Zelda is pushed back to 2017, but will be shown and the only playable game from Nintendo at E3 this year.I'm ok with that if we still get Zelda and a few other AAA games this Christmas.
I could technically imagine Nintendo selling the WiiU Gamepad separate just for the WiiU games.I heard that the new president of Nintendo was the one person on the board who voted against the wii u (one of the main reasons he's killing it). I have a bad feeling there will be no backwards compatibility since, you know, no screen.
I think the problem Nintendo has is they are putting too much faith in the different hardware and not focusing on the games. Nintendo has of late become a sequel machine and nothing much else. Yeah games like Splatoon exist but for the most part it's the same Mario Kart, Party, 3D World, Zelda, Smash, etc. Nintendo is lacking what made them great, the originality and the crazy ideas they did before. Now with the Wii and WiiU it's but you can play it with waggle or on this giant gamepad which doesn't make the game much better if any. The ONLY game I have played where the game pad makes the game better is Xenoblade for the map.I do feel burned by it, but I'll support the NX. That said, the Big N better really go BIG for that launch because many of my friends have now moved on or have said they'll get in ONLY if Nintendo proves itself again. Nintendo may not be in any fiscal trouble (and they won't be anytime soon, even IF NX bombs), but I'd like to see them get this right so I can get a great set of new Nintendo titles.
Have to disagree with you there, have you played Mario Kart 8. Sure Party, I mean all Mario Party games are the same cheap tricks mini/board game and each Zelda is vastly different as well. The Mario Galaxy and then Mario 3D World have all been incredibly inventive so don't even use that in your argument either. Way off.I think the problem Nintendo has is they are putting too much faith in the different hardware and not focusing on the games. Nintendo has of late become a sequel machine and nothing much else. Yeah games like Splatoon exist but for the most part it's the same Mario Kart, Party, 3D World, Zelda, Smash, etc. Nintendo is lacking what made them great, the originality and the crazy ideas they did before. Now with the Wii and WiiU it's but you can play it with waggle or on this giant gamepad which doesn't make the game much better if any. The ONLY game I have played where the game pad makes the game better is Xenoblade for the map.
What the NX needs to be is a down to earth gaming system. It can have it's odd peripherals but ship it with a bare bones controller. It needs to also support the innovation of new games. Right now Nintendo can literally destroy the market if they keep releasing highly innovative and fun games like Splatoon because being an One and PS4 owner, your not going to find much creativity in gaming besides indies.
I own Mario Kart 8, it's a great game and it's better than most games coming out but to me it's still another Mario Kart game. Hell I even own the DLC for it. I guess for me I am looking for new ip's to play. I been playing Mario games for 25 years now, and while I love them and will continue to buy them because they are great games, I also feel like I want something new out of Nintendo. Like Splatoon was something brilliant and I want to see more fresh stuff like that. They are the one of the few companies to try odd stuff like that and I want more of it.Have to disagree with you there, have you played Mario Kart 8. Sure Party, I mean all Mario Party games are the same cheap tricks mini/board game and each Zelda is vastly different as well. The Mario Galaxy and then Mario 3D World have all been incredibly inventive so don't even use that in your argument either. Way off.
I've found playing Pikmin 3 with the gamepad to be enjoyable, mainly due to the map and apps on there while play.
You should play Double Dash. Double Dash was the freshest MK I've ever played. Having two players on the same kart changes strategy dramatically. The Wii version had to be the most boring for me ever. Was entirely forgettable, IMHO.I've played all the Mario Karts, Double Dash the exception, and no sorry Mario Kart 8 is vastly innovative and fresh (track design, weapon balancing and additional content being a few of those bullet points) - while not veering too far from what makes a great MK game. I believe Mario has been pimped out to every genre, every category and all the while still being pretty f'n great in the process. A new IP doesn't sell because other than the hardcore the regular audience of said casual console goes squid kids that fire ink, nah I'll pick up Mario 3D World. That doesn't do as well as Mario so yeah of course Nintendo will produce a Mario, Zelda or Donkey Kong title. It would be nice to have new IPs in the sense of the other two major companies but in the end I don't see that happening. Besides, every title that Nintendo has produced that's helmed one of their beloved franchises is quality stuff, super grade game development. New IPs review around ehh it's pretty good and the Nintendo classics that are revised for each platform and time are reviewed as excellent, don't miss out on this one.
Oh dear ...Seems Nintendo wants in on VR.
