November 2014 NPD: Nintendo’s response – big Pokemon, Smash, amiibo sales

Nintendo reveals sales for Pokemon, Smash Bros., and amiibo, while Wii U sales rise.

[Metallox]

Wii U sales 10% up from November of last year, that would mean 245K units were sold...

Underwhelming to say the least :/

[Concertoine]

Its clear that the wii u is hitting its ceiling for its current price. Games like smash aren't even increasing the sales.

The sad thing is their self-described "conservative" estimate of 3.6 million will barely be met.

[ABizzel1]

They need to drop price to $229 - $249 March 2015 (tax refund season), and they need a Smash + Kart + Amiibo bundle for $299 that same time.

Wii U isn't going to be a strong seller at all this generation until it hits the the sub $200 price.

I know you don't think they'll make 40m, but I think they still have a chance, if they get a bit more aggressive. As of now they're averaging over 3m a year in sales, and when price drops those numbers should pick up. If they drop price early next year, and sales are barely in the 4m range, then Wii U is a done deal.

Realistically I see Wii U at 30m this generation, because let's be real Nintendo just doesn't have their act completely together (outside of games, where they're doing so much better than last-gen). At this point they need to be working on N-Fusion, and getting as much success out of the Wii U as possible.

Still an enjoyable console though, and for all those burned by the Wii for being a casual console, the Wii U is completely different so help it out if you enjoy Nintendo's IPs.

[Concertoine]

@Abizzel

It all depends on how long they choose to support the system. They seem to be in it for the long-haul, but they need to have a lot of faith in their next console before they drop the Wii U, because it is still a source of profit with the high software attach ratio.

[marloc_x]

Nintendo did well for themselve$ last month..

Kudos for approaching PS4's profits with a smaller install base and no subscription revenue..

;)

[swice]

I'm giving you a bubble up vote, marloc

[benji101]

Where are you getting the 245K from? Where are last years numbers? I thought numbers were never published.

[darthv72]

The wii-u is a great system that needs more gamer support. So many wont give it the time of day because of the bad taste from the wii.

But this isnt the wii...its 10 times better and if people really give it an honest play test they would be pleasantly surprised by the quality and fun it delivers.

[Metallox]

Exactly this. It's a shame that the console isn't selling at least the half of what Xbox One and PS4 are doing.

[mikeslemonade]

Here we go again with Nintendo apologist. If the system were so great you would see it in reflection of the sales. WiiU is great as a PSP, gamecube, dreamcast etc. All systems are great using your guys' logic then.

[Metallox]

@mikeslemonade

Which it's a shame. Wasn't I very clear? The thing is, all systems can be great for certain reasons but some are more lucky than others when it's about sales.

Stop.

[ABizzel1]

@Mike

But the PSP sold extremely well. XD

@Metallox

Luck has nothing to do with sales. It's IBP (image / brand / perception), content, and price. And the Wii U, NO, Nintendo has failed to realize many of those points when making their consoles / handhelds.

IBP: The Wii U is looked at as a kids toy. It's design is child-like, and honestly looks like a Fisher Price console, the Wii looked much better in design with it's stand, and the Wii U just looks uninspired. Nintendo is a strong brand name, but they've backed themselves into a corner with their blue ocean strategy (Wii) and now they've lost a good deal of respect from core gamers due to the bad taste left by the Wii (I was one of them). Meanwhile Casual gamers are fickle and moved to mobile gaming, leaving Nintendo with a very niche audience to sell to.

Content: The Wii U didn't really have many must have games it's first full year, and learned nothing from the struggles MS and Sony went through when they entered the HD era back in 2005 / 2006. This aloofness to competition is one of the main reasons Nintendo will forever be doomed in the console space until they have another Wii moment.

Nintendo doesn't have the same level of commitment to online services as the other two, it doesn't have the same desire for media services, apps, and formats (Blu ray) as the other two, and overall Nintendo just doesn't get that todays gamer (even kids) aren't the same as those from 2005 and prior, the gamer has changed and the industry has changed, while Nintendo is stuck in the business mindset of a 2005 console.

Finally people look at Nintendo consoles as entry level pricing once again due to the Wii ($250 vs $300 - $400 vs $500 - $600, last gen), and at $300 you can get an XBO for $30 - $50 more right now, or a PS4 for $100 more. The cost just isn't there for most consumers.

*The sad thing is the Wii U is a good console as Darth said, but the Wii has done so much damage to the core gamer, they don't want to bother with it.
*New age gamers are all about online, social, and being connected which is something Nintendo is an EXTREMELY distant 3rd at which is insane considering their games scream co-op and are perfect for online.
*The majority of Nintendo fans are more than happy with just having a 3DS since it's powerful enough to get many experiences similar to the Wii U (with lesser settings / graphics such as Smash), as well as better overall support from 3rd parties, and exclusives like Pokemon.
*3rd parties give Wii U almost no support outside of JP, meaning Wii U can never be a primary console for most gamers.
*Casual gamers are fickle, and can enjoy a $1 mobile game just as much as a $60 Smash.

