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[poppabk]

i'm sure everything will change once i do and my concept of gaming, nay reality will change as i experience the heady delights of the 3DS

things like region locking and battery life will cease to be an issue as i finally reach enlightment through the wonders of pilotwings and the submarine game.

If you are coming from the 1-2 hours of battery life of the ipod touch you will be in heaven.

 

[KAL2006]

Something the DS also has alongside the touch controls that on DS proved to be able to do genres like FPS fine despite the shortcomings of that system in other areas. So, yeah, it's an ok complaint. And that's about it. The online is improved from Wii/DS, the specs improved from DS (and in some cases Wii) the system itself can get more substantial software updates unlike the Wii (see upcoming features), it's got the new "hot" display tech (3D, much like HD was a couple years ago, that also didn't offer new gameplay by itself, you know), better storage, all sorts of connectivity features, etc. How's that their worst system? I mean, at least say you personally don't like it rather than pretend Sony's way is everybody's standard and benchmark and the only way to do things. You say you don't care for 3D, someone else may say he doesn't care for the higher resolution display of NGP. That's called a preference, not a standard, for any device to be considered below standard.

Not really, FPS and any 3D games that require manual camera controls don't work as good as dual analogs. If you want to play FPS on 3DS you have to use a stylus which means you don't have access to the R button, while you are aiming. This is not good for FPS games that have L to aim and R to shoot, with NGP you have access to R3, L3, and L and even backtouch for tons of controls while you ar emoving and aiming with the dual analogs. and I haven't even talked about left handed players for 3DS, which would be awkward for games that require the use of stylus and analog (Kid Icarus does this).

Yes the online is improved but it couldn't even match PSN which is years old, things like friends requests are basic features I expect for online.

And who says I hate 3D, if you read one of my previous post you would have nknown I really like the 3D effect.

Again it's a combination of lack of decent controls, decent network infrastructure, decent power that could have at least matched the latest smartphones, video playback that most devices these days allows (PSP, smartphones, 360, PS3), backwards compatiblility with Wii VC games (yes I know there will be a new handheld VC, but I wanted to be able to play my console VC game son my handheld, 3DS is certainly powerful enough to emulate those consoles just like PS1 is cross compatible with PS3, PSP and NGP) and no region free.

 

[Haint]

It is an INCREDIBLY bad idea to go pulling countless amounts of numbers out of your ass like this on Neogaf. Profit margins, R&D budgets spanning years, and who and what is in the red and black. Watch yourself with the bullshit. Seriously.

These numbers aren't really made up, couple of firms have released cost tear down estimates on the 3DS (~$100), and R&D costs are listed in annual earning reports. R&D leading up to Wii/DS were 100-200 million dollars/year if I'm not mistaken. I don't think 500 million is a bullshit figure for the R&D to write off of a single system.

 

[GeorgioCostanzaX]

Dude I got an iPhone 4 and an iPad on day one, I have more than 60 games on iOS and I quite enjoy my library. But you make a fool of yourself if you think anything on an iTouch comes close to SSF4, Pilotwings or PES in the visual and control departments. A fool of yourself.

Perception is key here because the iOS screens (particularly the retina display) are leaps and bounds better than the 3DS and thus give games a nice resolution boost which can trick the untrained observer. Take Ridge Racer Accelerated (latest patch) for example, it actually looks better than Ridge Racer 3D on first glance since it's running at higher res but spend more than 5 minutes with it an you'll realize the frame rate is actually worse than the RR3DS and the backgrounds are pretty lifeless by comparison. So even though the 3DS hardware is superior to iDevices games are hamstrung by the cheap screens they're displayed on.

 

[Alexios]

Not really

Actually, yes, really. Now what?

lack of decent controls, decent network infrastructure, decent power

So what do they have for you not to hate 3DS? I'd hate a system like that myself. Of course I don't agree that 3DS lacks all of that because I don't set my desires around what Sony does but rather look at what each offers and how it can be utilised for games. What's the redeeming factor for you?

