this is the FRICKEN PROBLEM! Nintendo, you are starting to do some good here with the 2DS and the Wii U price cut. And you've ALWAYS done great as far as branding to separate your systems, until this generation. The 3DS, at first glance to many consumers looks like a DS. Granted the 3 in front of the name suggests a successor, but I've met people who were confused by it. And of course, the Wii U name was a total flop. No one I've met except a few friends understood that it was a new console. My girlfriend didn't even get it until I spelled it out for her. Then, she didn't get the point! So I showed her a commercial. Still didn't get what the point was to the new system... You NEED to do better marketing here. On a side note, this reporter is totally ignorant. On Tech Bytes? Really? You aren't even going to know that it's D - S, not Dees? After a decade of the DS being out? Lower resolution? Wii vs Wii U? This woman has no clue what she's talking about and shouldn't be reporting about it, no excuse on the news. But that being said, there is a problem with the branding right now....
haven't bought a wii u yet, and i'm sitting on a PS4 preorder. I agree with Tom Whitehead that the Wii U won't make it as a premium product, but rather an additional system for PS4/One owners in order to play those amazing Nintendo games. AKA it will be what the Wii was for everyone i know - a secondary console just for Nintendo and the occasional unique 3rd party game. That being said to see Nintendo finally budge on pricing gives me hope that we will see it drop to $249 eventually, even if not another year or two. When it does eventually drop another $50, I'm sure many of the games I want to play will be out and I'll finally pick up the system. To early Deluxe adopters - I think they should offer a massive discount for the eShop download of Wind Waker HD. At least 50% off. I can't see them giving the game away for free, that's way too many copies, but I do think that they should reconcile "early adopters" just like they did with the 3DS. If they are giving early digital downloads of Wind Waker HD who buy the bundle, give that same early download option to deluxe owners, plus some sort of discount. Or at least some free VC/eShop games.
saw Nintendo's Wii U deluxe price cut & zelda bundle, and was very happy to see that. saw this and....... dear god! what the HELL are they thinking!? Seriously, a cheaper 3DS without 3D was a decent idea but there are two MAJOR issues with this. 1. Form factor: This thing is UGLY! And NOT portable. And they blew yet another opportunity to add a second circle pad. And what size is it? Original 3DS size or XL? Because they need to offer both. 2. It ditches the 3DS's main "gimmick" - the 3D! It is optional to turn it off on the 3DS already, but to release a version of the system without the option at all is a bad idea - it will only further discourage publishers from making games that take advantage of it. I for one wish that Nintendo had never even had the 3D to begin with, it hurts my eyes and gives me a headache. But this just sounds like a bad idea at this point, it will lead to a lot of confusion marketing wise.
One last thing. This is like selling a Wii U without the tablet. Maybe not quite as drastic, but similar enough.
honestly that metroid other m level is the first screenshot that i've been impressed with graphically, and truly separates it from Brawl. Yeah Link's shield actually looked metal and had reflections and his hair was flowy and what not, but look at the dramatic lighting on bowser, the texture of the stage, everything truly looks like a big step up from Brawl in that screenshot. I guess the generally flat lighting of most stages, the cartoony and simple look of many characters (mario/luigi, megaman, icarus, etc) doesn't serve to show off the graphics of this game. Smash is one of my favorite all time series, and it will be fantastic on Wii U no doubt. That's what matters. But, with the extra power of the Wii U I was expecting more of a noticeable difference between this and Brawl, because this sort of just looked like an up-res of Brawl to me till I saw that screenshot.
glad it's immediately available but i can't STILL help but feel Nintendo has really dropped the ball on this opportunity. I'm feeling disappointed, and what might have been a system seller for a long time zelda fan has turned out to be another something that "ill just pick up when I eventually get a Wii U' No Master Quest (which I understand would be an enormous effort) no new dungeons? the hero mode honestly doesn't sound like the right way to make a zelda game more challenging. I felt the same way about hero mode in Skyward Sword, yet if ANY zelda game should have hero mode it should be SS simply because it's such a combat-centric game with the control scheme. Wind Waker, it just seems out of place. Wind Waker is a game that calls for more difficult puzzles, not "no hearts." The game was way too easy, fun, but easy. It's one of my favorite zelda games. But the lack of new content and "hero mode" over a master quest type deal isn't enough for me to buy the system and game.
yikes, can't believe Iwata would actually say this stuff. The Basic bundle isn't selling because for only $50 more the deluxe bundle is 9083745987349857 times better!
Why the hell would anyone buy the basic, unless you were dying for the white console??
And the issue absolutely is there...
I'll tell you flat out that since the Wii U was first released I figured it would be my first next gen console. But when PS4 was announced to be $400, I preordered it right away.
If Wii U deluxe was $300 it would've made me think twice. If Wii U deluxe was $250, I'd have a Wii U right now. That being said, I know $250 is unrealistic, we'll be lucky if it costs that low at any point in it's lifespan.
hoping for a surprise announcement of another 2013 game but i sort of doubt it. what i want to see more of is Super Smash Wii U, and in what ways will it be different/an upgrade worthwhile to previous entries? Maybe some news on gameplay modes (SP) and more characters. Also want to see more of Super Mario 3D World. I was extremely disappointed by the announcement, I was hoping for a game in the same vein as SM64, Sunshine, and Galaxy 1&2, not the hybrid 3d/2d sort of isometric gameplay of 3D Land. So I want to see more of it, and why it's a must-have title, because right now, although you can always count on Mario games being good, it's not a system seller for me.
i'll eventually own a Wii U in two or three years, after all of the big Nintendo games I want to play are on it, just as I did with the Wii. At first I was stoked to be able to have a full library of a range of big Nintendo AND 3rd party games for Wii U, in fact I had planned on buying a Wii U instead of any other console this time around, thinking the system would be enough to satisfy my needs. But this has turned out to be quite the opposite. The Wii vs PS360 debacle is happening all over again, except this time the Wii U isn't selling like the Wii did bc of the motion controls. I'm a diehard Nintendo fan. Owned SNES, N64, gamecube, and Wii. But i've also owned PS1, xbox, xbox 360, and now I've preordered PS4. 3rd party content, plus next gen graphics, AI, huge worlds, online infrastructure, PSN+ monthly giveaways, indie support, and Sony's exclusives just make the PS4 the console to own first. I'm interested by Super Mario 3d World but it isn't galaxy and that disappointed me. I'm interested in MK8 but it looks like, i don't know, too much the same, a little rushed if you ask me. Same with DKCR tropical freeze. LoZ WW HD didn't do enough new to the game to warrant me needing the system right now to play that version. Heck, even Super Smash for Wii U looks like not enough of a leap forward. SSBB was the graphical flagship game for Wii, and i was expecting more out of the Wii U version. Sure Wii U is getting the Ubisoft games I'll be getting on PS4, but the PS4/Xbone versions are going to the definitive versions of those games anyway. I just can't help shake the feeling that Nintendo truly took a misstep here, and missed a golden opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony, releasing an underpowered, overpriced console too early. Wii U should've been named different and look different to separate itself from the Wii, it should've been delayed an extra year so it could LAUNCH with Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, Wind Waker, etc. And it should've been significantly more powerful, comparable to PS4/Xbone. I'm all for Nintendo "doing their own thing" but i think they tried to redo the whole Wii thing and it's just not working out for them. I sincerely hope Wii U picks up, and I will definitely be getting one to play some of my favorite franchises in the future, but the Wii U is not a console to own by itself, just like the Wii. I'm waiting for more games and a price drop. I hope that next time around Nintendo chooses to get back into the power game and release the best system, because we all know they can. More power is more than just graphical grunt, it's performance, it's size and scope, AI, etc.
bundles won't be enough when PS4 is only $50 more. The deluxe needs to drop to $300, AND be bundled with WW HD, Super Mario 3D World, or the new DKCR. The 8GB Wii U should be bundled with Nintendoland and be dropped to $250. They also need to release deluxe white Wii U's for those who want them.
i never knew there were mario kart arcade games. this game is clearly in HD, so i wonder how long MK has been in HD in the arcades, or if they only upgraded now because Nintendo finally went HD with Wii U?? it would've been sort of ironic to have an HD Mario Kart in the arcades during the past 7 years while Wii was still SD...
this is disappointing. This was my favorite fighting game (besides Smash) back on the gamecube. Also, the model Namco made for Link and even the graphics of environments would've made for the perfect zelda game graphic wise, IMO. I always thought that this was the most realistic looking Link, even after TP came out, and I really enjoyed that.
