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Nintendo Was Right About The Wii U. We Were Wrong.

Engadget - With the announcement of the Wii U, everyone thought Nintendo was wrong. Hell, we thought Nintendo was out of touch, foolish and doomed for producing a gaming-focused, two-screen console that wouldn't be able to compete technologically with whatever Sony and Microsoft offered in the new generation. The most vocal players wanted better graphics, bigger games and more online experiences. The Wii U offered sub-standard graphics, convoluted online policies and a lineup of classic franchises that, in theory, could eventually show up on the console. By its launch in November 2012, the Wii U was a joke and its sales suffered.

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engadget.com
johndoe112113222d ago

"But then: Sony launched the PlayStation 4; Microsoft launched the Xbox One; and as hype for each rose and fizzled out, the Wii U began to look more promising. It had been out for a year longer, meaning it had more games. It offered local cooperative and competitive experiences, something in short supply from the online-focused PS4 and Xbox One. Most importantly, it offered fun -- and today, with a lineup of revamped classics and fresh competitive experiences, the Wii U is the most consistently joyful console of the current generation. As it turns out, Nintendo wasn't wrong. We were."

That one statement alone from this article shows how out of touch, biased, near sighted and downright deceptive the author of this article is.

dc13221d ago

Very true. It's ok to speak to the virtues of the Wii U without attempting to rewrite history and contort facts.

saladthieves3221d ago (Edited 3221d ago )

"I hope it keeps creating odd, risky consoles like the Wii U -- but that it also has some industry-defining Wiis and DSes in the mix."

As much as I appreciate varieties every now and then, such a risky move is a double-edged sword: The Wii U's 3rd party support is poor and its sales aren't something to brag about either.

I guess this is fine if you're going to be playing Ninty games only (as most people do when they buy a Ninty console).

The truth is Ninty failed to understand and/or clarify itself to the consumers about what the Wii U was. Saying that they [Ninty] were right and we were wrong is almost like calling lots of people stupid for not understanding their Wii U vision.

Kingthrash3603221d ago

Wow.this one is just...wow. I mean..lol its an opinion piece that reads like satire.
The hit struggle is real my friends. This level of delusion is scary...i love Nintendo. I love Nintendo games. I've owned every Nintendo in my lifetime....but I know that this is just plain wrong. Just disrespectful to any gamer to sit there and compose something so blatantly wrong.
I'm face palming so hard I can see through my hand.
Totally false. So false it's more satire than opinion.

johndoe112113221d ago

@egidem

Beautifully stated..

kaizokuspy3221d ago

Mario, zelda, metroid, starfox, smash bros

Out of those revamped classics feel new? Mariokart is fun, so is the new smash, but they are hardly system sellers. After a while the fun wears off. They need more games like splatoon and new IPS to move that console. Other than that I don't see a point in buying a console for 2 games that after a month, I'll be tired of playing.

Xbox one has MCC, gears on the horizon, as well as their other exclusives. Ps4 has bloodborne, rocket league, the order, and some cool games on the horizon. Point is, why would anyone buy a wiiu at this point?

This author is retarded and I hope he sees this comment.

Irishguy953221d ago (Edited 3221d ago )

Out of any Ps4 game and Xbone game which ones feel new?

THe order? Killzone?

kaizokuspy3221d ago

The order feels new for pushing graphics, can't speak for killzone as I've never played it, but I played the wiiu titles as mentioned. I didn't comment to divide ps4 or xbox one. But to stack them together against a wiiu as available consoles out right now. Xbox one and ps4 have very promising games and content on the way that will continue to push boundaries and hardware. With respect to the wiiu, both consoles are a better choice in every area, unless you are a die hard nintendo fan.

Sureshot3221d ago

At Irish

I'm sorry but you only stated 2 examples. How does Mario Kirby zelda and most of what Nintendo releases feel new? Hell Even the the fonts they use in the games are the same from 12 years ago! It's easy to create fresh game play for Nintendo when they don't worry about storytelling, character design or even damn game titles.

Irishguy953221d ago (Edited 3221d ago )

I didn't say Nintendo's feel new. I'm asking which of Sony and MS do?

