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[QaaQer]

Why did it sell well? What set the Wii on fire from day one?
Was it Mario?
Was it Zelda?
Was it Metroid?
Was it Fire Emblem?

Or was it the Wiimote and Wiisports?

Nintendo doesn't have a Wiimote/Wiisports this go around and THAT is why they are hurting.

this.

I really don't know how they turn this ship around.

The tablet control is not appealing to most consumers, and may in fact be turning casual customers off because it looks too complicated and/or too big for little hands. The hardware cannot pump out impressive graphics. And it is not cheap.

So that leaves, of course, Nintendo games as the ace in the hole. And yes there is an audience for those. But how many will buy a console for a new 3d mario + Pikmin + Zelda remake? And even if they do, how many other games will they be buying for the system? Remember that the whole point of putting out a console is to collect those sweet, sweet royalties from 3rd party game sales.

The more I think about it, the more I believe people might be over estimating the ability of Nintendo games to drive sales. And if I'm wrong, I'll be very happy about that.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Wii U sold worse last month in NA than Vita's equivalent month and that's not the first time its' happened. It's barely selling on par in the UK and there has been no big official price drop there. Regardless of what happened with Vita if you told either of those stats to someone last year they would laughed you off the web

Woah, really? Wow. Worse than I thought.

 

[Meelow]

Wii U sold worse last month in NA than Vita's equivalent month and that's not the first time its' happened. It's barely selling on par in the UK and there has been no big official price drop there. Regardless of what happened with Vita if you told either of those stats to someone last year they would laughed you off the web

Vita is also $50-100 cheaper take it in mind.

 

[QaaQer]

Vita is also $50-100 cheaper take it in mind.

not with memory card, ;-)

 

[hatchx]

And that is the point I've been trying to make. It's not about the last 4-5 months of 2013. It's what happens AFTERWARDS. What does Nintendo do after Mario 3D, Zelda WW, Pikmin are released and the PS4/NextBox are out with exclusives and a killer third party support? What does Nintendo do when that happens?

Honestly, I think they can hope to level out around Gamecube levels with 70-150k sold per month, perhaps with boosts in months with big games.

I don't think it's fair to always directly compare them to Microsoft and Sony. They might destroy the WiiU in sales, but Nintendo needs to atleast push 20-30 million units of this console. It's current sales put it on death watch with Vita. They are so bad.

My opinion is that with Nintendo's 1st party support, they can get it up to reasonable sales levels. Will it ever outsell PS4/720? I wouldn't bet on it. Can they get it to 20-30 million units sold and give it a real life...

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Vita is also $50-100 cheaper take it in mind.

Ok. So what happens when Sony/Microsoft release their next systems at a subsidized model that people will see are VERY close in price to the year old Wii U which is significantly less capable and powerful?

 

[Meelow]

Ok. So what happens when Sony/Microsoft release their next systems at a subsidized model that people will see are VERY close in price to the year old Wii U which is significantly less capable and powerful?

Only a certain majority of people care about power, power won't make the PS4/720 sell well, games will.

And I have a great feeling Nintendo will price drop the Wii U before the PS4/720 release, with a better a pack in game, say 3D Mario/Mario Kart and third party say Watch Dogs (just speculating on the third party pack in game).

 

[hatchx]

Ok. So what happens when Sony/Microsoft release their next systems at a subsidized model that people will see are VERY close in price to the year old Wii U which is significantly less capable and powerful?

ClovingWestbrook, I really don't think anyone expects the WiiU to be number one 'next-gen'. It's a question of whether the system can survive and be profitable/noteworthy (ie; not a serious blunder).

If we don't always make direct comparisons to Microsoft and Sony, there is a much more interesting discussion.

Nobody expects them to beat #1 with WiiU, but do people here think the WiiU can even reach Gamecube/N64 levels.

 

[Trickster]

ClovingWestbrook, I really don't think anyone expects the WiiU to be number one 'next-gen'. It's a question of whether the system can survive and be profitable/noteworthy (ie; not a serious blunder).

If we don't always make direct comparisons to Microsoft and Sony, there is a much more interesting discussion.

Nobody expects them to beat #1 with WiiU, but do people here think the WiiU can even reach Gamecube/N64 levels.

