Nintendo sold so many Wii consoles because millions of people who normally don't care about videogames bought it just because of Wii Sports and Wii Fit. But those people will never buy a Wii U. The Wii hype is over now! The Wii U has the same target audience like Gamecube or Nintendo64. You can't compare it to the Wii audience. Millions of crazy housewives won't buy the console this time. You can't repeat this success. Wii U versions of Wii Fit and Sports won't do it.
@Damo: How should a triple A best selling game like GTA V not being well-suited to a Nintendo console? Why has every game to be family friendly? I love most Mario and Zelda games because those are really great videogames and not because those games are family friendly. I couldn't care less. I just want to play the best games (first and third party) on my Nintendo consoles. Why should I care if a videogame is violent or unsuited for children when it's a really good game that I want to play. Parents can always activate parental controls to protect their children for playing unsuited games on Wii U.
I know this is a Nintendo fansite. But this is the most ridiculous article I ever read on a videogaming website. It's even worse journalism than IGN. Bashing GTA V and praising the port of a ten year old Zelda game in the same article is just lame. Sorry, I'm not buying it.
PS: I played every Grand Theft Auto AND Legend of Zelda game so far ("A Link to the Past" is my second favourite game of all time).
Thanks to decisions like this I will never like the company Nintendo. I love the many great games Nintendo gave us. But most of Nintendo's policies (even since NES days) have just been a punch in the face of every loyal customer.
Even as a big fan of the Zelda series, I wouldn't vote for Skyward Sword. There were definitely much better and more innovative games last year. Mario Kart 7 (Family) and Super Mario 3D Land (Mobile & Handheld yes, Design no) should win though.
@Wolfpacleader1986: This is an article about London Life not being released in Europe. It has nothing to do with Xenoblade Chronicles. It's not our fault North America doesn't get those games you mentioned. You should complain about Nintendo not the European Nintendo fans.
I mean it's not a competetion between the regions who gets which game. It's just Nintendo's fault that we still have to complain about lousy EU/NA releases these days. The release politics of Nintendo haven't changed since the nineties:
region code for Wii and 3DS
games not being released in every region
games being released with censorship in some regions
Lame! Why can't Nintendo include the American version of London Life? This would be enough for many European gamers. Personally, I don't use German translations anyway. Import is now the only option for me although I would prefer Luke's British voice. But I will definitely not support Nintendo of Europe by buying both versions.
Who cares about the EU release date!? I want the full experience. It's just ridiculous that Nintendo of Europe makes such tremendous cuts in a triple A game nowadays. Every European Nintendo fan should boycott this and import the US release. Why can't Nintendo include just the English version of London Life in Europe? The other translations are dispensable for many gamers.
WiiWare was an absolute disappointment in my opinion. It could never compete with the superior XBLA or even PSN. So Virtual Console was Nintendo's biggest advantage when it comes to online services. But unfortunately Virtual Console has been totally left behind by Nintendo since WiiWare started.
No one would complain if Wii didn't have a region code. As long as Nintendo makes stupid decisions like that we have every right to complain. It's ridiculous that European or American gamers are missing games which are already translated into English because imports won't play on Wii consoles. Unfortunately even Nintendo handhelds are region locked nowadays. Really great job, Nintendo!
I don't really care about the price. I just want a Nintendo console with up to date technology this time. The Wii was Nintendo's only console that was totally overpriced in my opinion. But if Wii U can finally compete with the PS4 or the third Xbox it could even be worth 500 € to me.
"The European eShop will continue to offer content targeted at the region."
I hoped Nintendo of Europe would learn from its former mistakes. But all we get nowadays is region locking even on handhelds. And don't forget the disaster with the PAL conversions on the European Virtual Console. Nintendo should finally get rid of region locking so you could at least access the US or Japanese eShop (it's possible on Xbox360 and PS3) and European Nintendo fans don't have to miss any more games they deserve.
Nintendo + online services = always a huge disappointment
Definitely the best Zelda for a handheld and maybe the best Gameboy game of all time. I don't support the censorship in the DX version though especially since the original European release (black & white) didn't include any of these alterations (which are present in all American releases). As much as I like the games of Nintendo but the censorship policies were just ridiculous.
