the guy said in his interview.
I feel like it is a win win situation for Nintendo.
If, like some have said, the date is merely so their yearly takings look better, then, fine, why not? They're a business, and that would seem like a smart business move to keep investors etc happy.
March is also really the first month of the year when people start to get a little bit more expendable income, as they have generally paid off Christmas/New Year by this point, and general, every day life seems to be back on track.
People also get their tax rebates a month later so they are probably taking advantage of those that know that they have some money coming their way on top of their wages. Plus here in the UK there is no council tax in February or March, so that might always help sway some people.
And above all, releasing now, like the guy said, when there isn't that much else happening in the gaming world per se, has given Nintendo the edge in buzz and excitement, as it will have more people talking.
Lets face it, as great as it would be for this thing to launch at Christmas with a bigger launch day lineup of games, and more time to work on any updates they're going to give us (like a web browser etc), even though it is a brand new console, how many people would be put off after having just bought an Xbox One or PS4 in a Black Friday deal? Or how about people that already own those consoles but decide to spend all their money on all the huge titles released between October and December instead of buying a Switch? Or those that decide to pick a Scorpio over a Switch if they both released together?
There is far too much going on in the Christmas period as it is, so IMO, releasing now, gives them around 7-8 months before the holiday season for the Switch to be well and truly underway, with nothing but incredible games to worry about come Christmas time, and, for those that don't already own a Switch, which bundle to buy/which game(s) to get with your console.
Slightly off topic, but I genuinely don't think that anyone here in the UK will have a problem getting one on launch day, wherever you order/buy from.
Oh yeah, they told me about only holding the console for me for 2 days, which is fine, as my decision will be made on launch say. I'll either be leaving the shop with an extra £20 on my gift card after cancelling the order there and then, or I'll be leaving with the console, pro controller, Zelda and Bomberman; it's all depending on what bundles they throw together.
Who said that? I was told that I could change my mind on launch day if I wanted and still get my £20 deposit back, but only in store credit, which is fine, because that's how I paid for it.
Still on the fence about actually collecting my pre-order on launch day as I still have such a back catalogue of Wii U games to finish and start in most cases; but the beauty of this thing even more up close has just confirmed that I'll be in GAME picking mine up on the 3rd lol
I still maintain that when it comes to Nintendo here in the UK, anyone over the age of 18 suddenly becomes "too cool" and "mature" to play on a Nintendo system. They can't possibly talk about the latest Zelda in the staff room at work because that game is for children and will show them in an immature, childish light, but it is however perfectly acceptable to talk about the latest Fifa or Call of Duty as these are for grown ups.
IMO it's just the British being the British; tight lipped, prudish and scared to show any emotion such as grinning like a cheshire cat because the latest Mario game is out or whatever.
I myself don't give a damn; I will happily shout from the roof tops that I am a Nintendo fan and that I am damn proud of it.
Same goes for wrestling for example; on April 1st this year I will have been watching wrestling for 27 years. I never took a break off when it got boring like a lot of others did. Watching wrestling is also perfectly acceptable in the UK.......until you reach about 15, or it is WrestleMania season. After the age of 15 it is not permissable and is completely embarrassing to talk about wrestling or admit that you watch it, so everyone becomes a closet wrestling fan and just crawls out of the woodwork around WrestleMania season (or they just keep up to date with it online at work when no one is looking). It is only really permissable to talk about football.
Unlike Americans and other countries in Europe, the British just seem to have a hard time expressing themselves in a genuine manner. It's like they need to be at a football game and p*ssed to show any emotion or let their inner child out lol. Same goes for gaming. If it's not an 18 and dark and grey, then it is for children.
Excuse the rant and please accept my apologies if I have offended anyone. It is not my intention, just my opinion.
Never used a web browser on any other console except the Wii U, purely because the GamePad was ideal to do so with.
It doesn't take 5 minutes to type out a website address or whatever it is you are looking for like it does with a controller, and it was just nice to have if my wife was using her iPad, and there was something I wanted to look at on a bigger screen than a phone.
I'll be honest though, I mainly used it for Miiverse and for walkthroughs on games if/when I got stuck.
I won't lie, I absolutely hate looking for a walkthrough for a PS4 or Xbox One game on another device or that consoles web browser after experiencing the ease that it could be done with the GamePad. Maybe I'm just crap at games and should stop needing walkthroughs lol.
Either way, it's not a deal breaker for me, although it would have been nice to have at launch. I'm not concerned though as I feel confident that it will get a web browser along with many other Apps throughout the year....................just PLEASE get the WWE Network App
Getting the grey Switch (not sure I like the neon colours, especially as a mismatch), Zelda, Bomberman and a Pro Controller for definite with mine. Other things such as carry case etc, I will see what offers GAME are doing on launch day. They usually do something along the lines of get this game, get another half price, or buy a Switch and get a carry case for just £5.00 or whatever. Not gonna bother with extra storage as I don't do digital at all.
Would it be sacrilege of me to admit that I am looking forward to Bomberman a teeny bit more than Zelda lol? I think it's probably because EVERYONE will be getting Zelda on Switch at launch, and only a handful on Wii U. I myself am getting it on both, and I guess my reasoning is that we have waited so long for it on Wii U, that I feel like I'm cheating on my Wii U by no doubt playing it on the Switch first and keeping the Wii U version as a collectors item lol
As for launch day plans? Well, I will of course go and pick everything up on the 3rd, but, as for setting it up and playing it, I probably wont do that until I find some proper, quiet time to myself to do so, which, with a wife and children, is very, very, very scarce; so my Switch will probably just sit there boxed up for at least a fortnight TBH, just as my Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U all were.
Plus there are still a couple of Xbox One and a ton of Wii U games that I have bought and want to start/complete too (no longer have the PS4).
Beat me to it. See my comment below yours lol. Not overly fussed as I intended on getting a Pro anyway, but, I'm just a little shocked, more so with myself for not realising though lol. Oh wells.
Followed the Switch since day one launch video, and have only JUST realised after this article that the Joy-Cons, once put together to make a controller, does not have a D-Pad like the Pro Controller. Woops lol. That's embarrassing lol.
After the games lineup was announced, Splatoon 2 was going to be the game that I waited for before plunging in, but, alas, I caved lol. Still can't wait for it though, along with Mario Odyssey
Hey, no need to apologise, you have a right to mention him any time you like. He is your son after all, no one else's. And if Nintendo was something you both enjoyed, then where better but to mention him than on a Nintendo site
I have read what you have written elsewhere regarding your son, and naturally, I can only say how sorry it is to hear/read, as I cannot imagine (and I never want to have to obviously as I'm sure you will understand) what you must have gone through and what it must have felt like.
However, as someone else mentioned, I think it is wonderful that you have those memories with your son, and maybe even more so that those memories were made by quality time with each other, and in a typical, fun and colourful Nintendo world
I know you said you were no longer getting the Switch on day one because your son is no longer with us, but, do you not think that if you DON'T get one at launch, that he may be sitting over the edge of his cloud, looking down at you with his arms crossed, frowning and complaining that he is missing out on enjoying watch his Dad play on the latest Nintendo console
I am not trying to sell you a Switch, nor sound patronising, as I clearly know that you canot value the life of a loved one with a material item, but, after everything you have no doubt gone through, maybe you should think about treating yourself with something special
But you have to remember, we as consumers these days for some reason insist on more.
20-30 years ago there was not all the IP's to launch with anyway, because they hadn't been created yet, so major launch titles would have been smaller.
Now that Nintendo for example has a massive library of IP's to work with over 30 plus years, they should have ensured IMO that at least their franchise player is ready at launch, which clearly he is not.
Not having a go, but it almost seems like you're preaching to the wrong choir here, as I will purchase, and have purchased every Nintendo console, because I know that there will ALWAYS be at least 10 games that I LOVE for them. I've also pre-ordered my Switch already, despite my disappointment with the launch day games. And to top it off, I'm a Nintendo guy through and through. I love(d) Sega (Dreamcast is my second favourite console ever with N64 being my favourite), I think Microsoft and Sony are doing a great job, but, at the end of the day, my go to brand, the ones I will always defend whilst never insulting someone else's choice of platform/brand.....is Nintendo. I'm nearing 31, and Nintendo are the only ones who can make me feel like a 5 year old again. For that, and for a lifetime of memories and some of the best times of my life, I will always be forever grateful.
And I should also point out, that I'm in the UK, so naturally, am going by Western releases as opposed to worrying about what the rest of the world gets.
If The Switch just came with one, just ONE extra MUST have game as well as Zelda such as Mario Odyssey, and then perhaps a couple of extra big hitters by the end of April such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (fully aware that it launches in April) as well as Splatoon 2 and a new Luigis Mansion or F-Zero or Metroid or anything TBH, then I'd say that in the space of LESS than 2 months, that they had a pretty damn good lineup to keep people's attention for a long time. As it stands, the next big hitter that isn't a port isn't arriving until August, and then their "face that runs the place" doesn't arrive until Christmas.
