2012 Predictions: The Wii U Will Struggle

"GamingUnion.net: The year of 2012 is into full swing, but the gaming industry is still flexing its muscles ahead of an action packed February. With that in mind, we figured it would be the perfect time to share some thoughts about what we feel is going to happen in the world of video games this year."

[fozzness]

Although it's sad to say, I do agree with this... the claims about the Wii U and it not doing well with families who aren't tech saavy is a very fair point.

[mephman]

It'll still do well, but from what we've seen so far, it doesn't seem different enough for people to want to take notice.

[matey]

its different enough for gods sake get a life its a controller as we know it with a useful 6.2 inch screen on it work it out its many many times more capable than ps3 its got Nintendo Network ect better online than live as it allows 4 3rd party networks on the Nintendo Network lots of devs saying that Nintendos new online is PSN+XBOX LIVE=Nintendo Network.

Nintendo have it covered get over it.

[PopRocks359]

Every console starts off slowly. That argument did not faze the 360 and PS3 in the long run.

[fozzness]

tbh, i would've bought the PS3 in any case... XD I don't think i'd say the same for the Wii U though :S

[PopRocks359]

Okay, I don't care how much of a fanboy you are; no console is worth $600, especially one that started with so few games.

[Daver]

@PopRocks359

whys that?
600$ on 6 years Id say its enough profitable and if your not happy with it you just have to wait few years for more games like you say and price will be lower.

[fluffydelusions]

Just like the 3DS is doomed too eh...

[mcstorm]

I agree. I think the wiiu will sell as well as the wii but only if nintendo price it right and advertising the device will be the make or break of he console. They need to do what they did with the 3ds and say something along the lines of this is not a ds its a 3ds but for the wiiu. They also need to show off the big family games for it as well as that it can play wii games and use the wii controllers.

As for the psv i dont think it will sell that well until they drop the price of the console and memory cards. Yes the devce is an amazing bit of kit but people dont want to pay more for a handheld console than they would for a home console. I know the psv offers video playback ect but tbh most mobile phones do this now and so do tablets and if you gave me a choice of watching a film on my psv or my xoom ide take the xoom any day. Sony need to bring out some pickup and play games for the psv as well because the handheld market is different to the home console market.

But that said i do expect the psv sales to pickup and start selling better than the psp did each week but i expect the 3ds to come out on top of the two this year.

As for the ps3 and 360 i expect the 360 to carry one selling very well in the usa and uk and the ps3 to do the same in japan a d Europe so all in it will be a good year for Microsoft nintendo and sony.

[Megaman_nerd]

well, they did have to drop the price from $250 to $160 in less than a year to see some success....

[PopRocks359]

@Megaman_nerd

That doesn't make it a failure, you goober. That simply means they had to lower the price to get it to start selling. It's a long standing fact that console manufacturers tend to make the bulk of their profits from software, not hardware. May I point you to Zelda 3D, Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land which all sold quite well.

[MariaHelFutura]

Yeah right. The WiiU is gonna put out an HD Mario, Zelda and Mario Kart and journalists are gonna hype the thing to no end.

[ilovemyps3]

Sure, they gonna polish those 3 games, using every Hz of the cpu,to make sure people say Wow , so the games score 10/10.
1 month later, they start their 'shovelware' factories, which will work 24/7 , to produce tons of shit, like they did with the wii, to fill up the shelves, in the kid's rooms.

Moms and dads will be impressed by those hd graphics, made of some basic color gradients,lights blinking everywhere on the screen, stupid mee faces and a couple objects made of 50 polygons, with some basic textures.

Sure, you can play online, easily. Network adapter will be free, of course.but the cable to connect to the wiiu will cost 59$, because it uses some proprietary USB connector.

Please, Nintendo: since there will be only about 10 good games to play in the whole generation, please make some tech, to remove dust automatically from the wii u.after 2 months, it will stay untouched for many years, under the tv, it would be nice if it the wii u could blow some air, to make it dust and insects free.
Thanks

[ZippyZapper]

Damn, I just got smacked by a wall of damage control

[Campy da Camper]

Don't underestimate kids. If they market it correctly, i.e. flashy ads during tween shows, kids will be all over their parents to get them one.

My 14 year old daughter got her first Android smartphone this last Christmas. It literally took her 20 minutes to figure out all the settings, camera/video upload functions and she was posting to Facebook in minutes.

