170°

Can Nintendo get away with a paid online service?

There was a lot of information thrown out during the recent Switch conference, from game announcements and release dates, to publisher support and the price tag. One of the thing Nintendo glossed over, however, was

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FallenAngel19842665d ago (Edited 2665d ago )

Hell no!

At least when Sony announced at E3 2013 that PS4 would have online multiplayer behind PS+ after previously having a free online service, they had already established PS+ as a worthwhile subscription that offered free games, cloud saves, additional discounts, & game trials in addition to the base PSN already being a competent service that boasted most features that modern gamers had grown accustomed to. When you found out PS+ was required for online multiplayer on PS4 it wasn't that much of a stretch from the service you were probably already paying for or would be paying for to receive its great value.

Nintendo on the other hand still lags behind online with their only saving grace being that they're Network was still free. They don't put Ethernet ports into the console, lock digital content to your hardware instead of an account, don't have system wise party chat or even voice chat in most of their games, mediocre digital sales, and various other things that result in NN continuing to lag behind the competition. Now at this reveal event Nintendo expects consumers to suddenly pay for a service from a company that's always been behind the curve in the online realm? That's a load of BS, especially when early adopters will get the online service for free.

RpgSama2664d ago (Edited 2664d ago )

I agree, I don't think they are going to have enough games as a whole to get away with paid online, let's be real for a moment, what did we got with online multiplayer at the presentation? we got Fifa from EA, and Skyrim remaster from Bethesda that is a re-release of a 2011 game (which may or may not have mods), so my question is, what are we paying online for in the first year? Splatoon, Mk8, Arms, Fifa and Nba 2k18? that's not going to cut it.

And I forgot, it seems almost everything online besides actually playing the game will be handled by a phone app and not the actual console.

_-EDMIX-_2664d ago

So we're basically ignoring that they have an entire catalog of emulated games?

Big_Game_Hunters2664d ago (Edited 2664d ago )

PS+ and Xbox live aren't even worth it today bro don't lie to yourself. Sony and MS get away with it for the same reason Switch will get away with it,and that reason is What choice is there, either you play online or you don't. No one who already wants the system is going to not want it because paid online.

_-EDMIX-_2664d ago

My only regret about PlayStation Plus is I didn't get it sooner it had so many games that I missed and I actually only purchased PlayStation Plus when I was about to purchase a game-used only to realize it was actually cheaper to just get Plus

In my personal opinion Nintendo needs to meet Sony and Microsoft and they need to give those games for free I just think it's completely unfair they keep trying to milk your audience like this they need to understand those days are over and they need to play ball.

This is one of the biggest anti-consumer things I've seen this company do in quite a while where it's just a series of moves that don't make any sense we're to very clear that they could just meet their competitors they're basically forcing their install base to always have lesser for no reason other than to be cheap.

Meltic2664d ago

Im fine with it, i will never even use online thing on Nintendo. It's not made for that, it's made for Classic games like mario,zelda etc and should not be played online.

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The 10th Rider2664d ago

I'm waiting to hear the details. (If someone has them, please share, I wouldn't be surprised if I missed them with all the articles floating around.) If it's super inexpensive or not an absolute requirement to play games online, I may be okay with it.

To be fair, Nintendo seems to be pushing their online a lot more lately, with Mario Kart, Splatoon (which is huge in Japan) and ARMS all out this year. Mario Kart and Splatoon already enjoy healthy online communities and ARMS looks like it's pushing to become part of that space too. If a paid online service is what Nintendo needs to step their online game up, so be it . . . But if they're going to charge as much as Sony and Microsoft they'd better make it worth it. Right now I'm skeptical.

admiralvic2664d ago

"I'm waiting to hear the details... not an absolute requirement to play games online"

What we have is pretty much enough. According to the site, it seems everything from online multiplayer to even the voice chat app are limited to the service. The service will also offer a single SNES or NES game, but said game will only be playable for that month. There will also be exclusive deals, but Nintendo is not known for amazing deals and it's unlikely it will be anything worth caring about.

"If it's super inexpensive"

This is another issue. Without knowing the price, we can pretty much assume it won't be too cheap. There isn't any point in this service if it's $1 a month or even $2, so we're looking at something in the $5 range. Even at $5 you're looking at a $60 per year program, which is a lot.

