Poor Wii U Sales Serve as an Ominous Omen for Sony and Microsoft

"Nintendo has done a lot to help support the Wii U, from having a solid lineup at launch, keeping the cost of the games and console down and promising a lot more in the future. " | Explosion.com

[Erimgard]

...an ominous omen?

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Lmao

[MaxXAttaxX]

Some of it has to do with the lack of compelling software and some of it has to do with the name. They just added a "U" in front of "Wii" and people don't know what the difference is other than the touchscreen. People aren't aware if it's even worth a purchase. http://www.gamestop.com/mrk... And that is not very convincing.

If Sony were to release the "PS3 U" instead of the PS4, then they'd be in trouble. Same with MS.
But the thing is, the PlayStation fanbase for home consoles is a lot bigger than Nintendo's. Look at NES, SNES, N64 and GC sales. They're all a lot lower than PS1, PS2 and PS3.

The Wii came at the right time with the right gimmick and people ate it up. Motion controls and casual marketing are what put the Wii above all previous Nintendo systems. But that appeal has worn off.
And that is part of what's happening.

[born2live]

you forget the lack of a decent marketing campaign...

[Elem187]

@NathanExplosion, Nintendo is a smaller company than Sony though. They sell their systems at or near cost, while Sony and Microsoft take a loss leader approach.

Nintendo selling 20 million consoles is far more successful then Sony selling 75 million consoles.... The only thing that matters is profit, and Nintendo gets that from no matter the number of systems they sell at, while Sony will never see a profit unless they sell over 80 million systems in 4 years.... I'd bet money on Nintendo's strategy working for them in the long run, while the loss leader approach is way too risky and if there is a crash in the video game industry, its those loss leader approaches that will prove to not be a viable strategy.

[Erimgard]

Sony and Nintendo are actually worth about the same amount, depending on the day. They are both sitting at a market cap of about 16 billion. Microsoft is obviously much higher.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Nintendo has been misleading, apologetic, and downright confusing about the direction of the WiiU. From the start, people weren't even sure if it was a brand-new console or if it was an add-on (seeing how Iwata later had to tweet an image of him showing off the console itself while explaining "it's a new console)". The name confused people. The change in focus confused people (going from a simply Wiimote to an uber-complex tablet/controller/Wiimote hybrid).

An ominous omen for Sony and Microsoft? Yeah. The omen is "don't blow a 1-year headstart by mucking around, losing 3rd-party exclusives, and botching the launch of exclusive titles like Monster Hunter and Lego City by not having any advertising or supply".

[RonRico]

@dedicated
Exactly, the casuals don't really know what the WiiU is and most hardcore gamers are definitely waiting for the PS4/720.

[stage88]

@dedicatedtogamers

Nail on the head.
+ bubble

[Munnkyman]

The monster hunter thing really annoyed me. I went to 2 targets before i was able to get copies for the 3ds and wii u version. The guy there said they only got 3 copies of each. He said that target feels they are try to push people to download the titles through thier eshop.

[raWfodog]

I agree with that assessment. While its true that the Wii enjoyed enormous sales over the 360 and PS3, the enthusiasm waned greatly as time went on and people weren't seeing good games coming out. That lack of enthusiasm seemed to carry over to the Wii U as many of the games that debuted on the system were already available and played on the 360 and PS3.

Not knocking the Wii U as I have bought one primarily for my kids and I am also enjoying MH3U as well. But people are hyped at what the PS4 and Next Box will have to offer and will buy accordingly. As long as the good games are there, gamers will buy.

[Larry L]

The problem with WiiU/Nintendo is 2 fold. It's horrid sales are directly caused by these 2 things as far as I'm concerned.

1) Nintendo COMPLETELY blew it when it comes to not only the hardware they came with, but also the timing. They clearly thought that since Wii's sales have been low for the last many months, that it was time for new hardware.....and then they come to the table with fairly weak hardware that while I understand is sort of kinda more powerfull than PS360....it's not enough better.....not when hardware is coming from their competitors within a year that is comparitively even more powerfull over WiiU than PS3 and 360 were over Wii.

And that is all compounded by 2) Which is they mis-read Wii's low sales as it being time for Wii2.....WRONG. Wii's sales dropped to nothing because people were sick of that crap. And WiiU is just more of the same crap. Wii imo was just an EPIC money making fad. People grew out of it like POGS and Pokemon and Nintendo needed to come out with more of a "core" style console instead of another "gimmick" console. WiiU has absolutely no advantage over PS4, so what is there to draw in the gamers for WiiU?