My mom on the other hand called me last night because she is having laptop problems. When I was over visiting last weekend I played around with her computer and determined Vista is her problem and told her to upgrade to Win7. She called last night to ask what version of Vista she has since she has a friend at MS that is getting her an upgrade for 50 bucks. I said flip over the laptop and read the label...Vista Home Premium. She goes Oh!!!!!! shm lol

[SilentNegotiator]

At the least, I don't expect it to be as successful as the Wii. The Wii remote is a LOT less threatening to beginners than the new remote. The new remote does NOT invite new exercise/dance games. Sure, you can use the Wii remote with the WiiU, but then many will question, "Why even buy the new system, then?".

It doesn't have as much appeal to casual gamers, the having your own handheld that only works inside your own home thing won't exactly rocket off when you consider that many people simply have multiple TVs these days, and the shiny new graphics probably won't hold for long (considering they probably won't be native 1080p, as Nintendo refused to confirm any NATIVE 1080p games - the next gen Xbox/Playstation will almost CERTAINLY have lots of native 1080p games).

Not everything Nintendo makes will share the same success as the Wii or (S)NES. There is nothing infallible about the company. With LIVE/PSN compared to Nintendo's dinky online service, Nintendo is losing out on MAJOR money in DD. And Microsoft proved that they can out-causal them with the Kinect. Nintendo is in for a fall in the console market.

[im_right]

I think the system should of been out in 2006 as it's not really next gen. If they don't pull something off that looks better than Uncharted 2/3 it's a no buy.

[Hardedge]

I shake my fist at Capcom!

[iamnsuperman]

I feel the title is irrelevant to the actually Wii U part but ok. I feel the more casual audience has either upgraded their motion experience to the Kinect or playing their tablets or smart phones. To expect a major casual install base is not logical. Kinect has come out which to this audience is a natural progression (no controllers) and tablet/mobile gaming is very popular (new more practical form-i.e. I can game and ring on the move). I believe the casual audience have moved on to something else (more looking at tablet and smart phone gaming).

[mephman]

To me, that sounds like you're saying you expect the Wii U to struggle.

[iamnsuperman]

I do not think it will struggle because their is a very large Nintendo fan base/ people who want the latest things. I personally think all consoles next generation are not going to do as well as they are this generation because of the casual moving on. I hope the big three factor this in when they developed/develop their systems or they find a new way to attract the casual in (but I do not think the tablet screen controller is the way unless the tablet controller is a tablet in its own right but then that is impractical because of cost)

[mephman]

Well, the article was more saying it will struggle in comparison to the Wii. It wasn't saying that it will fail, or that it's doom and gloom.

[yabhero]

I'm not sure how many times Ninty has said this but they aren't aiming at casuals as much with the WiiU

[iamnsuperman]

I know they have said this but in my opinion it isn't the hardcore that has carried the systems this generation. Its the casual and often non gamers who have made these systems (360, PS3 and Wii) done really well across the board. What I am saying is this casual are less interested in gaming on the next generation system because of tablets and smart phones. Cheap games, portability with functionality has led to this. I agree with the article (not the title) in that they will probably not sell as well. Its not a problem (only if they prepare for this)

[Foxgod]

These console x is doomed articles keep showing earlier and earlier.

Howabout i get a timemachine, transport myself to 2005, and tell you that the Wii, would be the winner of the 7th gen.

Would u believe me?
This article still has a point, but its stating the obvious, every new console struggles.

[OcularVision]

I would've laughed at your face, and then come back 2 years later to burn you for witchcraft.

[DrFUD]

SMEAR.
All the WiiU smears almost lead me to belive Microsoft isn't ready to release the next system and has to resort to the usual tricks of using the media to smear the competition.
Almost =)

So expect another rush job system from them because they know the value of launch dates and prepare for more shit quality rushed hardware.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Please.... there are people who'll buy the thing just cuz it has the word "Wii" on it.

[mephman]

But will it be the same people again? So many people bought a Wii then after a few weeks never touched it. Do you think they will make the same mistake again?

[mike1up]

No I don't think that "those" people would make the same "mistake". But let's remember that Nintendo isn't asking people to buy the Wii all over again... Nintendo is asking them to buy a WiiU.

Party on Garth! (sorry, couldn't resist)

[Campy da Camper]

Exactly!. Everyone parent at my work has a kid who has a Wii. They are CONSTANTLY talking about this game or that one and what little Jimmy is getting for his birthday IE Mario Cart wheel, new game, etc.

[Baba1906]

but i think a lot of people bought the wii for reasons like fitness stuff. i think those people are really gamers and probably wont care so much for the new wii. but who knows =D

[Slade]

they said the wii would struggle

=

bullshit

[thedude44]

and the smear campaign begins

[Gr81]

At this point it is entirely too early to tell. And predictions one way or the other hold as much weight as a tic on a dog.

