250°

Can the Wii U attract a new audience of hardcore gamers?

Before analysing and critiquing Nintendo’s latest console, it’s probably worth establishing exactly what a ‘hardcore’ gamer is. It would be easy of me to label those who have 10th Prestige on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and a K/D ratio akin to Rambo as ‘hardcore’, due to the amount of time and dedication these players spend on one game. However, to do so would be a disservice to all the other fantastic games and franchises that populate our planet.

LOGICWINS4225d ago

Unless GTAV is on it and makes full creative use of the tablet controller, I don't see the majority of PS3/360 making the Wii U their main gaming console.

People tend to forget how powerful that franchise is.

Thatguy-3104225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

Even if GTAV was on it I doubt ps3/360 owners will jump ships. why bother when they can get it on their current system? Plus most likely they'll be waiting for next generation of Sony's and microsoft's console. I for one am waiting for the ps4.

etowntwo4225d ago

I know I've waited long enough for next gen.
7 yrs is too long.

WiiU day 1, hoping it doesn't disappoint too much in the long run.

LOGICWINS4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

"why bother when they can get it on their current system?"

Because the Wii U version MAY be the better version by a mile. Think of the difference between the PC/PS2 versions of Max Payne 2. The difference COULD be night and day given the Wii U's RAM and other technical advantages over current gen consoles.

Also, when the PS4 launches(2014 or 2015), it will be at LEAST $399 for the cheapest SKU, and thats if it offers a MINIMAL advantage over the PS3.

By the time the PS4/720 come out, the most expensive Wii U SKU will be $250-$300, making it the cheapest next-gen console.

Perjoss4225d ago

There's no need to 'jump ship', there is no law against owning more than one console.

LOGICWINS4225d ago

Correct. But not everyone has the discretionary income to own multiple consoles...hence the complaints about Bayonetta 2 being a Wii U exclusive.

Carl_Shocker4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

@Logic...

It's not about what version is better with most gamers this gen it's about where your friends are so you can play with them on that system. Since GTAV will feature multiplayer like GTA4 and Red Dead I can see people sticking with the platform they got it on with the pervious installments and the ones there friends will get.

Unless all of them buy a Wii U...but I don't see that happening

I know it's a shame that most people today go where there friends are and not get the one where you'll get the best version but thats whats happened this gen

LOGICWINS4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

@Carl- I could be wrong, but I doubt that most people buy GTA for the multiplayer. The franchise has been critically acclaimed and sold a gazillion copies WAAAAY before a competitive MP system became part of the franchise.

I agree however that what friends buy does have an effect on what you buy sometimes.

Nutsack4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

@ LOGICWINS

"Because the Wii U version MAY be the better version by a mile."

'May' eh? WiiUpgrade has no, or soon a low installed base. Low installed base consoles always get PORTS, they're not leading in development. Much like the PS3 got 360 ports because the 360 had a year head start. WiiUpgrade most likely gets a 360 port for the games that get announced for WiiUpgrade as the CPU's are similar. GTAV isn't announced for WiiUpgrade and probably won't, as Rockstar isn't interested in a console with no installed base while both 360 and PS3 are around 70 to 75 mln each...

"Think of the difference between the PC/PS2 versions of Max Payne 2. The difference COULD be night and day given the Wii U's RAM and other technical advantages over current gen consoles."

No, simply no. 'Could'? The CPU is lower clocked than the 360/PS3 in speed. The GPU might be a tad better. But a difference from PC and PS2? Never.

"Also, when the PS4 launches(2014 or 2015), it will be at LEAST $399 for the cheapest SKU, and thats if it offers a MINIMAL advantage over the PS3."

Ehr... Where is your crystal ball, you gotta show me that vision of yours. Maybe you want to clean and rub it better. Pretty sure Sony won't make the same mistake with PS4's pricing as they had with PS3. This time around BluRay isn't as expensive and high tech as in PS3. It'll be priced like a DVD player was this gen to put in a console. Be sure that Sony will launch at MAX 399 like the XBOX 8 will. Like how the PSVita launched at 250 while when it was announced everyone expected a price of 350, because the tech is much more advanced as the weak 3DS which was at 250 at that time too. PS4 will offer minimal advantage over PS3? Can you give me a link to the specs? Pretty sure Sony is trying to sell 4k reso TV's by then and some stuff leaked that they will get the PS4 to push and support 4k resolution. Much like they had PS3 push and support BluRay. If Sony showed anything lately, is that they still push the best tech possible for a reasonable price, aka again the stuff in PSVita compared to the low upgraded Nintendo DS with some gimmick 3D in it for the same launch price.