Either way, I hope what they ARE offering, regardless of how slim I, and clearly many others think it is, I hope that it is enough for people to get up, buy a Switch, and remember that Nintendo is still a thing, and what they do is pure magic (personal opinion there), and I'd hate to be in a gaming world without them.
Being nearly 31 and having been gaming for 26 years, I would say that yes, I have experienced older console launches to answer your question.
However, by console launches, I am referring to mainstream, universal console launches seen by Sega, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. Consoles that actually made it to each region.
I am therefore not including things like The Jaguar or even Nintendo's own Virtual Boy in those sentiments, as I am fully aware of their downfalls, each for their respective reasons.
But from the NES to the Switch, the Master System to the Dreamcast, the original Xbox to Xbox One and PS1 to PS4, I personally do not think that thus far, there has ever been a weaker launch day lineup, with the exception of Zelda. I also think Bomberman looks very cool, but I would hardly consider it a system seller.
Slightly off topic, but does anyone else think that there might be a slight sales spike for Wii U consoles now, for those that were uninspired by the Switch, or disappointed with the price and the lineup of games thus far? Because you can still get the Mario Kart 8/Splatoon bundle for roughly £230.00, plus £40.00 for Zelda if that is what you have been waiting for; so for £270.00 give or take, you could get a Wii U with 3 top games, and an incredible back catalogue to get through, which is still £10.00 cheaper than what they are wanting for just the Switch alone, not including extra controllers etc. Just a thought.
Personally, I'm not fussed. After what I consider to be the worst launch line up in gaming history, I decided to wait until Black Friday/ Christmas when the new Mario game is out, or at the very least in August when Splatoon 2 is out, as, with the exception of Zelda, and Bomberman to a lesser extent (hardly a system seller), there is NOTHING until Splatoon 2 that is coming out that interests me (not including Mario Kart 8 as it is just an updated port).
So the idea for me was to get Zelda for Wii U, and attempt to plough my way through my massive, uncompleted/unfinished/unstarted back catalogue of Wii U games before I got a Switch......................that WAS the plan.
I caved in yesterday and pre-ordered a Switch lol. For two reasons really, first and foremost, because I really, really, REALLY want one as I think the console just looks incredible. And secondly, I have saved every GAME gift card I received for nearly 12 months, every time I traded stuff in for store credit it all went on the same gift card, every Reward Point I have ever earned since last July was all saved up to go towards a Switch, and I currently have over £300 worth of rewards and gifts to go towards it, so I thought why the hell not. If I was paying with real money then I would undoubtedly wait until at least August for Splatoon 2, but as I'm not, meh. I want to walk into the store on March 3rd and get a Switch, Zelda and a Pro Controller. Plus my other reasoning was that with so little time to game due to married life, work and children, if Zelda is my only game, then I might, just MIGHT actually get somewhere with it as opposed to stopping half way through and never going back to it.
I will still also get Zelda for the Wii U though as I have had that pre-ordered since the 9th of March 2015, and I don't sell or trade Wii U games as I think they will become collector games the likes of Saturn and Dreamcast proportions (and they're also just that damn good TBF). WindWaker and Twilight Princess for example are £58.00 each in my local CEX and they are in HORRIBLE condition. Plus, I love my Wii U very much and will most definitely NOT be packing it away or selling it, so it's nice to give it that final bit of love with what will undoubtedly be a great game, and one that it was originally planned for
Looks like a very sexy console I like the fact that they have gone with mainly grey and not down the black coloured route that seems to be more and more the norm these days. Not really fond of the neon coloured Joy-Cons though. They don't seem to blend in very well with the rest of the console. I'll be going with the grey ones.
Got my Wii U on December 7th 2012, and have loved it ever since for the exact same reasons as the writer of this article.
I got married in 2013, and had my first child in January 2014 and second in January 2016, so gaming time is so, so very limited for me, as my time and attention predominantly lies with my wife and children first and foremost, my business, and my home.
On those oh soooooooo rare special times when my wife is out, or she is so engrossed in her own work, or I cannot sleep or am up very stupid early, I enjoy a gaming session on the big screen TV usually on my Xbox One if I'm honest as off screen play isn't an option for that; however, I was sold on the Wii U the moment they announced it and the controller due to the off screen play if nothing else.
As glorious and fantastic as Wii U games look in HD on a 42 inch TV, were it not for the GamePad off screen play functionality, I would have never really got any gaming done, especially, as the writer also states, in those early days of parenthood, as I would just never have the time to play anything (I still don't really), or a TV free to play games on. Because of it, I got to play and experience games that I otherwise probably never would have looked at twice, as I knew my time was so limited that I would never have time to even open them, let alone complete them.
So for that (as well as some of the best games ever made), I will always be grateful to my Wii U, for allowing me to to enjoy pretty much my only hobby as much as I was able to, whilst still being a Husband and Father and not gobbling up my family time. In a nutshell, the Wii U/GamePad was a God send for me personally, I only wish it had come out 25 years ago lol.
My ONLY gripe with the Wii U is my own personal back catalogue of games for it, as I have games that I will probably never, ever complete, such as Xenoblade Chronicles X, Watchdogs and Assassins Creed Black Flag (both of which I haven't even opened yet let alone started and finished). There are games that I have had since their launch and still haven't completed yet (but will do one day I hope) such as Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze and Windwaker. And then there are games that I have had since their launch that I am DESPERATE to start but have just never got around to it such as Paper Mario Colour Splash and Twilight Princess (this one I am REALLY eager to start), but instead, they sit there, day after day, still shrink wrapped, still waiting to be fired up. Then there are the games that I have played, but they will never get their moneys worth because I moved onto something else such as Super Smash Bros.
Do I need a Switch day one? No, not at all, with about 30 retail games, I literally have enough to keep me occupied on the Wii U for another 2-3 years I'd say.
Consoles, IMO are like two old sayings; "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and "a product is only worth as much as the buyer is prepared to spend".
For me, I bought my Wii U on launch day, full price, and have not regretted my purchase for one second. For me it was worth the money alone just for off-screen play on the GamePad. Nintendo have always been my first, go-to brand, and this will never change (bare in mind I am 30 now). They produce my style of games that are beautiful, over the top, vibrant and colourful, and just plain fun. And they do all this with games that I do not have to pay the utmost attention to a lot of the time which suits my lifestyle perfectly, as I do not have much time for gaming whatsoever, and sometimes just want a quick half hour Mario Kart session for example.
This doesn't reflect everyone's views obviously, as everyone's tastes in games varies.
I bought an Xbox One in August 2014 and think it is a fantastic console, and it is my second go-to console. It seems to be doing the job nicely this gen for me (unlike last gen when the 360 was my least favourite). I enjoy the exclusives it has, and again, it seems to fit my lifestyle better than my PS4 ever did. The exclusives that I play I feel like I can play for half an hour and get somewhere, or 3 hours straight and have a damn good gaming session. I was lured by the likes of Ryse, Sunset Overdrive, Halo Masterchief Collection and Forza Horizon 2.
I got a PS4 in August 2015, and though there is nothing wrong with the console whatsoever, it is a perfectly fine piece of hardware, it was always my last go-to console. I loved God Of War 3, The Order 1886, and The Last of Us is probably one of the finest games that isn't a Nintendo game that I have played in the last 10-15 years (if not one of the best non-Nintendo games for me full stop). However, no matter how much I tried, I never found the time to fully immerse myself into the Nathan Drake Collection or anything else, so I sold the console to my Brother-In-Law just last week. However, when the final edition of the PS4 is released in years to come, and there are lots more exlusives that tickle my interest, there is no doubt in my mind that I will buy another one one day. It's just that I prefer games that with very little time now, that I can play for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. With PS4 exclusives that are a very in-depth, storytelling style, 30 minutes is not enough to ever really get anywhere in the game. I would spend half an hour in Uncharted just trying to figure out where I need to go next. Sometimes it's just the cut scene and then a few minutes of game play and I have to turn it off. This is not a bad thing though, as I love games with stories that are as good and well written as the ones I just mentioned, it's just I personally do not have the time for them, and when I do, I'm either too tired to concentrate on the story, or, I would simply rather play something else on the big screen for my Wii U or Xbox One that doesn't need my deepest thoughts and braincells.
In a few years I will probably sell my Xbox One though, as eventually, the games that I personally enjoy for it may dry up, and it becomes another dust collector.
My Wii U though, I look at the games it has like a fantastic childrens author; they are just timeless. And there is only one of them per console. If you want to play the original Mario Kart 8 (not a port) for example, then there is only one console you need to have to play it on. And that is why I will never sell or trade in my Wii U or any of its games.
