260°

Should Nintendo Quit Consoles?

Hey! It’s been a while since there's been an opinion on the blog. To be honest, just been looking for the right topic. And this week the bulb finally shone. As you probably heard Nintendo had another “Nintendo Direct” earlier this week.

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Cyb3r4018d ago

Should people quit articles like this one?

L1keMike4018d ago

A play on words...I see what you did there.

Cyb3r4018d ago

Sorry Mike no offence I just don't think its time to write off the Wii U just yet. Hopefully they will show some hardcore titles at E3 but I think the Wii casual stuff has had its day.

jimbobwahey4018d ago

The only thing that Nintendo have going for them is their first party games, and since they're not releasing them regularly enough to justify owning their console, it's definitely best for consumers if Nintendo abandon the hardware business and make games for the other consoles instead.

I would happily buy the latest Mario/Zelda/Metroid on day one if they were released on Xbox/PlayStation, but Nintendo will never see my money again if they insist on remaining in the hardware business because quite frankly, their consoles suck.

They keep forcing gimmicky controls and there's always a ridiculous amount of proprietary peripherals to own. They can't make a decent online service at all and their consoles are always horribly underpowered. The fact that they put out one worthwhile game a year (if you're lucky) just makes their consoles even more worthless, and who's going to buy third party games on a Nintendo console when the Xbox/PlayStation consoles are so much better for that?

The sooner Nintendo drops out the hardware business, the better. Until then, they'll continue to miss out on money from many potential customers who like their software but won't drop cash on their hardware.

sikbeta4018d ago

@richierich

If they don't do it, they can't get those damn hits, articles like this are made just for that...

AdvanceWarsSgt4017d ago

Thankfully, Nintendo has since stopped listening to "fans" like jimbowahey or else they would have been dead years ago.

Pixel_Enemy4017d ago

I don't really understand the disagrees that jimbobwahey is getting. I agree completely with his comment. I love Nintendo first party games but my Wii collects dust in between major releases and I don't plan on buying a WiiU any time soon unless a game comes out that I must have. Forcing me to buy a console for a very select few key titles is kind of BS. I would be much happier playing Nintendo first party games on the console of MY choice.

darthv724017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

nintendo makes good consoles and their in house teams that have been making the staple game franchises for years, are quality as well.

to be fair, IF they dropped out of the "console" market then i would expect them to be in full support of continuing their portable market. Not completely drop out of "hardware".

I mean the success of the original Gameboy is still talked about in various circles of the internet. Most companies that have successful products would dream to hit a homerun like Nintendo did with the Gameboy back in the 80's.

Times are different now vs the 8bit and 16bit days. People are more mobile with their entertainment and if a company does not take on the changing trend of mobile gaming with more serious efforts then they risk being passed up or viewed irrelevant.

That sentiment holds true for even MS and Sony when it comes to being relevant in todays social climate.

Highlife4017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

I agree with Pixel and Jimbo. What is the point of their system other than their 1st party games? And where the hell are they? Also agree with the gimmicky controls there best games on the wii were the ones that used the wii mote like a controller. Mario Kart was better played that way and smash brothers. They are basically a kids console. Which is great for my kids. I have other systems for me and my tastes. The problem is they shouldn't even bother with the hardcore or mature games anymore they should just focus on the e for everyone games.

@advanced wars
Maybe if they listened to Jimbob and others like him Nintendo would appeal to more gamers. Not the casual fans and soccer moms like they did with the wii. And now do you think that the casual and soccer mom's that were playing wii fit are going to upgrade to a wiiu??? I don't think so. They are leaving for the Smartphone and tablet market. They made there bed and now when they release a new system they aren't going to get the gamers to follow them. Sony and Microsoft have established themselves as a more core gaming experince and the gamers will follow them to their new systems.

