210°

Nintendo Wii U Launch More Successful than Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Tynan Muddle at Aussie-Gamer.com writes: "Nintendo’s Wii U console has outperformed every other HD console launch sales since its debut 4 weeks ago.

The new console, which features a touchscreen controller, has obliterated the 4 week sales record of both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. In its first four weeks on sale, Nintendo have sold over 1.8 Million units."

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aussie-gamer.com
deep_fried_bum_cake4572d ago

I know that I'm pointing out the obvious but the Wii U, much like the Wii, is still heavily marketed towards families, which the Xbox and PS3 weren't (at least not until Kinect and Move).

So it's hardly surprising.

lilbroRx4572d ago (Edited 4572d ago )

First we have people insisting that with the Wii U Nintendo had "lost the casual audience" backed by endless articles articles about people not knowing what it is, it still being on store shelves and it not beating the other consoles sales. Then we have "how popular is it really" articles.

Now upon the realization that it topped the launch of the other consoles, we've gone back to "its because of the casuals".

Give me a f***ing break.

deep_fried_bum_cake4572d ago (Edited 4572d ago )

lilbroRx

Are you on crack or something? I never said it was because of the casuals. I said that it was marketed as a family console, which if you've ever seen an advertisement on tv, it is.

I don't doubt that a lot of gamers will have seen games like Zombie U and decided that it would be worth picking up, but there will also be a tonne of parents who will have seen it being advertised as family entertainment.

AsheXII

That's not quite the same, as that was Sony saying to people that instead of buying a CD and DVD player they should just pick up a PS3. It wasn't a very effective marketing strategy as initial sales clearly show, but they're doing okay now.

Phil324572d ago

True, but you should be used to a lot of gamers (aka console warriors) being hypocrites by now.

Qrphe4572d ago

Yes, that same portion of N4G who said X is the same one who now is saying Y. That's what it's called a hasty generalization, but worry not for you're not the only in N4G who does this of course.

RememberThe3574571d ago

The Wii U is not being sold as a hardcore console get over it. It's got a cool extra screen that would be dope for RPGs but it's not being sold for that. It's being sold for families and you guys can click away at our bubbles and disagree all you want but the system is being sold to families.

My confusion comes from why any of you have a problem with that. So what if it's being sold to families? How are you insulted by that? I'd still buy a PS4 or a 720 if it had the games I wanted and was being sold as a family console. I'm a gamer, I follow this stuff too closely to be affected by a marketing campaign. So why is it that everyone else is taking deep_fried's comment as an insult? Get over yourselves and have fun with your new Wii U.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4571d ago
AsheXII4572d ago

The ps3 was targeted as household entertainment, hence the bluray player.

fr0sty4572d ago (Edited 4572d ago )

Completely ignoring the fact that the PS3 was not only plagued by shortages at it's launch but also didn't launch worldwide on the same date... Europe didn't get PS3 until 2007... The same with Xbox 360, it didn't get to europe until the following month, rendering any direct comparison useless.

Wii U has also been selling quite poorly in Europe.

PopRocks3594572d ago

"Wii U has also been selling quite poorly in Europe."

There are two other regions for the platform to have early success in.

Besides, if Sega puts out an exclusive Sonic title (as rumored) then sales will probably pick up somewhat in that region. Sega games are particularly popular in Europe.

hduce4572d ago

3 weeks after the PS3 launched, the Best Buy in my area had a pallet of them sitting on the sales floor untouched. I think the Wii U is selling at a pretty good pace considering the minimal marketing Nintendo has done and it's $350 price tag in this economic climate.

Knushwood Butt4572d ago

Yeah, Vita almost outsold the Wii U in Europe last week.

I guess that must mean the Wii U is doomed..

PopRocks3594572d ago

@Knushwood Butt

No offense, but comparing the Vita to the Wii U doesn't say much considering that the Vita doesn't seem to be selling very well in ANY region.

swissfury4571d ago

I worked at a Gamestop for the duration of the 360, PS3, and Wii launch. The PS3 sold out on day one and that was it. We never ran out of stock again even though we were a small store that only carried about 5 at a time. We barely sold any games with the launch because people bought them with the intent to ebay. We had 2 of the launch people try and return the systems because they could not find a buyer. 360 & Wii both sold immediately for a long time, the wii for about 6 months.

fr0sty4571d ago (Edited 4571d ago )

How well each system sold in a particular location has no effect on the fact that neither 360 nor PS3 had a simultaneous worldwide (3 major territories) release, which destroys the ability to directly compare with wii u. The point still stands. Europe never saw PS3 for months, never saw 360 for weeks.

