Support NeoGAF

[axisofweevils]

I keep eeeverything that comes in a game's case, including those advertisement slips for other games, Nintendo Power, and Club Nintendo. Looking back at inserts from 2001 is pretty interesting,

Yep. I do now. But for a long time I didn't.
Result: 50 games without manuals.
Thankfully, my game shop allows me trade games in without them - for a lower price.

 

[AceBandage]

Well it's not like they're mutually exclusive. But if it forces better in-game documentation that's nice too. Sometimes having the info outside of the game can be a boon though.

In a perfect world, you'd be right.
However, we live in a world where most manuals are cheap black and white unreadable pieces of junk.

 

[Shurayuki]

Considering off the top of my head that 360 beat N64 and GC combined and Wii's "plain" route clearly beat 360, I expect the color choices to be very limited. But I do support the idea of changeable faceplates or whatever they would be called for those who want something else.

Yeah, don't see them changing that. It fits with the general theme of "sleek" for the west too. Wasn't one main reason for Nintendo to go so colorful with N64 that Apple had such a colorful line too? They always stuck pretty close to Apple designs AFAIK.

Yep, and there's that Nintendo survey that shows that most people prefer white.

RACIST!^^

 

[axisofweevils]

Yeah, don't see them changing that. It fits with the general theme of "sleek" for the west too. Wasn't one main reason for Nintendo to go so colorful with N64 that Apple had such a colorful line too? They always stuck pretty close to Apple designs AFAIK.

Yep, and there's that Nintendo survey that shows that most people prefer white.

 

[BlackJace]

Yep, and there's that Nintendo survey that shows that most people prefer white.

Well they haven't spoken to me or most of the folks I associate with. Anything BUT white would be better IMO.

 

[AceBandage]

Well they haven't spoken to me or most of the folks I associate with. Anything BUT white would be better IMO.

Even puke green?

 

[BlackJace]

Even puke green?

I'll consider it. ;D

 

[bgassassin]

Yeah, don't see them changing that. It fits with the general theme of "sleek" for the west too. Wasn't one main reason for Nintendo to go so colorful with N64 that Apple had such a colorful line too? They always stuck pretty close to Apple designs AFAIK.



RACIST!^^

LOL. But yeah that's true and you'd think Wii U would be glossy black this time based on that.

*not a fan of glossy black bezels*

 

[HylianTom]

I'll consider it.

I'm still wanting a purple or silver or dark green.

Either that, or a Zelda edition to match my 3DS would look fantastic.

 

[BlackJace]

Wii U Kirby Edition. All pink body, red buttons accents. It says "Poyo" when turned on.

You heard it here folks.

 

[Linkhero1]

I'm still wanting a purple or silver or dark green.

Either that, or a Zelda edition to match my 3DS would look fantastic.

I approve. I would love these colors.

 

[axisofweevils]

Well they haven't spoken to me or most of the folks I associate with. Anything BUT white would be better IMO.

Wii U in Turd Brown confirmed!

 

[HylianTom]

Wii U in Turd Brown confirmed!

*cue troll posts about how "shitty" the new hardware is*

 

[axisofweevils]

This is the quote about the Wii U's colour...

“What we found over the years when we included a lot of different colors in our hardware is people would kind of point to that and use it to paint us as more kid-oriented. So really what we looked at is what are some ways from a design perspective that can make the system appeal to all ages One of the ways that we found to best do that is to minimize the use of color. In that process we asked if we’re going to do that, what’s the best way to go? We found that rather than going all black – all white seems to have a broader appeal to people.”

http://www.technobuffalo.com/gaming...ii-and-wii-u-are-white-to-appeal-to-all-ages/

 

[BlackJace]

I seriously doubt that having multiple colors leads people to believe Ninty's "kid-oriented".

 

[AceBandage]

Wii U Kirby Edition. All pink body, red buttons accents. It says "Poyo" when turned on.

You heard it here folks.

I'll take a billion.