Which means overall Nintendo has no real audience to sell the Wii U to which is the real problem. Nintendo has a lot of work to do when making a successor, and if they don't fix these issues they're going to be in trouble next-gen as well.

[dantesparda]

They want to much for it. The thing should be no more than $200 with a game. Its basically a last gen system with a useless tablet for a controller. And this is coming from someon who grew up as a Nintendo fanboy.

[iSuperSaiyanGod]

They're worth $200 alone with out a game . System is great

[LOL_WUT]

The gamepad is whats driving the cost up of the hardware. Like I said before introduce a gamepadless sku with a pro controller at a lower cost that should turn things around for them a bit ;)

[swice]

It would be nice to down-vote you to no bubbles

[Svinya]

Maybe they could change the stupid name to Gamecube 2 to start..

[Skylar]

but Wii is better.

[Rimeskeem]

Nice!

[Apex13]

They are doomed, they are gong under, Nintendo isn't gaming, they have made such a big loss they will go under, they should go third party. Haaaaaaa. That's why I will always be Nintedo first. They are purist

[LOL_WUT]

Motion controls and tablet like controllers is not something i'd call being a purist. ;)

Either way congrats to Nintendo on the sales increase

[swice]

I know you used to be a major ass on this site (perhaps you still are) but why do you get so many disagrees when you attempt to say something positive? Is it because people think you're lying?

I'm genuinely curious about this

[swice]

It's hard to tell with the way you said it, but is what you said anti-nintendo or for-nintendo?

[DC777]

Yeah sales of Wii U and even Smash are shite compared to what they and I guess a lot of us had hoped. No bundle and tbh too expensive.

Wii U is easily my favorite system for a lot of reasons. It has the highest rated exclusive content and overall the best games. But still Nintendo has no hype in the mainstream and it is still too expensive to "take a chance" for a random buyer. Basically people who don't like Nintendo games are not going to buy it because that is mostly what they are going to get (more so now than ever).

People ignore it, dismiss it. Smash, MK8 should be GOTY contenders but because it's Nintendo they will be largely ignored like at The Game Awards.

It's a shame because honestly as great as so many other games and systems are they will never be Nintendo.

[SuperBlur]

Nintendo ignored at the game awards? I think i've seen Reggie more then Keighley during the whole show and MK8 won best sports title.

[randomass171]

Smash also won best fighting game.

[deafdani]

Yeah, poor Nintendo, they only won four awards, one of them being developer of the year, not to mention they actually opened and closed the ceremony. Completely ignored!

[aarondejohnson]

I counted around 330,000 US sales according to vgchartz so did they over track the sales that bad?

[Trolltroll]

They said Splatoon in first part of 2015! Woot!

[SuperBlur]

i hope splatoon offer the same kind of couch coop online experience like MK8 , that will be awesome =]

[eightiesbaby]

Who cares how much a console sells, Wii u is the best console with best quality games. Don't really care much about sales, I Care more about games, which Nintendo delivers on and still make profit.

[Loadedklip]

Sales matter because sales determine whether you are going to get sequels to some of those amazing games that didn't sell well.

Where is Shenmue 3? You are not getting it do to low SALES.
Sales matter because sales determine whether you are going to get sequels to some of those amazing games that didn't sell well.

Where is Viewtiful Joe 3? You are not getting it do to low SALES.
Sales matter because sales determine whether you are going to get sequels to some of those amazing games that didn't sell well.

Where is Beyond Good n Evil 2? You are not getting it do to low SALES.

What are we getting next year for sure? Another Call of Duty another Mario game another Madden another Battlefield another Assassin's Creed.

Why is that you ask? ...

... Cuz sales matters.

[TheTwelve]

That's just reality right there.

[benji101]

So.. Every console with a massive install base never has great games fail? Cause you know, the reason Fatal frame 5 is a wii u exclusive, and only in Japan? Because it failed on the ps2. The ps2 had such a low install base....
Oh and wasn't Viewtiful Joe 2 also on the ps2?
Seems like your logic is massively flawed.

[eightiesbaby]

Sequels like Bayonetta 2 where the original sold poorly on ps3 and Xbox360 with quadruple the install base of the Wii U?

Your sales logic is flawed as the Wii outsold every console last gen but that doesn't mean anythin.

It's down to who's pays the developer the most.
Because Nintendo don't kiss ass 3rd parties stay away.

Because Nintendo games are such high quality and don't need patches etc 3rd partied stay away.

Because Nintendo fans only buy quality games 3rd parties stay away cause we don't stand for uncompleted games and rubbish ports.

Next year we are getting for sure,
Devils third
Star Fox
Zelda
xenoblable chronicles
yoshi's yarn
Kirby Game
Mario Maker
Project cars
Splatoon

That's just the games we know about, who knows what else Nintendo has up their sleeves. I guess we''ll know more at e3.

