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Will Super Mario 3D World be the beginning of the turnaround for Wii U?
- Thread starter shinobi602
- Start date
Freezie KO
Banned
Nope. Wii U will get a holiday bump, but January will be back to the doldrums. 3D World would've had better synergy with Donkey Kong to build an attractive holiday proposition. The line-up would've still been thin, but now let's look at the exclusives:
Mario 3D World
Wii Fit
Wii Party
2 download-only, remade Wii Sports games.
3D World might have some combined effect with Wii Party or the Wii Sports downloads, but even that's a maybe. I don't see the people willing to buy in for 3D World being the same as the Wii Fit crowd. Certainly the kids who like Mario aren't asking for Wii Fit. Probably their best bet is with families, but $300 is nothing to sneeze at and the iPad still exists.
The question is really if Wii Fit and Party will have any effect along with the promise of upcoming Wii Sports downloads. The cost is still higher than Wii was, and that came with a game. The Wii ____ games aren't going to be fresh experiences that capture the zeitgeist, and Wii Sports being locked away in the eShop makes it a harder sell (and a piecemeal remake isn't an easy sell anyway).
So then you have to look at Mario 3D World as a game that appeals more to the demographic that actually spends big money on games. To that demographic, are they going to be willing to buy in because of a single 3D platformer? When other consoles are on the shelves? And if they are traditional gamers, are they fine with having 3D Land on the 3DS?
Also the jury is out if Nintendo and the game itself can actually convince the general gaming press to generate the kind of free hype that accompanies a game like Galaxy. I'd guess their attention will be diverted elsewhere, leaving Nintendo to have no clear target. Their aim falling in a nebulous area between Wii Fit and a 3D platformer, which is uncoincidentally one of the key problems of the platform as a whole.
Mario 3D World
Wii Fit
Wii Party
2 download-only, remade Wii Sports games.
3D World might have some combined effect with Wii Party or the Wii Sports downloads, but even that's a maybe. I don't see the people willing to buy in for 3D World being the same as the Wii Fit crowd. Certainly the kids who like Mario aren't asking for Wii Fit. Probably their best bet is with families, but $300 is nothing to sneeze at and the iPad still exists.
The question is really if Wii Fit and Party will have any effect along with the promise of upcoming Wii Sports downloads. The cost is still higher than Wii was, and that came with a game. The Wii ____ games aren't going to be fresh experiences that capture the zeitgeist, and Wii Sports being locked away in the eShop makes it a harder sell (and a piecemeal remake isn't an easy sell anyway).
So then you have to look at Mario 3D World as a game that appeals more to the demographic that actually spends big money on games. To that demographic, are they going to be willing to buy in because of a single 3D platformer? When other consoles are on the shelves? And if they are traditional gamers, are they fine with having 3D Land on the 3DS?
Also the jury is out if Nintendo and the game itself can actually convince the general gaming press to generate the kind of free hype that accompanies a game like Galaxy. I'd guess their attention will be diverted elsewhere, leaving Nintendo to have no clear target. Their aim falling in a nebulous area between Wii Fit and a 3D platformer, which is uncoincidentally one of the key problems of the platform as a whole.
Baleoce
Member
Yeah, and certainly in places like the UK where Mario Kart traditionally does very well. I was extremely surprised when they said it would be next year, considering the circumstances.
It's pathetic that I've seen more ads on TV this year for two consoles that haven't been released yet than for the one new console that's been out nearly a year. Nintendo Directs are an awful way to get the word out to the masses. They might want to try real marketing.
Byakuya769
Member
Nah, only coming out a year or so before the PS4/Xbox-One version. Looks fun, I'll wait.
Thunder Monkey
Banned
*shrugs*
Depends on what you mean by turnaround.
I can see it maybe tripling it's current monthly rate in America. So around 100.000 units in nonholiday months. But that's going to take everyone wanting the games coming this fall and onward. I don't know if Mario, Smash, and Kart have that kind of pull right now.
Depends on what you mean by turnaround.
I can see it maybe tripling it's current monthly rate in America. So around 100.000 units in nonholiday months. But that's going to take everyone wanting the games coming this fall and onward. I don't know if Mario, Smash, and Kart have that kind of pull right now.
Poimandres
Member
When dealing with system launches, it's not quite so simple. There are a bunch of people who would have bought the Wii U day 1 regardless of the games. Pickings were relatively slim, so NSMBU was a natural choice even if it wasn't a "system seller".
Almost got me.
Shikamaru Ninja
任天å ã® å¿è
Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and Smash Brothers U are going to invigorate gamers with affinity to the Nintendo brand. Absolutely. The system will do some great software sales (finally) and much improved hardware sales.
The problem is they are going to spike sales while still pandering to Nintendo faithful and some diasporic Nintendo fans. They need a couple of big first party or third party published software that brings in other market shares.
Still. Some momentum is at least encouraging.
The problem is they are going to spike sales while still pandering to Nintendo faithful and some diasporic Nintendo fans. They need a couple of big first party or third party published software that brings in other market shares.
