Why do people hate Nintendo?

[Mr Durand Pierre]

As pretty much all gamers know Nintendo these days is considered to be the loser of the videogame market these days. It seems just about everyone rags on them. My question is this: why?

They're hyping up the Revolution as being a little low in terms of system specs and high in gamepley/ideas, but lets forget all that for a minute since this is all specualtion/hype for a system that hasn't come out yet. More particularly, why do people hate the Gamecube?

The only "bad" thing I can think about it is that it doesn't have online capabilities, but it's not like the PS2 uses that for much more than FFXI. Xbox live is nice, but expensive and not for everyone, and at least it doesn't only have 2 controller ports ala the PS2. now that's archaic.

But in my opinion Nintendo products these days are as good as they've ever been, with games like the Metroid Primes, RE4, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, The Wind Waker, Super Smash Bros, etc, etc... but for some reason they just don't sell that well. Is it only bad marketing, or is there something I'm missing in why Nintendo is suddenly so uncool?


And if you're wondering why this isn't in the Gamecube forum it's because I want honest opinions from people who aren't fanboys who presumably chose the Xbox over the GC (or just own both), and the Xbox seems to be more different from Nintendo than the PS2. Thoughts, opinions?

[PenguinMaster]

In asking why people hate Nintendo, you seem to be bashing PS2. Don't do that.

[Zer0X1999]

It's become popular to trash Nintendo nowadays. People see the colorful console (Purple launch GameCube) and the cartoony characters and simply call it kiddie, without even bothering to even play their games.

They've also made many decisions that have made the general gaming public look unfavorably towards them, such as no-online support. Sure they sell a modem and broadband adapters but honestly, how many games uses them.

Indeed, Nintendo's products are as good as they ever been. I love my GCN and my DS and could care less about what others think about Nintendo. They offer great to excellent games, and so long as they continue to do so, they have my support.

*edited spelling error*

[PenguinMaster]

Nintendo doesn't get a lot of third-party support. I find it impossible to see Gamecube as a primary system when so many games go to the other two but not the GC. I think it has better exclusives than XBOX (but far worse than PS2), but is lacking games in general.

To prove, compare this:
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/deptpage.asp?wherefrom=comingsoon&web_dept=GameCube (2 pages)

to these:
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/deptpage.asp?wherefrom=comingsoon&web_dept=PlayStation+2 (8 pages)
&
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/deptpage.asp?wherefrom=comingsoon&web_dept=XBOX (7 pages)



Also, in my opinion the controller sucks. It is missing 4 buttons and the C-Stick and Z-buttons are uncomfortable.

[Michaellvortega]

It's that the only good games for nintendo products are made by Nintendo! I don't think people hate nintendo but it's that nintendo has set a standard and now they meet that standard once or twice every six months.

[Rig]

Well, although Nintendo gets bashed quite a bit, they also have one of the most loyal fanbases ever. (Myself included.) Plus, they are the best gaming company ever, so I wouldn't let it bother you much OP.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

In asking why people hate Nintendo, you seem to be bashing PS2. Don't do that.

Oops, I didn't mean to. I've thought many times about getting a PS2, as I consider it a close second to the GC. Though I'm sure i'll get bashed for it, honestly the Xbox is my least fave of the 3, not because it's bad, but because the system, parts, games, etc tend to be the most expensive, but mostly because the system's top sellers are very heavily multi-player based (Halo, Splinter Cell) which just isn't my thing. It's fine if your friends all have X-boxes, so you can get some huge multi-player games going on, or if you're hardcore enough for Xbox live, but that strikes me as something only hardcore gamers are into. It's still a good system, but it seems to have an even greater niche market than Nintendo, and I'm a little surprised that it sells more, hence my trying to probe the other end of the spectrum in this forum.

And it doesn't really bother me that Nintendo is "uncool," but I'd just hate to see them go the way of Sega and stop making consoles.

[Kayden]

I don't hate Nintendo... I just think they fucked themselves over. They always use proprietary media... they charge the same for first party games as they do third... I like some of the GC games... but as an RPG player, they don't have much to offer me.

BTW, the gamecube does have internet functionality, it just isn't used beyond 2-3 games.

[Xevious]

I have nothing against Nintendo. I always thought they were a company that makes kids games though. Someone here at CAG got mad at me for making that statement last year but I still stand by what I said.

I mean compare a little italian guy jumping on top of mushrooms....its great for kids. Not for me with my mature tastes though.

[PenguinMaster]

Another thing to add. This may just be me, but I think all their big franchises were better in 2D (Mario, Zelda, Metroid). I don't like the direction any of those series have gone, except Zelda Four Swords Adventures (which is 2D).

[PenguinMaster]

Still more to add. I think Shigeru Myamato (spelling?) is actually somewhat a problem for Nintendo. He was great in the beginning, but he still thinks all his ideas are revolutionary though they haven't changed much in 20 years. Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think he said that videogames were for kids and that online gaming was a passing fad. Both of those ideas will not help Nintendo stay in the VG market.

[msdmoney]

They have an image problem more than anything else. Nintendo is obviously my favored console if you look at my games list, and I think it so unfortunate that so many people sell the cube short. I just don't think Nintendo is very good at marketing, as the XBOX and PS2 have become the "cool consoles" now. I still think Nintendo makes games with the best and most polished gameplay, and that is why I will continue supporting them. I enjoy all three, but as long as they keep making great games Nintendo will be number one for me.

[danny90044]

personaly i think any true gamer strives to own or have access to all the curent consoles, i know its hard but very possible (i have a ps2, my bro has the cube, and when i'm at home one of my best friends has a box and when im at school my friend down the hall has one) , every console has great things to offer. nintendo release a great, i mean seriously great game, once or twice a year. sony has the widest selection of playable games. microsoft, well they got halo and that alone makes it wortwhile, ohh and ninja guiden was okay.

only thing i dont like about nintendo is the serious lack of rpg's.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Another thing to add. This may just be me, but I think all their big franchises were better in 2D (Mario, Zelda, Metroid). I don't like the direction any of those series have gone, except Zelda Four Swords Adventures (which is 2D).

I'd agree completely (though I haven't played 4 swords). Metroid did the best job making the transition to the third dimension. In many ways I like the GBA better than the GC for the 2D gaming.

I guess nintendo does have something of an image problem. I don't mind "kiddie" games as long as they're fun, 'cuz really gameply is all that matters. I guess I also have a strange sense of nostalgia for games with ridiculous plots and stupidly creative characters. If history has taught us anything it's that italian plumbers jumping on mushrooms is more fun than well... manhunt.

