Easter Roundtable: The Coming of the Wii U – Hail or Fail?

With the Wii U predicted to be available on the market by year's end, it's no longer a question of "if" or "when", but "how". How will the Big N's next-gen effort fare with consumers, and what are we honestly expecting from it? In this week's roundtable, BNBGAMING's staff aims to find out.

[Akuma-]

I consider the wii u a failure already due to the fact that it was announced over a year ago and there is little info on the device. It's almost like a lot of games that lacks info because it sucks so the devs barely releases any info.

Where are the games? where are the previews for wii us launch title? Why is it hard to release specs about a system that was announced over a year ago?

To each his own, I'm waiting for the ps4 and I know that it'll be powerful with cutting edge technology judging by Sonys track record.

[ssb3173]

You're starting to sound very much like an annoying user on here ages ago called Colwyn who also hated Nintendo consoles -__-

OT: The Wii U will not fail, it'll be a great console, all Nintendo consoles are. Personally I like Zelda more than Mario but with those two IPs and many others like pokemon and smash bros on the console, it will be a success. Many developers have aid that it is a true next gen console like EA, Vigil games and more and the rumours of it being underpowered by an anonymous source is most likely fake, coz if it were true then they would have been man enough to give their company names.

Speaking as a gamer who loves all the consoles and is not really much of a fanboy of any, the console will do just fine, there was doom and gloom about the ds, wii, 3ds and now this but look at them, there some of the most sold consoles in the world and the 3ds is on track of breaking the ds record. I'm personally buying one myself :)

[TruthbeTold]

I wonder why people like Akuma make comments like that, as if anyone would believe that they'd ever buy the Wii U or that they are even capable of seeing it as anything but a failure anyway? Pathetic.

Go ahead and buy a PS4 instead. I'm going to buy a Wii U. ENjoy the hell out of it. Then when the PS4 comes out, I'm getting that and enjoying the hell out of it. Gaming is about the games, and both companies have proven that even though there may be some things people don't like, as a whole, they make games that are 'can't miss'.

As if ANYONE could determine 'hail or fail' for a console before it's even been fully revealed, let alone released with playable games...

[Ravenor]

The fact that he seems to lurk waiting for these articles pops up basically points to him being someone with far to much time on his hands and not enough games to play.

Or maybe just maybe, he's one of those types who speculates feels it makes sense to himself and then believes it.

[Ck1x]

@ssb3173: funny you say that because I was thinking the very same thing and Colwyn always made it a point to be the very first poster on a Nintendo related article but ended up saying nothing but negative things about the company just like Akuma does as well! Can we call them "The douche-bag brothers". Its tiresome seeing these articles but truth be told the haters are what fuel Nintendo's success in this industry! So give yourselves a round of applause, because even though they don't fit the description of an underdog, everyone loves to back the underdog and see them win... So keep up the good work guys :)

[PopRocks359]

@Akuma

Nintendo is historically very secretive. Given what has become of the competition of the Wii, I'm not surprised either.

[ChickeyCantor]

Yah we get it, you are waiting for the PS4.

Just a wondering thought, why say Nintendo isn't showing anything because it "sucks". But Sony hasn't shown anything of the PS4 and you are saying its going to be space-magic technology.
According to your logic, the PS4 should be sh/t too. If it's so cutting edge, why isn't Sony showing it?

O yeah, it's called business.

[dark-hollow]

Yeah Nintendo! Don't create hype and release all wii u info before e3. That's a smart idea!!! /s

"To each his own, I'm waiting for the ps4 and I know that it'll be powerful with cutting edge technology judging by Sonys track record"

Since when one cutting edge console for Sony and one weak console for Nintendo became a TRACK RECORD?

The gamecube was more powerful than the ps2 you know, and if we are going by "track records" then ms have the highest possibilitie to release the most powerful console next Gen because they never went cheap with the hardware and they never been the weakest in a generation.

[mike1up]

@Akuma

So it's safe to assume that you have never heard of E3?