"By the time the PS4/720 come out, the most expensive Wii U SKU will be $250-$300, making it the cheapest next-gen console"

Errrrrrrrr pretty sure Nintendo kept the Wii for a long ass time on their launch price and they already said they will do the same with WiiUpgrade. Don't be so sure about the cheapest console. Oh and don't call it next gen, as the WiiUpgrade just about updates it to current gen 360/PS3. It ain't like 10x as powerful as current gen, so its not next gen. Thats about the steps that every real next gen gets, being 10 x as powerful as the last.

The WiiUpgrade being at 300 to 350 now makes it the most expensive CURRENT GEN console, with a new controller. That new controller ain't that impressive either, its just a blown up DS with a one touch panel, not even multitouch which every tablet, smartphone has nowadays, or a PSVita if you like.

Its the same thing they did selling the Wii, giving a non accurate weak Wiimote, and sell other gimmick hardware like WiiFits balance board or the Wiimote Plus addon to fix their own faulty inaccurate Wiimote.

360's basic model is the cheapest current gen console, even if you add Kinect as another control method its cheaper than the WiiUpgrade. PS3 superslim 12GB new model comes in at a recommended 230 bucks, but retailers are free in pricing it, which will lead to a 200 bucks pricelevel soon, being waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than the WiiUpgrade too.

Gaming1014225d ago

lol @ No Logic, you're not winning.

There will be no "By a mile" graphics leap for the Wii U compared to current gen. There will be minute differences just like you saw with Batman Arkham City.

How does anyone figure that the PS4 would have a minimal difference from PS3, yet the Wii U will surpass it by a mile? What planet does this guy live on?

There will be the odd franchise, but once PS4 gets released, it will leave the Wii U in the dust by miles. It won't even be close. It will be just like the current gen consoles. But it doesn't matter, because Nintendo doesn't care if it doesn't completely dominate in hardcore gamers. They will make a shallow attempt at it but nothing that will drive them further in the long run.

The "author" seems to spend forever trying to define a hardcore gamer as well. We already determined that casual gamers "ie. the Wii's audience" only buys a few games and that's it, there are very low software attachment rates in the casual audience. Hardcore is the opposite - high software attachment rates, someone who buys lots of games. That's it. It has nothing to do with your gamer score, or whether you play online or offline, or whether you collected every feather in Assassin's Creed. It has everything to do with how much money you spend - don't forget it, money is the measuring stick every company uses. They don't care if you beat their game on the hardest difficulty, they care that you bought it, and all the DLC they sold you afterwards.

LOGICWINS4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

"There will be the odd franchise, but once PS4 gets released, it will leave the Wii U in the dust by miles."

And I never argued against that. What does that have to do with anything?

@Nutsack- Not reading that Berlin Wall of text..sorry.

Hisiru4225d ago

@LOGICWINS
They are mad, we shouldn't even bother trying to read all that text, seriously. I agree with you bro :)

knowyourstuff4225d ago

lol ok Logic, nice of you to completely disagree with your own previous comments ^^^

"Also, when the PS4 launches(2014 or 2015), it will be at LEAST $399 for the cheapest SKU, and thats if it offers a MINIMAL advantage over the PS3."

It's clear you don't think it will have an advantage over PS3 yet the Wii U will suprass it by leaps and bounds. Try using better logic next time.

Bye!

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4225d ago
OmegaSlayer4224d ago

Why should I buy a current generation console (even if supposedly the more performing hardware) if I can buy a next gen platform after a year from WiiU release?
With this economy I should eithe be extra rich or using all my money for videogames.
And if I would have 300$ to use, I think I would buy 5-6 new games, or much more if I decide to pick some title I missed at launch

Hellsvacancy4225d ago

Not me, but im just one person, ill hold on for PS4

"Hay your a fanboy" no, im happy with what ive got for now

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

indeed.

So far everyone but sony has abandoned the hardcore this gen. But everyon has better marketing then sony for now.

In my opinion nintendo always makes innovative hardware but games? no.

I am satisfied with ps3 graphics until ps4.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

sure sony is making a smash bros but hey they have a great variety! I want this!
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

I still respect that nintendo raised bayonetta from the dead. That shows how serious they are. But until wiiU has a lot of games and it will probably be cheaper by the time I buy one I will play God of war.