[AndrewUIS420]

Usually, the people that bash Nintendo don't know a lot about video games. I mean, if you know about video games, what makes a good game good and what makes a classic game a classic, than there is no way you cannot like Nintendo. Seriously, when was the last time you saw someone who actually knew what they were talking about bashing on Nintendo??

[RaekwonThaChef]

It's become popular to trash Nintendo nowadays. People see the colorful console (Purple launch GameCube) and the cartoony characters and simply call it kiddie, without even bothering to even play their games.

They've also made many decisions that have made the general gaming public look unfavorably towards them, such as no-online support. Sure they sell a modem and broadband adapters but honestly, how many games uses them.

Indeed, Nintendo's products are as good as they ever been. I love my GCN and my DS and could care less about what others think about Nintendo. They offer great to excellent games, and so long as they continue to do so, they have my support.

*edited spelling error*

Summed up perfectly.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Usually, the people that bash Nintendo don't know a lot about video games. I mean, if you know about video games, what makes a good game good and what makes a classic game a classic, than there is no way you cannot like Nintendo. Seriously, when was the last time you saw someone who actually knew what they were talking about bashing on Nintendo??


I suppose by "Uncool" I meant why are Nintendo's sales so poor?

[RacinReaver]

One of my problems seems to be with how Nintendo seems to milk the consumer. My roommate recently bought Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (and is planning to get Four Swords soon). The only problem in our group of friends, there's only two GBAs. So we can't really take advantage of the multiplayer in either of those games without shelling out another assload of money, and I'm sure as heck not willing to buy a GBA after buying a GBC only to have it be one-upped by the GBA a short while later.

That, and no matter what we do, we just can't seem to find games for the Gamecube which interest us. Then again, the PS2 isn't doing much better, and the XBox hasn't even motivated us enough to buy one.

[Michaellvortega]

A big pat on the back to everyone at CAG for not turning this into a flame war. It's nice to have a adult conversation about the gaming industry.

[AndrewUIS420]

I suppose by "Uncool" I meant why do Nintendo's sales suck so much?

lol, last time I checked, Nintendo's sales didn't suck so much. The GBA SP is still selling like hot cakes, the DS is selling good, and I haven;t checked up on the Gamecube in a while for sales and such. I just read an article showing graphs and such about how Nintendo is still a force to be reckin with. You cannot just look at the Gamecube and say that Nintendo's sales suck, the GBA SP sells very well. I could go dig up some exact #'s and such, but I am tired.

[PenguinMaster]

Well, although Nintendo gets bashed quite a bit, they also have one of the most loyal fanbases ever. (Myself included.) Plus, they are the best gaming company ever, so I wouldn't let it bother you much OP.

Your collection says otherwise (as far as GC to PS2 & XBX anyway).

[terribledeli]

My problem is Nintendo is barely making any adjustments to their franchises and expecting folks to cry in joy when they're released.

I mean, look at Mario Sunshine. A great game, but is it that different from Mario 64? Mario Kart, Zelda, Mario <noun> series, Star Fox etc. suffer the same fate.

You can say that these are sequels and it should be expected, but Nintendo shouldn't spend 5+ years and release something that isn't much different than the product that wowed me in 1996. I expect that in games like Majora's Mask but not in games like Mario Sunshine.

I'm going to say that most (educated) complaints of Nintendo's practices aren't really stemmed from the "oh, no...its kiddy" but "oh, no...its a graphically better version of the game I bought half a decade ago".

Don't get me wrong, I love their whimsical games. I can't imagine my day without Animal Crossing.

[manofpeace20]

Nintendo's big problem is that they do not churn out quality games as fast as the other 2 systems. Their best games can be counted on 2 hands, and after that the quality begins to drop considerably.

[AndrewUIS420]

^^^^^ is absolutly right, but those games that you can count on two hands are damn good. Also, the lack of third party support is a reason for that.

[epobirs]

If you think FFXI is the sole focus of online activity on the PS2 you really haven't been paying attention. Microsoft bent over backwards to get EA to support Xbox Live after delivering strong online support to PS2 for two years. The lack of online play severely devalued the Xbox versions of the Madden and Tiger Woods franchises and cost Microsoft a lot of royalties that would have come from stronger Xbox sales of those franchises. SOCOM is another franchise with a massive number of online players. While not as elaborate as XBL the online support on PS2 can hardly be called lacking. The installed base of the Network Adapter passed a million units before the HDD (and HDLoader) became available on the strength of offerings like SOCOM.

Nintendo's biggest problem is a failure to resonate with the people who've become the strongest part of the console market. They still hold the portable market by virtue of that mainly catering to the youth demographic that once gave Nintendo the console crown as well. But even that is now changing. Sony's main target for the PSP is a demographic that Nintendo mostly doesn't reach, so the PSP can be successful without having much impact on Nintendo's portable business but it does mark a change to that market. Sony's best hope to succeed is by growing the market to new users but that is only the beginning. Nintendo has to compete there for the first time in a long while or face the same problems that have beset their console business.

Part of the problem is that Nintendo's perceived strength of yore often fails to take into account the tactics they used to get a stranglehold on third party publishing in the US. It took a while for the competition (Sega and NEC at the time) to appreciate the wisdom of Nintendo's publishing model but once they did they were rendered uncompetitive by NOA's contracts. There was ample precedent for this violating US antitrust statutes. NEC wouldn't press the issue because Nintendo was a major customer for NEC Semiconductor products but Sega had to break NOA's hold or give up the platform business. After it became apparent the case was not going to go their way and the penalties could be quite expensive, Nintendo settled out of court. They paid Sega an unspecified sum and gave up their exclusivity clause in their publishing contracts.

Nintendo never recovered from this.

Sega very quickly received a flood of third party titles that included major franchises like Streetfighter. Overall, Nintendo was the monetary winner of the 16-bit generation, especially since the Mega Drive/Genesis was very weak in Japan, but it said a great deal that in the space of a few months Sega went from being an also-ran in consoles to a near-equal to NOA in system sales and revenues from their third party games. The SNES was the last Nintendo console to dominate any of the three major markets. The two systems since then have met with diminishing returns.

Consider: Nintendo achieved their greatest strength by tilting the playing field. Sony managed the same feat in an open market where third party publishers had complete freedom to pick and choose platforms, supporting and ignoring them according to their needs rather than the platform companies. Nintendo operated by trying to control others, locking in publishers, lobbying for laws in Japan to restrict sales of used games, dictating to retailers who dared display competitors on an equal level to Nintendo, etc. Sony did it by offering publishers a better financial structure in terms of media cost and inventory management and won over retailers as well with the same inventory management.

Nintendo is where it is because they never got the hang of competing in a market where they didn't grant themselves special privileges. When things got rough they found that not only weren't they the only ones armed but that they'd brought a knife to a gunfight.

