130°

Iwata: Wii U hardware far more capable than most think

Nintendo’s Wii U simply needs talented developers to realise its potential, Satoru Iwata proclaiming that there’s “a great deal of contradictory information” regarding the console’s internal architecture.

“As you stated, it is a fact that some software development companies assume that Wii U is not powerful enough,” Iwata’s discussed in his response to an investor.

“On the contrary, some developers say in interviews that Wii U has a different architecture from other consoles and that, when utilised in the right way, it can perform well.

“At the moment, there is a great deal of contradictory information. Nintendo is required to make more efforts to dispel such a misconception.”

Whilst defensive of the Wii U’s potential, Iwata shared his understanding that third-parties are keen to see their commitment to the console rewarded with successful sales....

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nintendo-insider.com
MariaHelFutura4444d ago (Edited 4444d ago )

Nintendo (IMO) should stop talking in general and get sh!t done. The last week or two it sounds like they're trying to convince us and themselves that the platform is worth while to own. Stop talking and start producing, the talking is just making it seem worse w/ no product to back it up.

-Superman-4444d ago

Wii U will be nothing when Xbox 720 and PS4 are released.
When developers makes multiplatform game for PC, Xbox 720 and PS4, then it´s easy to do, but when they are asked to port this next gen game to Wii U, then they just can´t do this because Wii U has last gen(PS3,XBOX360) spec.

For example, you make game, you port this to PC, and then port to PS4 and Xbox 720, easy, but to Wii U? Nah, Wii U is too weak for that.

blitz06234444d ago

"Wii U hardware far more capable than most think"
Sounds more like the Vita...

4444d ago
chaos-lockheart4444d ago (Edited 4444d ago )

Wii U just needs a price cut, it has some great games. Also great games that's not out yet. once Wii U becomes $199 it will start to sell. I know I will get one at that price.

fairyblaster4444d ago

(maria)

Something tells me Nintendo is and has been more busy than me and you?

and you (superschman)

step away from the cryptonite.

PigPen4444d ago

I have to totally disagree with that opinion. My opinion is that PS4 hype will die down a little. If I am as smart as I think I am Playstation will launch a tank of a console. You know "George Forman" grill type hardware with a bigger price then Wii U. Sony can't play the race with exclusives with Nintendo from little money.
With PS3 sales, and the games that's coming make me think a lot will hold off before upgrading to PS4. That goes for Microsoft nextbox too. And to think they will be going head to head for sales with Wii U taking market share too is risky. Nintendo has seven months to get word out to consumers before PS4/Nextbox release. They will have about 5 million hardwares sold to date, and in time for black friday to release bundles. And with the games that's like "Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Deus Ex: HRDC, Rayman: Legends, Call Of Duty: Ghost, Watch Dogs and ..." and the Wii U have a price cut would be tough. Exclusive for PS3 alone will be hard for some to upgrade. Sony fanboys are saying whatever to hold a dark cloud over Nintendo to keep pride in their favorite console. Ignorance is a bliss and can lead to regret. I am no hater/troll and will be getting one of the next gen systems too, as I don't see the need to own both. This is not me cause if you like Sony/Microsoft or Nintendo just be happy and play your game without trying to put someone down for their choice. Most live on here then playing their console/computer. It's good to get the latest news but come on.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4444d ago
Blaze9294444d ago

Remember as kids we had this little thing called, "Show & Tell"?

Well...

MariaHelFutura4444d ago

Yep. It's not called "Tell and Show".

-Superman-4444d ago

Wii U will be same as Wii against PS3

rick1woller4444d ago

skarlett is just talking rubbish now

AKR4444d ago

@ -Superman-

~ If you TRULY believe the difference between that monumental, you need to sit down and think before you speak . . .

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4444d ago
GameSpawn4444d ago

Nintendo needs to tread carefully. They are almost in the same state as Sega; at the moment not exactly, but getting there. Sega failed because it put out too many consoles in a row that ultimately did not sell. The Dreamcast was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

The 3DS and Nintendo's last minute save of it along with the stupidly lucky success of the Wii is the only thing keeping them in the game right now. We can all agree that the WiiU is not doing very well right now and Nintendo cannot save it like they did the 3DS by simply dropping the price; they're barely breaking even on the console with a few games being bought along side each one.

If the WiiU ultimately does fail when the PS4 and Xbox land Nintendo CANNOT afford another console failure or handheld failure. They need to remember the Wii was a stroke of luck; they are not guaranteed to pull off the same success.

