210°

Wii U is like "a Dreamcast scenario revisited", claims analyst

Nintendo's problems with the Wii U are reminiscent of Sega's efforts with the Dreamcast, according to games analyst Peter Skerritt.

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arabicgamers.com
sherimae24134441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

oh no...another one of this "dreamcast meme"
sometimes i do wonder if the dreamcast really is a dead/failure console...
because until now, its still has some publicity and always on the news lately

but this console has great games that cannot be played else where that some people still clamoring that one day be ported to their favored platforms
(shenmue and skies of arcadia to name a few) ^_^

again the wii u will be fine... what it needs is games and it will come its only 7 months.. my goodness but like the other systems before it (ps3, 3ds, and vita) it will have a very rough times ahead, from critics to fanboys to the bias media all of this must endure by wii u owners and nintendo fans alike ^_^
because as of now im also enduring it with my vita ^_^

MariaHelFutura4441d ago

The big difference is The Dreamcast had amazing software, The Wii U doesn't. Sega was having troubles previously, Nintendo wasn't. Plus, The Dreamcast was comparable to the the systems it was competing with, the Wii U isn't. Not the same at all really.

Neonridr4441d ago

I would disagree with you about the amazing software. While some of the games might be ports of existing titles, that doesn't mean that they aren't AAA software. I never played Arkham City before or ME3, but does that mean that just because they are late arriving to the console (because the console didn't exist at the time these games came out) that they aren't still great games?

Not to mention Nintendo has yet to put their AAA software into the library. Are you saying that once Mario, Mario Kart, Metroid, Zelda, Super Smash Brothers come along, that the system won't be more successful?

It's just way too premature to even consider this system another Dreamcast.

MariaHelFutura4441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

Arkham City and ME3 are nice, But they hold nothing against all the exclusive Dreamcast software. PowerStone, Skies Of Arcadia, Ecco, Shenmue, Phantasy Star, the first 2K sports games and so on. Those were some good times I tell you.

Baka-akaB4441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

"It's just way too premature to even consider this system another Dreamcast. "

No offense but the dreamcast analogy doesnt work precisely because it had amazing games at launch and through its life .

So far the Wii u has one of the weakest launch offering with the ps3 . None of its titles match any of the exclusive launch dreamcast titles , and it had better port at launch

camel_toad4441d ago

Wow I totally forgot about Skies of Arcadia. That game really was awesome. The airship was a part of my soul!

4441d ago
mochachino4441d ago

People still talk about Dreamcast because it was a once Top Gaming company's last console and signalled their final failure from which they never recovered from.

Shnazzyone4440d ago (Edited 4440d ago )

What, you don't remember when nintendo added 4 different add on dodads to the gamecube splintering the systems game selection, then released the wii and it sold terribly compared to the gamecube then 2 years later released the wii U?

Also everyone remembers how dreamcast failed and was discontinued after 6 months of everyone on the internet comparing it to the 3D0? right?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4440d ago
a_bro4441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

people will disagree with me, but i will say it. The Wii U shouldnt have been underpowered, it should of been a suited up next gen console, as powerful as the ps4 and the impending next-gen xbox.

the fact that 3rd party companies are writing it off is just a sad ordeal. I think that if they had done that, they would still have been in a good, or better position than where they are right now.

LoveOfTheGame4441d ago

But that's the thing with Nintendo, they never about competing with specs. Sure it would be nice for them to have an equally powerful machine but that's not what their system is. Nintendo is primarily 1st party games that never compete graphically, but are almost untouched in level of pure fun. As long as they make their games enjoyable to play they will be fine; unless your Crytek graphics != good game.

Minato-Namikaze4441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

Snes, N64, and GC were all pretty powerful machines for their time. It wasn't until the wii that ninty started going the underpowered route. Dont make it seem as nintendo has always had this philosophy.

The wii was an accidental lightening in the bottle for them and before that they were on a downward slope (even if they still made money). With the wii-u they are trying to this time purposely catch lightening in a bottle and its gonna hurt them.

LoveOfTheGame4441d ago

I'm not saying that this was always their philosophy, more just that who they are. Back in the day no one cared how powerful a system was, they just cared if it was fun to play games on. I've been gaming for about 20 yrs and I had just as much fun playing Mario Party 9 in college as I did playing the first 3 in elementary school. Nintendo has always had fun games rather than ones with good or "realistic" graphics and it has always seem to work for them.

Baka-akaB4441d ago

I still feel you are rewriting history .

People couldnt shut up about the marvel and power of the superfx chip for the snes , and how , save the neo geo , it's cartridge system was the closest thing to arcade .

ANd the first thing people were raving about with the n64 were its powerful tech demo for mario and final fantasy , as far back as the Project Reality prototype codename .

People werent shy about the GC's power compared to competitors as well .

The only downfall for those consoles were always the size of media storage . And only with the Wii did we see a pattern of people suddenly claiming power is irrelevant and using the ps2's success as their go to excuse .