[kill3r7]

Another thing to add. This may just be me, but I think all their big franchises were better in 2D (Mario, Zelda, Metroid). I don't like the direction any of those series have gone, except Zelda Four Swords Adventures (which is 2D).


I agree with most of what you have said above, but I have to disagree with you as far as Zelda goes, OoT is an amazing 3D game.

I think the problem with Nintendo is that they spend too much time trying to make these corky non mainstream games. Perfect example of this would be Zelda WW and cell shading. I would have to say that the sales for the new Zelda will probably be twice as big as those of WW.

Nintendo also doesn't try to appeal to mainstream gamers and that's where the money and fame is. As a college student I love spending my time online with my xbox or playing some great RPG's and action games on my PS2. Online gaming is here to stay and it's not going anywhere something nintendo seems to neglect. Plus Big N needs more third party support, something that both MS and Sony excel at. If you don't agree with this, all I have to say is look at the sale numbers for RE4 and then tell me otherwise. This is truly an amazing game that everyone should play. RE4 is on par with the best games for the Xbox or the PS2.

Nintendo needs to appeal to the mature gamer and lose the kiddie image. More games that appeal to the adult audience (avg. gamer is in his mid 20's) are needed. These are the people who'll shell out the extra bucks to play great games. I'm looking forward to the day that a Zelda game plays like God of War a truly gritty story.

Hopefully, Nintendo figures it out soon. If not you'll continue to see people bashing them. I can't help but feel that I'm becoming one of them.

[chosen1s]

I think Nintendo turned into the whipping boy when they took what they considered to be the "highground" and refused to cater to non-gamers.

The biggest complaints I have really heard about the Gamecube are:

No DVD player
No Third-Party Support
"Kiddie games"

Nintendo has always focused on quality (to the point that they enfuriated many third parties). They refused to put a DVD player in their next-gen system, and they do seem to try to keep a Disney-like image with their licenses. For someone like me who wants his games to be FUN above other considerations (I'd rather play Tecmo Super Bowl with its terrible graphics than Madden 2005 any day - not a bash on Madden, just kudos to Tecmo SB), Nintendo maintains an extremely high loyalty. For many casual gamers (who tend to be the voice of the masses, whether they actually represent the majority or not), I see their wants/desires to be more along the lines of prefering graphics, variety, and general extremism (in other words, they would rather play a game that simulates going 500 mph than play Mario Kart, or would be pursuaded to buy a game with heads that get knocked off sooner than pursuaded to buy a game like Smash Brothers).

I do think Nintendo screwed up by failing to jump into the online race. But the most frustrating thing to me has been watching the droves of parents buy an XBox for their kids over Gamecube because it has a DVD player. Again, not bashing other systems - it's just sad that Nintendo has missed out on a lot of support for reasons that are not directly associated with their ability to produce and enlist great video game support for their machine.

My 2 cents

[PenguinMaster]

I'm looking forward to the day that a Zelda game plays like God of War a truly gritty story.

That would be quite interesting... I don't think it would be as good though (as God of War, I mean).

[magilacudy]

I agree that most people don't hate Nintendo. It's just people find it amusing when you need to make excuses to enjoy a system.

The vast majority of us (as gamers) grew up in the 8-bit NES generation. As the games and systems evolved, we did too. It seems like Nintendo has been a step behind in this process since the N64. The proprietary formats, overreliance on portables and their flagship 'brands', not too mention questionable design decisions are just playing havoc with the company's reputation. Their staunch platform of being 'different' has alienated them from all but their hardcore loyalists.

Personally, I believe they should start from scratch. You can have innovation without sacrificing functionality. Don't sacrifice functionality to simplify the gaming experience for an audience that doesn't need it to be 'dumbed down'. You can have new ideas and gameplay mechanics without resorting to a system gimmick. I'm no Miyamoto, or even a Seamus Blackley, so I have no idea how this could possibly be done.

The key factor here is that they need to get back to their roots, like their T-shirts say. Perhaps they could do this with the Revolution. Their systems and games don't have to have a mission; just get back to delivering a quality gaming experience, not focusing on any one specific demographic.

[KaneRobot]

Hm. I always thought XBox was the most hated console since it was Microsoft-branded. That's kind of a dumb reason to hate it, sure...but it appeared to be the case nontheless.

Just about any hardcore gamer site has a lot of Nintendo supporters. Nintendo's problem is they refuse to do what they need to until they are absolutely forced (going from cartridge to disc, getting online - which they still haven't really done with any gusto). While it may be true that all they want to do is games and not a game machine that plays DVDs and lets you browse the web and listen to music and cleans your bathroom, they are going to end up paying the price in terms of sales. That is, unless they introduce something truly Revolution-ary with the next console.

I like Nintendo OK, and I always have. I haven't had a Nintendo-made system as my main console since the original NES (I bought a Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn, PS1, and Dreamcast afterwords) but I've never thought they were bad. I think they were in a first-party-games-are-priority pattern for so long that it's very difficult for them to figure out how to move on and become a real contender again. They can't just get by on Mario and Link, and anything good that shows up from outside first-party land is going to be preyed upon by the "big, rich bully" companies and runs the risk of being stolen away. It took them too long to realize that and adjust accordingly.

[FriskyTanuki]

Still more to add. I think Shigeru Myamato (spelling?) is actually somewhat a problem for Nintendo. He was great in the beginning, but he still thinks all his ideas are revolutionary though they haven't changed much in 20 years. Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think he said that videogames were for kids and that online gaming was a passing fad. Both of those ideas will not help Nintendo stay in the VG market.
You're blaming the wrong man. It was actually Nintendo President Satoru Iwata that said that "customers don't want online games" (http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/07/07/news_6102100.html) and I have no idea who said that videogames were for kids. Since then, Nintendo is making up for it by announcing the online aspect for the DS and possibly the Revolution, too.

[Spoon_si]

I not so worry about nintendo, they have the most top notch 1st party game outta all 3 system.

But It does sometimes worry me... when I look at my collection of games both my xbox & Ps2 games. is almost triple the amount of Gamecube games....

I believe Nintendo needs to step up to the plate in the next gen war.... I was surprize atleast they went with a Disc format instead of cart this time around. on the cube.

With games like Zelda, Mario Kart, & donkey kong.... I'll always have a Nintendo console in my living room....

[mmn]

As pretty much all gamers know Nintendo these days is considered to be the loser of the videogame market these days. It seems just about everyone rags on them. My question is this: why?

They're hyping up the Revolution as being a little low in terms of system specs and high in gamepley/ideas, but lets forget all that for a minute since this is all specualtion/hype for a system that hasn't come out yet. More particularly, why do people hate the Gamecube?

