I just hope it means more games on Wii U, and less talk. If Nintendo get the dirt out of their eyes and see smartphones or multiplatform as the answer, I'll be very sad.
The problem is simply games... or the lack there of.
@Laxeybobby I think it's more something along the lines of announcing A LOT of exiting games, showing people what's in store for Wii U, what they are working on etc. That, and then a lot of advertising. Maybe finally releasing the VC library at a faster pace... More eShop sales... Stuff like that.
Them abandoning the Wii U is not a good business move I think. They made the console, they are working on the games, they might as well finish what they started, as they have the cash pile to support it for a while.
@Laxeybobby In case that happens, Nintendo should use that pile of cash to pay Ubisoft and the guys who do Project Cars (can't remember their name) to finish those games.
@SavantSupreme HDD as big as the console? Eh? I have a 500gb HDD and it's about as big as the palm of my hand... It's this one actually:
You can hardly see the drive even when it's sitting on top of my black wii u as they have the same color, and if I wanted to I could easily tuck it behind the TV where all the other wires are.
I MUCH prefer the external HDD option that Nintendo gave us.. It means I can upgrade to SSD if I wanted to, or have as much or as little space as I need.
If I decide I no longer need the HDD on my Wii U, I can unplug it, reformat it and store a bunch of other stuff on it.
If you're not into downloading games, then you don't need the HDD either.
I don't really think it's the issue here.
The only thing I could possibly want from a Wii U update is an updated GamePad that has a longer connection range, or even is portable in itself as it can connect to wifi independently from the console. And possibly an upgrade to the wifi firmware / software in the console itself... It seems to be a little too unstable, really.
That being said, matte black plastic wouldn't hurt. The Glossy look needs to go if they do make an update. It works for the white one but not as much for the black IMO.
I honestly think people are being too hard on Wii. Sure it had many shovelware waggle games, but you could easily ignore those. Graphics, yeah it was the worst of that generation, but the 1st party titles still looked great - albeit very dated by the end of the generation.
It had so many fantastic games! and superior control for FPS and actions games where you had to aim, I may be in the minority here, but dual stick analog fps really doesn't do it for me - it's like being a robot where the chunky controls take you out of the immersion. You can't hit anything! Even the games agree with this, as they have extreme "auto-aim" support to make up for the poor controls of dual analogue. What the hell is an FPS if you don't need aim skill?
Also, Pikmin Wiimote controls! So good.
I think the thing that is hurting Nintendo the most is their continued resistance to online, region locking and an account system. Those things go a long way to provide a seamless user experience.
I hope Nintendo never goes third party. I am one of those people that really think that the Wii Remote and GamePad is a good thing... Wii Remote controls for Pikmin and FPS's are just so much better! I hope Metroid will launch with Wii remote control support, despite them probably wanting to promote the gamepad.
@rjejr Despite their projections being down (they might have set the bar too high) Nintendo is still far and away the biggest leader in the handheld market. If Nintendo were to suddenly leave this market, they would only leave a big gaping hole for Vita and mobile to take over.
It is not a good trend, I agree, but I think we're faaaaar from seeing Nintendo suddenly give up on 3ds, or even Wii U.
@element187 I would agree 100%, except for the games part and the advertisement part. I'm no video game analyst, but if anything will sell a console, I think it's games and advertisement..
All these other radical and retroactive changes that you mention, yeah I highly agree they are totally bonkers...
@WebHead Agreed. An executive replacement should only happen coinciding with the announcement of the next gen console, which shouldn't be for another couple of years.
They really really should do a new Nintendo Direct ASAP and announce some games! Show Zelda U! Metroid, anything!
I also like Iwata, but they do need to change things up a bit.
1. Put out MORE Wii U games. Heck, buy up some developers and outsource the games if you have to. Retro, Monolith, Next Level Games and Platinum is not enough. Nintendo is sitting on a huge pile of cash, time to spend some!
2. ADVERTISE!
3. Account System for Games - We really do need this as it's holding back people from buying stuff on the eShop
4. Do a software update that fixes various issues, such as load times between screens.
5. Release the damn VC Library!
6. Go back to being present on E3 - this really makes a difference for industry buzz.
@rjejr Those so called analysts are conveniently ignoring the handheld market. Given how Nintendo is doing there, I would say multiplatform will likely never happen unless they start tanking in that market as well.
Even if Nintendo were to drop home console gaming, you can be assured they will be supporting the Wii U for years to come.