The ONLY thing selling WiiUs is brand loyalty, which is less of a help when people are broke.....you can't pay for video games with Obama-Bucks, you know.. It was completely wasted development money, and Nintendo is either going to have to suck up the cost and quickly put out some proper hardware that's going to compete with PS4 and just kinda abandon WiiU al la Virtual Boy. Otherwise I see WiiU hurting Nintendo's market share so badly that they're gonna have to bow out of the hardware race and go 3rd party like Sega did.

I personally think Nintendo would do better making just games instead of hardware and games anyway. The same number of gamers would buy their games (and probably more), yet they wouldn't have the overhead of the hardware.

[SkyGamer]

I think that there is some truth in that. Nintendo didn't differentiate the Wii from WiiU that much! Even has a similar name! Problem with that is that most are fine with the Wii. The big challenge for MS and sony is that they need to differentiate from their current consoles. Would you buy a system that was only a fraction better even though it may have the newer games on it? Most people will be content with their current consoles. Considering that nexgen games are only capped at 720p doesn't offer a lot of difference! I think EA, albeit a company that needs a whole lot of work, did get one assessment correct. They are going to have to change the WAY you play a game. You can't expect to keep relevant with the SAME OLD formula in an ever growing tech world. You can blame apple for two things. Killing off sony and console gaming. In the near future, portables will become so powerful and with wireless video transmission, can put it on a bigger screen. Apple's ipod killed off sony's walkman and the ipad is effectively killing off consoles. Although the latter transition will be slower but essentially the ipad will reign supreme, other than PC's. So many people are beginning to find out that you still need a PC as a "partial OS" can't do everything! Now with Windows 8, that may be changing too.

[dcbronco]

Larry L I was with you up until the economy part. The economy hasn't hurt a lot of more expensive products. Nintendo's problems was the other reasons. The gimmicky part has worn off for the none gamer. And the hardware is too weak. They could have gotten away with it if they had released it in 2010 and had three years to be slightly better and different. But a year(maybe less) before far more powerful machines that have everything special you have except exclusive software.

Not sure what Reggie was thinking. If Nintendo hadn't done so well last generation he would probably been on his way out. It seems gaming companies aren't accepting as many failures as they used to. Too much competition.

But the Wii U has nothing to do with the PS4 and 720. They will be fine.

[Old McGroin]

@ dcbronco

"Larry L I was with you up until the economy part. The economy hasn't hurt a lot of more expensive products."

Actually the economy part is valid, physical video game sales were down 22% at the end of 2012 in the US and hardware sales were down 27%. It's all here: http://www.edge-online.com/...

Can't argue with facts.

[hollabox]

@ dcbronco

I don't think it's Reggie calling the shots. Reggie is only playing the cards Satoru Iwata dealt. Reggie A. should leave Nintendo before his reputation is dragged through the dirt. NOJ provided him with outdated hardware and a low marketing budget making his job twice as hard to appeal to third party developers and consumers.

Interviewers always ask Reggie the tough questions while Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata sneak out the back door. Iwata treats Reggie like the body guard that leans into punches while he is rushed into his limo.

[dcbronco]

@Old McGroin

Apple was predicted to sell more than 45 million iPads last year. Far more than any console sells in a year and there are still a lot of other tablets that sold. Add smartphones that cost hundreds. The tablets cost more than consoles, even new ones.

Sales were down just because people are waiting for next generation. People haven't slowed down there spending on tech, just games and consoles. It's not about money, people will spend on what they want. And those tablets aren't for business most of the time.

@hollabox

You're probably right. But given that they use him as the face of the company, they might use him as the scapegoat too.

[hollabox]

@ dcbronco

"You're probably right. But given that they use him as the face of the company, they might use him as the scapegoat too."

Totally agree with the scapegoat, I have said this in a couple of other post of course filled with disagrees. He always get hit with the hardware questions, if Mr. Iwata or Miyamoto get hit with an hard question their interpreters immediately escort them off stage or Reggie steps in to answer. I know they don't speak good English but its blatant they leave all the hard questions to Reggie. I guess that's what their paying him for, to be face, stool, and tool of the franchise in the west.

[Phil32]

Seriously. The marketing team needs to be fired. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the whole company needs a shake up.

[Nevers0ft]

That's the WORST kind of omen!

[GribbleGrunger]

It's an inauspicious, portent of an ominous omen!

[Kurt Russell]

You sesquipedalian ;)

[deafdani]

Fantastically fantastic eloquence, amirite?

[cyclindk]

Yes I do believe that "omens" are by their very nature... "ominous."

Oleopneumatic Self Leveling Suspension... learn these terms everyone!

[TheSaint]

Why not? Omens can be good or bad.

[pandaboy]

exactly but n4g is full of morons so don't worry about it.

