Nintendo WiiU : Thread 05

[wakka]

I'd argue there's nothing convenient about using Youtube on a console instead of a phone or tablet, whereas a phone is smaller than almost all cameras, so it is more convenient. I also think it's debatable that people expect apps on their consoles - many of them were just added by MS and Sony during the last generation and then listed as selling points by Microsoft in particular when they announced the XBone. Maybe you read and hear different opinions from those of the people I talk to, but nobody I know gives a damn about apps, apart from the BluRay player on their PS3 and even that's less important as people move away from disk-based media.

So you'd like them to remove features...lol.

There's no harm in having what is now standard software for any internet-capable platform - YouTube, Netflix, iPlayer - on games consoles. I find it really useful having Netflix, Crunchyroll, iPlayer and BluRay playback all in one box on my PS3. And it even plays games!

They're not selling points, but like Asura says, if they weren't there it would be ridiculous. I think people definitely do expect them. They're not a selling point in and of themselves because you can get a box for ?30 that will do the same thing, but they should still be building this software in to a ?300 games box.

On top of that, the makers of the software want them on as many platforms as possible, so they're happy to develop them for game systems. It's a win win win. Except if you hate apps. And fun and rainbows.

[DeathAdder]

So you'd like them to remove features...lol.

No, you imagined reading that. Rather than wanting them to remove features, it wouldn't bother me if they were removed.

[kryss]

If you mean home console then maybe but I think the Nintendo boardroom in Japan is totally blind to the opinions of foreign markets/customers and in Japan they're doing okay. Personally what I think they'll do is limp home with 3DS/Wii U then the NX platform will be a shift from a traditional console generational model to an ecosystem where there's a handheld they revise/upgrade every two years and then the exact same hardware in a set-top box for "family gaming". Home and handheld with the same games, same peripherals and so on.

They're never going to go the Sega route, it's too much a prestige/bushido/japanese stubbornness issue and they've sold too many consoles, Wii-remotes, Amiibo and so on previously to just give up on their own platform any time in the lifetime of any current execs.

As long as we can have account-linked digital games, not hardware-linked.

[PaTaito]

If you mean home console then maybe but I think the Nintendo boardroom in Japan is totally blind to the opinions of foreign markets/customers and in Japan they're doing okay. Personally what I think they'll do is limp home with 3DS/Wii U then the NX platform will be a shift from a traditional console generational model to an ecosystem where there's a handheld they revise/upgrade every two years and then the exact same hardware in a set-top box for "family gaming". Home and handheld with the same games, same peripherals and so on.

They're never going to go the Sega route, it's too much a prestige/bushido/japanese stubbornness issue and they've sold too many consoles, Wii-remotes, Amiibo and so on previously to just give up on their own platform any time in the lifetime of any current execs.

Perhaps, but that would mean weaksauce hardware once again, and so dwindling 3rd party support and negativity straight out of the gates.
Also the points about amiibo etc are valid, but there is nothing to say this stuff couldn't be easily copied on another platform entirely. Hell they could even keep the name.

I keep thinking to myself if nintendo had designed the ps4/vita combo instead of the WiiU/3DS combo...they would probably be a massive success by now, much more so than sony. You know a handheld which can produce reasonable ports(more so than 3ds) given the right team, and a console which is traditional and powerful. The key is that sony didn't force the two together at the point of sale, and actually made decent hardware.

I loved nintendo's different approach at times, but its sticking to this ideology which has gotten them in hot water this gen. The most interesting time for nintendo will be when iwata-san gets the boot.

[Pikate]

You're forgetting "Logic + Present-day Nintendo = ERROR! Not Found! Code: 401"

The problem for Nintendo is they're damned if they do, damned if they don't. Lets say of their potential customers 20% own and are happy enough with their Wii U and will be with any replacement that gets "Nintendo" games (I count myself among those) if you ask the other 80% what they want half would describe an N64 or Gamecube, the other half would describe a PS4 so basically Nintendo's choice is accept their position in the market and work within those means OR try please people who either already own the console they want and have done since 1998/2002 or make something a competitor pretty much made 4 or 5 years ago (by the time they get it out the door).

[PaTaito]

You're forgetting "Logic + Present-day Nintendo = ERROR! Not Found! Code: 401"

The problem for Nintendo is they're damned if they do, damned if they don't. Lets say of their potential customers 20% own and are happy enough with their Wii U and will be with any replacement that gets "Nintendo" games (I count myself among those) if you ask the other 80% what they want half would describe an N64 or Gamecube, the other half would describe a PS4 so basically Nintendo's choice is accept their position in the market and work within those means OR try please people who either already own the console they want and have done since 1998/2002 or make something a competitor pretty much made 4 or 5 years ago (by the time they get it out the door).

The difference between nintendo being a player in the market is hardware.

I think more like 20% would say i'd buy any nintendo hardware and the matching slippers(i too count myself as one of those people), the rest would say as long as it has decent amounts of games(and lots of online games at that) i'd buy one...and to facilitate this they need to make something which matches far more closely to ps4/xbone hardware. But then the timing is all off because if they release NX with decent hardware under the hood ps5/xbox4 might be closer than anyone thought?

