Rapadash6

Glad to see Wii Virtual Console games coming back finally, and starting with a really good game to boot. I'm wondering if I should start hoping to see Yoshi's Island again...

Wow, between this and Fortune Street, NOA is releasing some pretty obscure stuff lately that I wouldn't expect them to. Meanwhile Last Story will likely sit in the vault never to see light on American shores.

It's cool Sakurai, take all the time you need I say. This news shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, and the fact that he still hasn't started leads me to believe we definately won't be seeing anything about this game at E3 this year. It shouldn't be that big of a deal, assuming Nintendo has plenty of other Wii U software to release in the meantime.

Why didn't they just make this for Wii? I don't want to add a bunch of plastic to my 3DS to make this comfortable to play when there exists a perfect control solution on the console hooked up to my TV... lost opportunity I say. So sad.

So much ignorance out there on this subject. Yes, emulators can increase resolution of Wii games, BUT it rarely runs games %100 properly and some games don't even work at all. Not to mention it takes some pretty high end PCs to do just that much. It's not so much a cost issue as it is a compatability issue. It would be a PR nightmare to impliment a feature that would only work on a small percentage of games. I'm just happy we will get to see Wii games running through the cleaner output of HDMI with digital PCM audio. It's somewhat of an improvement at least.

Shows just how in the minority traditional gamers are, sadly. When I read the title of the article, I immediately asked "Besides Kirby, what else was there for Wii in 2011 to outsell it?" Luckilly sales numbers don't indicate good games from bad, because Skyward Sword is freaking awesome. Zumba Fitness is NOT.

It'd be suicide to put a console out these days that DIDN'T do more than just play games.

I'm definately excited for this game, but extremely concerned about the controls. I really wish this was coming to Wii instead, as those would be the ideal controls for this game. Sin and Punishment controlled like a dream.

I hope so, although I don't expect much before June. It would seem that the design for the console and controller are final however, based on Reggies comments from the Spike TV interview. Unfortunately, we still don't know what's inside that beautiful box yet, and I wager we won't have any idea until E3, when it's likely the first official games will be shown for the first time.

@retro_player_22
Just saying I'd rather them use that effort towards a brand new Zelda game on a console rather than a portable, in order to get it out in a timely fashion.

I'm not really keen on the idea of a completely original Zelda game for the 3DS. I'd prefer to see a Majora's Mask remake instead, while the team focuses on Wii U for the newest game. I would think, given the amount of time it took to develope Skyward Sword, they'd want to start on the Wii U one right away in order to get out within the peak period of the systems life.

Can't say I'm surprised. My only hope is that I won't have to buy a second console this time around to pick up the slack. I really want to see a software variety on Wii U that rivals the SNES's legacy of the perfect balance between 3rd and 1st party games. It seems Nintendo is trying this time, at the very least.

Edit: Oh, I also wanted to say that I really don't think the next Xbox and Playstation consoles will be super mega power houses either. In this economic climate, cutting edge hardware could only hurt the industry due to the increased cost of developement for such hardware. They'll be MORE powerful than their predecessors, and probably even more so than the Wii U, but to expect a gap on the level we've seen from Wii vs Xbox/PS3 is rediculous. It just can't be done in a way that will make it attractive to todays consumers. I fully expect Microsoft to take the casual angle and run with it, while I see Sony increasing functionality to sell their next console. Power will be secondary for everyone this time, I predict.

Makes sense. The official timeline works, even if it leaves a few questions. No doubt they didn't plan it like this from the get go either, but it's used as a VERY basic structure as to how a few of the games fit together. The point between Skyward Sword and Ocarina of Time pretty much prove that as Minish Cap and Four Swords don't really get referenced at all in the latter.

Of course Nintendo is going to do this. That kind of diversity is the whole idea behind the streaming controller with large screen concept. Obviously Nintendo want's to merge the convenience of mobile devices into an HD home console experience. I'm very anxious to see more.

Wouldn't be surprised at all if this were true. The controller is perfect for these kinds of things and would really appeal to broad audience.