Everyone's tastes and what they want from a console are different. Me personally? I want colour, imaginitive, over the top mindless escapism in a game, and the Wii U has provided this for me for over 4 years now, and for that I am grateful, and will always love my Wii U for. It reminds me of owning an N64, Dreamcast, or to the biggest extent IMO, the Sega Saturn, where you wore your ownership like badge of honour, because no one else had one, but they all wanted to come round your house to play on yours.
Buy what you like, but like what you buy. Leave the sales figures, profit margines etc to the people that deal with that, and let it be their problem whilst you enjoy your purchase Does it matter who has the biggest market share to us gamers? As long as we personally are part of the market share that has the games we want to play, be it Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft
I've only played for 10 and a half hours since I got it at launch as I have so very little time to game, and what I have accomplished in 10 and a half hours I am pretty sure that 95% of you guys here if not more would have accomplished in 1-2 hours. I am truly awful at this game and have literally no idea what I am doing in it lol. I am on the last section of mission 3 and I have been looking for whatever the heck it is I am supposed to be looking for for literally hours lol. So much so that I eventually bumped into some lost dude called Conner and I am doing his side missions just so I have something to do. Right now he has asked me to go kill some huge dinosaur thingy, of which I cannot do as I keep getting killed repeatedly. This may have something to with the fact that a) I suck, and b) I don't really get the combat system so am probably making things a lot harder for myself than is needed. Thing is though, through all my suckiness at the game, and very limited time, I do actually very much enjoy it. I think it impresses me that a game so beautiful, big and vast was put out for the Wii U which is supposedly sooooooooo underpowered compared to the competition. I think if XCX was just "another game" that was released for all consoles and had a huge install base etc, I very much doubt I would keep it; I probably would have traded it in by now. But knowing that it is unique to the Wii U, and is so impressive in scale, it makes it very special and makes me want to keep going back to it every now and then, because it is highly unlikely that you will be able to pick it up for cheap years down the line, on the contrary, much like most Wii U games, I think it will become a big rarity to collectors.
But does no one see the actual value in Nintendo games though? I do not deny that they could do a sale here and there, but, at the same time, their games are so unique, it's their main selling point.
If we got a new Mario Kart every year, then yes, by the time Mario Kart 10 or 11 comes out, then Mario Kart 8 should be about £10-£15.
But they generally only make one type of their IP's per console. So if you want it, you have to pay for it, coz there ain't gonna be another one for about 5 years.
I wish more companies did this. I really can't stand the yearly installments of games now every Christmas Season (unless they do a complete overhaul like with Battlefield 1 for example), as it makes the games so UN-special now.
For example, I don't mind Assassins Creed, but the games are so huge, that IMO there is no need to bring them out every year. Every two years would be more like it, and it gives people longer to enjoy what they've bought, and people such as myself who have very little time to game, to actually play through the game. I also think that it means that the developers could continue to charge more for longer too. I mean, again, Assassins Creed comes out at say £50.00 in October, and then by March the next year you can pick it up for about £15.00. I know it's an odd opinion but its almost like they're de-valuing their own product by letting it go so cheap.
I'm sure if you search the web you can find it a bit cheaper, but Twilight Princess is £54.00 in my local CEX in awful condition. If it was brand new, shrink wrapped and mint condition and I was a collector of Gamecube games I would happily buy it, but £54.00 for a manky, 2nd hand game, no way. They also have WindWaker for £50.00 also in manky condition. Not that I really ever buy pre-owned full stop unless I absolutely HAVE to, you could pretty much buy the majority of CEX's stock for the price of those two games combined lol.
Whenever they stop production, I still think that the Wii U has 2 more Christmas' officially on the market, where you can still purchase a brand new one either in a certain store or online (not including marketplace sellers), and I'm sure the Nintendo online shop will continue to sell them when no one else does. We obviously have this Christmas, and I think the remnants of all brand new stock will be sold by next Christmas. After that I think they will still be about for a while much like the Wii, but only in pre owned form or from an astronomical price from a scalper. With 13.36 million units sold as of the 30/9/16, can we bring that number up to 15 million units with 2 more Black Fridays and 2 more Christmas'
Like many others on this site, I live in the UK (Cambridge), and I still maintain that a lot of Nintendo's low sales figures here are due to the British having a very sheep like mentality, and will only like something if it is cool to like it. Otherwise it's like they are almost embarrassed to say they enjoy Nintendo, or a certain hobby of sorts for example, and wouldn't even comprehend trying something different. I'd LOVE it of one of my friends picked up a Wii U because they wanted Mario Kart 8 for example, but no, they will get a PS4 because they're the best selling console and then never even play on the darn thing. It's like they just want to keep up with the Jones'
Yeah, that's why I said GameCube to a lesser extent (Saturn and Dreamcast are still priciest for collectors right now), although I reckon in perhaps another 5 years or so, if your GameCube is still boxed, sealed etc, that you could get somewhere close to the 500 that you would want. GameCube games are still very pricey in a lot of cases. My local CEX has a copy of WindWaker for £50.00 and Twilight Princess for £54.00, and they're both used and not in the best condition either. Ironically, the actual console they have is downstairs and is only £35.00 lol.
I do think you are right when you say that Wii U's will probably become the most expensive collector console in a decade or so, if for no other reason than simply the GamePad. Jeez, imagine how much a brand new, sealed, original launch day model will be in 20 years time (with Nintendoland )
Over 8 million copies is fantastic IMO for a console exclusive, regardless of how well or badly the actual console has sold. Anyone think it might crack 10 million units worldwide eventually before all is said and done? Naturally I hope it gets more as I think it deserves it as it is an incredible game. And though I'm not generally one to care at all about sales figures, as I like what I like, but, I really hope that with a Christmas sales spike (let's face it, every console/handheld gets sales spikes at Christmas), a possible price drop around/after Christmas, and perhaps one final last push with the console when Zelda is finally released (perhaps even another basic special edition of some sort like they did with WindWaker), that the Wii U hits at least 15 million units sold worldwide in its lifetime (or more obviously) before it is officially, 100% stopped. They are on 13.36 units as of the 30/9/16 (take into account that today is already the 27/10/16), so, with at least another year officially still on the market no doubt, I still don't think it will be beyond the realms of possibilty. Let's face it, the Wii U will join the Saturn, Dreamcast and to a lesser extent GameCube as the game collectors console, so people might pick one up, pop it in their loft, just so they know they can sell it brand new in a decades time for an astronomical price. Saw a brand new Dreamcast for sale for over £1000 on ebay last week.
Not including Mario Kart 8, Splatoon was PROBABLY my most anticipated game in the Wii U's history. From the moment we saw the first glimpse of it, I just wanted it there and then as I knew it was something I would be interested in. Same goes for Hyrule Warriors actually. All 3 are in my top 5 Wii U games I'd say, along with The Wonderful 101, Lego City Undercover and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze (okay, so that's 6 games technically but whatever lol)
I still think it's a great game and am happy with it. Biggest disappointment if I had to pick was no online multiplayer (and I'm not even really that much of an online gamer TBH), as online Starfox has never been done before, and 4 player Lylat Wars on the N64 was pretty much the reason I actually bought Lylat Wars as it was so incredible lol. So to have seen/played it in HD, online across the globe would have been incredible. I personally don't have an issue with the controls, but it would have been nice to have the option to solely play with the Wii U Pro. I certainly think the game is worth the 7.5 it roughly averaged from most people. Any less and I would say it was unfair, any more and I would say it's good, but not that good. The Wonderful 101 only got around the 7.5 mark and I think that is a much better game for instance and deserved at least an 8-8.5
Hate Pokemon but loved the demo of Pokken so will eventually pick it up sooner rather than later now before its impossible to find. Nearly bought it in GAME 2 days ago but £45 was too much. I've been waiting for it to drop to £30 but it's not looking likely, so I will cave and buy it online for £40
The failure of the Wii U is going to be one of those topics of gaming conversation that will be talked about until the end of time.
The reasons, as many have pointed out, are many. They could have done so much more with it.
However, despite all that, for every reason that someone DIDN'T buy a Wii U, why not think about the reasons that someone else DID.
For all those 13.2 million people thus far that have purchased one, surely they will be left with such fond memories of their time with the console (I know I will), and, if they keep it as opposed to trade it in, they will also be left with a console and a games catalogue that will in perhaps 10-15 years time be worth a lot of money i.e Dreamcast, Saturn, especially to collectors.
The Wii U will, as someone else pointed out, go down in history as this generations Dreamcast, but is that a bad thing? I used to wear my Sega Saturn and Dreamcast ownership like a badge of honour. The great games it DID have meant so much more to me than the games it DIDN'T have.
The Wii U will also no doubt go down in history as the very last console ever created, that was purely and predominantly a games console first and foremost (yes I'm aware it obviously has the odd app here and there but you know what I mean).