Seriously, you're saying it doesn't even have decent controls, despite having DS controls + motion controsls + analog stick, you say it doesn't have decent power, despite being able to output visuals that are roughly on par with a Wii, except also with much more modern shaders resulting in beauties like SSFIV and RE: Revelations (hell, there's nothing better shown for NGP - YET - Lost Planet 2 was an equal downgrade compared to HD games when it was shown off), and you say it doesn't have decent infrastructure, when the main difference with the "standard" is that you both have to add each other, which is hardly a huge difference, while ignoring all other connectivity features.

So, what does it have? Shit controls, shit power, shit online. But you don't hate it? Ok...

 

[syoaran]

Not really this, because Microsoft's numbers include epic bombs such as Zune (multiple iterations) or Kin and slooow start of WP7, all of which cost a lot of money to launch and didn't bring any revenue afterwards. 360 is more than likely quite profitable, with "quite" changing to "very" soon.

Now original Xbox and PS3 were much bigger money sinks, but in the case of the first one it was clearly MS getting screwed by contracts with Intel and nVidia (which is their own fault, obviously), so just going with high-end hardware isn't synonymous to financial losses.

The thread is (meant) to be about why Nintendo does not embrace (high end) graphics like Sony and MS. Using Zune and WP7 as failures makes no sense in this context. If you want to know why Microsoft even got into the video game market, despite huge losses and potential failures (like the zune), go do some research.

 

[Haint]

Yeah guys, it's not low risk to put out a new idea like that out there. I mean, if it had failed they'd just stop making them and not lose any more money. Coming up with their strategy was hardly expensive, you know! And then, it's not like their brand power would be at all tarnished (hey, if people don't buy it they don't know how bad it is!) they could just launch a new GameCube 2 that would trump PS360 in grafix and online a year after the fact and make up for any losses!

Ugh, are you for real? No risk because they sell above cost? So Nintendo never has a risk folks, lol.

Oh well. Serves me right for checking back here. Bad Alex, bad.

No one said anything about "no" risk, it's about risk relative to your competitors (which is low by comparison).

 

[szaromir]

The thread is (meant) to be about why Nintendo does not embrace (high end) graphics like Sony and MS. Using Zune and WP7 as failures makes no sense in this context. If you want to know why Microsoft even got into the video game market, despite huge losses and potential failures (like the zune), go do some research.

All I'm saying is that Opiate was quoting MS'a Entertainment & Devices division financial results, not 360's related operations actual income to date. 360 itself is likely profitable LTD, it's those other devices that brought the division down.

 

[KAL2006]

Yes, really. Now what?

What a great compelling argument, you made a good point their and addressed the control issues I was talking about. Dual Analogs who needs it.

So what do they have for you not to hate 3DS? I'd hate a system like that. Of course I don't agree that 3DS lacks all of that because I don't set my desires around what Sony does. What's the redeeming factor for you?

I have not used NGP as my standard though, I have used all the latest devices which includes smartphones, psp, ps3, 360 and etc. Things like video playback isn't because NGP does it, it is because nearly every device does it. Online infrastructure is not because of NGP, it is because of PS3 which is years old. Most smartphones and NGP have higher screen resolutions than 3DS.

 

[lordfroakie]

 

[syoaran]

All I'm saying is that Opiate was quoting MS'a Entertainment & Devices division financial results, not 360's related operations actual income to date. 360 itself is likely profitable LTD, it's those other devices that brought the division down.

Ah ok. Well, a loss is still a loss, as mentioned in your previous post, the 360 is more than likely now profitable, but thats only now. I stand by my previous comment, Nintendo can no longer afford to have a machine take 4-5years to break even, so unless the market becomes graphic centric, it's not an affordable business practise.

 

[poppabk]

You are also assuming R&D on DS/Wii are somehow greater than PS360. It seems likely they were not, and I would guess were actually much lower. Nintendo also spent much less advertising DS/Wii in the outset (compared to MS and Sony).

Why would it seem likely that R&D on the 360 was more than the Wii? The PS3 they made some big R&D expenses to create custom hardware that they thought they could leverage elsewhere, so it may be true in that case but the 360 is pretty close to being off the shelf.

You guys seem to be having trouble differentiating between cost risk and potential sales risk. Potential sales is not a risk if you're not spending much money to roll those dice.

