2012 signals the changing of the guard at Nintendo, as the Japanese company shifts its focus from the Wii to Wii U. But while the Wii is currently on the way out of the console scene, some highly-anticipated titles are due for the system this year -- and possibly more if Nintendo has a few tricks hidden up their sleeves. But the real focus for many gamers is the Wii U, and the next stages of Nintendo's plan should reveal how the system's unique controller will contribute to new gameplay experiences (outside of being a glorified second display) and whether the promise of strong third party titles -- made by the Japanese company last year at E3 -- are real.
In a new financial presentation, Nintendo highlights Xenoblade Chronicles as one of several series seeing "dramatic sales growth on Nintendo Switch," joining Kirby, Pikmin, and Metroid. Compared to 1.41 million copies on 3DS and Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles has collectively sold 7.17 million copies on Switch between Xenoblade Chronicles 2, 3, and Definitive Edition.
I have bought every game no matter the system. Hopefully the Switch 2 is powerful enough to give this world the detail it deserves
Nintendo has now published a special anniversary video celebrating 25 years of Monolith Soft. The developer has also opened a special 25th anniversary webpage featuring multiple commemorative wallpapers as well as a special message from Representative Director Hirohide Sugiura.
I've got about 1500 hours into all 4 Xenoblade games. It's now tied with Zelda as my favorite series. We need a Xenoblade Warriors game.
Xenoblade Chronicles composer Kenji Hiramatsu reflects on his work and feels that it's "time for a fresh start."