Why WiiU is the only viable strategy for Nintendo

[Jay520]

JWeinCom said:

Jay520 said:
JweinCom said "I don't think a large focus on motion controls would work. Motion controls should still be an important part of the console, and I'm hoping Nintendo still makes Wii-mote games, but you need to provide something new. I don't think a jump to HD would have been enough on its own. Like I said, I think the tablet does have the potential to appeal to casual gamers and hopefully Nintendo will prove me right with games."

I don't think so. Sure, there needs to be new experiences, but this usually depends on software. You don't necessarily need new controls to implement new experiences.

Do you think a Wii Sports-like launch title would have helped the Wii U sell more than it did?

New controls expand on what you can do with software development.  There is still dons of new stuff that could be done with the Wii Remote, or an X-box controller, or an NES controller for that matter.  But, having something new always opens more opportunities.

I actually think Nintendoland is a really cool game, and I believe it could have sold more systems with a few adjustments.  As for a Wii Sports type game, I'm not exactly sure what you mean.  Something simpler that uses mainly the Wiimote?  Do you literally mean Wii Sports 2 (or 3 I guess)?  Probably would have sold better at launch, but I think it would sell worse in the long run.

The Gamepad makes a lot of sense with a lot of the Wii features.  For instance Miiverse (which I think will become way more important as time goes on) is something that works really well that wouldn't with a standard controller or motion controller.   I think a co-op 3d mario with gamepad will be more enticing than a more standard sequel.  I think having off screen play makes the console waymore living room friendly for parents.  I like the Gamepad, and I think it could be a system selling feature if it was marketed better.

True about new controls. I was just responding to what appeared to be an implication that new controls were necessary new experiences

By Wii Sports like game. I mean something that heavily uses the Wii mote, yes. But hopefully instead of just introducing the concept of motion controls, it provided deeper gameplay and more accurate controls (I guess you could call it Wii Sports 3). Such a game would have done much better than Nintendoland or a Gamepad focused game imo, but I guess we'll never know.

I don't think the Gamepad's biggest problem is marketing. I think its getting a group of games focused around the device which provide experiences enticing to the mainstream. Seems like you agree with me here. We just disagree on whether such a game is possible. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Marketing should come secondary after first getting those games out there.