Adam Tyner

Look closer at the console in this ad, then look at the image below as a reminder:



Plus they promote the system with images like this:


Any wonder people think the Wii U is a gamepad add-on for the Wii?

fujishig

Is that an exclusive retro-WiiU?

I think a Nintendo turnaround in the face of Sony and Microsoft entering the next gen comes down to a few things: how much of their fanbase are just diehard Nintendo fans (these have probably already gotten a Wii U), how many of them are diehard gamers who are going to own multiple consoles (at this point, I see very little reason to own both an XBone and a PSIV), and how much momentum they can get with a cheaper price and an influx of 1st party games. If they're able to release their slew of games during the natural lull of quality immediately after a new console's launch, I think they'll be fine.

Michael Corvin

Oh shit, Pikmin comes out Sunday? Been waiting so long that I though it wasn't due until September.

Still have my $12 off Newegg order. How are they with pre-orders?

Coral

Yeah, when I say "turn it around" - I mean that the Wii-U is profitable, in that it sells a decent amount of consoles and games. It doesn't have to win the next-gen race - but just be competitive. However I don't see it happening.

I agree, that's a big problem. Hell, I know the Wii-U is a new console and that it utilizes a gamepad/tablet type of device - but I'm still not sure what it does and how it's supposed to make things more entertaining. The average consumer doesn't get it. Also, I think the design of the console and gamepad/tablet thingy makes it look kind of childish - Fisher Price-ish. Then you see the graphics and it really doesn't look next-gen at all. It doesn't even look as good as the 360/PS3.

This thing fails on different levels. Someone heads should be rolling soon at Nintendo.

Gizmo

There was very little reason to own an Xbox 360 or PS3 for the first year either. Shit, I played Gun and King Kong on my 360 for what seems like a year.

For some reason, that's not ok with the Wii U this generation. The same thing is going to happen with the Xbox One and PS4 - not a ton of games the first year and many people sticking with the old 360 and PS3. With phone and tablet gaming, and no 'must have features' for either console, I don't see either doing that great.

Plus the lack of BC will be a huge slap to those that want to trade in their old console to help pay for the new one. Now they can't even play the games coming out only on the 360/PS3 on their shiny new $400+ console.

Is it still correct that XBL and PS Store games won't transfer as well?

Coral

The difference is the 360 and PS3 were far more powerful consoles than the Wii, so as time passed better and more impressive games were coming out to take advantage of the consoles as developers were getting better acquainted with the systems. The Wii stayed in the game only because they had something the other two didn't - and that was the motion controller... it really catered to the casual gamer.

This time around the casual gamer have many other options instead of the Wii-U (ie. phones, tablets, etc)... combine that with the bad marketing, lack of games, the confusing controller, the underpowered performance - the 1 year lead Nintendo had is essentially wasted.

The XONE and PS4 will grab the hardcore gamers plus those that want to do all this extra TV/streaming crap. The Wii-U is a console with a very limited target audience now.

Time will tell, but I'm pretty sure the Wii-U will remain the failure that it is today.

Adam Tyner

That's already demonstrably false. We've seen more noteworthy exclusives and more third-party support for consoles that don't even exist yet than we have for the Wii U after the better part of a year. The 360 and PS3 were at least marketed and generated interest. There was a steady supply of games, even if they weren't all blockbusters. Nintendo has sat on its hands accomplishing nothing: non-existent marketing, an inability to bother getting games ready, a gamepad that they aren't really sure what to do with... They've done essentially nothing right...nothing with any degree of competence. They've screwed up so completely and thoroughly that there aren't all that many precedents. I know you're big into saying "...but it's just like the PS3!", but did PS3 sales ever plummet to borderline-zero the way the Wii U has? Did stores ever dump consoles at firesale prices? How many retailers pulled support completely? The PS3 is the result of Sony's arrogance, and so too is Wii U the result of Nintendo's. At this point, I wonder if the Sega Saturn is a better point of reference than the PS3.