"Mario Kart and Splatoon already enjoy healthy online communities"

The real question is, would you pay, lets say $60 a year to play both those titles online? I genuinely don't see this going over too well and the fact that Nintendo seems to have the most closed off, weakest free program and lack of strong online multiplayer, it's hard to say that any price will go over well.

The 10th Rider2664d ago (Edited 2664d ago )

I heard about the SNES and NES games, it's really pathetic they don't let you keep them. Thanks for pointing out about their site, I didn't know they had that up yet. Stinks to hear online will be restricted. For me that means it all comes down to price. Multiple people in my household use the Wii U currently to play Splatoon and Mario Kart online. If it was $30 a year I may consider it. What they should really do is model it after EA Access and make it $30 a year for online multiplayer, a permanent eShop discount, and access to a 'vault' of virtual console games, with a new one added every month. I'd be game for that. If it's $60 a year that's just suicide.

I think I could handle the paid online if the console was $250 and the accessories didn't have such a premium price. . . But between the $300 for the console, high priced accessories, and now paid online, I don't know that I could justify paying the price. That stinks because I was hoping to wait it out and get Zelda for the Switch. Ah, well, I guess I hope that Nintendo rethinks their pricing like they did with the Wii U and 3DS before. My worry with that, though, is that Splatoon 2 is certain to move units in Japan, and if it's selling well in Japan it may be a while before they give us a price drop.

admiralvic2664d ago

"Multiple people in my household use the Wii U currently to play Splatoon and Mario Kart online. If it was $30 a year I may consider it."

This pretty much says it all. You have people in your house playing both games online, yet you seem to have an issue potentially supporting it at $2.50 a month.

"My worry with that, though, is that Splatoon 2 is certain to move units in Japan, and if it's selling well in Japan it may be a while before they give us a price drop."

I think you might just be overestimating Splatoon. Right now the biggest issue the Switch has is that it has to overcome a lot of preconceptions and thoughts. Regardless of how popular Splatoon is/was, it released over two years into the life cycle, following a Super Mario Bros. U, Monster Hunter (also huge in Japan), Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. and knowledge of a new Zelda game releasing on the Wii U.

Instead of having that cushy install base, Splatoon 2 basically needs (extreme emphasis on this) to be a console seller. People can get Zelda on the Wii U if they don't want to buy the console, Mario Kart 8 is an enhanced port or whatever you want to call it and the rest are either ports, enhanced ports or things like 1 2 Switch and Arms.

So, for this to be a concern, Nintendo needs to basically go four or five months hoping 13 titles (less than some consoles have at launch...) can push sales to such a point where the price will remain the same and, from there, people need to basically agree that Splatoon 2 is worth $350, plus the subscription price. It's a hard sell and one that I don't think will cause too much of a concern.

The 10th Rider2664d ago (Edited 2664d ago )

@admiralvic,

People in my house play them online, but not frequently enough to justify paying for it. After I first got Splatoon around a year and a half ago, I probably would have paid to play it online for a year, but since then it only gets played here and there. Mario Kart is occasionally played online, but 3-4 player locally is more frequent for us. During the school year they don't get touched very often.

I think Switch will sell pretty well in Japan. It is a home console, but it's also portable and Japan loves their portables. On top of that, it'll be the first time Splatoon will be playable on the go. Splatoon has nearly a 50% attach rate over there. Using a mobile app for online services might actually be great way of handling online in Japan because they love their mobiles so much (although I personally find the idea revolting.) I think we'll see Nintendo rethink some of these prices before too long, but I don't know that it will be within a year. Even if it doesn't do so hot in the West, I think the Switch will certainly outpace PS4 and Wii U's sales in Japan.

conanlifts2664d ago

The only thing i have heard is you get access to 1 virtual snes or nes game. But only for 1 month, after that time you need to buy the game to play it. Personally without free games i think they need to put the price at no more than $15-20. Any more and it will be DOA.

Also nintendo have a lot of families buying their systems. I don't see them buying a subscription for little Jimmy to play splatoon online.

rocketpanda2664d ago

The console is only a few weeks away, this was the perfect chance to show their new online experience for the console to up their game and hype. Judging from their history, they don't have a good track record offering barebones online, stupid friend codes, and convoluted buying system on the e-shop.

