140°

Nintendo wants to dispel 'misconception' that Wii U is underpowered

"We understand that this cannot possibly be achieved overnight," says Iwata

Responding to a question about overseas developers' perception of the console, the executive told investors at the Japanese firm's annual results briefing earlier this week:

Read Full Story >>
computerandvideogames.com
PopRocks3594442d ago

Oh yeah? Well, that'd be great. But thing is you need to put out games that PROVE that. That's the only way to convince anyone of anything. Now deliver.

lilbroRx4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Did you actually read the comment by Iwata? Its the first sentence under the title.

I am of the same mind as him. This won't happen overnight. Making games takes time. The average AAA game takes at least a year to develop and the Wii U isn't even a year old yet.

Rushed games are generally garbage. I would rather have a good game with 16 bit graphics than a shiny, graphically astounding looking game that plays like crap and has bugs everywhere.

Monolith's Wii U game was enough to show me that the Wii U isn't underpowered.

PopRocks3594442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Hey, chill dude. I actually am optimistic that Iwata means what he says and that he and the company do want to clear up said misconceptions.

But unfortunately right now the Wii U has that reputation because the games on it don't really prove it its true potential. I'm saying it's up to their development teams to rectify the proplem and create games that look and play great and prove to people that it isn't underpowered.

And yes, I'm well aware that those games won't come out overnight. That's why I say the sooner they reveal these projects, the better. Nintendo holds a high bar of quality, but no one in the general public is going to care unless they get something out of it.

EDIT: Part of the problem is that Nintendo seemed unprepared and did not provide a AAA game for the Wii U's launch like they did with the Wii (Twilight Princess). I know development issues can happen especially since they are now making HD games, but releasing the Wii U with nothing but New Super Mario Bros. U was not a smart move on their part.

Now people have this idea that the Wii U is actually on par with the 360/PS3, despite the developments involving Criterion and Need For Speed U. If Nintendo is serious about these misconceptions, then they need to make their new games look stunning and prove those misconceptions wrong. That's not unreasonable to ask of them, I feel.

Army_of_Darkness4442d ago

I make shitloads of cash but still live in a one bedroom apartment in the ghetto............hmmm...

beafsteak4442d ago

Why are their so many disagrees on this comment. Someone finally said something smart.

lilbroRx4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

I don't get these, prove it, show me, i'll believe it when I see it, and all of this other in arrogant stances I see people giving to these statements.

Developing HD games can take years. Its like people have forgotten this.

Metal Gear Solid 4 and FFXIII didn't release in the PS3 launch or even the year following. Halo 3 and Gears of war didn't release in the 360's launch. It wasn't until both of their sequal that the 360 really showed its graphical capabilities and that was years later. Yet, people want Nitnendo to make better looking games on even more complex hardware in less time.

Its like people want terrrible, gimped games just so they can see some pretty graphics that most fanboys will dismiss anyway. You can't prove anything to fanboys, who the main ones making the remarks, because they've already made up their mind whether they will or will not like what they see before they even see it based simply on the fact that is on Nintendo's hardware. Namesakes are all that matter to them.

Let them actually finish the games. Goodness.

For me, the misconceptions never existed because of Trine 2: the Goblin Menace followed by NFS: Most Wanted and Deus Ex: Director's Cut. It has already been proven multiple times that the console is stronger than the last gen consoles and can produce better looking games than what is possible on them. Why do people keep begging this and ignoring the facts?

LOL_WUT4442d ago

Tell me something when has a 3D Mario game ever look like MGS4, FFXIII, Halo 3 or Gears of War? Never! Why? Because Nintendo games are usually never demanding.

The last big Wii game was Skyword Sword you're telling me ever since then Nintendo couldn't come up with some decent titles for the Wii U's launch? ;)

ABizzel14442d ago

I hate to jump on board, but not only that Nintendo had shown off the Wii U back in E3 2011 giving them AT LEAST 2 years by today, to have a decent array of games, especially considering a large bulk of their games and franchies are party / casual / side scrollers.

Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Sports, and tons of HD side scrollers (Kirby, Yoshi, Donkey Kong) all should have been ready by now.

Only games like 3D Mario, Metroid, Zelda, and the new Super Smash should be difficult in producing in most cases with one coming out per year.

On top of all that Nintendo knew the struggle MS and Sony had when they launched their HD console, so they should have been better prepared to deal with the same results. It's like their minds went completely blank after the success of the Wii.

Now that being said I'm all for Nintendo and I hope they resurge and fix every / most complaints regarding the Wii U. Is the Wii U underpowered "YES", it's going to struggle receive bar minimal PC ports because Llano, Trinity, and especially Steamroller APU's are already past it and they're becoming the new entry level for PC gaming, and in the next 1 - 2 years PC gaming will receive it's next huge leap on the GPU side of things making it the Wii U and complete obsolete console hardware wise.

Does any of that matter? No. As long as there's good software from Nintendo's 1st party none of us really care, but the problem is it isn't there yet, and 3rd parties are jumping shift to the PS4 and Nextbox, which makes matters even worse for current Wii U and potential ones.

dark-hollow4442d ago

Simply false! Nintendo's know how to get the most out of their platforms.

Wind waker and metroid prime looked stunning on the GameCube. Same to Mario galaxy and skyward sword on the Wii.

Monolith X game for the Wii u which actually is early alpha footage looks on par/ better than the games you mentione, and we still didn't see what retro game will look like and everybody knows retro are very experienced in the graphics department.

jcnba284442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Why are you comparing an SD console to a HD console? Of course the HD console is going to be graphically superior.

"Nintendo games are usually never demanding."

That's why Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 were the highest rated games of last gen.

"The last big Wii game was Skyword Sword"

No it was actually Xenoblade and The Last Story.

Eyeco4442d ago

He was talking about graphics, not the overall game, yes SMG 1-2 are excellent games but VISUALLY there not demanding why is that so hard for you to grasp.

2. He's right Skyward Sword was the last big game on the Wii, Xenoblade and The Last Story are 2010/11 games the latter was released BEFORE Skyward Sword, or have you forgotten about Operation Rainfall ?

beafsteak4442d ago

Mario is not the type of game to look like those titles. For example Super Mario Galaxy had perfect crisp graphics but Its cheery colorful world prevents it from looking similar to games such as FFXIII, MGS4, and Halo 4. A better example would be the Metroid series. Metroid Prime was released for the gamecube in 2002 and looks almost as good as those titles. A metroid game would be perfect for the wii u. But the only problem is if you look at the gap between most of Nintendos 1st party titles you'll notice it takes them about three years to make a game. Nintendo will probaboly start releasing some games late 2013 and early 2014 so lets quit whining. It'll be worth the wait.

Eyeco4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

You honestly think Metroid Prime looks almost as good as MGS 4, Halo 4, FF13 ?please tell me your trolling

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4442d ago
Xer0_SiN4442d ago

what do you expect? the ps3 era was a significant jump from the gen before. the games you mentioned demonstrated that. but even before that with the launch games you could tell the difference in the more modern system. nintendo is claiming that the wii u is next gen but cant even pace with the ps3. you look at the ps4 vs ps3 and you can tell what is last gen and what i next gen.

MysticStrummer4442d ago

Seems like Nintendo forgot it takes awhile to develop games, or they would have some more ready for WiiU.

WiiU is underpowered compared to PS4 and 720, not PS3 and 360. WiiU is underpowered because even though some consider it a next gen console, it is comparable to last gen. In short, WiiU is underpowered. There is no misconception to dispel.

beafsteak4442d ago

It will be underpowered but it innovates with its touchscreen tablet controler so its acceptable. Plus they'll release their amazing 1st party titles in wich they're known for, so no one will really care by the time that happens. Just like the wii.

