Now, if only they would release some more games for those few of us who already have WiiPlay, Sports, WiiFit, and Mario Kart and would like to play something else at some point in the next year and a half before WiiU releases.
DSiWare and WiiWare were slow and unreliable too in the beginning. The eshop has only been out a month or so. I'm guessing there just hasn't been time for developers to create, polish, test, and get their games through review yet for 3DSWare. I'm sure it will pick up eventually (though then people will be complaining about weeks of crap - good games take TIME)!
I hope that we'll continue to see a mix of both styles of gameplay. To be fair whatever sells, we'll see, but my thirst for 2D platformers, while deep in the beginning of of this generation has been more than satiated recently. If nothing else, we'll see plenty of 2D from smaller studios and indies, since 3D is so much more expensive and time consuming. I still can't wait to see what new, more groundbreaking, things Ninty has to offer - and this will be in the 3D realm (stylistically, even if not with actual 3D that needs a special screen or glasses).
I could use the time to save up, but it will definitely be competing early on with PS4/720 - which will be significantly more powerful, likely only having the 2012 holiday season to get a head start. At least it will probably be more reasonably priced - though so will the PS360.
That explains why there was so little to be shown for the console, since they weren't planning on showing it until footage was leaked. That makes me happy to hear that what little they had at E3 were just rushed prototypes, and there will be plenty more polish to come.
I think Iwata has handled this situation with so much dignity and humility, he really went above and beyond the call of duty on this one. Frankly, even early adopters will be better off with a price drop - it's obvious devs won't make games and get behind the system with the numbers they have now. With more consoles in people's hands, early adopters will get a larger game library to make the original price more worthwhile. Then there are all the free ambassador games.
Iwata doesn't need to apologize to me for this (I am still waiting for the apology for drunkenly throwing up in my pool last month though). I just snagged myself a new 3DS for $202.50 that I should receive by tomorrow. So I'm going to be enjoying both a reasonble price and a pile of awesome free games. So, I should probably write him a thank you letter!
@Burny I got the Club Nintendo Bundle because WM+ were only going for around $10-$20 or so on ebay for some reason (if they were out of their original packaging) - not worth it after the seller fees. I do feel a bit ripped off though. I haven't really given it a fair shake yet, but I find that the games on the original Wii Play, though simpler, were fun and addictive, and for the most part, these just aren't.
@Cruncy_in_milk No doubt Sony and Microsoft release CSR reports. It's pretty much a must for any major business, nowadays. These reports generally detail the good things they do for employees, the environment, community service activities, and donations to charities. I would imagine given all of Bill Gate's work with his foundation's, Microsoft's would actually be more impressive. Much of the stuff listed is pretty "soft" (eg. green procurement 'seminars' for factories in China but the report does not outline the process by which these factories are actually audited).
I didn't think they needed to drop it so low. I think $199 would have made the system really competitive, but if they need to play catch-up, I'm not complaining. Given how 3rd parties aren't releasing games, because of low sales, it's necessary (though, it's probably the same 3rd parties whining that they couldn't compete with top notch Nintendo games on Wii asking Nintendo to release more top notch games to sell the system now, so there's probably not much they can do there).
The ambassador program is a pretty sweet deal. If GBA games cost $8, like SNES games, we're looking at a $130 value of games. It's pretty nice. They didn't have to give people anything. If someone didn't think it was worth $250, they wouldn't have bought it.
Also, as for price losses, from what Iwata said, it sounds like the console would really only be selling at a loss until they've drawn down their unsold inventory and adjusted their production schedule. The profits may be razor thin after that, and I think it will be a LOOOOOOONG time until we see another drop, it's worth it.
At any rate, I think a price drop was smart. Instead of competing with Vita for hardcore gamers dollars, they're now in the range anyone will get. At $10 less than the launch of the DSi and a new Mario and Mario Kart game launching for the holidays, the system will fly off the shelves. I'm sure we'll see sell-outs like with the Wii now.
On a personal note, I'm watching for early sales. I'm hoping to get a 3DS for around $200 and then get to take advantage of the ambassador program for a discount. If I can't get that, I'll wait for the drop, since I don't really care for NES games I already have on the Wii.
@Cowlaunch: Ninty said "we have no plans at this time to make GBA games available in the future." Yet, why bother developing an emulator and porting the games, why not just offer an extra 10 NES games - since they're already on Wii, they're probably less costly to bring over? My thought is they want to encourage people to buy up as much old stock at $250 as possible, so they're just not confirming that they are coming. People who don't get ambassador status will be waiting for a while, no doubt, but these games are easy $$$ and Ninty knows it (and, from the looks of things, needs it).
If Nintendo was an American company, Iwata would have taken a massive severance package, and they would hire someone else (for tons of money) to prepare the company for bankruptcy (read: drive the company to the ground while disbursing as much money as possible to execs, so when they do have to go bankrupt there's nothing left for the court to seize).
Good for Iwata. Half seems like a bit much for the situation, but, still, if I had any yen, I would buy Ninty stock in support just for Iwata and the other executives doing what they are supposed to and taking credit for not only the company's successes but also its failures.
Very Nice. If you look at what the games will probably cost, getting 20 games free will probably be more than the $80 differential.
I'm with Hardy though, in that I'm guessing the GBA games will be made available to everyone eventually (though, I have been wrong about stuff like that before). Also, I already have the two NES games listed that I actually want on my Wii, and I don't really feel the need to have another copy of LoZ and SMB on my portable.
I was actually going to cave and buy one on Monday, but they were sold out at Target. I guess I'm just going to sit tight until Aug. 12!