Its a minefield of their own making and the only real option without investing lots of ?$ is to keep working the niche position they found themselves in, UNLESS they delay NX and commit to releasing around the time of the next console gen.....personally i think that is the better idea.

That way their next handheld could be very close to WiiU in spec and possibly even breathe new life into the system, whilst creating this eco system that they have gone on paper as being interested in for the sake of porting their games.

[Pikate]

Taking this off-topic slightly, I recently bought this 500GB Toshiba Canvio HDD (?35) for my Basic Wii U, I actually have it hidden out of sight under the shelf my Wii U is on but it compliments the Wii U well. It's stupid Nintendo don't sell their own HDD, for none techy types it's so confusing, their own FAQ says use an independently powered 3rd party HDD but this works perfect with a Y-Cable and having 500GB feels so much better, I could finally update Smash Bros. and buy NES Remix / MvsDK etc.

[Neon Ignition]

In terms of long term, for me, the only real option for Nintendo is a traditional, powerful system. I kind of see it as:

Option A - A low powered, casual system
Basically repeating the Wii/WiiU plan and hoping it works

Option B - A handheld/console hybrid
Which is effectively the same as closing their console division so won't happen.

Option C - A shared platform
Would mean Nintendo leaping forward in their mindset so massively it's effectively talking about Nintendo Steam which they'd never go for for a multitude of reasons.

Option D - A Completely Out There Gimmick
A full on curve ball people don't see coming, possible but a massive dice roll. I'd group a VR Nintendo system in this as well.

The trouble with Nintendo, is it doesn't seem to see itself as the cause of its troubles. The safest bet for them seems to be to make a proper, full powered (generational stepping stone) traditional system with an aim to sell maybe 30m units. They need to sort out their reputation, establish third party confidence/support and build their userbase back up over time instead of looking for gimmick get rich schemes. It's like one day it'll turn out Del Boy runs the company.

*Unveils new Nintendo system with games controlled solely by the players ears, "I'm telling you Iwata, this time next year we'll be Millionaire's!"*

The biggest missed opportunity was the Gamecube. If it hadn't launched so late and used standard storage size DVD's, they'd have been onto a winner.

[Team Andromeda]

They're not selling points, but like Asura says, if they weren't there it would be ridiculous. I think people definitely do expect them. They're not a selling point in and of themselves because you can get a box for ?30 that will do the same thing, but they should still be building this software in to a ?300 games box.

Yep . They're not game changers, but they are what most people expect these days. What really hurting Nintendo is masive gulf in tech and their complete lack of making On-Line central to the console in the same way SONY and MS have done. Even kids, which used to be Nintendo core market want to play their FIFA's and COD on-line and Nintendo are nowhere on that front .

[Pikate]

Urgh, I'm both excited for and dreading tonight's Nintendo Direct now, my heart wants any decent announcements about GAMES e.g. the following:

Animal Crossing Wii U in 2015 (since they pushed Zelda back)
Luigi's Mansion in time for Halloween (new or a HD remake/port of the GC one)
Super Mario Galaxy HD (boxed retail a la Wind Waker ideally)
Free Star Fox (SNES) Virtual Console promotion to hype us for the new Star Fox
the SNES version of Yoshi's Island finally hitting VC

What I expect to see is actually small details, trailers and dates for Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush, MK8 DLC Pack 2, Splatoon and Yoshi's Wooly World and some more bollocks about 3DS and Amiibo (a new range and that "Amiibo unlocking VC demos" thing).

[gambit6613]

You have got to love Nintendo. Just announced first N64 games coming to Wii U VC, Mario 64 and Donkey Kong 64. Lol insanely priced at ?8.99!!!!. Just what are Nintendo smoking,

[Neon Ignition]

https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/583394708073775104

So far a western release for Project Zero 5 seems like the only worthwhile reveal

[danholo]

Fatal Frame 5, SMTxFire Emblem are interesting. Some Steam Punky Ace Attorney game on the Japanese side.

Urgh, I'm both excited for and dreading tonight's Nintendo Direct now, my heart wants any decent announcements about GAMES e.g. the following:

Animal Crossing Wii U in 2015 (since they pushed Zelda back)
Luigi's Mansion in time for Halloween (new or a HD remake/port of the GC one)
Super Mario Galaxy HD (boxed retail a la Wind Waker ideally)
Free Star Fox (SNES) Virtual Console promotion to hype us for the new Star Fox
the SNES version of Yoshi's Island finally hitting VC

What I expect to see is actually small details, trailers and dates for Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush, MK8 DLC Pack 2, Splatoon and Yoshi's Wooly World and some more bollocks about 3DS and Amiibo (a new range and that "Amiibo unlocking VC demos" thing).

Wishful thinking. There's no fan service on this Direct for now. I feel for you.

edit: New Fire Emblem for 2016. In Japan it's called Fire Emblem IF (White, Black). I guess you can buy either side separately for a reduced price or the full game.

edit2: MK8 200CC I'm down.

[danstan21]

That was worse than I'd hoped but much better than I expected

Looking forward to Mario Maker, Splatoon and the SMT x FE game, plus turbo MK looks a lot of fun.

[punio75]

200 cc mario kart looks good fun!

overall, underwhelmed really