150°

Nintendo’s Fils-Aime Expects Wii U’s Killer App to Be Social Networking

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime tackled a few more questions in an interview with AllThingsD.

He first commented on Miiverse, which he feels will be an unexpected hit and will grow to become “a true killer application for the system.”

Other topics include Nintendo’s broad competition, forecasts and productions for Wii U, and more. Reggie tackled one more topic in the interview: sales. Right now, Nintendo is forecasting 10 million units for the Wii U/Wii in 2012.

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allthingsd.com
YoungPlex4645d ago (Edited 4645d ago )

It has the potential to be a killer app and evolve into something great. The question is, will Nintendo keep up and evolve with it? I think so... Also Reggie thinks that 10 million Wii U's will be out there by end of 2012, which would be awesome, but I'm thinking that 5 million is a more realistic number; but hey who knows right? My friend who is a regional manager at GameStop told me that they're sold out nationwide. His store alone has a waiting list of 60 people and that the other stores in the region have similar numbers.

That's actually quite impressive for a system that's supposedly underpowered with no games; well at least that's according to some people on here. Looks like Nintendo might have a decent install-base.

LostDjinn4645d ago

It's usually considered poor form to post an article and then be the fist to comment. It can make you look desperate.

"It has the potential to be a killer app and evolve into something great. The question is, will Nintendo keep up and evolve with it? I think so... Also Reggie thinks that 10 million Wii U's will be out there by end of 2012, which would be awesome, but I'm thinking that 5 million is a more realistic number; but hey who knows right? My friend who is a regional manager at GameStop told me that they're sold out nationwide. His store alone has a waiting list of 60 people and that the other stores in the region have similar numbers.

That's actually quite impressive for a system that's supposedly underpowered with no games; well at least that's according to some people on here. Looks like Nintendo might have a decent install-base." - I see you've taken any question of possible desperation out of the equation.

Good job.

OT: If Nintendo wants to clear up any confusion concerning Miiverse then they should release info. Simple saying people don't understand doesn't really address the problem does it Reggie?

YoungPlex4645d ago

@LostDjin: Thanks for the wonderful tip friend! I'll make sure I keep that in mind next time.

OT: I don't really see what the confusion is concerning Miiverse. Is it not a social-network for gamers, that lets you communicate with one another during and out of gameplay?

@Iashes2ashes: I think that a lot of companies use this strategy in hopes to build hype, as far as I can tell it works. That's why I do believe that Nintendo could sell quite a bit of consoles by years end...

LostDjinn4645d ago

"Until you try it and experience it, you may not totally understand it." - I was referring to this comment from the Reg.

darthv724645d ago

as a whole is a killer app outside of the console gaming community. I wonder what makes him so sure it would have the same reception on something like the wii-u?

i mean one of the main aspects of social networking is that it can be done from virtually anything...anywhere. The likely hood of someone specifically using their wii-u to be social is rather optimistic.

While yes i can access facebook from the ps3 and 360....those are not my preferred method of doing so. I commend Reggie's optimism however I choose not to agree with him on this subject.

SandWitch4645d ago (Edited 4645d ago )

10 mils by the end of 2012 FY? Keep dreaming, 3 millions at best.

PopRocks3594645d ago

Well I suppose that's a good thing because the expectation was four million, not ten.

ronin4life4645d ago (Edited 4645d ago )

10 million wiiU AND Wii systems.
I don't personally know if they can hit that target, but it is far more likely than 10 mil wiiu consoles. That would be impossible.

lashes2ashes4645d ago

GameStop sold out because Nintendo told them there is going to only be a small amount of systems available. Nintendo and apple have been doing this crap for decades. They want you to think it is sold out because of huge demand when in reality they sold a small amount. I worked at game crazy and they did the same with the wii.

DivineAssault 4645d ago

So because a console sells a lot, its good? Think for yourself & decide if its good. Not because OTHER people go crazy over it.. What if this is a hollow shell? What if they arent discussing online integration or miiverse because its weak? Im serious.. I honest to god hope wii u ends up being great because i want new 1st party games in HD w new controls but i DONT want bare bones network & features again.. I can understand your compassion for the big N & there are good games coming despite what anyone believes. Rayman Legends, the definitive Ninja Gaiden, a couple new multiplat games, etc are very great launch titles.. But whats next? how do u play & interact with ppl? friends? Does rayman even have online co op? Is there other core titles incoming from 3rd party? I mean, theres so many unanswered questions that they need to address to the public.. If we as gamers dont know enough information, the casuals know even less! If their network is vastly improved from the wii's, why not boast & show how much better it is? Look man, im just trying to understand what u see.. If your buying this thing because u just want your new N titles on this than fine i do too.. But u cant deny that things are foggy as far as network functionality & outside support...

beerkeg4645d ago

Your posts are such a headache to read.

dark-hollow4645d ago (Edited 4645d ago )

lol Sony fanboys essays are getting funnier each day.

pure comedy gold!

"What if this is a hollow shell?"

A+

DivineAssault 4645d ago

Thats because it exceeds your comprehension.. i can break em into paragraphs for u if u like.. Using my cellphone isnt all that easy on this site..

Neonridr4645d ago

I agree 100% with you Divine. I am a loyal Nintendo fan (although I support the other companies as well - I do own a 360 that I spend more time on than my Wii), but I am just as concerned about their online strategy. I don't think they are going to drop the ball again like they did with the Wii, I truly expect this experience to be much better. But even games like Black Ops 2, make no real mention that it will have the online setup that the PS360 will have. Everything is to close to their chests, and I just can't wait to find out more.