What's really crazy is that this is cheaper than the DSi was at launch. I'm surpised they're going so low. I think they'd probably be fine at $199. Not that I'm complaining (Nintendo can't really complain either - the profit margin on a $250 3DS must have been huge), but I wouldn't be surprised if the thing sells out everywhere on the 12th.
The biggest issue I personally have with it is pricing. Game prices never drop. Why would I get the Strong Bad games or World of Goo when they're cheaper on PC? Or the iPhone? Unless the game works significantly better on the big screen with Wii Controls (the Bit.Trip games stand out here but not much else), why should I pay extra money?
The two biggest things that need to start happening are 1) Make it easier for devs to market their games (like letting them know when they'll be released, giving some space on the Nintendo website, and demos - to the best of my knowledge 3DSWare is only fixing one of those things, the demos) and 2) let older titles go on sale. Devs should have much more control over their titles than they do. The race to the bottom is on with the types of titles on Nintendo's download service, and they can't win the race if they don't enter.
It's probably not going to be much more powerful than a PS3. We all know this to be true, and if you have both a PS3 and a Vita (and let's be honest, if you're buying Sony, you're not short on cash) then yeah, Sony will do more.
But they give props to Nintendo's games. That's what the last statement means - despite the hardware flaws, Nintendo's going to bring out some top notch games for it. It's a fair assessment. Chill.
Well, for Europe, Netflix would have to renegotiate content rights with studios around each individual's country's laws. Plus, if you want to beef up your audience in, say, France, you need to have a substantial library of movies in French. That's why even if service does roll out in Europe, it will take a while to reach the entire region. That's why we have it, and they don't.
Man, I got ripped off in DSIware G&W. Oh well, I like to think my support of retro gaming brought us the 3DS VC (as every G&W Club Nintendo Survey I filled out requested one!
It almost sounds like he's referring to the NES days or something. Their dev kit process doesn't seem any worse than Sony/Msoft (though they could be a little nicer with letting WW devs know when their games could be released - their download sales policy is over the top restrictive).
His ethos obviously isn't with EA anymore. They love buying out he little guys and stifling their creativity/slapping obscene drm on games.
Hopefully they keep to that. I'm willing to give Capcom the benefit of the doubt too. However, I'm not willing to take a US VP's word on this one. Ultimately, these decisions are going to be made in Japan for most games, and this guy is just going to be stuck marketing whatever he's given, unfortunately.
Why bother using resources to print copies of a game that will sell .25 million, when you can do nothing, keep printing Mario Kart, NSMB Wii, and Wii Sports at full levels and still make more money. That's the problem we're facing, I think.
Sometimes I think I should just stick with gold. At least the calendar is useful.
It's a free prize, so I can't really complain, but CN has been declining. From the SNES classic controller/Gold Wii Wheel in Japan, to Mario Hat or Doc Louis's Punch Out our first year, to a large mario statue to...pins...not really even pins, buttons. I could make these with an inkjet printer and a button making kit from any craft store. At least the packaging is creative.
NOA is making too much money, I think. Why put any effort into nice prizes to reward multiple game buying fans and printing small disk runs of Xenoblade, when you can just have the factories keep turning out copies of Wii Sports Resort, Mario Kart, and NSMB Wii nonstop and sell millions even years after release?
@armoredghor It is aimed at the players, to reduce the incentive to trade in games used, because they'll be worth significantly less money. The only one of these games I was planning on possibly picking up was Monkeyball, but I won't anymore. While for most players it doesn't matter, it does remove an option for me. It hurts people who purchase the game legally and offers less than games used to in the past on games that cost more than any other portable games on the market right now.
So, no, I won't be buying any of these games. Not even if Monkey Ball hits the bargain bin, because I don't want to support the expansion of this trend. $40 isn't worth a gimped game. Supply and demand, Sega, Aksys, Konami and Capcom, supply and demand.
Man, they really need a shopping cart system for the eshop (alternatively, just charge the tax when you add the money, but a shopping cart system would be better). At this rate, Wii Points were a better deal it sounds like.
That being said, someone just got a job offer today...I think a 3DS is finally in my immediate future. I can't wait to stock up on these games (and the backlog keeps getting longer...).
I just don't understand it. I mean, I get not translating the other ones, but I don't understand what the harm would be in not bringing out Xenoblade. Amazon preorders were through the roof. People put money where their mouth was. Sure it would probably only sell .25 million or so, but the only costs would be printing and distribution. It's not like their production lines are swamped right now with AAA Wii titles.
I wasn't going to get this anyways, but seeing how launch day DLC and online passes are quickly becoming standard, I do worry that this is something that will take off. It's a stupid move. You want to know why there's a thriving used game market Capcom, Activision, EA, etc.?
IT'S BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T THINK YOUR GAME IS WORTH $40-$60! So they buy used, or they buy new with the intention of recouping some costs on the trade-in. If game companies are going to crush the used market, they're going to lose a lot of launch window sales unless prices drop. Many people who buy used won't buy new. People who legally supported used gaming will probably just throw on some eyepatches and go to town on torrents. Then publishers won't get any of the secondary benefits (using cash from selling a used game to buy a new game) of the used game market.
This is why the Steam model has been so profitable. Games start at full price, and the hardcore fans buy in. When games aren't profitable at full price anymore, there's a sale, and they get TONS of new buyers. There's no used market, but that's ok. People know if they wait they'll be able to get a game at a price they're willing to pay (often lower than what they would have gotten it for if there was a used market). You also don't have to worry about things like backwards compatibility, getting a new computer, losing your games, etc. The benefit to customers is that they can play their game forever on any computer linked to their steam account. You need to understand your market and give them incentive to purchase your game. Steam does that. Most other major publishers' decisions recently only hurt those who purchase legally, new or used.