I think his point is that the Wii U probably won't start to perform better as time goes on, especially when it will have to start competing with a PS4 and 720.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

ClovingWestbrook, I really don't think anyone expects the WiiU to be number one 'next-gen'. It's a question of whether the system can survive and be profitable/noteworthy (ie; not a serious blunder).

If we don't always make direct comparisons to Microsoft and Sony, there is a much more interesting discussion.

Nobody expects them to beat #1 with WiiU, but do people here think the WiiU can even reach Gamecube/N64 levels.

That's a fair point. The question then becomes what is an acceptable number of consoles sold for Nintendo? I have been trying to find the quote from Iwata about repeating the N64 numbers but I can't seem to locate it. But do you think Nintendo would consider the Wii U a success if it sells 30 million?

I think his point is that the Wii U probably won't start to perform better as time goes on, especially when it will have to start competing with a PS4 and 720.

Yep. That is what I was trying to convey. It's not going to get easier for Nintendo here on out.

 

[royalan]

ClovingWestbrook, I really don't think anyone expects the WiiU to be number one 'next-gen'. It's a question of whether the system can survive and be profitable/noteworthy (ie; not a serious blunder).

If we don't always make direct comparisons to Microsoft and Sony, there is a much more interesting discussion.

Nobody expects them to beat #1 with WiiU, but do people here think the WiiU can even reach Gamecube/N64 levels.

I think at this point it's fair to say that no matter what the Wii U is going to be regarded as a blunder. Even if Nintendo manages to sell a decent number of consoles and pull a Gamecube level of relevance, it won't be seen as a success. It'll be seen as Nintendo surviving despite a colossal mistake.

We'll see in time whether or not the Wii U is a blunder they can bounce back from, or if it costs them.

 

[Richie]

I'm not saying Nintendo is going out of business. But you do realize that even Iwata said that if Nintendo were to have a repeat performance of the N64 they should get out of the console business, right? (someone correct me if I'm wrong with the details of that statement)

Good Clovin', while Iwata did make that statement, he was referring to the Gamecube, not the N64. I trust Nintendo to sell more than the Gamecube, in which case I can't see them leavin' the console business ... But it is true they ain't in a pretty place right now. Will the wave of games presumed for the second half of the year be enough? Now we play the waiting game.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Good Clovin', while Iwata did make that statement, he was referring to the Gamecube, not the N64. I trust Nintendo to sell more than the Gamecube, in which case I can't see them leavin' the console business ... But it is true they ain't in a pretty place right now. Will the wave of games presumed for the second half of the year be enough? Now we play the waiting game.

Ahh, thanks for the correction.

 

[Darryl]

People haven't had problems signing the two year contract with the Xbox 360 subsidized model. Pretty sure that Microsoft used that as a testing ground and have probably been satisfied enough to usher it in with their next console. Also, two year agreements are customary in the states for cell phones. $10-15 isn't seen like that big of a deal especially when it creates the illusion of a lower priced console.

Nintendo will obviously sell better at the end of the year than prior but it's still running up against the challenge of confusion. People don't know what the Wii U is. They don't know why they should be excited. They don't see any killer software. They also see a $300-350 price tag. I just am not confident in Nintendo's ability to fix that confusion and software issue.

you aren't going to get people signing away 2 years worth of constant billing unless you create a truly must own product. smartphones are must owns and you keep them on you 24/7. people don't even play that many video games nowadays, hence why everything is going F2P.

 

[shinra-bansho]

Vita just got a hefty price cut and released its biggest Japanese releases for the year. I know it's still the Vita, but seriously: what the fuck did you expect?

Without the price cut and releases Vita outsold the Wii U this quarter in Europe.

Vita is also $50-100 cheaper take it in mind.

Operating in a more severely declining market, against a strong new competitor in the dedicated handheld space.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

you aren't going to get people signing away 2 years worth of constant billing unless you create a truly must own product. smartphones are must owns and you keep them on you 24/7. people don't even play that many video games nowadays, hence why everything is going F2P.

While we don't have numbers, it's quite likely that Microsoft used the 360 subsidized model as a testing ground. If rumors are accurate, then apparently there are enough people to make such a model worthwhile or else Microsoft wouldn't offer it going forward.