@Koto Thank you. I'm with you, mostly disappointed by the graphics. I'm glad to hear the gameplay will be refined but I honestly expected that. I also expected the announced characters thus far (sans Mega Man but that's not shocking) and the details on modes and such that we've heard. But it seems this Smash is seriously being rushed out the gate by Nintendo. God knows the Wii U needs a saving grace, but at what cost? It's been only a year of development and they are already showing off screens. I'd rather have waited till next E3 for an announcement, with a holiday 2014 release in order for them to really polish the game before showing it off. I feel like what we are seeing is what we will get. They definitely used the same engine and many of the same models/animations as in Brawl, it looks nearly identical just HD. I don't even agree with some of the few changes they made - Mario's more simplistic look works but I've always loved the more detailed take on Mario in the smash games. Link is a mish-mash of TP and SS Link, there are things about him that look like both. I'd rather Nintendo just gone with one or the other. SS Link would look great in HD, but TP Link could've looked like he did in the Zelda HD Tech demo! OR if they waited to show it off till next year, they could've potentially used the NEW Link from the new Wii U Zelda. Look at how incredible Melee looks to the original. How awesome Brawl looked compared to Melee...and at least it was a slightly different look! This has rushed written all over it, and it's really too bad, because the singular smash title on each system is always one of the most polished, graphically impressive, and incredibly fun games to own on a Nintendo system.
hopefully the wii u version will look like this! i think it's very likely. it's certainly pretty, but it's also certainly current gen level graphics. it's clearly not next-gen level stuff running on PC, seeing as it doesn't look nearly as good as Forza 5 or even GT 6. it's great that Wii U owners can get a racing sim (hopefully) on that level, but I also hope there is something to Project CARS that separates itself from Forza and GT.
i hate to say it, but Nintendo has made a huge mistake in underestimating the importance of power under the hood this coming generation. We messed with motion and casual games this current gen, but gamers have typically been calling for traditional controls, bigger games, better graphics, and more narrative and gameplay innovation. While I think personally that the Wii U gamepad is the PERFECT controller for all of the above, the Wii U system is not suited for moving forward with games. Developers are dropping support more than they ever did on Wii, and the Wii U is still not doing well. After countless explanations, my girlfriend still fails to understand the basic premise of what separates Wii U from Wii, and what the point is of the tablet. Nintendo would have faired much better to have even pulled what microsoft did - packaging an x86 architecture machine powerful enough to rival PS4/Xbone, WITH the gamepad controller and 2 gamepad support right out of the box - even if it meant releasing at $500. Why? Because EA, Ubisoft, and every other company would be drooling over Nintendo as much as they are over PS4/Xbone, AND Nintendo would be the only system with that tablet out of the box. The second screen out of the box doesn't mean much when the system is so drastically underpowered. I've been resisting for over a year saying that Wii U is not next gen but current gen, but i cant resist much longer. It just isn't really a next gen system. Honestly, even the new Super Smash just looks like brawl with upgraded resolution. I personally liked how Samus and Mario looked in brawl better. The only standout for me is Link's shield - it looks noticeably better than in brawl but thats about it! Nintendo is rushing out titles faster than they should be, and yet they are delaying them left and right. Nintendo WILL survive the Wii U, but I don't think it will last this full generation against PS4 or XBone, we might see an all new Nintendo console in just a couple of years. Or if not, i just really hope 7 or 8 years from now Nintendo learns and becomes the hardware behemoth they were back in the good ol' days.
@YChung AGREED. New F-Zero and Metroid Prime type game, or a new Star Fox, and I'm sold. NSMBU, Mario 3D World and DKC isn't quite enough to convince me to buy Wii U just yet.
Not that hard Miyamoto! Just stick to the tried and true formula...Nintendo does that for all Mario & Zelda games, mostly! I understand each iteration offers at least something unique or different, but it sticks to a basic formula that makes each franchise what it is - F-Zero is no different! All we need is that blistering fast speed, gravity-defying tracks, customizable hover cars, a roster of the same fun characters we all know and love, and HD visuals! Captain Falcon needs his time to shine in HD!!
Nintendo holds the clear advantage at $150 lower than Xbox One, but it's the PS4 that really worries me. First of all, I read that 95% of the 50,000 preorders for the two systems on amazon.com have been PS4. And in total, I read that PS4 preorders are beating Xbox One 2-1. Couple that with the fact that the PS4 is only $50 more than the Wii U deluxe (which is clearly the go-to package for the Wii U) and I think Nintendo is taking a major risk staying at $350. As it is, because of the price only being $50 different I actually am going to be buying a PS4 first, even though for months now I've been saying I'm going to get a Wii U first. The lack of a definite date on Smash, MK8, no Zelda U announcements, and my mixed feelings towards Super Mario 3D World, tells me I'm not quite feeling the need to own a Wii U just yet. Compared to PS4 with all the major 3rd party titles that I'm itching for, at only $50 more, sorry Nintendo but Sony won me over for this year. The software they announced just isn't enough without a price cut, in my opinion. If Wii U dropped to $250, or even $300, it might just be enough to win over a few people like myself who were on the fence after E3. But right now it looks like the PS4 will hold the better value, for those who are interested in those games of course. And that seems to be quite a lot of gamers. When Nintendo comes down in price, I'll definitely get a Wii U. Unless MK8, Smash and Zelda U come out before then. Only that would be enough to convince me to not wait for a drop.
I hate to have to agree with Pachter but this time he hit the nail on the head, despite stating the obvious. If the Wii U sells 30 mill in it's life time it won't be much of a success for Nintendo, but it'll at least be enough to give Nintendo another chance for the NEXT next generation. Look at the Gamecube...it sold only 21 mill consoles in it's life, not much of a success, but then Nintendo was financially hugely successful with Wii at 90+ mil. Granted, I personally thought gamecube was overall the better system, and much of those Wii sales were "casuals". And even though the gamecube is viewed not as much of a success, there were still dedicated Nintendo fans, and amazing Nintendo games as well as 3rd party on that system, making it a fan favorite, and giving Nintendo the opportunity to bounce back with the Wii. I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed if that occurred with the Wii U. I will own one after I buy a PS4, and after some key games are released for it. Same as I did last gen with owning a 360 first, and then a Wii a few years later after the game I wanted were on there. I just hope if that did occur, Nintendo would learn there lesson and for the next system go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony as far as power. Why? Because Nintendo could easily become every gamers go to system if they could do everything PS/Xb could do, incorporating all of those 3rd party titles, PLUS their library of amazing Nintendo games. I saw a number of articles and videos of people saying Nintendo won E3 simply because they had the most interesting, fun, vibrant, games; a far cry from the drab and dreary shooters and racers on the other systems. While I personally don't hold that opinion there is a valid point there. Nintendo can win gamers to their consoles with their titles alone. If they only met the needs of the third parties, and acknowledge the fact that as much as they want to not be compared to PS/XB they always will be because this industry IS connected, then Nintendo truly could rule again. Sorry for the rant.
@Steveovig i have to agree with you and everyone else saying it's do or die tomorrow for Nintendo. After seeing Sony's offering at $399, beautiful exclusives and a barrage of indie & downloadable games, the PSN and social features, and a fricken powerhouse of a system, Nintendo really needs to wow us all. The big N needs to pull out all the stops. They made a huge bet going for the underpowered system AGAIN, and honestly I believed in them but the PS4 now has me worried for Nintendo. So many of these great 3rd party titles for PS4 and X1 could have been on Nintendo's system if they opted for the power. That, PLUS Nintendo's first party behemoths would've put them right in 1st place. But I'm not sure that Mario and Zelda alone are going to carry the Wii U up against the PS4... They seriously need the best Mario, Mario Kart, Zelda, Super Smash, etc, all shown tomorrow. They also need a major price cut to compete. $299 for the Deluxe is an absolute must, if not $249. No way anyone other than a die hard Nintendo fan is going to choose a Wii U over PS4 if the PS4 is only $50 more... I'm rooting for Nintendo, seriously, but I'm also strongly considering a PS4 this holiday season if Nintendo doesn't give me a reason to get the Wii U first! Just as Sony wrecked Microsoft's conference tonight, the ball is now in Nintendo's court and it's entirely up to them what happens next.
it's not surprising. the deluxe makes so much more sense i think the only reason i'd ever get the basic is if i was seriously intent on having white instead of black. but i actually want the black one more anyway... i think at E3 they'll announce 32gb white for america. i'm hoping also for a price cut (maybe deluxe down to $300?) especially if rumors of PS4 starting at $350 are true, nintendo then would no longer hold the price advantage. we'll see in a few days...
@Robzy1990 i would agree with your logic, however due to the Wii Us poor sales we all know Nintendo wants to move consoles, a lot of them, fast, and need to do so with a "must have" game. Also with PS4 and Xbox 1 coming out with 3rd party support that Ninty just isn't getting right now, plus 15 exclusives on X1 and every Sony studio developing for PS4, Nintendo knows they need to do what they do best and make games that people have to buy their console for because they won't get it anywhere else. Case in point, new 3D mario adventure. Thats why I bought a Wii - only games I own on it are the 1st party major IPs. And thats why I will buy a Wii U at some point this year, probably around the time Wind Waker HD is released. also, 3D Luigi adventure = Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon A 3D Luigi adventure on Wii U simply won't cut it for what Nintendo needs right now on the software end. I bet you the Luigi on the Yoshi is representative of the New Super Luigi U dlc.