@SilverBaretta The "Online Pass" model started on one game as a method to curb second hand sales, now you're seeing it many places - EA Sports games, F3AR, Dirt3, Mortal Kombat, etc. I don't have as much of a problem with that, seeing as servers do cost money to maintain...but wait, when someone sells a game used, doesn't that mean they're not using the servers anymore so net traffic doesn't increase? Trust me, if people let this happen, it WILL become a trend.
Anyway, if this sort of move turns out profitable for Capcom, you can bet it will expand. I would argue the used game market doesn't hurt game makers' bottom line as much as they say. Most people buying used won't buy new. They'll wait for a price drop, or they won't get it at all. You also will have fewer people buying new games at $40, because people factor in the fact that they'll likely be able to recoup $10-$20 reselling it when they're deciding on purchases. The true cost is really only $20-$30 for them - that's how much they're actually willing to pay for a game. People also use the money they get through trade-ins to buy more new games. Without that source of funding, you'll see significantly fewer launch day/full price buyers. No used market= many people waiting longer for price drops, with the possible exception of AAA games like COD.
Hopefully, I'll end up being right on this one, and not Capcom/EA/Activision/etc.
I hope other retailers follow suit. DLC and other bonuses are one thing, but what if I just want to pick up the game again a couple of years down the road and can't? Well, that's too bad. I hope this trend gets nipped in the bud here, before we start seeing it happen with more story based games. I'm not going to pay $40-$60 for one play-through. That's more of a rip-off than arcades in the early days!
I'd love to see this, and especially Neo Geo Pocket Sonic hit the eshop in the future (I really have no way to play that one, whereas I can always track down a Sonic advance cart).
It also pisses me off when NOA doesn't release titles that are already done and translated (I'm also looking at you NPC Pikmin 2 - No I will NOT get over that). Once it's translated, so what if it will only sell .2-.25 million. Just do a small run. The only costs are printing and distribution, pretty much. More than made up for with a $50 retail disc. The preorder for the game is still the number one best selling game on Amazon for Wii, even with a $10 markup over the average title, so I'm sure it won't do terribly.
When I was about 6, my experiences with video games pretty much amounted to getting an occasional quarter to play Ms. Pacman at Pizza hut (and a couple times, playing some cop shooting game, though I wasn't supposed to play anything where you shot a gun). I don't remember asking for a specific brand. I just wanted "video games." My parents were opposed.
Until X-mas, 1992. Then, I received a shiny new Sega Game Gear bundled with Sonic 2 (same as the Master system version). I played the heck out of that game (even though it took me forever to get past the first boss, and even forever-er to get past the first hang gliding stage in the second world - I never actually beat the game until college). It was so fast, so colorful, so much more than a slow, black and white game boy!
Then came the ads for Sonic 3. Yes! A Genesis must be mine! Then Sonic and Knuckles! (Of course, my parents didn't get it. I had Sonic on my Game Gear). Fast forward to the day after Xmas 1995. The kids with cool parents are at home playing their brand new Playstations. My brother and I are pooling months of allowance, birthday, and X-mas money for a Sega Genesis - $150 for the system, Sonic 3, and Sonic and Knuckles. I can finally play Sonic Teams Magnum opus. Luckily, a pretty massive blizzard hit that year, and we got nearly 2 weeks off school. When we weren't playing in the snow, we were playing Sonic 3. I beat it as Knuckles. Later as Sonic and Tails (but I never got all the SUPER emeralds from S&K until adulthood). Later purchases followed of all the other Sonic games - and even a used Sega CD for Sonic CD. It was awesome.
My mom realized that games didn't turn us into failures at life, so it was a bit easier to get the N64 for xmas and later the Dreamcast and Sonic Adventure 1&2 as holiday/birthday gifts. The day the dreamcast was discontinued was a sad one in our house. The day Triple Trouble, the only missing Game Gear Sonic was announced for the VC was a happy one though. While I still have my Game Gear, I can't wait to have those first Sonic games I started off with, on a console that's actually, well, portable again. They will be Instabuys!
@TheChosen I liked Sonic 3D Blast too. For the time, it was pretty impressive to see that level of 3D rendering on a Genesis. Definitely get some friends over and a copy of sonic shuffle (you need VMUs for everyone to see their cards too). My brother and I still play that all the time. The graphics aren't pushing the dreamcast and the loading times are terrible, but it is a super fun party game!
Really? I hadn't noticed. Live offers the best online experience, but you need to pay for it. It's understandable that Ninty isn't going to be aiming for #1, and I'm ok with that if it keeps it free.
Honestly, I'd just like to be able to play games online lag free. However, local multiplayer is more important to me, and if you want local multiplayer games, Nintendo DOES have a pretty good selection of games (the only thing they're missing is a decent co-op shooter campaign, but let's be serious, if you're into shooters, you got an HD Twin long ago).
Nothing beats the fun of multiplayer in the same room. But online is fun too. Just let me play games like NSMB Wii, Mario Kart, Goldeneye, SSBB, etc. without lag, give me an easy friendlist (one friendcode or username), and voicechat with friends in games, and I'll be set.
It really grinds my gears when NOA doesn't release things that are already ready and translated. Seriously, the only costs for NOA left at this point are printing and distributing. If you're worried about it selling, don't do a large run.
NPC Pikmin 2 especially. The first one sold a quarter of a million (I guess still less than the other NPC games), but if you look at the ebay prices, a used gamecube Pikmin 2 disc only costs about $30. Complete copies cost more. There is definitely money to be made in a NPC version. At first I thought they were holding off until closer to Pikmin 3, but since that's been moved to WiiU, now would be a good time to release it, since there's a drought of Wii releases.