[cyclindk]

Yes, but even good omens... can be ominous ones...

[Mr_cheese]

you forgot that fact that the majority of people who brought the wii realised that it was a novelty buy...

[avengers1978]

Lmao

[KentBlake]

Wow! That's even worse than a regular omen!

[chukamachine]

I know,lol.

People do know the difference between the WII and the WII U.

People just don't want it.

Those 70million casuals don't care for the touch screen, all those mums, dads, grandparents.

PS4 will have no such problems.

720 though, can suck it.

[g2gshow]

its simple i can get more bang for my buck on xbox360 & ps3 why should pay top dallor for a wiiu . i'm not in the leas bit impressed by anything nintendo as of late in fact after n64 severs them right go big or go home

[PopRocks359]

Redundant headlines aside, I don't see how the competition doing worse in sales could necessarily spell out something bad for Sony or Microsoft. If anything doesn't that give them more market share?

[Erimgard]

Well, the idea is that the public in general isn't really all that ready or willing to shell out for new consoles.

I don't necessarily think the Wii U is a perfect indication of that though, because Nintendo has cultivated a different type of crowd in recent years, and that crowd is used to being able to get their games and consoles on the cheap. It'll take them a while to come around to the more expensive Wii U experience. Xbox/PS gamers are used to spending big bucks for powerful hardware. Nintendo gamers are not.

[MariaHelFutura]

No, people aren't jumping on buy a 7 year old system that just came out that has a very limited ammount of software they have already played. I'll buy a Wii U eventually, but I'm in NO rush to buy one at this point. I imagine alot of people feel the same. Show me something special, it could change my mind. But to be honest, the second the PS4 is in my living room, my interest to own one for myself (not my kids) will probably decrease even more.

[bicfitness]

Let me correct that for you. The general public are not willing to shell out for current gen tech that lacks any of the compelling 3rd party software available on cheaper, more infrastructure rich consoles.

Not to mention that the casual crowd who will buy anything that tickles the right itch of advertising, must-haveness and lemming behaviour sees nothing compelling about Nintendo's tablet. Its a console version of a DS. Except the two screens are out of synch with a natural field of vision unless you hold your arms out the whole time. That very gimmick also drove the price of their dinosaur tech box up.

The Wii U is a failure on many levels and in many ways that the next-gen boxes simply won't be.

[mcstorm]

@bicfitness how has it failed? It sold more in its first 3 months of being in sale than the ps3 and 360 did in there 1st 3 months.

Also there has so far only been 3 exclusive games for it in Lego city, zombie and mariou the rest of the 3rd party games could be bought on the ps3 and 360. Why would people buy a new consoles to buy games that are already on the console they own.

Come the latter half of this year sales of the Wiiu will pickup because it will have some of the big name games.

I don't see the next Xbox or ps4 selling more than the Wiiu in its 1st 3 months and we all know that when a new console comes out it takes time for it to build up a descent library of games. If games like bf4 or cod come out for both the ps4 and 3 as well as the next Xbox do you think people will go out and spend £400 on a new console to play the same game they can get on there current console?

Sales of the Wiiu ps4 and next Xbox will not start to be high until 12 to 18 months after being on the market because this is when support for the current gen consoles will start to stop and this will give reason for people go out and buy a new console.

I don't think we will see any console flop this gen but I also don't think we will have one console way out in front like the last 3 gens I think there will only be a few million between the best selling and lest selling console.

[bicfitness]

@mcstorm. If you were actually following metrics you would see that its TRACKING under Gamecube sales. Sales dropped off a cliff after the Nintendo diehards bought the system, period, and they've hardly moved since. Neither the PS3 nor the 360 sold so poorly after release, so stop touting that "SOLD MOARZ IN 3 MONTHS!!!", cause it's barely sold anything SINCE the launch rush, and I guarantee that Nintendo will miss its REVISED forecast.

[miyamoto]

PS4 ain't created for kids,bub.

[RankFTW]

It's created for gamers, be they 5 or 95. Same with any console including the WiiU. Personally I don't care that the WiiU has limited 3rd party support as I bought the console for first party games. PS4 will also be for 1st party games and 3rd party will always be PC for me.

[Elem187]

Uhm the PS4 will have more kids than adults playing their games.... Every dudebro game on the PS3/360, which is 95% of their libraries have 12 years screaming obscenities... Yeah, no thanks, I'll stick to PC/Wii U.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Please spare me these misery loves company articles. Nintendo made their bed. Sony and Microsoft aren't part of the slumber party. Any one of them can succeed, any can fail. But there is no correlation with the Wii U.