I realise everyones needs are different, but for me, all I need from a console is an hour or two of playing a game, that's it, and the Wii U does that for me. It is my go to console, followed by my Xbox One, followed by my PS4.
If the Wii U goes on to sell a grand total of 15 million units worldwide in its entire lifetime for example, I for one, as cheesy as it sounds, will be proud to have been a part of it, despite its flaws, as for me, the pros of the console outweigh the cons, and the apparent failure of the console is insignificant to me.
If they only sold 220,000 Wii U's, how come their global total is 13.2 million now as opposed to just over 13 million, as they were on 12.8 million worldwide back on the 30th of March? Genuine question, I just can't figure the maths out
I ALWAYS had an incling that Fast racing Neo would eventually make it to retail like Shovel Knight etc, as although I have never played it as I don't really do digital, I have heard, read and seen nothing but good things about it, so for me it will be a day one purchase. I am as excited about finally being able to play this as I have been for a lot of Nintendo IP releases
Same. Though it got off to a slow start, I always pictured the Wii U selling in the region of between 40-50 million units worldwide in its lifetime for the first year to year and a half of it being on the market. The moment I saw the GamePad (not a dig, coz I love it) I didn't ever think it would sell like the PS4 or Xbox One when they finally launched, as I knew there would be a lot more traditional gamers who simply wanted some horse power with a traditional controller which is what they got with those consoles. Fair enough. I did think though that the GamePad, Nintendo's first HD console, the one year head start, and the fact that this should have been the ultimate dream console where you can play all your Nintendo IP magic on, along with all the usual fix of third party games would garner enough interest to keep the sales healthy. Yes it started off that way, but we all know how that ended. I still do maintain though that if the Wii U goes on to sell anything between 15-20 million (I think it will at the very least scrape 15 million), that, the fact that they did it 95% if not more, all on their own, with just their own IP's, and a pretty darn crappy advertising/marketing campaign, then surely that is still something to be proud of in a bittersweet way. Plus they still made money off the console and its software so I don't imagine that they're complaining too much, as that is what business is all about at the end of the day, making money.
I will get this game when it gets down to £20-£30, as I am not a Pokemon fan in any way, shape or form; to be quite honest, I can't stand it, but I LOVED the demo of this. I may cave and buy it full price eventually, but it's hardly like I'm short of games to play right now, so it can wait
Looks like a good, solid, fun game, but, if it is plagued by having to keep switching between Wii Remote/GamePad/Pro Controller for each event like in Sochi Olympics, then I will have to pass unfortunately, as that drove me nuts. If you can simply use the GamePad or Pro, without having to alternate at all, then I'm in
Is this all too early? From someone that does not own a large portion nor work for Nintendo, and would love them to milk the WII U for every penny it's worth for the next 2 years or so, yes, yes I think it is too early. Difference is I am not in charge of their company, their finances, nor am I a shareholder or investor in the company; I am merely a gamer that enjoys every console they have ever produced. Their company, their rules at the end of the day. I would love to NOT buy an NX on launch day/month, merely because of the large catalogue of Wii U games I need to finish first, but I'm not daft, I know the chances are that I will be there within the first 30 days of its launch buying mine lol. Whatever happens, I do not regret my Wii U purchase at all, no more than I will the NX either
Never played Twilight Princess on either GameCube or Wii, so gonna be a completely new game for me, the same way that WindWaker HD was. In 26 years of gaming, Zelda was pretty much the only Nintendo franchise/IP that I never jumped on board with for whatever reason until WW HD came out and I loved that, so hopefully gonna enjoy this. GAME has standard edition for £40.00 or the limited edition for £43.00, so for £3.00 extra it's worth it for all the extras. Quite odd really, as these sort of editions are usually £10-£15 more than just the game, which is why I never bother with them; all I really want is the game at the end of the day.
Not a fan of Pokemon whatsoever, never have been, never will be. Having said that, the colour, the art style, the OTT gameplay and the Tekken style fighting system is very much luring me in for a day one purchase. If I can mash some buttons, pull off some OTT crazy looking colourful moves, then it seems like a pretty good game to me
p.s with the exception of it obviously being in HD, does anyone else think that this game screams that it looks like it belongs on a Saturn or Dreamcast (in a good way)?
I personally cannot stand Pokemon, but I always enjoyed Tekken, and I think I will be pleasantly surprised by this game, so I think I will get it day one. It's over the top and colourful, which is my type of game
I never once in that statement said it was ending on 13 million. Please read what I said properly. Not that I care about numbers or sales, I care about games, but yet I still sincerely hope it reaches GameCube numbers or more, though it is looking unlikely.
I also own a PS4 and Xbox One, and enjoy them all, as I consider myself a fan as opposed to a fanboy. My Wii U has always been my favourite, go to console, followed by Xbox One and then the PS4 in last place with the least amount of playtime as it has the least amount of exclusives that interest me. Difference between the Wii U and the other two though; regardless of how much I enjoy the Xbox One and PS4, and regardless of how much play time they get over the next few years, I will undoubtedly trade them in/sell then at some point; the Wii U on the other hand is there to stay
I also own a PS4 and Xbox One, and enjoy them all, as I consider myself a fan as opposed to a fanboy. My Wii U has always been my favourite, go to console, followed by Xbox One and then the PS4 in last place with the least amount of playtime as it has the least amount of exclusives that interest me. Difference between the Wii U and the other two though; regardless of how much I enjoy the Xbox One and PS4, and regardless of how much play time they get over the next few years, I will undoubtedly trade them in/sell then at some point; the Wii U on the other hand is there to stay
I said it in different thread, and I will say it again; is the Wii U closing in on roughly 13 million units sold worldwide really as bad as what everyone makes it out to be, considering the fact that Nintendo have pretty much done it all on their own with their own IP's, no huge advertising campaigns, and little to no third party support?!
Closing in on 13 million Wii U's sold worldwide. Is it just me, or is that figure really not as bad as what people say when you consider Nintendo have effectively done it all on their own with their own IP's, with little to no third party support, no massive advertising campaigns and no huge price drops?!
I would personally like it if the NX came out in 2017 or later, merely so that Nintendo can say that the Wii U had a full, solid 5 years or more on the market before their next project was released, and so they can milk the Wii U for all its worth to bring in those sales and let more people enjoy this gem of a console
Not that I'm one for really caring about sales, but it can be quite frustrating when some things, whether it's games or consoles can really be so good but not get the recognition they deserve. And as someone who is in Cambridge in the UK, it is even more annoying when I go to my two local GAME stores, their Nintendo selection is abysmal; but yet if I go shopping to Milton Keynes, which is just 45 minutes away from me, their local GAME store has an incredible Nintendo display. Seems different towns care about it more than others.
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Re: UK Retailer GAME Is Cancelling Nintendo Switch Preorders Days Before Launch
Only problem I have ever personally experienced with them relating to pre-orders was the whole Super Mario Maker debacle.
Pre-ordered my Switch in store purely because I have over £400's worth of Gift Cards and Reward Points to use, and you can't use them on pre-orders online.
Hope everyone gets what they want on Friday
Re: GameStop Director on Demand and Timing for the Switch
I have always maintained that their March release was a smart move for a number of reasons; including what the guy said in his interview.
I feel like it is a win win situation for Nintendo.
If, like some have said, the date is merely so their yearly takings look better, then, fine, why not? They're a business, and that would seem like a smart business move to keep investors etc happy.
March is also really the first month of the year when people start to get a little bit more expendable income, as they have generally paid off Christmas/New Year by this point, and general, every day life seems to be back on track.
People also get their tax rebates a month later so they are probably taking advantage of those that know that they have some money coming their way on top of their wages. Plus here in the UK there is no council tax in February or March, so that might always help sway some people.
And above all, releasing now, like the guy said, when there isn't that much else happening in the gaming world per se, has given Nintendo the edge in buzz and excitement, as it will have more people talking.
Lets face it, as great as it would be for this thing to launch at Christmas with a bigger launch day lineup of games, and more time to work on any updates they're going to give us (like a web browser etc), even though it is a brand new console, how many people would be put off after having just bought an Xbox One or PS4 in a Black Friday deal? Or how about people that already own those consoles but decide to spend all their money on all the huge titles released between October and December instead of buying a Switch? Or those that decide to pick a Scorpio over a Switch if they both released together?
There is far too much going on in the Christmas period as it is, so IMO, releasing now, gives them around 7-8 months before the holiday season for the Switch to be well and truly underway, with nothing but incredible games to worry about come Christmas time, and, for those that don't already own a Switch, which bundle to buy/which game(s) to get with your console.
Slightly off topic, but I genuinely don't think that anyone here in the UK will have a problem getting one on launch day, wherever you order/buy from.