If you sell 10 million at $300 loss you lose $3 billion, if you are confident that you will have revenue of $360 per console over its lifetime then you make $600 million.
If you sell X million at $50 profit and will make $X per console over its lifetime then you will make $X.
If you require $300 million for operating expenses - which is the riskier proposition.

 

[Alexios]

What a great compelling argument, you made a good point their and addressed the control issues I was talking about..

How was your argument compelling? You just used bullshit words like accuracy. I'm sorry but both on Wii with motion controls and DS with touch controls plenty people, including myself, are accurate in genres you claim "need" dual analog. How can I argue against your own incompetence? Would you try to argue with me if I said dual analogs suck, so NGP sucks, I can't play FPS or anything else with them?

 

[Grampa Simpson]

Yes but that is Windows($1 billion a year I believe) Entertainment & Devices, Future technologies, cell phone stuff, Office, Windows Server, Bing, MSN and a bunch of other stuff that they do. All Nintendo does is make games in the cheapest way possible(Pilotwings Resort, Nintendogs+Cats) so what the hell are they spending that money on.

Hookers and Blow.

 

[KAL2006]

How was your argument compelling? You just used bullshit words like accuracy. I'm sorry but both on Wii with motion controls and DS with touch controls plenty people are accurate in genres you claim "need" dual analog. How can I argue against your own incompetence?

what? you just ignored this part of my post

Not really, FPS and any 3D games that require manual camera controls don't work as good as dual analogs. If you want to play FPS on 3DS you have to use a stylus which means you don't have access to the R button, while you are aiming. This is not good for FPS games that have L to aim and R to shoot, with NGP you have access to R3, L3, and L and even backtouch for tons of controls while you ar emoving and aiming with the dual analogs. and I haven't even talked about left handed players for 3DS, which would be awkward for games that require the use of stylus and analog (Kid Icarus does this).

with "really, now what"

 

[stupei]

i'm sure everything will change once i do and my concept of gaming, nay reality will change as i experience the heady delights of the 3DS

things like region locking and battery life will cease to be an issue as i finally reach enlightment through the wonders of pilotwings and the submarine game.



yes i do. i'm the chairman john rovio. why do you ask?

Well as a 3DS owner myself who commutes 2+ hours a day, I can tell you that I've had my 3DS on nonstop since getting it a week ago, with wifi and 3D turned on at all times, and I have yet to have a major battery issue. It caught me by surprise once so far.

Does it comparatively suck that you have to charge it every day? Sure. But compared to the crazy battery life of the regular DS, most things suck. My 360 controller's battery life sucks compared to my DSi. My 4G cell phone's battery life is embarrassing compared to the DSi. But I charge my 3DS every day and I have yet to have a problem.

But I'm sure your impressions of the system are much closer to reality. Keep on fighting that good fight against region locking on games you already said aren't really worth their cost and a battery life you're worried about draining on what you consider ugly games that are graphically inferior to your cell phone.

 

[Vinci]

Obviously Nintendo's shitty online caused it to miss the memo that graphics are, like, important and stuff.

EDIT: Regarding an earlier debate about how Nintendo is ripping people off with a rom of SMB3... Horrible title to target. SMB3 beats the ever-loving hell out of almost every single game to have come out this gen, with rare exceptions. So yeah, so long as it holds its value - hint: it always will as one of the greatest games ever made - they can charge whatever the market is willing to pay for such an amazing achievement of game design.

 

[Alexios]

what? you just ignored this part of my post

Not really, FPS and any 3D games that require manual camera controls don't work as good as dual analogs. If you want to play FPS on 3DS you have to use a stylus which means you don't have access to the R button, while you are aiming. This is not good for FPS games that have L to aim and R to shoot, with NGP you have access to R3, L3, and L and even backtouch for tons of controls while you ar emoving and aiming with the dual analogs. and I haven't even talked about left handed players for 3DS, which would be awkward for games that require the use of stylus and analog (Kid Icarus does this).

with "really, now what"

How is that an argument at all? Games made to use all controller buttons don't work shoehorned on DS, no. They're made to use all buttons. That doesn't exclude FPS games, modern military shotters, action adventures, platformers, strategy games, or anything else, from working on 3DS designed around its own controls and capabilities, especially now that said controls include motion controls. What do I care that the game is not exactly as it is on another system as long as it a) is a military shooter or whatever I wanted and b) it's a great game with great controls making full use of THIS platform, rather than another platform?