And the order..graphics...XD so ****ing sad. You said you played the Wii U titles you mentioned? You played the new Zelda on Wii U? I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy is all.

Was looking through your previous comments just to see Kaizo. About 50FPS and 60FPS. 60Hz is the standard refresh rate these days. 50FPS and 60Hz are out of sync. Ya know? 30FPS and 60Hz are still in sync. Its just every 2 refresh cycles there will be a new frame instead of 1. Thats the only reason. A Dev can lock FPS to whatever they hell they want.

I'm just pointing out, neither Sony or MS try make games feel 'new'. First party games for both systems...are relentlessly 'safe'. Where the only thing the devs will try is to upgrade the graphics up to this gen. I mean, look at Uncharted. It looks amazing yes? Does it look like the other 3? Fk yes, in all but technical areas. And thats okay. Whats fun is fun. But you can't point fingers at nintendo when the other two are doing that as well. Halo, gears, the order literally went backwards in all areas aside from graphics. None of them are trying anythign new. None of them are even improving on their predecessors.

I mean look at the witcher 3 compared to 2. CDpR really tried their best to do something new, at least for themselves. Heck, when you start comparing Nintendo's first party games to THEIR predecessors you'll see that nintendo are the only ones actually adding new features to their games. Zelda for example, they're actually quite different to one another. Mario. How many different marios can one remake? Apparently quite alot. Theres a mario RPG for **** sake.

No mans sky and XENOBLADE Wii U, are more ambitious than any other games I can think of. Unless you're gonna tell me Uncharted is more ambitious than them are you? With its impressive graphical capabilities but ultimately exactly the same formula as Uncharted 1-3.

Sureshot3221d ago

@Irish
"I didn't say Nintendo's feel new. I'm asking which of Sony and MS do?"

"I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy is all."

Those two sentences cancel each other out

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3221d ago
fatneal3221d ago

with ps4 and xb1 if your not into first person shooters or sports games you arent missing that much at all. nintendo games are released far and few between but somehow they have more acclaim than xb1 and ps4's lineup...how is that?

KwietStorm_BLM3221d ago

lol I can't believe he actually said that. This is a joke from beginning to end.

Shnazzyone3221d ago (Edited 3221d ago )

Guessing you didn't read too far then. It's by multiple authors from Engadget. They're right too. THere is not a whole lot of local multiplayer experiences this Gen... except on wii U.

The article is interesting. It's multiple authors, some who didn't like the system initially. Basically saying it will be a dreamcast or a gamecube. In that in years to come it will be seen as a highly underrated gem of a system. Nothing even close to MK8, Smash, bayonetta 2, splatoon, or Mario 3d world on the other two systems.

Meanwhile most games for ps3 and xbone are interchangeable with the other system and usually the experience is better on PC. Wii U is the system with the most unique experiences this gen and that counts for something. It's a system really worth owning. It's a shame we're all so blinded by fanboyism to give the system the sales it deserves for what it's doing.

This quote is good:
"That isn't to say my faith is blind. I've written at length about Nintendo's struggles, both as a hardware and software company. I'm a Nintendo apologist, but I'm not a moron. Nintendo messed up a lot of things with the Wii U's launch, but I can't agree with the folks who argue that the company's path to success lies on the road more traveled. I'm speaking of arguments that Nintendo needs to ditch its strange controllers, low-cost hardware and bizarre, dual-screen devices for more traditional game consoles. Making the next Nintendo console a Mario-powered Xbox won't save the company; it'll strip it of everything that makes it unique, fun and worthwhile. The Wii U has problems, but I love it because it's weird, insane and non-conventional, not in spite of those things."

Knushwood Butt3221d ago

Supporting the underdog is cool and all, but let's not get carried away. The underdog is an underdog for a good reason.

The Wii U isn't weird, insane, or non-conventional. It's a failed attempt to jump on the tablet bandwagon with over-priced, under-powered hardware. How is that a good thing for consumers? Don't even start about the pad being a game-changer because it isn't.

Fact is the Wii U is finished while the competition is just getting going.