As it stands, Wii U is being outsold by 7 year old consoles by a pretty good margin... it's selling less than it's predecessor did, and it's REAL competition (next x, steambox, and ps4) is roughly a year or so away. It has a steep hill to climb. It won't have the legs that the other consoles do, it's using inferior tech. The newer systems will likely be much more future proof. So, if Wii U doesn't catch on fast and start selling like the original Wii did (and maintain that for a few years), it's not going to take off very well. It just doesn't have what it takes to compete, considering that if the screen controller even becomes remotely popular you can bet your ass both of the new consoles will have it too. Both of the older ones do already as well (Ps3<>Vita, smartglass). Wii U has no hook to rely on, no new type of interaction that made wii so successful. Just dual screens, one being a touch screen controller. Something we've had since DS.

jmc88884571d ago

Well in 2005-2006 we weren't in the greatest depression in the history of mankind (and it's just BEGINNING....FIVE YEARS AFTER IT STARTED!!!)

Every TBTF bank is broke 100-1000x over when you add derivatives to the books.

The reason why it is selling badly in Europe is.....because Europe is literally descending into hell as we speak. We won't be too far behind, but for now, their now is our future. It's not because of the console itself, it's that people are destitute. Can't stand in a soup line and a Wii U line at the same time.

Do people not know that in many European countries you have 50+ percent unemployment by teens and young adults? With 25-30 percent regular unemployment? Shrinking safety nets, tax increases, and all sorts of other ways to bend over for the bankster casino gambling addicts.

They are refilling the stock of Wii U quite nice to both have them in stores and sell that many units.

On top of this, when people 'think' it's sold out, they tend not to look as hard. I'm sure a decent percentage of people decided it wasn't worth the hassle until after the xmas season.

As time goes on, with each launch console you have people that have dealt with the lines, the waiting, the calling/internet checks to see if some were in stock and just said to hell with it. They have learned to assume it isn't in stock early on. Not just with consoles but any product really.

I remember the PS3 shortages, still found mine in stock 3 days after xmas.

It doesn't make 'direct comparisons' useless....because the numbers can usually be had by geographic breakdown. Which means you can find out just how many sold in what regions.

The 720/PS4 won't sell too well in Europe as well. Nor will many relatively useless products (which consoles are). They're fun, but wholly unnecessary to live, which is what a lot of Europeans are focused on.

Personally I'd really like to see the differences in number of consoles sold (Wii, 360, Wii U, PS3) recently as compared to previous years or launch periods. Specifically the numbers of consoles sold for countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Even Ireland.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4571d ago
rainslacker4572d ago

I won't dispute what you say, but at this point in time it's hard to tell which sector of the market is really picking this up. I could use some anecdotal evidence, but it wouldn't serve much purpose.

They system itself was launched with quite a few hardcore games, but most of them had been released on other systems months prior. There is of course Mario U which appeals to the entire range of gamers, and scribblenauts which is pretty family friendly, but they run with $60 price tags. There is a party game which sells for $40, along with raving rabbids which is $50, but the casual/family titles overall just aren't plentiful right now.

I guess if we saw some of the software sales for the system it might make it easier to judge.

Off Topic:
I did see a more recent commercial the other day where they made it apparent it was a new system. It emphasized the tablet controller and showed it being useful in a family setting, namely little Timmy being able to play while his parents watched the TV. Much better done than their first commercial, as it actually speaks to a real situation that families face when it comes to their gaming kids.

Theyellowflash304571d ago

Its acutally not hard to tell at all. If you have one, which I do, you can tell by MiiVerse that mulit console owners, kids, and Nintendo fans are all picking up the system.

