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New Nintendo PR: Star Fox reconfirmed for April, amiibo release dates and details

maxcriden

Member
Interesting....so now the release dates for the Wii U line up for upcoming games are really close together.
-Twilight Princess HD: Early March
-Mario & Sonic and Pokken: March 18th
-Star Fox Zero: April 22

I really wonder if this means that March/May/June are going to get Wii U game announcements in the coming month or two; this could mean that they are blowing their final load of Wii U software for the first half of the year (outside of Zelda U) to focus on the NX this fall.

I'm guessing possible Wii U games could be an HD Remaster of a GC game or Pikmin 4.

Edit: This also points to when we will finally hear about the NX, which I feel will be sometime in April after Star Fox Zero's release. I see Feb or March getting a massive Nintendo Direct aimed at Wii U and 3DS for final wave of announcements for both systems then a teaser for the NX at the very end with 'More information coming soon!' said.

I'd say that this dumping of games represents Nintendo cutting the Wii U adrift, not Nintendo preparing a new salvo of games.

I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.

I'm with Exterminieren on this. I don't think it's realistic to expect Nintendo is going to waste resources on more significant Wii U-only games. I expect SF0 will be the last first party exclusive for Wii U, and that Pikmin 4 and Zelda U will be cross-platform with NX.

It also means that besides Zelda Wii U ( and ShinXEmblem crossover) there still 1 or 2 not announced Wii U games in their pipeline.

It's the only way this all makes sense, specially if following the logic that the NX first component is the handheld part.

I think this is where we differ, though. I expect the handheld to come out first in JP and the console to come out first in the west, or for both to release at the same time (with $50 off in a combo pack) with most or all games being playable on both so it won't be as big of a deal to Nintendo if you only buy one. If it's supposed to be a unified family of systems that would make some sense. I mean it's a tricky balance as to whether Nintendo wants to put two similar products on the market at the same time but if they want to get their unified family of systems idea across they may feel it's best to just start that rollout all at once, or dependent on region. JP needs the handheld a bit more and the west needs the console a bit more. There are enough solid Wii U sellers now that with the system winding down if a new console releases this year it's already better than prior last years of Nintendo consoles insofar as droughts go.

So you're thinking that we will be getting a......four month Wii U game drought after Star Fox? ....I could see that honestly, so you're likely right.

Then in September, it kicks off with #FE releasing and November comes with Zelda and the NX launch line up (3D Mario and WarioWare/Wii Sports Team projects a shoe-in for this).

I agree the WW/WST/NL team will have a launch title as a proof-of-concept for the system. Don't forget Pikmin 4. That's about the only one I could see coming to Wii U before NX rather than simultaneously or the other way around as I expect will be the case with Zelda. Fans will be less up in arms about that one being on Wii U a couple months (for example) before NX. Again I want to reiterate I expect the remaining 3DS localizations to come (Picross 3D2, Style Savvy for NA, and RHTB+--maybe the first and third of these as eShop only in NA at least) sometime this summer.

The biggest problem for Nintendo if both systems are going to play most or all of the same games is going to be getting over their fear of releasing too many games near or at the same time. Nintendo was willing to release 3DW and LBW at the same time (11/22/13) because they were for two different platforms. But Nintendo needs to be able to be less worried about releasing games at the same time when there's a unified platform. If the price is right and the quality and appeal are there people will still buy them. Plus, Nintendo games that sell are evergreen sellers typically so they shouldn't be as concerned about frontloaded sales.

I take it this is being announced because in PR because we are not getting a January Direct? I always assumed there'd be a reasonable one if we were getting NX news pre E3.

I do think a January Direct is looking less likely by the day.
 

KingSnake

The Birthday Skeleton
It's interesting how the last year of Wii U matches quite nicely the first full year of Wii U. A bit more games this time around, but still a super crowded March with MH3U and LCU (plus a lonely 3rd party game: NFSMWU) then a looong wait until June for Game&Wario and the real life of Wii U started with Pikmin 3.

If they will have Pikmin 4 this year on Wii U, it will be almost poetic. The life of Wii U, made from short pikmin movies.

Edit: March being so crowded is explained probably by the Easter shopping period. Coincidentally, Easter was at the end of March also in 2013.
 

Akiller

Member
The one delay for extra polish was all we were ever going to get, I think. I doubt Nintendo wants to sink even more resources and time into what is all but guaranteed to be a low seller.