 

[Shurayuki]

LOL. But yeah that's true and you'd think Wii U would be glossy black this time based on that.

*not a fan of glossy black bezels*

While I can't exactly remember having ever seen one system in the flesh, those matte/brushed metal systems like DSi seem a lot more enticing yes.
Why are they not popular? They even look way more stylish (just read GAF, people always complain about kiddy, glossy, plastic optics).

But the whole color "misery" can be found anywhere, just think about renting apartments, you always have to paint it white if you move out. Just the way it is.
Hehe >_>

Edit: The 3DS LE.jpg way, that's all they have to pull for their systems. Then again 2/3rd isn't available in the west?!

 

[bgassassin]

Glad I don't live in an apartment complex like that. I'm not painting anything whenever I finally move.

I seriously doubt that having multiple colors leads people to believe Ninty's "kid-oriented".

It sure doesn't help kill the notion either.

But I'm also not a supporter of Nintendo's GC aesthetic decisions so I'm more biased against having a rainbow of color choices.

 

[HylianTom]

I seriously doubt that having multiple colors leads people to believe Ninty's "kid-oriented".

True. Nintendo could offer games about mundane grownup things like doing your taxes, real estate shopping, antiques roadshow attendance, paying one's utilities, grocery shopping, home maintenance projects, etc.. and the "kiddy" label would still be shouted by the pseudomature fans of other consoles.

 

[AceBandage]

Yeah, it coming in purple and pink and blue and silver and what not, didn't exactly help them out.
White and Black is really all that needs to be offered for 99% of people.

 

[test_account]

Well, Nintendo doesn't pay for the licenses so they're not allowed to carry the logos. It's really that simple. Not that the logos would mean anything in those cases to begin with. The whole point is to prove standard conformity for the sake of compatibility - the Blu-ray logo on PS3 games is absolutely worthless and tells you fuck all as the disks won't play on anything but a PS3. They should play on any device bearing the logo if the logo actually had any meaning. It doesn't.

I think that Nintendo has to pay something. Otherwise everyone could just take the technology and skip using the logo, and this would be much cheaper.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

White and Black is all anyone needs I think.

 

[HylianTom]

White and Black is all anyone needs I think.

Truth be told, I'd be content with that choice at the start of the generation. It'd be a 100% improvement upon the Wii's launch.

 

[BlackJace]

Glad I don't live in an apartment complex like that. I'm not painting anything whenever I finally move.



It sure doesn't help kill the notion either.

But I'm also not a supporter of Nintendo's GC aesthetic decisions so I'm more biased against having a rainbow of color choices.

You weren't a fan of the platinum or orange GCs?

Those things filled me with envy when I saw all my friends with them.

 

[invaderzim69]

Even puke green?

Yes. Anything but white.

 

[Shurayuki]

You weren't a fan of the platinum or orange GCs?

Those things filled me with envy when I saw all my friends with them.

The Panasonic Q is so glorious, I want one. So expensive :{
(<-black Cube/64)

 

[bgassassin]

I do admit I wanted a Q over a GC.

You weren't a fan of the platinum or orange GCs?

Those things filled me with envy when I saw all my friends with them.

Platinum was fine, but I'm also not a fan of that handle either.

IMO if GC's hardware was in N64's case, it would have done much better.

 

[nordique]

I seriously doubt that having multiple colors leads people to believe Ninty's "kid-oriented".

I think it plays a part

It might be cool for some people, but those multiple colours don't really come across as "high tech"

Design + Color play a big role with perceptions and market perceptions. Apple learned this as well.


There is a time and place for colour, don't get me wrong; but it seems to have its place with portables (I don't know why) whereas home systems seem to be best as darker or lighter strong solid colours that fit with home theatre sets

Look at how Sony handled their consoles; limited editions but they were strong solid colours. The PS2 was one brilliantly displayed machine. Even the Q...