Reading this just makes me realize - Sonic's overused. Instead of main series mario titles which only come out every other year or so, Sega churns out at least one sonic game a year. Some focus and extended development time would be beneficial. At any rate, I'm excited about Generations, and I haven't had the chance to play colors yet. Secret Rings was good, the only really bad thing about it was having to go to the menu screen after every level.
It's nice to hear something positive for the Sonic RPG on DS. Maybe I'll pick that up at some point. I was worried it wouldn't be any good.
I would really love to have Sonic CD released on the VC. My Sega CD is busted, so I would love to be able to play that game again and keep it once the WiiU comes out, since if I pick up Gems collection, that can't happen.
@koto I think that's what he means too, seeing as pc is the primary development platform for Valve. The best console version of a major valve title would be huge for WiiU. Of course, that would mean valve would need to release a new title within 2-3 years...
This makes sense. The Xbox and PS3 really just became affordable in the past 2-3 years for most people. I don't think something that's a massive jump ahead at the $300 price point would be possible by next year. Certainly a machine somewhat more powerful is nice. Considering most 3rd party multiplatform games will probably still be made on Xbox first and not properly upscaled for the PS3 or WiiU (and the Xbox 720 and PS4 will blow it out of the water, no matter what), it really doesn't matter if it's significantly more powerful, really.
This would be a real shame. I thought that sale back in 2009 was a start of something new. Now that Sega had done it, it would be more possible for other devs to hold sales.
Guess not. I would rebuy all of those games if they dropped the price now, knowing that sales really are that difficult to make happen on the Wii. However, I'd be surprised if Triple Trouble WASN'T released on Thursday.
The $250 price tag plus no must have launch titles for me is the biggest reason it's not in my pocket.
I see what they were hoping for though:
1) Launch with high price tag with only 3rd party games: They hoped there were enough Nintendo faithful to sell out and give them a nice quick early profit. It also helps 3rd parties get sales they wouldn't normally have. If OoT had come out on launch day, everyone would be walking out with that and not street fighter 4.
2) Rope more people in with OoT. That seems to be working, given how quickly it's selling out.
3) They should have had the eshop out at launch, though. Would have been a simple way to value-add the machine without very significantly hurting retail title sales. Luckily, there's more room for improvement with firmware updates for the 3DS than the DSi (although, that was the case with the Wii too, and the shop interface is about what it was at launch).
I think they just overestimated the amount of Nintendo faithful who would buy on launch day for $250. They're going to really need to think about that price come the holidays when Vita releases. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was planning to buy it who is now waiting for a potential price drop to compete with Sony.
If netflix starts getting 3D content, then it would be really sweet. I think these video apps appeal only to people without smartphones/tablets anyways. Otherwise, why would you bother watching tv on a game console. It's great for kids whose family has a netflix subscription, but most adults who have a 3DS probably also have an iTouch/Phone/Pad/Droid already, I'd imagine.
It's true technologically, speaking. The WiiU is not that big a jump from the PS3 compared what we generally see with console generations. Didn't Sony confirm a PS tablet that would be compatible with PS3 too back in the spring? So they can't be accused copycatting, but I'm going to guess Ninty's still going to be the cost effective option.
That being said, I'm still angry at Tretton's "apology" for their network outage at E3. It was pretty much "we're sorry that we still have so many sales and good games and our customers are so loyal that we can turn this into a marketing spiel instead of an actual apology for our lack of online security and customer service."
Comments 1,298
Re: Nintendo Rep Backpedals on Game Boy Advance Kirby
Back to square one, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was in the second set of five (or not, whatever).
Re: Nintendo's Annual Report Continues Incredible Wii Figures
Now, if only they would release some more games for those few of us who already have WiiPlay, Sports, WiiFit, and Mario Kart and would like to play something else at some point in the next year and a half before WiiU releases.
Re: Nintendo Download: 4th August 2011 (North America)
DSiWare and WiiWare were slow and unreliable too in the beginning. The eshop has only been out a month or so. I'm guessing there just hasn't been time for developers to create, polish, test, and get their games through review yet for 3DSWare. I'm sure it will pick up eventually (though then people will be complaining about weeks of crap - good games take TIME)!
Re: Feature: The Future of Nintendo Gaming - 2D or Not 2D?
I hope that we'll continue to see a mix of both styles of gameplay. To be fair whatever sells, we'll see, but my thirst for 2D platformers, while deep in the beginning of of this generation has been more than satiated recently. If nothing else, we'll see plenty of 2D from smaller studios and indies, since 3D is so much more expensive and time consuming. I still can't wait to see what new, more groundbreaking, things Ninty has to offer - and this will be in the 3D realm (stylistically, even if not with actual 3D that needs a special screen or glasses).
Re: Nintendo Will Announce Wii U Release Date Next Year
I could use the time to save up, but it will definitely be competing early on with PS4/720 - which will be significantly more powerful, likely only having the 2012 holiday season to get a head start. At least it will probably be more reasonably priced - though so will the PS360.
Re: Iwata Admits E3 Wii U Reveal was Earlier Than Planned
That explains why there was so little to be shown for the console, since they weren't planning on showing it until footage was leaked. That makes me happy to hear that what little they had at E3 were just rushed prototypes, and there will be plenty more polish to come.
Re: Iwata Writes Open Letter to 3DS Owners to Say Sorry
I think Iwata has handled this situation with so much dignity and humility, he really went above and beyond the call of duty on this one. Frankly, even early adopters will be better off with a price drop - it's obvious devs won't make games and get behind the system with the numbers they have now. With more consoles in people's hands, early adopters will get a larger game library to make the original price more worthwhile. Then there are all the free ambassador games.