MysticStrummer4442d ago

WiiU will have it's fans, no doubt. The touchscreen controller has a lot of potential, but it will be up to developers to use it properly. WiiU is definitely innovative in that way, no argument there. It's underpowered, but that won't matter for many people with the right games, just like the Wii as you said.

SilentNegotiator4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Except they already have first party games on Wii U...running at 720p.

It doesn't take "years" to program the resolution and if 2.5D mario games won't play beyond 720p, nothing likely will (other than 2D games and some Wii ports).

PopRocks3594442d ago

You're basing all of the Wii U's graphical potential on launch games? Those which being New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land? Really?

So I guess it doesn't take years to make a full fledged Zelda game or Metroid in your eyes then? Please development guru, show me the ways!

SilentNegotiator4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Some of the launch Ps3/360 games ran at slightly sub-720p resolutions, but absolutely none of them ran at 480p. We're talking about a new generation here. Nintendo isn't going to go from 720p games to 1080p WITHIN a generation.

"So I guess it doesn't take years to make a full fledged Zelda game or Metroid in your eyes then?"
-
Your reading skills are horrible if you seriously read that. But then you love to cry "putting words in mah mouth!!" while doing exactly that. I said it doesn't take years to program the resolution because they ALREADY HAVE GAMES OUT and they're native 720p.

PopRocks3594442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

Hey, what goes around comes around. Maybe next time you reply to one of my comments you won't make shit up. When that happens I'll gladly oblige by doing the same.

Also Nintendo just started programming HD content. Their jump this past year was from 480i to 720p. I remember around launch time it was stated that Nintendo's inner developed software would initially be rendered in 720p, like NSMBU and Nintendo Land, but would later on be made in 1080p.

Either way, you seem to be insisting that Nintendo's launch content is a sure sign of the Wii U's full potential and I think that's incredibly naive when you look at how games graphically progress on home console hardware in every single generation with 3D graphics.

SilentNegotiator4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

"Either way, you seem to be insisting that Nintendo's launch content is a sure sign of the Wii U's full potential and I think that's incredibly naive when you look at how games graphically progress on home console hardware in every single generation with 3D graphics"

Do you have any idea how much more power it takes to run 1080p compared to 720p? This isn't a matter of hammering out the details. If Wii U could reliably run Nintendo's games at 1080p, they would have done it already.

You can't keep pretending like games at last gen resolutions at launch are normal. Wii U is a 720p console and minor visual upgrades from Ps3/360 will only be worth yawns in 6 months. Keeping up this delusion will only result in egg on the face.

Like Wii U? Congrats. Like Wii U for what it is. But don't keep lying that it's something that it isn't. Wii U is underpowered for a system releasing in 2012 and meant to be around for several years.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4442d ago
+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 4442d ago
Jek_Porkins4442d ago

I never thought it was under-powered, I think we all are just waiting for a game with the graphical style to show off what it can really do.

jcnba284442d ago

Exactly. People seem to forget how bad games looked on PS3 and 360 when those consoles first launched.

Jek_Porkins4442d ago

A good example is to go back and play a game like Prey or Saints Row on the Xbox 360, then play Halo 4 and you'll see a huge difference.

Nintendo's first party games lack the graphical style to show off what the Wii U can do, if they released a new Metroid Prime or proper Zelda game it would show people how good games can look on the console.

Hicken4442d ago

If you NEVER thought it was underpowered, you weren't paying much attention. From the start, the system has not looked like much of a leap over current gen consoles.

Except the Wii.

The thing is: that's not gonna change, because the Wii U IS underpowered. Not when compared to this gen, but to next. There are no two ways about that.

Jek_Porkins4442d ago

There is a lot to be seen, we don't know how much system memory will be set aside in the PS4/720, the Wii U has a ton more memory than current consoles, there does indeed come a point when games cant really look that much better, if they can get something that looks better than Crysis 3 or Rage on the console, gamer's will take notice.

