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[LegendofLex]

- Spend gobs of time and effort making Wii U a eco-friendly, low-power-consumption device

- Ask customers to keep their irreplaceable, unique, no-longer-being-made controllers and throw the rest of the console's components straight into the dumpster.

The alternative:

Leave Wii U's library to exist solely in the secondhand market, never to be a value-add for their future hardware ever again because it uses unique hardware that won't be resurrected - and thereby meaning the collector market for Wii U, when it inevitably emerges, will compete with their modern hardware for $$. (Notice how retro products are spiking in price/demand now, even while demand for new Nintendo products is relatively chilled? This could happen again in 10+ years with Wii U.)

Besides, they are going to make an NX GamePad. It's going to be the next-generation handheld. But I'm not sure they can expect everyone to buy both - I can definitely see them supporting Wii U GamePad, possibly requiring it at first if the handheld doesn't release in tandem with the console.

 

[vinnygambini]

gif

Spoiler

day 1 for me :3

Spoiler

lol Same here

 

[yuraya]

Its like the worst selling console of all time. They should have ceased production for it like 3 years ago.

 

[jabberwocker]

4-5 years is a normal system length. Last gen was abnormally long.

 

[DrROBschiz]

Placing my bets on LoZ cross release.
No way they're going to upset Wii U users by releasing it exclusively for NX.

They will try to sell you on that NX version though lol

 

[Pokemaniac]

But isn't PowerPC both a dying breed & not handheld-friendly?

People really need to drop this notion that Backwards Compatibility always means that the main CPU will be binary compatible with the old system. It is an overly narrow definition which only makes discussing BC annoying.

 

[LinkMaster111]

I'll be sad to see it go, the Wii U had a super strong lineup of first party games with some third party gems lightly sprinkled in. At least we'll get a new Star Fox and (hopefully still) a new Zelda as its swan song.

 

[RM8]

It had a decent run considering how massively it underperformed, I remember people believing Nintendo would kill it earlier some years ago. Poor little misunderstood system, it still was great for 1st party stuff and it'll be depressing to see off TV play go (because really, the gamepad, as much as I love it, was one of the reasons why it failed so hard).

 

[Sectorseven]

But isn't PowerPC both a dying breed & not handheld-friendly?

Maybe it will be in the console, but not the handheld. Especially if it's only used for Wii/Wii U emulation.

 

[LegendofLex]

People really need to drop this notion that Backwards Compatibility specifically means that the main CPU will be binary compatible with the old system. It is an overly narrow definition which only makes discussing BC annoying.

It's especially confusing to see given that this is how Nintendo's talking about solving architectural integration going forward:

I understand that, thanks to the evolution of computer technology, aiming to realize a virtualized software development environment that does not depend on specific hardware is becoming the technological norm today.

https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/151029qa/02.html

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Release date(s)
NA November 20, 2011

Wii U
Release date
US November 18, 2012

There's a comfortable one-year gap between those release dates, as well as a comfortable 3-5x gap between the number of Wii units sold in 2011 compared to the number of Wii U units I expect will be sold in 2016. Not to mention Wii's install base in 2011 was several times bigger than Wii U's at that point in its life.

 

[Richie]

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Release date(s)
NA November 20, 2011

Wii U
Release date
US November 18, 2012

Now compare the install bases between the Wii and the Wii U. It just makes sense to pull a Twilight Princess again and make this new Zelda crossgen.

 

[jabberwocker]

Well is its a cross release does this mean that the controller will have a lcd screen? So this is an upgraded wiiu more or less? With a buttonless controller if the leaks are real?

 

[ThatStupidLion]

I don't see any announcement about ceasing production of 3ds. How can you reach a conclusion that is against all the known facts, beats me.

the same way the DS released 3 years before the GBA was discontinued....

 

[Rue]

So those that bought a Wii U, are you happy with what you got? Are you happy with the 4 year production cycle of the console?

I'm disappointed with it for the most part, as their output was simply not very.. great overall. It was basically held afloat by Zelda remasters, 3D World, Platinum Games output, and... ... Nothing else for me. To be fair, Nintendo games have never really appealed to me very much and I mostly got it for the spouse. She absolutely plays the hell out of Mario (less 3D World and more 64/Sunshine/Galaxy) and Zelda.

Literally the only games I finished on the console were the two Bayonetta games. I'll be picking up FE# and..possibly Zelda unless it comes to the NX too.

 

[Version 3.0]

Wii U is by far Nintendo's weakest console software output wise.

Don't know why it's hard for people to see that.

Well, that's subjective, of course. I totally agree, though. The Gamecube is my favorite console of all time. Last in its gen, but with a killer game lineup.

And I see a lot of people looking at the Wii U pretty much like that . But it just didn't do it for me. I own 49 Wii U games, not counting the VC, and I've never really gotten anywhere in over 3/4 of them. They just didn't grab me. No one can say I didn't give the Wii U a chance. But it's pretty much a bust for me. Poor thing.