I haven't loved nintendo since my Epic N64 so it's hard to just welcome them with a day 1 purchase. Especially when they market a next gen system with not even one next gen games.

I just wonder if every console will now have a screen?

Also I think the controller is not really innovative but a reaction to the tablet craze. Which also shows that they are eyeing the tablet/phone users. Everyone says it's innovative but really nintendo is just the first console maker to follow today's industry. I expect angry birds to be one of wiiU's biggest sellers.(not joking)

live2play4225d ago

"So far everyone but sony has abandoned the hardcore this gen"

hardcore meaning? the thing 12 year olds like to call themselves to feel cool about playing call of duty, halo, gears, killszone, shooters etc?

or their hardcore fanbase?
because nintendo has certainly not abandoned its hardcore fanbase: smash bros, mario kart, 2 mario galaxies, donkey country returns, a 2D mario since the snes, kirby returns to dreamland, metoid corruption 3, and metroid trilogy
look you get the point, im gonna stop now.

"In my opinion nintendo always makes innovative hardware but games? no."
haha ok man, please tell me what is innovative? how many polygons a character is made up of? how many interactive cutscenes there are?

wiisports resort, mario galaxy, kirbys epic yarn are innovative to their genre

"Also I think the controller is not really innovative but a reaction to the tablet craze. "
OH REALLY???
oh here i thought nintendo was following the philosophy and design they used on the NINTENDO DS
you know with the camera, gyro sensors, two screens, touch screen so on

BattleAxe4225d ago

^^^

Excuses excuses....The only hardcore fans that Nintendo has are hardcore Super Mario fans and hardcore Zelda fans, thats pretty much it. And if the so called "pro controller" is as crappy as some game sites have said it is, then the only fanbase that the WiiU is going to attract are a bunch of little kids.

iamnsuperman4225d ago (Edited 4225d ago )

Not for me at the moment. Nintendo need to show me that they are going to push for new, mature titles that do not only come from the third party. To be frank the next generation games are going to be like this generations. All multiplats are going to be similar across all platform.

JBSleek4225d ago

Yes. They are selling out right now even though that is partially due to low manufacturing production of console.

I think hardcore Nintendo fans will flock to this system and as rightfully they should. I think we all assume hardcore means PS3/Xbox uses yet I think Nintendo fans are some of the most hardcore gamers out there,

WeskerChildReborned4225d ago

I'm getting a Wii U to try it since i'm still a bit impressed. I'll still have my PS3 though for those great games like The Last of Us and MGS Ground Zeroes.

Show all comments (69)
80°

Nintendo's Massacre Of The 3DS And Wii U Is Finally Complete, Regrettably

Hanzala from eXputer: "The cruel hammer of Nintendo has fallen. Farewell, 3DS and Wii U, you surely brightened my life and many others; you won't be forgotten."

280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple1015d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref4d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde4d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander19724d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville4d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff21833d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos3d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
isarai5d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref4d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan4d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis0073d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander19724d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

4d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19724d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

4d ago
4d ago
Zeref4d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde4d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander19724d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander19724d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier4d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto4d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff21833d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto3d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
Hofstaderman4d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts4d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts3d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic3d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

Show all comments (43)
90°

Nintendo's War Against Player-Made Content Will Hurt The Company In The End

Danish from eXputer: "Nintendo has historically gone against player-made content and emulation of its games. This has done much to harm the company's image."

XiNatsuDragnel11d ago

I agree nintendo hire some these folks to help in your games it'll help imo.

banger8810d ago

They need to stop announcing these mods and fan remakes until they're finished. Finish it, upload it, and then if Nintendo dmca's it tough shit. Once it's online, people can share it around, even if the original download gets taken down.

Jingsing10d ago

True, but most modders need constant admiration during the process to motivate them.

PRIMORDUS10d ago

Yup, once it's a torrent nothing can be done Nintendo is helpless at that point. But it would be wise if they just had a site on the dark web, it's also easy to use with Tor and no one will bother you.

mastershredder9d ago

This is all coming from the mouth of short-sighted fandom and grifting madness.
No.... it wont. There is a clear defined reason why they don't. This is nothing new. Make your own shi7 from your own original ideas especially if you are trying to capitalize of it it. Duh.

Yeah, hire people that have zero respect or understanding for an established process. Wow. Yep. Totally makes sense.

shinoff21839d ago

Those guys that made that sonic game got a gig from sega or something along those lines and that game was dope as hell. One of the best sonics as of late.