No more remakes, please! Nintendo should focus on developing new games (sequels at least). Where is a brand-new Triple A videogaming franchise? I haven't seen one developed by Nintendo this generation.
Not sure about buying this! I really hate the graphics style. Wii Sports Resort was also one of the worst retail games I ever bought. But I did like Pilotwings on SNES.
Rare made some of the best Nintendo games ever. Unfortunately Nintendo did never find a proper replacement for Rare's franchises and creative input since then.
I hope Rare would release more XBLA remakes of its classic games (Blast Corps, Jet Force Gemini, GoldenEye, Battletoads, Conker's Bad Fur Day). The remakes of Perfect Dark and Banjo Kazooie/Tooie were an instant buy to me.
And Nintendo should finally give us Donkey Kong 64 on Virtual Console. Maybe Nintendo and Rare could agree on a downloadable release of Diddy Kong Racing (with Banjo and Conker of course).
I would vote for Mass Effect 2. But Red Dead Redemption, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Heavy Rain and Limbo are good choices, too. I didn't play any of the other nominees.
Wow the first DSiWare game I would really like to buy. I don't know why but most of WiiWare and especially DSiWare games have absolutely no appeal to me (I use frequently VC, XBLA, PSN though).
Can't wait to log into the 3DS online shop for the first time: Handheld Virtual Console and Shantae!!! I really need Nintendo points!
No Virtual Console at launch? That means no games to play for me until May since I'm not interested in any announced game of the 3DS lineup on day one.
I hate the region lock of Wii. You cannot access the North American or Japanese online marketplace which is disappointing for all Europeans because of the PAL-disaster on Virtual Console. It's possible on PS3 and Xbox360 though.
And there are already too many interesting Wii games which are only available in either North America or Europe (some of these games are even published by Nintendo), for example:
Another Code: R (EU)
Trauma Team (NA)
Disaster: Day of Crisis (EU)
Excitebots: Trick Racing (NA)
Pikmin 2: New Play Control (EU)
Dokapon Kingdom (NA)
Mario Super Sluggers (NA)
PS: So region locking offers the "best possible gaming experience" for customers??? This sentence is my nominee for the dumbest marketing statement in 2011!
@SuperMarioFan96, vonseux: This game is based on one of the most popular fictional characters ever (more popular than Mario). Published by a company which is bigger and more famous than Nintendo.
So Epic Mickey is definitely not the perfect example for normal third party developers how they should do their marketing. Disney and Mickey Mouse are just playing in a totally different league than the competition.
Great job, Nintendo! I still regret that I didn't buy a North American Wii (especially because of the PAL issues on the Virtual Console). This is bad news for all European Nintendo fans. I don't like the idea losing the possiblity to import games since we will never get the same support like Japan or North America.
I don't see how WiiWare could compete with XBLA (or even PSN). XBLA is by far the better service. Nintendo should instead focus on Virtual Console again. Their back catalogue is still Nintendo's biggest advantage.
@outrun2sp: I have no PSP. But I get all my PSOne Classics on PS3 at the US marketplace of PSN. Couldn't you do the same with your PSP? Or is there some region locking?
Unfortunately you can't access the North American Wii Shop channel with a PAL Wii. It would be the perfect solution to solve the PAL issues on Virtual Console for all European retro fans.
Lazy, lazier, Nintendo (of Europe)!!! I can't wait to read Nintendo's lame excuse: "Sorry, but there's not enough disk space to include both versions"
@12 (Omega): Nintendo doesn't need to reprogramme Super Mario Allstar at all. Nintendo could just release the original game on the disk. All Nintendo would have to include is a simple check of your Wii settings when you boot the game. If your Wii displays already in 60 Hz, you could play the NTSC version. But if your Wii displays in 50 Hz, you would play the PAL version. I don't think that's too much to ask for. Especially for a game that will make a large profit compared to almost no developing costs at all. I mean it's just a Virtual Console game on a disk without any enhancements.