2pacalypsenow4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

who cares by that time the much much much more powerful Ps4 and the next xbox will be out making the wii u's power obsolete

lilbroRx4442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

And by the time those are out, Nvidia's next line of of GPU and Intel's next CPU will be out making the PS4 and Xbox 3's power obsolete. So what's your point?

If you want the strongest hardware and best looking games, then is foolish to buy any console because they all suck compared to the PC. Power isn't what console are supposed to be about. They are about cost effective gaming, stability and uniqueness.

My PC is already stronger than the rumored specs of the PS4/Xbox 3 so nothing they get will impress me at all.

If I buy a console, I want something I cannot get "better" on my PC and the Wii U is the only thing that looks to offer that right now with its two screen parallel gaming, touchscreen and gyroscopic motion control.

stuna14442d ago (Edited 4442d ago )

But aren't the comparisons being made concerning consoles not pcs? It's a known fact that PC's will outpace Consoles! Just like it's a known fact that Consoles will have a minimal shelf life of at least 4 to 5 years.

And out of the 3 things you just listed the PS Vita can already do 2 of them, bar the two parallel gaming screen! So what's your point?

So I guess what I stated is inaccurate!? Sometimes it just too hard to see the truth! SMH.

zebramocha4442d ago

@limbro You are trying to hard,next gen console won't be affected by next gen PC's as some of the feature are already the same but much more efficient.

N4g_null4442d ago

It's a know fact that Nintendo 1st party games out sale hd and pc games with over 20% of the industry gamers agreeing.

It is also a known fact that multi platform games will be better on pc so no you can't take that out of the equation. Now if you can't afford better hardware, then why are you even putting the wiiu down?

I'm not really worried about the powershow. I don't really like Sony or ms execlusives and I never buy Sony for power but I always buy nintendo for game play.

I wonder what you are going to say when the wiiu starts selling again?

MysticStrummer4442d ago

"But aren't the comparisons being made concerning consoles not pcs?"

Of course they are, but someone always has to throw PC hardware in there.

4442d ago
LOL_WUT4442d ago

lilbroRx always likes to bring up the old PC card argument when things aren't going in his favor. ;)

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4442d ago
ThaBlackBaron4442d ago

Wii already know the Wii U is powerful its just the idiots knows as sony fanboys are in denial lol

MysticStrummer4442d ago

WiiU is comparable to last gen consoles yet is considered next gen.

It's underpowered.

End of story.

Show all comments (60)
190°

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

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

Read Full Story >>
thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai2d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes1d 12h ago

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

2d ago
rlow12d 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.

Darkegg1d 23h ago

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

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

Shane Kim1d 23h ago (Edited 1d 23h ago )

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

DivineHand1251d 19h ago

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

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

Rdeal1d 13h ago

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

LoveSpuds1d 19h ago (Edited 1d 19h 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!

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 13h ago
Show all comments (20)
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.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai23d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7222d ago (Edited 22d ago )

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

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

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

GenoPurpel22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

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

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

OtterX22d ago

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

Killer2020UK22d ago

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

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

raWfodog22d ago

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

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

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
1Victor22d ago

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

victorMaje23d ago

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

DankSinatra22d ago

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

victorMaje22d ago

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

1nsomniac22d ago

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

franwex22d ago

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

victorMaje22d ago

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

Sgt_Slaughter21d 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 21d 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

Ashunderfire8622d ago

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

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

Profchaos22d ago

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

Ashunderfire8622d ago

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

Neonridr21d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8621d ago

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

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

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 21d ago
hiawa2322d ago

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

Profchaos22d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker22d ago

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

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

jznrpg22d ago

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

gold_drake22d ago

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

repsahj22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

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

Neonridr21d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
Terry_B22d ago

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

22d ago
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_Observer42d 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.