150°

Wii U’s Struggle to Remain Relevant

So Rayman Legends is no longer exclusive to Wii U. One of the games that best showcased Wii U’s many unique attributes, and outdid Nintendo's own New Super Mario Bros. U, will now come to other home consoles.

What’s most concerning about this situation is that it isn’t surprising. Nintendo has had trouble communicating the appeal of its home console.

DivineAssault 4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

Thats what happens when they get cocky about their hardware.. Sony made the same mistake by making the complicated Cell processor & thinking all devs will just deal with it.. I believe nintendo thought that people actually began to care about them again outside of their fans when in reality, the wii was just a fad that casuals went crazy over.. Without them, the wii u is nothing imo.. Im a nintendo fan & grew up with their games & will always support the good titles.. However i know that the only reason i have one is for those titles & that their hardware has been inferior & will be the same way going into nx.. They are very talented software devs but their child safe philosophies & inability to get with the times will hold them back.

The wii shouldve been 720p so they couldve got used to the HD revolution then instead of testing the waters now that Sony/MS have perfected it.. The internet revolution shouldve been embraced with the wii as well instead of going in one foot at a time currently.. A huge mess theyve made but ill still back em til their games begin to get stale.. (NSMB, ya ur one of em) twilight princess was MUCH better to me than skyward sword too.. Get with it

aceitman4096d ago

I feel they put themselves back to the gamecube days . and that's sad to have such a good system (wii) to fall apart , I think they weren't ready for this launch just to beat the next gen.they should have waited.

Thatguy-3104096d ago

Like divine said, Nintendo was really confident because they took the current gen by storm. Guess they assume the same would have happened with the wii u. Honestly Nintendo got lucky with the wii because it broaden the gaming demographic by bringing in casual gamers. It back fires now because now casual gamers moved on to phones/tablets. Nintendo will be back to the n64/gamecube days. Going into this next gen they honestly could have handled it better if
1. They nailed the marketing(many ppl assumed the wii u was an add on to the wii)
2. Actually had games that weren't coming out in current platforms
3. Price point (wii price point was spot on and basically catapulted it to success)

darthv724096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

nintendo stopped all current production of the wii. They change the marketing aspect to focus on the wii-u not only plays its own games but the full library of existing wii games as well.

something nintendo never really made clear with the wii being able to play gc games. Many knew about it but there was plenty more that did not. Even with the ports right there on the unit.

Nintendo has been successful in marketing their handhelds as being a previous generation compatible and it tends to lead to more sales of both old and new software.

Wii-u playing wii games would be the ideal path for a new wii/wii-u consumer. Looking back I'm sure nintendo would have sold double the amount of SNES units had it had physical compatibility with the original NES carts.

At least with sega and the genesis had the PBC and actually went on to sell more master system games during the genesis run than they did during only the master system days. All because of the convenience and additional library now available to the consumer.

As to the subject of rayman legends...okay. its coming to other platforms but the wii-u is the only one with the tablet (that we know of). Playing it without the tablet just wouldnt be the same as playing with.

colonel1794096d ago

The Wii U should have been the Wii, then we would have something better for this new generation. However, video games are at a weird point right now because everyone is trying to make games (or change already stablished games-dead space- into casual games.

I really hope that at least one console stays true to its root and continue to bring games the way are supposed to, and I surely pray to whichever god there is that this microtransaction BS doesn't become the norm.

StraightedgeSES4096d ago

@DboyC 310 but isn't that what the "core" gamers want for nintendo to go back to the N64/GC days.

Jadedz4096d ago

Though if his 1 billion operation yen profit by the next fiscal year doesn't pan out for him, he deserves to go (fired).

LOL_WUT4096d ago

Totally agree with you. Too bad the other Nintendo fans won't feel the same. Respect +well said ;)

If this is how it is now then it is extremely worrisome for future or unannounced 3rd party games.

Starfox174096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

Wonderful 101
Lego city stories
Monster hunter ultimate
Xenoblade
Beyonetta2

and these are before the 3rd party Nintendo Direct ? no problem here as Lego city wiiu is the biggest 3rd party exclusive in many years for any console.

Jadedz4096d ago

I've been through all the slumps of lack software during the Gamecube/Wii era's, and I honestly thought the Wii U would be a different case. 3rd parties are totally anemic towards Nintendo console hardware, whereas their handhelds are a different case.

It isn't so much as them loosing another exclusive (though that is something that urks me), it's the lackadaisical nature of their stance on 3rd parties in general.

@mrbojingles

Then I guess he can stay. Though my admiration for him as Nintendo's CEO, is currently dwindling at a rapid rate.

I'll recant my negative opinion of him once he proves his competency.

RuperttheBear4096d ago

I've never seen or heard the word 'lackadaisical' before. Just want to thank you for that Jadedz, because that's a seriously awesome word lol.

*thumbs up*

mrbojingles4096d ago

What if they barely miss that target? Like by a small margin?

rytlok4096d ago

people are stupid,they will always be relevant!!!

xursz4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

As long as the handheld market is strong, for sure they will be relevant. This isn't to knock the WiiU or the PSVita for that matter. I just don't think even some of the most hardcore fans are willing to pay $400 for outdated games when newer consoles are ready to be shown.

Third party support is going to fall short if third party developers are optimizing their engines to run on ps4/720 and don't find the neccessary player base to buy these games on WiiU, just like the Wii.

Nintendo is repeating mistakes but this time the casuals aren't biting.

edit: clarified a little

Starfox174096d ago

Gearbox are making a FPS on WiiU using UE4 and ps4/720 ect but the ps4 devkit had a meltdown i didn't hear anything of the WiiU devkit having a meltdown in fact Randy pitchfird only speaks highly of wiiu,powerful powerful console his words.

rytlok4096d ago

nintendo will always be relevant no matter what happens!!!