Gamer Muzz4444d ago

I have to disagree with that initial statement.
Nintendo is nowhere near "same state as Sega" After dominating the 7th gen in sales and profits and completely owning the handheld market last gen as well as 86.8% of the handheld market today, there is no chance that Nintendo is going to fall off any time soon. Definitely not this gen even if the Wii U doesn't preform as well as they would like.

You need to make sure you define "Fail". the Wii U will be profitable in no time at all and when that happens, they will sell them at a profit and even without winning the gen in terms of installed base, they will earn a profit and continue to operate without problems.
The Gamecube for example, was the lowest selling console of the 6th gen. yet it turned a profit for Nintendo. Meanwhile, the xbox sold 2 million more units than the cube...and cost Microsoft $5 billion in the end.
"Fail" is a term we really have to be careful with.

Side note:
As for the dreamcast. You know it was a record braking console right? It broke every hardware and software launch record set up to it's time. Ultimately failing because of piracy and nothing else.

GameSpawn4444d ago (Edited 4444d ago )

I never said they were in exactly the same state (only close) as Sega, but Sega's case proves that it doesn't take much.

Remember there are some parallels here between Nintendo and Sega.
1) Both are/were Game Console Makers and Game Publishers - First - Foremost - Only
2) Both due to their limited scope of products have run higher risk when they loose; they don't have other markets (like Sony and Microsoft) to fall back on
3) Both have had their share of questionable successes/failures with consoles (subjective on what you consider a failure - sales, profit, popularity, etc.)

I like how you bring up piracy as what killed the Dreamcast. Sega was already at risk with the Dreamcast because of how much R&D money they tanked in previous consoles (specifically the Saturn) and piracy obviously didn't help. The piracy kick started a series of events that led to loss of third party support and ultimate failure of the Dreamcast and Sega.

How 'bout them parallels... :)
Nintendo's WiiU is already having its bout with piracy...ahem...homebrew. It hasn't even been out a full year!
http://n4g.com/news/1243735...
(I felt it easier to link the N4G entry)

The whole reason I bring this up for discussion (I love discussion) is that Nintendo is giving us one sign of weakness after another. Possible piracy with the recent "homebrew hack", no reassurance on third party support (I mean a substantial lineup of WiiU games, 1st or 3rd party), and cancellation of their E3 press event!

I'm sorry, E3 is HUGE for the gaming community and to cancel your press event SCREAMS that Nintendo has some concerns/issues. You just don't cancel E3 or Tokyo Game Show (hopefully this doesn't happen) when you are part of the "BIG Three". Did they cancel because they have no games to show either from themselves or third parties? Did they cancel because they are having issues turning the WiiU situations above around? Only Nintendo knows why Nintendo cancelled.

Am I saying Nintendo will go "Sega" on us (hee hee - I went Wreck It Ralph with that)? No, but I do think Nintendo's concern should also be our concern, because we already lost Sega and saw how things turned out for them (really Sonic has lost all substance since going multiplatform).

If there is ANYTHING that history has taught us in general it is that "history tends to repeat itself." Humans love to repeat the same mistakes of their predecessors and all we can do to prevent that is to learn from those mistakes so that we are not doomed to repeat them.

3-4-54444d ago

They are getting it done....they made the mistake of not hiring more people and instead poached from different teams for Wii U & 3DS games....

Now it will be until Dec into 2014 before we get good Wii U games....

Nintendo will hold on....and in the end will be alright....they always are.

They do need to start thinking about their next system like now though.....so this never happens again.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4444d ago
DA_SHREDDER4444d ago

They have already announced a bunch of games that are coming down the pipe line more than any other first party publisher. They are gonna be all about games this E3.

Ron_Danger4444d ago

Iwata: Wii U hardware far more capable than most think

He's talking hardware, not software.

MrChow6664444d ago

they are gonna be all about FAIL

Pyro2000x4444d ago

LOL but they won't be at E3 so most people will only care about the games coming to PS4 and Xbox 720 tbh.

Joegrine204444d ago

Well there you go folks someone that doesn't read what nintendo actually said.

beafsteak4444d ago (Edited 4444d ago )

LOL they actualy will be at E3. When will you fanboys get that through your thick skulls.

LOL_WUT4444d ago

Yeah, less talk and more follow through ;)

Godmars2904444d ago

Well, pity there's little to nothing that shows it. Someone - like say the console's makers - didn't setup ahead of time some titles to show such.

Its almost as if it was released at a certain time for short term gains with no regards or consideration towards long term goals. To exploit on holiday season rather than the life of the system and the company.