I'm still not excited about this rip-off so no buy for me. It's sad we won't get a Virtual Console release or XBLA remake of the original GoldenEye because of this.
@LuWiiGi: How can someone hate demos? And why should Xbox360-/PS3-fanboys care about WiiWare demos? Anyhow I guess you don't care about demos being available on XBLA / PSN?
This comes way too late. WiiWare can never compete to the superior download services XBLA or PSN anyway. Nintendo should just focus on Virtual Console again. The back catalogue is by far the biggest advantage Nintendo has to offer for their download marketplace.
The new sites make sense because so many Wii-gamers have gone multiplatform this generation. But since Nintendo Life was original about Virtual Console I would have preferred new sites about the download services XBLA and PSN instead of focusing on motion controls.
I was not even excited about Wii's motion controls so I'm not really interested in Move or Kinect now. But XBLA and PSN are definitely highlights of this gaming generation. Unfortunately Nintendo's download marketplace has become a huge disappointment compared to the competetion (especially after the massive decline of Virtual Console releases and don't forget the PAL-issues).
A WiiWare release wouldn't make any sense. How the hell could Telltale downgrade a game like this to a file size of 40 Mb? I would have prefered a HD release anyway especially since Tales of Monkey Island already had issues on WiiWare.
Can't wait to play this on PSN since I have enjoyed Telltale's former masterpieces on PSN/XBLA (Sam & Max Season 1-3, Wallace & Gromit, Tales of Monkey Island).
How would he explain the poor sales of GTA: Chinatown Wars? I think piracy was the main reason why the sales were absolutely disappointing. Hardcore games made for older target groups have definitely more piracy issues than casual or not M-rated hardcore games.
Additionally Nintendo Europe didn't promote the best rated DS game ever in the Nintendo channel on Wii. You can't even find Chinatown Wars in the Nintendo channel anywhere.
Comments 160
Re: Feature: The Biggest 3DS Games of 2014
Can't wait to play Ace Attorney vs. the lame other guy (the Phoenix Wright games are way better imho) and Mario Golf: World Tour!
Re: Feature: Time to Vote For Your Game of the Year 2013
My personal Game of the Year (on a Nintendo console) is definitely Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies.
Don't understand the Super Mario 3D World hype though. I hate it!
Re: DFC Intelligence Lowers Wii U Lifetime Sales Forecast, But Supports Holiday Releases and Strategy
Nintendo sold so many Wii consoles because millions of people who normally don't care about videogames bought it just because of Wii Sports and Wii Fit. But those people will never buy a Wii U. The Wii hype is over now! The Wii U has the same target audience like Gamecube or Nintendo64. You can't compare it to the Wii audience. Millions of crazy housewives won't buy the console this time. You can't repeat this success. Wii U versions of Wii Fit and Sports won't do it.
Re: Review: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
Destructoid gave it only a 6.5 out of 10.
Re: Review: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
No storytelling!? No cutscenes!? Finished in just 20 hours!? I'm not really hyped about this.
PS: 'A Link to the Past' is my favourite Zelda game and second favourite videogame of all time.
Re: Soapbox: Why Grand Theft Auto V Isn't For Me
@Damo: How should a triple A best selling game like GTA V not being well-suited to a Nintendo console? Why has every game to be family friendly? I love most Mario and Zelda games because those are really great videogames and not because those games are family friendly. I couldn't care less. I just want to play the best games (first and third party) on my Nintendo consoles. Why should I care if a videogame is violent or unsuited for children when it's a really good game that I want to play. Parents can always activate parental controls to protect their children for playing unsuited games on Wii U.
Re: Soapbox: Why Grand Theft Auto V Isn't For Me
I know this is a Nintendo fansite. But this is the most ridiculous article I ever read on a videogaming website. It's even worse journalism than IGN. Bashing GTA V and praising the port of a ten year old Zelda game in the same article is just lame. Sorry, I'm not buying it.
PS: I played every Grand Theft Auto AND Legend of Zelda game so far ("A Link to the Past" is my second favourite game of all time).
