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190°

Been there, done that: Nintendo’s short-term plan is ‘follow the leader’

This week, President Satoru Iwata attempted to explain what will be done to stop the bleeding caused by the Wii U’s poor performance as he stood before weary investors in Tokyo.

The most promising planned changes to Nintendo’s gaming business relate to the way the company treats user accounts and the overall responsiveness of the Wii U console. Here’s the thing though: there’s no escaping the fact that these ostensible improvements amount to catch-up. For most of the past 10 years, Nintendo’s been behind the technology curve in terms of what its core audience wants. While Microsoft and Sony put effort into consolidating their network infrastructures and improving usability, Nintendo contented itself with pinning its future to an admittedly innovative control scheme. It turned out great for the Wii, but now the company is in the awkward position of hyping its fans on features that are simply expected in the modern-day gaming environment.

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Chrono3729d ago
NYC_Gamer3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

I don't believe Nintendo even have a clear plan when dealing with the Wii U..They thought the pad would be enough to generate huge sales for the console like motion controls did for the original Wii..Nintendo weren't prepared to enter the HD/online era of gaming now they are playing catch up.

Xof3729d ago

No, they had a clear plan, it was just stupid. They expected everyone who bought a Wii to also buy a WiiU.

KonsoruMasuta3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

With this, Nintendo is actually innovating a little. Nintendo said that they plan on keeping BC (Nintendo is the only one who plans to keep offering this) on their next gen system. He said that he wants to keep users connected and never have to rebuild an install base. This all points torwards your games following you onto your onto the next gen system.

What he said also suggested that they would never have to rebuild the e-shop every new generation. Everything would flow over. Iwata's ideas did show that they had a lot to catch up on, but it was hardly following the leader. The only part that resembles what Sony and Microsoft are doing is the part with games being integrated attached to your NNID.

Find a better article, Chrono. You're losing your touch.

porkChop3729d ago

BC is easier said than done.

Especially with Nintendo's history of customized hardware. They're either going to have to include old hardware from their previous consoles such as the Wii U (driving up cost & price), or they're going to have a hell of a time trying to figure out how to emulate their previous systems through software which will require a very large leap in raw power which Nintendo isn't known for.

Right now all Iwata is saying is just him blowing smoke, trying to make investors think he knows what he's doing so they don't force him out.

KonsoruMasuta3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

Nintendo had no problem with BC this gen, unlike other companies. I'm sure there will be no problem next gen.

stragomccloud3729d ago

A leap in power is not necessary if the chips are based on similar architecture.

n4f3729d ago

so you know about investor/investing?

porkChop3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

That's because the Wii U uses an overclocked tri core version of the Wii processor. It's the same architecture, that's why it was so easy to implement BC. But in the future when Nintendo moves away from that architecture, which is already 11 years old, they're going to have a very hard time implementing BC.

stragomccloud3729d ago

x86 has been around since 1978. Believe it or not, the POWER architecture is actually waaaaaay better than x86. And is also more than 10 years newer. That's why NASA uses it. It's just more difficult to program for because it's not 2 off the shelf mobile device APUs duct taped together.

Dgander3729d ago

x86 is 10 minutes older than dirt architecture wise. Also you cant simply count the amount of cores or measure the clock speeds when comparing two different types of custom CPU, it makes no sense.

Chrischi19883729d ago

Yeah, so true, isnt that also very funny? People really want to harm the Wii U, by saying stuff like: "The Wii Us CPU is based of an Wii CPU, which is based of an Gamecube CPU bla bla bla" ^^

I mean, PCs are the prove, that this doesnt mean, it just has slightly more power, I mean, since when do PCs use x86 architecture and still improve year by year ( or should I say it doubles every 2 years) ?

porkChop3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

x86 itself is very old, yes. However, today's x86 CPUs are completely different from older x86 CPUs. They are not comparable at all.

The Wii U's CPU is a different story. It's a custom, upgraded version of the Wii's CPU, which itself was a custom, upgraded version of the Gamecube CPU. That makes BC a hell of a lot easier.

For example, if the PS4 had used a CPU based on the Cell as was originally planned, BC would have been extremely easy to achieve because no extensive emulation would have been needed due to the 2 CPUs understanding the same "language".

So as long as Nintendo sticks to that type of CPU they'll be fine for BC. But once they switch to a new architecture, which they will likely need to do next gen due to 3rd parties preference for x86, they will have a harder time implementing BC.

@Chrischi1988

"I mean, PCs are the prove, that this doesnt mean, it just has slightly more power"

I'm not saying the Wii U only has slightly more power than the Wii. It's a lot more powerful than the Wii, that's a fact. What I'm saying is that because the Wii U CPU is a direct descendant of the Wii CPU it makes BC so much easier.

wonderfulmonkeyman3729d ago

Not if, as the rumors suggest, they use dual-processing via two CPU's.

Chrischi19883729d ago

@PorkChop:

Yes I agree with it being much easier to implement.

N4g_null3728d ago

Looking at how the wiiu core is setup they only need to upgrade the gpu. The logic of these games are not getting more complex just the graphics. So two tri core wiiu cores duck taped together with a 780 should do the trick. Hell apus should be cheap enough to put in cereal boxes.

Chrischi19883728d ago

Yes, Nintendo could bring some kind of extra power gadget to the Wii U, like they did with the N64 and the Expansionpack, that would do the trick.