Iwata doesn't need to apologize to me for this (I am still waiting for the apology for drunkenly throwing up in my pool last month though). I just snagged myself a new 3DS for $202.50 that I should receive by tomorrow. So I'm going to be enjoying both a reasonble price and a pile of awesome free games. So, I should probably write him a thank you letter!
Re: Koizumi has "Too Many Ideas" for Mario on Wii U
They could make more than one type of Mario game. Yay!
Re: Review: Wii Play: Motion (Wii)
@Burny
I got the Club Nintendo Bundle because WM+ were only going for around $10-$20 or so on ebay for some reason (if they were out of their original packaging) - not worth it after the seller fees. I do feel a bit ripped off though. I haven't really given it a fair shake yet, but I find that the games on the original Wii Play, though simpler, were fun and addictive, and for the most part, these just aren't.
Re: Nintendo Social Responsibility Report Makes Fascinating Reading
@Cruncy_in_milk
No doubt Sony and Microsoft release CSR reports. It's pretty much a must for any major business, nowadays. These reports generally detail the good things they do for employees, the environment, community service activities, and donations to charities. I would imagine given all of Bill Gate's work with his foundation's, Microsoft's would actually be more impressive. Much of the stuff listed is pretty "soft" (eg. green procurement 'seminars' for factories in China but the report does not outline the process by which these factories are actually audited).
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo Makes Bold Move with the 3DS
I didn't think they needed to drop it so low. I think $199 would have made the system really competitive, but if they need to play catch-up, I'm not complaining. Given how 3rd parties aren't releasing games, because of low sales, it's necessary (though, it's probably the same 3rd parties whining that they couldn't compete with top notch Nintendo games on Wii asking Nintendo to release more top notch games to sell the system now, so there's probably not much they can do there).
The ambassador program is a pretty sweet deal. If GBA games cost $8, like SNES games, we're looking at a $130 value of games. It's pretty nice. They didn't have to give people anything. If someone didn't think it was worth $250, they wouldn't have bought it.
Also, as for price losses, from what Iwata said, it sounds like the console would really only be selling at a loss until they've drawn down their unsold inventory and adjusted their production schedule. The profits may be razor thin after that, and I think it will be a LOOOOOOONG time until we see another drop, it's worth it.
At any rate, I think a price drop was smart. Instead of competing with Vita for hardcore gamers dollars, they're now in the range anyone will get. At $10 less than the launch of the DSi and a new Mario and Mario Kart game launching for the holidays, the system will fly off the shelves. I'm sure we'll see sell-outs like with the Wii now.
On a personal note, I'm watching for early sales. I'm hoping to get a 3DS for around $200 and then get to take advantage of the ambassador program for a discount. If I can't get that, I'll wait for the drop, since I don't really care for NES games I already have on the Wii.
@Cowlaunch: Ninty said "we have no plans at this time to make GBA games available in the future." Yet, why bother developing an emulator and porting the games, why not just offer an extra 10 NES games - since they're already on Wii, they're probably less costly to bring over? My thought is they want to encourage people to buy up as much old stock at $250 as possible, so they're just not confirming that they are coming. People who don't get ambassador status will be waiting for a while, no doubt, but these games are easy $$$ and Ninty knows it (and, from the looks of things, needs it).
Re: Here's Nintendo's Most Up to Date Release Schedule
Such a short list! These lists always make me sad with no NPC Pikmin 2 for NA in sight.
Re: Iwata Shoulders Blame for Low 3DS Sales, Cuts Salary in Half
If Nintendo was an American company, Iwata would have taken a massive severance package, and they would hire someone else (for tons of money) to prepare the company for bankruptcy (read: drive the company to the ground while disbursing as much money as possible to execs, so when they do have to go bankrupt there's nothing left for the court to seize).
Good for Iwata. Half seems like a bit much for the situation, but, still, if I had any yen, I would buy Ninty stock in support just for Iwata and the other executives doing what they are supposed to and taking credit for not only the company's successes but also its failures.
Re: FAQ: Nintendo Ambassador Program and Free eShop Games
Very Nice. If you look at what the games will probably cost, getting 20 games free will probably be more than the $80 differential.
I'm with Hardy though, in that I'm guessing the GBA games will be made available to everyone eventually (though, I have been wrong about stuff like that before). Also, I already have the two NES games listed that I actually want on my Wii, and I don't really feel the need to have another copy of LoZ and SMB on my portable.
I was actually going to cave and buy one on Monday, but they were sold out at Target. I guess I'm just going to sit tight until Aug. 12!
What's really crazy is that this is cheaper than the DSi was at launch. I'm surpised they're going so low. I think they'd probably be fine at $199. Not that I'm complaining (Nintendo can't really complain either - the profit margin on a $250 3DS must have been huge), but I wouldn't be surprised if the thing sells out everywhere on the 12th.
Re: Preview: Super Mario (3DS)
Wait, so Link can't roll and Mario can? What is going on????????????
Re: Feature: The State of WiiWare
The biggest issue I personally have with it is pricing. Game prices never drop. Why would I get the Strong Bad games or World of Goo when they're cheaper on PC? Or the iPhone? Unless the game works significantly better on the big screen with Wii Controls (the Bit.Trip games stand out here but not much else), why should I pay extra money?
The two biggest things that need to start happening are 1) Make it easier for devs to market their games (like letting them know when they'll be released, giving some space on the Nintendo website, and demos - to the best of my knowledge 3DSWare is only fixing one of those things, the demos) and 2) let older titles go on sale. Devs should have much more control over their titles than they do. The race to the bottom is on with the types of titles on Nintendo's download service, and they can't win the race if they don't enter.