Re: Poll: Wii U Hardware Revisions and Accessories, There's No Escape
I want an optical audio output!
Re: Nintendo Rejects The Binding of Isaac
Thanks to decisions like this I will never like the company Nintendo. I love the many great games Nintendo gave us. But most of Nintendo's policies (even since NES days) have just been a punch in the face of every loyal customer.
Re: Zelda and Mario Up for Multiple BAFTA Awards
Even as a big fan of the Zelda series, I wouldn't vote for Skyward Sword. There were definitely much better and more innovative games last year. Mario Kart 7 (Family) and Super Mario 3D Land (Mobile & Handheld yes, Design no) should win though.
Re: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D Sneaks into Europe on March 8th
Pointless release in my opinion! I will get the HD collection for PS3 or Xbox360.
Re: Skyward Sword Nearly Had Button Combat Controls
I would definitely prefer button controls.
Re: There's Hope for Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Outside Japan
Instant buy! But please give us Ace Attorney Investigations 2, too!
Re: Nintendo Europe Dropped London Life to "Avoid Delays"
@Wolfpacleader1986: This is an article about London Life not being released in Europe. It has nothing to do with Xenoblade Chronicles. It's not our fault North America doesn't get those games you mentioned. You should complain about Nintendo not the European Nintendo fans.
I mean it's not a competetion between the regions who gets which game. It's just Nintendo's fault that we still have to complain about lousy EU/NA releases these days. The release politics of Nintendo haven't changed since the nineties:
Re: Nintendo Europe Dropped London Life to "Avoid Delays"
@battLeToaD: That's a good point! Nintendo of Europe had almost two years time to prepare the release. Nintendo's explanation is just ridiculous.
Re: Nintendo Europe Dropped London Life to "Avoid Delays"
Lame! Why can't Nintendo include the American version of London Life? This would be enough for many European gamers. Personally, I don't use German translations anyway. Import is now the only option for me although I would prefer Luke's British voice. But I will definitely not support Nintendo of Europe by buying both versions.
Re: Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call Gets EU Release Date
Who cares about the EU release date!? I want the full experience. It's just ridiculous that Nintendo of Europe makes such tremendous cuts in a triple A game nowadays. Every European Nintendo fan should boycott this and import the US release. Why can't Nintendo include just the English version of London Life in Europe? The other translations are dispensable for many gamers.
Re: Feature: The State of WiiWare
WiiWare was an absolute disappointment in my opinion. It could never compete with the superior XBLA or even PSN. So Virtual Console was Nintendo's biggest advantage when it comes to online services. But unfortunately Virtual Console has been totally left behind by Nintendo since WiiWare started.
Re: Localisation Evidence Grows as Pandora's Tower Demoed at Expo
No one would complain if Wii didn't have a region code. As long as Nintendo makes stupid decisions like that we have every right to complain. It's ridiculous that European or American gamers are missing games which are already translated into English because imports won't play on Wii consoles. Unfortunately even Nintendo handhelds are region locked nowadays. Really great job, Nintendo!
Re: Wii U Striking Balance Between Performance and Price
I don't really care about the price. I just want a Nintendo console with up to date technology this time. The Wii was Nintendo's only console that was totally overpriced in my opinion. But if Wii U can finally compete with the PS4 or the third Xbox it could even be worth 500 € to me.
Re: Review: Donkey Kong (Game Boy)
3DS Virtual Console should optionally support the features of the Super Game Boy.
Re: Regional eShops Will Continue to Offer Different Content
"The European eShop will continue to offer content targeted at the region."
I hoped Nintendo of Europe would learn from its former mistakes. But all we get nowadays is region locking even on handhelds. And don't forget the disaster with the PAL conversions on the European Virtual Console. Nintendo should finally get rid of region locking so you could at least access the US or Japanese eShop (it's possible on Xbox360 and PS3) and European Nintendo fans don't have to miss any more games they deserve.
Nintendo + online services = always a huge disappointment
Re: Review: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (Game Boy Color)
Definitely the best Zelda for a handheld and maybe the best Gameboy game of all time. I don't support the censorship in the DX version though especially since the original European release (black & white) didn't include any of these alterations (which are present in all American releases). As much as I like the games of Nintendo but the censorship policies were just ridiculous.