What's really interesting is what 2014 will bring. Despite not having as much momentum, the Wii U still has the global hardware lead in this generation - If games coming out in 2014, smash, kart, beyonetta, x, donkey kong and so on, the Wii U could still end up as a succes, albeit probably never what the Wii was.
The next generation will be interesting though, but that is still years into the future... Like, 2017 or so.
@Sanquine People who only buy one console to get the best graphics and COD are not, in my mind, hardcore "gamers". As well as people who buy more than one console are typically not casuals. If you want to play games that are on a PS4, that doesn't instantly make you a casual or hardcore, but going for a PS4/Xbox just to get the latest COD with the supposedly "best" graphics (which in fact are on PC), then I would argue you are IN FACT a casual, although this segment would label themselves as "hardcore".
But really, it's not about labeling people. It's just about how the term "hardcore" has become somewhat of a misnomer, as there are many different types of "hardcores". There are also hardcore nintendo fans, hardcore tech nerds, hardcore multiplatform gamers...
The term hardcore shouldn't be restricted to "mature" or "best graphics" or "competitive online"... In my mind its about either being critical to whats presented to you instead of blindly following, or, playing a lot of games, any kind of games, where you are challenged and caring about how you do. But, again, people might disagree: You could equally say that you are a hardcore COD fan. But the point is, hardcore is not one specific thing.
"True hardcore gamers" in my country mostly stick to PC gaming. That is where you get the best graphics, the most competitive games, and where all the eSports money and competition is. Counter Strike, StarCraft, Dota2 and other mobas. Console gaming is not hardcore by definition in it self. It's casual. You sit in a couch for crists sakes.
I would also argue that GTA V is not necessarily a hardcore experience. I would say it's casual, even given the "mature" label and huge story campaign. Most people really only play this game to casually fool around and do "pointless" stuff in the open world.
I think an extremely challenging platformer can be equally "hardcore", if not more so.
"As for advertising expenses, and research and development expense forecasts, we made revisions to increase them by eight billion yen and 15 billion yen respectively from their forecasts made at the beginning of this fiscal year. We expect advertising expenses to increase due to the effect of the expenses incurred in foreign currencies to be converted into Japanese yen by using weaker yen rates. The estimated increase of research and development expenses is based on reflecting our ongoing enhancement of the development structure, and new research and development activities. These increases contributed to lowered estimated profit forecasts."
Am I reading this wrong, or does this mean they want to ramp up advertisement and R&D? or is this a retrospective statement of what they had done in order to try and reach their goals?
@johndevine I have been thinking this exact thought as well for a long time.. "Hardcore" gamer really seems to be a misnomer in most cases... People who enjoy said only "hardcore" games are not, in my eyes, hardcore gamers.
I think they DID learn from the 3DS, but you have to remember that the development of a game takes years - so it takes time to adjust. We are still seeing the steady stream of great 3DS games from Nintendo that they probably reacted with to the slow start. Now they need to shift their focus from 3DS to Wii U a bit, as the accumulated 3DS software will continue to move hardware - We're 3-4 years into the live of 3DS so it might still be a while before we begin to see the steady stream of Wii U "slow start" reaction games...
Also, I think a lot of people thought that 9 million mark was for lifetime Wii U's sold, and not just 2013.. Sheesh, from 9 to 2.8 doens't look so good on paper.
I feel bad for them... This really should have been a launch title, as Mario Kart being just around the corner is gonna make people get that one instead of this.
I guess there's still hope for them, with MK8 not having an actual release date and all..
I combine digital and physical disc sales in order to get the best prices.. So far it's worked out pretty well. For example, Batman Arkham Origins and Deus Ex are half price or even less on amazon compared to the eShop price, but other titles like the Ubisoft titles are waaay cheaper on eShop...
I also have a superior gaming pc (compared to PS4/XB1) and Nintendo (all of them but the handhelds), and I think over the years a lot of Nintendo fans have gone this route, and the ones that haven't own a PS4 or Xbox or probably aren't interested in other games than Nintendo games...
Even though I have a gaming PC, I am buying the 3rd party games that are available on Wii U, to 1. Support the Wii U 3rd party devs and 2. off tv-play! Off tv play is simply the most amazing thing ever... However, I may be in the minority here.
Bottom line? 3rd party doesn't sell so much on Nintendo consoles, apparently.