If Sony offers such an option that includes 2 years of Playstation + or whatever plus $10-15 monthly payment for $300 up front instead of saying $500, I'd totally consider.

 

[Meelow]

Ahh, thanks for the correction.

There's also a few things that you missed, when he said that he didn't have confidence that Nintendo's console business was getting better, but seeing that the Wii did 100 million clearly Nintendo did something right, so it's possible for Nintendo to rebound, and he also said "if there is a day we have to stop making hardware, that's the day we will leave the game industry."

Just because the Wii U isn't selling out of stores like the Wii was, doesn't mean the Wii U is doomed or Nintendo will give up on the Wii U in a year.

Lets say all of the 8th gen systems fail, the Wii U, PS4, 720 all don't have great sales, they aren't just going to stand up and walk away.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

There's also a few things that you missed, when he said that he didn't have confidence that Nintendo's console business was getting better, but seeing that the Wii did 100 million clearly Nintendo did something right, so it's possible for Nintendo to rebound, and he also said "if there is a day we have to stop making hardware, that's the day we will leave the game industry."

Just because the Wii U isn't selling out of stores like the Wii was, doesn't mean the Wii U is doomed or Nintendo will give up on the Wii U in a year.

Lets say all of the 8th gen systems fail, the Wii U, PS4, 720 all don't have great sales, they aren't just going to stand up and walk away.

I'm not talking about Nintendo getting up and walking away. I am asking what number of consoles sold would make the Wii U a success for Nintendo. Obviously we're unlikely to get such hard stats from Nintendo so we are left to guesstimate. Nintendo sold 100 Wii's. If Nintendo sells 30-40 Wii U's, I can't see that being a success.

 

[Meelow]

I'm not talking about Nintendo getting up and walking away. I am asking what number of consoles sold would make the Wii U a success for Nintendo. Obviously we're unlikely to get such hard stats from Nintendo so we are left to guesstimate. Nintendo sold 100 Wii's. If Nintendo sells 30-40 Wii U's, I can't see that being a success.

Nobody is expecting the Wii U to do 100 million like the Wii, if the Wii U does 50 million I'd say that's a success, I don't even think Nintendo thought the Wii U would do 100 million.

Would they love it to do 100 million? Of course, is it realistic? Not really.

 

[Arc Christelle]

I find it funny how we have these arguments (Not that I mind it. Just bringing up another thing to consider.)

E3 is only a month away, and even that feels like it's too far away. I definitely cannot wait, because while there is a LOT against Nintendo at the moment, and even sometimes it feels like they're trying to make things worse with all the negligence towards the Wii U along with skipping out the Conference at E3- (a convention that has captured the mainstream audience mind you)

but I also feel like there's a lot under the sheet that hasn't been seen or announced, not to mention with the past Directs Nintendo has shown that there is a lot going for it, even the idea that there might be a lot of 3DS x Wii U connectivity in the future, which may explain the push of the handheld. The silence is becoming deafening, and the suspense is killing me, which I can't blame people for the recent negativity and thoughts of doom.

But I really think that a lot will depend on the games revealed. At worst while there is a strong hype for the PS4, it's mainly concepts, with no real reveal or anything set in stone, and even the games they displayed at that boring ass meeting. (yes it was boring 8GB of GDDR5 RAM aside those games really didn't seem that interesting or to push what has been done this generation except possibly the visuals.) While you have Microsoft at the other hand facing extreme amounts of scrutiny and they haven't said shit. This week every day I saw a new rumor, just RUMORS. If it wasn't that it was the constant anti-Microsoft threads "Would you buy an Xbox if 'X'. "

While the Wii U is doing bad now (despite doing well if compared to other consoles beside the Wii), it is its first year, not to mention suffering an extreme drought of games. (Which I think Nintendo is to blame because it was released too early.) I really think it's going to be about the games. While Nintendo has limited hardware compared to what the other two maybe releasing there are strong points as well especially with it being an empty market meaning less competition for smaller publishers and devs as opposed to the constant threat of bigger publishers on the HD Twins.

They can open up for new titles to have breathing space and what may have been considered "niche" can be mainstream.