"Sources from the related upstream supply chain pointed out that the delay was because Nintendo wished to enhance the game console's video-game/handheld-game-integrated gaming experience and add virtual reality (VR) function into the system to gain advantages in the upcoming video game and mobile game competitions." (via Digitimes)
The article doesn't say what the VR functions are, but, if this is true, it makes sense. Whether it's good or bad, VR is where alot of the money is now. Nintendo bought into the mobile game trend and, if this report is true, they want to get into VR.
There are stickers saw a screen shot of oneI'm cautiously super-optimistic about Color Splash (I put cautiously and super in there because I am actually super excited about the game, but I'm not going to be pissy if it turns out like Sucker star)
So are you just covering all of your bases, so you're right, somehow? Also, you forgot an here-to-fore unknown new IP.New Mario E3 2017
1. Bayonetta 3
2. Metroid Prime
3. Super Mario Galaxy 3
4. Mario Sunshine 2
5. Mario Party 11
6. Mario Kart 9
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
8. New Kirby game
9. New Yoshi game
10. Pikmin 4
11. Splatton 2
12. New Fire Emblem
13. New Donkey Kong Country
14. Super Mario Maker 2
15. Mario & Luigi's
16 . New Luigi's Mansion
17. New Animal Crossing
18. Hyrule Warriors 2
19. Mega Man Legend 3
20. New Kid Icarus
21. New Duck Hunt
22. New Wario Game
23. Zelda
All coming out in 2017 & 2018![]()
Sadly, that's pretty much the same lineup on the Wii U, and it didn't work.New Mario E3 2017
1. Bayonetta 3
2. Metroid Prime
3. Super Mario Galaxy 3
4. Mario Sunshine 2
5. Mario Party 11
6. Mario Kart 9
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition
8. New Kirby game
9. New Yoshi game
10. Pikmin 4
11. Splatton 2
12. New Fire Emblem
13. New Donkey Kong Country
14. Super Mario Maker 2
15. Mario & Luigi's
16 . New Luigi's Mansion
17. New Animal Crossing
18. Hyrule Warriors 2
19. Mega Man Legend 3
20. New Kid Icarus
21. New Duck Hunt
22. New Wario Game
23. Zelda
All coming out in 2017 & 2018![]()
I'm not convinced that marketing alone doomed the Wii U. There have been significant industry changes in the way players play and what kinds of games are successful. The Wii U never had the power out of the gate, never had any third party support (no EA = no success; same reason that the Dreamcast failed), and had a controller that had no justification for existing. When the only game that people can point to for justifying it is Mario Maker, and really - that's the ONLY one - I don't think any level of marketing would have saved it.If all of those games came out in the first 12 or 18 months, then it will be ok. With WiiU it took 4 years to get all of those. Also, it was the marketing of the WiiU more than anything else that doomed it. Selling lots of units at launch means more 3rd party support, and it will feed on itself.
Cross out kid icarus he stated there wont be another oneSo are you just covering all of your bases, so you're right, somehow? Also, you forgot an here-to-fore unknown new IP.
I don't disagree with you that had at least some of those games, critically Mario Maker, come out earlier in the Wii U's lifecycle, that the console might have sold a bit better. I say, "might" and "a bit," because I'm not convinced at all that the Wii U was positioned to succeed from the get-go. From the confusing name to the oversized and uncomfortable gamepad to the significantly underpowered engine, the Wii U had so many strikes against it out of the gate that I don't think any amount of Nintendo first party games would have made much of a difference. I also stand by my feeling that Nintendo had no idea HOW to even leverage the second screen when it launched the Wii U.But Romeo, you glossed over the fact that I said those games had to come out earlier. That would include Mario Maker coming out much earlier to show a good "reason' for the gamepad. And also that would drive adoption numbers which would help the 3rd party aspect. Ubisoft was on board early and I'm sure others were ready to jump in, but the poor sales numbers a year later didn't push the 3rd parties to do it.
The biggest thing I agree with you, though, is the slow pace of Nintendo's game development. On the one hand, I like getting polished games and I enjoy almost all of their 1st party efforts. But if they're too slow and no one else is producing games for your system, then it's a battle that is very difficult to win.
Hopefully Nintendo doesn't go that route now that they've seen what a hit Pokemon Go has become. I'm sure they could just make some mobile games here and there with their IP's and make tons of money too.I don't disagree with you that had at least some of those games, critically Mario Maker, come out earlier in the Wii U's lifecycle, that the console might have sold a bit better. I say, "might" and "a bit," because I'm not convinced at all that the Wii U was positioned to succeed from the get-go. From the confusing name to the oversized and uncomfortable gamepad to the significantly underpowered engine, the Wii U had so many strikes against it out of the gate that I don't think any amount of Nintendo first party games would have made much of a difference. I also stand by my feeling that Nintendo had no idea HOW to even leverage the second screen when it launched the Wii U.