Also, the sooner they finish Star Fox Zero, the sooner they Will start developing Bayo 3 .
Believe
 

RK128

Member
I agree the WW/WST/NL team will have a launch title as a proof-of-concept for the system. Don't forget Pikmin 4. That's about the only one I could see coming to Wii U before NX rather than simultaneously or the other way around as I expect will be the case with Zelda. Fans will be less up in arms about that one being on Wii U a couple months (for example) before NX. Again I want to reiterate I expect the remaining 3DS localizations to come (Picross 3D2, Style Savvy for NA, and RHTB+--maybe the first and third of these as eShop only in NA at least) sometime this summer.

The biggest problem for Nintendo if both systems are going to play most or all of the same games is going to be getting over their fear of releasing too many games near or at the same time. Nintendo was willing to release 3DW and LBW at the same time (11/22/13) because they were for two different platforms. But Nintendo needs to be able to be less worried about releasing games at the same time when there's a unified platform. If the price is right and the quality and appeal are there people will still buy them. Plus, Nintendo games that sell are evergreen sellers typically so they shouldn't be as concerned about frontloaded sales.

I agree that Pikmin 4 and Zelda Wii U are going to be cross-gen at this point but I feel that they can space releases out by not having a massive launch line up for the NX. If its just the following (Nintendo and JP Published games with a few western games), then it could be a good launch line up:
-Zelda U (Cross-Gen)
-3D Mario
-Wario Ware/Wii Sports Title (Amiibo Focused likely)
-Sonic Anniversary
-Dragon Quest XI (JP Only)
-Persona 5
-World of FF
-Monster Hunter X
-Call of Duty
-Skylanders
-TMNT
-Watch Dogs 2

They will release #FE before the NX lands (in Sept. or Oct.) so that doesn't get lost within the launch line up.

A solid mixture of games and no Nintendo games overlapping each other. Then they could release the following post-launch:
-Pikmin 4 (Cross-Gen): December 2016/January 2017
-Smash Brothers NX (if that happens; port of the Wii U version with all DLC): March/April 2017
-Retro Studios Project: June/July 2017
-Xenoblade X Port: August 2017

At a loss of other NX titles but you get the idea.

If Nintendo is smart with how it pushes there release line up, then they could have the NX do well in terms of games sales. Nintendo not spacing out early 2016 Wii U releases is worrying, as it points to not only a very long Wii U game drought but a clear sign of them not supporting the console anymore outside of a few late releases (#FE) and some cross-gen games (Zelda U, Pikmin 4).
 

maxcriden

Member
I think its a safe bet that we aren't getting one this month and its being saved for Feb or March.

They likely want to close the direct teasing the NX but they can't do it this early (the best time would be Feb/March), as if they do it latter they could arrange and NX Direct for May that shows off the system, some features, what it looks like and one or two launch games. Then E3 comes around and we get even more information with all the launch games announced.

We have the investor briefing coming in a couple weeks. At that point I expect any tease towards the NX reveal to be indicated, with a concept reveal in Mar/Apr and a full blowout at E3. So not too far off from your theory, I just think one more Wii U/3DS-only direct is looking increasingly unlikely.

But you are not following your own logic... XD

Hear me out:

Assuming they are indeed letting the Wii U sink as the other poster claims. Then why compact most of their last releases so close together for no apparent benefits?

They just could spread them better across several months and have better results with zero detrimental consequences. There's something extra that we don't know of.

They may figure better to get them out now before all their fans jump ship to NX and care less about Wii U. You know? Plus, they really, really don't like releasing games in those summer months, especially for consoles. If they're going to be evergreen sellers for Wii U at best, may as well get them out early. Plus, plans change and that can throw things into a kerfuffle. You've got TPHD delayed (IMO) to give time for amiibo production and SF0 delayed for polishing when I believe they wanted it out last year. I don't know that spreading out these particular three-four games--in totally different genres--would make a big difference to sales.

Mmm......I guess this means they are going to rely on the 3DS line up to compensate for the lacking summer Wii U line up then? Or they will release more Wii U games (remaster of GC game(s)) to pad out the line up?

I could see them supporting Star Fox like Splatoon with more modes, features, maps and a MP mode too, but not expecting that.

I think so, yes. 3DS games coming this year will be the primary offering on the shelves in terms of new content, as well as eShop releases. I really don't think they will bother with more remasters. The only remaining GCN games I expect to ever see re-released are Luigi's Mansion in a double pack with its sequel, as well as Eternal Darkness. Which games were you hoping for or expecting? I agree with you SF could get some post-release support similar to Splatoon, but I don't expect it to be as popular or as extensive, especially if there ends up being no MP planned as (IIRC) is the last we heard.

On the other hand i think there's 99% chance we get a Direct before any NX official announcements, detailing TP:HD, Pokken and Star Fox.