The left handed argument is silly. All controllers are made left handed. D pad left, buttons right. That you can switch the analogs doesn't change this. Most left handed gamers I know have been conditioned to work with controllers just fine, from arcades to SNES to Genesis to PlayStation and N64 it's how things have been. If anything, Wii was the first to fully cater to them, and you still had bullshit complaints like "but Link holds the sword on his right hand now!!!!" Why single out 3DS?

 

[szaromir]

Ah ok. Well, a loss is still a loss, as mentioned in your previous post, the 360 is more than likely now profitable, but thats only now. I stand by my previous comment, Nintendo can no longer afford to have a machine take 4-5years to break even, so unless the market becomes graphic centric, it's not an affordable business practise.

Microsoft OTOH is not Nintendo and if they could afford initial losses, but earn much more later on, then trying to picture the console as a financial failure by focusing on the first two years and including other not so successful devices is a manipulation.

However, I don't think they'll be willing to lose as much money upfront with their next console as they did with 360, they'll most likely try to find a relatively cheap gimmick that they can base their marketing on, like they are doing currently with Kinect, and Nintendo has done numerous times now.

 

[Fernando Rocker]

what? you just ignored this part of my post

Not really, FPS and any 3D games that require manual camera controls don't work as good as dual analogs. If you want to play FPS on 3DS you have to use a stylus which means you don't have access to the R button, while you are aiming. This is not good for FPS games that have L to aim and R to shoot, with NGP you have access to R3, L3, and L and even backtouch for tons of controls while you ar emoving and aiming with the dual analogs. and I haven't even talked about left handed players for 3DS, which would be awkward for games that require the use of stylus and analog (Kid Icarus does this).

with "really, now what"

Aparently you don't know how FPS games work on the DS... it's kinda like mouse and keyboard.

You use the stylus to aim and the L button to shoot. You use the d-pad (Analog stick on the 3DS) to move.

And the weapons are mapped to icons on the touchscreen. Works very well... certainly more accurate and faster than double analogs.

Just check this video, kiddo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ4G4ob7n5Q

 

[marc^o^]

Perception is key here because the iOS screens (particularly the retina display) are leaps and bounds better than the 3DS and thus give games a nice resolution boost which can trick the untrained observer. Take Ridge Racer Accelerated (latest patch) for example, it actually looks better than Ridge Racer 3D on first glance since it's running at higher res but spend more than 5 minutes with it an you'll realize the frame rate is actually worse than the RR3DS and the backgrounds are pretty lifeless by comparison. So even though the 3DS hardware is superior to iDevices games are hamstrung by the cheap screens they're displayed on.

I love the Retina display and I thought 3DS screen would look really bad in comparison. But does it? I couldn't say because the 3D effect is the only thing I see. It's immersive, it's impressive, it makes graphics look great even if they are only decent in 2D.

 

[Londa]

Thread like these pop up because someone was mad at the 3DS success?

 

[KAL2006]

How is that an argument at all? Games made to use all controller buttons don't work on DS, no. They're made to use all buttons. That doesn't exclude FPS games, modern military shotters, action adventures, or anything else, from working on 3DS designed around its own controls, especially now that said controls include motion controls.

As a owner of a PSP I am telling you having only one analog gimped many games for it. As for FPS games on DS, it is obvious it doesn't work as good, due to not having access to enough buttons while moving and aiming. How many threads on GAF have you seen about a FPS DS game.

The left handed argument is silly. All controllers are made left handed. D pad left, buttons right. That you can switch the analogs doesn't change this. Most left handed gamers I know have been conditioned to work with controllers just fine, from arcades to SNES to Genesis to PlayStation and N64 it's how things have been.

Left handed is an issue, as a left hander myself I have problems holding something with my right hand and doing accurate movements, like a pen (which a stylus is similar too). To say all controllers are automatically not left handed compatible so us left handers should be ok with holding a stylus with the right hand is idiotic.

