Talking Point: Nintendo's Wii U Lineup Makes Commercial Sense

[zorg1000]

TK14 said:
I agree with this. I think people spend way too much time trying to put Nintendo in the same "box" that Sony and Microsoft operate in. Not bashing those companies or their new systems, but the majority of the games they offer are just completely different from the types of games and experiences Nintendo has always been known for. It's literally comparing Apples to Oranges. Yes, Wii U has had a slow first half of 2013...low sales, little hype...but there's a reason for that...in the first 5 months of this year, the only NEW notable games available have been Lego City Undercover and Monster Hunter 3 (an upgraded version of an older game). As Nintendo says, and as 3DS has recently proven, when Nintendo brings their core, highly-polished franchises to the system, the system will begin to sell. Some people act as though 3rd parties are Nintendo's only hope, and without them Nintendo is DOOMED. Newsflash: Nintendo has NEVER been able to rely on 3rd parties to truly sell their systems or pick up the slack. Nintendo's games sell their systems and THEN some 3rd parties jump back in as well. Also, just because Wii U doesn't have a comparable amount of RAM to Xbone and PS4 doesn't mean there isn't still a place for it in the market. This past generation all THREE companies were able to find success with their consoles at their own pace. Wii will end up over 100 million, and the other two will probably come close to that in the long run or at least 80 million plus, each. Yes, the dynamic will probably shift to where Sony "comes out on top" in sales compared to Nintendo and Microsoft, but again, Xbone and Wii U can both comfortably coexist with PS4 and make a profit for their companies, which is the whole point of this business, despite what some entitled, self-absorbed gamers may believe.

Also worth mentioning...would Retro making Metroid or Star Fox or a new IP have been more exciting and have been more of a surprise and more hype-worthy than a Donkey Kong Country sequel? Of course. But Nintendo really had two choices with Retro and this E3... 1) tease or show off the next Zelda, and have Retro make "hardcore" games like Metroid or Star Fox that are going to excite everybody at E3 and receive a bunch of positive press about it for the important, though probably smaller than we all want to believe, "hardcore" group of gamers who follow E3 and all the new information...OR...2) save Zelda and some others for next year since they weren't going to come out this year anyway, AND have Retro make a title that has a sales potential of at least DOUBLE Star Fox or Metroid. Look at the facts...Donkey Kong Country Returns sold TRIPLE what Metroid Prime 3 sold, and almost SIX times what Metroid: Other M managed. It's just a more mainstream option and since they're ultimately out to sell systems and make money, it's a better choice in the long run, hype or no hype. People always talk about Mario, Zelda, and Metroid as if they're Nintendo's "Big Three"...but that really hasn't been accurate...maybe in terms of review scores, hype, and the goodwill of the hardcore gamer crowd...but in terms of sales and the ability to move systems, Mario, Mario Kart, the Wii-series, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, and Smash Bros. all have more clout than Metroid at this point. So yeah...maybe Nintendo is playing it a little bit "safe" with their games for this holiday...but ultimate it's probably a smart decision and their best move to ensure that the Wii U has a shot at carving out its niche in this gen. Besides, if Nintendo DIDN'T take steps to ensure their survival, then we'd NEVER get another Metroid or Star Fox or anything anyway. This way, Wii U has a fighting chance, and when it DOES find its footing, THEN in a year or two they can show off those other great franchises.

Damn I aaid the same thing as u but way less epic lol but Iim sure the second half of 2014 and 2015 will have all the crazy righer risk games fans want lIke Zelda, Metroid, Star Fox, F-Zero, Mario Universe.