Re: Video: Here's The World's First Nintendo Switch Unboxing
@Grumblevolcano
Oh yeah, they told me about only holding the console for me for 2 days, which is fine, as my decision will be made on launch say. I'll either be leaving the shop with an extra £20 on my gift card after cancelling the order there and then, or I'll be leaving with the console, pro controller, Zelda and Bomberman; it's all depending on what bundles they throw together.
Re: Video: Here's The World's First Nintendo Switch Unboxing
@FragRed
And 48 hours from when? Today?
Re: Video: Here's The World's First Nintendo Switch Unboxing
@FragRed
Who said that? I was told that I could change my mind on launch day if I wanted and still get my £20 deposit back, but only in store credit, which is fine, because that's how I paid for it.
Re: Video: Here's The World's First Nintendo Switch Unboxing
Still on the fence about actually collecting my pre-order on launch day as I still have such a back catalogue of Wii U games to finish and start in most cases; but the beauty of this thing even more up close has just confirmed that I'll be in GAME picking mine up on the 3rd lol
Re: It's Still Quite Easy to Secure a Launch Day Nintendo Switch in the UK
I still maintain that when it comes to Nintendo here in the UK, anyone over the age of 18 suddenly becomes "too cool" and "mature" to play on a Nintendo system. They can't possibly talk about the latest Zelda in the staff room at work because that game is for children and will show them in an immature, childish light, but it is however perfectly acceptable to talk about the latest Fifa or Call of Duty as these are for grown ups.
IMO it's just the British being the British; tight lipped, prudish and scared to show any emotion such as grinning like a cheshire cat because the latest Mario game is out or whatever.
I myself don't give a damn; I will happily shout from the roof tops that I am a Nintendo fan and that I am damn proud of it.
Same goes for wrestling for example; on April 1st this year I will have been watching wrestling for 27 years. I never took a break off when it got boring like a lot of others did. Watching wrestling is also perfectly acceptable in the UK.......until you reach about 15, or it is WrestleMania season. After the age of 15 it is not permissable and is completely embarrassing to talk about wrestling or admit that you watch it, so everyone becomes a closet wrestling fan and just crawls out of the woodwork around WrestleMania season (or they just keep up to date with it online at work when no one is looking). It is only really permissable to talk about football.
Unlike Americans and other countries in Europe, the British just seem to have a hard time expressing themselves in a genuine manner. It's like they need to be at a football game and p*ssed to show any emotion or let their inner child out lol. Same goes for gaming. If it's not an 18 and dark and grey, then it is for children.
Excuse the rant and please accept my apologies if I have offended anyone. It is not my intention, just my opinion.
Re: Nintendo Switch Lacks A Web Browser Because It's A "Dedicated Video Game Platform"
Never used a web browser on any other console except the Wii U, purely because the GamePad was ideal to do so with.
It doesn't take 5 minutes to type out a website address or whatever it is you are looking for like it does with a controller, and it was just nice to have if my wife was using her iPad, and there was something I wanted to look at on a bigger screen than a phone.
I'll be honest though, I mainly used it for Miiverse and for walkthroughs on games if/when I got stuck.
I won't lie, I absolutely hate looking for a walkthrough for a PS4 or Xbox One game on another device or that consoles web browser after experiencing the ease that it could be done with the GamePad. Maybe I'm just crap at games and should stop needing walkthroughs lol.
Either way, it's not a deal breaker for me, although it would have been nice to have at launch. I'm not concerned though as I feel confident that it will get a web browser along with many other Apps throughout the year....................just PLEASE get the WWE Network App
Re: Poll: What Are Your Nintendo Switch Pre-Order and Launch Day Plans?
Getting the grey Switch (not sure I like the neon colours, especially as a mismatch), Zelda, Bomberman and a Pro Controller for definite with mine. Other things such as carry case etc, I will see what offers GAME are doing on launch day. They usually do something along the lines of get this game, get another half price, or buy a Switch and get a carry case for just £5.00 or whatever. Not gonna bother with extra storage as I don't do digital at all.
Would it be sacrilege of me to admit that I am looking forward to Bomberman a teeny bit more than Zelda lol? I think it's probably because EVERYONE will be getting Zelda on Switch at launch, and only a handful on Wii U. I myself am getting it on both, and I guess my reasoning is that we have waited so long for it on Wii U, that I feel like I'm cheating on my Wii U by no doubt playing it on the Switch first and keeping the Wii U version as a collectors item lol
As for launch day plans? Well, I will of course go and pick everything up on the 3rd, but, as for setting it up and playing it, I probably wont do that until I find some proper, quiet time to myself to do so, which, with a wife and children, is very, very, very scarce; so my Switch will probably just sit there boxed up for at least a fortnight TBH, just as my Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U all were.
Plus there are still a couple of Xbox One and a ton of Wii U games that I have bought and want to start/complete too (no longer have the PS4).
Re: Guide: The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
@ULTRA-64
Beat me to it. See my comment below yours lol. Not overly fussed as I intended on getting a Pro anyway, but, I'm just a little shocked, more so with myself for not realising though lol. Oh wells.
Re: Guide: The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Followed the Switch since day one launch video, and have only JUST realised after this article that the Joy-Cons, once put together to make a controller, does not have a D-Pad like the Pro Controller. Woops lol. That's embarrassing lol.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
After the games lineup was announced, Splatoon 2 was going to be the game that I waited for before plunging in, but, alas, I caved lol. Still can't wait for it though, along with Mario Odyssey
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
Hey, no need to apologise, you have a right to mention him any time you like. He is your son after all, no one else's. And if Nintendo was something you both enjoyed, then where better but to mention him than on a Nintendo site
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
I have read what you have written elsewhere regarding your son, and naturally, I can only say how sorry it is to hear/read, as I cannot imagine (and I never want to have to obviously as I'm sure you will understand) what you must have gone through and what it must have felt like.
However, as someone else mentioned, I think it is wonderful that you have those memories with your son, and maybe even more so that those memories were made by quality time with each other, and in a typical, fun and colourful Nintendo world
I know you said you were no longer getting the Switch on day one because your son is no longer with us, but, do you not think that if you DON'T get one at launch, that he may be sitting over the edge of his cloud, looking down at you with his arms crossed, frowning and complaining that he is missing out on enjoying watch his Dad play on the latest Nintendo console
I am not trying to sell you a Switch, nor sound patronising, as I clearly know that you canot value the life of a loved one with a material item, but, after everything you have no doubt gone through, maybe you should think about treating yourself with something special
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
But you have to remember, we as consumers these days for some reason insist on more.
20-30 years ago there was not all the IP's to launch with anyway, because they hadn't been created yet, so major launch titles would have been smaller.
Now that Nintendo for example has a massive library of IP's to work with over 30 plus years, they should have ensured IMO that at least their franchise player is ready at launch, which clearly he is not.
Not having a go, but it almost seems like you're preaching to the wrong choir here, as I will purchase, and have purchased every Nintendo console, because I know that there will ALWAYS be at least 10 games that I LOVE for them. I've also pre-ordered my Switch already, despite my disappointment with the launch day games. And to top it off, I'm a Nintendo guy through and through. I love(d) Sega (Dreamcast is my second favourite console ever with N64 being my favourite), I think Microsoft and Sony are doing a great job, but, at the end of the day, my go to brand, the ones I will always defend whilst never insulting someone else's choice of platform/brand.....is Nintendo. I'm nearing 31, and Nintendo are the only ones who can make me feel like a 5 year old again. For that, and for a lifetime of memories and some of the best times of my life, I will always be forever grateful.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
And I should also point out, that I'm in the UK, so naturally, am going by Western releases as opposed to worrying about what the rest of the world gets.
If The Switch just came with one, just ONE extra MUST have game as well as Zelda such as Mario Odyssey, and then perhaps a couple of extra big hitters by the end of April such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (fully aware that it launches in April) as well as Splatoon 2 and a new Luigis Mansion or F-Zero or Metroid or anything TBH, then I'd say that in the space of LESS than 2 months, that they had a pretty damn good lineup to keep people's attention for a long time. As it stands, the next big hitter that isn't a port isn't arriving until August, and then their "face that runs the place" doesn't arrive until Christmas.
Either way, I hope what they ARE offering, regardless of how slim I, and clearly many others think it is, I hope that it is enough for people to get up, buy a Switch, and remember that Nintendo is still a thing, and what they do is pure magic (personal opinion there), and I'd hate to be in a gaming world without them.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
@Hikingguy
Being nearly 31 and having been gaming for 26 years, I would say that yes, I have experienced older console launches to answer your question.
However, by console launches, I am referring to mainstream, universal console launches seen by Sega, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. Consoles that actually made it to each region.
I am therefore not including things like The Jaguar or even Nintendo's own Virtual Boy in those sentiments, as I am fully aware of their downfalls, each for their respective reasons.