@WiiLovePeace awesome. 1 is clearly mario, 2 is WW Link, 3 is mario and luigi, 4 is pikmin, 5 i dont recognize! New IP?? 6 is Luigi on Yoshi, and 7-10 are individual pikmin. I do hope they have more in store for us than that, I expect Super Smash and the new Zelda to be shown but not playable. Perhaps these characters are of just the playable demos? I'm guessing: 1. New 3D mario adventure, 2. WW HD, 3. new mario and luigi game on 3DS, 4 is pikmin, 5 is unannounced game (unless i just dont recognize the character) and 6 is New Super Luigi U. I'm super excited. Between Nintendo pulling out all the Big Guns we've all been waiting for, to PS4 to follow up their exciting reveil with even more games and the actual system on display, and microsoft needing to seriously step up their GAME (pun intended). Hehehe, I feel my nerd senses tingling.
fantastic idea, but i'm disappointed by lack of availibility. Only 2 days, only 4 hrs each day, and in so few locations? I would make a trip and go to my nearest one but I'm not sure it would be worth the drive to possibly miss it due to crowds or a huge line or something... do people think these locations are going to get swarmed? not really up to dealing with that just to play a demo...
meh. sounds like Sonic Colors 2. Dont get me wrong i enjoyed colors quite a bit, it beat every other sonic game this gen besides Sonic Generations. but i was really hoping we would get to control some of sonic's friends. i loved in SA and SA2 the different gameplay options via different characters. More so SA1 because you chose your character and played thru the story thru their eyes, thought it was great. Even all the way back to Sonic 2, Tails played different than Sonic. It's an integral part of Sonic games and i keep wishing they bring it back but they aren't doing it :/ I would love to play as Tails or Knuckles, even if, no, ESPECIALLY if, the only difference is a couple of unique abilities (flying with tails, gliding/climbing with knuckles, homing attack with sonic) One can dream i guess? Not putting this one down for the count by any means but i'm severely less hyped than i was the other day when the trailer first came out.
Looks like SEGA is finally starting to understand what makes a good sonic game these days - super fast, combination of 2d and 3d sections, and of course some platforming! looks great, can't wait to see more. also hope though that they actually include other playable characters! thats been seriously lacking in recent sonic outings.
In my excitement about prospective new LoZ on Wii U, and anticipation and anxious jealousy for when Wind Waker HD comes out (i don't own Wii U - yet!) last week I started a new file and played through the original OoT on N64 for the first time in about a decade, after which I started up a new Majora's Mask (which, ashamedly, I never played to completion.) However, I have been distracted this week by Dark Souls on X360. My buddy lent it to me and this game is every bit an oxy moron as everyone says. You simultaneously love and hate it with all of your heart, wanting to break your tv yet never put down the controller. Odd. But awesome. I, too, will probably start a new ALTTP file, it's been a couple years.
i am among those gamers who have been waiting for the PS4 and X1 reveals to decide which system to buy. For me, it's a matter of when, not if, as far as buying a Wii U. I needed to know if either PS4 or X1 deserved my money before Wii U did. And the lack of a must have title for me so far as delayed my early adoption of Wii U. After the PS4 reveal i was impressed and am looking forward to that system. The X1 has a lot left to be desired and Microsofts focuses actually drove me AWAY from the system... All that being said I am ZERO percent surprised at this jump in Wii U sales, if I had the financial means right now I would be among those numbers! I will be buying Wii U first this gen. Eventually, a PS4 will likely find it's way to my home. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Wii U Nintendo Direct that we will finally see some gameplay from Wind Waker, and the reveal of at least one other must have title for this year. 3d Mario, Mario Kart, anything thats a must have (for me). Then I will pick one up this holiday season.
Also, Sony shares jumped 8% on Tuesday, ON tuesday. Immediately following X1.
this is actually slightly disappointing. typically it takes a number of years into a consoles lifespan for developers to be able to get the most out of the system. This is good for gamers because while early games on Wii U look great, we could say, "Well this is just the beginning. Wait 3, 4, even 5 years to see what the system can really do". Looking at every console in the past, this has been the case. On the 360, Oblivion vs Skyrim are worlds apart. Look at GTA 5 & watch dogs...look next gen but its on current consoles at the end of their life span, 7 years later. This comment is disappointing because it tells me that there's no where to go from here with the Wii U...perhaps take advantage of the unique gameplay possibilities but as far as graphics goes we are already seeing the brunt of the power? With PS4 and the next Xbox being released this year, this doesn't bode well for Nintendo. I thought that what we were seeing is just the beginning, but Silicon doesn't make it sound that way....
great idea, ONLY if it is ready. And i don't think it makes a ton of sense to release a 3D Mario platformer within weeks or even a couple months of a mario kart title. I feel like now Nintendo is scrambling, and I think they would do well to get a Mario title out faster than later but I'm concerned if they rush out a new 3D Mario, the true flagship games of the entire Mario franchise in my opinion. Galaxy and Galaxy 2 were two of the best titles on the Wii and in the mario series ever, in my opinion. There is a reason for that, it did something new, it pushed what the wii could do graphically, it had brilliant level design, and it was completely polished all around. Mario 64 is legendary on the N64. I don't want Mario Wii U to be rushed at ALL, i'd rather wait another year or even two, although that wouldn't bode well for Wii U owners. That being said, they could have very well been working on this game for years already, since Galaxy 2 was finished or something, I guess we will all find out at E3!!!
ehm. i literally will buy a 3DS for the new Zelda game. I wonder if it is a literal sequel or spiritual successor; same Link or new Link? I...I...just soiled myself. I have not owned a handheld system since the GBA. Nothing on DS, PSP, Vita, 3DS has interested me quite enough to fork out the cash (because I'd end up playing it at home, not on the road like I did with my GB as a kid) But then Nintendo had to go and do this??? Better start saving, because I'm going to buy a Wii U as soon as the next Zelda on there is released. I'm going to be BROKE ! TAKE MY MONEY NINTENDO!!! JUST TAKE IT ALL!
ehm. i literally will buy a 3DS for the new Zelda game. I wonder if it is a literal sequel or spiritual successor; same Link or new Link? I...I...just soiled myself.
I have not owned a handheld system since the GBA. Nothing on DS, PSP, Vita, 3DS has interested me quite enough to fork out the cash (because I'd end up playing it at home, not on the road like I did with my GB as a kid) But then Nintendo had to go and do this??? Better start saving, because I'm going to buy a Wii U as soon as the next Zelda on there is released. I'm going to be BROKE ! TAKE MY MONEY NINTENDO!!! JUST TAKE IT ALL!
all super smash games are always a blast with local multiplayer, one of the best games to break out with your buddies. although i still think Melee overall was the better game, brawl had some amazing features, and some of the revisions were good. i actually really loved how it handled, although obviously the not-so-classic 'tripping' was an issue for me as it was so many others. also, i LOVED the subspace emissary mode...if they expand on that in the next smash game i think it would epic. Hell, if they just tighten up some of the controls and make the levels a little bit more interesting and challenging as far as platforming goes, the emissary mode could be it's own game! so i hope they take that a step further in the next game. My issue online was actually i think simply with the Wii's online functionality, not the game itself. Waiting for an online match was atrocious, and once the match started the lag was aweful. Furthermore, the infamous friends codes were an enormous obstacle of course, and the lack of voice abilities to chat while you were fighting your friends made it all just that much dumber. why play online? just wait till that friend can come over lol. But I'm hopeful that with the new Nintendo Network and superior capabilities of Wii U's online infrastructure the next Smash will be online in full force.
ok so....the rumor the other day had me thinking, "what? really? pirates?" regardless of how great the naval missions were in AC3, i didn't know how an AC pirates game could truly work.
That being said. This cover art looks so baddonkey !
And also, Edward Kenway? Grandfather of Connor? Father of Hatham? Maybe we will see Hatham as a child and see why he turns from the order and becomes a Templar.
Also it means it'll probably be set in the mid 1600s, and in Europe, most likely Britain (Hatham was british)
Which makes a lot of sense given the British long history of naval life, and also, even if all travel is done on sea and a huge part of the game takes place on the sea, I have to imagine there is obviously going to be a city or two or three to run around. London might be one of them... Sounds good to me.
Would make sense to visit Spain too, a huge focal point of exploration in that period - I'd love to run around some of that Moroccan architecture!
Also, if the open sea becomes the new 'frontier' of sorts, I do hope that they do it well and keep it interesting. I could see an open sea being sort of cool but also getting pretty old pretty quickly.
@Cloud-San-VII simple. more money. i'm not surprised at all, but i wonder how this will impact their relationship and whatever deal they struct that had this game an exclusive before.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!! My DREAM come true, and would make me buy a Wii U on the DAY that Wind Waker HD launched, is if almost everything in this article made it's way into the game. I'm not concerned that the graphics are a little less cel-shady, they still look cartoony and I'm liking what I see so far. Biggest things that stick out to me in this article:
1. Gyroscopic gameplay/use of gamepad & overall control tune up.
2. Added content: the Lost Dungeon !!! and the idea I hadn't thought of: Adding more to Hyrule underneath !!! I actually remember thinking it was the coolest thing in the world as a 12 y/o kid who's favorite game was OoT, returning to Hyrule. But it was anticlimactic, it didn't resemble the hyrule I knew from OoT at all. Adding the marketplace and some surrounding key areas would be jaw-droppingly awesome for them to do, but it's also something I think is least likely in this article, right up there with voice acting.