[MariaHelFutura]

Well. Said. +1

[sourav93]

Only reason the Wii U hasn't picked up, other than not bringing in anything revolutionary, is that most of the general public out there don't even know that's an actual console. I live in the UK, so you know that it's a country big on games. Anyways, a couple of days ago I was having a convo with my dad about the PS4 and when it's coming out and all, and then he mentioned that why Nintendo isn't launching a Wii 2 or something. I was like "huh?". I told him that they already have and it's called the Wii U; telling him that it's got a tablet controller. His words, after hearing that was "Oh...I thought that was just one of those Wii accessories. Didn't know that is was a different console". THIS is what majority of the casual gaming market thinks as well. But with the PS4 and the Next Xbox, everyone's gonna know what they are and they WILL be flying off the shelves.

[Jek_Porkins]

If people think the next Xbox and PlayStation are going to break sales records they'll probably be in for quite a shock. Sales will probably look like they do now, especially in North America.

I'd bet my car that the current 360 and PS3 will outsell the 720 and PS4 for at least a year with the new consoles on the market. If we see prices drop on the 360, PS3 and even Wii, that will create a ton of competition and cheap consoles with huge back catalogs.

[MariaHelFutura]

Stop, you sound ridiculous. Once people play next COD at their friends house, boom goes the dynamite!! Next gen is the thing, like this gen and every one before it. Breaking sales records, who knows?

[Jek_Porkins]

I'll be sure to save your name my friend. You honestly think new consoles will take off just like that? That hasn't happened since the Wii, which had a $249 price tag. The new consoles from Sony and Microsoft are going to be anywhere from $400-$500 and a lot of people aren't going to pay that much right away.

Parents, casuals and families will all stick with lower priced consoles, just look at this past generation, how long did the PS2 outsell the PS3?

This will be fun to revisit come November and December, I'd expect decent numbers to start, but they wont even match the 360/PS3 launch.

[MariaHelFutura]

Whoa....I didn't say that. I'm saying people aren't gonna be worrying about back catalogs when their friends are playing next gen games, they'll want one themselves. Plus, I fully expect these system to launch cheaper this time, which will do nothing but speed up next gen console adoption.

[SonyPS360]

I don't see how the Wii U failing has any bearing on the success of the next Ps4 or Xbox.

The Ps4 has already shown it has a lot to offer, and a lot of people are excited to buy it. The Wii U, on the other hand, has been seen by most as an overclocked Wii that isn't worth the money, and never really woo'd anyone with great looking new releases.

[Game4life]

While i do have a Wii U, I"d say there are multiple reason people arent getting one or even playing theirs much.,

1. no games (mostly ports of games that came out on other systems)

2. nintendo gamers are cheaper than sony or microsoft gamers. They are more used to paying 50$ a game and much less than what the wii u is priced at

3. online functionality might be improved from wii massively but the whole online is still fumbling. people want a solid online system where they can add their friends easy.

Overall because multiple things, it seems the wii u came out too early. Thy should have waited until they had a more steady release of games that arent all ports.

I love nintendo and all but i feel i purchased my wii u just way too early

[Munnkyman]

I have never had an issue with adding people online. I dont think its the price of games that haven't help it. Its mostly because of what you said old ports of games people already have and the general consumer thinking its just an add on.

[Game4life]

Its not so much having a problem with adding people but more you have to both enter each others names still. Its an issue overall compared to other networks

[dungeonboss]

@game4life you send a friend request, they accept or reject. Same as 360/PS3. There is no extra step unless you are somehow deliberately looking for a long way to add friends.

That said, friend lists and online aren't the problem - those are very good on Wii U. It isn't power or graphics - again, the Wii was successful and had garbage specs. The real problem is the lack of compelling exclusive content.

MH3U is an amazing game. It's also a port. As are many of the Wii U lineup. Granted the good games are coming, but it's difficult to stand up and make an argument when all we have is 'be patient'.

[Game4life]

u sure? I tried to add my coworker on there when i got it about 2 months ago and it said you have to wait for the other user to add you. unless for some reason they changed it in the last update its requires you to both add each other.

But yeah ultimately it comes down to the games. I bought a wii u as i knew it would have nintendo games which is why I always buy them. To each their own though

Edit: i lknow to be patient. As a gamer, you learn these things but many people dont like waiting

[diddybeats]

@game4life. I think you are both right. If you go to friendlist and add someone random by entering their name they must also add you first. I think this is to protect children from randoms trying to add them. However if you go to friendlist and you have been on a game with someone (see history) you can add them and they can accept. There is also another way in which you can add them from miiverse by inputing their name (same as friendlist) and they will just get the option to accept or decline. Not sure why the rules are different but in short always add people via miiverse HTH

[MilkMan]

There might be credence to this article. For example I have over 200 hands on my Xbox alone and MAYBE finished 100 of them. The thought of NEXT-GEN is cool, but these manufacturers ARE competing with the Apples & the Androids of the world. As you can see with not only Square-Enix' loss this fiscal year, "gamers" aren't buying sh!t.