[Moncole]

Predicting what will happen seems very good for the Wii U

3rd party game
Nintendo games in HD
Open online for devs
Focusing on downloadible stuff
Innovative controller

I can't see what can go wrong

[-Alpha]

-Expensive console
-One tablet per console (not sure if this has been disproved or not)
-Expensive tablets
-Lack of third party support (not that I care to see PS4/720 games on WiiU)
-Barebones online (and with PSN free, it'd hurt even more, for those that care)
-Outdated hardware, which can lead to dropped or inferior ports

Lots of room for a bad start. They can sell at a loss and have a payoff on the long run if the above problems prove to weigh the console down. I don't see the WiiU being a burden for Nintendo, but things can definitely go wrong. Pricing is my main concern

[Unexpecta]

The Wii U is the epitome of failure for Nintendo.

There's quite a number of reasons why failure is in the horizon of Nintendo, but here is one major point: the console incorporates a tablet like controller.

A gaming console and tablet were never to intersect or even be beside each other, but now Nintendo will be the first in history to do so and they do not understand the consequences for a move like this. The countdown to the destruction of console gaming has begun.

[PopRocks359]

Doom and gloom. just like the Wii and DS. No touch screens and no motion sensing either. Both were very successful.

[ChickeyCantor]

"A gaming console and tablet were never to intersect or even be beside each other,"

Ah yes cause the first "film" was just a rage too wasn't it?

I welcome the touch-screen, the controller doesn't only have the traditional buttons and sticks, but the touchscreen provides for a unified and abstract layout configuration. O and hells yeah, when I feel like relaxing i can just bring the mainscreen to the tablet.

Your statements hold no merit. You're just grasping for air.

[Unexpecta]

You're just sad that Nintendo is going downhill ever since the inception of the 3DS. The announcement of the Wii U was like an idea pulled out of an ass hat full of surprises, but ultimately a let down.

The Wii U is the breaking point, it will create malfunction among Nintendo resulting in catastrophic failure.

Nintendo deserves to be last this time in the race.

[-Alpha]

@Unexpecta

How has the 3DS been the birth of Nintendo going downhill? It is a great success, both as a seller and the software isn't bad either.

The criticism of the tablet as the WiiU's downfall simply because it is different doesn't mean it will fail. I can only point to the Wii's use of motion control gaming as a history reminder. The tablet is more traditional than motion control in fact, with the only concern being pricing. But the tablet approach is much better than being traditional, as being traditional only makes Nintendo inferior to Sony and MS, with only their First Party to differentiate them. Nintendo's strength is doing something alternative, and the tablet design is certainly interesting and allows for some unique creativity

[Digimortal]

Thanks for the laugh. Downhill for the 3DS? WTF are you going on about.

[TheGamingArt]

Maybe the WiiU will fail because of Nintendo's consistant slap in the face to the Hardcore audience that aren't blind Nintendo loyalists... idk... just maybe

[PopRocks359]

Really. Forget that Nintendo makes quality content, or consoles that don't break or games that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just core or casual gamers.

I don't hear anyone calling owners of the 360/PS3 "graphics whores" or "online trolls" or "CoD fanatics." Since those generalizations are typically brought on by that crowd.

So excuse me for being a "blind Nintendo loyalist" because I happen to like the products they make. Of course it has nothing to do with personal preference.

Asshole.

[clrlite]

Real loser move calling someone a name for stating their opinion, especially since most people agree with him. How about instead of arguing, we work together to ensure a good future of gaming.

[BitbyDeath]

@clearelite, we need more people like you on this site. Comments like PopRocks should not be tolerated from anyone.

[Knushwood Butt]

Consoles that don't break??

My Gamecube was the second most unreliable console I have ever owned (second only to the NEO GEO CD, which had abysmal reliability).

[ozzywazzy]

You'll be hard pressed finding any non loyalists on these threads. While I can't judge the Wii U until I have concrete specs and have seen it in action, I fully agree with "the last slap in the face" called the Wii. I'm hoping for the best, but based on their last attempt.. well I'll leave it at that.

[StraightedgeSES]

playing rated m games does not make you a hardcore gamer

[madjedi]

Neither does playing strictly rated e or t games, not everyone uses the exact same definition of hardcore or mature as everyone else.