The only "bad" thing I can think about it is that it doesn't have online capabilities, but it's not like the PS2 uses that for much more than FFXI. Xbox live is nice, but expensive and not for everyone, and at least it doesn't only have 2 controller ports ala the PS2. now that's archaic.

But in my opinion Nintendo products these days are as good as they've ever been, with games like the Metroid Primes, RE4, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, The Wind Waker, Super Smash Bros, etc, etc... but for some reason they just don't sell that well. Is it only bad marketing, or is there something I'm missing in why Nintendo is suddenly so uncool?


And if you're wondering why this isn't in the Gamecube forum it's because I want honest opinions from people who aren't fanboys who presumably chose the Xbox over the GC (or just own both), and the Xbox seems to be more different from Nintendo than the PS2. Thoughts, opinions?


Pretty much everything Nintendo does, I hate.

Let's look at their recent history :

They put out a handheld that IMMEDIATELY requires a redesign because it has no backlight. They then make the GBA SP, probably the greatest handheld ever created. They then make a handheld (The DS) that is so retarded it looks like monkeys with down syndrome designed it. Wow, two screens. My eyes can only focus on one thing at a time. The second screen is being used exactly as I figured it would - as a map. Wupie ding. What innovation.

The Gamecube. Ugh, the Gamecube. Nintendo is built upon their first party development, which is fine, but I got tired of Mario games around the end of the SNES era. Nintendo has to put stupid Mario in EVERY game - its annoying. Not to mention the fact that all their games have to be bubbly and bright and colorful like a 3rd grade art class created it. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule for GC games. Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil 4, and Metroid Prime all come to mind as fantastic games that show what the console SHOULD have been designed around. Instead you get Mario Golf 13 and Mario Party 37 and Mario Goes To Mushroom Land 391. But that's what Nintendo fans want, so thats what they get. Being very anti-Nintendo, it keeps me at a far distance knowing if I got a Gamecube I'd be limited to maybe 4 or 5 games on that system I wanted that I couldn't get anywhere else.

You mention Donky Kong Jungle Beat, Smash Brothers, and Wind Waker. When I go to Fry's or Best Buy and they have Jungle Beat demonstrated, you know who I see playing it? Children. Young, young children. Teens and adults are playing the other systems. Why? Because MOST teens or adults would rather play a game like Halo or Madden than a game where you smash a bongo controller and clap. Its just simple fact, no arguing it. Wind Waker even pissed off hardcore Zelda fans who wanted a more adult Link. Smash Brothers never interested me. If I wanted to play a fighting game I'd play Mortal Kombat or DOA. No need to fight Pikachu against Luigi. Besides, a lot of stuff is too little, too late for Nintendo. Putting out Resident Evil 4 and the new Zelda games NOW was such a bad, bad move. If they had done it closer to the release of the system, it would've probably sold better because people would've assumed it had a more diverse userbase. Basically here's how it is - my little brother should own a Gamecube, and when he "graduates systems", he'll move UP to a PS2 or Xbox. That's how it's seen right now in the games industry.

I hate the fact that Nintendo TELLS GAMERS what they want. "Gamers don't want complex, thoughtful games. They don't want online play." Those are similar to quotes we've been hearing from Nintendo for what, two years now? That's bullcrap. Don't tell me what I do and don't want Nintendo. I TELL YOU. That's why I'm the consumer. Its just cocky bullcrap on Nintendo's part and I HATE IT.

And the "Revolution". Again Nintendo is going to pull out their gimmick card and try to create something where it isn't needed. This goes back to the days of the Power Glove. Nobody wants to control a game by waving their arms around. The Eyetoy pretty much failed, the Power Glove failed, and your stupid motion controller or whatever its going to be for Revolution is going to fail.

I used to be very anti-PS2. But after some serious thought, and looking at the quality of the games on the system, I decided to buy a PS2. And now? I love it. I love the different games I can get for PS2 that I can't for my Xbox. I love the way it plays "differently" than my Xbox. I love everything about it. Do I go online with PS2? Nope. Do I like knowing I have that option? Yes. Do I play DVDs on my PS2? Never. Do I like knowing I can if I want to? Yes. That's why I put aside my negative feelings for the system and gave it a shot. But there's absolutely no positives to owning a Gamecube. Its a dead system, barely kept afloat by its first party software - none of which I'm interested in. If Nintendo actually could admit they *gasp* did something wrong, and instead of doing MORE GIMMICKS actually design a console a person over 13 would want to own, then sure I'd give them a shot. But as it stands I think I'll stick with my Xbox and PS2.

[seanw]

Perfect example of this would be Zelda WW and cell shading.

How can someone named kill3r7 be complaining about cel shading?

[greydemise]

nintendos sales dont suck..i dont think the games are advertised as much is what the problem is, and when the ps2 or xbox have a big name game coming in, you will see nonstop commericals and magazine clippings, and for nintendo, you'll only see a few magazine clippings about it.
could it be nintendo is a bit more modest when it comes to gaming? maybe, do they rely on loyalty, who knows..i DO believe however that most of nintendo's marketing is geared towards the younger crowd, not saying all of it, but a good portion is..
and on th advertising, how many RE4 or metroid prime commercials did u see? or ssbm, i didnt see too many either :\, but how many gta commercials and metal gear solid commercials did u see? or final fantasy ones? i saw a bunch of em, but hey i could be wrong, this is just my opinion and observation, if anyone wants to add on, feel free :)
( on loyalty..i kno thise one kid on his facebook (think of it as a college profile page)..his quote "NINTENDO IS MY LIFE"...see...loyalty :)
edit: yes i do agree also that when nintendo comes out with a quality game...ITS DAMN GOOD QUALITY..but there arent as many as there should be :\..and i do agree with ppl saying that they should take in 3rd party developers../games.

[rockhero]

Here's what is it: I WANT to like Nintendo worse than anything. I grew up with NES and SNES, and those consoles and games steered me towards the video game profession. It wasn't Nintendo games specifically, but it was game for the NES console.

For me, the biggest Nintendo turnoff is in the form of the legions of fanboys who have absolutely no basis in reality. They talk about Nintendo trying to innovate - What was the last innovation Nintendo made that was actually good? I wouldn't say anything in the Gamecube era was particularly successfull. Connectivity was used in like 2 games, the DS is in put-up-or-shut-up time and there are like 2 games on the shelf... If Nintendo had come up with the Eyetoy, these fanboys would be creaming themselves over it.

The other problem is the notion that the Nintendo first-party titles are these untouchable God games up on some pedestal. They are definitely awewsome games, but there are plenty of PS2/XBox games that are just as awesome. Also they have let their franchises stagnate. Mario Sunshine is Mario 64 + a little bit. Windwaker is just like Ocarina of time except it has a windwaker instead of an Ocarino - Hell, most of the items have been exactly the same for every Zelda game! When you couple this with the lack of third party support, it leads to a lackluster console.