Compare these contrasts and shades of the PS2 consoles and the design of the Q with this:

I understand it seems quite ridiculous, in a "who cares what colour it is?" or "its just plastic!" type of way, but think about the deep gut level reaction you have. Place yourself in the shoes of an average consumer, or a good majority of people. People who would be interested in the most popular games. On one hand, colour doesn't matter.


But even between the same packaging style, you can have a different gut level reaction between this:

and this

and even this!

 

[TheCongressman1]

IMO if GC's hardware was in N64's case, it would have done much better.

I'm pretty sure the consensus here is that the Gamecube is beautiful, and this pleases me.

 

[bgassassin]

I'm pretty sure the consensus here is that the Gamecube is beautiful.

Well then the consensus sucks.

 

[HylianTom]

I'm pretty sure the consensus here is that the Gamecube is beautiful.

I still have fond thoughts of my platinum buddy and the times we spent together.

 

[AceBandage]

I'm pretty sure the consensus here is that the Gamecube is beautiful, and this pleases me.

The internal design is beautiful.
The actual shell not so much.

 

[Gahiggidy]

The controller would look bad in anything but white. It is so large and the white color helps it seem slimmer. Make it in any other color and it will end up in a drawer whenever not in use. They've designed it so that the non-gamers will tolerate it being left out on he coffee table.

 

[Anth0ny]

I think it plays a part

<3<3<3

 

[invaderzim69]

I think it plays a part

It might be cool for some people, but those multiple colours don't really come across as "high tech"

Design + Color play a big role with perceptions and market perceptions. Apple learned this as well.


There is a time and place for colour, don't get me wrong; but it seems to have its place with portables (I don't know why) whereas home systems seem to be best as darker or lighter strong solid colours that fit with home theatre sets

Look at how Sony handled their consoles; limited editions but they were strong solid colours. The PS2 was one brilliantly displayed machine. Even the Q...

Compare these contrasts and shades of the PS2 consoles and the design of the Q with this:

I understand it seems quite ridiculous, in a "who cares what colour it is?" or "its just plastic!" type of way, but think about the deep gut level reaction you have. Place yourself in the shoes of an average consumer, or a good majority of people. People who would be interested in the most popular games. On one hand, colour doesn't matter.


But even between the same packaging style, you can have a different gut level reaction between this:

and this

and even this!

Wow! I'm drooling at all those colors. I feel better already!

 

[bgassassin]

The internal design is beautiful.
The actual shell not so much.

It is sexy isn't it.

 

[Dreamwriter]

I think it plays a part

It might be cool for some people, but those multiple colours don't really come across as "high tech"

Design + Color play a big role with perceptions and market perceptions. Apple learned this as well.

The N64 is a horrible example. It had been only available in black for the first three years of its life; it wasn't until 1999 that Nintendo decided to try and spice up sales by offering it in all those translucent colors.. The reason it was considered as something for kids was because at the time of its release, ALL game systems were considered as something for kids. Sony spent a ton of marketing cash to try and change people's mindset with the PSX, and it paid off in spades.

 

[BlackJace]

WOAH. They shipped Mario Sunshine with GCs? Where the hell was I?

 

[AceBandage]

It is sexy isn't it.

The use of space.
The symmetry.
The entire Zen thing they have going on.
Truly a work of art.

 

[Dreamwriter]

Compare these contrasts and shades of the PS2 consoles and the design of the Q with this:

Everyone always brings up the purple Gamecube. Yet, the Gamecube was available in BLACK from day one. There were equal numbers of purple and black systems, but purple sold faster, so that's what people remember. That and it gives people something to make fun of ("Barney is purple too, so it's a kid's toy!")

 

[HylianTom]

Everyone always brings up the purple Gamecube. Yet, the Gamecube was available in BLACK from day one. There were equal numbers of purple and black systems, but purple sold faster, so that's what people remember. That and it gives people something to make fun of.

If it hadn't been the color, it would've been the handle.
If not the handle, it would've been something else.

I still find it remarkable that, for all the hate that the color got, purple sold faster. Makes me laugh.