3. Master Quest: this is sort of a must for me. Perhaps it's the master quest mode that can incorporate the lost dungeon and the expanded fire/ice quests & triforce quest. But i need the challenge to revisit this game. I've played through Wind Waker a dozen times, and i've always thought it was the easiest Zelda game. A Master Quest alone is an instant sale for me.
wow....Nintendo literally ripped the DS design straight from this clamshell! I had no idea that the idea had existed so far back in Nintendo's history. And now we are finally getting that 2 screen gameplay at home a la Wii U. Guess it was a long time coming! Very cool article.
Great surprise, my favorite part of the Nintendo Direct. Too bad we didn't get footage, but the screens look fantastic. Some parts of the screenshots do look like simple resolution boosts, but it's also obvious they revamped the color palette, the lighting system, and some other things. A few people on here say it looks like a new engine - i doubt it, they'd have to remake the entire game from scratch if it was completely new - but the boosts here are tremendous compared to the original. I was waiting for a game to make the Wii U worth my purchase and it sounds like by the end of 2013 there will be plenty to make the dive worth it. My biggest issue playing Wind Waker (original) nowadays is the controls for certain things feel clunky compared to what i'm used to now...aiming a bow and arrow or hook shot for example. I hope the gameplay 'tune-up' addresses some issues like this...I'd love to be able to lift the GamePad at the TV and use it to aim my items...or at least tune up the use of the analog sticks. I would also love it if they made use of the gamepad's touch screen in some way...even if it were as simple as keeping the item screen on there and a quick touch to swap em out, or a full/more detailed map for dungeons/ocean, etc. If this is a 'remake' as opposed to an HD port, i hope they include some of these types of changes in addition to the miiverse compatability. It would really feel like a new, original Wii U title if they made full use of the hardware, even if it is in a basic and predictable way as opposed to an innovative way that perhaps the new zelda game in development will use it.
there will be no major announcements, don't get your hopes up. Nintendo Direct was such a great idea and I like what they are doing with it, but it's also been sort of a let down in a sense that nothing really enormous has ever been announced via Nintendo Direct, with the exception of maybe Miiverse. But that's to be expected...why unveil a huge and anticipated first party release to a camera? Nintendo would want cameras and a live audience for that one...i.e. some sort of big event...GDC, E3, etc. I expect we won't see more than maybe some new info on Pikmin 3, maybe some downloadable titles, updates to the Miiverse/online functionality, and that's about it.
im saving up on the side for a Wii U. i was originally going to wait till more Nintendo games came out, but all the reviews & videos & hype about Nintendo Land and NSMBU is really making me impatient for one. So my goal is to save up enough for a Deluxe Edition and NSMBU. Once I have enough for those two items, I'm making the purchase. Which will mean it will be a minute until I pick up a second game, for financial reasons. I bet thats the case with most costumers at the moment. Especially if you want to buy accessories such as more Wii motes and 'chucks, Wii U pro controllers, external memory, etc. You're talking some serious bread at that point. I'm all set with wii motes & i don't feel compelled to buy the pro controller, so I'll be set with the system and the game, but these numbers really aren't surprising. Obviously when the system is a little older, the game sales will rise because more people will have the hardware, and will be spending money on the software instead. I'm guessing by the end of the "launch window" game sales pick up.
i have yet to purchase a wii U. i was planning on doing so sometime in 2013, after more games I want are out. Thing is, this is really the first time a Nintendo console has had major problems such as freezing and bricking. My gamecube back in the day sometimes froze on my but usually it was the disc's fault, and would be fixed by the good ol' "Reset" button (how i miss those!). I suppose as the technology gets more complicated and advanced more problems can come along with it. My only issue with this is that the tech inside the Wii U isn't all that new, and isn't all that complicated compared to what has been on the market for a bunch of years now. So for me, there is really no excuse that these systems should be experience freezing and bricking, blue/blue/red screens of death or anything of the sort. I know it's Nintendo's first foray into more advanced systems, but still, I can't help but be a little disappointed about what I'm hearing. That being said Nintendo has always had the best customer service and being a video game company first and foremost, this is their only focus. So from the looks of things they are trying to take care of any issues customers are reporting with updates and thats reassuring. Hopefully by the time I pick up my Wii U there won't be anything to worry about.
guys...do you all know what a long con is? when a con artist cons a person for a long time - like, say, meets and marries a woman to divorce her and take all her money? as opposed to a quick con like, "hey buy this expensive jewelery for 80% off" when its just fake junk and you are being overpriced.... well, I think Patcher is just a troll. Pulling what I'll call a long troll on the doom of Nintendo. Therefore, carry on, Nintendo fans. Carry on.
am i the only one who got turned off when the number of pokemon climbed into the multi-hundreds??? i preferred the original 150! each was unique, well designed, memorable, and although challenging it was actually realistic to play the game until you caught 'em all! how many hundreds are there now?? last game i played was gold...the first inflation of pokemon. it was a fantastic improvement on the original, but to this day i only remember maybe two or three pokemon from gold. i still remember most of the original...the new ones just seem like the same concepts as the original but with new names that keep getting weirder and a new coat of paint. so whats the point of having 15 characters that are essentially charmander??? idk. to me if a new game came out that was as new to me as far as features, story, graphics, etc go as B&W are, but with the original 151, id actually buy it.
i think it's very clear why this controller is necessary, for those who seemed confused by it. The Wii U will support 2 gamepads, as Nintendo has said, but framerate will be cut in half when 2 pads are being used. One of the Wii U's selling points is asymmetrical gameplay, so while most multiplayer games will use Wii U pad and wii motes, some games are obviously designed to be best suited for a standard controller. The Wii U pad has a giant screen slapped in the middle of a standard controller, essentially. Therefore for multiplayer, you may not need that second screen and cut in frame rate, so why not just have essentially the same controller minus the screen? And there you have the Pro Controller. I don't imagine it would be used for much more than multiplayer games, that don't want asymmetrical gameplay (looking mostly at multi platform games). That, and Gamecube games that come out on the VC. This looks much better to me than the classic controller pro for the Wii, so i'm happy to have it. As far as VC games you needn't buy this new controller unless it's GC games, but for multiplayer multiplatform titles, this was an easy decision for Nintendo to use this controller. Also, i'd definitely pick this over a wii mote sideways any day of the week (i imagine it'll function just the same) I'll be getting one of these some time after i get a Wii U, once i find it necessary. I can foresee Super Smash making a lot of use of this controller.
so if there are no points any more, does the eShop just use real world currency prices? as in, if i'm browsing and decide to download a NES game, it would come up as costing $5, not X Nintendo points?
Comments 179
Re: Weirdness: ABC News Tells Us All About How the 2Dees Can Play 3Dees Games
this is the FRICKEN PROBLEM! Nintendo, you are starting to do some good here with the 2DS and the Wii U price cut.
And you've ALWAYS done great as far as branding to separate your systems, until this generation.
The 3DS, at first glance to many consumers looks like a DS. Granted the 3 in front of the name suggests a successor, but I've met people who were confused by it.
And of course, the Wii U name was a total flop.
No one I've met except a few friends understood that it was a new console.
My girlfriend didn't even get it until I spelled it out for her. Then, she didn't get the point! So I showed her a commercial. Still didn't get what the point was to the new system...
You NEED to do better marketing here.
On a side note, this reporter is totally ignorant. On Tech Bytes? Really? You aren't even going to know that it's D - S, not Dees? After a decade of the DS being out?
Lower resolution? Wii vs Wii U?
This woman has no clue what she's talking about and shouldn't be reporting about it, no excuse on the news. But that being said, there is a problem with the branding right now....
Re: Check out SEGA Australia's Impressive Golden Axe Remake
looks great but no guarantee it would've been on Wii U seeing as the Castle of Illusion remake is skipping the system...
Re: Reaction: Nintendo Surprises Us All With the 2DS and Wii U Price Cut
haven't bought a wii u yet, and i'm sitting on a PS4 preorder.
I agree with Tom Whitehead that the Wii U won't make it as a premium product, but rather an additional system for PS4/One owners in order to play those amazing Nintendo games. AKA it will be what the Wii was for everyone i know - a secondary console just for Nintendo and the occasional unique 3rd party game.
That being said to see Nintendo finally budge on pricing gives me hope that we will see it drop to $249 eventually, even if not another year or two.
When it does eventually drop another $50, I'm sure many of the games I want to play will be out and I'll finally pick up the system.
To early Deluxe adopters - I think they should offer a massive discount for the eShop download of Wind Waker HD. At least 50% off. I can't see them giving the game away for free, that's way too many copies, but I do think that they should reconcile "early adopters" just like they did with the 3DS. If they are giving early digital downloads of Wind Waker HD who buy the bundle, give that same early download option to deluxe owners, plus some sort of discount. Or at least some free VC/eShop games.