[urzishra14]

Oops, I didn't mean to. I've thought many times about getting a PS2, as I consider it a close second to the GC. Though I'm sure i'll get bashed for it, honestly the Xbox is my least fave of the 3, not because it's bad, but because the system, parts, games, etc tend to be the most expensive, but mostly because the system's top sellers are very heavily multi-player based (Halo, Splinter Cell) which just isn't my thing. It's fine if your friends all have X-boxes, so you can get some huge multi-player games going on, or if you're hardcore enough for Xbox live, but that strikes me as something only hardcore gamers are into. It's still a good system, but it seems to have an even greater niche market than Nintendo, and I'm a little surprised that it sells more, hence my trying to probe the other end of the spectrum in this forum.

And it doesn't really bother me that Nintendo is "uncool," but I'd just hate to see them go the way of Sega and stop making consoles.


I really honestly do not feel that XBox live is overpriced (6 bucks a month.. that you buy yearly? for the cost of about 2 games?) Halo 2 online is awesome.. KOTOR got a content download. almots every game that features online is the most fun experience you can ever have. Xbox live is for people who like to play with other human beings and want the chalange of playing against humans. i wouldn't call it for "hardcore" gamers but i'd call it for people who enjoy the mulitplayer games but don't have a lot of friends who can play whenever you want to. SW battlefront it also great.

I own a GC also, I have RE4 and it is the greatest game i've played in a long time. But the controller is so lame. it doesn't feel intuitive and I've hated that "C-stick" idea since it was on the 64. I also feel that the GBA was missing 2 buttons.. I mean if it was meant to be a portable SNES (which it was IMO) it should have had 2 more buttons. the DS is just a bad design. the duel screen, while interesting, isn't really the best idea. I would have liked for a non cartridge based design that allowed for more dynamic playing experince. but the touch screen is cool but it just isn't the best idea they've had (and where the hell are all the games for it?) I'm not Nintendo bashing but the reason why Nintendo isn't what an Xbox or even a PS2 (never owned one, the games didn't interest me that much) and the lack of Online support for the GC (I mean WHO wouldn't want to play Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart online? thats where they dropped the ball).. so the GC loses out on Online, mulitplayer, RPG (besides what, Paper Mario? Animal Crossing? or Harvest Moon?) and controller design.. let alone it the media was a properitary which was second rate to the PS2 and XB DVD based discs. no DVD playback and no backwards compatablitiy.. even though it is cheaper. the games are not worth the cost of entry most of the time.

Rob

[seanw]

You mention Donky Kong Jungle Beat, Smash Brothers, and Wind Waker. When I go to Fry's or Best Buy and they have Jungle Beat demonstrated, you know who I see playing it? Children. Young, young children. Teens and adults are playing the other systems. Why? Because MOST teens or adults would rather play a game like Halo or Madden than a game where you smash a bongo controller and clap. Its just simple fact, no arguing it.

Not to "tell you what you do and don't want," mmn, but if teens and adults are too cool to play a game like DK:JB, it's their loss. Ditto Wind Waker, which is a hell of a game. You seem to think that there's room in the market for DOA but not Super Smash Bros Melee, but that's making the reverse assumption that everyone wants dark/gritty/realistic, or that those games have a corner on complex gameplay.

I wish I had the money and time to have all three systems, because there are XBox and PS2 games I'm really interested in. But at the same time, the PS2 and XBox are competing for basically the exact same customers, offering almost the exact same library with a few exclusive titles and some price/controller/technology variations. We don't need three consoles doing that. Nintendo would not be helped by catering to the same market. That doesn't mean that it wouldn't be great if Nintendo loosened up licensing and allowed more third-party groups to bring their quality titles, even and especially their quality Mature titles, to the system, but I appreciate that Nintendo has a strong identity and focus on quality gameplay for all ages, as opposed to essentially just being another brand with a disc player that you can toss GTA into.

[urzishra14]

nintendos sales dont suck..i dont think the games are advertised as much is what the problem is, and when the ps2 or xbox have a big name game coming in, you will see nonstop commericals and magazine clippings, and for nintendo, you'll only see a few magazine clippings about it.
could it be nintendo is a bit more modest when it comes to gaming? maybe, do they rely on loyalty, who knows..i DO believe however that most of nintendo's marketing is geared towards the younger crowd, not saying all of it, but a good portion is..
and on th advertising, how many RE4 or metroid prime commercials did u see? or ssbm, i didnt see too many either :\, but how many gta commercials and metal gear solid commercials did u see? or final fantasy ones? i saw a bunch of em, but hey i could be wrong, this is just my opinion and observation, if anyone wants to add on, feel free :)
( on loyalty..i kno thise one kid on his facebook (think of it as a college profile page)..his quote "NINTENDO IS MY LIFE"...see...loyalty :)
edit: yes i do agree also that when nintendo comes out with a quality game...ITS DAMN GOOD QUALITY..but there arent as many as there should be :\..and i do agree with ppl saying that they should take in 3rd party developers../games.


sorry for the double dip.. how many of those dammed Donkey Konga commercials have you seen? or maybe those GBA commecials? *it was about even for me*

[MeGaWC27]

I own a GC and PS2.
To me, the PS2 has more of variety of games I could play. For the GC, there are limited "good games" in my opinion and the great games are usually ridiculously high-priced. Like how the Player's Choice games are sold for mostly $30 right now while the Greastest Hits are only $20 or less.
But I must say that the GC is great for parties/gatherings of a large amount of people. Assuming you have the games and controllers for it =P

[urzishra14]

Your collection says otherwise (as far as GC to PS2 & XBX anyway).

Rigs always has supported Nintendo (read his posts...espeically in the Old School forum) he has also supported the XB and PS2 on occasions as well.. and openly disagreed that the PSP was worth it..

[crowbb]

While I do consider Nintendo the loser of the current videogame market, I certainly don't hate them. They just haven't been putting out enough quality games the past few years. For the every great game that has come out for Gamecube, there are 3 or more that are just as good for the other systems.

When it comes down to it, I don't care about system specs or the company making the stuff. If you want to go into company reputation all 3 of the biggies are no angels. Nintendo usually gets off in this department but they have had their share of scandals (Price fixing anyone?) All I care about is if there are games I like for that particular system. The Gamecube has very few games I enjoy (The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Tales of Symphonia, but I know I'm forgetting a couple), the DS has 0 games I enjoy at the moment, and the N64 had 1 (Ogre Battle 64). Not a very good track record of recent years, yet I own all 3 systems. The GBA SP is still the king of the handhelds to me though, at least until the PSP starts getting some RPGs out.