Another thing Nintendo could do to "change it's image" and get more male teenage/young adult gamers is make more mature Nintendo IP's... Metroid is one example of how great that kind of game could be. They should make an Eternal Darkness sequel, and so on and so on... They are doing the right thing with X, Beyonetta - but they need MORE of that to sway the dudebros and achieve the legendary GameCube status..
Many people looking back now think the GameCube was the king of that generation in terms of quality titles, yet it was in 3rd place in this so called wars... In my mind, it was in 1st place. Wii U could end up having the same kind of status down the line. Is that so bad?
@gregrout #194 I think the problem with Pikmin 3 and W101 (and possibly Bey and X) is that these titles are phenomenal, but are niche titles on a platform with a low install base nonetheless. Many people won't buy a wii u before titles like SM3DW, Kart, Smash and Metroid are out. I think Nintendo really had the wrong content strategy this time around.. They NEED those big games early on, even at launch to sell the systems... Larger install base will in turn help those niche titles to bigger numbers - Now late adopters will get them to a fraction of the early retail price, reducing profitability of those titles. Unfortunate
@element187 #196 Agreed, the damage is done... This article is incredibly one sided and really only exacerbates the problem by taking old info and presenting it as new. It is, while maybe not untrue in its statements, it is really misleading in the way that it tries to be a (self-fulfilling) prophecy for whats to come for Wii U, omitting any focus on all the good games that are ALREADY out and are just on the horizon - games which are nowhere to be found on PS4 or Xbox... The article has successfully become the zeitgeist of PS4 and Xbox fanboys who want the Wii U to fail so bad for... what reason? They want Nintendo to go third party or?
@Kaze_Memaryu His point probably is, and I agree, that if you're a Nintendo fan, Europe is the worst places to be out of EU, US and Japan.
Nintendo is so niche here it's not even funny. On rayman legends it seems I'm the ONLY danish guy who ever does online challenges or stuff on the leaderboards...
I really can't blame nintendo too much for this. Europe must be a total nightmare for a service like this. Add the relative unpopularity of Wii U and they probably have bigger priorities...
@BinaryFragger In all fairness, while I'm sure W101 is a great / awesome game, it DID get a rather lukewarm reception from the general gaming media, even though a few sites gave it stellar ratings. I think part of the problem is that many Nintendo fans have come to expect buying most 8-9-10 rated games, and won't even consider a game that scores lower, while these games can in fact be more than enjoyable.
A lot of third parties probably think that they will never be able to compete with first party titles on Nintendo systems, and therefore don't even take the chance.
It's a vicious cycle, where Nintendo fans don't buy 3rd party games because they allegedly don't have the same level of polish as 1st party games, and 3rd party developers start giving up, and then people only gravitate MORE towards 1st part titles.
The Wii U eShop really should have more sales like they had over X-mas. All the Ubisoft titles on sale jumped into the top 20 chart, including ACIII, Rayman Legends, ACIV, ZombiU and Splinter Cell Blacklist.
Could be a way for Nintendo to use their huge pile of cash to drive some much needed software sales.
@Falco I am REALLY hoping for a Mario Strikers follow up on Wii U. That game was one of the best games on Wii, hands down. For me I think it even beats Brawl in terms of pure fun.
Please don't speak of BS when you bring up this: "The GC's install base was much higher than the WiiU can ever hope to accumulate." This is future speculation, and only time will tell if this is correct. OF COURSE this is not going to be Nintendo's assumption that the Wii U will not even beat the GameCube in sales given the success of the Wii brand.. What they thought was that the name would sell itself. As to your second point, while this is true, the GameCube was not as present in many "Nintendo newcomers" consciousness, and hunting down a copy of the Wind Waker to play is probably not what a lot of people even thought about. Nintendo was hoping to have all the Wii owners jump into the Wii U, and give them something the might not have played before. I'm pretty sure I heard Iwata say they wanted to give Wind Waker a wider audience because it had never gotten the exposure (install base) they think it deserved.
How does it not make sense? Care to elaborate? I think it makes perfect sense, considering Nintendo thought that 100 million wii owners would switch over to Wii U automatically.
Shambo that reminds me, I really really hope they do a Mario Strikers for Wii U with a solid online play mode, that game was one of the best Wii games, period.
On another note, I got my parents to play Wii Sports Club: Golf! They play golf on a regular basis and they actually had high praise for the realism of the game, 'cept for a few things. I've never been able to get them to play anything before, and I think my dad will actually play this from time to time.