Re: Say Hello To The Nintendo 2DS - A 3DS without 3D
saw Nintendo's Wii U deluxe price cut & zelda bundle, and was very happy to see that.
saw this and.......
dear god! what the HELL are they thinking!?
Seriously, a cheaper 3DS without 3D was a decent idea but there are two MAJOR issues with this.
1. Form factor: This thing is UGLY! And NOT portable. And they blew yet another opportunity to add a second circle pad. And what size is it? Original 3DS size or XL? Because they need to offer both.
2. It ditches the 3DS's main "gimmick" - the 3D! It is optional to turn it off on the 3DS already, but to release a version of the system without the option at all is a bad idea - it will only further discourage publishers from making games that take advantage of it. I for one wish that Nintendo had never even had the 3D to begin with, it hurts my eyes and gives me a headache. But this just sounds like a bad idea at this point, it will lead to a lot of confusion marketing wise.
One last thing. This is like selling a Wii U without the tablet. Maybe not quite as drastic, but similar enough.
Re: Feature: A Week of Super Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS Screens - Issue One
honestly that metroid other m level is the first screenshot that i've been impressed with graphically, and truly separates it from Brawl. Yeah Link's shield actually looked metal and had reflections and his hair was flowy and what not, but look at the dramatic lighting on bowser, the texture of the stage, everything truly looks like a big step up from Brawl in that screenshot.
I guess the generally flat lighting of most stages, the cartoony and simple look of many characters (mario/luigi, megaman, icarus, etc) doesn't serve to show off the graphics of this game.
Smash is one of my favorite all time series, and it will be fantastic on Wii U no doubt. That's what matters.
But, with the extra power of the Wii U I was expecting more of a noticeable difference between this and Brawl, because this sort of just looked like an up-res of Brawl to me till I saw that screenshot.
Re: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Hero Mode Details Sail Into View
glad it's immediately available but i can't STILL help but feel Nintendo has really dropped the ball on this opportunity. I'm feeling disappointed, and what might have been a system seller for a long time zelda fan has turned out to be another something that "ill just pick up when I eventually get a Wii U'
No Master Quest (which I understand would be an enormous effort) no new dungeons?
the hero mode honestly doesn't sound like the right way to make a zelda game more challenging. I felt the same way about hero mode in Skyward Sword, yet if ANY zelda game should have hero mode it should be SS simply because it's such a combat-centric game with the control scheme. Wind Waker, it just seems out of place. Wind Waker is a game that calls for more difficult puzzles, not "no hearts."
The game was way too easy, fun, but easy. It's one of my favorite zelda games. But the lack of new content and "hero mode" over a master quest type deal isn't enough for me to buy the system and game.
Re: Satoru Iwata Cites Poor Basic Wii U Sales To Rule Out Price Cut Benefits
yikes, can't believe Iwata would actually say this stuff. The Basic bundle isn't selling because for only $50 more the deluxe bundle is 9083745987349857 times better!
Why the hell would anyone buy the basic, unless you were dying for the white console??
And the issue absolutely is there...
I'll tell you flat out that since the Wii U was first released I figured it would be my first next gen console. But when PS4 was announced to be $400, I preordered it right away.
If Wii U deluxe was $300 it would've made me think twice. If Wii U deluxe was $250, I'd have a Wii U right now. That being said, I know $250 is unrealistic, we'll be lucky if it costs that low at any point in it's lifespan.
Re: New Nintendo Direct Coming August 7th, Focus Is "Previously Announced" Wii U And 3DS Software
hoping for a surprise announcement of another 2013 game but i sort of doubt it.
what i want to see more of is Super Smash Wii U, and in what ways will it be different/an upgrade worthwhile to previous entries? Maybe some news on gameplay modes (SP) and more characters.
Also want to see more of Super Mario 3D World.
I was extremely disappointed by the announcement, I was hoping for a game in the same vein as SM64, Sunshine, and Galaxy 1&2, not the hybrid 3d/2d sort of isometric gameplay of 3D Land. So I want to see more of it, and why it's a must-have title, because right now, although you can always count on Mario games being good, it's not a system seller for me.
Re: Talking Point: Wii U and Third-Party Inconsistencies Pose Questions for Console Owners
i'll eventually own a Wii U in two or three years, after all of the big Nintendo games I want to play are on it, just as I did with the Wii.
At first I was stoked to be able to have a full library of a range of big Nintendo AND 3rd party games for Wii U, in fact I had planned on buying a Wii U instead of any other console this time around, thinking the system would be enough to satisfy my needs.
But this has turned out to be quite the opposite. The Wii vs PS360 debacle is happening all over again, except this time the Wii U isn't selling like the Wii did bc of the motion controls.
I'm a diehard Nintendo fan. Owned SNES, N64, gamecube, and Wii. But i've also owned PS1, xbox, xbox 360, and now I've preordered PS4.
3rd party content, plus next gen graphics, AI, huge worlds, online infrastructure, PSN+ monthly giveaways, indie support, and Sony's exclusives just make the PS4 the console to own first.
I'm interested by Super Mario 3d World but it isn't galaxy and that disappointed me. I'm interested in MK8 but it looks like, i don't know, too much the same, a little rushed if you ask me. Same with DKCR tropical freeze. LoZ WW HD didn't do enough new to the game to warrant me needing the system right now to play that version. Heck, even Super Smash for Wii U looks like not enough of a leap forward. SSBB was the graphical flagship game for Wii, and i was expecting more out of the Wii U version.
Sure Wii U is getting the Ubisoft games I'll be getting on PS4, but the PS4/Xbone versions are going to the definitive versions of those games anyway.
I just can't help shake the feeling that Nintendo truly took a misstep here, and missed a golden opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony, releasing an underpowered, overpriced console too early.
Wii U should've been named different and look different to separate itself from the Wii, it should've been delayed an extra year so it could LAUNCH with Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, Wind Waker, etc. And it should've been significantly more powerful, comparable to PS4/Xbone.
I'm all for Nintendo "doing their own thing" but i think they tried to redo the whole Wii thing and it's just not working out for them. I sincerely hope Wii U picks up, and I will definitely be getting one to play some of my favorite franchises in the future, but the Wii U is not a console to own by itself, just like the Wii.
I'm waiting for more games and a price drop.
I hope that next time around Nintendo chooses to get back into the power game and release the best system, because we all know they can. More power is more than just graphical grunt, it's performance, it's size and scope, AI, etc.
Re: Weirdness: This First-Person Sonic the Hedgehog Video is Rather Impressive
this video gave me a headache lol.
that being said it also has better graphics than Sonic Lost World...step up your game, Sega!
Re: Rumour: Nintendo Planning a Wind Waker HD Hardware Bundle
bundles won't be enough when PS4 is only $50 more.
The deluxe needs to drop to $300, AND be bundled with WW HD, Super Mario 3D World, or the new DKCR.
The 8GB Wii U should be bundled with Nintendoland and be dropped to $250.
They also need to release deluxe white Wii U's for those who want them.
Re: Mario Kart Arcade GP DX Racing to Arcades
i never knew there were mario kart arcade games. this game is clearly in HD, so i wonder how long MK has been in HD in the arcades, or if they only upgraded now because Nintendo finally went HD with Wii U?? it would've been sort of ironic to have an HD Mario Kart in the arcades during the past 7 years while Wii was still SD...
Re: Soul Calibur II HD Online Not Announced For Wii U
this is disappointing.
This was my favorite fighting game (besides Smash) back on the gamecube.
Also, the model Namco made for Link and even the graphics of environments would've made for the perfect zelda game graphic wise, IMO.
I always thought that this was the most realistic looking Link, even after TP came out, and I really enjoyed that.
Re: Pikmin Hero Captain Olimar Joins The Smash Bros. Roster On Wii U And 3DS
@Koto Thank you.
I'm with you, mostly disappointed by the graphics. I'm glad to hear the gameplay will be refined but I honestly expected that. I also expected the announced characters thus far (sans Mega Man but that's not shocking) and the details on modes and such that we've heard.
But it seems this Smash is seriously being rushed out the gate by Nintendo. God knows the Wii U needs a saving grace, but at what cost? It's been only a year of development and they are already showing off screens. I'd rather have waited till next E3 for an announcement, with a holiday 2014 release in order for them to really polish the game before showing it off. I feel like what we are seeing is what we will get.
They definitely used the same engine and many of the same models/animations as in Brawl, it looks nearly identical just HD.
I don't even agree with some of the few changes they made - Mario's more simplistic look works but I've always loved the more detailed take on Mario in the smash games. Link is a mish-mash of TP and SS Link, there are things about him that look like both. I'd rather Nintendo just gone with one or the other. SS Link would look great in HD, but TP Link could've looked like he did in the Zelda HD Tech demo! OR if they waited to show it off till next year, they could've potentially used the NEW Link from the new Wii U Zelda.
Look at how incredible Melee looks to the original. How awesome Brawl looked compared to Melee...and at least it was a slightly different look!
This has rushed written all over it, and it's really too bad, because the singular smash title on each system is always one of the most polished, graphically impressive, and incredibly fun games to own on a Nintendo system.