CEOSteveBallmer4441d ago

@minato, I agree. Lightning doesn't hit the same place at the same time. They thought they could replicate the success with Wii but I don't think it will happen again. Why?? Because the casuals that propelled them to success is now playing games on Smartphones and Tablets. Why would they pay an expensive amount on a console that they know isn't the most powerful around and with games priced at $60 dollars yet there are games on iOS and Android that are free and gives them satisfaction

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4441d ago
a_bro4441d ago

but that's the thing, even if they are never about competing with specs, its coming to bite them in the butt. and on top of that, how can you compete with the other 2 when they have pretty much the same functionality that the wii u has.

i think their only option here is a price cut really, thats probably the only thing that can keep them alive until the first party games come out. maybe that will convice some 3rd party companies to make games on it, cause that will mean more consumers opting in for a wii u.

MariaHelFutura4441d ago

You don't deserve disagrees, you deserve a bubble. +1 Well said.

AKR4441d ago

PS1 - Best selling console of the 5th gen
PS2 - Best selling console of the 6th gen & Best-selling home console of all time
DS - Best selling handheld console of the 7th gen and best selling game system of all time.
Wii - Best selling console of the 7th gen and 2nd best selling home console of all time, as well as 3rd best selling console in all.

- You know what these systems represent? The weakest consoles of their respective generations. But guess what? They all creamed their competition in the sales department. No generation has yet to show that power = Victory. The same can be said or this 8th gen.

The Wii U is the weakest, but nor is it weak. If we were salivating over the visuals of games on the 360 PS3, imagine the Wii U with it's added power? Games like Trine 2, Pikmin 3, Zelda HD Tech Demo, Project 'X', Rayman Legends and Need for Speed Most Wanted U already show just a early fraction of what devs can do with the Wii U's power. Comparisons between the three systems WON'T be as big as Wii vs PS3 & 360.

The graphics road is coming to an end, my friend. We're moving from a generation of HD to a generation of more HD. Not a generation of SD to a generation of HD. Realize that, if you will.

To add ~ The PS4 + Vita , for example, does have similar capabilities to the Wii U and the Gamepad. BUT ~ How much does the Vita cost? Nearly $300 dollars. How much do you think the PS4 will cost? Somewhere around $450 to $500 seems likely, right? That's a whole lot of cash to fork out, don't you agree? Added power is nice, but at least the Wii U's price point is relatively reasonable.

In Conclusion: The system is nothing like the DreamCast. Yes, the DC had some great titles released for it in it's short lifetime, but then it died. The Wii U hasn't gotten any MUST-HAVE games yet, but look what's CONFIRMED to be on the horizon:

- Bayonetta 2
- Assasin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Deus EX: Human Revolution
- Pikmin 3
- The Wonderful 101
- Project CARS
- Project 'X'
- Super Smash Bros. 4
- Zelda Wind Waker HD
- New HD Zelda
- New HD Mario
- New HD Mario Kart
- Yarn Yoshi
- Watch_Dogs

. . . The Wii U is in it's infancy. Give it time. The PS3 and 360, didn't have any "MUST-HAVE" titles at the start either ~ NOW look at them? The 3DS launched and fell like a rock. NOW look at it? Even the Vita is starting to find it's voice.

- This isn't ANYTHING NEW people. All consoles go through these early days of pain. WHY must we act like this with EVERY new system that's launched? Are you that brainless? Are you that over-dramatic?

Grow up, shut up ~ Sit, wait and watch - Before screeching the same crap.

DragoonsScaleLegends4441d ago

Wow amazing comment. Completely true too.

mochachino4441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

-Saturn was much weaker than PS1 and failed as a result. They only added 3d graphics after they realized the their 2D focus in hardware was a mistake.
-PS2, GC, and Xbox all had comparable power. Sure PS2 was slightly weaker but no one would argue that PS2 wasn't in the same league as GC and Xbox. Wii U is in the same league as 360/PS3, not PS4/Fusion (or whatever its called).
-I agree with Wii as the best selling console of the gen, problem is it appealed to the casual gamer, which we all know has fickle game tastes and predictably has moved onto mobile/tablet/facebook gaming, which I'm sure Nintendo is now painfully aware of.

Seriously though, why would a casual ever pay $50 a game when they can pay 99 cents. They get the same enjoyment from each.

The same casuals that bought and loved Wii think that Wii U is just a Wii with a different controller, or never heard of it. I know a lot of girls and kids with Wii, none of them really know what Wii U is. They're Too busy playing free/99 cent MP social games games on their phones with their friends.

I always said betting on casuals was a short term game but a long term loss. They're are more core console gamers than casual, PS3/PC/360 sales combined destroy Wii. Core play gen after gen, casuals don't.