 

[Haint]

Why would it seem likely that R&D on the 360 was more than the Wii? The PS3 they made some big R&D expenses to create custom hardware that they thought they could leverage elsewhere, so it may be true in that case but the 360 is pretty close to being off the shelf.

If you sell 10 million at $300 loss you lose $3 billion, if you are confident that you will have revenue of $360 per console over its lifetime then you make $600 million.
If you sell X million at $50 profit and will make $X per console over its lifetime then you will make $X.
If you require $300 million for operating expenses - which is the riskier proposition.

I say that because Nintendo, for all intents and purposes, just re-boxed and overclocked a Gamecube with some more RAM. There was probably very little silicon R&D in that respect. The bulk was in the Wiimote, and while it was novel idea, it's a very simple and cheap implementation (basically IR lights and an IR remote)--hardly cutting edge hardware or software like (say) Kinect--which I'm sure required buckets of money by comparison. In your example, you are again assuming Sony/MS/Nintendo operate under a different rules--they do not. They all have operating expenses (and likely MS/Sony's is even higher), they all gather royalties on software--only difference is two of them sell hardware at a significant loss (for some of a generation) while one of them sells it at a significant profit (from day 1). All the data and projections in the world doesn't make the former a less risky proposition than the latter.

 

[Fernando Rocker]

Thread like these pop up because someone was mad at the 3DS success?

Some people are mad because the prophecy didn't fulfill...

 

[Vinci]

I say that because Nintendo, for all intents and purposes, just re-boxed and overclocked a Gamecube with some more RAM. There was probably very little silicon R&D in that respect. The bulk was in the Wiimote, and while it was novel idea, it's a very simple and cheap implementation (basically IR lights and an IR remote)--hardly cutting edge hardware or software like (say) Kinect--which I'm sure required buckets of money by comparison. In your example, you are again assuming Sony/MS/Nintendo operate under a different rules--they do not. They all have operating expenses (and likely MS/Sony's is even higher), they all gather royalties on software--only difference is two of them sell hardware at a significant loss (for some of a generation) while one of them sells it at a significant profit (from day 1).

In other words, one company works intelligently while the other two spend too much money.

 

[Londa]

Some people are mad because the prophecy didn't fulfill...

How did it not fulfill? Its making lots of dough.

 

[KAL2006]

Aparently you don't know how FPS games work on the DS... it's kinda like mouse and keyboard.

You use the stylus to aim and the L button to shoot. You use the d-pad (Analog stick on the 3DS) to move.

And the weapons are mapped to icons on the touchscreen. Works very well... certainly more accurate and faster than double analogs.

Just check this video, kiddo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ4G4ob7n5Q

You haven't read my post properly, many FPS games these days have an aim button (such as zoom in or iron sight), this is usually either R3 or L button to do this. But with DS stylus you only have access to L. Lets not get started on FPS games that let you have access to run, crouch, grenade, melee while aiming and moving at the same time.

EDIT:
also what about simple action adventure games that require manual camera controls, are you going to have to always pull out the stylus everytime you want to control the camera.

 

[Fernando Rocker]

How did it not fulfill? Its making lots of dough.

I meant the Nintendo is doomed prophecy.

 

[Londa]

I meant the Nintendo is doomed prophecy.

oh my bad. Yeah that was being said a lot on the forums.

 

[marc^o^]

As a owner of a PSP I am telling you having only one analog gimped many games for it. As for FPS games on DS, it is obvious it doesn't work as good, due to not having access to enough buttons while moving and aiming. How many threads on GAF have you seen about a FPS DS game.



Left handed is an issue, as a left hander myself I have problems holding something with my right hand and doing accurate movements, like a pen (which a stylus is similar too). To say all controllers are automatically not left handed compatible so us left handers should be ok with holding a stylus with the right hand is idiotic.

I played Metroïd Prime on DS with a thumbpad and it played perfectly. DS main problem with FPS lies in its limited graphical capabilities.

You are now obviously trolling, it will likely be a long year for you.