Re: Video: New Project CARS Footage Gets Down to Nuts and Bolts
hopefully the wii u version will look like this! i think it's very likely.
it's certainly pretty, but it's also certainly current gen level graphics. it's clearly not next-gen level stuff running on PC, seeing as it doesn't look nearly as good as Forza 5 or even GT 6. it's great that Wii U owners can get a racing sim (hopefully) on that level, but I also hope there is something to Project CARS that separates itself from Forza and GT.
Re: Wii U Turned Ubisoft On To Second-Screen Gaming, But Isn't The Focus Moving Forward
i hate to say it, but Nintendo has made a huge mistake in underestimating the importance of power under the hood this coming generation.
We messed with motion and casual games this current gen, but gamers have typically been calling for traditional controls, bigger games, better graphics, and more narrative and gameplay innovation.
While I think personally that the Wii U gamepad is the PERFECT controller for all of the above, the Wii U system is not suited for moving forward with games.
Developers are dropping support more than they ever did on Wii, and the Wii U is still not doing well.
After countless explanations, my girlfriend still fails to understand the basic premise of what separates Wii U from Wii, and what the point is of the tablet.
Nintendo would have faired much better to have even pulled what microsoft did - packaging an x86 architecture machine powerful enough to rival PS4/Xbone, WITH the gamepad controller and 2 gamepad support right out of the box - even if it meant releasing at $500.
Why?
Because EA, Ubisoft, and every other company would be drooling over Nintendo as much as they are over PS4/Xbone, AND Nintendo would be the only system with that tablet out of the box.
The second screen out of the box doesn't mean much when the system is so drastically underpowered.
I've been resisting for over a year saying that Wii U is not next gen but current gen, but i cant resist much longer. It just isn't really a next gen system.
Honestly, even the new Super Smash just looks like brawl with upgraded resolution. I personally liked how Samus and Mario looked in brawl better. The only standout for me is Link's shield - it looks noticeably better than in brawl but thats about it!
Nintendo is rushing out titles faster than they should be, and yet they are delaying them left and right.
Nintendo WILL survive the Wii U, but I don't think it will last this full generation against PS4 or XBone, we might see an all new Nintendo console in just a couple of years.
Or if not, i just really hope 7 or 8 years from now Nintendo learns and becomes the hardware behemoth they were back in the good ol' days.
Re: Miyamoto Unsure Nintendo Can Make Another "Great" F-Zero Game
@YChung AGREED. New F-Zero and Metroid Prime type game, or a new Star Fox, and I'm sold.
NSMBU, Mario 3D World and DKC isn't quite enough to convince me to buy Wii U just yet.
Re: Miyamoto Unsure Nintendo Can Make Another "Great" F-Zero Game
Not that hard Miyamoto!
Just stick to the tried and true formula...Nintendo does that for all Mario & Zelda games, mostly!
I understand each iteration offers at least something unique or different, but it sticks to a basic formula that makes each franchise what it is - F-Zero is no different!
All we need is that blistering fast speed, gravity-defying tracks, customizable hover cars, a roster of the same fun characters we all know and love, and HD visuals! Captain Falcon needs his time to shine in HD!!
Re: Waiting For Wii U To Drop In Price? Not Going To Happen, Says Nintendo
Nintendo holds the clear advantage at $150 lower than Xbox One, but it's the PS4 that really worries me.
First of all, I read that 95% of the 50,000 preorders for the two systems on amazon.com have been PS4. And in total, I read that PS4 preorders are beating Xbox One 2-1.
Couple that with the fact that the PS4 is only $50 more than the Wii U deluxe (which is clearly the go-to package for the Wii U) and I think Nintendo is taking a major risk staying at $350.
As it is, because of the price only being $50 different I actually am going to be buying a PS4 first, even though for months now I've been saying I'm going to get a Wii U first.
The lack of a definite date on Smash, MK8, no Zelda U announcements, and my mixed feelings towards Super Mario 3D World, tells me I'm not quite feeling the need to own a Wii U just yet. Compared to PS4 with all the major 3rd party titles that I'm itching for, at only $50 more, sorry Nintendo but Sony won me over for this year.
The software they announced just isn't enough without a price cut, in my opinion.
If Wii U dropped to $250, or even $300, it might just be enough to win over a few people like myself who were on the fence after E3.
But right now it looks like the PS4 will hold the better value, for those who are interested in those games of course. And that seems to be quite a lot of gamers.
When Nintendo comes down in price, I'll definitely get a Wii U. Unless MK8, Smash and Zelda U come out before then. Only that would be enough to convince me to not wait for a drop.
Re: Pachter: Without Third Party Support Nintendo Fans May End Up Buying A Second Console
I hate to have to agree with Pachter but this time he hit the nail on the head, despite stating the obvious.
If the Wii U sells 30 mill in it's life time it won't be much of a success for Nintendo, but it'll at least be enough to give Nintendo another chance for the NEXT next generation. Look at the Gamecube...it sold only 21 mill consoles in it's life, not much of a success, but then Nintendo was financially hugely successful with Wii at 90+ mil.
Granted, I personally thought gamecube was overall the better system, and much of those Wii sales were "casuals". And even though the gamecube is viewed not as much of a success, there were still dedicated Nintendo fans, and amazing Nintendo games as well as 3rd party on that system, making it a fan favorite, and giving Nintendo the opportunity to bounce back with the Wii.
I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed if that occurred with the Wii U. I will own one after I buy a PS4, and after some key games are released for it. Same as I did last gen with owning a 360 first, and then a Wii a few years later after the game I wanted were on there.
I just hope if that did occur, Nintendo would learn there lesson and for the next system go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony as far as power. Why? Because Nintendo could easily become every gamers go to system if they could do everything PS/Xb could do, incorporating all of those 3rd party titles, PLUS their library of amazing Nintendo games.
I saw a number of articles and videos of people saying Nintendo won E3 simply because they had the most interesting, fun, vibrant, games; a far cry from the drab and dreary shooters and racers on the other systems. While I personally don't hold that opinion there is a valid point there. Nintendo can win gamers to their consoles with their titles alone. If they only met the needs of the third parties, and acknowledge the fact that as much as they want to not be compared to PS/XB they always will be because this industry IS connected, then Nintendo truly could rule again.
Sorry for the rant.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Biggest E3 Challenge is Getting Noticed
@Steveovig i have to agree with you and everyone else saying it's do or die tomorrow for Nintendo.
After seeing Sony's offering at $399, beautiful exclusives and a barrage of indie & downloadable games, the PSN and social features, and a fricken powerhouse of a system, Nintendo really needs to wow us all.
The big N needs to pull out all the stops. They made a huge bet going for the underpowered system AGAIN, and honestly I believed in them but the PS4 now has me worried for Nintendo. So many of these great 3rd party titles for PS4 and X1 could have been on Nintendo's system if they opted for the power. That, PLUS Nintendo's first party behemoths would've put them right in 1st place. But I'm not sure that Mario and Zelda alone are going to carry the Wii U up against the PS4...
They seriously need the best Mario, Mario Kart, Zelda, Super Smash, etc, all shown tomorrow.
They also need a major price cut to compete.
$299 for the Deluxe is an absolute must, if not $249.
No way anyone other than a die hard Nintendo fan is going to choose a Wii U over PS4 if the PS4 is only $50 more...
I'm rooting for Nintendo, seriously, but I'm also strongly considering a PS4 this holiday season if Nintendo doesn't give me a reason to get the Wii U first!
Just as Sony wrecked Microsoft's conference tonight, the ball is now in Nintendo's court and it's entirely up to them what happens next.
Re: Talking Point: Nintendo's Biggest E3 Challenge is Getting Noticed
PS4 just spanked X1.
But with PS4 launching at $399, I wonder if Nintendo will respond tomorrow with a price drop for Wii U...
Re: Rumour: Best Buy Beginning Return of Wii U Basic Models Before E3
it's not surprising. the deluxe makes so much more sense i think the only reason i'd ever get the basic is if i was seriously intent on having white instead of black. but i actually want the black one more anyway...
i think at E3 they'll announce 32gb white for america.
i'm hoping also for a price cut (maybe deluxe down to $300?) especially if rumors of PS4 starting at $350 are true, nintendo then would no longer hold the price advantage.
we'll see in a few days...
Re: Get Excited, Nintendo's E3 Site Is Out In The Wild
@Robzy1990 i would agree with your logic, however due to the Wii Us poor sales we all know Nintendo wants to move consoles, a lot of them, fast, and need to do so with a "must have" game.
Also with PS4 and Xbox 1 coming out with 3rd party support that Ninty just isn't getting right now, plus 15 exclusives on X1 and every Sony studio developing for PS4, Nintendo knows they need to do what they do best and make games that people have to buy their console for because they won't get it anywhere else. Case in point, new 3D mario adventure.
Thats why I bought a Wii - only games I own on it are the 1st party major IPs.
And thats why I will buy a Wii U at some point this year, probably around the time Wind Waker HD is released.
also, 3D Luigi adventure = Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon
A 3D Luigi adventure on Wii U simply won't cut it for what Nintendo needs right now on the software end.
I bet you the Luigi on the Yoshi is representative of the New Super Luigi U dlc.