Oh yeah, I'll add that I got my Wii U in October this year, and I absolutely haven't been able to keep up with the selection of games that are available now. I have still yet to play LEGO City, W101, Wind Waker HD, SM3DW, ACIV, Batman Origins, Splinter Cell, Rayman Legends, Deus Ex and probably more, so once DKC:TF, Watchdogs, Mario Kart 8, Beyonetta 2 (and 1?), X and Smash Brothers comes out I will probably still be buried in games to play.
If you buy Wii U now, there is absolutely no drought to be experienced. Nintendo needs to advertise the increasingly impressive games library that this console now has.
I think you guys missed the point about why Wind Waker was the game they chose to remake.
1. Wind Waker might not NEED a graphical update as much as other Zelda titles, but it that is exactly the point: The graphics are iconic, and they didn't have to do much but add HD resolution, higher anti-aliasing and lighting effects (bloom, particles) and higher resolution textures. The polygon count has very little to do with it because of the graphical style. Now imagine this strategy with Majoras Mask or Twilight Princess. Those games would NOT benefit as much from those changes as the polygon count / models really make a difference in that kind of graphic style.
2. They chose Wind Waker because the GameCube had a small install base and they felt that Wii owners should get the pleasure of experiencing this "unknown" gem.
The alternative is that we wouldn't have had a Zelda remake at all, as this remake was probably the one that required the least work, and made the most sense. Majoras Mask is a 3DS remake, and TP / Skyward Sword can still be played on the backwards compatible Wii U. Ocarina of Time is out on 3DS already.
If I had never played Wind Waker (which I have, and it is by far my favorite zelda of all time) then I would be absolutely delighted to have gotten the opportunity to play that game on the Wii U.
Comments 195
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@CanisWolfred
I just hope it means more games on Wii U, and less talk.
If Nintendo get the dirt out of their eyes and see smartphones or multiplatform as the answer, I'll be very sad.
The problem is simply games... or the lack there of.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Struggles Bring a Challenge, Not Doom
@Laxeybobby I think it's more something along the lines of announcing A LOT of exiting games, showing people what's in store for Wii U, what they are working on etc. That, and then a lot of advertising. Maybe finally releasing the VC library at a faster pace... More eShop sales... Stuff like that.
Them abandoning the Wii U is not a good business move I think. They made the console, they are working on the games, they might as well finish what they started, as they have the cash pile to support it for a while.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Struggles Bring a Challenge, Not Doom
@Laxeybobby In case that happens, Nintendo should use that pile of cash to pay Ubisoft and the guys who do Project Cars (can't remember their name) to finish those games.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Struggles Bring a Challenge, Not Doom
More than anything I think Wii U's problem is that it doesn't have the big games yet..
Heck, Wii launched with a Zelda for crying out loud!
We should stop spelling doom for Nintendo until the end of this Generation, we really won't know anything until then.
Re: Nintendo Has "Great Games" But Is Facing A "Structural Problem", According To Industry Analysts
Someone should call Iwata and Reggie and tell them to call down. Phone and tablet gaming is the worst...
Such a shallow experience. It has NOTHING on what happens on a Nintendo console.
Re: Nintendo Has "Great Games" But Is Facing A "Structural Problem", According To Industry Analysts
Please god no. I really really really don't hope that Nintendo goes down this route.
THAT would truly be the end of Nintendo. I would rather have Nintendo on the PlayStation brand than in a watered down smartphone version.
But really, I just want them to keep making home consoles. so, agreed with @WingedSnagret
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Struggles Bring a Challenge, Not Doom
@unrandomsam Yeah I realize the USB 2.0 is a bottleneck. But, I found that I don't really have an issue with the load times of the HDD.
That being said, the Wii U update could benefit from SDD external support somehow. Is that USB 3 or what that is the optimal for that?
My other points about the external HDD still stand. I still prefer that option.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Struggles Bring a Challenge, Not Doom
@SavantSupreme HDD as big as the console? Eh? I have a 500gb HDD and it's about as big as the palm of my hand... It's this one actually:
You can hardly see the drive even when it's sitting on top of my black wii u as they have the same color, and if I wanted to I could easily tuck it behind the TV where all the other wires are.
I MUCH prefer the external HDD option that Nintendo gave us.. It means I can upgrade to SSD if I wanted to, or have as much or as little space as I need.
