270°

Is the Wii U a Failure?

Let’s be honest here for a moment, from a critical and financial prospective, the Wii U is in a lot of trouble right now. It’s barely sold 4 Million units, and there are absolutely no big games or interesting titles in sight. Does that mean the Wii U is a failure? Let’s take a close look at the consoles current situation, future prospective and undeniable facts to find out.

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Dylila4030d ago

ask most of the fans and youll hear no. to a person who isnt a diehard fan things might seem bleak when it comes to the wii u but for the audience its targeted towards they are quite content with the game pickings and upcoming games for the device. most are also waiting for the wii u exclusives so even though people may see some third party titles under-performing, not getting a lot of third party support or engines it isnt so alarming to the diehard fans who love the nintendo exclusives and buy nintendio devices for just those titles.

Donnieboi4030d ago

True, can't argue with that. But it sure lost a hell of a lot of the core audience and virtually all of their casuals. But I hear what your saying when u mention the diehard Nintendo fans buying into it no matter what Nintendo does (or neglects to do).

PopRocks3594030d ago

There are plenty of Nintendo fans here who have acknowledged the Wii U's issues and lower than par sales in the past. I myself have already stated that its library is in heavy need of expansion and the marketing for the platform has been particularly disappointing.

I don't believe it's a failure. Yet. It can turn out to be after more time on the market and a continuance of low sales, but I don't believe that will ultimately be the case.

Will it make Wii level success? Probably not, but then neither did the PS3 or 360 and both of those are currently profitable systems that sell much better than when they initially launched.

Theyellowflash304030d ago

Donnieboi, I know your trying to get hits for your site, but you're rushing to conclusions. The Failure of a system just outsold the PS3 in Japan with a HD port and Game & Wario.

Guys like you were on the same bandwagon when the 3DS was not doing well.... Nintendo will release their first party hardware, and sales will go up.

SilentNegotiator4030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

@Poprocks

"Will it make Wii level success? Probably not, but then neither did the PS3 or 360 and both of those are currently profitable systems that sell much better than when they initially launched"

Stop trying to connect Wii U to Ps3/360's "horrible" beginnings. Ps3 and 360 NEVER had months as bad as Wii U has had this year, even in the worst of software droughts.

Ps3 and 360 have had much more steady sales over their life times. They were stable and knew where to aim their systems. Wii U neither panders to the hardcore (with weaker online and small leap from systems they already own) nor the casual (those that bought Wii for the supposed fitness); THAT is why it is selling slowly. Not because 'every system goes through this'

AngelicIceDiamond4030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

At the moment Nintendo did set themselves up for a big dry spell this season (spring) with no big games, in fact its been happening since early this year.

I know Nintendo has some secret AAA's in the works right now, but I'm having a hard time seeing it being form third party. Deadspace, GTA, Bioshock, Dead Island, Saint Row, BF (EA games) and future Epic games aren't making it to Wii U. The fact that EA and Epic aren't on board with the Wii U is devastating.

Nintendo's console is indeed current gen. The masses can't tell the difference with graphical differences with PS360, and even if they can they don't wanna shell out 300$ for a minor difference or games that they played before.

The Wii U is simply late to the party. It would be acceptable if they released the Wii U in late 2009 or 2010.

I just think we have to wait until E3 and see what kind of games they showcase. Though, Nintendo shouldn't rely only on holiday season for games, they need to stay consistent through out the year. Take Sony's approach and release games through out the calender year. That would benefit Nintendo greatly imo. They could use that exposure And the exclusives.

LOL_WUT4030d ago

I would say yes, given the fact on how bad the company has been doing as of late. The bad business decisions would be too long to list. ;)

As for the casuals they would have no say in this as they probably wouldn't even know what a Wii U is. And theres really no point in mentioning the diehards as you can't reason with them.

N4g_null4030d ago

I'm not sure why having pc big games is important to a wiiu owner when they have a pc and most do. No one was ever going to buy a wiiu for gta when it's on pc and better. What matters are all those Mario kart gamers, resort gamers, smash bro gamers, along with a nice helping of my fav platinum, treasure and sequels to 3 unique RPGs launched on the wii.

Also monster hunter and dragon quest is a really nice combo. Wario ware and wiiu fit are going to do fine. Plus add in a pc and suddenly you don't have to wait on the ps4.

Also the third party house of cards is starting to fall. This is a bad time to release a console over $400.

_QQ_4030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

why is everone making a big deal about epic not working with wiiu, gears was okay and judgement was meh.

Nintendo never has huge third party and does fine,thats one of the reasons you get a gaming PC so you don't have to play handicapped third party titles on consoles.

AKR4030d ago

@SilentNegotiator

~ And would you believe that the Wii U has actually sold better than than the PS3 or 360 in the same time period (3 months) even with it's terrible game drought?