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3728d ago
KevinCubes3729d ago

WiiU will have the definitive version of all your favorite games

BoNeSaW233729d ago

oh please explain that one to me!

deafdani3729d ago

That baffled me at first, too. I think he means the definitive version of your favorite Nintendo games. Definitive version of Smash, definitive version of Donkey Kong, definitive version of Mario Kart, and so on.

Tito083728d ago (Edited 3728d ago )

He's just making fun of a Nintendo fanboy known as Drtre81, he's best known on youtube for saying that exact same thing, then he denied saying it when he's actually saying it on the videos, BlackBond always own his ass, lol.

stragomccloud3729d ago

I think you should amend that statement to: Wii U will have definitive version of all your favorite games that are coming to the Wii U.

Tito083728d ago (Edited 3728d ago )

"The definitive version Resident Evil 6, the definitive version of whenever Battlefield 3 comes out, the defnitive version of Assassin's Creed. The Nintendo system will have the best version of your favorite game." Drtre81

Yep3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

Catch up my ass. Show me how I can play TLoU on PS4 or Halo 4 on Xbox One without rebuying the game. Show me how I can get my games at a cheaper price just by following some simple conditions (no subscription required also). Show me Sony and Microsoft's plan to make a third health and quality of life-centric platform. Show me Sony and Microsoft's intent to buy more game studios (Rather than selling them off to lessen the debt weight).

That's right you can't. They aren't merely trying to meet what Sony and MS are doing, they are looking to surpass it.

Try again, Chrono.

Hicken3729d ago

Show me how much of that is short-term, and how much is long-term. Show me where Nintendo has the infrastructure to pull off allowing all games on all platforms. Show me where Nintendo has regained the interest of the majority of core gamers. Show me where they're taking comprehensive measures to ensure the Wii U does not wind up a commercial failure. Show me where they're improving their relationship with third party developers. Show me where they've improved their intent to make the general public aware of the Wii U and all it offers.

That's right, you can't. Nintendo hasn't, as of yet, come up with a way to kickstart the sales of the floundering Wii U. That's really the primary concern. Bringing out the same old IPs isn't gonna bring in anybody new. The healthy gaming craze is a fad, not something to invest big bucks in. Nintendo Directs are nice, but they really only serve to inform people who are already Nintendo gamers.

I don't even know if the article is correct. Don't even care. But you didn't exactly do much better when you mentioned NOTHING that is a short term plan to cure what ails them.

Yep3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

You're refuting points I never made (unsurprisingly). So I've got nothing to add. ;)

wonderfulmonkeyman3729d ago

That's because there ISN'T a short-term plan to cure what ails them.
Everything that they can do, is going to take at least a good half-year to show some actual results.

Their best option?

VIRAL ADVERTISEMENT OF NEW AND UPCOMING TITLES.

N4g_null3728d ago

Show me where you disproved any of his points? Sony is copying ms. And you love it! They just bribe you with games most won't even buy lol.

Yet Nintendo has roms galore that once you get that collection you'll never have to worry about lunch games. It's funny how games went down in replay value when they hit the ps1 and 2... Many franchises died on the ps3 also. Powerhouses only have one or two games to rely on now. Then you have the neo geo, genesis, nec stuff! They just don't make em like that no more. I think this has made gamers less connected with what a good game is or was.

avengers19783729d ago

Show me where that stuff really matters.
WII U is BC the XB1 and PS4 are not... Both will have outsold the Wii U by the end of this year.
A health centric system... Like your phone, like kinect, like the PS Camera, like any number of fit " fad technology". Fitness is only ever profitable for the first month of the year... Then diets, trends, and workouts change. I know lots of people that bought wii fit, but none that are still using it, or for that matter going to buy a Wii U to get wii fit u.

They need a better business plan, causing wanting to do things, and doing them are different.
They need a better online right now, they need better advertising right now, and they need people that are going to tell them that it's not the 80's anymore. I mean for the love of games, they're still talking about the big games that are on the way, that they were talking about when they launched the damn system.
BTW everyone that wants MK 8, DK TF, SSBros., probably all already have the WII U.

Yep3729d ago

People barely go to the gym, but I guess buying gym equipment is also a fad.

Every success is not a fad. Stop making excuses.

N4g_null3728d ago

You haven't been paying attention have you... A good chunk of people are waiting on their game to come out. I know I'm waiting on a new god of war for the ps4.. Unless they jack that up.

I'm wondering though how is the psn network better?! I can send messages, invite people to games posts pictures about games I'm playing buy games online hey we can even chat in game if the dev uses it. Also we got a system version of Skype. Or do you mean you just want more online games? What else do you need lol.

RPG_Lover3729d ago (Edited 3729d ago )

Nintendo was the leasder in 2013, killing MS and Sony in terms of hardware and software sales.

Sure, you can write a stupid article like this pinpointing a feature they do better and then generalize a false statement, but Nintendo is in the best position its every been vs those 2.

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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."

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280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

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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 ☝️

Zeref5d 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.

DarXyde5d 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.

PhillyDonJawn5d ago (Edited 5d 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.

Einhander19725d 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.

MrBaskerville5d 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.

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isarai5d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref5d 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.

MrNinosan5d 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
Zeref5d 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.

DarXyde5d 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.

Einhander19725d 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.

Einhander19725d 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.

BehindTheRows5d ago (Edited 5d 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.

Zeref5d ago (Edited 5d 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.

Chevalier5d 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.

Tacoboto5d 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.

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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?

crazyCoconuts5d 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.

Xeofate5d ago (Edited 5d 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.

crazyCoconuts4d 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.

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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."

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XiNatsuDragnel12d 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.

Jingsing11d 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.