If I decide I no longer need the HDD on my Wii U, I can unplug it, reformat it and store a bunch of other stuff on it.
If you're not into downloading games, then you don't need the HDD either.
I don't really think it's the issue here.
The only thing I could possibly want from a Wii U update is an updated GamePad that has a longer connection range, or even is portable in itself as it can connect to wifi independently from the console. And possibly an upgrade to the wifi firmware / software in the console itself... It seems to be a little too unstable, really.
That being said, matte black plastic wouldn't hurt. The Glossy look needs to go if they do make an update. It works for the white one but not as much for the black IMO.
Re: Iwata Accepts Responsibility For Poor Financial Results, Ignores Calls To Resign
I honestly think people are being too hard on Wii. Sure it had many shovelware waggle games, but you could easily ignore those. Graphics, yeah it was the worst of that generation, but the 1st party titles still looked great - albeit very dated by the end of the generation.
It had so many fantastic games! and superior control for FPS and actions games where you had to aim, I may be in the minority here, but dual stick analog fps really doesn't do it for me - it's like being a robot where the chunky controls take you out of the immersion. You can't hit anything! Even the games agree with this, as they have extreme "auto-aim" support to make up for the poor controls of dual analogue. What the hell is an FPS if you don't need aim skill?
Also, Pikmin Wiimote controls! So good.
I think the thing that is hurting Nintendo the most is their continued resistance to online, region locking and an account system. Those things go a long way to provide a seamless user experience.
I hope Nintendo never goes third party. I am one of those people that really think that the Wii Remote and GamePad is a good thing... Wii Remote controls for Pikmin and FPS's are just so much better! I hope Metroid will launch with Wii remote control support, despite them probably wanting to promote the gamepad.
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@rjejr Despite their projections being down (they might have set the bar too high) Nintendo is still far and away the biggest leader in the handheld market. If Nintendo were to suddenly leave this market, they would only leave a big gaping hole for Vita and mobile to take over.
It is not a good trend, I agree, but I think we're faaaaar from seeing Nintendo suddenly give up on 3ds, or even Wii U.
Re: Satoru Iwata Explains Reduced Projections and "Large Margin" 3DS and Wii U Sales Misses
@element187 I would agree 100%, except for the games part and the advertisement part. I'm no video game analyst, but if anything will sell a console, I think it's games and advertisement..
All these other radical and retroactive changes that you mention, yeah I highly agree they are totally bonkers...
Re: Iwata Accepts Responsibility For Poor Financial Results, Ignores Calls To Resign
@WebHead Agreed. An executive replacement should only happen coinciding with the announcement of the next gen console, which shouldn't be for another couple of years.
Re: Iwata Accepts Responsibility For Poor Financial Results, Ignores Calls To Resign
They really really should do a new Nintendo Direct ASAP and announce some games! Show Zelda U! Metroid, anything!
I also like Iwata, but they do need to change things up a bit.
1. Put out MORE Wii U games. Heck, buy up some developers and outsource the games if you have to. Retro, Monolith, Next Level Games and Platinum is not enough. Nintendo is sitting on a huge pile of cash, time to spend some!
2. ADVERTISE!
3. Account System for Games - We really do need this as it's holding back people from buying stuff on the eShop
4. Do a software update that fixes various issues, such as load times between screens.
5. Release the damn VC Library!
6. Go back to being present on E3 - this really makes a difference for industry buzz.
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@rjejr Those so called analysts are conveniently ignoring the handheld market. Given how Nintendo is doing there, I would say multiplatform will likely never happen unless they start tanking in that market as well.
Even if Nintendo were to drop home console gaming, you can be assured they will be supporting the Wii U for years to come.
What's really interesting is what 2014 will bring. Despite not having as much momentum, the Wii U still has the global hardware lead in this generation - If games coming out in 2014, smash, kart, beyonetta, x, donkey kong and so on, the Wii U could still end up as a succes, albeit probably never what the Wii was.
The next generation will be interesting though, but that is still years into the future... Like, 2017 or so.
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@bouncer0304 Well said.
@Sanquine I unfortunately don't have a 3DS, but I want one... My "hardcore" studies for a master's degree turned me into somewhat of a casual gamer.
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@Sanquine People who only buy one console to get the best graphics and COD are not, in my mind, hardcore "gamers". As well as people who buy more than one console are typically not casuals. If you want to play games that are on a PS4, that doesn't instantly make you a casual or hardcore, but going for a PS4/Xbox just to get the latest COD with the supposedly "best" graphics (which in fact are on PC), then I would argue you are IN FACT a casual, although this segment would label themselves as "hardcore".