It sure doesn't help that the poor thing has no new Zelda (yet) or Metroid (ever). Apply just a little objectivity to game library quality, and anyone should see how much that hurts a Nintendo system. Only one other Nintendo system - ever - can make the same claim, and that's the Virtual Boy.

Even after the new Zelda arrives, the Wii U will still be in the poor company of systems with no new Metroid game: the N64, 3DS and Virtual Boy. And the N64 at least got 2 new Zelda games.

 

[Shig]

So those that bought a Wii U, are you happy with what you got?

In terms of Nintendo's own games, I'm pretty happy, there was a solid lineup there. They never really sold the controller gimmick the system was built around, however.

3rd party support is the killer, there's damn near nothing unique to the system on that front. Coming off the wild success stories of the Wii and DS, with their war chest bursting at the seams, it takes some sparkling incompetence to have Wii U's launch window come and go with ZombiU as the only real show of commitment secured from any major pub.

Honestly, I think I'd be happy with Nintendo just going third-party themselves at this point. Platform holders need to pursue a broader slate of support for their systems than their own, and Nintendo can't seem to be bothered. I don't want to decry their focus on just making good games themselves, that's an admirable philosophy. But it's one that could almost certainly find as much or more success on someone else's consoles, while neatly removing the albatross of "Am I happy I bought this Nintendo system expressly to play a small handful of Nintendo games?" from everyone's necks. It also absolves them from having to establish better infrastructure and account practices, which plays well towards their continued reluctance to address those things.

 

[Red Hood]

It uses PowerPC, so I wouldn't get your hopes up.

I'm not very technical, but apparently the Wii and Wii U used this PowerPC as well and they were backwards compatible...

 

[Dweebo]

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Release date(s)
NA November 20, 2011

Wii U
Release date
US November 18, 2012

 

[jabberwocker]

Now compare the install bases between the Wii and the Wii U. It just makes sense to pull a Twilight Princess again and make this new Zelda crossgen.

I am not saying it isnt but skyward sword didnt sell gangbusters. Its pretty safe to say that the attachment ratio of people to consoles that buy zelda on wiiu would be much greater than of the wii

 

[thefro]

Well is its a cross release does this mean that the controller will have a lcd screen? So this is an upgraded wiiu more or less? With a buttonless controller if the leaks are real?

That's not what Kimishima said to Time Magazine:

“As far as NX goes, I’ve said it’s different and obviously a new experience,” he tells me. “If you look back to the beginning of our conversation today, we talked about the transition from Wii hardware to the Wii U hardware and how difficult it is to explain to the consumer base what is different and new about the new hardware. It’s difficult to convince them to switch from their current platform to the next platform.”

“That being said, I can assure you we’re not building the next version of Wii or Wii U. It’s something unique and different. It’s something where we have to move away from those platforms in order to make it something that will appeal to our consumer base.”

 

[Francokid1]

RIP Wii U... ;_;

I had lots of fun with Xenoblade, Splatoon, Smash, Hyrule Warriors, SM3DW, etc. With #FE and Zelda, it's gonna be a good end for me.

 

[OnionPowder]

Its like the worst selling console of all time. They should have ceased production for it like 3 years ago.

It's certainly their worst selling console but not the worst of all time. Dreamcast sold worse, as did consoles like the CDi and Saturn.

 

[moltonasty]

So those that bought a Wii U, are you happy with what you got? Are you happy with the 4 year production cycle of the console?

Super happy with the console, had more fun with my Wii U than my PS4 and XBONE TBH.

The 4 year cycle kinda sucks, but there are A LOT of quality 1st party titles in that timespan, so I'm definitely satisfied.

 

[AcademicSaucer]

Something tells me we'll get a similar drought on NX

Dragon Quest XI and Dragon Quest X are the first games that were confirmed to be coming to the NX, that alone tells me that the Nx is going to get more support that the Wii U, atleast from japanese third parties.

 

[MrCunningham]

Wii-U really is the new Dreamcast.

 

[Kater]

If that means NX is near, good!

As for those who can't remember how long it's been

by November aka around NX launch, the Wii U Generation will have been a mere 4 years.

Yeah, it's been a really short cycle. Wish it had been a more fun ride with the Wii U tbh. It was disappointing overall, even though it had a couple of great games.

 

[Graphics Horse]

年内に=By the end of the year

Domo arigatou

 

[bomblord1]

So does that mean I own a collector's item?

Anyway it would seem that the system will somehow be replacing both the wiiU and the 3DS at the same time hmm

 

[Balb]

4-5 years is a normal system length. Last gen was abnormally long.

5 is fairly normal. 4 (or less) is typically reserved for failed consoles like the Saturn/Dreamcast. The original Xbox too, to a lesser extent.