 

[nordique]

The N64 is a horrible example. It had been only available in black for the first three years of its life; it wasn't until 1999 that Nintendo decided to try and spice up sales by offering it in all those translucent colors.. The reason it was considered as something for kids was because at the time of its release, ALL game systems were considered as something for kids. Sony spent a ton of marketing cash to try and change people's mindset with the PSX, and it paid off in spades.

I don't think its a horrible example at all.


It simply shows how on a gut level on can have a different "feeling" based on the colours alone. The original N64 system out of these colours gives the most mature vibe, I would argue

 

[bgassassin]

The use of space.
The symmetry.
The entire Zen thing they have going on.
Truly a work of art.

Part of the reason why I'm not too concerned about Wii U's capabilities and the current case.

Everyone always brings up the purple Gamecube. Yet, the Gamecube was available in BLACK from day one. There were equal numbers of purple and black systems, but purple sold faster, so that's what people remember. That and it gives people something to make fun of.

It's also the color Nintendo promoted more so people were/are more apt to associate GC with purple, indigo, or whatever you want to call it.

 

[BD1]

If it hadn't been the color, it would've been the handle.
If not the handle, it would've been something else.

I still find it remarkable that, for all the hate that the color got, purple sold faster. Makes me laugh.

The something else would be the whimsical GameCube start up sounds.

 

[Azure J]

Part of the reason why I'm not too concerned about Wii U's capabilities and the current case.

Seriously. Any company that can design the GCN knows what's up with thermal engineering and performance parts.

 

[HylianTom]

The something else would be the whimsical GameCube start up sounds.

And the colorful buttons as well. The big green 'A' button might as well've been a "WIN" button.

 

[nordique]

Everyone always brings up the purple Gamecube. Yet, the Gamecube was available in BLACK from day one. There were equal numbers of purple and black systems, but purple sold faster, so that's what people remember. That and it gives people something to make fun of ("Barney is purple too, so it's a kid's toy!")

Yes...but the fact is, it was there day one as the model Gamecube (it was considered the "default" colour because Nintendo advertised it and demonstrated it as such - the official logo was purple after all). I bought a black Gamecube at launch because I personally thought the purple one looked "childish" (and I was I think in early middle school at that time)

Not that purple is a childish colour at all, but the point is based on Miyamoto's quote

I agree with Mr Miyamoto, and I also think the specific shade and contrast plays a strong role.

There is a different "gut level" reaction one gets from simply looking at the black or the purple gamecube.

My point with the Wii's and the Gamecube was to demonstrate how different that gut level reaction can be.

For me, the feeling was "looks neat but also like a kid friendly toy" for the Gamecube, "Whoa very sexy" for the Black Wii, and "Hey that looks like something cool I could set up for my family" for the White Wii with the Family packaging -- but not kiddy.


This is all within the context of how colour can impact perceptions.


Colour plays a part with the greater populace

 

[bgassassin]

All this GC talk made me dig up an on E3 PC. Man have these things come a looooooooooong way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jWSmFjOgyG4#t=118s

 

[Linkhero1]

And the colorful buttons as well. The big green 'A' button might as well've been a "WIN" button.

The GC controller layout is one of my favorite layouts, but I can see why people would have made fun of it.

All this GC talk made be dig up an on E3 PC. Man have these things come a looooooooooong way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jWSmFjOgyG4#t=118s

Man this doesn't even look like an E3 conference haha. I'm so used to them being on a grand stage in front of a large amount of people.

 

[nordique]

And the colorful buttons as well. The big green 'A' button might as well've been a "WIN" button.

Yes. I personally understand why the Gamecube controller was designed as such, because it was Nintendo trying to appeal to a broad userbase with different shaped buttons and colours, etc..

But compare the aesthetic of the Gamecube controller to the Wii Remote, especially in how it was marketed and presented, and it was a totally different vibe.

Had the Wii remote had all sorts of differently coloured buttons, it would not have come across as "techy" as it did when it was revealed.

Ultimately, I agree with what Mr Miyamoto said, and historically it shows