Re: Yuji Naka's Haunted Tower Never Made it to Wii
This was one of the only decent games on WPM. It would be need to see the concept fleshed out with quicker-responding controls.
Re: Uncharted Studio: "Wii U is Full of Holes, Nothing Sony Can't Do"
I love when people just read the headline.
It's probably not going to be much more powerful than a PS3. We all know this to be true, and if you have both a PS3 and a Vita (and let's be honest, if you're buying Sony, you're not short on cash) then yeah, Sony will do more.
But they give props to Nintendo's games. That's what the last statement means - despite the hardware flaws, Nintendo's going to bring out some top notch games for it. It's a fair assessment. Chill.
Re: 3D Movies Coming to the 3DS Netflix Service
Well, for Europe, Netflix would have to renegotiate content rights with studios around each individual's country's laws. Plus, if you want to beef up your audience in, say, France, you need to have a substantial library of movies in French. That's why even if service does roll out in Europe, it will take a while to reach the entire region. That's why we have it, and they don't.
Re: Nintendo Download: 14th July 2011 (North America)
Man, I got ripped off in DSIware G&W. Oh well, I like to think my support of retro gaming brought us the 3DS VC (as every G&W Club Nintendo Survey I filled out requested one!
Re: EA Founder Criticises Nintendo's "Feudal Dark Age"
It almost sounds like he's referring to the NES days or something. Their dev kit process doesn't seem any worse than Sony/Msoft (though they could be a little nicer with letting WW devs know when their games could be released - their download sales policy is over the top restrictive).
His ethos obviously isn't with EA anymore. They love buying out he little guys and stifling their creativity/slapping obscene drm on games.
Re: Wii U is Technically 3D-Ready
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: 3DS/DS player for the WiiU plz. kthxbai.
Re: Capcom Will Not Repeat Mercenaries 3D Save File Mistake
Hopefully they keep to that. I'm willing to give Capcom the benefit of the doubt too. However, I'm not willing to take a US VP's word on this one. Ultimately, these decisions are going to be made in Japan for most games, and this guy is just going to be stuck marketing whatever he's given, unfortunately.
Re: Talking Point: The Growing Storm of Operation Rainfall
Why bother using resources to print copies of a game that will sell .25 million, when you can do nothing, keep printing Mario Kart, NSMB Wii, and Wii Sports at full levels and still make more money. That's the problem we're facing, I think.
Re: These Are Your Club Nintendo Elite Rewards
Sometimes I think I should just stick with gold. At least the calendar is useful.
It's a free prize, so I can't really complain, but CN has been declining. From the SNES classic controller/Gold Wii Wheel in Japan, to Mario Hat or Doc Louis's Punch Out our first year, to a large mario statue to...pins...not really even pins, buttons. I could make these with an inkjet printer and a button making kit from any craft store. At least the packaging is creative.
NOA is making too much money, I think. Why put any effort into nice prizes to reward multiple game buying fans and printing small disk runs of Xenoblade, when you can just have the factories keep turning out copies of Wii Sports Resort, Mario Kart, and NSMB Wii nonstop and sell millions even years after release?
Re: SEGA, Aksys and Konami All Use Permanent 3DS Save Data Too
@armoredghor
It is aimed at the players, to reduce the incentive to trade in games used, because they'll be worth significantly less money. The only one of these games I was planning on possibly picking up was Monkeyball, but I won't anymore. While for most players it doesn't matter, it does remove an option for me. It hurts people who purchase the game legally and offers less than games used to in the past on games that cost more than any other portable games on the market right now.
So, no, I won't be buying any of these games. Not even if Monkey Ball hits the bargain bin, because I don't want to support the expansion of this trend. $40 isn't worth a gimped game. Supply and demand, Sega, Aksys, Konami and Capcom, supply and demand.
Re: Nintendo Download: 30th June 2011 (North America)
Man, they really need a shopping cart system for the eshop (alternatively, just charge the tax when you add the money, but a shopping cart system would be better). At this rate, Wii Points were a better deal it sounds like.
That being said, someone just got a job offer today...I think a 3DS is finally in my immediate future. I can't wait to stock up on these games (and the backlog keeps getting longer...).
Re: NOA: "Never Say Never," But No Plans to Bring Sought-After Wii Games to NA
I just don't understand it. I mean, I get not translating the other ones, but I don't understand what the harm would be in not bringing out Xenoblade. Amazon preorders were through the roof. People put money where their mouth was. Sure it would probably only sell .25 million or so, but the only costs would be printing and distribution. It's not like their production lines are swamped right now with AAA Wii titles.
Re: Talking Point: The Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D Save File Debate
I wasn't going to get this anyways, but seeing how launch day DLC and online passes are quickly becoming standard, I do worry that this is something that will take off. It's a stupid move. You want to know why there's a thriving used game market Capcom, Activision, EA, etc.?
IT'S BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T THINK YOUR GAME IS WORTH $40-$60! So they buy used, or they buy new with the intention of recouping some costs on the trade-in. If game companies are going to crush the used market, they're going to lose a lot of launch window sales unless prices drop. Many people who buy used won't buy new. People who legally supported used gaming will probably just throw on some eyepatches and go to town on torrents. Then publishers won't get any of the secondary benefits (using cash from selling a used game to buy a new game) of the used game market.