- Check the facts for yourself good sir, BEFORE, you comment.

badz1494030d ago

but it sure does not perform good enough to let Reggie's face pop out in the news here and there like it was with the Wii!

kikizoo4030d ago

"Will it make Wii level success? Probably not, but then neither did the PS3 or 360 and both of those are currently profitable systems that sell much better than when they initially launched."

You can't compare, since wiiu is selling less, and more difficult for them : ps3/360 dont' have to compete with better consoles (wiiu will suffer big time from ps4/720 launch)

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4030d ago
profgerbik4030d ago

Is it opposite day? I know it is horrible for me to bring this up but it kills.

I didn't care for what you said before but I think it is still kind of a joke you are changing what you say all the sudden.

Probably cause you got banned so many times. It is just funny seeing you in all this Wii U thread being such a strong support now, before you did literally nothing but trash the system, now you are doing everything to defend.

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1nsaint4030d ago

It needs more:

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stage884030d ago

Yes because Mario 743 will save the system.

g2gshow4029d ago

nintindo is going to have to fight this one out on foot the're will be no flying above collecting coins from the legion of causal gamers this time around.how many times will they rely on miyamoto to save the day .They will survive but at what cost i see them in last place on hardware sales unless Microsoft drop's the ball big time or they star selling the wiiu dirt cheap an fall back on strength of software

4029d ago
+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4029d ago
Ziriux4030d ago

Yes. Get it right with the software and you'll succeed. Need newer IP's more innovation.

Theyellowflash304030d ago

Nintendo is innovation. The Wonderful 101, Bayonetta 2, Xenoblade 2, Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem, Pikmin 3.... These are some of the most unique and innovative games coming out.

Sony and MS are one boring shooter after another, Killzone, Uncharted, Resistance, MAG, Halo, Battlefield, COD, it's the same junk. Shooters. Nintendo always bring new gameplay experiences that are unique. How many games on the market right now do what Fire Emblem Awakening does?

How many games play like Luigi's Mansion? Nintendo will always bring innovation and New IPs, Dillion's Rolling Western, HarmoKnight are two examples of new IPs Nintendo is doing.

Picture_Dancer4030d ago

@Theyellowflash30

Yeah Nintendo is super innovative. Same ip's and game characters for almost 20 yers. All I hear from N fans is: Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Mario Cart, Smasz Bros. The same games all over again. intendo is is the least innovative company in terms of games and new IP's

N4g_null4030d ago

Have fun with your zombi hobos and the next infamous or that fps cut scene generator. You guys are in the wrong hobby. This is about gameplay ip not a new name on another fps. This is about RPGs, platformers, bullet swarms, rts, fighting games, puzzle games, you know games that require skill.

Stop trying to turn gaming into bad cinema or reality tv. Eye candy is starting to look a lot like a bad vfx driven movie syndrome. I'm not sure why Sony even made a new controller. They did not even use what was in the last one.

Third parties are walking them selves into a corner not even a dead end. Expect more layoffs.

Theyellowflash304030d ago

@Picture Dancer, yet I didn't name Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Pokemon in my post. Did you just reply to me with a side step of all the games I listed?

brave27heart4030d ago

@Theyellowflash
Three of those games you mentioned are sequels so although they may be good calling them unique and innovative is maybe not totally accurate. Also we dont know if these games are actually any good. I could list 100 unique and innovative games on platforms other than the WiiU that are truly awful, so unique and innovative doesnt mean good.

Also dismissing offerings in other platforms is shallow and narrow minded. Uncharted is a great experience, Cod and Battlefield might not be hugely innovative each year but they have millions of people playing each week for a reason. Then there are those unique and innovative experiences that are good. Journey, Braid, Limbo, Walking Dead (telltale games one).

Nintendo relies heavily on its established franchises for success. How innovative is Mario Kart? Zelda? Smash Bros? They're not the greatest at innovation but they are solid, really good games.

All you Nintendo diehards need to stop blindly defending Nintendo. Its always going to have great first party games but instead of dismissing other consoles games to defend your own how about actually asking for some of these games on the WiiU? Wouldnt you like to have great 1st part games AND games like Bioshock, GTA, Battlefield etc?

_QQ_4030d ago

Cod has a bunch of bros playing, either that or they play madden. i own a wiiu but i also get to play all the ther games you mentioned because i own a ps3, gonna get a ps4,plus i have a gaming pc so i don't have to play handicapped third party titles on consoles.Most people own more than just one console. Plus the major Mario, Metroid, and Zelda releases for the wii last year are better than any ps3 exclusive other than mgs4.

1upgamer994030d ago

Well I think Nintendo got it right renewing the Eternal Darkness IP a couple weeks ago....That game is amazing.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4030d ago
Root4030d ago

It was rushed out in my opinion, if it had launched with Mario Kart U and another game like Super Smash Bros U or maybe the new Zelda then have Pikman 3 and maybe Luigis Mansion 2 (instead of the 3DS version) coming out a few months after then it would of lured people in. I mean I know I would of gotten one straight away for Mario Kart.

