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Is there enough in the pipeline to save the Wii U?
- Thread starter CrazedProfessional
- Start date
The thing we learnt from the past is that new DS, Wii 3DS owners get their machines with evergreen titles. That's how Mario Kart Wii sold close to 35 millions. I'm pretty sure a year from now, new Wii U owners will buy it first and foremost for Mario Kart 8, after having spent a spectacular gaming sessions with friends on it. There's a reason why Nintendo spent a year polishing Mario Kart 8 after its E3 showcase last year. It could have helped sales much earlier, but Nintendo took the time to build a long time system seller.
Fire Emblem is a Nintendo game.
Wii U won't hit Wii sales, but it will be able to break Gamecube sales. I'm trying to stay positive, the console deserves it!
OsirisBlack
Banned
Anyone got a source on this? Seems like that would have been major news.
Shikamaru Ninja
任天å ã® å¿è
There are definitely some big properties coming for the system. The problem is that the momentum propelling the system forward is coming very late, maybe too late. I also don't think that GamePad as the main controller is helping it out of nichedom. It's a great accessory, but forcing it as the main controller, I don't think sells systems.
you would think that, but no :/
Not Spaceghost
Spaceghost
Well since the Wii U is already profitable for Nintendo then it doesn't really need saving does it?
It may not be the super smash hit that they wanted but if it's not causing them to hemorrhage dollars then they've done their dance just right.
It may not be the super smash hit that they wanted but if it's not causing them to hemorrhage dollars then they've done their dance just right.
hey look guys!!!! it's the ever dropping price that some people people are "supposedly" willing to buy a Wii U at!!!!!
I'm sorry but these "I'll bite at $xxx" posts are nothing but essentially the "safe" way to troll Wii U. Because no matter how much Wii U's price drops, magically these same people still won't buy it until it's $50 cheaper than whatever price it just dropped to. The system's going to drop to $99 and these same posts are going to pop up with "I'll bite when I can get it for $50 with a few games."
/rant
Not sure what "save it" means. Is it enough to bring it up to PS3 numbers? No. Weekly PS4 or even XBONE sales? No. Gamecube lifetime levels? Probably not but at least we are getting closer with this one.
The biggest question is... Is what Nintendo is doing enough to build up goodwill for another (probably one last) console from them? Yeah I'd say so. If Nintendo can keep up this momentum from E3 for the next two years and announce a new console in 2016 they could end up with a console that EASILY outperforms Wii U.
It's not true. "So it has been a while since we released the last one and we're having discussions internally about what we can do next ... And the hope is that at some point in the near future we'll be able to share something about them." It's a non-answer, like how Ubisoft still says they're kicking around Beyond Good and Evil 2. Considering this an announcement for new 2d and 3d Metorid games is disingenuous.
Agreed, although the amiibo stuff will help justify it more.
Captain Europe
Member
Is this true? I didn't know.
Then yeah, the whole point is to make money, and if you're doing that you've succeeded.
As a fan of Nintendo, you should want them to move on as soon as possible. Every bit of money they invest in the Wii U is dead money they could be spending on something else. In short, a fan shouldn't want Nintendo to blow huge amounts of cash reserves insisting they can revive the Wii U but failing.
The only reason to spend any money on the Wii U at this point (and they should) is to provide value to those who have already purchased the system. The key quality here is opportunity cost: whatever time and energy is spent on the Wii U is time and energy not spent on anything else.
If they announce a console in 2016 it should be capable of outperforming the ps4 and xbox one, let alone the WiiU, I think a new handheld would be likely next though.
As a satisfied Wii U customer, why would I want Nintendo to start another console from scratch, with the obligatory delays associated? And this while they are getting their execution right now, producing lots of games I want to play? What's in it for me? For you?
Tutomos
Member
Nintendo games always play good, fun to play but just being fun doesn't cut it anymore. I could have fun just playing games on my phone and most of them are free. My perception of Nintendo's fun is not worth the kind of money they're charging, and I think a lot of people feel the same way.
Are you first and foremost a Nintendo fan, or are you a Wii U fan?