MasterCornholio4444d ago (Edited 4444d ago )

"“At the moment, there is a great deal of contradictory information. Nintendo is required to make more efforts to dispel such a misconception.”""

http://s.pro-gmedia.com/vid...

Come on Nintendo it isnt that difficult to produce a game with great visuals. Guerrilla Games managed to do it with Killzone Shadowfall so i dont see why you cant do the same. But instead Nintendo does this.

http://gamersxtreme.org/wp-...

Seriously Nintendo if the Wii U is under powered might as well come clean with your loyal fans instead of lying to them in this manner.

My recommendation is to try and stop convincing people that the Wii U is on the same level as the PS4 and the 720 and just concentrate on quality software.

"Other companies might launch a next-generation console with more power, but we don’t necessarily think that the difference between the Wii U and such console will be as drastic as what you felt it was between the Wii and the other consoles because there will be fewer and fewer differentiators in graphics."

http://www.ggsgamer.com/201...

Joegrine204444d ago

If the Wii U can output graphics like this.... http://www.abload.de/img/da... then i would love to buy a Wii U and that game is an early build still. although graphics is not a benefactor to me. This looks really good for an open world RPG. Now you guys should realize that developers like nintendo who knows how to use their technology, would use it excellent. See how sony did with the Ps3 (LAST OF US, Uncharted) and is gonna do the same with the PS4. Expect the same from nintendo do not underestimate them. You guys take them for granted to much.

Show all comments (48)
190°

While Layoffs Hit the Industry, Nintendo Retains 98% of Staff Including 78 With Disabilities

TNS: Based on its most recent ESG data, Nintendo boasts a remarkably low staff turnover rate of just 1.9%, with virtually no reported layoffs.

Read Full Story >>
thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai3d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes2d ago

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

3d ago
rlow13d ago

Well it doesn’t surprise me. As much money as they make and how they value their employees. It’s a great company in that regard.

2d ago Replies(1)
drivxr2d ago

Well, when your games remain full price many years after release.

And you make profit off of outdated hardware.

I would be shocked if they couldn't afford to retain their staff.

lodossrage2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I didn't want to say anything but drivxr is right.

Nintendo always sells at a profit because they purposely use tech that's always 5 or more years behind. And it's also true their games hardly ever get price decreases.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they kept most of their workforce, but making a point to have your tech specs behind everyone else affords that luxury.

Darkegg2d ago

I don’t think it’s their purpose to use old tech. It’s their purpose to make value of software and know their value. Nobody makes games like them that’s for sure. I just don’t appreciate their customer unfriendly policy.

It’s not impossible to take their status. Companies need to have a selection of 8-bit and 16-bit. Now imagine a split screen for 8 player game for SNES Mario kart and selling at $9.99. The problem is that it doesn’t make profit. So many companies won’t invest in “old” technology. Everyone guns for triple AAA modern technology software but honestly we can enjoy modernized 16-bit creative ideas that allows 8-player mayhem. It’s a pipe dream, possible but impossible.

Shane Kim2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

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

DivineHand1252d ago

Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Tesla and Meta are all trillion dollar companies yet they are laying people off in large numbers.

I believe the reason Nintendo layoffs off less workers may be a result of their culture. It seems Japanese companies believe in giving their workers long term or life long employment opportunities and will exhaust all options before laying off workers. This is something we don't see much of in the west unfortunately.

Rdeal2d ago

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

LoveSpuds2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

What the hell are you talking about? It has nothing to do with how profitable they are. Its completely cultural, MS and Sony make stacks of cash and still lay folks off. Nintendo chose not to lay off staff for the same reason their execs took pay cuts to increase staff pay instead; because they value their staff and view them as colleagues, and respect them as such.

If Sony weren't so US centric I fancy they'd fare better too, they should get shot of US and European leadership and go back to when Japanese execs were running the show if you ask me!

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470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

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tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai23d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7223d ago (Edited 23d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX23d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK23d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog23d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 23d ago
1Victor23d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje23d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra23d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje23d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac23d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex23d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje23d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter22d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 22d ago
gold_drake23d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos23d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8623d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos23d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8623d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr22d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8622d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
hiawa2323d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos23d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker23d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg23d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake23d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr22d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 22d ago
Terry_B23d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

23d ago
Show all comments (77)
80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer43d ago

Not surprising at all.

I mean, they´ll be releasing a new console in a few weeks.

repsahj41d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.