So what if Mario U runs at a $60 price tag? Its selling quite well and there is enough content to justify the price tag.

rainslacker4571d ago

I hadn't thought of that. Honestly I hardly ever log on if I can avoid it. Not really into the whole social network thing to be honest, but I give them credit for setting up one that people seem to like.

greenlantern28144571d ago

this is very surprising to me, because
1. i see them every where i go, but that was not the case for 360, ps3, or wii.
2. a lot of people i know either have no idea the system exists, or believe it is a wii accessory
3. early reports seemed to suggest that they would have a hard time supplying them.
so yeah i would say i am surprised

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4571d ago
GraveLord4572d ago

XBox 360 had supply issues, PS3 had a price issue.

If it passed the Wii or the PS2 launch, that would have been impressive.

Game3s4572d ago (Edited 4572d ago )

So Wii U has no issues?

Also why does it have to pass ps2 and wii sales to be impressive i think its doing fine in this economic climate and a market filled with products that are competing for your free time.

BitbyDeath4572d ago

Unlike Wii U though both PS3 and Xbox 360 sold out when launched.

meganick4572d ago

The Wii U sold out at launch also. If you didn't pre-order, you pretty much didn't get one on launch day.

Ulf4572d ago

Nintendo must be doing a great job with supply... go look at your local store for a Wii U... you'll find them readily available.

meganick4572d ago

@Ulf
I was referring to the launch day, and roughly the first week after for that matter. I'm aware the Wii U is readily available now, but it's now more than a month after the launch.

@People who disagreed
Did you guys disagree because you think that what I said is factually incorrect, or did you disagree because I pointed out something that makes Nintendo (and not Sony) look good?

lfclee4571d ago (Edited 4571d ago )

Your absolutely wrong, you had to per-order the xbox360 to get one.
The wii u is nothing like the wii how do I know I got one, it seems gamers are rubbishing the wii u and they don't own the wii u that to me is envy, there is nothing wrong with the wii u.

Adolph Fitler4572d ago

I bought one for my kids for Xmas, but then realized I wanted one too, with Zombi-U & I'll trade some other games for Mario after Xmas. So, I'm a hardcore gamer trying to fill a void, & in turn buying a new machine, not neccessarily more powerful than my 360 or PS3, but just something different, so I am hanging badly for the "real" next gen machines, but they are a ways off (at least a year), so, I just wanted Zombi-U, Mario-U badly enough to warrant buying myself one, as well as catering to the casual sales in buying a 2nd for my kids.....pretty dumb really, but that is how I roll.

BLKxSEPTEMBER4572d ago

Lol I did the exact same thing. My kid has the basic and I have the deluxe because......that's how I roll lol

tre4572d ago

same here! plus picked up 4 3DSs and sold Vita to gamestop.

Crillvirus814572d ago

Fanboys are the worst lol just admit its selling great is that to hard to admit all ya wanna do is compare wii u its a great console all you haters should try it ain't nothing like it really

hduce4572d ago

It's a Nintendo article. Of course the trolls would be out in full force.

BrianC62344572d ago

It's not selling great at all. Why buy a Wii U anyway? Wait until next year when the next gen consoles come out. It's foolish to spend that kind of money on a new console that is only able to compete with consoles near the end.

hduce4572d ago

I bought one because I am a gamer. I think the system is cool as hell. I will also buy Sony's and Microsoft's consoles as well. Besides if high console specs is your idea of what defines something as next generation, I am already there with my pc having 2 gtx 680's. Which is way more powerful than the new consoles coming out.

Theyellowflash304571d ago

Can you Play Super Smash Bros, Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Fire Emblem, and Pokemon on the PS4 and Xbox 720?...... whats that... no?

Thats why people are buying the Wii U.

ozzywazzy4571d ago

@ yellowflash

As of now you can't play them on the wii u either so what's your point? Also if you mean the wii games then you still don't need a wii u.

Show all comments (77)
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.

Read Full Story >>
thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai2d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes1d 1h ago

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

1d 22h ago
rlow11d 21h 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 20h ago Replies(1)
drivxr1d 18h 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 15h ago (Edited 1d 15h 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 12h 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 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

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

DivineHand1251d 9h 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 3h ago

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

LoveSpuds1d 8h ago (Edited 1d 8h 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_Slaughter20d 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 20d 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

repsahj21d ago (Edited 21d 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.