But from the NES to the Switch, the Master System to the Dreamcast, the original Xbox to Xbox One and PS1 to PS4, I personally do not think that thus far, there has ever been a weaker launch day lineup, with the exception of Zelda. I also think Bomberman looks very cool, but I would hardly consider it a system seller.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Will Require a 3GB Install on Wii U
Slightly off topic, but does anyone else think that there might be a slight sales spike for Wii U consoles now, for those that were uninspired by the Switch, or disappointed with the price and the lineup of games thus far? Because you can still get the Mario Kart 8/Splatoon bundle for roughly £230.00, plus £40.00 for Zelda if that is what you have been waiting for; so for £270.00 give or take, you could get a Wii U with 3 top games, and an incredible back catalogue to get through, which is still £10.00 cheaper than what they are wanting for just the Switch alone, not including extra controllers etc. Just a thought.
Personally, I'm not fussed. After what I consider to be the worst launch line up in gaming history, I decided to wait until Black Friday/ Christmas when the new Mario game is out, or at the very least in August when Splatoon 2 is out, as, with the exception of Zelda, and Bomberman to a lesser extent (hardly a system seller), there is NOTHING until Splatoon 2 that is coming out that interests me (not including Mario Kart 8 as it is just an updated port).
So the idea for me was to get Zelda for Wii U, and attempt to plough my way through my massive, uncompleted/unfinished/unstarted back catalogue of Wii U games before I got a Switch......................that WAS the plan.
I caved in yesterday and pre-ordered a Switch lol. For two reasons really, first and foremost, because I really, really, REALLY want one as I think the console just looks incredible. And secondly, I have saved every GAME gift card I received for nearly 12 months, every time I traded stuff in for store credit it all went on the same gift card, every Reward Point I have ever earned since last July was all saved up to go towards a Switch, and I currently have over £300 worth of rewards and gifts to go towards it, so I thought why the hell not. If I was paying with real money then I would undoubtedly wait until at least August for Splatoon 2, but as I'm not, meh. I want to walk into the store on March 3rd and get a Switch, Zelda and a Pro Controller. Plus my other reasoning was that with so little time to game due to married life, work and children, if Zelda is my only game, then I might, just MIGHT actually get somewhere with it as opposed to stopping half way through and never going back to it.
I will still also get Zelda for the Wii U though as I have had that pre-ordered since the 9th of March 2015, and I don't sell or trade Wii U games as I think they will become collector games the likes of Saturn and Dreamcast proportions (and they're also just that damn good TBF). WindWaker and Twilight Princess for example are £58.00 each in my local CEX and they are in HORRIBLE condition. Plus, I love my Wii U very much and will most definitely NOT be packing it away or selling it, so it's nice to give it that final bit of love with what will undoubtedly be a great game, and one that it was originally planned for
Re: Gallery: Here's What The Nintendo Switch Looks Like From (Almost) Every Angle
Looks like a very sexy console I like the fact that they have gone with mainly grey and not down the black coloured route that seems to be more and more the norm these days. Not really fond of the neon coloured Joy-Cons though. They don't seem to blend in very well with the rest of the console. I'll be going with the grey ones.
Re: Soapbox: Why I Still Love the Wii U
Got my Wii U on December 7th 2012, and have loved it ever since for the exact same reasons as the writer of this article.
I got married in 2013, and had my first child in January 2014 and second in January 2016, so gaming time is so, so very limited for me, as my time and attention predominantly lies with my wife and children first and foremost, my business, and my home.
On those oh soooooooo rare special times when my wife is out, or she is so engrossed in her own work, or I cannot sleep or am up very stupid early, I enjoy a gaming session on the big screen TV usually on my Xbox One if I'm honest as off screen play isn't an option for that; however, I was sold on the Wii U the moment they announced it and the controller due to the off screen play if nothing else.
As glorious and fantastic as Wii U games look in HD on a 42 inch TV, were it not for the GamePad off screen play functionality, I would have never really got any gaming done, especially, as the writer also states, in those early days of parenthood, as I would just never have the time to play anything (I still don't really), or a TV free to play games on. Because of it, I got to play and experience games that I otherwise probably never would have looked at twice, as I knew my time was so limited that I would never have time to even open them, let alone complete them.
So for that (as well as some of the best games ever made), I will always be grateful to my Wii U, for allowing me to to enjoy pretty much my only hobby as much as I was able to, whilst still being a Husband and Father and not gobbling up my family time. In a nutshell, the Wii U/GamePad was a God send for me personally, I only wish it had come out 25 years ago lol.
My ONLY gripe with the Wii U is my own personal back catalogue of games for it, as I have games that I will probably never, ever complete, such as Xenoblade Chronicles X, Watchdogs and Assassins Creed Black Flag (both of which I haven't even opened yet let alone started and finished). There are games that I have had since their launch and still haven't completed yet (but will do one day I hope) such as Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze and Windwaker. And then there are games that I have had since their launch that I am DESPERATE to start but have just never got around to it such as Paper Mario Colour Splash and Twilight Princess (this one I am REALLY eager to start), but instead, they sit there, day after day, still shrink wrapped, still waiting to be fired up. Then there are the games that I have played, but they will never get their moneys worth because I moved onto something else such as Super Smash Bros.
Do I need a Switch day one? No, not at all, with about 30 retail games, I literally have enough to keep me occupied on the Wii U for another 2-3 years I'd say.
Will I get a Switch on day one? Absolutely
Re: Editorial: As Games Jump to Nintendo Switch, We See How Quickly the Industry Moves On
Consoles, IMO are like two old sayings; "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and "a product is only worth as much as the buyer is prepared to spend".
For me, I bought my Wii U on launch day, full price, and have not regretted my purchase for one second. For me it was worth the money alone just for off-screen play on the GamePad. Nintendo have always been my first, go-to brand, and this will never change (bare in mind I am 30 now). They produce my style of games that are beautiful, over the top, vibrant and colourful, and just plain fun. And they do all this with games that I do not have to pay the utmost attention to a lot of the time which suits my lifestyle perfectly, as I do not have much time for gaming whatsoever, and sometimes just want a quick half hour Mario Kart session for example.
This doesn't reflect everyone's views obviously, as everyone's tastes in games varies.
I bought an Xbox One in August 2014 and think it is a fantastic console, and it is my second go-to console. It seems to be doing the job nicely this gen for me (unlike last gen when the 360 was my least favourite). I enjoy the exclusives it has, and again, it seems to fit my lifestyle better than my PS4 ever did. The exclusives that I play I feel like I can play for half an hour and get somewhere, or 3 hours straight and have a damn good gaming session. I was lured by the likes of Ryse, Sunset Overdrive, Halo Masterchief Collection and Forza Horizon 2.
I got a PS4 in August 2015, and though there is nothing wrong with the console whatsoever, it is a perfectly fine piece of hardware, it was always my last go-to console. I loved God Of War 3, The Order 1886, and The Last of Us is probably one of the finest games that isn't a Nintendo game that I have played in the last 10-15 years (if not one of the best non-Nintendo games for me full stop). However, no matter how much I tried, I never found the time to fully immerse myself into the Nathan Drake Collection or anything else, so I sold the console to my Brother-In-Law just last week. However, when the final edition of the PS4 is released in years to come, and there are lots more exlusives that tickle my interest, there is no doubt in my mind that I will buy another one one day. It's just that I prefer games that with very little time now, that I can play for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. With PS4 exclusives that are a very in-depth, storytelling style, 30 minutes is not enough to ever really get anywhere in the game. I would spend half an hour in Uncharted just trying to figure out where I need to go next. Sometimes it's just the cut scene and then a few minutes of game play and I have to turn it off. This is not a bad thing though, as I love games with stories that are as good and well written as the ones I just mentioned, it's just I personally do not have the time for them, and when I do, I'm either too tired to concentrate on the story, or, I would simply rather play something else on the big screen for my Wii U or Xbox One that doesn't need my deepest thoughts and braincells.
In a few years I will probably sell my Xbox One though, as eventually, the games that I personally enjoy for it may dry up, and it becomes another dust collector.
My Wii U though, I look at the games it has like a fantastic childrens author; they are just timeless. And there is only one of them per console. If you want to play the original Mario Kart 8 (not a port) for example, then there is only one console you need to have to play it on. And that is why I will never sell or trade in my Wii U or any of its games.
Everyone's tastes and what they want from a console are different. Me personally? I want colour, imaginitive, over the top mindless escapism in a game, and the Wii U has provided this for me for over 4 years now, and for that I am grateful, and will always love my Wii U for. It reminds me of owning an N64, Dreamcast, or to the biggest extent IMO, the Sega Saturn, where you wore your ownership like badge of honour, because no one else had one, but they all wanted to come round your house to play on yours.