Re: Get Excited, Nintendo's E3 Site Is Out In The Wild
@WiiLovePeace awesome.
1 is clearly mario, 2 is WW Link, 3 is mario and luigi, 4 is pikmin, 5 i dont recognize! New IP?? 6 is Luigi on Yoshi, and 7-10 are individual pikmin.
I do hope they have more in store for us than that, I expect Super Smash and the new Zelda to be shown but not playable. Perhaps these characters are of just the playable demos?
I'm guessing:
1. New 3D mario adventure, 2. WW HD, 3. new mario and luigi game on 3DS, 4 is pikmin, 5 is unannounced game (unless i just dont recognize the character) and 6 is New Super Luigi U.
I'm super excited.
Between Nintendo pulling out all the Big Guns we've all been waiting for, to PS4 to follow up their exciting reveil with even more games and the actual system on display, and microsoft needing to seriously step up their GAME (pun intended).
Hehehe, I feel my nerd senses tingling.
Re: Evidence of a Functional 3DS Flashcard Emerges
@NES_Hoarder made me LOL
Re: Nintendo Confirms E3 Best Buy Demo Locations
fantastic idea, but i'm disappointed by lack of availibility.
Only 2 days, only 4 hrs each day, and in so few locations?
I would make a trip and go to my nearest one but I'm not sure it would be worth the drive to possibly miss it due to crowds or a huge line or something...
do people think these locations are going to get swarmed?
not really up to dealing with that just to play a demo...
Re: SEGA Dishes Out The First Details For Sonic Lost World
meh. sounds like Sonic Colors 2.
Dont get me wrong i enjoyed colors quite a bit, it beat every other sonic game this gen besides Sonic Generations.
but i was really hoping we would get to control some of sonic's friends. i loved in SA and SA2 the different gameplay options via different characters. More so SA1 because you chose your character and played thru the story thru their eyes, thought it was great. Even all the way back to Sonic 2, Tails played different than Sonic.
It's an integral part of Sonic games and i keep wishing they bring it back but they aren't doing it :/
I would love to play as Tails or Knuckles, even if, no, ESPECIALLY if, the only difference is a couple of unique abilities (flying with tails, gliding/climbing with knuckles, homing attack with sonic)
One can dream i guess?
Not putting this one down for the count by any means but i'm severely less hyped than i was the other day when the trailer first came out.
Re: Video: A Young Person Plays Super Metroid
"Super Metroid Primes"
LOL
Re: Video: Sonic Lost World Debut Trailer Blasts Across The Internet
Looks like SEGA is finally starting to understand what makes a good sonic game these days - super fast, combination of 2d and 3d sections, and of course some platforming!
looks great, can't wait to see more.
also hope though that they actually include other playable characters! thats been seriously lacking in recent sonic outings.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue Thirteen
In my excitement about prospective new LoZ on Wii U, and anticipation and anxious jealousy for when Wind Waker HD comes out (i don't own Wii U - yet!) last week I started a new file and played through the original OoT on N64 for the first time in about a decade, after which I started up a new Majora's Mask (which, ashamedly, I never played to completion.)
However, I have been distracted this week by Dark Souls on X360. My buddy lent it to me and this game is every bit an oxy moron as everyone says. You simultaneously love and hate it with all of your heart, wanting to break your tv yet never put down the controller. Odd. But awesome.
I, too, will probably start a new ALTTP file, it's been a couple years.
Re: Consumers Go Crazy For Wii U Following Xbox One Reveal
i am among those gamers who have been waiting for the PS4 and X1 reveals to decide which system to buy. For me, it's a matter of when, not if, as far as buying a Wii U. I needed to know if either PS4 or X1 deserved my money before Wii U did. And the lack of a must have title for me so far as delayed my early adoption of Wii U.
After the PS4 reveal i was impressed and am looking forward to that system. The X1 has a lot left to be desired and Microsofts focuses actually drove me AWAY from the system...
All that being said I am ZERO percent surprised at this jump in Wii U sales, if I had the financial means right now I would be among those numbers!
I will be buying Wii U first this gen. Eventually, a PS4 will likely find it's way to my home.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Wii U Nintendo Direct that we will finally see some gameplay from Wind Waker, and the reveal of at least one other must have title for this year. 3d Mario, Mario Kart, anything thats a must have (for me).
Then I will pick one up this holiday season.
Also, Sony shares jumped 8% on Tuesday, ON tuesday. Immediately following X1.
Re: Silicon Studio Near "Maximum Performance" With Wii U, 3DS Hardware
this is actually slightly disappointing.
typically it takes a number of years into a consoles lifespan for developers to be able to get the most out of the system.
This is good for gamers because while early games on Wii U look great, we could say, "Well this is just the beginning. Wait 3, 4, even 5 years to see what the system can really do".
Looking at every console in the past, this has been the case. On the 360, Oblivion vs Skyrim are worlds apart. Look at GTA 5 & watch dogs...look next gen but its on current consoles at the end of their life span, 7 years later.
This comment is disappointing because it tells me that there's no where to go from here with the Wii U...perhaps take advantage of the unique gameplay possibilities but as far as graphics goes we are already seeing the brunt of the power? With PS4 and the next Xbox being released this year, this doesn't bode well for Nintendo.
I thought that what we were seeing is just the beginning, but Silicon doesn't make it sound that way....
Re: Rumour: Nintendo Planning a 3D Mario Release on Wii U Before October
great idea, ONLY if it is ready.
And i don't think it makes a ton of sense to release a 3D Mario platformer within weeks or even a couple months of a mario kart title.
I feel like now Nintendo is scrambling, and I think they would do well to get a Mario title out faster than later but I'm concerned if they rush out a new 3D Mario, the true flagship games of the entire Mario franchise in my opinion.
Galaxy and Galaxy 2 were two of the best titles on the Wii and in the mario series ever, in my opinion.
There is a reason for that, it did something new, it pushed what the wii could do graphically, it had brilliant level design, and it was completely polished all around.
Mario 64 is legendary on the N64.
I don't want Mario Wii U to be rushed at ALL, i'd rather wait another year or even two, although that wouldn't bode well for Wii U owners.
That being said, they could have very well been working on this game for years already, since Galaxy 2 was finished or something, I guess we will all find out at E3!!!
Re: New Legend Of Zelda Title Confirmed For Nintendo 3DS, Due Late 2013
ehm.
i literally will buy a 3DS for the new Zelda game.
I wonder if it is a literal sequel or spiritual successor; same Link or new Link? I...I...just soiled myself.
I have not owned a handheld system since the GBA.
Nothing on DS, PSP, Vita, 3DS has interested me quite enough to fork out the cash (because I'd end up playing it at home, not on the road like I did with my GB as a kid)
But then Nintendo had to go and do this???
Better start saving, because I'm going to buy a Wii U as soon as the next Zelda on there is released. I'm going to be BROKE !
TAKE MY MONEY NINTENDO!!! JUST TAKE IT ALL!
Re: Nintendo Direct: Watch The North American 3DS Presentation Live
ehm.
i literally will buy a 3DS for the new Zelda game.
I wonder if it is a literal sequel or spiritual successor; same Link or new Link? I...I...just soiled myself.
I have not owned a handheld system since the GBA.
Nothing on DS, PSP, Vita, 3DS has interested me quite enough to fork out the cash (because I'd end up playing it at home, not on the road like I did with my GB as a kid)
But then Nintendo had to go and do this???
Better start saving, because I'm going to buy a Wii U as soon as the next Zelda on there is released. I'm going to be BROKE !
TAKE MY MONEY NINTENDO!!! JUST TAKE IT ALL!
Re: Nintendo Loses 3D Patent Case Against Former Sony Inventor
OUCH sorry to nintendo, thats got to hurt!
Re: Sakurai: Online Play Will Be Improved in Upcoming Smash Bros.
all super smash games are always a blast with local multiplayer, one of the best games to break out with your buddies.
although i still think Melee overall was the better game, brawl had some amazing features, and some of the revisions were good. i actually really loved how it handled, although obviously the not-so-classic 'tripping' was an issue for me as it was so many others. also, i LOVED the subspace emissary mode...if they expand on that in the next smash game i think it would epic. Hell, if they just tighten up some of the controls and make the levels a little bit more interesting and challenging as far as platforming goes, the emissary mode could be it's own game! so i hope they take that a step further in the next game.
My issue online was actually i think simply with the Wii's online functionality, not the game itself.
Waiting for an online match was atrocious, and once the match started the lag was aweful.
Furthermore, the infamous friends codes were an enormous obstacle of course, and the lack of voice abilities to chat while you were fighting your friends made it all just that much dumber.
why play online? just wait till that friend can come over lol.
But I'm hopeful that with the new Nintendo Network and superior capabilities of Wii U's online infrastructure the next Smash will be online in full force.
Re: Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag is Confirmed For Wii U
ok so....the rumor the other day had me thinking, "what? really? pirates?" regardless of how great the naval missions were in AC3, i didn't know how an AC pirates game could truly work.
That being said. This cover art looks so baddonkey !