.... And then there is the monthly choice of games from 20 years ago that is basically a rent offer rather than adding it to your library. Sure, the don't have to offer anything for free as a bonus, but remember there is competition out there and doing it better.

BG115792664d ago

The only detail I know, they will give you one NES/SNES game per month, that you will be able to play during that month. After that, it is gone.
To use party chat, you'll need to download an payed application on your smart-phone... So yeah.
No price has been released on how much it will cost per month... But still, doesn't seem to be the best service unless it's very very cheap.

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Lonnie182664d ago

Nope, not even a COD, Battlefield, or Overwatch in sight lol!

The 10th Rider2664d ago

Splatoon is basically Overwatch in Japan, lol.

rocketpanda2664d ago

I teach in schools in Japan, more of my students own Overwatch than Splatoon.

_-EDMIX-_2664d ago

No, OverWatch is OverWatch in Japan

freshslicepizza2664d ago

no.

i also love the free trial period until later this year. translation, its not even ready and with so few games available at launch why even release it in march, should just wait until the fall?

The 10th Rider2664d ago

Honestly, they may as well extend the deadline a bit. It should be at least a year, maybe even more just to show people they can pull off successful online. Either that or maybe they can give a free month or two with every game you purchase that has online multiplayer. I just don't see it being able to sustain enough subscribers and that would online hurt the online communities. What reason would I have to pay to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online if I can play Mario Kart 8 online for free already? Paid online is the worst part of the Switch announcement.

Tussin1872664d ago

Makes so much sense doesn't it? I'm curious to see if the big online 3rd party games will be on the Switch. Guess we'll find out at E3 and this fall. Man, now that I think about it, that's a long wait when the system is coming out in March.

Derceto2664d ago (Edited 2664d ago )

Nintendo will be lucky to get away with Switch at all, much less charging people to use it online on their prehistoric network.

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80°

SteelSeries Reveals Arctis Nova Pro White Edition

Looks like a great headset and it will be interesting to hear how they sound. From the makers of Arctis, the most awarded audio line in gaming, SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, today introduces an all-new white version of the award-winning Arctis Nova Pro series headsets.

290°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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EasilyTheBest1d 7h ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN19h ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan17h ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor1h ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic1h ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv722h ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

KicksnSnares1d 6h ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv7221h ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka19h ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion20h ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer20h ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow119h ago(Edited 19h ago)

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy16h ago(Edited 16h ago)

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer14h ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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370°

Square Enix Declares $140m Loss Amid Game Pipeline Shakeup

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth publisher Square Enix has declared a $140m loss based on a shakeup of its internal development pipeline.

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techraptor.net
Furesis1d 4h ago

What are they doing over there? Sounds like they canceled something big. I read a rumor a while back about ff9 remake . Here "Final Fantasy IX has gone through a very challenging development, the game is still in progress but may undergo changes drastic enough that we won't hear about it for a couple of years."
This could be one of the reasons if the rumor is true. That was Silknight i don't know how credible he is but it's something and it would make sense.

-Foxtrot1d 3h ago

I hope IX is still on the cards

Just a straight up remake which they expand a little bit nothing over ambitious

If IX dosent happen then VI and VIII will never be thought of.

Kakashi Hatake16h ago

6 and 8 were way more p popular games despite today's cult following of 9.

blackbeld4h ago

I want my FF8 remake! Can't believe they cancelled it.

TiredGamer1d 1h ago

What are they doing? Sales are falling and the costs are out of control. Big releases need to be absolute sales home runs now, and Final Fantasy sales have stagnated.

Now we know why Square didn’t fall over themselves to remake the original FF7 all these years ago. It certainly wasn’t a license to print money, at least not with what the expectations were. Each of these full on remakes drains an enormous amount of company resources for a razor thin profit margin.

TwoPicklesGood1d 1h ago

Breaking the game up into multiple parts was a mistake IMO.

blackblades1d ago

The loses came from cancelling games nothing else.