Mainsqueeze4017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

I kinda wish that i could get Zelda and Mario on my 360/720 or ps3/ps4. Imagine how BA and epic a Zelda game would be when powered with Sony or Microsoft hardware plus iv'e always hated nintendos controllers. I know competition is awesome and i still want Nintendo to be successful but as of late i just haven't been too excited about what nintendo has shown as far as hardware.

elmaton984017d ago

I wouldn't want them to drop out of the console business,I mean they're practically the father of the video game business.

ZombieNinjaPanda4017d ago

Wait. What the hell is going on in this comment section? You all are the same people who say that the exclusives are the sole reason for owning a goddamn ps3 or PS4. Stop being hypocrites.

AdvanceWarsSgt4017d ago

@Highlife

Jimbob is a representation of the many types of "fans" who complain about wanting things to get better for Nintendo, yet have no desire to buy their hardware or games because it isn't on his platform of choice.

Nintendo doesn't need to cater to people like that who aren't interested in buying their products, period.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 4017d ago
Eyeco4018d ago

I bloody well hope not, it would screw the perfect equilibrium of the consoles, competition drives better games and service, gamers win in the long-run.

Tultras4017d ago

I don't think that competition from the Wii U or the Wii drives the Sony or Microsoft to do better.

Stroke6664017d ago

@tultras... yeah you're totally right, cause the kinect and move weren't rip-offs off wii. and ms would've came up with illumiroom without ever having the kinect.

paul19744018d ago

should these people just quit full stop!! sad so sad

MEsoJD4018d ago

I think it's probably inevitable that they get out of the console business(though will stay in hanhelds). The WiiU was a bad idea.
It's:

1.Name: The average consumer isn't even aware of this things existence or thinks it's a peripheral. Nintendo should have at least called it the Wii 2 or HD.

2. Gamepad: I wasn't sold on the novelty of this controller because frankly most have their own tvs(they're pretty cheap these days). Also UI seems more of a dev issue. Some devs handle it very well on screen and others don't. It's mandatory and cost $125 to replace. Sure there are other features that some games try to incorporate with the pad, but nothing that really seems to make the gameplay experience better.

3. Hardware: Thanks to the gamepad and the tech that comes along with it makes up for the majority of the price of the console. Instead of building a console with longevity in mind, we get something that is behind the times like the wii.

4. Third Party Support: Sony and Microsoft get how vital support from this end is and it can be seen. I can't see Nintendo putting in the effort to get them interested.

5.Internet: Nintendos current online store and method/policy is sub par and in ways hurts the consumer. Things like tying downloadable games to an account is a must.

6. Stubborness: Nintendo has been praised for being innovative, but they are seemingly stubborn to evolve in certain areas fast enough. The wii should have been hd.

That said, if Nintendo would make a killing as a third party(if they're smart). I'm hoping they change my opinon at E3 because I currently have no interest.

khowat4017d ago

It does not take one gen to kick a company out of the console business, it is a series of failed or sub-par consoles. Nintendo isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The wii u was a messed up console it will be a stain on Nintendo's console list.

MEsoJD4017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

@khowat

I didn't say that Nintendo was out right after Wii-U. I said that it's probably inevitable/eventually(especial ly if they don't change).

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4018d ago (Edited 4018d ago )

They should make new games like sony.

Lol guess ninty is waiting for ps4 hype and release before wiiU takes off? They are going blow a whole year.

NastyLeftHook04017d ago

yes, but hits generate that money. smdh

ChickeyCantor4017d ago

Should Mr. Miyamoto die? I mean he didn't come up with CoD.

user76939584017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

I will buy Zelda on the PlayStation and millions will keep buying mario.. nintendo will keep making money big time.
but they an potentially do as good as they did with the Wii, with their next console, the one after the wii U..
if is cheap (in price "$200"), simple (meaning most casual people in the world could play with it, in terms of gameplay), is as powerful as the PS4 and comes out by 2017 (they always come out every other 5 years) ..
next gen PS5 will come out by 2020 most likely.
meaning this next nintendo console could do good, just like the Wii did if i fallow those rules.