Still. Some momentum is at least encouraging.
SolidSnakex
Member
That's the biggest problem. DKC is the only one with any sort of solid release period (February). The other two stars of their 2014 calender have generic release dates of spring (MK8) and 2014 (Smash Bros). This is especially bad because they really don't have the third party support to carry the console through periods when their first party developers don't have anything to release.
So 3D World may give it a shot in the arm, but it's going to keep collapsing unless they can put together consistent release schedule.
It would have to be one of the greatest turn arounds in history
I knew it was bad, but didn't realize it was this bad.
Aquamarine
Member
It's not SO bad...the Wii U's sales in the USA are currently higher than the WORLDWIDE lifetime sales of the Virtual Boy!
Devilgunman
Member
Mario always sell console but turn the whole thing around? Nah.
To save WiiU, Nintendo need to do something as drastic as Sony making the Vita TV. Not that I say the Vita TV will turn the Vita around but the change that WiiU needs should be in that magnitude. Good ol "Cutting the Price" and "More Mario!" tactic won't work anymore.
The obligatory Nintendo droughts will kill all the momentum their top tier games will generate. If Nintendo could not avoid droughts with the Wii (that has much better third party support then the WiiU) how are they supposed to do that with the WiiU that has much less third party support and requires much more dev time.
Q
qizah
Unconfirmed Member
Software moves hardware.
There's going to be a lot more pieces of software that justify a Wii U purchase this holiday compared to last year.
Mario Kart 8 missing this holiday was a mistake though. That would have really moved hardware.
There's going to be a lot more pieces of software that justify a Wii U purchase this holiday compared to last year.
Mario Kart 8 missing this holiday was a mistake though. That would have really moved hardware.
evilromero
Member
It will certainly help, no doubt. But turnaround like selling near N64 or Wii levels? I just don't see it. Unless Mario 3D World becomes a hit with the mass media.
It would have to be one of the greatest turn arounds in history
Wow I knew the Wii U is selling poorly, but I didn't know that it was THAT bad!
Didn't NSMB sell much better than the Mario Galaxies on the Wii? I don't think 3D Mario games are really pulling in so many new people although this one might be better due to the multiplayer.
There will be a boost for sure because some Nintendo fans are still on the fence, but if there is a game that I would pick as the saving grace, it would rather be Mario Kart.
There will be a boost for sure because some Nintendo fans are still on the fence, but if there is a game that I would pick as the saving grace, it would rather be Mario Kart.
MagiusNecros
Gilgamesh Fan Annoyance
2013 is year of 3DS.
2014 will be where Wii U really shines.
That's what I think.
2014 will be where Wii U really shines.
That's what I think.
SolarPowered
Member
One does not simply "turn around" sub Gamecube and Dreamcast numbers.
RealDeadOne
Member
Historically NSMBWii outsold both Galaxy's, and the U's NSMB is already out. 3D World looks amazing but its rehashed aesthetic is gonna keep it from being a Galaxy-like must have for gamers. It will give the system some sales but it won't be a turnaround.
Combined with Zelda, Smash and Kart, the real heavy hitting system sellers, I think it will help lead to a huge increase in sales however
Combined with Zelda, Smash and Kart, the real heavy hitting system sellers, I think it will help lead to a huge increase in sales however
If Nintendo can do a really great media blitz around SM3DW, Wii Party U, Wii Fit U, elaborating it's a completely new console, then yes, I can see it turning around. It has a good library already (despite what people say), I think the key is they need to market, market, market. Just make people aware there is a new system with a new Mario and a new fun "party-game" (like Wii Sports was for Wii), and they'll have a pretty good turnout.
If that's a "turn-around" or not, well that depends on your definition.
If that's a "turn-around" or not, well that depends on your definition.
Lets not forget that NSMBWii was the first 2D Mario on consoles since 20 years! I think the new bros. Series is a little bit overused and fatigued.
toddhunter
Member
Price is a big deal obviously... but I'd think anybody who was excited by SM3DW would already own a Wii U? I figured NSMBU was a quality enough offering by reputation and as such I'd question this game making much difference at all. Similarly the other big titles could be seen as preaching to the choir (not a bad thing, but not something that will suddenly boost sales either).
Personally, whilst it looks great, I'm still dubious about it having any real length or challenge, which are my big concerns. Hopefully it does erase those fears and it really turns the Wii U into a strong competitor.
Flame Lord
Member
Doubt it. If NSMB U didn't bring the Mario crowd in I don't see 3D World doing to much better.
Kageshinzo
Member
I don't think the Wii U will be charting huge numbers to be a threat for PS4 or possibly the Xbone, but it will coast along and remain profitable during its lifetime.
outunderthestars
Banned
This. I don't think the mass market has any interest in the Wii U, regardless of what Nintendo shows.
soxinthebox
Member
But how long was the Virtual Boy on the market for?
Arkam
Member
I think it will be the beginning of some level of momentum of sure.
Mario looks great and has a lot of people excited.