Sure there are LOTS of talk on the boards, about hair, and dev changes and whatever. But the bottom line is between lackluster sales and other devices squeezing for everyone's attention.

People are not lining up to buy these devices.
Nintendo's WiiU is solid. The lineup was good, not great but good. The potential for some very cool experiences is there, not only for Nintendo games, but third party as well and yet, there it sits.

I have wondered what Sony and M$ will be showing us that will make their fans line up and buy their product and forget all about their collection/ Library which has already been rumored if not flat out stated, wont be carrying over to the new platforms.

Even Sony prez knows what hes up against.
Cliffy B, has said that he is not interested in getting involved in gaming at this moment, he feels that the industry is ready for a collapse, much like it happened in the 80's.

This guy is an insider, maybe he knows something we don't.

The only way to avoid this, is to support what is being provided. Otherwise the legacy of gaming is going to solstice at COD.

[BATRA]

NEED TO BRING BATTALION WARS 3 OUT THEN YOU MIGHT SEE SOMETHING GOOD

[N4g_null]

Let the advance wars guys help and hell guess star snake!
A 3ds version
A wiiu with 3rd person battle squad party play while the gamepad plays in fps style and rts style.

Even Kojima plays advance wars!

[greenpowerz]

What is happening with Nintendo has nothing to do with a trend that will effect MSFT and Sony the same way. Both 360 and PS3 simply started eating away at the MindShare of Nintendo.

MSFT mostly has done this to Nintendo, forcing them to release a console and a gaming strategy that isn't forward looking enough due to media/Kinect etc.

Most people are waiting for 720/PS4 and Kinect-(is what hurt Nintendo the most and others are now copying the tech)

MSFT must be very happy going into this generation knowing consumers are waiting on them vs adopting Nintendo again. The signs were there when MSFT started to outsell Wii.

Sales ratio's were in Nintendo favor now they are in the xbox's favor in NA

I told you no one would buy into that tablet controller design. Wii had lots of casuals being a pick up and play console(wiimote) and suddenly Nintendo comes out with the most hardcore console in history with multi screen gameplay design that would even inconvenience Hardcore gamers.

[DivineAssault]

idk but what i do know is that i will be supporting sony all the way on this one

[TronEOL]

Not even in the slightest. The name, hardware, lack of software, and console issues are what's stopping the Wii-U from selling.

Most casual fans will just assume the Wii-U is an addon or another version of the Wii, since they have the Wii, Wii-mini, the Wiimote Plus controllers and such, it's easily understandable why people's parents would see spending $300+ on what looks like a new "Wii", rather than an entirely new console, as a waste of money.

And when it comes to normal gamers, they'll be watching the interweb for impressions, and so far they've been fairly negative. The hardware barely pushes it passed the PS3 and 360 currently, and given that the PS4 and nextBox are supposed to launch late this year, none of them are going to "wait until the developers learn the Wii-U" when there will be more powerful hardware available already showing massive support for their platform (Sony so far with the PS4).

Not to mention most Wii-U games are available on other platforms for much cheaper. And most games available on those other platforms aren't even coming to the Wii-U. It's lacking developer support.

The Wii-U store is also a barren wasteland with next to no demos, and barely any downloadable games.

TLDR;
How the Wii-U is doing in no way is a warning of any kind to Microsoft or Sony. The Wii-U isn't doing well because of Nintendo's wrong-doings and nothing else. They just didn't push hard enough.

[gedden7]

lol All new consoles never sale well the first year or so... NEVER. New consoles are always too $$$ and not an extreme difference from whats out now... So yes sales will always be slower

[strickers]

Wii U is a bad design. That is the problem.

[PirateThom]

Old games on a console that is barely better than what we have with a controller no one wanted at the wrong price with confusion among consumers added to the mix.

That is why Wii U is failing.

[TheKayle1]

I know probably with this post ill annoy some user but IMHO
the truth is ....nintendo style of graphics for how much cool can be fot the lovers of the genre..dosnt fit in nowdays standards...whatever they do..

when u see any screenshots....of any wii u game...and a poor demo of any new game for ps4 ....withtou knowing what game is u can point at the ps4 game in 2 second....and isnt just a problem of power (that there is)

ppl r bored of that kind of graphic that look too much childish..and when a think is too much childish...well isnt take seriously

@PirateThom

that pretty much the perfect description of why the vita is failing too...with the add.. that the vita isnt better than what we already had

[Hicken]

If your post annoys, it's because people can't understand what the hell it is you're trying to say.