[truechainz]

Fist of all, you are arguing why sales matter for games when 80's baby is talking about for hardware. All of Nintendo's first party games (which are mostly the only games on Wii U) are selling numbers that contend with games released on 360/PS3 which had much larger install bases. Gamers should care about sales of hardware, but only to the effect that extremes in those sales can affect the install base and the way developers make games for the console. People who are arguing the sales of the PS4 and X1 are really missing the point as both are outselling their predecessors and are doing well. Also most gamers use sales for their own pissing contest about which console is better because they don't have any accomplishments they can claim for themselves.

Secondly, your point about sales=sequels is usually the case, but not in this particular instance for Nintendo. Everyone seems to be ignoring Amiibo when in this picture when they shouldn't. Amiibo is straight profit for Nintendo, and its clear purpose is to offset the lower sales of wii u which is also at profitability. In this instance, if Nintendo can continue to fund games (or do whatever) with their money. They could likely fund a bayonetta 3 just from a fraction of the money they will get from amiibo if they wanted (not saying they will).

[AJBACK2FRAG]

I think Nintendo should've called the Wii U the Revolution. Everybody really loved that name to begin with. Nintendo should have released the Wii U at the sweet spot two hundred fifty dollars. When the Wii U launched Nintendo should've had a few remastered games ready to get them through that abyssmal post launch period, the Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask hd, Super Mario Sunshine hd and Mario 65 would've got them over the hump. Mario Kart 8 look's and play's amazing. You could say that about every game Nintendo has released this past year.

It's unfortunately for Nintendo time. Time to drop the price of the Wii U to two hundred fifty dollars. Time to upgrade the Wii U, like Miyamoto said they could do. Time to upgrade the realibility and functionality of the gamepad. Time to buy Platinum games, Namco and Sega. Time to open that rusty bank vault door and start spending money on brilliant advertising.Evertime time I turn on the TV all I see is Xbone commercials. I frigging hate Microsoft but they are hammering away at non gamers and it appears they're getting the message. It's time for Nintendo to be the very best Nintendo it can be. Let's start with a truly radical idea. Produce two million Mario Amiibos and secretly put them in Super Smash Bros. bundles don't say a word don't advertise it. Surprise people. Surprise people. Surprise people. A couple more ideas, Release Mother 3 on the 3ds and Wiiu eshop for free and don't say a word. Make a Pokemon mmorpg. Make the next Animal Crossing a mmorpg. Surprise gamers. Surprise everybody.

[wiiuandps4]

A big reason why I think it is not selling is their lack of advertisement. I can't turn on the tv without seeing an xbone or ps4 commercial but I've seen maybe one wiiu commercial ever. Not that I care though, I still enjoy it more than my ps4 so far.

[C_Ali88]

I hoped the numbers would be great but apparently NOT.. I love my Wii U but theres no defending 245,000, except for the fact that Nintendo will be hugely profitable despite subpar wii u sales.

[Benjaminkno]

There are many reasons why the WiiU is getting shunned across the board, despite being the best console.

Console gamers are political and stupid. Why play the best games when they can play mediocre ones that look prettier?

Ps4 is the most overrated console in history. WiiU is the most underrated console ever. That's what we have here.

...smh

[MSBAUSTX]

Regardless, I loved my N64, my Gamecube, my Wii , and now my Wii U. Each of those generations I owned a PS1, Dreamcast and PS2, an XBox, XB360, and a PS3. Each of those generations, can you guess which system I played more? My Nintendo system. Other than the Wii, none of the Nintendo systems listed sold as much as their competitors yet we continued to get a new Nintendo after several years. Hell the Dreamcast did the worst and I still own one and play Sonic adventure on it!

My point is that each generation, winning sales or not, there has been a Nintendo. The Wii U isnt loosing anyone money anymore. It has at least 3 years left of profitability, Amiibo is selling like mad, more games are sold per gamer on Wii U than other consoles, and Nintendo owns the handheld market.

If you are in to sales and broken games then I hope you enjoy the other two consoles this generation. I own all three and the Wii U gets played the most because it is the most fun TO ME. Ultimately it is what you enjoy personally that matters. Wii U isnt loosing money anymore and still has plenty of time to pad Nintendo's wallet with tons of cash.

Because of past experience, there will be another Nintendo and the legacy will continue. It is the only promise about the gaming industry I would make and it is based on more than 30 years of Nintendo doing what it is they do.

[swice]

yep. My Xbox one is basically a Twitch machine at the moment. A lot of the games I have for it need to be fixed first. Frustration.

My Wii U? Zero issues with online or lack of content or framerate drops or missing story or locked away worlds on the disc behind a paywall or constant updates or freezing or losing my saves to the cloud or hard drive space or........you get my point

[MSBAUSTX]

Exact same here buddy. I have never had a red ring of death on my Nintendo systems, or a broken touch button assembly like my PS3, nor a disc drive go bad because they don't tell you that using the vertical stand will eventually damage the lens. My Nintendos are reliable, fun, and have never had broken games.

[DoggyBiscuit]

I'm glad the Wii U is doing better it been struggling to hit good #'s since it came out, with all the great games coming out in 2015 it look like the Wii U can compete sales wise with PS4X1