Again, I like my Wii U and am hopeful for the future, but I can't fathom how this completely botched first year is in any way comparable to the first years of the 360 and PS3, as underwhelming as they were.

fumanstan

The Wii U is like Gizmo and Blu-ray for everyone else.

Adam Tyner

Ha, I was coming back in to say the exact same thing.

RichC2

The 360 had Oblivion within a few months of release. It also had the only proper console port of Call of Duty 2 and Project Gotham Racing 3. It had the only next-gen version of Burnout Revenge, also had Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter.

It also had the advantage of being a next-gen system and having something awesome looking in Gears of War just around the corner.

Plus my favorite launch title
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kijt1dH1u2g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Michael Corvin

And Dead Rising, Splinter Cell, Tomb Raider Legend, Battlefield 2, Final Fantasy XI, Fight Night, Saints Row, Prey, Test Drive Unlimited, Just Cause, Condemned.

Are they all AAA titles? No, but the first year is hardly the barren wasteland some choose to make it out to be to paint the WiiU in a positive light.

Look I love Nintendo(and I dig the WiiU) but honestly, the WiiU's first year is only topped by the N64 for worst Nintendo console launch.

RichC2

But the N64 had Wave Race

Noonan

I have to agree about it being a horrible launch. I'm glad to see Pikmin finally coming out but it's not a system seller. The idea that the first Zelda game the system is getting is a remake is pretty bad. To pull in any of the "hardcore" gamer crowd, they would need a new Metroid or Zelda asap.

Michael Corvin

After the last two Zelda's, I'll take a remake of the last great Zelda game over taking a chance on a new one.

There. There. I'd buy a new WaveRace in a New York minute.

Noonan

True; I did love WW so I will be buying the remake. I just picked up a copy of SS. So far, my WiiU has been used to finish the majority of Xenoblade and now Skyward Sword.

SmackDaddy

Aside from finally getting back into ZombiU recently, I'm pretty much done with the all the games I have on the WiiU. Not sure how they could possibly think the strategy (if they even have one) of a dead zone of releases followed by "Here, buy the new Mario/Zelda game!" could possibly work this time around. With the market somewhat soft and fractured by the plethora of mobile devices that can play games the only people to appeal to that can make a difference are true core gamers.

It wouldn't be so bad if all that 3rd party support that was pledged before launch actually materialized. Instead it seems we have devs either jumping ship completely or going into wait and see mode.

If Monolith Soft's "X" disappears from the release slate for next year, I'm not even sure I'll keep the WiiU. I mean really, are there any exclusive releases of note coming this year that could even remotely stop the bleeding that will turn into hemorrhaging once the XB1 and PS4 are released?

mattysemo247

I just saw they are charging $50 for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD. Really? REALLY? Fuck, Nintendo must be high. At least Microsoft is releasing Fable Anniversary for $30.

Michael Corvin

Yeah the Zelda remake is a prime candidate for a B2G1 sale.

XavierMike

I picked up Lego City and the Pro controller. I haven't tried Lego yet, but the Pro Controller is pretty sweet.

mattysemo247

Yeah, that's just nuts. I know I'm never going to get around to playing my copy. I should just sell it now while the price is still high.

edstein

Anyone pick up Pikmin yet? I'm getting it later today.

Adam Tyner

I thought about cancelling my Amazon preorder (which isn't scheduled to get here till Wednesday) and buying a copy of Pikmin 3 locally, but since I wouldn't be able to play it today anyway, I guess I'm okay waiting a little bit longer.

Michael Corvin

Found out the answer to my question. Newegg hadn't even shipped mine yet. Amazon has spoiled me. I wanted to play tonight (could buy and return) but oh well. Started BTTF Ep. 1 on the PS3. Maybe ill finish that in the meantime.

Gizmo

Shortly. Looking forward to it!

Michael Corvin

Thought about buying at Target tonight and returning the Newegg copy to Target but I didn't see Pikmin anywhere. Made the decision that much easier.