g2gshow4017d ago (Edited 4017d ago )

Those old stubborn bastards at Nintendo headquarters need to rethink that strategy and this will be a point in history for Nintendo where they will have a Failing Game Machine well At least one that doesn't live up to their expectations this will be a lesson well learned .but to quite that's over exaggerating. Mario been Collecting coins before any of us were born
where will we be without Nintendo

Yin an yang For people that don't care about Nintendo not saying I do but some of my best gaming Moments came from Nintendo Including developers like rare. With out Nintendo the world of video games would be a much more Gloomy one an could never be the same with out them just saying

Now I'm going to be a Misspelling ass whole to balance out the force And Say could you kindly stfu

MYSTERIO3604017d ago

There will always be a place for Nintendo in the games market so long as there's casual fans willing to buy one they will stay in business.

Just because Wii u is seeing poor sells right now it doesn't mean they're in trouble. It simply means that most of they're sells are being made on the Wii(Nintendo are still getting paid).

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4017d ago
TheLyonKing4018d ago

My answer is no. There first part is very strong and they can pull pundits in with just that. There wii u is going to be another gamecube/n64 (sales wise) The second Nintendo can get their 3rd party relationship right then it will do better.

UNfortunatly nintendo are 1 step behing sony and microsoft.

Luckily for them their 3DS is selling like hot cakeas and witha new Zelda its going to skyrocket.

L1keMike4018d ago

Thanks for the great(and mature) reply.

I feel Nintendo really really need the first party support to get going for the WiiU else it will die a slow and painful death :(

sloth33954017d ago

remember nintendo said they werent going to do as much first party to try to let 3rd party titles sell more but since that isnt working im sure they will do more first party

Highlife4018d ago

My answer is maybe. I bought a wiiu for my kids last xmas and they played Mario for a couple of weeks and then that was about it. We have rented a few games for it since then but nothing great. The system has just been siting there. My kids are back to playing some minecraft and there handhelds (nexus, vita, 3ds) and now that spring is almost here they will be back outside. I guess this wasn't the year to buy that system. The release of games have been laughable. What a horrid launch. I think they rushed the system out the door before ps4 and xbox next were here because their system just doesn't have the horse power. In doing that none of their games were ready for launch.

While competition is great The only reason to buy a Nintendo console is for their great 1st party games. And when they don't even release them what is the point of the system. So to me I guess that it would be best if they made the move and dropped hardware. That would mean less systems that I would have to buy. There could always be someone else who gets in the console buisness just hope it is never apple.

paul19744018d ago

shame you fail to see such titles as lego city, mh4u, trine 2, nano assault, need for speed, many other cheap games by great developers on eshop as a reason for your kids to play! add toki tori 2 as one to test their brains also.

The only games that I see that have not come out on wii u are some mature 18+ games and as you state they are kids then these should not be relevant to them.

Highlife4017d ago

Some of the games you mention are on other systems. The only game you mention that my kids would show any intrest in would be Lego City. The problem is they are waiting for their core games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. I can't blame them those were the only 2 game I enjoyed on the wii. If It wasn't for my kids I would not have bought the last 2 nintendo consoles. Frankly other systems have grown up with me and some just haven't and that is fine. I will stick with the more mature and versitle console as oppose to the one stuck in the past. As for my kids I think nintendo is more suitible for them there just aretnt the games out that seperate this console to the others yet.

kneon4017d ago

I don't see how third party support is going to make a big difference. Even if they get more third party games there will still be plenty that they will be missing. Also once the PS4 and next Xbox launch they will have the weakest console in the market so will likely lag behind the others in the quality of third party games.

You buy a Nintendo console for the Nintendo games, if you don't care for those then no amount of third party games will make you buy a Wii U.