Let's say Corvette produces a car line you really like, personally, but which is a money sink for the company. Because you happen to like the car line, would you prefer they kept making it, even if it significantly harms the company in the long run? Or would you prefer they move on if that makes them a stronger company long term, allowing them to produce more cars you like in the future?
Kai Dracon
Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
Isn't the only potential twist there if their next platform is compatible with Wii U architecture and digital purchases, that any remaining Wii U software developed will provide a starting library for the new platform? Particularly if it's a title that tends to keep selling for years, like Mario Kart or Smash Bros.
Essentially it would be the Twilight Princess situation only without the necessity of shipping two different SKUs on different discs.
Really not comparable, though.
You buy cars and game systems for completely different reasons.
A car company can shift to a new model and people can still use the old ones.
If a game company moves to a new console then the old one becomes useless.
Nintendo shifting to a new console right now doesn't assure any success and will only serve to alinate fans at the moment.
TitusGroan
Banned
No, I'm sorry, this is bollocks. I know you're a mod and everything, and all due respect, but this is patently bollocks.
It is not my job as a fan/consumer to put any company's bottom line above my desire for games. They exist to provide games for me to play. I buy their systems so that they can sell me games. If I have a 3DS, my best interest is for Nintendo to provide me with a whole bunch of high quality 3DS games to play. If I have a PS4, my best interest is for Sony to provide me with a bunch of high quality PS4 games. If I have a Wii U, my best interest is to get a bunch of great Wii U games.
I know Sales Age/NPD is really popular on this forum, but I'm sorry, trying to argue that I am better as a consumer for putting a company's financial interests above my own interests as a gamer is bullshit. I respect Nintendo as a company, I genuinely love their output and hope they turn their losses around. I even enjoy speculating about this sort of stuff. But I am never going to put their corporate wellbeing above my desire for new games to play. That is acting like the ultimate corporate fanboy, when you are actively calling for a company to give you less games so that their financials look better.
I'm a fan of their games, and more of their games is what I want, and it's what the're giving me. Nintendo themselves seem to think providing me (and others) with more games is the better option. Who are you to tell me that I should instead be asking them to give up on the platform I bought from them? Especially when it would then involve me buying another platform from them afterwards? Again, all due respect, but I have never disagreed with someone on this board more fundamentally than I do right now. You're arguing a position of corporate apologism, and saying I would somehow be better off as a gamer for getting less games to play than I am now. For putting a corporation's wellbeing directly above my own interests as a gamer. That is something I cannot agree with at all.
Ninja Scooter
Member
Nintendo had a great show for their fans and for existing owners, but I doubt it will do much for the Wii U's bottom line. Anyone who ignored the Wii U when it had Super Mario 3D World and Wonderful 101 isn't suddenly going to go out and get one because of Captain Toad and Bayonetta. They had great games to show, but not really games that are going to attract a new type of gamer, which is what they need if they want the Wii U to gain any type of traction. As it stands it'll still sell less than GC.
Carpe Diem
Banned
This much is quite obvious and myopic if nothing else. However what Nintendo NEEDS to do is keep up the momentum gained with MK8 and their brilliant showing at E3 and engage in a marketing blitz which shows the difference between them and the 'others'. Nintendo alone is more than capable of making the Wii U profitable enough until they decide to release their next home console.
If they abandon a console after two years they will significantly reduce the chance that gamers will buy a future Nintendo console.
I think that says more about you than it does about it, but whatever.
If anything, this e3 assures that the WiiU will survive through 2015, and that's fine. It's not exactly healthy for Nintendo to be living year to year like this when it comes to the WiiU's longitude, but hey man, if that desperation forces them to keep bringing their A game, maybe this dire fire under their ass is exactly what they need.
Why why why would I ever buy a Nintendo console again if they're perfectly okay treating their core platforms as disposable?
Would you buy another Sega console a year or two after they killed the Dreamcast?
Sorry but I don't see the same correlation than you there, for reasons I gave you earlier in this thread. I don't see Wii U as a lost cause, its image was HORRIBLE for a long time, but just as the Xbox One, I believe it greatly changed recently. Future sales will make or break Wii U's longevity, and I'm optimistic on that front too.
outperform as in sales, which is what we are mainly talking about.