Re: Talking Point: Where Nintendo Went Wrong with the DSi Shop
Where Nintendo Went Wrong with the DSi Shop? No VIRTUAL CONSOLE!!!
Re: Miyamoto: We Want to Create Meaningful Download Games
WiiWare was a disappointment to me. And I don't care about DSiWare at all (besides Shantae). All my hope lies in the 3DS Virtual Console.
Re: Nintendo Changes Club Nintendo Privacy Policy
Are there any important changes? I have already accecpted but I'm too lazy to read all that legal stuff.
Re: Another Zelda Remake for 3DS?
No more remakes, please! Nintendo should focus on developing new games (sequels at least). Where is a brand-new Triple A videogaming franchise? I haven't seen one developed by Nintendo this generation.
Re: Capcom Objects to Ace Attorney Investigations 2 Translation Costs
I don't understand this decision. Ace Attorney is definitely my favourite series on DS.
Re: Review: Pilotwings Resort (3DS)
Not sure about buying this! I really hate the graphics style. Wii Sports Resort was also one of the worst retail games I ever bought. But I did like Pilotwings on SNES.
Re: Talking Point: Why Nintendo and Rare Should Reunite
Rare made some of the best Nintendo games ever. Unfortunately Nintendo did never find a proper replacement for Rare's franchises and creative input since then.
I hope Rare would release more XBLA remakes of its classic games (Blast Corps, Jet Force Gemini, GoldenEye, Battletoads, Conker's Bad Fur Day). The remakes of Perfect Dark and Banjo Kazooie/Tooie were an instant buy to me.
And Nintendo should finally give us Donkey Kong 64 on Virtual Console. Maybe Nintendo and Rare could agree on a downloadable release of Diddy Kong Racing (with Banjo and Conker of course).
Re: Super Mario Galaxy 2 up for BAFTA Game of the Year
I would vote for Mass Effect 2. But Red Dead Redemption, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Heavy Rain and Limbo are good choices, too. I didn't play any of the other nominees.
Re: Nintendo Download: 11th February 2011 (Europe)
Wow the first DSiWare game I would really like to buy. I don't know why but most of WiiWare and especially DSiWare games have absolutely no appeal to me (I use frequently VC, XBLA, PSN though).
Can't wait to log into the 3DS online shop for the first time: Handheld Virtual Console and Shantae!!!
I really need Nintendo points!
PS: No Virtual Console again! Lame!
Re: 3DS Update in May Includes eShop and Other Applications
No Virtual Console at launch? That means no games to play for me until May since I'm not interested in any announced game of the 3DS lineup on day one.
Re: Nintendo Confirms 3DS Will Be Region-Locked
I hate the region lock of Wii. You cannot access the North American or Japanese online marketplace which is disappointing for all Europeans because of the PAL-disaster on Virtual Console. It's possible on PS3 and Xbox360 though.
And there are already too many interesting Wii games which are only available in either North America or Europe (some of these games are even published by Nintendo), for example:
PS: So region locking offers the "best possible gaming experience" for customers??? This sentence is my nominee for the dumbest marketing statement in 2011!
Re: Wow, Disney Epic Mickey Sold 1.3m Copies in North America
@SuperMarioFan96, vonseux: This game is based on one of the most popular fictional characters ever (more popular than Mario). Published by a company which is bigger and more famous than Nintendo.
So Epic Mickey is definitely not the perfect example for normal third party developers how they should do their marketing. Disney and Mickey Mouse are just playing in a totally different league than the competition.
Re: Super Street Fighter IV 3D Takes the Fight to the World
Friend Codes again!?
Re: Rumour: 3DS will be Region-Locked According to Nintendo
Great job, Nintendo! I still regret that I didn't buy a North American Wii (especially because of the PAL issues on the Virtual Console). This is bad news for all European Nintendo fans. I don't like the idea losing the possiblity to import games since we will never get the same support like Japan or North America.