Willing to bet this article wouldn't even exist were it not for the recent passing of Iwata.

Shnazzyone3221d ago (Edited 3221d ago )

I also liked this quote,

"But has anyone ever stopped to wonder why the loudest voices in gaming are lusting over Nintendo's supposed death rattle? Why are we so angrily shouting for the end days of a company that's staunchly refused to abandon its pursuit of innovation and experiences that provoke childlike wonderment? Is it because we're actively trying to murder our childhoods? Has Nintendo become the blankie we're all afraid to admit we hugged tightly before going off to sleep at night?"

Pretty valid question, pretty much why I think most the people who bash nintendo are likely under the age of 20. Just haven't developed a taste for quality gaming yet. More ashamed that they enjoy nintendo things even though it has no gore or the top grade graphics. Again, people who dismiss the system are missing out. I got a ps4 and once I was done with bloodborne I have been playing Wii U all over again, Mario Kart 8 With my girlfriend and games of Smash with old high school buddies late into the night.

Had a ps4 for months. Use it more for netflix than games.

alabtrosMyster3220d ago

The ski u does not deserve any sales, it has to earn them... to most people it seems Nintendo screwed up the machine specs wise and this causes all kind of trouble, including limited 3rd party support (this and the forced game pad bundle) I mea, who in their right mind would upgrade from a ps3/x360 to this? As soon as people noticed that the wii u was almost on part with the old consoles the sales dropped, same for third party support... all these great Nintendo games on the wii u look like HD re-releases of wii titles... I had a wii, as well as all previous Nintendo consoles, I never bothered with the U, ALOT of people are like me, I got the ps4 and so far its great, I play god of war iii instead of mario, that s all!

Shnazzyone3220d ago

@alabtros are you like... 12? You have the grammar of someone just starting middle school. Also 1. 3rd party games are always on PC I never play those on my ps4. 2. If you think wii U games are "HD REMAKES OF WII TITLES" then you just proved that you've never played a single game on wii U. There is not a single game that fits that category... now ps4 and xbone, They basically ARE doing mostly "HD remakes" of already HD games. So I think you're assuming Nintendo is doing what sony and microsoft and the answer is no, Most original games this gen are on Wii U. Pick it up, those games are great.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3220d ago
BullyMangler3221d ago

wiiU has higher quality exclusives than the xbx1 and ps4 . . COMBINED

get over it

emilijo7773212d ago

Also Wii U has been released 1 year before PS4 and Xbox One.

Benjaminkno3221d ago Show
Azzanation3221d ago

Yet somehow I agree with the article. WiiU has offered me the better experience this gen. Look past the sales and see the quality.

stragomccloud3220d ago

I think you just proved the author right.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 3212d ago
3221d ago
rainzor3221d ago

Nintendo should become a 3rd party developer

pompombrum3221d ago

Nah, they should just focus on the handheld side of things. Competing with Sony and Microsoft in the console war is a mistake imho but they pretty much already have control of the handheld market. Most of their games lend themselves well to handheld devices and focusing all their resources on a single platform would help keep a steadier stream of games coming out.

alabtrosMyster3220d ago

Nah I want Mario on my PS4! Not on a hand-held device, I only play on TV... maybe both?

We shall see what the NX is...

Ck1x3221d ago

Why do people keep hoping for this? What would be different about a Mario Galaxy game on PS4 vs the PS5? Sony and Microsoft have no desires to push the way we game other than graphics. This is the reason why companies like Nintendo exist and I don't understand why people feel that different things need to replicate what's popular or mainstream.

KwietStorm_BLM3221d ago

"Sony and Microsoft have no desires to push the way we game other than graphics. This is the reason why companies like Nintendo exist"

Oh god another one

gobluesamg3221d ago

Sony consoles have always had an extremely varied and eclectic mix of games. They only push graphics!?! How about Indies and Morpheus and Dream,etc.

pompombrum3221d ago

Last time I checked, even the Wii U fans felt the dual screen thing was a missed opportunity and certainly didn't "push the way we game" in the way you imply.

