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MarcellusMighty on 28 October 2013
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I don't know if people don't realize this or what, but the Wii U doesn't have a conventional HDD, unlike the Xbone or PS4. Nintendo chose flash memory (SSD technology) for their console for three reasons: 1) very low power consumption 2) Insanely high reliability [HDDs are prone to failure, it happens because of moving parts] and 3) better speed/performance. The problem is that flash memory is very expensive compared to a conventional HDD. So, Nintendo HAD to offer a low amount. If you think about it, downloading a bunch of eShop games is perfect if you're still mostly a traditional gamer, similar to myself.

I'm hesitant to do anything digital, unless it's pretty valuable, convenient, and/or cheap. Usually, I purchase games online from Amazon or trade stuff in to Gamestop, even though they are the devil. Guys, Nintendo was looking out for you when they designed the flash memory. EVERYONE knows the reputation Nintendo has for reliability. They COULD have offered a 500 GB HDD, and it probably wouldn't have affected the price negatively. They didn't, because hey, why make the console so expensive, less reliable, and slower when you might not need all that storage? I know that I personally would never use 500 GB for just digital downloads. That's insane to me. I've had a Wii U Deluxe 32 GB since launch, and the only retail download I own is WindWaker HD. Just under 2 GB, I think? And Super Mario 3D World will be 1.7 GB.

On the point of download sizes, HOLY MOLY. I haven't seen any sizes under 35 GB for PS4/One games! That's insane! The economics of it don't make sense, because data is very expensive in the USA and bandwidth is hard to come by unless you're raking in the dough or living at a high-tech university, like me. It's inconvenient and it sucks that those installs are mandatory. I really don't get it. Are minor loading times really that bad? Are we willing to spend more for internet just to download these games digitally? I'm not. I won't be buying an Xbox One because of the awful executive decisions being made at MS. They treat us like lab rats, and when we get mad, they change things immediately, proving they only care about money. I MAY get a PS4. Sony has been much more open to the people than they were during the PS3 early years. That's a good sign. Anyway, I've said my piece.