But arguing what is mature or hardcore in a videogame is subjective to the user, and typically done to point out how superior one gamer is compared to another, whether it be "skills" or "maturity level".

[jacksheen0000]

Guys,

I think the biggest problem Nintendo is going to have with the wii U is not having enough Devs to make core games to keep up with all of our demands.

Though Microsoft and Sony is well equipped with lots of Devs to support their next Gen gaming console.

This is Sony's list of Devs... As you can here Sony is constantly buying out game studios every few years.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles...

Nintendo on the other hand, has not purchased any Game studio other than Retro.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[Ck1x]

This is what's getting ridiculous here, people quote stuff like "because of the Wii & 3ds Nintendo is going to fail." Some people here really need to graduate high school before they make senseless comments! I mean really people, not only was the DS successful but so was the Wii, and the 3ds is churning out the same promise. So if people want to say ps4 will be a hit because of Sony's track record, then the Wiiu must be the greatest system of all times then... Just going on track records of course, I'm just saying.

[ozzywazzy]

Not everyone bases success on numbers, so the only one looking ridiculous is yourself. Did the wii fail from an economic standpoint? NO. but it was a weak gimmick system with shovelware nonetheless. I'll take quality over "sales" any day but then again I'm just a gamer.

[Ck1x]

It was a weak gimmick system that everyone else took the high road to copy right! Lol
As I stated before you guys are living in false dreams... I in no way think or am that delusional to think that the Wiiu is a guaranteed success. But it has all of the qualifications to do just that, whether you and I agree or not... And every system has its shovelware, that's a pointless statement to even make on your behalf

[Bathyj]

I honestly hope it fails.

Not because I wish them harm, but I dont want the gaming industry to slide further towards gimmickry and casuals, and I think mediocrity has been rewarded far too much their generation.

[maniacmayhem]

How is this "gimmickery" if anything it looks like it improves on gameplay design. Its the same as having a full on DS system.

And I think this has been one of the best gems so far. We have gotten a lot of great games from all three systems and I can't wait to see what devs and the big N can whip out for this new system.

[Redcrimson101]

Oh my, look at all these wiiu haters lol. First off all let me say this, nintendo is the best gaming designers in the world. All of their systems have bee successful as well as their games. Neither Sony or ms can beat nintendo's first party games. Fact. The wiiu will be alright. It will be successful lime the wii before it. All Sony n ms do is copy nintendo. It's going to be wii vs ms and xbox all over again. With the wii u outselling both the 720 and p4.

Oh! And for those of u ( and yes I'm talking aboutthe haters) who think the wiiu is under powered or at least on par with the current gen systems lol I'm really diying with laughter o er here ?lol lol lol lmao lmao) do u really think nintendo will pull another wii and drop a next gen system that runs in constant 1080p at 60 frames per second with a power7 pc chip set and one that has a better gfx card than the 720( u guys can google that info) is going to be under powered or on par with the current systems? What are u smoking? Have u seen that Zelda tech demo? Are u guys serious? Here's what's going to happen, wether the wiiu is under powered or powerful, it is still going to beat out the ps4 & 720 regardless just off of the strength off innovation and it's first party games. Haters lol

[Skateboard]

The market is big enough, Wii U will be a big success and I hope Sony takes their time with the PS3, it is a amazing gaming console.

Saying the Wii U wont succeed isn't realistic cause Nintendo has amazing marketing and owns a lot of popular IPs that makes them plenty of money to market like crazy, Nintendo is a beast 0 0

I personally like Sony IPs more, but whatever floats your boat in gaming, this hobby is all about fun to me. Although there is one thing that ticks me off, games that change too much like Capcom games, Nintendo is the master of never changing and giving you something you buy every time and like :D

[frequentcontributor]

I don't think nintendo wants only casual gamers to play games, but I can't blame them for going after the money of such a huge group of people, especially since Sony and MS had locked in the hardcore crowd for themselves... I think the new tablet controller will bring some really cool game concepts as well as some inevitable bad ones, but the potential is what is exciting. Ghost Recon Online seems to be skewing hardcore in the correct way, by using the touchscreen to mimic a real world piece of tech that gives you a sort of satellite/GPS view of the play field and let's you deploy your forces and call in air strikes on the fly. Sounds pretty hardcore to me. But we'll probably also see at least one pony brushing game, so...
You know, Nintendo have basically been bashing Apple and other tablet devices, not only for their games but also for how they are played. I think that they want to redeem that a bit by giving us the touchscreen in conjunction with a more traditional control layou that core gamers are used to. Gamers will either dig it or they won't.