As efficient as the internet is for getting information to people, there is still a place in my heart for print gaming mags. I have really fond memories of my childhood, going to the grocery store with my mom, and browsing the Gamepro's, EGMs and (my personal favorite) Gamefans in the magazine isle. There's a certain charm that the internet just doesn't have. I say good for these retro mags for trying to keep those good times from being forgotten entirely.

I'm sure Retro would do an excellent job with any project Nintendo might throw their way, but I really want to see a sequel to Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii U before anything else.

While I have to concede that Skyward Swords controls aren't perfect (sometimes they need to be recalibrated), I think I agree that it would be a huge step backwards for the series. Once you get out of the "Waggle" mentality, and think carefully through the battles, the motion controls work beautifully. I too finished the game over the weekend and it definatly is one of the more unique Zelda games and I'd like to see more of this creativity in the next one.

I've almost completely given up on ever seeing games like Yoshi's Island and Star Fox on the VC but maybe, just maybe they were holding on to such games for 2012.

Skyward Sword is pretty much euphoria on a disc, but I realized something playing it. Zelda games are special and as such I would hope that Nintendo doesn't rush the next one out TOO quickly. The way I see it, Skyward Sword was well worth the wait and it's a very complete and very polished experience and that's what every Zelda game should be. Aside from that, yeah, my mind hurts just trying to picture what a high definition Zelda would be like... oh man.

Mario Kart is about zany item shinanigains. Why people keep asking Nintendo to remove them is beyond me. There are plenty of other games out there designed for competative play, but Mario Kart was always, and should remain, about silly fun. Does it suck to be in the end of the final lap and get slammed by a blue shell a few feet away from the finish line, only to watch yourself get bumped from first to sixth place? Of course, but if you take it too seriously, the point of the game is completely lost on you.

This looks like a pretty solid game. Don't have a lot of experience playing Renegade Kid games, but this one actually appeals to me.

I hate sitting here at work, unable to play this game as it sits on my shelf at home... I miss being a kid soooo much.

@YashaTheSlayer
This game has already been rated by the ESRB. I'd imagine we'll get it when they start bringing VC games to the Wii again, whenever that might be.

The highs and the lows of the Wii, as I see it 5 years later;

+Both launched and ended it's career with Zelda games.
+Not one, not two, but THREE Mario platform games, all excellent.
+The Metroid Prime Trilogy proved the controller's worth for FPS games quite admirably.
+Brought Punch-Out!! back finally.
+Virtual Console (the games that got released)
+Home to the best sidescrolling platformers sinse the SNES.

-The graphics, while tolorable in the beginning, have aged horribly.
-Teathered classic controller. Seriously, couldn't this have been its own unit?
-Online well below the standards of the competetors.
-Motion control became waggle due to creatively bankrupt 3rd party developers.
-Lack of support in general, outside of Nintendo.
-Virtual Console (the games that never made it out)
-Home to the broadest array of shoddy mini game collections I've ever seen.

One thing is clear, Nintendo did software really well with this system; I'd even argue it's the best they've ever done. The hardware, however, was gimped to the point where 3rd parties couldn't take it seriously, in spite of it's major success, and thus left many gamers to rely on a second system for their 3rd party fix. Overall it's one of my favorite systems ever, just for the awesome 1st party and classic games you can't get on Sony and Microsofts machines, but Nintendo needs to make the next one appeal to everyone else too.

My only problem with the Gamecube, was that it seems to be the era when Nintendo's own games were the weakest, quality wise. Metroid Prime, Melee and Wind Waker aside, Nintendo didn't wow me with there 1st party software the way they had in the past and afterwards with the Wii.

@Swiket
I never said the complaints weren't valid, did I? Defensive much?

I'm not huge into online gaming but it would be nice to hear people stop complaining about how behind Nintendo is in this arena. I'll be getting a Wii U no matter what because I love Nintendo's software, but to have a system on the same level, support wise, as the SNES where Nintendo and third parties are putting forth there best efforts is something I'd really like to see again. If Wii U can't do it then I think it's safe to say Nintendo will never achieve that perfect balance again, sadly.