Despite hating each other for playing on different "inferior" devices, we core do all love games.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4441d ago
ZainabSaccal4441d ago

The Dreamcast was one of the best consoles ever, personally I thought it was better than the PlayStation 2.

badz1494441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

and with the amount of support the PS2 had, DC really had no chance and the PS2 shines in the games department thus why it's the most successful console ever made!

the main problem with the Wii U now is GAMES and although it's an undeniable fact that it can achieve more than the 360 and PS3 seeing as its more powerful than those 2 but the fact that it's competing with those 2 is the problem to begin with! Ninty needs to step up their games and release more exclusive games for the Wii U as people are not going to buy the Wii U for multiplats they can play on their existing 360 or PS3!

ape0074441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

they said the same thing about the 3DS and look what happened, wiiu need games + price cut and it will SOAR like crazy

and i loved the DreamCast btw, one of a kind console :)

MontyQ4441d ago

wiiU at $199 and games $30 tops that's where Nintendo should be and they would still make millions as there is no way the wiiU costs more then 100 bux to make as its like a 7 year old pc

Starbucks_Fan4441d ago

A $199 Wii U would put them in the red

badz1494441d ago (Edited 4441d ago )

I call BS! the hardware in the Wii U is ancient compared to latest pc tech and seeing as its just a bit more powerful than both the 360 and PS3, there's no way it cost THAT much! it's just that Nintendo is already selling the Wii U at a profit as they always did with their past products and selling it for less that it's now is not going to drag them into the red, the lack of software/sales is!

mydyingparadiselost4441d ago

Nintendo has already stated they make no money off of the console but from software and stated the wii u almost didn't happen because of how much it cost to make. And if their games are $30 shouldn't PS3 and Xbox games be even cheaper?

AJBACK2FRAG4441d ago

They're actually losing money on every Wii U sold Brainiac. That's why there hasn't been a far reaching price cut.

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190°

While Layoffs Hit the Industry, Nintendo Retains 98% of Staff Including 78 With Disabilities

TNS: Based on its most recent ESG data, Nintendo boasts a remarkably low staff turnover rate of just 1.9%, with virtually no reported layoffs.

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thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai2d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes1d 5h ago

It’s unreal that people are downvoting this when they consistently have the best scoring games on metacritic.

2d ago
rlow12d ago

Well it doesn’t surprise me. As much money as they make and how they value their employees. It’s a great company in that regard.

1d 23h ago Replies(1)
drivxr1d 21h ago

Well, when your games remain full price many years after release.

And you make profit off of outdated hardware.

I would be shocked if they couldn't afford to retain their staff.

lodossrage1d 18h ago (Edited 1d 18h ago )

I didn't want to say anything but drivxr is right.

Nintendo always sells at a profit because they purposely use tech that's always 5 or more years behind. And it's also true their games hardly ever get price decreases.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they kept most of their workforce, but making a point to have your tech specs behind everyone else affords that luxury.

Darkegg1d 16h ago

I don’t think it’s their purpose to use old tech. It’s their purpose to make value of software and know their value. Nobody makes games like them that’s for sure. I just don’t appreciate their customer unfriendly policy.

It’s not impossible to take their status. Companies need to have a selection of 8-bit and 16-bit. Now imagine a split screen for 8 player game for SNES Mario kart and selling at $9.99. The problem is that it doesn’t make profit. So many companies won’t invest in “old” technology. Everyone guns for triple AAA modern technology software but honestly we can enjoy modernized 16-bit creative ideas that allows 8-player mayhem. It’s a pipe dream, possible but impossible.

Shane Kim1d 16h ago (Edited 1d 16h ago )

If they ended up kicking people out after all of that stated above, it would be truly shameful.

DivineHand1251d 12h ago

Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Tesla and Meta are all trillion dollar companies yet they are laying people off in large numbers.

I believe the reason Nintendo layoffs off less workers may be a result of their culture. It seems Japanese companies believe in giving their workers long term or life long employment opportunities and will exhaust all options before laying off workers. This is something we don't see much of in the west unfortunately.

Rdeal1d 6h ago

might be something to do with the fact all those companies hire more than 20x the employees than Nintendo

LoveSpuds1d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

What the hell are you talking about? It has nothing to do with how profitable they are. Its completely cultural, MS and Sony make stacks of cash and still lay folks off. Nintendo chose not to lay off staff for the same reason their execs took pay cuts to increase staff pay instead; because they value their staff and view them as colleagues, and respect them as such.

If Sony weren't so US centric I fancy they'd fare better too, they should get shot of US and European leadership and go back to when Japanese execs were running the show if you ask me!

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470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

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tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai22d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7222d ago (Edited 22d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX22d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK22d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog22d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
1Victor22d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje22d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra22d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje22d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac22d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex22d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje22d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter21d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
gold_drake22d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos22d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8622d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos22d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8622d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr21d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8621d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 21d ago
hiawa2322d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos22d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker22d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg22d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake22d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr21d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
Terry_B22d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

22d ago
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80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer42d ago

Not surprising at all.

I mean, they´ll be releasing a new console in a few weeks.

repsahj40d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.