[catfrog]

they need to tell me about the games that theyre planning on supporting before i get at all hyped about it.

i dont care about the hardware, thats cool if you make the hardware do interesting things, but seriously, the old way is doing fine, im open to new things, but what im most concerned about are the games. give me good games and ill give you money

[AllroundGamer]

Hail of fail? hm i think most of us hardcore gamers just don't care :P

[TBM]

personally i dont know whether the system will fail or succeed, but for me i will not buy it this year when it releases. im going to wait at least a year then decide if i want to buy it or not.

[madjedi]

I know the pro nintendo crowd will crucifix anyone that doesn't worship mario, but akuma has a good point about lack of info regarding the console and any games for it.

Last years e3 showing was really bad, it just confused people and didn't help nintendo's situation with fans of nintendo games, that were turned off by the wii and it's issues.

"Really. Forget that Nintendo makes quality content, or consoles that don't break or games that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just core or casual gamers."

No one said nintendo doesn't make good games, all electronics brake eventually even nintendo's. Sony has been able to deliver to both sets of gamers without making compromises.

No one has called ps3/360 gamers graphics whores, clearly you weren't paying attention shortly after the wii's launch. Since anyone not impressed with the waggle and mentioning anything about the wii graphics was labeled that, by the elitist nintendo crowd.

And ps3/360 elitist called them casuals ect.

Btw several of the last nintendo consoles/handhelds have been using real low end hardware, do not be surprised if the wii u's failure % is higher than previous devices.

It's using ps3/360 equivalent hardware, or more powerful hardware and likely runs hotter than the ps3/360.

[PooEgg]

Firstly we all need to keep one thing in mind. Nintendo as a company deserves the respect of all gamers for 1 single reason. Without Nintendo it is very possible that none of us would be playing video games right now. When the gaming industry was on deaths door it was Nintendo that stepped up and revived it. For that reason alone I will always respect Nintendo as a company.

Regarding the Wii, causal or not, it was commercial success. Fleeting yes, shovelware magnet yes, but in no way a failure, because they moved a lot of systems and made a lot of money. The 3DS not so much (when compared to the Wii's success), but at least it is holding its own unlike the PSP Go. And speaking of the PSP Go, well it simply proves that every gaming company is capable of a screwing up every once in a while.

With that being said, I have to admit that Wii U doesn't currently appeal to me, but at the moment neither do the other two upcoming next gen systems. We have simply too little information on all 3 systems to allow us to know which will be the 'must have' system, and the reality is that we can't predict what will happen. Sure it is possible that the Wii U could bomb horribly, but it is also possible that the other two consoles could decide to embrace the 'anti used game' platform and end up alienating a big chunk of their fans and end up bombing as well. None of us can predict the future, so perhaps we should just wait and see.

[mike1up]

Hail to the King, Baby!

[iigameu]

First off, i expect it to b equal to current gen if not alittle stronger just with new ways and tremendious amount of possilbilities for gaming!!! Which alot of u people must b blind to. Secondly, just by takin my 3ds to work with me has gotten 2 of my ccoworkers to purchase their own...nintendo products in peoples hands sell themselves...case in point. Lastly, nintendo as a company takes pride in making anything they do with whatever it may b, but i guess u cant tell that to all the people that own 3ds's and wii's though...step into true gaming, fun and innovative while still caring about the most important part...the games...:)

[iigameu]

And no, im not a fanboy...just cant play my ps3 or 360 cause their both bricked! Which ill never giv my money to or support new hardware from the companies again...case in point IMO