Also i think the first major announcement, outsides of directs, will be for their new account service and the Mobile games. Not for the NX unveiling.

I agree with your second point. We'll get a big account service and Miitomo announcement, followed by NX news.


We didn't get a direct for Mario Maker. Most Pokken news are handled differently, TP:HD amiibo usage was just done through a trailer shared on twitter and FB. We'll see.

Excellent posts. I am becoming more and more skeptical of a January Direct as well. When the biggest news on offer is Picross 3D 2, RHTB+ and Style Savvy people are going to nega-hype big time.
 

Scrawnton

Member
Any 2016 Nintendo Direct that doesn't feature NX will create a backlash. Maybe we won't see a Direct until they're ready to show their NX hand closer to E3.
 

RK128

Member
We have the investor briefing coming in a couple weeks. At that point I expect any tease towards the NX reveal to be indicated, with a concept reveal in Mar/Apr and a full blowout at E3. So not too far off from your theory, I just think one more Wii U/3DS-only direct is looking increasingly unlikely.


I think so, yes. 3DS games coming this year will be the primary offering on the shelves in terms of new content, as well as eShop releases. I really don't think they will bother with more remasters. The only remaining GCN games I expect to ever see re-released are Luigi's Mansion in a double pack with its sequel, as well as Eternal Darkness. Which games were you hoping for or expecting? I agree with you SF could get some post-release support similar to Splatoon, but I don't expect it to be as popular or as extensive, especially if there ends up being no MP planned as (IIRC) is the last we heard.

I would feel that Super Mario Sunshine HD or Eternal Darkness HD would be the best picks for a GC remaster but I agree with you; not expecting much else outside of the Zelda Remasters.

SF Zero getting Splatoon post-launch support would rock but considering Platinum never did that with prior projects, its not likely it will happen.

I wonder if the next Nintendo direct will be a hybrid one, covering every platform released and upcoming. That way Wii U/3DS content can be covered one last time in addition to giving a large amount of time focusing on the NX.
 

Sterok

Member
All Smash DLC has been announced in a Direct. I don't think that will change. We still need the release dates for Corrin and Bayonetta, which I believe will come in a Direct early February. This hypothetical Direct will showcase the Smash DLC dates, final TP HD info, final major Star Fox Zero info, footage of the 4 new Pokken characters, #FE's western title, a new look at Federation Force, more localizations (Rhythm Heaven and Picross 3D 2 please), and a final new surprise 3DS game (not Pokemon Z). That and a few third parties plus final trailers of stuff like Fire Emblem: Fates and Bravely Second would send out the final Wii U/3DS focused Direct nicely.
 

RK128

Member
All Smash DLC has been announced in a Direct. I don't think that will change. We still need the release dates for Corrin and Bayonetta, which I believe will come in a Direct early February. This hypothetical Direct will showcase the Smash DLC dates, final TP HD info, final major Star Fox Zero info, footage of the 4 new Pokken characters, #FE's western title, a new look at Federation Force, more localizations (Rhythm Heaven and Picross 3D 2 please), and a final new surprise 3DS game (not Pokemon Z). That and a few third parties plus final trailers of stuff like Fire Emblem: Fates and Bravely Second would send out the final Wii U/3DS focused Direct nicely.

I agree with all of this; could picture this direct for Wii U/3DS to come out on the date that the Smash DLC releases (so we can have "Now Available NOW!" for the two characters) so.....I guess mid/late Feburary so that way its close enough to the March Wii U releases.

Giving us a new name for #FE and a release date for western versions of that game (expecting August/September for that) would be a very smart move.

The 3DS line up this year looks great this year, so highlighting announced titles in addition to giving us one or two more upcoming announcements (Pokemon Z is the worst kept secret ;)) would be good.

Edit: You don't think Pokemon Z is coming? Or you think that we are getting that plus another 3DS announcement?
 

Sterok

Member
I agree with all of this; could picture this direct for Wii U/3DS to come out on the date that the Smash DLC releases (so we can have "Now Available NOW!" for the two characters) so.....I guess mid/late Feburary so that way its close enough to the March Wii U releases.

Giving us a new name for #FE and a release date for western versions of that game (expecting August/September for that) would be a very smart move.

The 3DS line up this year looks great this year, so highlighting announced titles in addition to giving us one or two more upcoming announcements (Pokemon Z is the worst kept secret ;)) would be good.

Edit: You don't think Pokemon Z is coming? Or you think that we are getting that plus another 3DS announcement?

Pokemon Z will get its own announcement all by itself, just like ORAS did.
 