 

[Tregard]

Wii Eulogy

 

[jmdajr]

So this will end up selling less than GameCube.

 

[moltonasty]

Wii-U really is the new Dreamcast.

Wii U confirmed to be the last Nintendo console

 

[ThirdEye]

Wow what will Pachter say now?

 

[jabberwocker]

That's not what Kimishima said to Time Magazine:

So how is the game cross platform? The game specifically uses the lcd screen of the Wiiu. Someone somewhere isnt right.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Wii-U really is the new Dreamcast.

Needs more kick-ass arcade ports

 

[Kouriozan]

Oh yeah, didn't Kimishima say they would continue to support 3DS and Wii U after NX release, like it's new experience and stuff?
:s

 

[Sectorseven]

4-5 years is a normal system length. Last gen was abnormally long.

Even with a shorter cycle, they usually don't flat out cease production.

 

[Linkstrikesback]

Placing my bets on LoZ cross release.
No way they're going to upset Wii U userbase by releasing it exclusively for NX.

Given the trev leak, that's basically as confirmed as it can get until nintendo says it for themselves.

 

[oakenhild]

So those that bought a Wii U, are you happy with what you got? Are you happy with the 4 year production cycle of the console?

I own about 5-6 Wii U games. Nintendo makes fun games that can be played with the family (or in my case, in front of impressionable kids). My kids are a bit young for gaming, but it's still the best console (non-handheld) for kids out there and will hang onto it for when they get older. All the games I own will still be a lot of fun in 2-3 years. That being said, I still do 90% of my gaming on the PC, so the Wii U is still a side-show for me.

 

[Alex_Mexico]

When does the new fiscal year start for Nintendo? They need to reveal the NX pronto if they intend to launch it this year before it gets leaked everywhere else before them.

Do it.

 

[Sadist]

When does the new fiscal year start for Nintendo? They need to reveal the NX pronto if they intend to launch it this year before it gets leaked everywhere else before them.

Do it.

April 1st.

 

[Shig]

Wii-U really is the new Dreamcast.

DC had tons of great third-party games.

 

[Jigolo]

Fuck yes

 

[Lupin the Third]

An alternative:

Leave Wii U's library to exist solely in the secondhand market, never to be a value-add for their future hardware ever again because it uses unique hardware that won't be resurrected - and thereby meaning the collector market for Wii U, when it inevitably emerges, will compete with their modern hardware for $$. (Notice how retro products are spiking in price/demand now, even while demand for new Nintendo products is relatively chilled? This could happen again in 10+ years with Wii U.)

Fixed that kick-off for you.

There's also the suggestion I made in my first post: remasters of the most popular games. Or digital-only "Virtual Console" versions that have been modified to work with different inputs.

They're not going to ask people to throw millions of their old, unusable hardware into the scrap heap. It would be bad PR. As long as that hardware continues to function, games can still be played on them.

But don't be shocked if instead we get a Pikmin Trilogy, Super Mario 3D World port, Mario Maker: NX Edition, Splatoon 2 and/or Splatoon GOTY Edition, and/or a Smash 4 "GOTY Edition".

Besides, they are going to make an NX GamePad. It's going to be the next-generation handheld. But I'm not sure they can expect everyone to buy both - I can definitely see them supporting Wii U GamePad, possibly requiring it at first if the handheld doesn't release in tandem with the console.[/QUOTE]

 

[vainglorious]

lol If Zelda still releases on Wii U it's just gonna be like Twilight Princess on Game Cube all over again with a limited run and impossible to find months after it first releases on NX.

God. Fuck you Nintendo.

 

[Alex_Mexico]

Even with a shorter cycle, they usually don't flat out cease production.

Exactly. I remember the SNES will managed to sell a couple million in 1997 with the N64 in the market. And what about the PS1 and PS2 which sold millions years after their successor had been available!

 

[MrCunningham]

Wii U confirmed to be the last Nintendo console

I should have called this Nintendo's Saturn then. The Wii-U really wasn't their future.

DC had tons of great third-party games.

Ooh.

 

[zma1013]

A lot of people here stand by the N64 version giving them the most enjoyment simply because of the battle mode even though the racing in that game is crap.

Not to mention mission mode on DS and technically Wii gave the games much needed replay value. 8 has amazing racing but thats all it has.

Saying amazing racing is all it has is sort of selling its main selling point short, is it not? The core concept and heart of the franchise has always been arcadey racing with crazy items.

 

[Gamer @ Heart]

lol If Zelda still releases on Wii U it's just gonna be like Twilight Princess on Game Cube all over again with a limited run and impossible to find months after it first releases on NX.

God. Fuck you Nintendo.

Buy it digitally?

 

[jabberwocker]

lol If Zelda still releases on Wii U it's just gonna be like Twilight Princess on Game Cube all over again with a limited run and impossible to find months after it first releases on NX.

God. Fuck you Nintendo.

Then preorder now? LOL