Sounds like he's referring to Majora's Mask or the Link to the Past 3D remake Miyamoto hinted at. We'll probably find out at GDC sinse that seems to be the popular place to show off portable Zeldas.

I wonder if Nintendo is trying to have Mario Kart ready for launch? Honestly, I can't think of a better game to do so, considering how well Mario Kart Wii did this this last generation.

Not a fan of most DLC so excuse me if I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting for Nintendo to jump on that wagon. When I pay $40 to $60 for a game that should be the end of it.

It has to be ED2. Question is will it be a Nintendo exclusive? Considering the problems the developer is currently facing, it seems unlikely Nintendo has stepped in with a request for this game. Otherwise, they wouldn't be having those financial woes.

I'm pretty sure Nintendo won't sell this system at a loss, but I find it extremely likely that they'll sell it at or around manufacturing costs. The 3DS was a huge wake up call to Nintendo and they can't afford to make the same mistakes with the Wii U. I fully expect Wii U (assuming it's even called then apon release) to be Nintendo's most thought out console ever. Let's face it, it really won't be accepted any other way.

@thelastlemming I'll give kudo's to the games' graphic and level design but the fruit collecting gameplay was an insult to those who cut their teeth on the excellent SNES predecessor, Yoshi's Island.

Even before the whole 3DS price drop fiasco, I knew what we've seen of the Wii U was prototypical and far from the actual system Nintendo will release a year from now. Here are the changes I expect to see when the system is shown at E3 in 2012:

-The console itself will feature a more striking design that looks less like the original Wii, as is the case with the one we've already seen. Nintendo needs to make it clear that this is a seperate system and will have to create a unique identity for it. My guess is Nintendo will go for a look that's inspired by tablets with a glossy black case that sits horizontally, with rounded edges and LED lights that indicate the touch based power, reset and eject buttons and a lighted disc slot similar to the current Wii.

-The controller screen and the shell will be slightly smaller and more streamlined to appeal to both the tablet croud and traditional gamers. Multiple tablet controllers will be able to be synced to each system as well as all current Wii controllers.

-Nintendo will have an HD New Super Mario Bros. game as the system's flagship launch title. Won't look like the NSMBMii demo seen at E3 2011 but a denser look that takes advantage of the systems graphical capabilities. Sort of how Super Mario World showed off what the SNES could do when it was released.

-It's possible a name change is being considered, or at the very least, the logo will be redesigned. This again would be to help the system create it's own identity.

-Nintendo will emphysize traditional game experiences enhanced by the tablet controller rather than new casual like experiences.

-Mii's will sport the same style they always have but with more customizable options exclusive to the Wii U system.

-Nintendo will focus heavilly on the system's network capabilities and will market it as such.

-The hardware will be noticably more powerful than any other console released but the technology will also be efficient and affordable. Not top of the line but no slouch either basically.

I don't know what it is about system releases but it's my favorite thing to speculate about. I base my predictions on the lessons Nintendo has learned from the 3DS, the current technology trends and Nintendo's history of simplicity and style.

Ugh... this just reminded me that we in the US never got Adventure Island II on Virtual Console before the service appearently ended.

Rest in peace sweet, and thouroghly neglected, western Virtual Console service. It's my hope that maybe Nintendo is just taking a break on releasing new VC games worldwide because they might be too busy refitting the games already released to run on Wii U in HD resolutions. Of course if PS3 can play every PS1 title while optimising them for HD resolutions, it shouldn't be such a huge tasks for Nintendo's system. I guess we'll find out in 8 months. >_< In the meantime I guess we can enjoy the nothing that's released.

Yoshi's Story = Trick. That is all.

WTF @ Honey Queen but Wiggler is an awesome addition and from what I remember was rumored to be in Mario Kart Wii. Obviously that never happened but still nice to see him finally in the driver's seat. Now if we can only bring Wart back into the mix...