What what IS understandable doesn't make sense. Only parts of what Thom said fits with the Vita, and even then, it's in a different context.

And how is the Vita not "better than what we already had?" Which handheld is even in the same league with the Vita?

Oh, none.

Nevermind, then.

[stuna1]

It's amazing how when one product is not doing so hot, it becomes an invitation to label any other product that comes out in competition of said product!

Nintendo has grown so accustomed to doing things their own way and in their own time, they have lost the ability to gauge the incremental increases of tech from generation to generation! It pretty obvious that is what has happened with the WII U! Sure their tech is a step above what we have had to contend with the last 7 to 8 years, but when it comes to what is looming on the horizon with true next generation consoles it is nothing but a drop in a bucket!

With the waining support that 3rd party are starting to show even now, Nintendo have their work cut out for themselves on all sides! With really no one to blame but themselves. The fact is, the core gamer is the lifeblood of consoles! The casual gamer they come and go, but the core solidifies the console standings in console sale, but more importantly in overall game sell! When Nintendo opted for the casual gamer over the core gamer, they set in motion something that they couldn't anticipate, a thinning out of their core market! See a lot of supporters feel betrayed now.

I forsee a lot of the same things happening to Microsoft! That is why I think they will be taking a totally different route than many might think.

All in all the troubles that Sony started this generation out with is a testament to why they working so hard to garner the support of the media, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party developers, but most importantly their core fanbase.

I truly believe Sony realized their arrogance, and they are doing everything they can to regain the trust they lost.

[stuna1]

Just because you refuse to look at the writing on the wall, doesn't make it go away!

[Godz Kastro]

I think the wiiu has not offered enough to pull in customers. I have one, well I bought it for my nephew but we share it. Its a nice system. Im still not fully sold on the dual screen for single player but its had good moments on local co-op/mp.

However, I wont count nintendo out. System hasnt been out long at all. Lets give it some time. But to get back to article, sales have stagnated due to old tech. Once these powerhouses come out it will give the industry the shot in the arm it needs. I do agree they are launching into a different environment then previous launches as tabs are the craze and taking up casuals time. I think they will hold their own.

[UnHoly_One]

The Wii U might be a fantastic console, but it came out at the wrong time to be competitive with anything. It's not a step up from what is already on the market.

It's not that they are the first ones to release a console for the next gen by a full year.

It's that they are the last ones to release a console for THIS gen by SEVEN YEARS.

It is quite possibly the worst decision I've ever seen in the gaming industry, and I've been following gaming since Pong.

[Acquiescence]

It's not due to a declining interest in consoles that's somehow going to extend its way to the next-gen efforts from Sony and Microsoft. It's because, whatever the timeline may dictate, Nintendo's console isn't a next gen effort in the eyes of the public. It's more comparable to hardware that was released 7 years ago, except it's being sold at a higher price-tag and has a dearth of system-selling software to make it appealing. Third-party support is poor and continues to dwindle, while Nintendo themselves keep delaying their own titles. Misleading marketing surrounding it has led many people to believe it's merely a peripheral to the Wii instead of a full-blown successor, and the tablet controller just isn't much of a gimmick to sell your system on.

The PS4 and NextBox will do just fine. Hopefully the former more so than the latter, because nobody should support always-online bo****ks.

[Gamer-Z]

Nintendo should at least try to rebrand the system, this way the general public (casuals) wont confuse it for some sort of wii peripheral.

[Hazmat13]

ive been thinking about buying a WiiU just for ZombieU. does it have like a horde mode?

[NateCole]

What MS and Sony should be more worried about is the bad economy.

Price will be a key factor but not the only critical factor. Content, services and features will be of great importance as well. Whoever will get this balance right will do the best.

[stuna1]

So why shouldn't the WII U also be concerned about the state of the economy? Like I've heard others say, if anything the WII U should have been released no later than the ending of 2011! At least by now they would have had a solid bearing in the market, major franchises would have released some solid titles by now, Nintendo first party heavy hitters would be moving consoles, and most of all there would be no major interference from the announcement of next consoles.

[4lc4pon3]

I am not a nintendo fan myself so they already lost a sale from me. Nintendo IMO is a joke. Im sure there lots of people who love Nintendo but its a childs toy with kiddy games. I dont find any fun in Mario or mario kart or similar

The other thing that I disliked it that you can buy games like assassins creed 3 or mass effect 3 used for Dirt cheap and on the WiiU the prices started at $59.99. Why would I pay $59.99 for a WiiU version of mass effect 3 when I can buy it used on my PS3 for $17.00

[oof46]

Wii U sales are bad because
1. The casual market that Nintendo targeted with the Wii are still confused at what a Wii U is. For these people, the Wii U is too expensive.