That goes especially for Bayonetta. All stereotypes aside, you have to realize that most Nintendo customers, can realize a quality product when they see one. I actually believe they would appreciate Platinum's out put more than anyone else, especially if it was advertised properly. This is because the average Nintendo customers aren't graphic obsessed but they want great games that push gameplay. This is why people still buy Mario and all of his spinoffs. They are definite for quality and fun. I don't want to hang out with anyone with a Nintendo console and no Mario Kart.

But my point. It's gonna be about those gaems and everything else is trash talk until are the cards are on the table.

 

[hatchx]

That's a fair point. The question then becomes what is an acceptable number of consoles sold for Nintendo? I have been trying to find the quote from Iwata about repeating the N64 numbers but I can't seem to locate it. But do you think Nintendo would consider the Wii U a success if it sells 30 million?

Well I guess you could ask if you consider the Ps3 a failure? It was a financial blunder for Sony, sold half the units of the Ps2, and lost huge market share to Nintendo and Microsoft.

Then again, they pulled through, sold 70 million units of hardware and the console has good mindshare with gamers. Sony is in a healthy position to launch the PS4.

With regards to WiiU selling 70 million units (which would still probably be considered a misstep from the Wii's 100 million units sold) there are a lot of new, unforeseen factors that make comparing to previous generations misleading.

Mario, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros. may not have 'saved' the Gamecube, but the market has grown a lot since then. There are more gamers than ever, and the world of publishing has/is changing. Nintendo is different company now with more publishing power. The japanese mThere could be one difference between the 720 and PS4 that completely overthrows the whole next-generation race.

Likewise, as much as I feel the WiiU has tripped miserably (just sent mine in for repairs yesterday), Nintendo is one to pull rabbits from hats. Iwata has said 9 million units and 100 billion yen profit this next fiscal year, and looking at their software lineup and strategy I just don't see it. We'll know in a couple weeks.

 

[big youth]

Yep. And the thing that worries me isn't so much the expectations people are putting on this round of software from Nintendo. The games could come out, and they could be great (although I predict a few stinkers), and they could even push hardware sales. But then what next? Nintendo's currently got all hands on deck keeping the 3DS above water and speeding up development of late Wii U titles. Has Nintendo had time to start development on the next round of Wii U games? This is an even more important question since we've learned just how bad 3rd party support is going to be.

This drought might be a cakewalk compared to the potential drought coming AFTER this holiday.

I view the 3DS situation completely opposite. It's such a runaway success in JP that it's getting fantastic support from Eastern devs and will be buoyed with support until the successor releases. Nintendo doesn't need all hands on deck, they need to resist going to the money well that is 3DS. it's an extremely safe, predictable market that results in fast cash, but Nintendo should instead think long term and shift 75% of their devs to Wii U and try to make it equally successful.

There is no reason to assume Wii U will have a software drought in 2014. Of course 3rd party support pales in comparison to Microsoft and Sony, but this is not a new problem, and it seems to me support is stronger than it's been since the GC or SNES (it's getting titles like Assassins Creed 4, Batman, the new Eternal Darkness game, and other games Wii couldn't handle).

As for 1st party efforts, Nintendo has been very forthright with information. After this wave of games (Q3 2013 - Q3 2014) there will still be Zelda and Smash Bros to look forward to, along with more partnerships (did Iwata say "many?") along the lines of SMTxFE. We can expect Nintendo to continue funding and producing exclusive content like LEGO City (maybe even a sequel?) and Bayonetta 2. We can expect more remakes along the lines of Wind Waker HD, blue ocean games (Iwata has said they will make multiple attempts at a Nintendogs/Brain Age type of system seller), and we can safely assume either a Wii Sports U or Nintendo Land 2 is on the way.

I also expect some type of multiple exclusive game deal, similar to the Capcom 5 from GCN. Of course that deal fell apart, I think because money wasn't involved, but things are different now. Nintendo has lots of Wii money to play with, along with increased publishing power. I think the future if bright for Wii U, especially if we're dealing in profit rather than market share.

 

[shinra-bansho]

Woah, really? Wow. Worse than I thought.

Average US weekly sales in months post-launch.

-----

With regard to marketability...