Re: WiiWare Super Meat Boy Gets Canned
Got it already on XBLA. Great game by the way!
I don't see how WiiWare could compete with XBLA (or even PSN). XBLA is by far the better service. Nintendo should instead focus on Virtual Console again. Their back catalogue is still Nintendo's biggest advantage.
Re: Review: Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition (Wii)
I couldn't agree more with the review. This anniversary edition is a total disgrace to Nintendo.
Re: Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary is 50Hz Only
@outrun2sp: I have no PSP. But I get all my PSOne Classics on PS3 at the US marketplace of PSN. Couldn't you do the same with your PSP? Or is there some region locking?
Unfortunately you can't access the North American Wii Shop channel with a PAL Wii. It would be the perfect solution to solve the PAL issues on Virtual Console for all European retro fans.
Re: Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary is 50Hz Only
Lazy, lazier, Nintendo (of Europe)!!! I can't wait to read Nintendo's lame excuse: "Sorry, but there's not enough disk space to include both versions"
@12 (Omega): Nintendo doesn't need to reprogramme Super Mario Allstar at all. Nintendo could just release the original game on the disk. All Nintendo would have to include is a simple check of your Wii settings when you boot the game. If your Wii displays already in 60 Hz, you could play the NTSC version. But if your Wii displays in 50 Hz, you would play the PAL version. I don't think that's too much to ask for. Especially for a game that will make a large profit compared to almost no developing costs at all. I mean it's just a Virtual Console game on a disk without any enhancements.
Re: You Can Gaze At This Super Mario 25th Anniversary Box Now
Shame it doesn't come with Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.
Re: Review: GoldenEye 007 (Wii)
I'm still not excited about this rip-off so no buy for me. It's sad we won't get a Virtual Console release or XBLA remake of the original GoldenEye because of this.
Re: Super Meat Boy May Skip WiiWare and Head to Retail
I already bought it for XBLA so I pass on a Wii release (WiiWare or retail).
Re: Exclusive: Nintendo Bringing Back WiiWare Demos
@LuWiiGi: How can someone hate demos? And why should Xbox360-/PS3-fanboys care about WiiWare demos? Anyhow I guess you don't care about demos being available on XBLA / PSN?
Re: Exclusive: Nintendo Bringing Back WiiWare Demos
This comes way too late. WiiWare can never compete to the superior download services XBLA or PSN anyway. Nintendo should just focus on Virtual Console again. The back catalogue is by far the biggest advantage Nintendo has to offer for their download marketplace.
Re: Get Ready for KINECTaku!
The new sites make sense because so many Wii-gamers have gone multiplatform this generation. But since Nintendo Life was original about Virtual Console I would have preferred new sites about the download services XBLA and PSN instead of focusing on motion controls.
I was not even excited about Wii's motion controls so I'm not really interested in Move or Kinect now. But XBLA and PSN are definitely highlights of this gaming generation. Unfortunately Nintendo's download marketplace has become a huge disappointment compared to the competetion (especially after the massive decline of Virtual Console releases and don't forget the PAL-issues).
Re: Telltale's Back to the Future Not Coming to Wii
A WiiWare release wouldn't make any sense. How the hell could Telltale downgrade a game like this to a file size of 40 Mb? I would have prefered a HD release anyway especially since Tales of Monkey Island already had issues on WiiWare.
Can't wait to play this on PSN since I have enjoyed Telltale's former masterpieces on PSN/XBLA (Sam & Max Season 1-3, Wallace & Gromit, Tales of Monkey Island).
Re: Nintendo Download: 15th October (Europe)
I will get Sonic 4 when it's Deal of the Week on XBLA.
Re: Piracy Not to Blame for Poor Software Sales, Says Iwata
How would he explain the poor sales of GTA: Chinatown Wars? I think piracy was the main reason why the sales were absolutely disappointing. Hardcore games made for older target groups have definitely more piracy issues than casual or not M-rated hardcore games.
Additionally Nintendo Europe didn't promote the best rated DS game ever in the Nintendo channel on Wii. You can't even find Chinatown Wars in the Nintendo channel anywhere.