But really, it's not about labeling people. It's just about how the term "hardcore" has become somewhat of a misnomer, as there are many different types of "hardcores". There are also hardcore nintendo fans, hardcore tech nerds, hardcore multiplatform gamers...
The term hardcore shouldn't be restricted to "mature" or "best graphics" or "competitive online"... In my mind its about either being critical to whats presented to you instead of blindly following, or, playing a lot of games, any kind of games, where you are challenged and caring about how you do. But, again, people might disagree: You could equally say that you are a hardcore COD fan. But the point is, hardcore is not one specific thing.
"True hardcore gamers" in my country mostly stick to PC gaming. That is where you get the best graphics, the most competitive games, and where all the eSports money and competition is. Counter Strike, StarCraft, Dota2 and other mobas. Console gaming is not hardcore by definition in it self. It's casual. You sit in a couch for crists sakes.
I would also argue that GTA V is not necessarily a hardcore experience. I would say it's casual, even given the "mature" label and huge story campaign. Most people really only play this game to casually fool around and do "pointless" stuff in the open world.
I think an extremely challenging platformer can be equally "hardcore", if not more so.
But that is just my opinion.
Re: Satoru Iwata Explains Reduced Projections and "Large Margin" 3DS and Wii U Sales Misses
"As for advertising expenses, and research and development expense forecasts, we made revisions to increase them by eight billion yen and 15 billion yen respectively from their forecasts made at the beginning of this fiscal year. We expect advertising expenses to increase due to the effect of the expenses incurred in foreign currencies to be converted into Japanese yen by using weaker yen rates. The estimated increase of research and development expenses is based on reflecting our ongoing enhancement of the development structure, and new research and development activities. These increases contributed to lowered estimated profit forecasts."
Am I reading this wrong, or does this mean they want to ramp up advertisement and R&D? or is this a retrospective statement of what they had done in order to try and reach their goals?
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@johndevine I have been thinking this exact thought as well for a long time.. "Hardcore" gamer really seems to be a misnomer in most cases... People who enjoy said only "hardcore" games are not, in my eyes, hardcore gamers.
Re: Nintendo Confirms Major Reductions In Sales and Financial Projections
@schizor
I think they DID learn from the 3DS, but you have to remember that the development of a game takes years - so it takes time to adjust. We are still seeing the steady stream of great 3DS games from Nintendo that they probably reacted with to the slow start. Now they need to shift their focus from 3DS to Wii U a bit, as the accumulated 3DS software will continue to move hardware - We're 3-4 years into the live of 3DS so it might still be a while before we begin to see the steady stream of Wii U "slow start" reaction games...
Also, I think a lot of people thought that 9 million mark was for lifetime Wii U's sold, and not just 2013.. Sheesh, from 9 to 2.8 doens't look so good on paper.
Here's hoping for a better 2014.
Maybe they should consider a pricecut.
Re: 3DS Tops US Hardware Sales as Wii U Achieves "Its Highest Month" in December
Now we just need European numbers...
THOSE I expect to be not so positive
But good news overall! Go Wii U!
Re: Video: This New F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition Trailer Hits the Accelerator
I feel bad for them... This really should have been a launch title, as Mario Kart being just around the corner is gonna make people get that one instead of this.
I guess there's still hope for them, with MK8 not having an actual release date and all..
Re: Watch_Dogs' Pre-Delay Budget Was $68 Million
"Ubisoft Montreal's Yannis Mallat defined Watch Dogs as ''the symbol of a new generation home console'',
Yeah, The Xbox One is WATCHING YOU.
Re: Here Are Some Monstrous eShop Discounts for North America
The Nintendo eShop sales trend continues!
Nice!
Re: Review: Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure (Wii U)
are the 3ds and wii u version identical?
Re: Talking Point: An Unplanned Flash Sale Looked Like Retail Download Genius from Nintendo
I combine digital and physical disc sales in order to get the best prices.. So far it's worked out pretty well. For example, Batman Arkham Origins and Deus Ex are half price or even less on amazon compared to the eShop price, but other titles like the Ubisoft titles are waaay cheaper on eShop...
Best of both worlds imo!