Again, the product is ultimately a smaller, power-efficient 360 released in 2012 at $300/350, with a tablet controller and Nintendo's first-party publishing. It also lacks the back-catalog and third-party support.

(N.B. I have no interest in arguing generational semantics here, it is nominally an 8th gen console. So what? That doesn't change what the product is.)

Consider that.

Then consider that, regardless of how you personally feel about a touch screen controller, the market largely does not care.

Which means that ultimately it's all on Mario and Nintendo's other core franchises to turn this clusterfuck into a marketable product. And while I accept entirely that these franchises may have grown in strength during the last 7 years, it's difficult to determine how stable that strength is and to what extent it translates into consumers buying a product for those brands in absence of another compelling factor, like motion control.

So no, I don't think estimation stemming from such observation is over- or under-estimation.

 

[big youth]

how do you know the market largely does not care? I think when they start to advertise it, showing how it works as a universal remote, an aggregate for TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc, a keyboard, various other tablet functionality, game functionality, and so forth, people will be very intrigued. I continue to think is the future of console controllers because it's all upside and little downside (added cost, size)

 

[VXLbeast]

we do it all the time.

Same as every year.

Agreed. The only people who don't under-estimate Nintendo are Nintendo. And they over-estimate Nintendo.

 

[lwilliams3]

Well I guess you could ask if you consider the Ps3 a failure? It was a financial blunder for Sony, sold half the units of the Ps2, and lost huge market share to Nintendo and Microsoft.

Then again, they pulled through, sold 70 million units of hardware and the console has good mindshare with gamers. Sony is in a healthy position to launch the PS4.

With regards to WiiU selling 70 million units (which would still probably be considered a misstep from the Wii's 100 million units sold) there are a lot of new, unforeseen factors that make comparing to previous generations misleading.

Mario, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros. may not have 'saved' the Gamecube, but the market has grown a lot since then. There are more gamers than ever, and the world of publishing has/is changing. Nintendo is different company now with more publishing power. The japanese mThere could be one difference between the 720 and PS4 that completely overthrows the whole next-generation race.

Likewise, as much as I feel the WiiU has tripped miserably (just sent mine in for repairs yesterday), Nintendo is one to pull rabbits from hats. Iwata has said 9 million units and 100 billion yen profit this next fiscal year, and looking at their software lineup and strategy I just don't see it. We'll know in a couple weeks.

In terms of the next-gen console war, what we have is Nintendo spinning out before the race has began. If Nintendo can get itself together before the other consoles take off, the Wii U should be able to healthily compete. There are also so many factors with how other things (like Microsoft vs Sony) will play out this time that could significantly change how this "war" will go.

I believe it is too soon to count Nintendo out, in any case, but they need to put full effort to fix things ASAP to ensure that the Wii U has a good future.

 

[Biker19]

Would it really be easily?

Wii U is $350 with no hook and no third party. Can Mario really do all that heavy lifting "easily"?

I don't know. If you or anyone else happen to recall, Nintendo had good 1st/2nd party titles with both N64 & Gamecube, but they certainly weren't enough to stop Sony's domination with both PS1 & PS2.

 

[Oblivion]

All I ask from Nintendo is that when they do reveal the next Mario game, they do so with some pride, and not like as if it was making a guest appearance a la the horrendous SMG unveiling.

 

[shinra-bansho]

how do you know the market largely does not care? I think when they start to advertise it, showing how it works as a universal remote, an aggregate for TV, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc, a keyboard, various other tablet functionality, game functionality, and so forth, people will be very intrigued. I continue to think is the future of console controllers because it's all upside and little downside (added cost, size)

It's evident the market doesn't care by virtue of the fact that over the last three months the system has sold on average around 35K a week. They told the market this is "How U will play next." and the market resoundingly rejected that notion.

You listed a bunch of things that no one is going to be "intrigued" about in 2013.

 

[big youth]

It's evident the market doesn't care by virtue of the fact that over the last three months the system has sold on average around 35K a week. They told the market this is "How U will play next." and the market resoundingly rejected that notion.