Right, that's why I said they shouldn't produce zero games for the system; just enough to satisfy pre-existing owners. Do not spend an ounce of money on expanding their base or turning the Wii U in to a success in any meaningful form.
TitusGroan
Banned
???
If they can theoretically spend money in turning the Wii U into a success, than that means they can turn it into a success. Why would they not spend money on turning Wii U into a success if they had the opportunity?
shinra-bansho
Member
Things could always improve yadayada, but it will probably ultimately end up with a tally closer to the Dreamcast than the GCN.
I don't really think building up goodwill with their existing customer base does much of anything for their future platform if they don't rectify some fundamental problems, namely substitution by other products and ecosystems for the markets they play well with and an inability to attract the markets, and software support for those audiences, that aren't their strong suit.
And become increasingly irrelevant? From a PR stand point, that is literally the worst thing they could possibly do. Staying the course in a world where your direct competitors are selling an upwards of 8-12 million units is how people forget your name.
frankie_baby
Member
I heard someone on here use the embarrassed word about bayonetta on here once before? How exactly?
I don't think they even have that choice
If they started say TODAY, the new system wouldn't be ready until 2016 at the earliest. So that is two years of games they need in the pipeline. Their 2015 is actually looking really solid right now. But they would still need "something" to carry them into 2016, while at the same time having teams from EAD, Retro, IS, etc on AAA first party titles for launch of the 2016 console. Nintendo can't handle another GCN or Wii U launch (aka nothing at launch saying "OMFG now THAT'S a Nitnendo game!!!"). They lucked out with Wii and Wii Sports, but technically that was the same weak launch, just with something that turned into a killer app.
It looks like you don't believe Mario Kart or Smash Bros are system sellers, that Nintendo should promote for years as much as they can, through Amiibo if needed. I think you're wrong but only time will tell.
Ninja Scooter
Member
Gamecube had both of those games, and they both sold well, but they didn't do much to move systems or attract and outside userbase (i.e. non-Nintendo fans). I don't know what more needs to happen to show that the Wii and games like Mario Kart Wii were complete anomalies. 30 million people didn't buy Wii's because of Mario Kart. 30 million people bought Mario Kart Wii because Wii Sports got them in the door.
They are on a hardware cycle, in a hardware business.
They will not release new hardware YEARS before the end of the cycle. They may cut it short, but what are you proposing? You seem to be saying that they should not be releasing novel things. It's all progress. In fact now is the time to do some extra stuff. The liability is lower, the initial shipments of amiibo will be smaller than if they try it later, and they can gain market info and competency.
Maybe you mean they should move on to their next business and release games for tablets? they are a hardware company.
Maybe you mean that their developers should be laid off? nah, they should be making games.
What is it you are suggesting they do when you say they are wasting resources now that could be doing........... what??
edit:
exactly
SoldierIce64
Member
To be honest, I don't think all these upcoming first-party games from Nintendo will be able to save the console and allow it to be the highest selling console of the generation like the Wii was. I think the Wii U will perform just as good (or maybe even better) as the N64 and GameCube did, sales wise. But its not a bad thing, while both the N64 and GameCube lacked the same third-party support the Wii U is suffering through, they also offered some of the best gaming experiences of those generations. Super Mario 3D World is already among the best games of this generation so far.
Personally, I think the Wii U will be able to co-exist with the Xbox One or PS4 in the living room rather than be the dominant gaming console like Nintendo used to be back in the Super NES days. The majority of us only buy Nintendo home consoles for its first-party games and that is the main reason why I have it hooked up to my TV along with my PS4 and Xbox One. Sometimes I wanna play a game just as fun as Super Mario 3D World and Pikmin 3.
Personally, I think the Wii U will be able to co-exist with the Xbox One or PS4 in the living room rather than be the dominant gaming console like Nintendo used to be back in the Super NES days. The majority of us only buy Nintendo home consoles for its first-party games and that is the main reason why I have it hooked up to my TV along with my PS4 and Xbox One. Sometimes I wanna play a game just as fun as Super Mario 3D World and Pikmin 3.