2. For the hardcore gamer, they don't want to buy a Wii U because it's underpowered and has a weak online gaming infrastructure.

[thebudgetgamer]

That's what happens when you put all you chips on casuals and expect them to follow to the next console.

[zpoc]

if ms new console is called the "xbox 360 Z" then yes, it's an ominous warning. otherwise, no.

[greenmeanie]

"Nintendo has done a lot to help support the Wii U, from having a solid lineup at launch, keeping the cost of the games and console down and promising a lot more in the future".

Wow, REALLY?!?! REALLY?!?! On only has to read the first sentence to realize how ridiculous and ignorant this article is! The launch was not "solid, and was downright horrible except for New Super Mario Bros. U, which SHOULD have been the game included with the wii u and not the ridiculous "nintendoland"! Keeping the cost down? Sorry, the console was overpriced by at least $50 from the very beginning. I am not talking about what nintendo HAS to sell it at to avoid a loss, I am talking about overall WORTH. What it is WORTH to consumers, and it is not what they are charging! Promising a lot more in the future?! The only thing we have in the future is pikmin 3, and a REMAKE of a Nintendo Gamecube Zelda game! What is promising about that. I am sure pikmin is a great series, I have never played the games myself, but I am sure it is something for nintendo fans to look forward to... but nothing else has been announced! No new 3D Mario game, no NEW Zelda, No metroid, donkey kong, etc... etc... Sure I will probably pick up the windwaker remake only because I never really got a chance to play it the first time, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still a re-release, and NOT a new game.

For the record, I am not a fanboy of any sort, but if I were, I would consider myself more of a Nintendo one. I OWN a wii u. I own all the previous Nintendo consoles, so I am not trying to rag on Nintendo. I want to protect my investment, so I hope the wii u does succeed! However, I am not going to sit here and lie to myself. Nintendo jumped the gun with this system by not being prepared, effectively confusing customers in the process.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Author is just a fanboy who wanted to say "poor Wii u sales."

This is a case of apples and oranges.

[brewin]

So all of you laughing at this article will be sheing out $500+ for the new consoles on day 1? Have fun with that. I'll just wait and finish up my ps360 backlog and play whatever Good games come out on the U. I'll be dammed if I fall for Sony or Microsoft's early launch issues again. I was burned by both last time. 360 with the red ring and ps3s worst ever launch lineup. I waited far too long for ANY good games on that system. At least the U has a decent lineup after a few months on the market.

[thebudgetgamer]

"ps3s worst ever launch lineup."

I guess you weren't around for the Jaguar.

[younghavok]

few will agree with you, but you are right

[Th3 Chr0nic]

yea cause the ps3 and 360 were the first consoles to sting early adopters.... as if that doesnt happen with every new device or system that comes out.

[brewin]

I only bought one SNES, genesis, n64, ps1 and 2 and regular xbox. None of them failed on me. The 360 was pure hell with the red ring bs. And most systems launch with at least some quality software. The PS 3 had none at launch. What ps3 launch game can u pick up and play now and justify the initial price? None. So the Wii u is actually in a damn good spot all things considered. There is a lot of unnecessary hate. Gamers have had it much much much worse and yet Nintendo gets all this flack. I don't get it. People are brainwashed.

[Max-Zorin]

Poor little Tink Tink.

[iplay1up2]

The initial sales are going to be good, just like for Wii U. The consoles are going to fly off the shelves for people like you and I, but no sorry not everyone that owns a PS360/Wii are dedicated gamers. If you look at Wii U's numbers they are not any better or worse than other consoles at the start of this gen.
My friends have PS360's and they are really not in any rush to upgrade. They are not "core gamers" but they buy games and own consoles. I will have PS4 day one, and really am liking the Wii U. Too many fanboys ruin everything for everyone.

[mediate-this]

@ larry l

I agree to some extent, wii u is simply suffering from brand confusion and lack of games. Not the same mommy and daddy i need that new device kind of feel.

Imagine if nintendo went the software side of things, all the first party sales they can enjoy across sony, micro and maybe p.c, would be crazy.

[diddybeats]

I see this a lot about the name Wii U but would those same people definitively know what a PS4 was or Durango? Probably not. Does nintendo really need to communicate with those people? Lets be honest the Wii U doesnt really have much in the way of family orientated games and shovelware compared to the Wii. I can only really think of Nintendoland, Just dance and funky barn so perhaps this kind of market would be left disappointed. The games line up to me suggests Nintendo are after a slightly more mature audience which brings them into the realms of Sony and Microsoft so the increased competetion is probabaly one reason for it selling not as well.