You listed a bunch of things that no one is going to be "intrigued" about in 2013.

it's a tired point of contention, but I maintain that a large percentage of Americans don't know Wii U exists yet. Half my friends don't know about it yet, many of my family members, etc. Furthermore the ads they ran were awful and ran on only a few channels. It's too early to write the controller off.

 

[Magik]

It's evident the market doesn't care by virtue of the fact that over the last three months the system has sold on average around 35K a week. They told the market this is "How U will play next." and the market resoundingly rejected that notion.

You listed a bunch of things that no one is going to be "intrigued" about in 2013.

No kidding. When you have the 360/PS3 outselling what should be the hottest thing in the console gaming world, it pretty much means the market doesn't care.

I mean come on... aggregate for TV as a selling point? Nobody gives a shit about that. Netflix? available on so many other consoles.

The system just doesn't have that hook/game/"IT" factor that the Wii had in Wii Sports. Until then, there's no reason for average joe/soccer mom to pay attention and go rushing out to buy the Wii U.

 

[krypt0nian]

you guys really have a flair for the dramatic.

the simple reality is Wii U had slow sales for a few months due to lack of games and advertising. later this year there will be games and advertising. it's going to be fine

Oh punkin...

 

[Skyzard]

People are underestimating how many parents are going to buy wii us eventually.

 

[Daingurse]

My expectations towards Nintendo this E3 are lower than they have ever been. If Nintendo does something to surprise me that would be cool, but I'll keep keep underestimating them for now. Makes it far harder to be disappointed.

 

[big youth]

No kidding. When you have the 360/PS3 outselling what should be the hottest thing in the console gaming world, it pretty much means the market doesn't care.

I mean come on... aggregate for TV as a selling point? Nobody gives a shit about that. Netflix? available on so many other consoles.

The system just doesn't have that hook/game/"IT" factor that the Wii had in Wii Sports. Until then, there's no reason for average joe/soccer mom to pay attention and go rushing out to buy the Wii U.

Correct, it doesn't have the it factor and it's not going to sell anywhere near Wii numbers. Did anyone expect it to though?

But I don't see why you are choosing to ignore the big picture. to say bad sales = market doesn't care is too simplistic and possibly just wrong. Wii U is selling poorly due to lack of software, lack of exposure, a weak economy, Nintendo Land, Mario, Monster Hunter (JP) and the DQX beta (JP) didn't drive sales as much as Nintendo (or anyone else) expected.

 

[big youth]

My expectations towards Nintendo this E3 are lower than they have ever been. If Nintendo does something to surprise me that would be cool, but I'll keep keep underestimating them for now. Makes it far harder to be disappointed.

I don't think we've ever had a clearer idea of what Nintendo will showcase at E3, so you should be able to set your expectations fairly accurately. Mario and Mario Kart will be playable (right?), Smash Bros will be shown in some form, we'll likely get another glimpse at X, Bayonetta 2, etc, along with Retro's game.

 

[cloudyy]

Ok. So what happens when Sony/Microsoft release their next systems at a subsidized model that people will see are ultimately way higher in price to the newly aware Wii U which is VERY close to be the same capable and powerful to the general public?

Fixed.

 

[Daingurse]

I don't think we've ever had a clearer idea of what Nintendo will showcase at E3, so you should be able to set your expectations fairly accurately. Mario and Mario Kart will be playable (right?), Smash Bros will be shown in some form, we'll likely get another glimpse at X, Bayonetta 2, etc, along with Retro's game.

None of those are particularly titillating to me. Smash and X are appealing titles to me, but I know about them. Nothing particularly exciting or fresh in the whole line up, nothing that makes me NEED a Wii-U at it's current price. But maybe Nintendo will bring some surprises, a lot is riding on Retro's shoulders haha.

 

[big youth]

None of those are particularly titillating to me. Smash and X are appealing titles to me, but I know about them. Nothing particularly exciting or fresh in the whole line up, nothing that makes me NEED a Wii-U at it's current price.

Fair enough. I don't own one yet either, but Pikmin 3 is going to test me.

I think any "surprises" at E3 are more likely to be focused on casuals (again, Wii Sports U seems likely) rather than core games. Retro's game is going to get the biggest spotlight and possibly launch this year. It'll be Nintendo's attempt at a hit Western IP, probably an online FPS

 

[Daingurse]

Fair enough. I don't own one yet either, but Pikmin 3 is going to test me.