NYC_Gamer4018d ago

I doubt i'll ever buy another Nintendo console but they shouldn't drop out the market

Neonridr4018d ago

Competition spurs innovation and creativity. Without Nintendo, all we have left is two other companies that release virtually identical systems with near identical specs and aside from their own exclusives, the multiplats are nearly identical for both systems. (as in run the same, look the same, play the same)

Nintendo may not sell 50 million consoles with the Wii U, but let's at least wait until the heavy hitters come along. If they still don't move any units after the Marios, Zeldas, Mario Kart and Smash Bros come along, then maybe we can look at the Wii U as a failure.

But Nintendo will survive this, and they will live to see another day.

Dno4018d ago

those games won't push sales all that much unless they are really close together AND have a price drop close to it. if nintendo releases a mario this year and a zelda a year later thats not going to work.

Price drop is mostly what is needed.

Neonridr4018d ago

I agree that a price drop will be imminent, I would say $50 off. Just in time for the holiday season. A lot of retailers in Europe are already dropping prices to spur purchasing. But it's hard to make people want to buy the system when there are hardly any games on it.

This holiday season will be the big tell for Nintendo. With Sony releasing their system and most likely Microsoft too, a lot of eyes will be looking at Nintendo to see what aces they have up their sleeves.

paul19744018d ago

absolute trash! wait till the next ps4 and xbox come out then you will understand its good value! i think you people in the states expect to be given stuff based on how cheap stuff is over there! maybe this explains the average US consumer (cheap) just saying! try coming to europe or Australia for price comparison.

PopRocks3594017d ago

"Price drop is mostly what is needed."

What are you, LOL_WUT's twin? Retailers have been slashing the Wii U's price themselves with little to no results. You can't expect a lower price tag to reel in customers when there is hardly any awareness of the console.

Stop saying a price cut will help the Wii U sell, because news flash: it has not and will not.

LOL_WUT4017d ago

@ Dno Agreed

Articles like these wouldn't even pop up if Nintendo would just drop the damn price of the console. It helped the 3Ds did it not? A little push in sales wouldn't be too bad. ;)

As for Nintendo calling it quits nope don't think so. Going the software route would really make them some dough. ;)

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4017d ago
Mr_Writer854018d ago

In the 'golden age' we only has Nintendo and Sega.

pythonxz4018d ago

The 16-Bit Era was the best of gaming. Nintendo and Sega really showed what friendly competition does for the industry.

Dark114018d ago (Edited 4018d ago )

Well it does make sense for Nintendo to go handheld-only.
but that only if the Wii U didn't sells and failed.

right now we have to wait.

Show all comments (105)
80°

Nintendo's Massacre Of The 3DS And Wii U Is Finally Complete, Regrettably

Hanzala from eXputer: "The cruel hammer of Nintendo has fallen. Farewell, 3DS and Wii U, you surely brightened my life and many others; you won't be forgotten."

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?"

purple1015d 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 ☝️

Zeref4d 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.

DarXyde4d 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.

PhillyDonJawn4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

Einhander19724d 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.

MrBaskerville4d 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.

shinoff21834d 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.

Profchaos4d 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 4d ago
isarai5d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref4d 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.

MrNinosan4d ago

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

mkis0074d ago (Edited 4d ago )

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

Einhander19725d 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.

5d ago Replies(3)
Einhander19725d ago

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

5d ago
5d ago
Zeref4d 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.

DarXyde4d 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.

Einhander19724d 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.

Einhander19724d 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.

BehindTheRows4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

Zeref4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

Chevalier4d 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.

Tacoboto4d 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.

shinoff21834d ago

Yay steam

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

Tacoboto4d 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 4d ago
Hofstaderman5d 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?

crazyCoconuts4d 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.

Xeofate4d ago (Edited 4d 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.

crazyCoconuts3d 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

FinalFantasyFanatic4d 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."

XiNatsuDragnel11d ago

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

banger8811d 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.

Jingsing10d ago

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

PRIMORDUS10d 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.

mastershredder10d 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.

shinoff218310d 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.