The fact that Mario Maker stands as the defining example for that console, and the fact that most of Nintendo's games coming out closely after the Wii U either let users play on the Pro Controller, or use an adapter to the Gamcube pad (seriously - if THAT wasn't a signal, I'm not sure what is), or just flat out let didn't do anything with the second screen reaffirmed to me that the Big N just jumped the cliff with the Wii U without having internally figured out what they intended to do.
Not to sound like a broken record, but I think the Wii U firmly shows Nintendo's base is no longer much larger than ~10 million players. If the NX doesn't do much more than what I am expecting, I anticipate that number will get even smaller.
Now, in no way do I think Nintendo is closing its doors or filing bankruptcy. I'm well aware (as Spybreak9 comments) that Nintendo has plenty of cash reserves. What I meant is that Nintendo's days of releasing a proprietary console may be numbered if the NX performs roughly the same as the Wii U.
Proprietary consoles are risky and expensive ventures, and I can't imagine Nintendo's shareholders would love the idea of going at it again if the NX falls to a lukewarm reception, and then fades into oblivion similar to the Wii U. Many analysts have insisted Nintendo's videogame business would be commercially better off without making consoles. You don't need a business degree to think that.
And that gets me to my point - while Nintendo can certainly hobble along with ~10 million players, the business of videogames won't let it. Konami is probably done making console games for a long time. It's not because the company can't afford it; it's because its shareholders see little point in taking risks when it can monetize its franchises like Metal Gear and Castlevania with Pachinko machines and cheap mobile games. Disney pretty much followed the same logic in shutting down its toys-to-life figures and games. The company was making money, but nothing so spectacular that it was worth the price of investment.
I fear Nintendo's videogame business may be on that slow march. Justin Davis on GameScoop recently commented that he felt Nintendo's videogame days may already be over. The company missed its chance to capture young players; it's relied almost exclusively on 30-something gamers by selling them plastic figures, t-shirts, and downloads of the same games over and over again.
But that model can only go so far. I like that Nintendo intends to branch its characters out to movies and theme parks; may be the Big N can use those vehicles to introduce those beloved characters to kids and bring them to a Nintendo console, rather than simply rely on its games and older players to make the case to kids who prefer characters like Ratchet and Angry Birds over Yoshi, Luigi, and Samus.
We'll find out very soon. Like I said before, I'm skeptical the NX will deliver. My skepticism has only risen now that Nintendo has to contend with the likes of Neo, Scorpio and VR. I'm not sure whether even the entire roster of Nintendo's characters could fend off such a massive hype train.
Sadly, I hope you realize that the success of a mobile game like Pokemon Go simply furthers shareholders' feelings that Nintendo is better off as a software developer and dropping proprietary consoles.Hopefully Nintendo doesn't go that route now that they've seen what a hit Pokemon Go has become. I'm sure they could just make some mobile games here and there with their IP's and make tons of money too.
Regardless, what the NX needs is a launch commercial as good as this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mml7DOsBS_8
I still get chills when I hear that song.
Except that Pokemon Go is licensed, not developed, by Nintendo.Sadly, I hope you realize that the success of a mobile game like Pokemon Go simply furthers shareholders' feelings that Nintendo is better off as a software developer and dropping proprietary consoles.
If NX doesn't hit much harder than the Wii U, then Nintendo is going the way of Sega.
LOL - yeah, okay, every shareholder knows that. And well, it's not like all the news is saying this game is made by Nintendo (Sarcasm).Except that Pokemon Go is licensed, not developed, by Nintendo.
You're argument was that Pokemon Go should be proof to shareholders of Nintendo's capability as a developer. They had no involvement in the development of Pokemon Go, they may have had some oversight or approval based on the licensing but that's probably about it.LOL - yeah, okay, every shareholder knows that. And well, it's not like all the news is saying this game is made by Nintendo (Sarcasm).
Hardly anyone in the press or public is making the distinction you're making, and frankly, it's a worthless difference when it comes to Nintendo. While I get that Nintendo didn't have their mitts all over Go, the Big N typically is all over games where it licenses them to another studio (see Capcom's Legend of Zelda; Namco's Star Fox Armada). In fact, I recall there being even developer stories about people at Capcom and Namco who were less than amused/thrilled that Nintendo was SO all over their dev teams.
Yes, I'm aware the Pokemon Company is not Nintendo, but Pokemon in the eyes of the average shareholder, media, and people IS Nintendo, AND btw, the game says (C) Nintendo on the title screen.