I think any "surprises" at E3 are more likely to be focused on casuals (again, Wii Sports U seems likely) rather than core games. Retro's game is going to get the biggest spotlight and possibly launch this year. It'll be Nintendo's attempt at a hit Western IP, probably an online FPS

IMO, this is what Retro should do short of another Metroid, wouldn't mind that. Never played Prime, but it is a highly praised franchise.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Fixed.

Lol oh you

 

[shinra-bansho]

it's a tired point of contention, but I maintain that a large percentage of Americans don't know Wii U exists yet. Half my friends don't know about it yet, many of my family members, etc. Furthermore the ads they ran were awful and ran on only a few channels. It's too early to write the controller off.

The people who know about it do not care.

The people who as yet do not know about it will not care.

The list of functionality you provide will not make anyone care. That you think it will is bizarre, but then, iirc, you thought "Checkers" would be some sort of major selling point.

It is on Nintendo to provide something that makes the USP worthwhile to the broader market. Their last attempt: Nintendo Land, failed miserably at that.

 

[Daingurse]

The people who know about it do not care.

The people who as yet do not know about it will not care.

The list of functionality you provide will not make anyone care. That you think it will is bizarre, but then, iirc, you thought "Checkers" would be some sort of major selling point.

It is on Nintendo to provide something that makes the USP worthwhile to the broader market. Their last attempt: Nintendo Land, failed miserably at that.

Goddammit, why did you remind me of this!

 

[botty]

Can you even play checkers on the Wii U?

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

Can you even play checkers on the Wii U?

No, I think it was some lame joke.

 

[big youth]

The people who know about it do not care.

The people who as yet do not know about it will not care.

The list of functionality you provide will not make anyone care. That you think it will is bizarre, but then, iirc, you thought "Checkers" would be some sort of major selling point.

It is on Nintendo to provide something that makes the USP worthwhile to the broader market. Their last attempt: Nintendo Land, failed miserably at that.

Perhaps it's my fault, as it's hard to convey the commercial I've dreamed up in my head. But yes, showing Checkers or some other board game would be a nice way to demonstrate that the Gamepad can function independently from the TV. I imagine it as a 3 second portion of a flashy TV spot that highlights 8-10 different ways the Gamepad can be used. In itself a board game is not that exciting, nor is the video chat or drawing application, but when you quickly show them in succession it can appear that the possibilities are endless on Wii U. A commercial like this should be Wii U's primary commercial, shown on major networks and targeting families, whereas commercials for Retro's next game (for example) can target core gamers.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Perhaps it's my fault, as it's hard to convey the commercial I've dreamed up in my head. But yes, showing Checkers or some other board game would be a nice way to demonstrate that the Gamepad can function independently from the TV. I imagine it as a 3 second portion of a flashy TV spot that highlights 8-10 different ways the Gamepad can be used. In itself a board game is not that exciting, nor is the video chat or drawing application, but when you quickly show them in succession it can appear that the possibilities are endless on Wii U. A commercial like this should be Wii U's primary commercial, shown on major networks and targeting families, whereas commercials for Retro's next game (for example) can target core gamers.

Except iPads, Amazon Fires can play checkers and many people are much more excited about those. Plus you can get these devices for cheaper than the Wii U. So yea.

 

[Skyzard]

Except iPads, Amazon Fires can play checkers and many people are much more excited about those. Plus you can get these devices for cheaper than the Wii U. So yea.

iPads are much more expensive aren't they?

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

Except iPads, Amazon Fires can play checkers and many people are much more excited about those. Plus you can get these devices for cheaper than the Wii U. So yea.

Thats true it also applies to every other gaming console too. Not just Wii U.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

iPads are much more expensive aren't they?

Nooe. iPad mini is much less than the normal iPad. Plus look at Android devices amd Kindle Fires.

Thats true it also applies to every other gaming console too. Not just Wii U.

Except that my bringing up those devices were in response to the notion that checkers on the gamepad would be a killer image to get people interested. I am not saying that is the case, the other poster did.

Sony and Microsoft will be bringing more features to the table than a 'look what you can do on a semi tablet device!!'