It's just that the actual Wii U doesn't. It's clear, to me, that in order for the Wii U concept to be successful, a lot more money would have needed to be poured in. Nintendo would likely have had to take a significant loss even at $399 for the hardware required to make the Wii U idea really shine.
Imagine if Microsoft or Sony had bankrolled the Wii U concept instead of Kinect 2 or Vita. Here are some fundamental changes I would have expected if MS/Sony were the one behind the design:
The system power would likely be around where Xbox One is today or more. Doubt it would be significantly less.
The Gamepad would have a much higher resolution display, probably a bigger screen. This one is kinda tricky since we know Nintendo specifically engineered the stream from Wii U to Gamepad, however with more power perhaps at least 720p stream would be doable. It's probably the most impressive aspect of the tech of Wii U, and I'm not extremely knowledgable on the subject, so I'm not going to pretend like just because it's Microsoft/Sony/more money means it could be done. They may have opted to stream via internet.
I think they would have allowed the Gamepad to work away from the console. It would have had it's own internals for use outside the console, acting as a tablet on the go, able to run smaller titles, it's own OS when used away from console, wi-fi and optional 4G, providing remote play access ala PS4 to Vita. Able to access PSN/Live stores on the go for remote purchases.
Possibly many apps and mobile games available that are traditionally for tablets and smartphones.
Much higher system storage for sure, probably 500gb. Gamepad would also have it's own internal storage and OS.
Movies and music definitely downloadable, managed via Gamepad, can be accessed remotely.
Possibly most importantly, the weight of the AAA publishers would be behind the device given it's Sony or MS. This means more games and possibly better realized game concepts regarding two screen local (or local+online) gameplay.
Considering it's basically impossible the console would flop with this kind of money and support, there would most likely be more risk taking going on in software design for the console, both from AAA and from indies.
Basically the Gamepad would feel like a true extension of the console when away from home. And, with a nice HD screen with off screen play, plays the latest AAA and indie games, local two screen split screen, up to date graphics, satisfactory online capabilities, satisfactory internal storage, sleeker looking Gamepad, Gamepad acts as media hub and smart device. It really sounds like it could have been an awesome console.
However with Nintendo being behind the design, they obviously were not willing to release a product that expensive, were not willing to take a significant loss on hardware. The hardware is too underpowered, the Gamepad screen is far outclassed my mobile devices.
The Wii U as it exists today is a bad product that Nintendo never should have greenlit if they weren't willing to go all out. It's like a grand vision that kept getting stripped down until it's not so grand anymore. And, perhaps this would also have been too expensive for Sony and MS so it's a moot point. However, I do believe that the concept could have been truly awesome even if it is a pipe dream/$599 or more at retail.
Imagine if Microsoft or Sony had bankrolled the Wii U concept instead of Kinect 2 or Vita. Here are some fundamental changes I would have expected if MS/Sony were the one behind the design:
The system power would likely be around where Xbox One is today or more. Doubt it would be significantly less.
The Gamepad would have a much higher resolution display, probably a bigger screen. This one is kinda tricky since we know Nintendo specifically engineered the stream from Wii U to Gamepad, however with more power perhaps at least 720p stream would be doable. It's probably the most impressive aspect of the tech of Wii U, and I'm not extremely knowledgable on the subject, so I'm not going to pretend like just because it's Microsoft/Sony/more money means it could be done. They may have opted to stream via internet.
I think they would have allowed the Gamepad to work away from the console. It would have had it's own internals for use outside the console, acting as a tablet on the go, able to run smaller titles, it's own OS when used away from console, wi-fi and optional 4G, providing remote play access ala PS4 to Vita. Able to access PSN/Live stores on the go for remote purchases.
Possibly many apps and mobile games available that are traditionally for tablets and smartphones.
Much higher system storage for sure, probably 500gb. Gamepad would also have it's own internal storage and OS.
Movies and music definitely downloadable, managed via Gamepad, can be accessed remotely.
Possibly most importantly, the weight of the AAA publishers would be behind the device given it's Sony or MS. This means more games and possibly better realized game concepts regarding two screen local (or local+online) gameplay.
Considering it's basically impossible the console would flop with this kind of money and support, there would most likely be more risk taking going on in software design for the console, both from AAA and from indies.
Basically the Gamepad would feel like a true extension of the console when away from home. And, with a nice HD screen with off screen play, plays the latest AAA and indie games, local two screen split screen, up to date graphics, satisfactory online capabilities, satisfactory internal storage, sleeker looking Gamepad, Gamepad acts as media hub and smart device. It really sounds like it could have been an awesome console.
However with Nintendo being behind the design, they obviously were not willing to release a product that expensive, were not willing to take a significant loss on hardware. The hardware is too underpowered, the Gamepad screen is far outclassed my mobile devices.
The Wii U as it exists today is a bad product that Nintendo never should have greenlit if they weren't willing to go all out. It's like a grand vision that kept getting stripped down until it's not so grand anymore. And, perhaps this would also have been too expensive for Sony and MS so it's a moot point. However, I do believe that the concept could have been truly awesome even if it is a pipe dream/$599 or more at retail.