[strigoi814]

if they did stick with the wii slim first then release the wii U this year people would recognize it as a next gen console..i guess

[mediate-this]

@max zorin

Nice, katt williams reference

[younghavok]

I think what people are failing to see is that NIntendo isn't that worried about whats going on right now. This is a free year for them in the 8th gen. By the time Sony and MS are ready to roll out new platforms Nintendo will have a huge catalog of multiplats and exclusives and will be able to outbundle and outdeal either company. By being first they were able to fumble around a bit and find out what works and what doesnt. When the other two launch they will be ahead by millions in sales, and will have way more games on the shelves. Only people that care about specs are super hardcore gamers, and they are in the minority of console buyers. Ive been gaming since the end of the NES and I havent cared about specs since the gamecube and xbox. As more exclusive titles release, more consoles will sell. Hell Lego City gave it a damn good boost.

[diddybeats]

Maybe not viable to compare it solely to the Wii U but isnt everything selling worse? 3DS is selling worse than DS, Wii U is not selling well and perhaps more compelling, software sales are down despite ps3 and 360 user bases being at their largest point ever. Some of this I suppose could be due to fatigue of a certain franchise i.e deadspace3, GOW3, Gears4 or it could be that times have changed and other than avid gamers, video games have a lower priority now. Will be interesting to see come the end of the year.

[violents]

This guy thinks because WiiU is doing bad that MS and Sony will do bad too? That's ridiculous, I think people have just outgrown and moved on from Nintendo's ridiculously gimmicky controls and family friendly stench of most of their games. And then on top of it all in this day and age where tablets and phone games are nearing the same quality of games you can get on a console Nintendo spits in the face of their fans by coming out with a "next gen" cosole that is barely more powerful than anything else out there. Really what reason do you have to buy one. If I want that level of graphics and gameplay I already have it.

When I want to upgrade, well ps4/nextbox here I come!

[o-Sunny-o]

It should have been called Wii 2 U...and then commercial says "What's Wii 2 U?" Instant reference to the controller and how will you play the game?

[Th3 Chr0nic]

Should we really be surprised...its a Wii...that fad died off in 2011

[camillion1]

guess this person never heard of the gamecube or n64. It's funny how the wii totally made nintendo folks forget that pre-wii(10 years to from 64 to wii). Nitendo to me is a handheld company. They make garbage console, and before you all state that wii sold 99 million. Thats innovative motion control. Not hardware. I repeat no hardware, and the wiiu proves my point. Back to gamecube numbers. I've got a wiiu, and the first thing I thought is gamecube + ipad=wiiu. See nintendo thought they were slick, but what they didn't realize is with wii it was fresh with motion controls we hadn't seen yet in commercial use. With the wiiu. they added a cheap ipad. The difference this time is we all have ipad's, so it doesn't have the wow factor that the wii had. A stupid arrogant move. Now we have nintendo fans fresh off the wii success thinking finally were back(console wise). Now their having a hard time accepting that the wii was desperation and dumb luck. I'm not a nintendo, sony, or microsoft fanboy. I'm a video game fan who tell's the truth.

[Th3 Chr0nic]

the only games i liked on gamecube were burnout and SSX tricky. the N64 i liked a lot. but i had a ps1 at the sametime and it had a larger library

[KingKevo]

NOT AT ALL! Sony and Microsoft have such a different concept in making consoles and have a very different user base. You can't compare apples to oranges. The Wii was not an online console, it wasn't an HD console, it didn't have a modern way of digital distribution and it did not get the support from the first and third party that it deserved. For hardcore gamers the Wii was pretty much lame, except for the typical Mario and Zelda games and a few others, whereas the PS3 and 360 had many different AAA games and many other appealing features.

The Wii was the typical secons console to got to, it was for me and after 3 years and Galaxy 2 I barely used it. Fanboys will probably disagree, but it was more of a nice gimmick rather than your typical console, of course it was succssfull, but the market has changed and the ones who get the consoles first, the hardcore gamer, didn't show a lot of interest in the Wii U yet and I have no intention the get one soon. I'll wait for the PS4 and buy some more games for my PS3 instead of getting a Wii U.

To sum it up, comparing the Wii U to the next PS and Xbox doesn't make a lot of sense, they are way to different.

And look how much interest people on here have for these upcoming consoles; we'll get them and they will sell, but Nintendo might be in trouble. They are struggeling already with the Wii U, but I fear that in a few months it will get even worse, unless the find a way to convince US to get the console

[legend911]

If they'd recruit the same marketing firm as Sony, then maybe they would get somewhere.