Buy what you like, but like what you buy. Leave the sales figures, profit margines etc to the people that deal with that, and let it be their problem whilst you enjoy your purchase Does it matter who has the biggest market share to us gamers? As long as we personally are part of the market share that has the games we want to play, be it Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft
Re: Feature: Xenoblade Chronicles X - One Year Later
I've only played for 10 and a half hours since I got it at launch as I have so very little time to game, and what I have accomplished in 10 and a half hours I am pretty sure that 95% of you guys here if not more would have accomplished in 1-2 hours. I am truly awful at this game and have literally no idea what I am doing in it lol. I am on the last section of mission 3 and I have been looking for whatever the heck it is I am supposed to be looking for for literally hours lol. So much so that I eventually bumped into some lost dude called Conner and I am doing his side missions just so I have something to do. Right now he has asked me to go kill some huge dinosaur thingy, of which I cannot do as I keep getting killed repeatedly. This may have something to with the fact that a) I suck, and b) I don't really get the combat system so am probably making things a lot harder for myself than is needed. Thing is though, through all my suckiness at the game, and very limited time, I do actually very much enjoy it. I think it impresses me that a game so beautiful, big and vast was put out for the Wii U which is supposedly sooooooooo underpowered compared to the competition. I think if XCX was just "another game" that was released for all consoles and had a huge install base etc, I very much doubt I would keep it; I probably would have traded it in by now. But knowing that it is unique to the Wii U, and is so impressive in scale, it makes it very special and makes me want to keep going back to it every now and then, because it is highly unlikely that you will be able to pick it up for cheap years down the line, on the contrary, much like most Wii U games, I think it will become a big rarity to collectors.
Re: Guide: The Top Nintendo Black Friday 2016 Deals in the UK
But does no one see the actual value in Nintendo games though? I do not deny that they could do a sale here and there, but, at the same time, their games are so unique, it's their main selling point.
If we got a new Mario Kart every year, then yes, by the time Mario Kart 10 or 11 comes out, then Mario Kart 8 should be about £10-£15.
But they generally only make one type of their IP's per console. So if you want it, you have to pay for it, coz there ain't gonna be another one for about 5 years.
I wish more companies did this. I really can't stand the yearly installments of games now every Christmas Season (unless they do a complete overhaul like with Battlefield 1 for example), as it makes the games so UN-special now.
For example, I don't mind Assassins Creed, but the games are so huge, that IMO there is no need to bring them out every year. Every two years would be more like it, and it gives people longer to enjoy what they've bought, and people such as myself who have very little time to game, to actually play through the game. I also think that it means that the developers could continue to charge more for longer too. I mean, again, Assassins Creed comes out at say £50.00 in October, and then by March the next year you can pick it up for about £15.00. I know it's an odd opinion but its almost like they're de-valuing their own product by letting it go so cheap.
Just my two cents anyway.
Re: Guide: The Top Nintendo Black Friday 2016 Deals in the UK
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I'm sure if you search the web you can find it a bit cheaper, but Twilight Princess is £54.00 in my local CEX in awful condition. If it was brand new, shrink wrapped and mint condition and I was a collector of Gamecube games I would happily buy it, but £54.00 for a manky, 2nd hand game, no way. They also have WindWaker for £50.00 also in manky condition. Not that I really ever buy pre-owned full stop unless I absolutely HAVE to, you could pretty much buy the majority of CEX's stock for the price of those two games combined lol.
Re: Nintendo Insists That Wii U Production Will Continue Beyond This Week
Whenever they stop production, I still think that the Wii U has 2 more Christmas' officially on the market, where you can still purchase a brand new one either in a certain store or online (not including marketplace sellers), and I'm sure the Nintendo online shop will continue to sell them when no one else does. We obviously have this Christmas, and I think the remnants of all brand new stock will be sold by next Christmas. After that I think they will still be about for a while much like the Wii, but only in pre owned form or from an astronomical price from a scalper. With 13.36 million units sold as of the 30/9/16, can we bring that number up to 15 million units with 2 more Black Fridays and 2 more Christmas'
Re: Rhythm Paradise Megamix Misses UK Charts in Quiet Week for Nintendo
Like many others on this site, I live in the UK (Cambridge), and I still maintain that a lot of Nintendo's low sales figures here are due to the British having a very sheep like mentality, and will only like something if it is cool to like it. Otherwise it's like they are almost embarrassed to say they enjoy Nintendo, or a certain hobby of sorts for example, and wouldn't even comprehend trying something different. I'd LOVE it of one of my friends picked up a Wii U because they wanted Mario Kart 8 for example, but no, they will get a PS4 because they're the best selling console and then never even play on the darn thing. It's like they just want to keep up with the Jones'
Re: Mario Kart 8 Has Now Sold 8 Million Units Worldwide
@Mart1ndo
Yeah, that's why I said GameCube to a lesser extent (Saturn and Dreamcast are still priciest for collectors right now), although I reckon in perhaps another 5 years or so, if your GameCube is still boxed, sealed etc, that you could get somewhere close to the 500 that you would want. GameCube games are still very pricey in a lot of cases. My local CEX has a copy of WindWaker for £50.00 and Twilight Princess for £54.00, and they're both used and not in the best condition either. Ironically, the actual console they have is downstairs and is only £35.00 lol.
I do think you are right when you say that Wii U's will probably become the most expensive collector console in a decade or so, if for no other reason than simply the GamePad. Jeez, imagine how much a brand new, sealed, original launch day model will be in 20 years time (with Nintendoland )
Re: Mario Kart 8 Has Now Sold 8 Million Units Worldwide
Over 8 million copies is fantastic IMO for a console exclusive, regardless of how well or badly the actual console has sold. Anyone think it might crack 10 million units worldwide eventually before all is said and done? Naturally I hope it gets more as I think it deserves it as it is an incredible game. And though I'm not generally one to care at all about sales figures, as I like what I like, but, I really hope that with a Christmas sales spike (let's face it, every console/handheld gets sales spikes at Christmas), a possible price drop around/after Christmas, and perhaps one final last push with the console when Zelda is finally released (perhaps even another basic special edition of some sort like they did with WindWaker), that the Wii U hits at least 15 million units sold worldwide in its lifetime (or more obviously) before it is officially, 100% stopped. They are on 13.36 units as of the 30/9/16 (take into account that today is already the 27/10/16), so, with at least another year officially still on the market no doubt, I still don't think it will be beyond the realms of possibilty. Let's face it, the Wii U will join the Saturn, Dreamcast and to a lesser extent GameCube as the game collectors console, so people might pick one up, pop it in their loft, just so they know they can sell it brand new in a decades time for an astronomical price. Saw a brand new Dreamcast for sale for over £1000 on ebay last week.
Re: Splatoon Producer Reflects on the Game's Popularity
Not including Mario Kart 8, Splatoon was PROBABLY my most anticipated game in the Wii U's history. From the moment we saw the first glimpse of it, I just wanted it there and then as I knew it was something I would be interested in. Same goes for Hyrule Warriors actually. All 3 are in my top 5 Wii U games I'd say, along with The Wonderful 101, Lego City Undercover and Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze (okay, so that's 6 games technically but whatever lol)
Re: Dylan Cuthbert Voices His Thoughts on Star Fox Zero
I still think it's a great game and am happy with it. Biggest disappointment if I had to pick was no online multiplayer (and I'm not even really that much of an online gamer TBH), as online Starfox has never been done before, and 4 player Lylat Wars on the N64 was pretty much the reason I actually bought Lylat Wars as it was so incredible lol. So to have seen/played it in HD, online across the globe would have been incredible. I personally don't have an issue with the controls, but it would have been nice to have the option to solely play with the Wii U Pro. I certainly think the game is worth the 7.5 it roughly averaged from most people. Any less and I would say it was unfair, any more and I would say it's good, but not that good. The Wonderful 101 only got around the 7.5 mark and I think that is a much better game for instance and deserved at least an 8-8.5
Re: Pokémon Spin-Off Pokkén Tournament Ships One Million Units Worldwide On Wii U
Hate Pokemon but loved the demo of Pokken so will eventually pick it up sooner rather than later now before its impossible to find. Nearly bought it in GAME 2 days ago but £45 was too much. I've been waiting for it to drop to £30 but it's not looking likely, so I will cave and buy it online for £40
Re: Reggie Fils-Aime on Why the Wii U Was Misunderstood
The failure of the Wii U is going to be one of those topics of gaming conversation that will be talked about until the end of time.
The reasons, as many have pointed out, are many. They could have done so much more with it.
However, despite all that, for every reason that someone DIDN'T buy a Wii U, why not think about the reasons that someone else DID.
For all those 13.2 million people thus far that have purchased one, surely they will be left with such fond memories of their time with the console (I know I will), and, if they keep it as opposed to trade it in, they will also be left with a console and a games catalogue that will in perhaps 10-15 years time be worth a lot of money i.e Dreamcast, Saturn, especially to collectors.
The Wii U will, as someone else pointed out, go down in history as this generations Dreamcast, but is that a bad thing? I used to wear my Sega Saturn and Dreamcast ownership like a badge of honour. The great games it DID have meant so much more to me than the games it DIDN'T have.