This is why the Steam model has been so profitable. Games start at full price, and the hardcore fans buy in. When games aren't profitable at full price anymore, there's a sale, and they get TONS of new buyers. There's no used market, but that's ok. People know if they wait they'll be able to get a game at a price they're willing to pay (often lower than what they would have gotten it for if there was a used market). You also don't have to worry about things like backwards compatibility, getting a new computer, losing your games, etc. The benefit to customers is that they can play their game forever on any computer linked to their steam account. You need to understand your market and give them incentive to purchase your game. Steam does that. Most other major publishers' decisions recently only hurt those who purchase legally, new or used.
Re: Rumour: The Mercenaries 3D to be Recalled in Australia
@SilverBaretta
The "Online Pass" model started on one game as a method to curb second hand sales, now you're seeing it many places - EA Sports games, F3AR, Dirt3, Mortal Kombat, etc. I don't have as much of a problem with that, seeing as servers do cost money to maintain...but wait, when someone sells a game used, doesn't that mean they're not using the servers anymore so net traffic doesn't increase? Trust me, if people let this happen, it WILL become a trend.
Anyway, if this sort of move turns out profitable for Capcom, you can bet it will expand. I would argue the used game market doesn't hurt game makers' bottom line as much as they say. Most people buying used won't buy new. They'll wait for a price drop, or they won't get it at all. You also will have fewer people buying new games at $40, because people factor in the fact that they'll likely be able to recoup $10-$20 reselling it when they're deciding on purchases. The true cost is really only $20-$30 for them - that's how much they're actually willing to pay for a game. People also use the money they get through trade-ins to buy more new games. Without that source of funding, you'll see significantly fewer launch day/full price buyers. No used market= many people waiting longer for price drops, with the possible exception of AAA games like COD.
Hopefully, I'll end up being right on this one, and not Capcom/EA/Activision/etc.
Re: Rumour: The Mercenaries 3D to be Recalled in Australia
I hope other retailers follow suit. DLC and other bonuses are one thing, but what if I just want to pick up the game again a couple of years down the road and can't? Well, that's too bad. I hope this trend gets nipped in the bud here, before we start seeing it happen with more story based games. I'm not going to pay $40-$60 for one play-through. That's more of a rip-off than arcades in the early days!
Re: Review: Sonic Advance (Game Boy Advance)
I'd love to see this, and especially Neo Geo Pocket Sonic hit the eshop in the future (I really have no way to play that one, whereas I can always track down a Sonic advance cart).
Re: Mighty Switch Force to Release on 3DS eShop
Stop making games faster than I can play them.
Re: Cave Story 3D Hit with Another Delay
Cave Story? Delayed? Shocker!
Re: Wii RPG Outrage Floods Official Nintendo Facebook
It also pisses me off when NOA doesn't release titles that are already done and translated (I'm also looking at you NPC Pikmin 2 - No I will NOT get over that). Once it's translated, so what if it will only sell .2-.25 million. Just do a small run. The only costs are printing and distribution, pretty much. More than made up for with a $50 retail disc. The preorder for the game is still the number one best selling game on Amazon for Wii, even with a $10 markup over the average title, so I'm sure it won't do terribly.
Re: Review: Zimo: Mahjong Fanatic (DSiWare)
You build me up with the first paragraph, only to dash my hopes and dreams when I open the full article. Why?!
Re: Talking Point: Your Sonic the Hedgehog Memories
When I was about 6, my experiences with video games pretty much amounted to getting an occasional quarter to play Ms. Pacman at Pizza hut (and a couple times, playing some cop shooting game, though I wasn't supposed to play anything where you shot a gun). I don't remember asking for a specific brand. I just wanted "video games." My parents were opposed.
Until X-mas, 1992. Then, I received a shiny new Sega Game Gear bundled with Sonic 2 (same as the Master system version). I played the heck out of that game (even though it took me forever to get past the first boss, and even forever-er to get past the first hang gliding stage in the second world - I never actually beat the game until college). It was so fast, so colorful, so much more than a slow, black and white game boy!
Then came the ads for Sonic 3. Yes! A Genesis must be mine! Then Sonic and Knuckles! (Of course, my parents didn't get it. I had Sonic on my Game Gear). Fast forward to the day after Xmas 1995. The kids with cool parents are at home playing their brand new Playstations. My brother and I are pooling months of allowance, birthday, and X-mas money for a Sega Genesis - $150 for the system, Sonic 3, and Sonic and Knuckles. I can finally play Sonic Teams Magnum opus. Luckily, a pretty massive blizzard hit that year, and we got nearly 2 weeks off school. When we weren't playing in the snow, we were playing Sonic 3. I beat it as Knuckles. Later as Sonic and Tails (but I never got all the SUPER emeralds from S&K until adulthood). Later purchases followed of all the other Sonic games - and even a used Sega CD for Sonic CD. It was awesome.
My mom realized that games didn't turn us into failures at life, so it was a bit easier to get the N64 for xmas and later the Dreamcast and Sonic Adventure 1&2 as holiday/birthday gifts. The day the dreamcast was discontinued was a sad one in our house. The day Triple Trouble, the only missing Game Gear Sonic was announced for the VC was a happy one though. While I still have my Game Gear, I can't wait to have those first Sonic games I started off with, on a console that's actually, well, portable again. They will be Instabuys!
@TheChosen
I liked Sonic 3D Blast too. For the time, it was pretty impressive to see that level of 3D rendering on a Genesis. Definitely get some friends over and a copy of sonic shuffle (you need VMUs for everyone to see their cards too). My brother and I still play that all the time. The graphics aren't pushing the dreamcast and the loading times are terrible, but it is a super fun party game!
Re: Nintendo has no Desire to be Number One in Online Gaming
Really? I hadn't noticed. Live offers the best online experience, but you need to pay for it. It's understandable that Ninty isn't going to be aiming for #1, and I'm ok with that if it keeps it free.