Tapani7h ago

They lost the magic in the remakes. And the story is incomplete. The original FF7 is still way better. The Remake / Rebirth are just fan service. Like an Anime/Manga with "optional" filler content. FF7 had pretty much zero filler, it was paced extremely well, and still today flows much better than the grindy story and spongey enemy battles in the remakes.

babadivad4h ago

If they released it at once on all platforms, they would have made all of their money back. Could have been on to an FF8 or 9 remake. Ready to cash in again on nostalgia like Capcom. This is their fault for trying to milk the title.

Once I head they were breaking it up into parts, I lost all interest.

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neutralgamer19926h ago

I hope people understand usually when a loss is declared it means a game which had been in development got cancelled. For example Sony Santa Monica before GOW-PS4 had cancelled a project which Sony had spent 7 figures on

As far as square is concerned they release a bad game once a year. Forspoken anyone?

For those making comments on remake not selling well, I hope y’all realize that Sony is the only reason this remake is happening. If Sony didn’t fund it the remake wouldn’t be happening. Just like Konami didn’t want to remake SH2 because development costs of 100 plus million

shadowT1d 3h ago

Do not miss Final Fantasy 16. Great game!

raWfodog1d 3h ago

I'm waiting for them to release the complete edition bundle, but it's definitely on my list.

PhillyDonJawn1d 2h ago

Wth is going on with the gaming industry?

mandf1d 2h ago

Corporate investors taking everything

TiredGamer1d 1h ago

Not rocket science. Compare sales numbers, development cycles, and budgets to the previous gens. We are all collectively burning up the industry from the inside out. Expectations are ludicrously high now for every release and sales are dropping for even the most prestigious of series.

We used to be satisfied paying $50-60 for a game that took 1/100th the budget and staff to make. Now gamers feel cheated if they have to pay the same for a game that took 100x the budget. We may be reaching the end of the line for this model of gaming.

wiz719122h ago

@tiredgamer I think your point is one that ppl don’t understand and you hit it on the nose .. some gamers don’t want to take accountability but it’s some of the gamers fault the industry is where it’s at .. we as gamers set the standards for the industry not the shareholders , ppl forget that the shareholders and the industry want and need OUR Money. Both the Xbox and PlayStation are seeing a drop in hardware , the industry is very stagnant right now.

Tacoboto23h ago

Speaking to Square:

Turns out their mismanagement wasn't related to the western studios they dumped to Embracer, but their own fault.

With regards to Xbox - a good way to kill your brand is to pull support on high quality titles and only dump B and C-tier titles to it

With regards to PC - Epic Games Story exclusivity for any duration and piss-poor optimization will hurt you.

With regards to FF Pixel Remasters - y'all messed up by barely releasing them on physical, like wtf that was free money!

And lastly, you don't help a franchise by releasing a mainline title that undermines every title that came before it. FFXVI was a DMC-like with bottom-of-the-barrel side quests and I can't imagine that helping Rebirth at all considering its marketing is directly tied to how big that game is.

Tacoboto22h ago

Sony is getting their best titles and with the most polish, so what about it? Nintendo gets their top properties too, for titles that can run on Switch hardware.

It's the other fanbases that get the second- and third-class treatment from Square. If that's due to agreements with Sony, that's not a Sony issue but a Square one for accepting those terms. Sony is doing its best to look out for Sony.

wesnytsfs4h ago

sales and stupid practices like exclusives.

TiredGamer1d 2h ago

The industry implosion is continuing. Sky high budgets, prolonged development windows, stagnant sales numbers, and falling currency values (inflation) are wreaking havoc on the legacy industry. AAA games will slowly become the rarity.

CS71d 2h ago

Sad. Rebirth was one of my favorite games in a long time. Should have sold more.

CrimsonWing691d 1h ago

Oh I’m with you. What’s worse is they can say, “Well we tried to make this amazing game and spend all this money on, but not enough people showed an interest. So no more of these since we can’t take a hit like that.”

The industry is going to take a dramatic shift. Mark my words on this.

rpvenom1d ago (Edited 1d ago )

I think there is quite a large portion of individuals like myself who held out on buying it on PS5 because I can get it on PC eventually. To be able to mod the game and also have custom graphical settings to my liking

gold_drake15h ago

same

but im not sure if it matters at all. im sure they made sony pay a hefty sum for the 3parter to come on ps5 exclusively. so watever they made in sales, might have come bk in profits for square, but i dont know
and we dont know what "underperformed" even means for square.

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