Re: First Impressions: Kirby: Triple Deluxe Is Three Times More Fun Than Most Other 3DS Games
@Warruz Hah, yeah, took me a while to get it too! Good one
Re: Monster Savings To Be Had On Nintendo UK's Online Store, But You'll Want To Be Quick
Omg I'm so sad I didn't get w101 and DK
Re: Talking Point: Claims of Wii U Third-Party Development Troubles Shouldn't Be Dismissed Lightly
I also have a superior gaming pc (compared to PS4/XB1) and Nintendo (all of them but the handhelds), and I think over the years a lot of Nintendo fans have gone this route, and the ones that haven't own a PS4 or Xbox or probably aren't interested in other games than Nintendo games...
Even though I have a gaming PC, I am buying the 3rd party games that are available on Wii U, to 1. Support the Wii U 3rd party devs and 2. off tv-play! Off tv play is simply the most amazing thing ever... However, I may be in the minority here.
Bottom line? 3rd party doesn't sell so much on Nintendo consoles, apparently.
Another thing Nintendo could do to "change it's image" and get more male teenage/young adult gamers is make more mature Nintendo IP's... Metroid is one example of how great that kind of game could be. They should make an Eternal Darkness sequel, and so on and so on... They are doing the right thing with X, Beyonetta - but they need MORE of that to sway the dudebros and achieve the legendary GameCube status..
Many people looking back now think the GameCube was the king of that generation in terms of quality titles, yet it was in 3rd place in this so called wars... In my mind, it was in 1st place. Wii U could end up having the same kind of status down the line. Is that so bad?
Re: Talking Point: Claims of Wii U Third-Party Development Troubles Shouldn't Be Dismissed Lightly
@gregrout #194 I think the problem with Pikmin 3 and W101 (and possibly Bey and X) is that these titles are phenomenal, but are niche titles on a platform with a low install base nonetheless. Many people won't buy a wii u before titles like SM3DW, Kart, Smash and Metroid are out. I think Nintendo really had the wrong content strategy this time around.. They NEED those big games early on, even at launch to sell the systems... Larger install base will in turn help those niche titles to bigger numbers - Now late adopters will get them to a fraction of the early retail price, reducing profitability of those titles. Unfortunate
@element187 #196 Agreed, the damage is done... This article is incredibly one sided and really only exacerbates the problem by taking old info and presenting it as new. It is, while maybe not untrue in its statements, it is really misleading in the way that it tries to be a (self-fulfilling) prophecy for whats to come for Wii U, omitting any focus on all the good games that are ALREADY out and are just on the horizon - games which are nowhere to be found on PS4 or Xbox... The article has successfully become the zeitgeist of PS4 and Xbox fanboys who want the Wii U to fail so bad for... what reason? They want Nintendo to go third party or?
Re: Monster Savings To Be Had On Nintendo UK's Online Store, But You'll Want To Be Quick
Anyways, congrats to all the new Pikmin 3 users, that game is awesome, and for that price too... god! Be sure to get the dlc!
Maybe this will help a little word of mouth on said games.
Re: Monster Savings To Be Had On Nintendo UK's Online Store, But You'll Want To Be Quick
Damn, so sorry I missed this
Anyone got a spare W101 code?
Re: Monster Savings To Be Had On Nintendo UK's Online Store, But You'll Want To Be Quick
Nooo... Missed W101 sale ((
Re: Nintendo Is Sorry That The Wii U's TVii Service Hasn't Launched In The UK Yet
@Kaze_Memaryu His point probably is, and I agree, that if you're a Nintendo fan, Europe is the worst places to be out of EU, US and Japan.
Nintendo is so niche here it's not even funny. On rayman legends it seems I'm the ONLY danish guy who ever does online challenges or stuff on the leaderboards...
I really can't blame nintendo too much for this. Europe must be a total nightmare for a service like this. Add the relative unpopularity of Wii U and they probably have bigger priorities...
Re: Video: This Is What The First Half Hour Of Kirby: Triple Deluxe Looks Like
This looks pretty fun.
3DS looks more and more desirable, and seems to have games that would make it desirable for a while.
Now make some damn Wii U games Nintendo!!! Shift your focus a bit, please!
Re: A Third-Party "Secret Developer" Gives an Inside Story of Working on Wii U
@BinaryFragger In all fairness, while I'm sure W101 is a great / awesome game, it DID get a rather lukewarm reception from the general gaming media, even though a few sites gave it stellar ratings. I think part of the problem is that many Nintendo fans have come to expect buying most 8-9-10 rated games, and won't even consider a game that scores lower, while these games can in fact be more than enjoyable.