While I appreciate the whole "playing with your friends at home" approach, what if I want to play Super Mario Bros with 3 other people across the world. Why not add in online co-op functionalities? How awesome would that be instead of having to have everyone in the same room. Rayman is another good example. 2 player co-op for certain FPS games I could see being a hit for the Wii U, but I don't always play with my friends in person, sometimes I want to do some online gaming. Give us that opportunity Nintendo!

November 18th can't come soon enough..

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4645d ago
fourtwenty20094645d ago

Social media is for idiots and I sure as hell don't want it in my gaming. I don't care how many other twelve year olds found the golden yoshi coins or got the highest score. This screams gimmick and insecurity about being able to compete with time spent on social media platforms with quality games, so we'll just throw in social media and hope this gimmick catches on.

Mii's, Miiverse and social media integration are the dumbest thing about the Wii U. I will be disabling them on first boot. Gaming is not about tweeting or facebook, Gaming is about gaming.

dark-hollow4645d ago (Edited 4645d ago )

"Gaming is not about tweeting or facebook, Gaming is about gaming."

there is nothing wrong about adding more value and features to your vanilla gaming experience, and in these days, people want their consoles to be more than a gaming machine. Streaming movies, web browsers, video chat and etc. And all the big three are aware of that.

And we don't know yet how would they implement this into the Wii u yet.

4645d ago
ChunkyLover534645d ago

He could be right, back when the Sega Dreamcast launched, Sega knew it didn't have the tech to compete with the forthcoming PlayStation 2, but they felt like by having a built in modem that they would draw in the crowd that likes to play online.

The problem is that Sega thought that a little bit too soon, but when Microsoft came out with Xbox Live in 2002, it was a hit because the internet had caught up to the idea.

Nintendo obviously understands that you have to appeal to every type of gamer and even techies, a ton of people use Facebook and Twitter, so its clear that that is an untapped medium. Some games already take advantage of those things, you can post your scores from Madden and other games right to your Facebook page or Tweet about it. People like to show off and I think Nintendo is thinking ahead with this idea.

Xof4645d ago

Nintendo has already tapped into "social networking" to a degree, they just need to go further with it.

I'm not sure it's a "killer app," though. It's superfluous, and I think we all (gamers) recognize that. It's just something that we're either ambivalent about, or something we really like having.

Which may not seem like much, but remember the first big 'social networking' aspect to hit gaming? Achievements. Think about how many gamers base how they play games--and often even what games they play--around achievements/trophies? Hell, for many gamers, it's enough to sway them toward a specific platform.

And once you've built up those "points" on one platform, it's hard to jump to another where you don't have any points.

It's not really an untapped market for Nintendo, nor is it the kind of thing that will really move consoles and games. I don't think it will help Nintendo in any way--but make no mistake, its absence would most certainly be a detriment.

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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_Sakai15d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7214d ago (Edited 14d 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.

GenoPurpel14d ago (Edited 14d 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.

OtterX14d 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!

Killer2020UK14d 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.

raWfodog14d 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 14d ago
1Victor14d 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 👍👍

victorMaje14d ago

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

DankSinatra14d ago

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

victorMaje14d 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 :)

1nsomniac14d 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.

franwex14d ago

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

victorMaje14d ago

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

Sgt_Slaughter13d 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 13d ago
gold_drake14d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos14d 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

Ashunderfire8614d 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.

Profchaos14d 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

Ashunderfire8614d 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.

Neonridr13d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8613d 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 13d ago
hiawa2314d ago

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

Profchaos14d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker14d 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.

jznrpg14d ago

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

gold_drake14d ago

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

repsahj14d ago (Edited 14d 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.

Neonridr13d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 13d ago
Terry_B14d ago

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

14d ago
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80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer34d ago

Not surprising at all.

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

repsahj32d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.

130°

Nintendo Predicts to Sell 15 Million Switch 2 by March 2026; Switch Has Sold 152.12 Million Units

Nintendo has announced its financial results for the full fiscal year, alongside an update to Nintendo Switch shipments and more data, including a prediction for Switch 2 hardware and software.

Read Full Story >>
simulationdaily.com
gold_drake45d ago

well, the switch 2 has two holidays in the us, thanksgiving and Christmas.

so id say its fairly possible. the rest of the world will also grab them

Abriael45d ago

Yeah doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility as long as they have enough supply.

Si-Fly45d ago

Do people buy each other games consoles for Thanksgiving? I’m in Europe and always assumed it was just Christmas where gifts were exchanged.

Skate-AK45d ago

I don't think it's so much Thanksgiving, but that Black Friday is the day after.

darthv7245d ago (Edited 45d ago )

That time is often referred to as the start of the Xmas shopping season. For the last few years, retailers would do 'black Friday' deals at various times throughout the year. While many still prefer to start their shopping in the mid to late November, others will just buy when they feel the time (and prices) are right for them.

gold_drake44d ago

i guess its more black friday, should have been more clear ha

GotGame81844d ago (Edited 44d ago )

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas Holiday.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 44d ago
45d ago
Agent7545d ago

Switch and Switch are a different kettle of fish. A sell out at launch by the diehards, strong sales, then the non diehards will be put off by the £75 ($99) games, including the stupid download cards which are topping £65 ($85). Not rocket science to work out how the Switch 2 is going to pan out. The PS5 has sold well, but games at £70, sales have been low. As game sales drop, prices will rise. Sony could knock out all their games for £40 and still make a killing selling more games. There's no denying that a gaming crash is looming.

Rancegamerx45d ago

I agree, I don't see the Switch 2 selling anywhere near the numbers that these predictions suggest or what the general buzz is implying. While the initial sales will likely be strong, driven by diehard fans, I anticipate a gradual decline. It may not drop off immediately, but over time, sales will inevitably taper.

PRIMORDUS45d ago

Not paying for something that's not worth more than the price it was advertised, which is $449 - $499.

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