And also, Edward Kenway? Grandfather of Connor? Father of Hatham? Maybe we will see Hatham as a child and see why he turns from the order and becomes a Templar.
Also it means it'll probably be set in the mid 1600s, and in Europe, most likely Britain (Hatham was british)
Which makes a lot of sense given the British long history of naval life, and also, even if all travel is done on sea and a huge part of the game takes place on the sea, I have to imagine there is obviously going to be a city or two or three to run around. London might be one of them... Sounds good to me.
Would make sense to visit Spain too, a huge focal point of exploration in that period - I'd love to run around some of that Moroccan architecture!
Also, if the open sea becomes the new 'frontier' of sorts, I do hope that they do it well and keep it interesting. I could see an open sea being sort of cool but also getting pretty old pretty quickly.
Re: Rayman Legends No Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Delayed to September
@Cloud-San-VII
simple.
more money.
i'm not surprised at all, but i wonder how this will impact their relationship and whatever deal they struct that had this game an exclusive before.
Re: Feature: Reimagining The Wind Waker on Wii U
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!
My DREAM come true, and would make me buy a Wii U on the DAY that Wind Waker HD launched, is if almost everything in this article made it's way into the game.
I'm not concerned that the graphics are a little less cel-shady, they still look cartoony and I'm liking what I see so far.
Biggest things that stick out to me in this article:
1. Gyroscopic gameplay/use of gamepad & overall control tune up.
2. Added content: the Lost Dungeon !!! and the idea I hadn't thought of: Adding more to Hyrule underneath !!!
I actually remember thinking it was the coolest thing in the world as a 12 y/o kid who's favorite game was OoT, returning to Hyrule. But it was anticlimactic, it didn't resemble the hyrule I knew from OoT at all. Adding the marketplace and some surrounding key areas would be jaw-droppingly awesome for them to do, but it's also something I think is least likely in this article, right up there with voice acting.
3. Master Quest: this is sort of a must for me. Perhaps it's the master quest mode that can incorporate the lost dungeon and the expanded fire/ice quests & triforce quest. But i need the challenge to revisit this game. I've played through Wind Waker a dozen times, and i've always thought it was the easiest Zelda game. A Master Quest alone is an instant sale for me.
Re: Hardware Classics: Game & Watch JR-55 - Donkey Kong II
wow....Nintendo literally ripped the DS design straight from this clamshell! I had no idea that the idea had existed so far back in Nintendo's history.
And now we are finally getting that 2 screen gameplay at home a la Wii U.
Guess it was a long time coming!
Very cool article.
Re: Nintendo Unveils The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD for Wii U
Great surprise, my favorite part of the Nintendo Direct.
Too bad we didn't get footage, but the screens look fantastic.
Some parts of the screenshots do look like simple resolution boosts, but it's also obvious they revamped the color palette, the lighting system, and some other things.
A few people on here say it looks like a new engine - i doubt it, they'd have to remake the entire game from scratch if it was completely new - but the boosts here are tremendous compared to the original.
I was waiting for a game to make the Wii U worth my purchase and it sounds like by the end of 2013 there will be plenty to make the dive worth it.
My biggest issue playing Wind Waker (original) nowadays is the controls for certain things feel clunky compared to what i'm used to now...aiming a bow and arrow or hook shot for example. I hope the gameplay 'tune-up' addresses some issues like this...I'd love to be able to lift the GamePad at the TV and use it to aim my items...or at least tune up the use of the analog sticks.
I would also love it if they made use of the gamepad's touch screen in some way...even if it were as simple as keeping the item screen on there and a quick touch to swap em out, or a full/more detailed map for dungeons/ocean, etc.
If this is a 'remake' as opposed to an HD port, i hope they include some of these types of changes in addition to the miiverse compatability. It would really feel like a new, original Wii U title if they made full use of the hardware, even if it is in a basic and predictable way as opposed to an innovative way that perhaps the new zelda game in development will use it.
Re: Satoru Iwata Tweets That Wii U Direct Will Be "A Bit Different"
there will be no major announcements, don't get your hopes up.
Nintendo Direct was such a great idea and I like what they are doing with it, but it's also been sort of a let down in a sense that nothing really enormous has ever been announced via Nintendo Direct, with the exception of maybe Miiverse.
But that's to be expected...why unveil a huge and anticipated first party release to a camera? Nintendo would want cameras and a live audience for that one...i.e. some sort of big event...GDC, E3, etc.
I expect we won't see more than maybe some new info on Pikmin 3, maybe some downloadable titles, updates to the Miiverse/online functionality, and that's about it.
Re: Wii U Selling 1.2 Games Per Console In North America
im saving up on the side for a Wii U. i was originally going to wait till more Nintendo games came out, but all the reviews & videos & hype about Nintendo Land and NSMBU is really making me impatient for one.
So my goal is to save up enough for a Deluxe Edition and NSMBU.
Once I have enough for those two items, I'm making the purchase.
Which will mean it will be a minute until I pick up a second game, for financial reasons.
I bet thats the case with most costumers at the moment. Especially if you want to buy accessories such as more Wii motes and 'chucks, Wii U pro controllers, external memory, etc. You're talking some serious bread at that point.
I'm all set with wii motes & i don't feel compelled to buy the pro controller, so I'll be set with the system and the game, but these numbers really aren't surprising.
Obviously when the system is a little older, the game sales will rise because more people will have the hardware, and will be spending money on the software instead. I'm guessing by the end of the "launch window" game sales pick up.
Re: Wii U And 3DS Firmware Updates Go Live
i have yet to purchase a wii U. i was planning on doing so sometime in 2013, after more games I want are out. Thing is, this is really the first time a Nintendo console has had major problems such as freezing and bricking. My gamecube back in the day sometimes froze on my but usually it was the disc's fault, and would be fixed by the good ol' "Reset" button (how i miss those!).
I suppose as the technology gets more complicated and advanced more problems can come along with it. My only issue with this is that the tech inside the Wii U isn't all that new, and isn't all that complicated compared to what has been on the market for a bunch of years now. So for me, there is really no excuse that these systems should be experience freezing and bricking, blue/blue/red screens of death or anything of the sort.
I know it's Nintendo's first foray into more advanced systems, but still, I can't help but be a little disappointed about what I'm hearing.
That being said Nintendo has always had the best customer service and being a video game company first and foremost, this is their only focus. So from the looks of things they are trying to take care of any issues customers are reporting with updates and thats reassuring.
Hopefully by the time I pick up my Wii U there won't be anything to worry about.
Re: Guess What? Michael Pachter Isn't a Fan of The Wii U
guys...do you all know what a long con is?
when a con artist cons a person for a long time - like, say, meets and marries a woman to divorce her and take all her money? as opposed to a quick con like, "hey buy this expensive jewelery for 80% off" when its just fake junk and you are being overpriced....
well, I think Patcher is just a troll.
Pulling what I'll call a long troll on the doom of Nintendo.
Therefore, carry on, Nintendo fans. Carry on.
Re: Review: Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy)
am i the only one who got turned off when the number of pokemon climbed into the multi-hundreds???
i preferred the original 150! each was unique, well designed, memorable, and although challenging it was actually realistic to play the game until you caught 'em all! how many hundreds are there now??
last game i played was gold...the first inflation of pokemon.
it was a fantastic improvement on the original, but to this day i only remember maybe two or three pokemon from gold.
i still remember most of the original...the new ones just seem like the same concepts as the original but with new names that keep getting weirder and a new coat of paint. so whats the point of having 15 characters that are essentially charmander???
idk. to me if a new game came out that was as new to me as far as features, story, graphics, etc go as B&W are, but with the original 151, id actually buy it.
Re: First Impressions: Wii U Pro Controller
i think it's very clear why this controller is necessary, for those who seemed confused by it.
The Wii U will support 2 gamepads, as Nintendo has said, but framerate will be cut in half when 2 pads are being used.
One of the Wii U's selling points is asymmetrical gameplay, so while most multiplayer games will use Wii U pad and wii motes, some games are obviously designed to be best suited for a standard controller.
The Wii U pad has a giant screen slapped in the middle of a standard controller, essentially.
Therefore for multiplayer, you may not need that second screen and cut in frame rate, so why not just have essentially the same controller minus the screen?
And there you have the Pro Controller.
I don't imagine it would be used for much more than multiplayer games, that don't want asymmetrical gameplay (looking mostly at multi platform games).
That, and Gamecube games that come out on the VC.
This looks much better to me than the classic controller pro for the Wii, so i'm happy to have it.
As far as VC games you needn't buy this new controller unless it's GC games, but for multiplayer multiplatform titles, this was an easy decision for Nintendo to use this controller.
Also, i'd definitely pick this over a wii mote sideways any day of the week (i imagine it'll function just the same)
I'll be getting one of these some time after i get a Wii U, once i find it necessary.
I can foresee Super Smash making a lot of use of this controller.
Re: Wii U and 3DS Pre-Paid eShop Cards Spotted
so if there are no points any more, does the eShop just use real world currency prices? as in, if i'm browsing and decide to download a NES game, it would come up as costing $5, not X Nintendo points?