The Wii U will also no doubt go down in history as the very last console ever created, that was purely and predominantly a games console first and foremost (yes I'm aware it obviously has the odd app here and there but you know what I mean).
I realise everyones needs are different, but for me, all I need from a console is an hour or two of playing a game, that's it, and the Wii U does that for me. It is my go to console, followed by my Xbox One, followed by my PS4.
If the Wii U goes on to sell a grand total of 15 million units worldwide in its entire lifetime for example, I for one, as cheesy as it sounds, will be proud to have been a part of it, despite its flaws, as for me, the pros of the console outweigh the cons, and the apparent failure of the console is insignificant to me.
Re: Nintendo's Q1 Financials Bring Losses and Modest Sales, But Company Sticks to Profit Projections
If they only sold 220,000 Wii U's, how come their global total is 13.2 million now as opposed to just over 13 million, as they were on 12.8 million worldwide back on the 30th of March? Genuine question, I just can't figure the maths out
Re: Nindie Favourites Coming To Wii U Disc Under Nintendo eShop Selects Label
I ALWAYS had an incling that Fast racing Neo would eventually make it to retail like Shovel Knight etc, as although I have never played it as I don't really do digital, I have heard, read and seen nothing but good things about it, so for me it will be a day one purchase. I am as excited about finally being able to play this as I have been for a lot of Nintendo IP releases
Re: Someone At Nintendo Expected The Wii U To Shift 100 Million Units
@hYdeks
Same. Though it got off to a slow start, I always pictured the Wii U selling in the region of between 40-50 million units worldwide in its lifetime for the first year to year and a half of it being on the market. The moment I saw the GamePad (not a dig, coz I love it) I didn't ever think it would sell like the PS4 or Xbox One when they finally launched, as I knew there would be a lot more traditional gamers who simply wanted some horse power with a traditional controller which is what they got with those consoles. Fair enough. I did think though that the GamePad, Nintendo's first HD console, the one year head start, and the fact that this should have been the ultimate dream console where you can play all your Nintendo IP magic on, along with all the usual fix of third party games would garner enough interest to keep the sales healthy. Yes it started off that way, but we all know how that ended. I still do maintain though that if the Wii U goes on to sell anything between 15-20 million (I think it will at the very least scrape 15 million), that, the fact that they did it 95% if not more, all on their own, with just their own IP's, and a pretty darn crappy advertising/marketing campaign, then surely that is still something to be proud of in a bittersweet way. Plus they still made money off the console and its software so I don't imagine that they're complaining too much, as that is what business is all about at the end of the day, making money.
Re: Pokkén Tournament Update 1.3 Promises To Bring Some Balance
I will get this game when it gets down to £20-£30, as I am not a Pokemon fan in any way, shape or form; to be quite honest, I can't stand it, but I LOVED the demo of this. I may cave and buy it full price eventually, but it's hardly like I'm short of games to play right now, so it can wait
Re: Video: Poor Old Sonic Can't Even Win in the Rio Olympics
Looks like a good, solid, fun game, but, if it is plagued by having to keep switching between Wii Remote/GamePad/Pro Controller for each event like in Sochi Olympics, then I will have to pass unfortunately, as that drove me nuts. If you can simply use the GamePad or Pro, without having to alternate at all, then I'm in
Re: Pokkén Tournament Holds Steady in UK Charts as Monster Hunter Enjoys an Unlikely Boost
Well done Pokken Extremely surprised about Monster Hunter though, but kudos to it
Re: Nikkei Report Suggests That Wii U Production Will End in 2016
Is this all too early? From someone that does not own a large portion nor work for Nintendo, and would love them to milk the WII U for every penny it's worth for the next 2 years or so, yes, yes I think it is too early. Difference is I am not in charge of their company, their finances, nor am I a shareholder or investor in the company; I am merely a gamer that enjoys every console they have ever produced. Their company, their rules at the end of the day. I would love to NOT buy an NX on launch day/month, merely because of the large catalogue of Wii U games I need to finish first, but I'm not daft, I know the chances are that I will be there within the first 30 days of its launch buying mine lol. Whatever happens, I do not regret my Wii U purchase at all, no more than I will the NX either
Re: Video: See What Wonders Lie inside Twilight Princess HD in our Unboxing
Never played Twilight Princess on either GameCube or Wii, so gonna be a completely new game for me, the same way that WindWaker HD was. In 26 years of gaming, Zelda was pretty much the only Nintendo franchise/IP that I never jumped on board with for whatever reason until WW HD came out and I loved that, so hopefully gonna enjoy this. GAME has standard edition for £40.00 or the limited edition for £43.00, so for £3.00 extra it's worth it for all the extras. Quite odd really, as these sort of editions are usually £10-£15 more than just the game, which is why I never bother with them; all I really want is the game at the end of the day.
Re: Video: Take a Tour of Pokkén Tournament
Not a fan of Pokemon whatsoever, never have been, never will be. Having said that, the colour, the art style, the OTT gameplay and the Tekken style fighting system is very much luring me in for a day one purchase. If I can mash some buttons, pull off some OTT crazy looking colourful moves, then it seems like a pretty good game to me
p.s with the exception of it obviously being in HD, does anyone else think that this game screams that it looks like it belongs on a Saturn or Dreamcast (in a good way)?
Re: Here's How Much Of Your Wii U's Internal Memory Pokkén Tournament Will Gobble Up
I personally cannot stand Pokemon, but I always enjoyed Tekken, and I think I will be pleasantly surprised by this game, so I think I will get it day one. It's over the top and colourful, which is my type of game
Re: Wii U Sales Show Promising Growth Courtesy of Splatoon and Super Mario Maker Success
@JTTHEGAME
I never once in that statement said it was ending on 13 million. Please read what I said properly. Not that I care about numbers or sales, I care about games, but yet I still sincerely hope it reaches GameCube numbers or more, though it is looking unlikely.
Re: Wii U Sales Show Promising Growth Courtesy of Splatoon and Super Mario Maker Success
@rdrunner1178
And me too, from day one to now
I also own a PS4 and Xbox One, and enjoy them all, as I consider myself a fan as opposed to a fanboy. My Wii U has always been my favourite, go to console, followed by Xbox One and then the PS4 in last place with the least amount of playtime as it has the least amount of exclusives that interest me. Difference between the Wii U and the other two though; regardless of how much I enjoy the Xbox One and PS4, and regardless of how much play time they get over the next few years, I will undoubtedly trade them in/sell then at some point; the Wii U on the other hand is there to stay
Re: Wii U Sales Show Promising Growth Courtesy of Splatoon and Super Mario Maker Success
@rdrunner1178
And me too, from day one to now
I also own a PS4 and Xbox One, and enjoy them all, as I consider myself a fan as opposed to a fanboy. My Wii U has always been my favourite, go to console, followed by Xbox One and then the PS4 in last place with the least amount of playtime as it has the least amount of exclusives that interest me. Difference between the Wii U and the other two though; regardless of how much I enjoy the Xbox One and PS4, and regardless of how much play time they get over the next few years, I will undoubtedly trade them in/sell then at some point; the Wii U on the other hand is there to stay
Re: Wii U Sales Show Promising Growth Courtesy of Splatoon and Super Mario Maker Success
I said it in different thread, and I will say it again; is the Wii U closing in on roughly 13 million units sold worldwide really as bad as what everyone makes it out to be, considering the fact that Nintendo have pretty much done it all on their own with their own IP's, no huge advertising campaigns, and little to no third party support?!
Re: Nine Nintendo Titles Pass One Million Sales For This Financial Year
Closing in on 13 million Wii U's sold worldwide. Is it just me, or is that figure really not as bad as what people say when you consider Nintendo have effectively done it all on their own with their own IP's, with little to no third party support, no massive advertising campaigns and no huge price drops?!
Re: Analysis: Assessing Why NX Needs to Take Over From Both the Wii U and 3DS
I would personally like it if the NX came out in 2017 or later, merely so that Nintendo can say that the Wii U had a full, solid 5 years or more on the market before their next project was released, and so they can milk the Wii U for all its worth to bring in those sales and let more people enjoy this gem of a console
Re: Nintendo Achieves Modest Results in UK Christmas Charts
Not that I'm one for really caring about sales, but it can be quite frustrating when some things, whether it's games or consoles can really be so good but not get the recognition they deserve. And as someone who is in Cambridge in the UK, it is even more annoying when I go to my two local GAME stores, their Nintendo selection is abysmal; but yet if I go shopping to Milton Keynes, which is just 45 minutes away from me, their local GAME store has an incredible Nintendo display. Seems different towns care about it more than others.
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X Creator Tetsuya Takahashi Prefers Western Games To Japanese Ones
The guy behind a game with 100+ hours of gameplay gets bored easily lol