RK128

Member
Pokemon Z will get its own announcement all by itself, just like ORAS did.

Ah, I got it :). Could see a unique Pokemon event releasing after Pokken that covers that in a lot of detail and announcing a worldwide launch for October/November.
 

90sRobots

Member
Oh Star Fox has Amiibo support? My Wolf Amiibo is finally getting some use then :D
.
.
.
.
.
...
:'-( Sakurai why

Why, you could just make your own, friend!
wolf_o__donnell_amiibo_by_mechanicalraven56-d9kujso.jpg
 

RK128

Member
Thinking about it, we could have the following for the Wii U release line up (NA/EU):
-March 8th-12th: Twilight Princess HD
-March 22nd: Pokken
-April 22nd: Star Fox Zero
-August: Mario & Sonic
-September: #FE
-November: Legend of Zelda Wii U (Cross-Gen)
-December: Pikmin 4 (Cross-Gen)

Not a bad Wii U line up for its final year I think.
 
Thinking about it, we could have the following for the Wii U release line up (NA/EU):
-March 8th-12th: Twilight Princess HD
-March 22nd: Pokken and Mario & Sonic
-April 22nd: Star Fox Zero
-August: #FE
-November: Legend of Zelda Wii U (Cross-Gen)
-December: Pikmin 4 (Cross-Gen)

Not a bad Wii U line up for its final year I think.

I would agree but Mario & Sonic 3DS is coming in March with the Wii U game probably being May 2016.
 

thefro

Member
I think its a safe bet that we aren't getting one this month and its being saved for Feb or March.

They likely want to close the direct teasing the NX but they can't do it this early (the best time would be Feb/March), as if they do it latter they could arrange and NX Direct for May that shows off the system, some features, what it looks like and one or two launch games. Then E3 comes around and we get even more information with all the launch games announced.

Yeah, there were a few things like the 3DS RPG release dates, etc that would have been announced in a Direct if they were going to have one in January.

We know they want to do something to explain Miitomo to people, so we'll see that by March.
 

RK128

Member
restocks of the pokemon amiibo?


where the 20th anniversary amiibo at? I want charmander.

I would love a Charmander amiibo man :). If there was Charmander, bulbasaur and squirtle amiibo, would get ALL of them day one :D!

Loved the Pokemon anime growing up, so seeing amiibo's of them would be great.
 

bumpkin

Member
Gimme Slippy, Peppy, Colonel Pepper, Arwing and Landmaster amiibo and I'll be happy.

I only leave out Fox and Falco because we got 'em Smashified.
 

Chairhome

Member
Did they update? People are saying "early March" for TP but they say the date in the PR.
When the physical version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD launches on March 4 at a suggested retail price of $59.99, it will include a beautiful Wolf Link amiibo figure based on the same character from the classic game.
 

Z3M0G

Member
wtf is "Mario & Sonic" ?? Edit: Oh... :/

And I can't wait for the Star Fox Direct... hopefully they have one to pull people in.
 

Z3M0G

Member
I'm getting sick and tired for only XL N3DS being available...

Once I purchased a WiiU my plan of upgrading my 3DS went out the window anyways I guess.
 

Astral Dog

Member
This is good for Star Fox fans lets wait and see if the extra months of polish make a difference, people should stop worrying about the early releases what does it matter if they come out a bit early in the year due to the NX? Thats were we should focus attention. For now Wii U doesnt have a dry first half at least.
 
Interesting.

All physical copies coming with an Amiibo essentially force quite a few people into the Amiibo ecosystem. Also makes sense how they keep trumping it's compatibility with Zelda Wii U.

The thing is bundling with Amiibo limits the amount of copies in a retail space. How will retailers respond when Amiibo Festival is stuck on shelves and being heavily discounted.
 

jholmes

Member
Anyone remember the last two Januaries, when people rolled out the list of first-party games for the year, and they looked pretty much how 2016 does?

Some people really need to relax.
 

AdanVC

Member
First 4 months look packed for Wii U. But what they will do after SF0 releases? 3 or 4 month game droughts as usual probably. But at that point literally nobody will care because Nintendo will probably fully unveil NX after SF0.
 

RK128

Member
First 4 months look packed for Wii U. But what they will do after SF0 releases? 3 or 4 month game droughts as usual probably. But at that point literally nobody will care because Nintendo will probably fully unveil NX after SF0.

I can see that happening honestly; a full reveal for the NX in May and June a complete media blow out for the console.
 

jmizzal

Member
So something important is happening past the middle of the year?

i mean they are unnecessarily stalking the little Wii U releases they have in the first two quarters. Weird indeed...