Couple that with WW HD, Sonic, DK, MK8 coming in the next '6 months' & Smash Bros later n 2014. Bayonetta 2 and X at some point.
Makes it more appealing to jump in and get a WiiU.
Those games listed above plus what is already released make it solid console worth owning.
I think its just a matter value/price issue for most soon.
Especially when MS/Sony will be competing for those same dollars.
So it will be a turn around for sure, just anyones guess on size.
Mario looks great and has a lot of people excited.
Couple that with WW HD, Sonic, DK, MK8 coming in the next '6 months' & Smash Bros later n 2014. Bayonetta 2 and X at some point.
Makes it more appealing to jump in and get a WiiU.
Those games listed above plus what is already released make it solid console worth owning.
I think its just a matter value/price issue for most soon.
Especially when MS/Sony will be competing for those same dollars.
So it will be a turn around for sure, just anyones guess on size.
Nope. No major third party support apart from Ubisoft (which may stop depending on this holiday's software sales), very long first party droughts, too expensive even at $300 for main audience, etc.
They might have had a chance if they had Mario Kart and DKC this year, but having only a 10 year old HD rerelease, a niche Japanese action game, and a Mario platformer is not enough to make a major turnaround. The fact Xbox One and PS4 are also coming out is going to further remove the Wii U from the spotlight.
They might have had a chance if they had Mario Kart and DKC this year, but having only a 10 year old HD rerelease, a niche Japanese action game, and a Mario platformer is not enough to make a major turnaround. The fact Xbox One and PS4 are also coming out is going to further remove the Wii U from the spotlight.
It would have to be one of the greatest turn arounds in history
Wow this really puts things into perspective.
RobFox64tm
Member
I love how people are claiming the Wii U has absolutely no chance, citing the new systems when the combined sales of XB1 and PS4 is currently zero. I don't know how Wii U will do this holiday and beyond, but I don't know how XB1 and PS4 will do either. Outside the bubble of GAF, things aren't so cut and dry. Did you people not learn anything from the Wii? I will say this though, systems' fortunes have been turned around by a single game (or a handful of them) before, and the response to the Super Mario 3D World trailer yesterday was interesting, to say the least. I think this race is anyone's to win, even Nintendo's. I think it's foolish to count them out just because they had a bad first year.
I think a combination of a PS4/Xbone content drought and a strong WiiU lineup will save the WiiU. But if "next gen" systems have a continuous strong lineup each month the WiiU is done for. Mine would still be collecting dust if it wasn't for WW HD.
Edit: Also, Nintendo will need to market HARD this upcoming holiday season to compete. They had a price drop already, right?
Edit: Also, Nintendo will need to market HARD this upcoming holiday season to compete. They had a price drop already, right?
giancarlo123x
Banned
This bears repeating:
I was expecting this to be the first post.
GustyGardens
Banned
It'll definitely help, and it's a good start, but Mario isn't going to do it alone this time. If we're lucky, the Wii U will surpass what the Gamecube was around the same time frame - and that's a big change; a good change.
It's going to be a combination of Zelda, which is already doing its job, Mario which seems to be picking up a lot of buzz and a few other titles that people have probably written off as system sellers. Wii Sports Club will do good things for the system, but they should really bundle it along with Nintendoland or Super Mario 3D Land this holiday. Also, Wii Fit U should move quite a few units. Especially because it's free if you already own the first one. But again, Nintendo need to market that. How are John & Sue Person, who use Wii Fit daily, going to know that, that bundle or promotion exists?
So yeah, Mario and the combination of the rest of the upcoming titles will help. Don't expect Wii levels of hype, but a good amount of buzz this holiday and probably moving enough units to surpass the Gamecube. It's basically a re-launch.
It's going to be a combination of Zelda, which is already doing its job, Mario which seems to be picking up a lot of buzz and a few other titles that people have probably written off as system sellers. Wii Sports Club will do good things for the system, but they should really bundle it along with Nintendoland or Super Mario 3D Land this holiday. Also, Wii Fit U should move quite a few units. Especially because it's free if you already own the first one. But again, Nintendo need to market that. How are John & Sue Person, who use Wii Fit daily, going to know that, that bundle or promotion exists?
So yeah, Mario and the combination of the rest of the upcoming titles will help. Don't expect Wii levels of hype, but a good amount of buzz this holiday and probably moving enough units to surpass the Gamecube. It's basically a re-launch.
revolverjgw
Member
I don't think mainline Mario games have that power now. Nobody wanted one for NSMBu and that game's predecessor sold gangbusters. Shame because I'm buying a Wii U for this
But it did? The Wii U had an alright launch. And that was carried by what looked like a Wii game.
Expecting NSMB U to carry the system for half a year is a bit unreasonable.
Sir Alemeth
Member
No way. The Wii U is doa from the start.
The PS4 and XBone's pre orders alone already crushed Wii U's sales numbers to date.
There are simply no game support other than Nintendo games and sonic.
The PS4 and XBone's pre orders alone already crushed Wii U's sales numbers to date.
There are simply no game support other than Nintendo games and sonic.