I don't think anyone really doubts Nintendo's development prowess, and my point is that shareholders really don't look that closely to distinguish a game's developer vs. license, and that the media has treated Go's success as a Nintendo game vs. pointing out that the Big N wasn't behind it.You're argument was that Pokemon Go should be proof to shareholders of Nintendo's capability as a developer. They had no involvement in the development of Pokemon Go, they may have had some oversight or approval based on the licensing but that's probably about it.
If anything, it would be an indication to shareholders that Nintendo's intellectual property is a goldmine for licensing (which they're already doing anyway, been to any stores lately and noticed how many more plushes, action figures, etc based on Nintendo properties).
Oh yes they do. How do you explain:I don't think anyone really doubts Nintendo's development prowess... <snip>
Super Mario 3d WorldOh yes they do. How do you explain:
Star Fox Zero
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Mario Party 10
Wii Party U
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival
Pokémon Rumble U
To name just a few. Nintendo's "development prowess" is a pale shadow of what it used to be, these days the company releases plenty of mediocre games.
The Wii U has been out for almost 4 years, but you can only list 10 games that are "great" (and several games on your list are not really that great)? This really illustrates why Nintendo has become largely irrelevant to the gaming industry and community; they have very little to offer based on the amount of time the Wii U has been out.Super Mario 3d World
Pikmin 3
DKC Tropical Freeze
Captain Toad
Mario kart 8
Smash bros.
New Super Mario/Luigi u
Splatoon
Yoshi's Wolly World
Xenoblade chronicles X
Etc...
That is not mentioning the stellar 3DS lineup. I think they are fine. I admit there's less quantity of great games on the U than on other Nintendo consoles, but even with their gimmicks and whatever, they still have released the best exclusives this gen (in my opinion).
It's hard to support 2 systems (3DS, Wii u) on your own and the quality of games is subjective. I would rather see Nintendo disappear than having their games follow the current trends of the industry. They should be different than sony / microsoft.The Wii U has been out for almost 4 years, but you can only list 10 games that are "great" (and several games on your list are not really that great)? This really illustrates why Nintendo has become largely irrelevant to the gaming industry and community; they have very little to offer based on the amount of time the Wii U has been out.
It's fine if you think they have the "best exclusives this gen", but for the majority of gamers, it's been a far different story. They really need to just drop the gimmicks and substandard hardware, and focus on just games; they don't understand how to make good gaming systems anymore, and haven't for many years.
Seriously? I admit the Big N has had some mediocre releases, but Nintendo has always released some average (and on occasion, below average) games (e.g. Mario Party, Mario Basketball, Chibi Robo, Brain Academy). It's part of any publisher's lineup - every company releases some below par games to offset costs or because a project just isn't coming together. It happens.Oh yes they do. How do you explain:
Star Fox Zero
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Mario Party 10
Wii Party U
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash
Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival
Pokémon Rumble U
To name just a few. Nintendo's "development prowess" is a pale shadow of what it used to be, these days the company releases plenty of mediocre games.
Is this what you wanted then?Seriously? I admit the Big N has had some mediocre releases, but Nintendo has always released some average (and on occasion, below average) games (e.g. Mario Party, Mario Basketball, Chibi Robo, Brain Academy). It's part of any publisher's lineup - every company releases some below par games to offset costs or because a project just isn't coming together. It happens.
It's no different than a major studio releasing some average films. Not every game can strike lightning or gold, and it's just unrealistic. Even Pixar/Disney release plenty of duds in between masterpieces.
Line up and compare any publisher/developer over the last 2-3 console generations and Nintendo easily owns the critically best games. Neither Sony nor Microsoft's internal studios can compare with Nintendo's.
But I agree to the extent that the Wii U has seen some issues, and I agree with RoytheRobot that at least some of this is because of the gimmicks Nintendo keeps forcing on its players. Rainbow Curse would have been a better game without the touchscreen; Star Fox Zero absolutely would have been better off without Miyamoto's strange obsession with the gamepad.
Has Nintendo laid some bricks? Sure. Is it still among the best publishers/developers in the business? Absolutely. No one has the track record and pedigree that Nintendo has. A Nintendo developed game still speaks to high quality and high technical craftsmanship.
That said, Nintendo needs its studios to converge on the NX, and drop the two-system support. Hopefully, rumors of a merging between the handheld and console systems are true. It will certainly do Nintendo good to bring its excellent handheld studios to the NX. Games like Luigi's Mansion, Fire Emblem Awakening/Fates, Zelda Link Between Worlds can't be isolated to a handheld next go-around. It has to all-developers on deck.