It just feels like Nintendo didn't have a plan at all, they just thought "Ahhh we'll be fine the Wii Sold a ton people will eat this up"....

badz1494030d ago

it was announced a full year and a half from release thus making the recent game drought a bit more unacceptable.

Fierce Musashi4030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

Far too soon to say. The best truly has yet to come. Til then, it's merely just jumping to conclusions for the most part.

To Aceitman
A drought like this doesn't automatically make it failure. Espcially when it has multi million dollar franchises under it's belt. It was the same thing with the 3DS before Mario 3D Land and Kart and it's later, more aggressive advertising. Like I said, it's too soon to say. :/

aceitman4030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

I don't know with only 8 confirmed games with release dates from april to September it looks bleak http://www.ign.com/games/up...
ps3 has 31 http://www.ign.com/games/up... 360 has 26 http://www.ign.com/games/up...
and 7 wiiu games are multiplatform and remember that is confirmed with a release date , pikmin 3 not confirmed with date or The Wonderful 101 .

PopRocks3594030d ago

8 confirmed games? Seven of which are multiplatform?

I don't suppose the new 3D Mario, Mario Kart, Zelda/Wind Waker HD, X, Bayonetta 2, Fire Emblem x Shin Megami Tensei or the new Retro Studios game factor into that list?

N4g_null4030d ago

So what are the confirm release dates of the ps4 games? Most of the ps3 games worth getting will be on pc anyway. If you really want to believe all of those games are not coming then good luck with that.

Hicken4030d ago

He said WITH RELEASE DATES. Of those games you listed, how many have release dates? NOT ONE. (Not from IGN's list, anyway.)

Geez, are you trying to make yourself look silly? cuz if so, you're doing a great job.

@scissor_runner: Get off this PC kick you're on. It's pretty pathetic that you use that as some type of excuse as to why the multiplats that aren't on Wii U don't matter.

Fact is: third party support is drying up quick on the Wii U. They're kinda gonna need that to lure in core gamers(though I imagine the Nintendo faithful will say the only thing that matters are the exclusives), especially those that aren't all that into the same few franchises Nintendo brings every generation.

As for confirmed release dates of PS4 games, that's irrelevant. That SYSTEM doesn't even have a solid release date yet; how could the games have one?

Trying too hard, people. The Wii U isn't a failure, but it could- and should- be doing better. Seems like Nintendo didn't have all their ducks in a row when they launched it. But it's not too late to straighten them up.

PopRocks3594030d ago (Edited 4030d ago )

@Hicken

Chill out boyo. I missed that part of the comment obviously.

Either way, even without release dates, I don't think we should discount those games. They're going to be shown around E3 and unlike other publishers, Nintendo has a tendency to keep a fairly strict schedule. If they're being showcased, they'll probably be released within two years of the show, in some cases less than one.

MikeMyers4030d ago

I find it alarming how some people used to list Vita games with no firm release dates to try and counter all the negativity yet won't take that into consideration with the Wii U. Double standards?

It's way too early to be calling Wii U a failure just like it was for the Vita.

PopRocks3594029d ago (Edited 4029d ago )

@MikeMyers

Nintendo's schedule is usually fairly solid when it comes to software. If they announce a game at E3, it's usually out within the next two years, sometimes the following year.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4029d ago
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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?"

purple1012d 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 ☝️

Zeref2d 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.

DarXyde1d 22h 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.

PhillyDonJawn1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h 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.

Einhander19721d 21h 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.

MrBaskerville1d 20h 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.

shinoff21831d 13h 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.

Profchaos1d 12h 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 1d 12h ago
isarai2d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref2d 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.

MrNinosan1d 23h ago

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

mkis0071d 4h ago (Edited 1d 4h ago )

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

Einhander19722d 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.

2d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19722d ago

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

2d ago
2d ago
Zeref2d 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.

DarXyde1d 22h 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.

Einhander19721d 22h 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.

Einhander19721d 22h 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.

BehindTheRows1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h 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.

Zeref1d 20h ago (Edited 1d 20h 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.

Chevalier1d 19h 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.

Tacoboto1d 20h 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.

shinoff21831d 13h ago

Yay steam

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

Tacoboto1d 10h 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 1d 10h ago
Hofstaderman2d 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?

crazyCoconuts1d 21h 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.

Xeofate1d 17h ago (Edited 1d 17h 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.

crazyCoconuts23h 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

FinalFantasyFanatic1d 7h 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."

XiNatsuDragnel8d ago

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

banger888d 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.

Jingsing8d ago

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

PRIMORDUS7d 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.

mastershredder7d 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.

shinoff21837d 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.

80°

The Nintendo Partner Spotlight Sale Is The Perfect Excuse To Get These 6 Gems

Huzaifa from eXputer: "The Nintendo Partner Spotlight sale event has discounted a number of worthy titles on the Switch. Here are 6 of them you should check out."