5yb5n6u3221d ago

"Sony and Microsoft have no desires to push the way we game other than graphics."

sony and microsoft in fact pushing all aspect of gaming, not just graphically,
but alot of people dissing them with the "graphic-only" remarks because thats the easiest way to berate, they dont need to play the game, they just hit the internet, looking up the screenshot, and decided that the games' pish because it had agood graphic.

"This is the reason why companies like Nintendo exist"
and as history told, nintendo gaming division formed BEFORE sony and microsoft's, so your statement should be the other way around

Ck1x3221d ago

KwietStorm: nothing you stated negates the fact that both companies would rather continue to put the same control scheme in front of you with every new generation.

Gobluesamg: just naming a variety of software isn't the issue, the way that you play these games are all fundamentally the same regardless. Cellphones have the same category of games also, but most aren't claiming that they're doing something great in the gaming scene. You guys have your feelings to wrapped up into these corporations to except any truths about them.

I have no problem saying that Nintendo screwed up with the WiiU. Everything about the system was poorly conceptualized for what they ended up using the system for... hopefully Nintendo with the NX has that same direct vision they had with the Wii on execution

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BigDuo3221d ago

I don't understand comments like this. Do people not realize the consequences of Nintendo exiting the hardware market ? More than half of Nintendo's total revenue COMES from hardware and accessory sales.

superchiller3221d ago

The "consequences of Nintendo exiting the hardware market" will be, less unappealing gimmicks polluting the gaming hobby we all love. Nintendo's gimmicks have not improved gaming, they've degraded it, and it would be to everyone's benefit if they just gave up on gaming hardware, and focused on the games themselves.

Concertoine3221d ago

Wii U has its fair share of great games and is very underrated but in the grand scheme it just wont deliver like the Xbone and PS4 will in the same point in their lifespans.

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80°

Game Developers Have Begun Confirming Nintendo Switch 2 Support

Game developers have already started to confirm that they will support the Nintendo Switch 2 with their future titles.

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twistedvoxel.com
80°

How Many More Victims, Like Garry's Mod, Will Nintendo's Hurtful Crusade Create?

Hanzala from eXputer: "As Nintendo takes out 20 years' worth of stuff from Garry's Mod, I watch in shock, thinking why it continues to hurt and discourage its fans."

RiseNShine9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

The irony that some of the most disgusting business practices come from companies like Disney or Nintendo, i can't even begin to understand what terrible damage was Garrys Mod making to Nintendo bottom line, imho they're getting pretty nervous about where they're heading in the future, handhelds are no longer something exclusive to Nintendo, from Steam Deck to many others, now you can play the latest games and pay a fraction of the price on Steam sales, so it's up to their exclusives, which just on their own would make hard to justify purchasing a closed overpriced hardware with outrageous price policies (Super Mario Odyssey is still 60 euro 6 years later!), and as a home console they're always underperforming compared to Sony or Xbox.

gold_drake9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

i cam guarantee you, that their exclusives alone is what drives switch sales. they sell in the 10s of millions of copies.

nintendo created their franchises to be sort of nostalgia driven, exclusive only on nintendo.

people will always buy the pkmn games as they always bring in new younger fans amd is family friendly

mario kart, the same thing, mario games in general.

zelda games are system sellers. animal crossing for the casual gamers.

nintendo doesnt need third vame devs essentially. they made sure with the switch and the limitations that they looked more to pc ps and xbox.

its sad, but nintendo is more than fine with what they're doing. they positioned themselves to appeal to the more casual gamers.

but to your point, im not sure why they're doing this rly.

Inverno9d ago

Look at how they handled Nintendo games being streamed or uploaded on YouTube in the past. They killed Yuzu and Citra even when they had nothing to do with ToTK being leaked, not to mention it was basically unplayable on emulation the week it was leaked. Smash Bros tournament, that was fairly recent. They shut down their online services without any care for purchases made. I bought a switch after skipping their last 2 consoles and handhelds but I don't plan on buying anything Nintendo in the future. They take things to the extremes, they legitimately hate their fans. They're honestly right up there with the likes of Acti, EA, and Ubi, only difference is that they disguise themselves as being family friendly all the while being shady.

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."