Obligitory, I hope the Hammer Bros Suit comes back as well. I was kind of hoping we'd see some Galaxy suits in this game but that's not looking too likely now; not that they'd fit in with the new level mechanics anyway.

Along with the removal of GCN ports and functionality, the system itself never looked good in the horizontal position. So not only is it loosing one of it's better features, but it's also less stylish as well. Good job Nintendo.

As for the soundtrack, I suggest everyone just look for the platinum version on ebay, if they want it so bad. You'll pay a premium, but OSTs from Japan, especially those representing Nintendo games, increase in value significantly over time and this game (and it's sequel, of course), are among Nintendos finest works.

I have 3 of the 4 already and feel confident they were all well worth the $50 I paid for them. I may pick up that remaining title however.

Let me start off by saying that I have a 3DS and it's a decent portable but for some reason I just can't back it the way I have other Nintendo hardwares in the past. I honestly feel Nintendo didn't do everything it needed to to endure the portable market. The form factor and lack of g3/g4 connectivity make the 3DS appear archaic in the eyes of the average consumer, who are already deeply involved in smart phone/tablet gaming for thier portable needs. I have very fond memories of all of Nintendo's portable gaming devices but the 3DS, other than it's nifty 3D screen, (of which smart phones have started adopting also) has done nothing to become a "must own" device. $40 for games isn't doing it any favors either.

In his full comment, which isn't all quoted here, Moore makes an excellent point about deminishing returns as far as graphics go. What a lot of people don't realize is that console gaming has always been considered a cheap form of entertainment in the home. What this means is that it's only natural for the progression of graphics technology to slow down because the cost related to make a major jump don't fit the traditional model of marketing and selling home console hardware and software. I think Wii U is in a good position to come play with the big boys and I honestly believe that even if Sony and/or Microsoft try to userper it in the next couple of years, it might not matter if they can't make it affordable to the average consumer, not to mention the astronomical increase in development costs for publishers. Wii U might just be the sweet spot they've been looking for, assuming the hardware is more flexable this time around.

Wow, that brings me to platinum already! Contrary to what most probably feel, I'm actually really glad I bought my 3DS early. I mean 20 free games, 10 of which won't be available any other way, is better than the nothing I expected Nintendo to give us early adopters.

Iwata is such a solid dude. It's really refreshing to see Nintendo stand up and take accountability for their mistakes. It's clear to me that the company does at least care to some degree. Hopefully they'll heed all this with the Wii U and get it right from the start.

You know this is all well and good but how come nobody is addressing the obvious question here. Why the heck aren't the NES (SNES too for that matter) games we've already downloaded and paid for on Wii able to be brought over for FREE anyways? Seriously, what's going to happen with Wii U? Are we going to have to pay for VC games again on there too? Are we going to yet again be at the mercy of when Nintendo decides to release the games we want and have already gotten on Wii? I think this is an important issue and I will be seriously miffed if all the money and toil waiting for the games in the first place is for not once this new console comes around.

So to answer the question, I want all the games I've already paid for on there and not spread along a 5 year period. I want to be able to play them ALL, NOW, and for it to cost me NOTHING! If Sony can do it with PS1 games between the PSP and PS3 then Nintendo can do it with these games too.

By all accounts this game is sure to rock and rock hard. It's unfortunate that because it's on a system that's all but dead, it won't get the accolades it deserves from anyone other than Zelda fans. Just look what happened with Super Mario Galaxy 2 when it came time to hand out GOTY awards. Superb game, maybe even the best of the generation on ALL platforms but it was still snubbed. Hope that doesn't happen here, but the Dudebros have truly taken over the industry, so it's pretty much garanteed.

Just seeing that artwork of the original Mega Man makes me sad. Like Sonic, it's just another great character that will fade away due to mismanagement.

Umm, of course Nintendo is going to offer GCN games as Virtual Console downloads. All they're saying here is that they haven't officially announced it yet, which is true. Those thinking the original statement was a confirmation of some kind were only kidding themselves. I mean, come on now, how long have you been following Nintendo? You should know how they work by now.