Nintendo's Conflicting Hardware and Software Philosophies

[Purple]

snyps said:

Zero999 said:

"It serves a minimal function in most games, adds a huge cost in development, increases the price of the system for consumers"

I stopped reading after that.

I wanted to stop reading after that too.  Because Nintendo Wii U GamePad has been the single greatest success For Me in MY life.  But i did't top reading... and all i can say is I wish i had.  I'm happy with Iwata's decisions as they affect me.  I don't want Yoshi's fruit cart touch games.  The Nintendo Wii U GamePad serves it's purpose perfectly.  Hardware and software are in harmony.

I don't see how you can say hardware and software are in harmony.

 

Look at some of the best selling games on Wii:

Wii Sports/Resort - Used motion to bring sports to life in a game

Mario Kart Wii - Use motion to simulate using a steering wheel

Just Dance, Wii Play, Zumba, Mario and Sonic, Crossbow training, Skyward Sword, Sports Active, Mario Party  etc. all RELIED on the unique Wiimote. Sure there were some other games (Smash, Galaxy) that had more traditional control methods, but these make up the minority of the top 30 Wii software. There is a clear harmony between hardware and software.

Now look at the best selling games on Wii U:

NSMBU - Gamepad used in one mode of the game

3D World - A few added gamepad features

LCU - A few mostly awkward features

Pikmin 3 - Map

Wind Waker - Inventory

Zombi U - Good use of the gamepad

Just Dance - One forgettable mode for non-dancers

MH, COD, AC, Sega and All Stars etc. have no major reliance on the gamepad. There is a clear disconnect between the software and the major selling feature of the hardware.