I think after this years E3 is all said and done, then we will be able to have a clearer perspective of where the Wii U will go.

Honestly, it will always come down to the software. That remains as true today as ever before. If Wii U has the right software it will succeed.

[GTRrocker]

They need to drop the Wii name and go back to calling it Nintendo. Like Nintendo X or something...

[h311rais3r]

It needs good 3rd party support

[Goozex]

I would love to see smear from the press about ms. It simply DOES NOT HAPPEN! The media hangs from puppet strings controlled by ms.

[tsn]

Struggle?

LOL fanboys will buy Nintendo products just like no matter what the PS4 or the Xbox 300000 is the fans will buy it.

[ilovemyps3]

When Wii u comes out, even if Nintendo uses cheap tech, they will sell it at maybe 349 or 299. Nintendo always make money day one, on whatever they sell.

Even if some people are stupid, if you already bought he first Wii for your kids, and it kept collecting dust, will you:

- buy another console that will still be a wii: for parents it means little interest from their kids, and shitty games.
- will you spend 300-400$ on it, when you can have a ps3 or Xbox, for maybe 199 or 149$ ?

I know parents that bought a wii, like all parents, but got a ps3 or Xbox, for real gaming. Kids may want this or that, but parents aren't stupid, they are young and they know what a ps3 or x360 is capable of : incredible media players, with movies support, internet, everything, and ALSO : TONS of incredible and awesome games, for a fraction of a new Wii game.

Sure, this is ok for usa and europe...

But In Japan, many #$%# will buy a wii u day 1, if there is a stupid #145th pokemon or #150th monster game...

Incredible scientists, engineers, etc etc in Japan, with the most advanced tech of the world, and you see people not sleeping just to grab a phoking retarded game like pokemons or monsters...

Uncharted 4 could be a 300gb game, at 240fps, 8k resolution, in 6D, Japanese people would still prefer "catching them all", at 160x120 @ 16 colors. What a pitty, really.

[AdvanceWarsSgt]

You were making a decent point until the unnecessary Pokemon and Monster Hunter bashing.

[mike1up]

If quality first and third party games are present at launch, then the WiiU will be fine. A solid network wouldn't hurt either.

Imo the only piece that is absent from the Nintendo puzzle are the quality 3rd party blockbusters. Nintendo must back the 3rd party titles as if they were their own. If Nintendo can find a way to convert 3rd party developers then the hardcore audiences will follow. This is a very simple concept called supply and demand.

[Shok]

The same way the DS was going to struggle right? And the Wii? And the 3DS?

How many times is it going to take for people to be wrong in order for them to realize they're stupid?

People keep saying Nintendo is doomed and they keep proving them wrong every single time. People never learn.

[Sobari]

Depending on how the next Xbox and Playstation are designed, we could be seeing a repeat of this generation; Nintendo's offering being substantially cheaper, therefore dominating the market until price drops happen, in which case the tables will then begin to turn. Just look at how the 3DS and Vita are faring in Japan. Despite having way more features than the 3DS, the 3DS is selling more, which just goes to show how important pricing is.

[Gr81]

3DS cost the same as Vita did at launch. And while the massive price cut help the 3DS it was the arrival of appealing software that changed the 3DS' fortunes. Vita still has a weak library and will continue to have weak sales until that changes.

You buy video game systems to play games. That is the bottom line.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

I doubt if that happens. No one has seen any of the games yet tompast judgement.

[ozstar]

Wii U releases - it does 1080p, thats enough.

MS/S PR - but we have even MORE GRAPHICS!!

It didn't work last gen, it won't work next gen. I just don't understand why having a more expensive console, with much less chance of a price drop, will ultimately win the next gen of home consoles. But thats my opinion!

I don't mention the controller because that's irrelevant, what is relevant is the online infrastructure. We'll see how they go with that, but at least the 3DS is trying.

[Raider69]

first day buyer!

[Crillvirus81]

Ok what ever Nintendo will always sell why cause the cater to all adults, kids,etc as long as they got Mario, Zelda,etc they will be fine.these bias web sites are just mad that Nintendo is about to dominate again so they are starting there hate again just like the 3ds was dead ha ha just watch how many people jump ship and leave the old systems once they see what the wii u can do. just wait till e3 then they can make there Nintendo is doom articles till then they can stfu for real.us as gamer have got to stop hating on each others game choices cause that's one of the reasons why all they game studios are closeing a real gamer will enjoy all games and consoles I do not agree with alot of things ms and Sony do put I got a Xbox and a ps3 cause they all got there great games lets stop with the hating all ready when apple takes over with there 99cents shallow games it will be your fault. Let's give nintendo the benefit of the doubt before we jump the gun

[ozstar]

Its interesting that he barely mentions the 3DS in his article.