LiveFromKyoto
Member
Yes.
Soulscribe
Member
I hope so. Since I recently bought one I'd like to see it do well, not really for the sales but so that it gets more support.
My big fear is that Zelda gets delayed another year and ends up moving to Nintendo's next system. That's their nuclear option, so if by this time next year Nintendo's in a similar place, I'd expect that to happen.
My big fear is that Zelda gets delayed another year and ends up moving to Nintendo's next system. That's their nuclear option, so if by this time next year Nintendo's in a similar place, I'd expect that to happen.
TheMaidenInBlack
Banned
There were a lot of potentially really good games showed at E3.
One potentially great one.
But enough to "save" the Wii U? Hell no. They needed to go above and beyond, and they haven't. Time to chug along until the next console for them.
One potentially great one.
But enough to "save" the Wii U? Hell no. They needed to go above and beyond, and they haven't. Time to chug along until the next console for them.
No based on DS and still growing 3DS MK numbers, truth is in the middle, which is a huge amount of people who love Mario Kart, and are likely to love the best one in the series.
Father_Brain
Banned
Nope. It's all great for WiiU owners, but 15M worldwide LTD max, I think.
I hope Nintendo actually has an exit strategy for Wii U, that the successor is coming in 2016 rather than 2017, that all the games coming to Wii U next year aren't part of a delusional and doomed effort to "save" the system, and that said games won't significantly impair the early software output for their next gaming hardware. But I'm not convinced of any of that.
I hope Nintendo actually has an exit strategy for Wii U, that the successor is coming in 2016 rather than 2017, that all the games coming to Wii U next year aren't part of a delusional and doomed effort to "save" the system, and that said games won't significantly impair the early software output for their next gaming hardware. But I'm not convinced of any of that.
Oswen
Member
It wont change a thing, WiiU has a horrible perception, especially on internet.
Most people as of now either see it as a joke console for children or don't know what a WiiU is at all.
Nintendo is doing what must be done: get the most out of the machine to keep fans happy and on board for any future project.
WiiU will probably barely hit GC numbers and will become a beloved niche cult console in a few years, everyone will remember the good times with Bayonetta2, W101 and ZeldaU.
And before people jumps at me, I do own and love my WiiU.
Most people as of now either see it as a joke console for children or don't know what a WiiU is at all.
Nintendo is doing what must be done: get the most out of the machine to keep fans happy and on board for any future project.
WiiU will probably barely hit GC numbers and will become a beloved niche cult console in a few years, everyone will remember the good times with Bayonetta2, W101 and ZeldaU.
And before people jumps at me, I do own and love my WiiU.
Correct. I think the system cannot be meaningfully pushed from its current trajectory of sub-GC sales.
Ninja Scooter
Member
the handheld and console markets are different though. Nintendo's core franchises play much better to the handheld market than for home consoles. There is a much bigger market of kids there too. I don't think you can correlate the two.
I agree. To do that, they would need a complete game changer, something like Wii Sports was, that attracts people that don't care one bit about Mario, or just a game in general that attracts a new audience. Toad, Yoshi and Kirby are not going to do that. It's becoming increasingly clear that if you target ONLY console Nintendo fans, you get something between 15-20 million people.
it's the same argument as for stuff like Halo or God of War... they aren't really system sellers anymore in the traditional sense of the term. People expect these games to come to their respective platforms, and buy those platforms expecting those games to come.
Your Wii Sports analogy is perfect. Likewise I would say Call of Duty 2 on 360 and Uncharted (the first game) on PS3. Halo on XBox.
System seller isn't just "I need to have that game!!!!" System seller is really more like "Holy shit that looks amazing! What system is that on!!?!? Not the one I own? Fuck!!"
To put it another way... XBONE fanboys (I use that term deliberately here) already know Uncharted is coming to PS4. They know there will be a God of War and a Gran Turismo. Maybe they even say "I'll get a PS4 down the road when it's cheaper and I can grab like 10 awesome exclusives for it!" A system seller is a game where they throw that all out the window and say "Holy shit, I need one now!"
How does it become useless? Does it stop turning on when the company announces a new one? Or maybe it stops playing the games for it?