 

[Plinko]

So, what does it have? Shit controls, shit power, shit online. But you don't hate it? Ok...

He's been trolling 3DS threads and declaring NGP to be the greatest system in the history of the world for months now. You're best just ignoring it.

 

[Haint]

In other words, one company works intelligently while the other two spend too much money.

Basically yes. As consumers and fans of technology, most of us probably prefer Sony/MS approach (they are giving us more hardware than we are paying for) but as an investor, I would prefer Nintendo's.

 

[Hazelhurst]

Ok I didn't know how else to title it, but, what I mean is, why doesn't Nintendo's systems push graphics like Microsoft and Sony do with theirs? It can't be because they don't have the technology....what is the reason then?

Please don't say "gameplay>graphics" or "hi tech graphics aren't necessary", because what I'm saying is, why can't Nintendo just have both? Why can't they still have neat and innovative features (3DS/Wii) and still employ beautiful visuals like the 360/PS3?

I guess I'm trying to say, the two aren't exclusive to each other...so why not?

Nintendo took a risk by putting an emphasis on the input method rather than the graphical output. It's a risk that obviously paid off for them immensely. Isn't this common knowledge?

 

[Kai Dracon]

I think some people greatly underestimate how much R&D time and money probably went into defining the Wii and now 3DS in terms of balance of features, human interface problems, functionality, ergonomics, and so forth.

Sony and MS just had to copy or rethink what Nintendo started with the Wii for example - Nintendo started from nearly nothing, and had to devise the whole paradigm of a wiimote controlled game console. Just like some folks don't understand how much of game development is in the testing phase, R&D is just as important to the industrial design of electronics... just ask Apple what they think.

Seems the typical criticism from the geek set of Nintendo is destined to remain: why doesn't this one company do what everyone else does and compete in the bleeding edge of the technological rat race, with no heed whatsoever for whether the final product will even be profitable.

I'm sure Nintendo is real envious of Sony; why couldn't they bleed money like that for years on end!

That, and apparently the most mission critical application for hand held devices is to be able to play Call of Duty on the go.

 

[Vinci]

Basically yes. As consumers and fans of technology, most of us probably prefer Sony/MS approach (they are giving us more hardware than we are paying for) but as an investor, I would prefer Nintendo's.

I prefer Nintendo's because I lived through SEGA's demise.

 

[_Alkaline_]

I am amused how quickly this went from "Why is Nintendo's strategy not to be graphically competitive?" to "MAN THE 3DS SUCKS I DON'T HATE IT BECAUSE I AM UNBIASED BUT IT SERIOUSLY DOES SUCK"

You have a knack for speaking the truth, my friend.

 

[AceBandage]

Thread like these pop up because someone was mad at the 3DS success?

Makes sense.
People got violently angry at the DS and Wii success too.
It's sad.
Do you guys hate Mario that much?

 

[KAL2006]

Makes sense.
People got violently angry at the DS and Wii success too.
It's sad.
Do you guys hate Mario that much?

thats the problem we love Mario so much, but we have to buy shitty hardware just to play some of our fave franchises. I bought Wii for Mario and a few other games, but it collects dust compared to other consoles.

 

[AceBandage]

thats the problem we love Mario so much, but we have to buy shitty hardware just to play some of our fave franchises. I bought Wii for Mario and a few other games, but it collects dust compared to other consoles.

Then you're doing it wrong, sorry. There's a lot of great Wii games and if you only bought a couple, then you have no one but yourself to blame.

 

[szaromir]

Then you're doing it wrong, sorry. There's a lot of great Wii games and if you only bought a couple, then you have no one but yourself to blame.

If he's not interested in them, why should he buy them?

 

[AceBandage]

If he's not interested in them, why should he buy them?

Hey, if someone isn't interested in great games, then that's fine. But don't go crying that you only bought a couple when that's your choice.

 

[poppabk]

I say that because Nintendo, for all intents and purposes, just re-boxed and overclocked a Gamecube with some more RAM. There was probably very little silicon R&D in that respect. The bulk was in the Wiimote, and while it was novel idea, it's a very simple and cheap implementation (basically IR lights and an IR remote)--hardly cutting edge hardware or software like (say) Kinect--which I'm sure required buckets of money by comparison.