A lot of third parties probably think that they will never be able to compete with first party titles on Nintendo systems, and therefore don't even take the chance.
It's a vicious cycle, where Nintendo fans don't buy 3rd party games because they allegedly don't have the same level of polish as 1st party games, and 3rd party developers start giving up, and then people only gravitate MORE towards 1st part titles.
Re: Nintendo Download: 9th January (North America)
The Wii U eShop really should have more sales like they had over X-mas. All the Ubisoft titles on sale jumped into the top 20 chart, including ACIII, Rayman Legends, ACIV, ZombiU and Splinter Cell Blacklist.
Could be a way for Nintendo to use their huge pile of cash to drive some much needed software sales.
Re: Next Level Games "Doing Only Nintendo Products Now"
@Falco I am REALLY hoping for a Mario Strikers follow up on Wii U. That game was one of the best games on Wii, hands down. For me I think it even beats Brawl in terms of pure fun.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
@Doma
Please don't speak of BS when you bring up this: "The GC's install base was much higher than the WiiU can ever hope to accumulate." This is future speculation, and only time will tell if this is correct. OF COURSE this is not going to be Nintendo's assumption that the Wii U will not even beat the GameCube in sales given the success of the Wii brand.. What they thought was that the name would sell itself.
As to your second point, while this is true, the GameCube was not as present in many "Nintendo newcomers" consciousness, and hunting down a copy of the Wind Waker to play is probably not what a lot of people even thought about. Nintendo was hoping to have all the Wii owners jump into the Wii U, and give them something the might not have played before. I'm pretty sure I heard Iwata say they wanted to give Wind Waker a wider audience because it had never gotten the exposure (install base) they think it deserved.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
How does it not make sense? Care to elaborate? I think it makes perfect sense, considering Nintendo thought that 100 million wii owners would switch over to Wii U automatically.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
Shambo that reminds me, I really really hope they do a Mario Strikers for Wii U with a solid online play mode, that game was one of the best Wii games, period.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
On another note, I got my parents to play Wii Sports Club: Golf! They play golf on a regular basis and they actually had high praise for the realism of the game, 'cept for a few things. I've never been able to get them to play anything before, and I think my dad will actually play this from time to time.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
Oh yeah, I'll add that I got my Wii U in October this year, and I absolutely haven't been able to keep up with the selection of games that are available now. I have still yet to play LEGO City, W101, Wind Waker HD, SM3DW, ACIV, Batman Origins, Splinter Cell, Rayman Legends, Deus Ex and probably more, so once DKC:TF, Watchdogs, Mario Kart 8, Beyonetta 2 (and 1?), X and Smash Brothers comes out I will probably still be buried in games to play.
If you buy Wii U now, there is absolutely no drought to be experienced. Nintendo needs to advertise the increasingly impressive games library that this console now has.
Re: Round Table: Let's Talk About Nintendo in 2013 - Wii U and Favourites of the Year
I think you guys missed the point about why Wind Waker was the game they chose to remake.
1. Wind Waker might not NEED a graphical update as much as other Zelda titles, but it that is exactly the point: The graphics are iconic, and they didn't have to do much but add HD resolution, higher anti-aliasing and lighting effects (bloom, particles) and higher resolution textures. The polygon count has very little to do with it because of the graphical style. Now imagine this strategy with Majoras Mask or Twilight Princess. Those games would NOT benefit as much from those changes as the polygon count / models really make a difference in that kind of graphic style.
2. They chose Wind Waker because the GameCube had a small install base and they felt that Wii owners should get the pleasure of experiencing this "unknown" gem.
The alternative is that we wouldn't have had a Zelda remake at all, as this remake was probably the one that required the least work, and made the most sense. Majoras Mask is a 3DS remake, and TP / Skyward Sword can still be played on the backwards compatible Wii U. Ocarina of Time is out on 3DS already.
If I had never played Wind Waker (which I have, and it is by far my favorite zelda of all time) then I would be absolutely delighted to have gotten the opportunity to play that game on the Wii U.
Re: Nintendo of Europe Confirms Upcoming eShop Discounts
AC:IV Black Flag, Rayman Legends and Ducktales for me!
Great sale!
Re: Funky Kong's Return Confirmed for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Lanky Kong plz! My all-time favorite kong