For example, early march could have been Zelda and after that one release each month and a half.

NX is def coming in 2016

Almost all the announced 1st party WiiU games will be out by May lol

SMTxFE is out in Japan already
Zelda U is the only one without a date
Mario and Sonic WiiU is summer
 

fernoca

Member
First 4 months look packed for Wii U. But what they will do after SF0 releases? 3 or 4 month game droughts as usual probably. But at that point literally nobody will care because Nintendo will probably fully unveil NX after SF0.
There's still Zelda and the localized #FE. The Olympics game....And whatever they announce by surprise in the upcoming weeks and release 3 months later (like they've been doing lately).

Then eShop games like that Mario vs DK amiibo game.

Even for the 3DS they confirmed DQVII for summer and VIII for fall. So there's still stuff.
 
Maybe the packed Wii U schedule points to a sooner release of the NX than holiday of 2016 (like Fall, kind of doubt summer, plus Nintendo hates summer). But not a bad final year schedule at all. I expect Minecraft and Minecraft Story Mode at retail at some point, hopefully during the Nintendo deadzone summer.
 

fernoca

Member
Also and I could be wrong, but the rumored delay for Starfox was in EU.

The PR that confirmed April was from NA.
The PR from EU focused only on Zelda stuff along the announcement of the gold new 3DS; which was released in November in NA.
 
NX is def coming in 2016

Almost all the announced 1st party WiiU games will be out by May lol

SMTxFE is out in Japan already
Zelda U is the only one without a date
Mario and Sonic WiiU is summer
Yes, something NX related will come out in 2016, which is about the normal cycle for Nintendo handheld devices.

i don't think no one thinks other wise at this point.

I'm with Exterminieren on this. I don't think it's realistic to expect Nintendo is going to waste resources on more significant Wii U-only games. I expect SF0 will be the last first party exclusive for Wii U, and that Pikmin 4 and Zelda U will be cross-platform with NX.
Is this adressed to me? i don't think any of the upcoming important releases that would grace the Wii U are exclusives. Why should i? Zelda was announced in E3 2014 and everyone takes for granted is a cross gen game, so it falls of the tree that other high profile games might follow suit.

You think Pikmin 4 has a chance of happening on Wii U... then that's pretty much goes in order with what i said in one of my first postes in the thread XD

I think this is where we differ, though. I expect the handheld to come out first in JP and the console to come out first in the west, or for both to release at the same time (with $50 off in a combo pack) with most or all games being playable on both so it won't be as big of a deal to Nintendo if you only buy one. If it's supposed to be a unified family of systems that would make some sense. I mean it's a tricky balance as to whether Nintendo wants to put two similar products on the market at the same time but if they want to get their unified family of systems idea across they may feel it's best to just start that rollout all at once, or dependent on region. JP needs the handheld a bit more and the west needs the console a bit more. There are enough solid Wii U sellers now that with the system winding down if a new console releases this year it's already better than prior last years of Nintendo consoles insofar as droughts go

In the highlighted is were we differ XD

There's zero finantial sense for them to release both mobile and home components of the NX the same day.

Hell Nintendo "traditionally", hasn't been very kin on the idea to offer the same content on both platforms. They wanted to offer different experiences on each as an allure to motivate sells on both devices. The reason we are getting now (and more in the future) equivalent software on both platforms is because their hand is been forced due to market conditions. Significant decline in sells on both platforms and the special lost of relevancy in the home market.

The NX is Nintendo consolidating their fan base and this turned out to be the perfect time since they finally saw the light and planted the seeds to have an unified architecture and OS between all of their platforms.

Regarding Japan. Yes, Japan is more handheld centric, yet is the region where they need the handheld less as it's the 3DS best performing region. XD
 
StarFox Zero OFLC rating mentions online interactivity


Nobody knows yet if this means Miiverse, online play, or what exactly....

http://gonintendo.com/stories/250715-starfox-zero-oflc-rating-mentions-online-interactivity
Maybe leader boards? Other games in the series had them, so Zero might offer them and have the rankings online to compare with WiiUsers around the world.

Would be a strange (and even poor) decision to devote development resources for online multiplayer in a project that has been scarce of time. Specially when said multiplayer has never been a core part of the series.

Are people clamoring for online dogfights in this game?
 

foltzie1

Member
Curious how Paper Mario fits in with these schedules.

Despite the anemic retail output, when combined with VC and Indie support, the Wii U has a respectable library. Sadly, its terribly behind the Wii even now (Wiiware third party support was amazing).
 
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