NexGen4096d ago

To remain relevant, the Wii U must first become relevant.

The Wii was, and the systems before it, but not this.

Thatguy-3104096d ago

Gamecube and N64 weren't as relevant as you think buddy. Honestly Nintendo was just lucky that the wii turned to a runaway success. But this next gen obviously the next ps/xbox system are going to fly pass it because their core demographic hasn't vanish like the casual did and that's what basically helped the wii.

xursz4096d ago

They were relevant to me.. I had both the n64 and Gamecube but I won't get a Wiiu until I see games that are as good or better than ps360 games.

NexGen4096d ago

Dboy, you don't know how relevant I think they were or were not. Personally the cube and 64 were lame for my tastes, but still maintained a degree of market relevancy.

The WiiU has not yet found that. It might though.

G20WLY4096d ago

We all said the same about Sega back in the day :(

Gr814096d ago

Say the same thing about Sony btw. That they aren't going any where..Meanwhile their financials have been in the toilet for over 5 years now..and counting.

No company is immune from going the way of Sega.

G20WLY4096d ago

Sure, some say that. I guess the ones that have said it recently haven't seen that operating profit is back in black, with trend showing upward trajectory which forecasts net profit sooner than many think (thanks to the constant doom articles).

Then factor in known assets (for selling if the going gets tough - buildings, etc) and the fact that Sony spans many industries and you have to figure that - while not safe by any means - Sony is looking safer than Nintendo as of now. Even Nintendo's headcount is so much lower that they couldn't bolster their bottom line with sudden cost cutting there - that's one of the perils of running a lean operation, like they do.

Then of course you have MS who are basically bulletproof lol :)

Gr814096d ago

Know how to read financial statements do you?

How is Sony safer than Nintendo atm when they posted a loss of $115 million dollars? During a HOLIDAY QUARTER with favorable exchange rates due to the Yen! Nintendo posted profits of $450 million dollars in the same period, which isn't great by any means, but way better than a loss!

If any of the big 3 has a chance to go the way of Sega, that'd be Sony. They are selling assets just to curb losses..its getting ugly.

hesido4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

I haven't read the detailed report but Sony losses may be due to massive R&D required for PS4?

edit: I've just read it and total R&D costs including every division fell from about 500 billion yens to 430 billion yens. Still a lot of money!

G20WLY4095d ago (Edited 4095d ago )

^Lol, nope, you got me. I haven’t a clue (not like I ran the Sales Remuneration and Profit & Loss models for a major bank until 8 years ago…) smh

I’m not even going to bother; you’re right – absolutely spot on. Sony’s share price hasn’t risen by almost 60% since the start of the year and they are completely screwed in the immediate future. They also haven’t – in any way – been on an acquisition rampage during the past year and they definitely didn’t spend hundreds of millions of dollars on Gaikai, nor did they just sell an asset for 1.1bn USD. Nope. Nintendo are in great shape though. I mean they have their gaming division, their…well they have their gaming division. Nobody is going to buy a PS4 and the Wii U is flying off the shelves quicker than they can ship ‘em.

I talk crap, but luckily you’re a genius and set me straight. I see that now. Oh God, how will I sleep?

If you are thinking that I hope Nintendo fail, by the way, then boy you got it wrong. I’m no cheerleader for any brand – ask yourself; can you truly say the same*? (*Rhetorical; keep fighting ‘the good fight’ lmao)

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4095d ago
izumo_lee4096d ago (Edited 4096d ago )

Nintendo has always had a history of 'doing it their way' & ignoring the modern trends in gaming that their competitors usually follow. Sometimes it works like with the original Wii but sometimes it does not like with the Wii U so far.

I see the Wii U like the N64. When Sony & Sega were pushing for CD based hardware, Nintendo were defiant to stick with the cartridge format. In the end they lost 3rd party support because of that, Square being one of them & we all know the end result.

With the Wii U they are pushing the tablet & for the most part many developers are unsure of what to do with it. It will probably take time for them to grasp the idea of the tablet controller but it has to be Nintendo themselves with their first party games to show them the way. If Nintendo themselves sway away from using the tablet than there will be more problems.

It is too early to sink the Wii U (just like everyone thinks the Vita is gonna fail), if however things continue to be a struggle for the Wii U than Nintendo will have to buck the trend & follow what the industry is going.

Show all comments (47)
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?"

purple10112d 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 ☝️

Zeref12d 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.

DarXyde12d 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.

PhillyDonJawn12d ago (Edited 12d 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.

Einhander197212d 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.

MrBaskerville12d 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.

shinoff218311d 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.

Profchaos11d 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 11d ago
isarai12d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref12d 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.

MrNinosan12d ago

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

mkis00711d ago (Edited 11d ago )

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

Einhander197212d 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.

12d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197212d ago

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

12d ago
12d ago
Zeref12d 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.

DarXyde12d 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.

Einhander197212d 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.

Einhander197212d 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.

BehindTheRows12d ago (Edited 12d 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.

Zeref12d ago (Edited 12d 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.

Chevalier12d 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.

Tacoboto12d 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.

shinoff218311d ago

Yay steam

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

Tacoboto11d 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 11d ago
Hofstaderman12d 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?

crazyCoconuts12d 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.

Xeofate12d ago (Edited 12d 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.

crazyCoconuts11d 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

FinalFantasyFanatic11d 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."

XiNatsuDragnel19d ago

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

banger8818d 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.

Jingsing18d ago

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

PRIMORDUS17d 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.

mastershredder17d 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.

shinoff218317d 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.