[Khordchange]

If it does commercials like this(obviously with a much more updated wii u and real games) http://www.youtube.com/watc...

it will sell millions. We may go "well whats the point? no casual is going to fall for that" How many times have we heard that argument?

The Wii, Kinect, Wii Fit, The DS, The 3DS, and now the Wii U. People like something new when it comes to gaming. If they advertise with sports games and education games, like maybe a brainage for it, it will do great. People will be shocked to see how well it does. Or they will over react over the sales, call it doomed, then it has a great following holiday season and they stop talking(ex Kinect, 3DS)

[archemides518]

no it won't, if it even has slightly better graphics than ps3/360 then people will be all over it, sony and msoft need to step the hell up people are ready and waiting

[Ness-Psi]

i honestly think it will sell well just not amazingly well like the wii did. but then probably pick up 6 months after release.

[josephayal]

My Condolenses to Nintendo

[Titanz]

They'll forgive and forget past grievances they had with the company.

[SandwichHammock]

All that needs to happen is something big, really BIG. Example? How about the next Grand Theft being done with WiiU as the lead development console. So Ninty fans would get a crazy version while 360 and Sony fans would get the low quality pop in madness. I'm trying really hard not to get excited for E3...trying, but this year might be murderous.

[BitbyDeath]

The only impact that could occur to sales would be if the Xbox 3 and PS4 are announced before its release otherwise providing the price is right i'm sure tons of people will be jumping at the chance to get one.

[coojo]

of course it will slow at first ps3 and 360 sucked till 2008

[Megaman_nerd]

not in japan at least with Dragon Quest X coming out.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Im over the gimicry, outdated graphics, and nostalgic franchises that are played to death...

Im 27 and still want to love Nintendo but Im definatley no longer in their demographic anymore!

[Lyle91]

Considering their demographic is everyone with at least one arm, I'm going to assume you lost both of your arms somehow. My condolences.

[mamotte]

Who cares? The world will end in december, so we wont ever see the PS4 and the next xbox.

My predictions are always accurate and belieable as this article.

[AscendantX]

I'm really sick of everything being 'doomed'.

[Pikajew]

I hope the Wii U is the weakest console next gen but still gets the third party games. Because in history the weakest console always sells the best.

[BitbyDeath]

That'd be cause price is generally cheaper for weaker consoles.

Price is important, the only people it doesn't matter to are the hardcore and their numbers pale in comparision to the casuals.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

Price is important... but a cheaper price would mean a inferior console compared to the competition...

I'd rather pay more and partake in the evolution of games on a technical prowes level... than be left in the dust!

If the future of game consoles consists of cheap inferior tech and casual games... Im truely walking away from this hobby for good!

[ozstar]

360 beat PS3 because it was cheaper.

[Shnazzyone]

I disagree. I believe nintendo learned from 3ds. They are not going to drop this console without at least a couple killer apps.

[LettingGo]

No. The PS3 will continue to outsell the 360, like it has for the past three years. What would possess someone to think differently?!?

[Pintheshadows]

I think it will sell fine. People will see the adverts and throngs of them will go out and purchase one.

As a gamer however i'm slightly concerned that Nintendo is releasing a current gen console at the tail end of the generation. I fully expect the next PS and Xbox to leave it eating dust performance wise. If they wanted to compete directly with the 360 and PS3 (which is what they're seemingly aiming for) they should of released something like this five years ago.

[Agent_hitman]

Hater's arse will struggle

[jacen100]

wii U could be more powerfull than the ps3 and 360 combined, i think that should be plenty of power should it not to play decent games?, i will have one day one for sure but i cant say the same about any other console cause i dident buy either ps3 or 360 till they were over 2 years into there shelf life

[AJBACK2FRAG]

Bull Shit.

[Ck1x]

Really who cares anymore about these articles, obviously if most didnt like the Wii they probably arent gonna buy the Wii U just because its a Nintendo system and if thats the case dont buy it then because there are 90+ million people that Nintendo can market this thing to... i come here for any new information on gaming period across the board and these topics are everyday headlines now!

[Amin_and_Azizah]

We don't really see the Wii controls as being a quick gimmick because they have stood the test of time now and are being copied by the competition. So no the motion controls are not a gimmick anymore. Nintendo continues to innovate and even though mario, zelda and metroid are well past their primes, Nintendo will continue to survive because they have money and other franchises to relay on. If the rumors are right, that this console will be using 1080p then all the pieces are in place for another successful generation for the BIG N