[Rig]

Your collection says otherwise (as far as GC to PS2 & XBX anyway).

Oh, really? You didn't ask me which one got played the most often! ;)

[Nirvanaguy777]

I like nintendo, my only beef with nintendo is that they never brought doshin the giant to the states as well as many other games (this is my current beef), but overall its a good comapny and I enjoy there games.

[cthcky33]

a lot of people say "well nintendo has the best 1st party games" which may be true, but a great 3rd party exclusive is just as good. the number of great exclusive games on GC is a whole lot less than ps2 or XB. and the fact that GC doesnt even have a lot of the good games that are on both ps2 and XB kinda sucks too.

another problem i have with nintendo is they talk about how they are innovating with things like gc-gba connectivity, but then they put out a couple games for it then ditch the thing all together

but IMO nintendo first pary games arent any better than a god of war or MGS game, just different

[Kayden]

Pretty much everything Nintendo does, I hate.
...Blah blah blah...
I used to be very anti-PS2. But after some serious thought, and looking at the quality of the games on the system, I decided to buy a PS2. And now? I love it. I love the different games I can get for PS2 that I can't for my Xbox. I love the way it plays "differently" than my Xbox. I love everything about it. Do I go online with PS2? Nope. Do I like knowing I have that option? Yes. Do I play DVDs on my PS2? Never. Do I like knowing I can if I want to? Yes. That's why I put aside my negative feelings for the system and gave it a shot. But there's absolutely no positives to owning a Gamecube. Its a dead system, barely kept afloat by its first party software - none of which I'm interested in. If Nintendo actually could admit they *gasp* did something wrong, and instead of doing MORE GIMMICKS actually design a console a person over 13 would want to own, then sure I'd give them a shot. But as it stands I think I'll stick with my Xbox and PS2.

... You hate Nintendo for not including features you wouldn't use even if they had? What kind of fucking retard are you? Thats like being pissed off your car doesnt act as a submarine when you live in the desert. A bit more reasonable, its akin to badmouthing an automobile company for not building cars with tape players when you don't have cassetts that'd you play in it anyways.

As for Donkey Konga... I'm sorry you think you're too cool to clap at a controller. Whenever I go to GameCrazy, it's the first game I go to. Its easy to control, easy to learn and fun. That may scream kids game to you, but I find it relaxing. If it wasn't $55, I'd buy it.

Wind Waker, while maybe a visual disapointment to "hardcore" fans, was the story about a small boy. I thought everything catered to that fact exceptionally well. Not only is the gameplay solid, but that little bugger is ADORABLE. I smile everytime he crawls bucause of the little 'uhf' sound he makes.

[GuilewasNK]

I don't think Nintendo has a kid image at all with Resident Evil ,0,2,3,4, Eternal Darkness, BMX XXX (the only system with the boobs out the box), among others. I think the proprietary media and the arrogance of statements like "people don't want t play online games" or "we want to focus strictly on games (leaving out DVD functionality)" hurt them. The Dreamcast proved online gaming was going to be huge and what are two of the biggest console games out? Halo 2 and Socom I and II. Those games are runaway hits. Solely PSO isn't going to cut it.

[Apossum]

I like Nintendo. they put out good games. Maybe not in the same volume as the other guys, but if you were to distill all the shit that's in the Xbox and PS2 catalogs, you'd find that they all have a similar amount of truly awesome games. I'm not all about them, but i don't dislike them.

i also think anyone who has to "hate" a video game company is pretty sad. Extreme Fanboyism(when gaming becomes a competition b/t stuff you like and stuff you hate, rather than the enjoyment of playing games) is a strong indicator of serious social problems :P

[mmn]

... You hate Nintendo for not including features you wouldn't use even if they had? What kind of fucking retard are you? Thats like being pissed off your car doesnt act as a submarine when you live in the desert. A bit more reasonable, its akin to badmouthing an automobile company for not building cars with tape players when you don't have cassetts that'd you play in it anyways.

As for Donkey Konga... I'm sorry you think you're too cool to clap at a controller. Whenever I go to GameCrazy, it's the first game I go to. Its easy to control, easy to learn and fun. That may scream kids game to you, but I find it relaxing. If it wasn't $55, I'd buy it.

Wind Waker, while maybe a visual disapointment to "hardcore" fans, was the story about a small boy. I thought everything catered to that fact exceptionally well. Not only is the gameplay solid, but that little bugger is ADORABLE. I smile everytime he crawls bucause of the little 'uhf' sound he makes.

People like having OPTIONS, junior. That's how it works. Besides, you read my whole post and think the only reason I dislike Nintendo is because they don't include features I wouldn't use. You're the idiot. Try responding to the rest of the post instead of just typing "blah blah blah" as though you're a wounded Nintendo fanboy who knows he has nothing to say about it.

I'm not "too cool" to clap at a controller - that's not the point. The point is, its not fun. I think its one of the stupidest looking things I've ever seen on a console, and this is going back to the Atari days.

Good for you that you like playing "adorable" games. I don't. I'm a grown ass man, I stopped playing "adorable" games when I hit puberty.

But I don't get why you're defending these games. The guy asked why we dislike Nintendo. If you can't take it, get the fuck out of this thread and go back over to the Gamecube forum.

[mmn]

Not to "tell you what you do and don't want," mmn, but if teens and adults are too cool to play a game like DK:JB, it's their loss. Ditto Wind Waker, which is a hell of a game. You seem to think that there's room in the market for DOA but not Super Smash Bros Melee, but that's making the reverse assumption that everyone wants dark/gritty/realistic, or that those games have a corner on complex gameplay.

I wish I had the money and time to have all three systems, because there are XBox and PS2 games I'm really interested in. But at the same time, the PS2 and XBox are competing for basically the exact same customers, offering almost the exact same library with a few exclusive titles and some price/controller/technology variations. We don't need three consoles doing that. Nintendo would not be helped by catering to the same market. That doesn't mean that it wouldn't be great if Nintendo loosened up licensing and allowed more third-party groups to bring their quality titles, even and especially their quality Mature titles, to the system, but I appreciate that Nintendo has a strong identity and focus on quality gameplay for all ages, as opposed to essentially just being another brand with a disc player that you can toss GTA into.

There's definitely room in the market for a Wind Waker or a Super Smash Brothers, but the OP wanted to know why Nintendo is basically 3rd place at this point and why we Xbox fans dislike them. They've become a niche company, because now they're focusing on a group that is not the dominant group in gaming. The age group that dominates gaming isn't 8-15 anymore, and until Nintendo STOPS catering to that age group they're not going to go anywhere.

[Kayden]

People like having OPTIONS, junior. That's how it works. Besides, you read my whole post and think the only reason I dislike Nintendo is because they don't include features I wouldn't use. You're the idiot. Try responding to the rest of the post instead of just typing "blah blah blah" as though you're a wounded Nintendo fanboy who knows he has nothing to say about it.