I don't think you understand R&D at all. First it is quite possible that the Wii required more in terms of R&D costs than the 360 because it is using a redundant architecture. The 360 is much closer to a computer in 2005/6 than the Wii is.
Second, the complexity of the end product is unrelated to the complexity of the process, in fact making a simple device can cost a lot more precisely because making something simple is very very difficult.
PS Kinect is also very simple hardware, in fact its arguably simpler than even the basic wiimote - its just two digital cameras and an IR light source.

 

[Alex]

They have a different market. Families, children, etc, even their own fans won't buy their traditional software half the time. Their crowd doesn't give a shit about bullet points, features, etc, they want something that can entertain in bursts, is affordable for the toy it's viewed as and is non-threatening to hook up on the ol' 27 inch CRT (or doesn't read like a crazy ass smartphone in terms of a handheld).

Although I don't really give a shit about absolute visual prowess anymore either, and it's a route I wouldn't mind seeing stunt itself a little. Too much time and money wasted on asset work that just isn't needed for a lot of developers that seem to just be trying to keep up with the herd. Not to say it isn't nice in bursts though, just not everything needs to be the overbloated blockbuster. An issue that's got me totally off console gaming and solely on PC/PSP at the moment is that everyone seems to be trying to be just that.

Still, I'm ALWAYS in favor of crazy hardware power still though, simply because it has far better gameplay applications than flash in the pan input methods (and there is one part of graphical splendor I always want; 1080p and 60 FPS)

 

[Fernando Rocker]

They have a different market. Families, children, etc, even their own fans won't buy their traditional software half the time. Their crowd doesn't give a shit about bullet points, features, etc, they want something that can entertain in bursts, is affordable for the toy it's viewed as and is non-threatening to hook up on the ol' 27 inch CRT (or doesn't read like a crazy ass smartphone in terms of a handheld).

Although I don't really give a shit about absolute visual prowess anymore either, and it's a route I wouldn't mind seeing stunt itself a little. Too much time and money wasted on asset work that just isn't needed for a lot of developers that seem to just be trying to keep up with the herd. Not to say it isn't nice in bursts though, just not everything needs to be the overbloated blockbuster. An issue that's got me totally off console gaming and solely on PC/PSP at the moment is that everyone seems to be trying to be just that.

Still, I'm ALWAYS in favor of crazy hardware power still though, simply because it has far better gameplay applications than flash in the pan input methods (and there is one part of graphical splendor I always want; 1080p and 60 FPS)

There are more 60fps on the Wii than on the HD consoles thought...

 

[Christine]

The left handed argument is silly. All controllers are made left handed. D pad left, buttons right. That you can switch the analogs doesn't change this. Most left handed gamers I know have been conditioned to work with controllers just fine, from arcades to SNES to Genesis to PlayStation and N64 it's how things have been. If anything, Wii was the first to fully cater to them, and you still had bullshit complaints like "but Link holds the sword on his right hand now!!!!" Why single out 3DS?

If we're talking touchscreen controlled FPS, 3DS is definitely unfair to lefties. On the DS, touchscreen FPS games used the face buttons as a mostly adequate substitute for the d-pad. Using them as a substitute for the circle pad is obviously a much larger and less favorable difference. And while I'm fairly ambidextrous with thumbsticks, I can't use a stylus in my left hand to save my life, so the inverse is probably true of most lefties.

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

Because they really never have and haven't needed to.

Check the financial reports, son.

 

[Bidermaier]

they tried to compete with the gamecube, it was close if not the best performer of the last generation. It didn't work.

 

[_Alkaline_]

If he's not interested in them, why should he buy them?

Imagine if someone said that their PS3 collects dust. It would be a ridiculous statement, but it's their own fault for (a) overlooking great games and/or (b) purchasing the console without adequete research or knowledge of its library.

Same thing here.. There's far more to the Wii than just Mario and a "few other games," just like there is far more the PS3 than Uncharted and God of War.

 

[mclem]

Imagine if someone said that their PS3 collects dust

My PS3 does collect dust. It's that black gloss finish, it picks up *so* much cruft.