Rating Nintendo 2017 - Console Games and Releases

[Platina]

A quick recap:

October 26, 2016: The NX was revealed to be the Nintendo Switch. After the swarm infestation of NX rumors that greatly annoyed many, we finally were able to see what the console is: a hybrid console that is portable. Many, myself included, had many skeptisms on how this will preform, as it was trailing the commerical failure Wii U, and 3DS sales were slowing down. Was it powerful enough, equal or better than the PS4/XOne, will it affect the battery life? How much would it cost? Will people care with mobile phones and tablets becoming ever more present? Did Nintendo learn anything with the Wii U and will it flop?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5uik5fgIaI

January 13, 2017: Nintendo Switch Presentation rolls out, and there was a huge mix in reactions. BotW at launch, Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade 2, Splatoon 2!! Arms? Oh look, another party game.. $300 USD? Is the HD rumble worth the extra cost? Not to mention that stock falls shortly after the Switch reveal. There was some 3rd Party support, but those were already confirmed from the initial reveal. Honestly, the price was what really worried me the most. Without early adopters, other companies won't be interested in making or porting games to the Switch, which would lead to less games and the same downward spiral that the Wii U ended up in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntzz8O7SpWs

March 3, 2017: The Switch finally launches and is well received by Nintendo fans, but that's is obvious. Zelda BotW initially getting 98 on meta and sold more copies than systems available. But like with all systems, skeptisms follow. Notably, the Wii U having strong launch numbers that didn't last. Faulty systems, with the Joycon not syncing, dock scratching the screen, kickstand falling over too much, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb-srOfRqNc

June 13, 2017: Nintendo's Spotlight at E3. Probably Nintendo's shortest presentation ever, with Kirby and Yoshi announced for 2018, and Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon being in development for Switch but no extra info. Got a lot of Nintendo fans really excited, saying it's Nintendo's best E3, though I kept the cautiously excited attitude. Didn't help that stock shortages was still an issue since launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2mZS_p4A7Y

Fast forward to November, after more shortages, and after launch of Mario Odyssey.. One thing is really apparent, the launch line up has been really strong, but more importantly, it was consistent. If you look back to their game announcements, not a single game has been delayed. It is obvious that BotW and Mario was releasing in 2017, but for other games especially Xenoblade 2, many were convinced that it will be delayed to Spring 2018 at the very least. I think this is what truly set Nintendo apart this year than compared to their other years (2014 comes in mind). A strong consistent line-up of games that were not delayed, and with Xenoblade 2 around the corner, any recent year can't really compete with.

So this really brings up another question: Is this just a one year anomaly, since Nintendo is on a make or break to get really strong initial sales? It will be difficult to say, and I have no idea what 2018 has to offer aside from Fire Emblem, Kirby and Yoshi from the top of my head. It may not be as strong as 2017, maybe not even close, but Nintendo's future is definitely looking much better than one year ago, this time.

Oh right, mobile was a thing too.

Last edited by Platina - on 05 November 2017