I'm not "too cool" to clap at a controller - that's not the point. The point is, its not fun. I think its one of the stupidest looking things I've ever seen on a console, and this is going back to the Atari days.

Good for you that you like playing "adorable" games. I don't. I'm a grown ass man, I stopped playing "adorable" games when I hit puberty.

But I don't get why you're defending these games. The guy asked why we dislike Nintendo. If you can't take it, get the fuck out of this thread and go back over to the Gamecube forum.

mmn's machismo tip of the day: Real men don't play cute games.

In that case... I'm sorry you're to insecure about your sexuality to find a game endearing yet enjoyable and suitable for such a manly man as yourself.

[Apossum]

mmn's machismo tip of the day: Real men don't play cute games.

In that case... I'm sorry you're to insecure about your sexuality to find a game endearing yet enjoyable and suitable for such a manly man as yourself.


it's true! he told me once that I was trying to prove how big my dick was because i said I liked difficult action games :lol:

[mmn]

mmn's machismo tip of the day: Real men don't play cute games.

In that case... I'm sorry you're to insecure about your sexuality to find a game endearing yet enjoyable and suitable for such a manly man as yourself.

Ouch, I hurt the Nintendo fan's feelings. Someone call the waaaaahmbulance.

[mmn]

it's true! he told me once that I was trying to prove how big my dick was because i said I liked difficult action games :lol:

:lol::lol::lol:

Hey, you should take more of my quotes out of context. Dipshit.

:lol::lol::lol:

[Samurai X]

Are you kidding me , i love nintendo !

[Kayden]

Ouch, I hurt the Nintendo fan's feelings. Someone call the waaaaahmbulance.

If by 'hurt my feelings' you mean I 'remain totally indifferent to the views of an opinionated and loud mouthed ass'... well sir, you are correct.

If anything, the game cube is my least attended system. I think it has quality games, I just don't play it much because I prefer RPGs which it sadly lacks. I was just commenting on the selections you had singled out and ridiculing you for disliking the hardware for not having something you wouldn't make use of anyways.

[mmn]

ridiculing you for disliking the hardware .

And you did a pretty poor job of that. Good try anyways.

[smalien1]

Nintendo isn't and shoudln't succumb to what the mass market wants, to bad that means they are going to have problems.

[willardhaven]

People who hate Nintendo are stupid and have bad taste in video games.

[alongx]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, I think he said that videogames were for kids and that online gaming was a passing fad.

You are wrong.
That was me correcting you.

[alongx]

The age group that dominates gaming isn't 8-15 anymore, and until Nintendo STOPS catering to that age group they're not going to go anywhere.

Nintendo doesn't cater to the 8-15 year old group. They cater to "gamers of all ages". They went on record, for example, saying that the Nintendo DS was aimed specifically at the 18-24 year old group.

[PenguinMaster]

Nintendo doesn't cater to the 8-15 year old group. They cater to "gamers of all ages". They went on record, for example, saying that the Nintendo DS was aimed specifically at the 18-24 year old group.

I'm curious at to which age group the DS sold best with, because I missed the games for 18-24 yr olds specifically.

[Apossum]

so i'm guessing the assumption is that games for 18-24 yr olds = titties + beer?

[PenguinMaster]

so i'm guessing the assumption is that games for 18-24 yr olds = titties + beer?

I don't know of a lot of games that focus on that, so I guess not.

[magilacudy]

A big pat on the back to everyone at CAG for not turning this into a flame war. It's nice to have a adult conversation about the gaming industry.

I think those pats were a little premature.

[mmn]

so i'm guessing the assumption is that games for 18-24 yr olds = titties + beer?

No, but it isn't a world covered in hot pink and neon green with little cutesy furry characters leveling up by milking cows and planting rows of corn either.

[Tekneek]

One thing we must take into account are the size of the companies. Sony and Microsoft have non-gaming divisions which generate revenue which can be used to cover the losses of the gaming division.

Microsoft is taking heavy losses in this generation to gain market penetration and has the only console with a full blown online service. If Nintendo did not see a good chance to make a profit or break even in providing an online service, it would have been very risky. When Nintendo stated that consumers didn't want online gaming, they were probably looking research which shows a relatively small percentage of console gamers actually play online.

Forums like this are visited by those who are most likely to play online, and we tend to overestimate the general demand for online play. They released the online adapter so developers could take the risk and develop online games using their own resources. I believe Nintendo just wanted to sit back and learn from Sony and Microsoft's venture into online gaming this generation. Hopefully they will have a good online offering for their Revolution console. It will be interesting to see how they handle it.

[wbc1228]

You do realize that even if Nintendo is last in the console race, they're still the most profitable....right?

http://www.nintendojo.com/infocus/view_item.php?1112049459

[mmn]

You do realize that even if Nintendo is last in the console race, they're still the most profitable....right?

http://www.nintendojo.com/infocus/view_item.php?1112049459

Well in that case, let me just take back everything I said about Nintendo right now! Nintendo is #1!

http://www.projectwonderboy.com/arcade/images/smiles/icon_jerkit.gif

[Apossum]

I don't know of a lot of games that focus on that, so I guess not.


you're missing out man.

[sisco1986]

I don't game for the systems and there specs, I game for the Games. I always though what made gamers gamers, was the games and the enjoyment of being able to play games, since when has gaming been a penis measuring contest? Frankly I could give two ass hairs if johnny b good doesn't like Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft, or PC gaming, It's there lost not mine..

[seanw]

Well, but it is our loss if free-floating disinterest or resentment toward Nintendo becomes so established that it reduces their install base and their ability to innovate and create games. Nintendo losing market share in the current-gen console market isn't a good thing, although Apple has done pretty well for themselves in much the same scenario.

[sisco1986]

apathy is all I have to say to that, considering people that like one brand will always love one brand, that's why it's called being biased. You can't change people that hate somethings mind, nor would I ever try, I let people like that bath in there own ignorance. On the other side of the spectrum gamers that love all games regardless of what company made it, or what company made the platform it's on will always love gaming. I'm not hell bent on shoving what I think down peoples throats, if they want to think gaming on one console will make them look kid like, or any other half assed theory from some pre-pubcent mind set by all means let them. Will it hurt the industry if people think like that? Sure, but unlike some I think for myself, and I also have faith in the fact that other people can think for themselves (although It may not seem like it) and it's not going to be a wide spread epidemic of being platform biased, and if by some slim chance it does I don't only feel sorry for gamers, but to the human race as a whole. Let people think what they want, trying to force someone to like something is no different from the gamers that are biased trying to force there ideology into the minds of people.