Honestly, I'd just like to be able to play games online lag free. However, local multiplayer is more important to me, and if you want local multiplayer games, Nintendo DOES have a pretty good selection of games (the only thing they're missing is a decent co-op shooter campaign, but let's be serious, if you're into shooters, you got an HD Twin long ago).
Nothing beats the fun of multiplayer in the same room. But online is fun too. Just let me play games like NSMB Wii, Mario Kart, Goldeneye, SSBB, etc. without lag, give me an easy friendlist (one friendcode or username), and voicechat with friends in games, and I'll be set.
Re: Japanese Virtual Console list - July 2011
Nice burger time update. I didn't think we'd be getting the original, just the WiiWare.
Re: Xenoblade's North American Release Chances Take a Knock
It really grinds my gears when NOA doesn't release things that are already ready and translated. Seriously, the only costs for NOA left at this point are printing and distributing. If you're worried about it selling, don't do a large run.
NPC Pikmin 2 especially. The first one sold a quarter of a million (I guess still less than the other NPC games), but if you look at the ebay prices, a used gamecube Pikmin 2 disc only costs about $30. Complete copies cost more. There is definitely money to be made in a NPC version. At first I thought they were holding off until closer to Pikmin 3, but since that's been moved to WiiU, now would be a good time to release it, since there's a drought of Wii releases.
Re: Feature: Sonic: The Nintendo Years - Part Two
Reading this just makes me realize - Sonic's overused. Instead of main series mario titles which only come out every other year or so, Sega churns out at least one sonic game a year. Some focus and extended development time would be beneficial. At any rate, I'm excited about Generations, and I haven't had the chance to play colors yet. Secret Rings was good, the only really bad thing about it was having to go to the menu screen after every level.
It's nice to hear something positive for the Sonic RPG on DS. Maybe I'll pick that up at some point. I was worried it wouldn't be any good.
Re: Sonic Generations Gets Online Play and StreetPass
This looks really awesome! I can't wait to see some videos for the 3DS version.
Re: Feature: Sonic: The Nintendo Years - Part One
I would really love to have Sonic CD released on the VC. My Sega CD is busted, so I would love to be able to play that game again and keep it once the WiiU comes out, since if I pick up Gems collection, that can't happen.
Re: Wii U "A Better Fit" for Valve's Development Model
@koto
I think that's what he means too, seeing as pc is the primary development platform for Valve. The best console version of a major valve title would be huge for WiiU. Of course, that would mean valve would need to release a new title within 2-3 years...
Re: Wii U Striking Balance Between Performance and Price
This makes sense. The Xbox and PS3 really just became affordable in the past 2-3 years for most people. I don't think something that's a massive jump ahead at the $300 price point would be possible by next year. Certainly a machine somewhat more powerful is nice. Considering most 3rd party multiplatform games will probably still be made on Xbox first and not properly upscaled for the PS3 or WiiU (and the Xbox 720 and PS4 will blow it out of the water, no matter what), it really doesn't matter if it's significantly more powerful, really.
Re: Looks Like There's No Sale on Sonic Games This Week
This would be a real shame. I thought that sale back in 2009 was a start of something new. Now that Sega had done it, it would be more possible for other devs to hold sales.
Guess not. I would rebuy all of those games if they dropped the price now, knowing that sales really are that difficult to make happen on the Wii. However, I'd be surprised if Triple Trouble WASN'T released on Thursday.
Re: Sakurai "In Talks" to Bring Original Kid Icarus to 3DS
I wouldn't worry about Japan not getting Of Myths and Monsters. They'll probably get it as an import title before we see it here in the US.
Re: Fils-Aime: "3DS Didn't Launch Prematurely"
The $250 price tag plus no must have launch titles for me is the biggest reason it's not in my pocket.
I see what they were hoping for though:
1) Launch with high price tag with only 3rd party games: They hoped there were enough Nintendo faithful to sell out and give them a nice quick early profit. It also helps 3rd parties get sales they wouldn't normally have. If OoT had come out on launch day, everyone would be walking out with that and not street fighter 4.
2) Rope more people in with OoT. That seems to be working, given how quickly it's selling out.
3) They should have had the eshop out at launch, though. Would have been a simple way to value-add the machine without very significantly hurting retail title sales. Luckily, there's more room for improvement with firmware updates for the 3DS than the DSi (although, that was the case with the Wii too, and the shop interface is about what it was at launch).
I think they just overestimated the amount of Nintendo faithful who would buy on launch day for $250. They're going to really need to think about that price come the holidays when Vita releases. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was planning to buy it who is now waiting for a potential price drop to compete with Sony.
Re: Japanese TV Service Launches on 3DS this Tuesday
@Warioswoods
If netflix starts getting 3D content, then it would be really sweet. I think these video apps appeal only to people without smartphones/tablets anyways. Otherwise, why would you bother watching tv on a game console. It's great for kids whose family has a netflix subscription, but most adults who have a 3DS probably also have an iTouch/Phone/Pad/Droid already, I'd imagine.
Re: Sony: Wii U is No Threat, Says "Welcome to 2006, Nintendo"
It's true technologically, speaking. The WiiU is not that big a jump from the PS3 compared what we generally see with console generations. Didn't Sony confirm a PS tablet that would be compatible with PS3 too back in the spring? So they can't be accused copycatting, but I'm going to guess Ninty's still going to be the cost effective option.
That being said, I'm still angry at Tretton's "apology" for their network outage at E3. It was pretty much "we're sorry that we still have so many sales and good games and our customers are so loyal that we can turn this into a marketing spiel instead of an actual apology for our lack of online security and customer service."