[exceed19]

I will say this, I own all 3 systems (hooked up to my brand new Sony Wega RP-LCD 42") and I would not say one is BETTER than the other, yes different, but not better, I do spend more time on a certain console, which is the PS2... it happens to be dependent on what the game content is, and not "who made what"... I will say however, that if a PORT for all 3 games comes out, I would prefer to purchase it on my xbox due to the higher res graphics. My problem (being a need-the-newest-technology person) is that the GC has no optical cable support.. also the NEWER cubes dont even accept component cables... I feel that each company has such a hard time meeting a wide age band because i wouldnt buy anything that only uses S-video or whatever EVER again.. most gamers are not in the position i am (or choose to be in) with needing the latest, 720p and 1080i picture or 5.1DD sound but thats where the breakdown for me and companies are... gone are the old days of the 8-bit nintendo where it didnt matter what you hooked it up to it was still cheesy( dont get me wrong, i loved the 8bit!!) but now its about making a COMPONENT more than a little "game machine". I would prefer a $400-$500 ps3 that had HD-upconvert 1080i, DTS support ect ect over a ps3 that is marketed for the masses at a regular level... but then the company cant sell as many units ect... ect.. so what we are really talking about is a hard call... target markets... I fall in the upper end of "high end gaming" and I am very excited about whats new on the horizon for all 3 companies.. I am glad the big N made the right move FINALLY with a DVD style media and the next advancement they make should be huge (as well as MS and Sony).

[wubb]

I didn't get a cube because the N64 left a bad taste in my mouth and the Cube seemed to have a lot of the same problems as far as less games and higher prices vs. the competition. The higher prices thing may just be my perception, but it certainly seems like there are more deals for PS2 and Xbox games. (PS2 gets more deals than Xbox as well.)

If the Cube had received a port of the GTA games I may have picked one up. But to even think of that happening is laughable.

But I don't hate Nintendo.

[dinovelvet]

so i'm guessing the assumption is that games for 18-24 yr olds = titties + beer?

I'm late to this whole party, but here's my 2 cents anyway-

One of the reasons the big N isn't "kewl" with a lot of gamers is that they focus more on "all ages" games rather than "Mature" games. Kids want Mature games because they're more dangerous and they're the forbidden fruit. The irony of this whole situation is that many "Mature" games are ridiculously juvenile and are just an excuse to show blood, heads exploding, bouncing cleavage etc, the kind of thing that really excites 13 year olds, e.g. Roadkill, which is probably the biggest assembled-by-committee Poochie game I can think of.
But your average adult would probably find something like Pikmin more interesting because it engages your brain a bit more, and is, gasp, FUN to play. But because the presentation of Nintendo games is "cute" with bright colorful characters (as well as being typically Japanese and a little bit weird) and not much darkness or edge, insecure teenagers who want to appear all grown up will stay away from all that kind of thing and instead go and pick up some hookers or club a gay construction worker in an oh-so-mature GTA title.

[mmn]

But your average adult would probably find something like Pikmin more interesting because it engages your brain a bit more.

No, your average gaming adult would rather play Gran Turismo 4, GTA : San Andreas, Halo 2, and God of War. That's why THOSE games sell in the millions upon millions.

Let's look at this simple fact - what games are convincing NON Gamecube owners to go buy a Gamecube? It sure isn't PIKMIN. It's Resident Evil 4. It's Metroid Prime 2. It's the new "mature' Zelda title.

Do you see a trend here? I can't be the only sane person in this thread who sees this stuff.

[ManChowder]

Do you see a trend here? I can't be the only sane person in this thread who sees this stuff.


I 100% agree with you.

I think a lot of gamers got tired of Mario(character-wise) a long time ago, to the point that avoiding games with cutesy nintendo mascots is important enough to skip playing what might be a good game(gameplay-wise). I played little of mario sunshine, mario party, mario tennis, and such just to try them out... but the characters just don't click for me anymore. The gameplay feels right, but the characters make me want to put it down. My games don't have to be ultra-violent but super cutesy mushroom people with all pastels and rainbow colors just grates on me.

Metroid almost convinced me to get a cube. I was blown away by the graphics and presentation, but when I played it I was angered and disappointed by the control scheme, so I knew I could wait on that.
Like mmn said games like RE4 and the new Zelda are convincing myself and others to finally get a gamecube. If Nintendo could just release more of a balance of "all-ages" and "adult" titles for their system... and actually get a steady stream of good 3rd party titles they would be more of a contender in the console race.

I just think that Nintendo is out of touch with what the majority of gamers really want. They appearantly believe that all gamers need is a steady stream of Mario/DK/etc related games, and that online gaming and adult interest in gaming is a passing fad.

[rocksolidaudio]

who the shit hates nintendo?

[vietgurl]

SNES is the greatest console hands down

Here's a great way to solve the problem: buy an xbox, ps2, and gamecube. That was my solution to the problem (although I only have around 10 GC games, as opposed to...err, I lost count of how many games I have for the other systems)

[alongx]

I'm curious at to which age group the DS sold best with, because I missed the games for 18-24 yr olds specifically.

I think the DS sold moderately well within their target audience despite the lack of "mature" games.
My last quote, though, was Nintendo's standard line. Just because you don't see games aimed at 18-24 year olds specifically yet (I'd say that Metroid Prime, for example, will be aimed at an older crowd) doesn't mean that Nintendo wasn't trying to get that crowd.

[jclast]

I think this whole thing can be summed up in one thought. Those who prefer X-Box don't enjoy Nintendo as much because the X-Box is targetted at people that already weren't buying GameCubes.

X-Box games (the well-selling ones anyway) are either Mature (maybe Teen), online, or both. GameCube games tend to be rated Everyone (some Teen). They also don't feature online (except for PSO).

That's it in a nutshell. They have different strategies and went after different markets with different games. Look at your average gamer with two consoles. Odds are s/he has a PS2 and either an X-Box or a GameCube. I don't know anybody who has only a GameCube and an X-Box.

[XboxMaster]

The taste of the majority of the gaming community has matured. While saving Princess Peach and Zelda can still be very enjoyable, a lot of people would rather blow alien/human heads off. Another reason they don't sell so well is because...THEY'RE CONTINUOUS RE-HASHES!

Xbox Live is not expensive. Besides the charges of your provider, you could never pay for Xbox Live if you were that dedicated to being cheap! All you'd have to do is keep using 2-month free cards. Although, then you'd lose all your stats and you friends list, but that happens whenever you switch to a different game on the PS2! Even if you planned to buy a year subscription, it's still a great deal. You can get a mic ($30), Crimson Skies ($20), and a year subscription ($50) for $70 or lower!

I love my Gamecube, but I still consider it the loser of the console market.