Nintendo EAD's last stand on the Wii U.

Knowing Nintendo they wouldn't let their investment go in vein as they did with the GameCube to Wii
Iwata's already said their future platforms will absorb Wii U's architecture. Presumably that refers more to the OS/tools/backend than it does the physical chipset thpugh, unlike GC/Wii.

We are past the point of turning the wii u around. All there is to do now is sit back and enjoy the quality exclusives coming over the next couple of years. Honestly, we've probably only got 2-3 years left at most. And 3 would be stretching it.
I think this is true. I also think this is the last major year for EAD development, 2016 will see them pivot to games for launching their new handheld. The big 2016 Wii U games will probably come from other core studios (like Retro, Intsys, Next Level, etc) and partner devs (like Namco, Atlus, Koei, etc).

Animal Crossing U is pretty much guaranteed. Either late this year or early next, I'd say.
I'd say Dec 2015 Japan, spring/summer 2016 west.
 
Because some people get angry and/or sad knowing that the rest of the world doesn't like their favorite game. So it would be better for these people to stop wasting their anger on such a worthless subject, and focus on what makes them happy: games. Nintendo isn't dying anyway, they'll keep making games so why would you care if they aren't selling as much as Sony?

Of course not everyone acts like that, some people are interested in the market in general and don't get worked up about "winners" and "losers". Those people don't need my advice.

I just think we can have reasonable analysis without the console war mentality. If you go in thinking like that you will have bad time no matter what's the topic. I like playing games and talking about them but I'm not opposed to some more analytical taking on the industry every once in a while. I want both.
 
I can already see that 5 years from now, when the Wii U is dead and gone (and has been dead for like 2 years by that point) that it will be regarded by gamers as one of the greatest, most hardcore consoles ever made. And people will piss and moan about "why didn't anyone notice this great console with its massive library of great games".

In other words, it's Dreamcast 2.0, but this has been obvious for awhile now. However, the Wii U won't kill Nintendo's hardware business.

It will be just like what we have seen recently with Gamecube. Once people take off their console war blinders (or move on to the newest console war), it's easier to appreciate a console's library as a whole.
 
sörine;155787028 said:
Nintendo never announced a 2010 date.

SS did get pushed from spring 2011 to holiday internally but that was likely a strategic delay. Sort of like how Mario Galaxy 2 was ready for holiday 2009 but pushed back to summer 2010 so as not to overlap with NSMBWii.

Uh, Iwata said it was coming 2010 publicly.
 
How was the XB a DC2? :-/

https://www.radiosega.net/news/features/2012/03/how-sega-influenced-the-original-xbox/

http://kotaku.com/5859934/the-xbox-was-as-close-as-we-got-to-a-dreamcast-2

It was very close to being backwards compatible. It would have been if Microsoft had chosen to make DC games Xbox Live compatible.

The Wii U is very un-SEGA, the only thing they really have in common is being Japanese consoles that bombed.

Edit - I'm not saying that as a bad thing either, just saying. Wii U isn't SEGA's style at all.
 
Ah ok, didnt know that. I'll see how it pans out.

You should really watch the SP trailer, it's the first thing about the game that really grabbed me:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnfzfBDedE

https://www.radiosega.net/news/features/2012/03/how-sega-influenced-the-original-xbox/

http://kotaku.com/5859934/the-xbox-was-as-close-as-we-got-to-a-dreamcast-2

It was very close to being backwards compatible. It would have been if Microsoft had chosen to make DC games Xbox Live compatible.

The Wii U is very un-SEGA, the only thing they really have in common is being Japanese consoles that bombed.

Edit - I'm not saying that as a bad thing either, just saying. Wii U isn't SEGA's style at all.

Oh, I had no idea. That's really interesting. Thanks for the info!
 
Oh hey, I was just going to put up my TheMoon signal. Care to explain how Zelda will surely arrive this year as I know you're eager to? ;)

I'm honestly tired of it^^

Too many people sitting on the panic button for me. I'll just be chillin' in the corner. :)
 
sörine;155790547 said:
I think this is true. I also think this is the last major year for EAD development, 2016 will see them pivot to games for launching their new handheld. The big 2016 Wii U games will probably come from other core studios (like Retro, Intsys, Next Level, etc) and partner devs (like Namco, Atlus, Koei, etc).

The thing is, I can see many late-life Wii U games and early-life "4DS" games being one and the same. For example, say there's a hypothetical AAA Super Mario Bros platformer planned to launch with the 4DS in Q4 2016. It would probably be trivial to port and release it for the Wii U as well, thus providing both bases with a stellar game to buy as well as providing the game itself the maximum number of people to sell to. Look at the success of cross-platform Smash 4. Nintendo definitely noticed what happened with that.
 
Uh, Iwata said it was coming 2010 publicly.
And Nintendo never officially reflected that. The release date was always "tba" on any official documentation until it's E3 2010 debut, at which point the game became "2011".

This is completely unlike Zelda U. There was no official delay for SS.
 
The thing is, I can see many late-life Wii U games and early-life "4DS" games being one and the same. For example, say there's a hypothetical AAA Super Mario Bros platformer planned to launch with the 4DS in Q4 2016. It would probably be trivial to port and release it for the Wii U as well, thus providing both bases with a stellar game to buy as well as providing the game itself the maximum number of people to sell to. Look at the success of cross-platform Smash 4. Nintendo definitely noticed what happened with that.
I think this could happen with Animal Crossing but I sort of feel like EAD will cut the cord after that. Maybe other Wii U games will get quick ports over to 4DS though.
 
The Wii U is very un-SEGA, the only thing they really have in common is being Japanese consoles that bombed.

I'm pretty sure the DC=Wii U comparisons are more to do with how Nintendo and SEGA treated their respective console, what with how they are going balls deep on original, first-party software in order to please the fans they do have...only thing is for SEGA it was too late and they didn't have the money to burn without risk of destroying the whole company.
 
sörine;155791330 said:
And Nintendo never officially reflected that. The release date was always "tba" on any official documentation until it's E3 2010 debut, at which point the game became "2011".

This is completely unlike Zelda U. There was no official delay for SS.

The CEO represents the company. For him to announce a 2010 release promise would be akin to the firm promising the same year too. They officially delayed the game at E3 2010.
 
Yeah, at it's core, the single player is actually more a platformer in a sense, except you'll paint the platforms you'll jump to, with some shooting elements in it.

I'm very, very hyped for Splatoon.

You should really watch the SP trailer, it's the first thing about the game that really grabbed me:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnfzfBDedE

That looks weird. In a good way though, very original, I like what I'm seeing. Kinda ignored splatoon when it was annouced (generally don't like shooters), but this title does look appealing. Thanks for the info, I'll keep my eye out for this one.
 
The CEO represents the company. For him to announce a 2010 release promise would be akin to the firm promising the same year too. They officially delayed the game at E3 2010.

A lot of times you can hear statements like "we aim to launch in ...". Even coming from the CEO it is not an official release date, it's a wish. Zelda Wii U is stated to come in 2015 in all the official communication, not just an interview with the CEO. If you can't see the difference between an interview (take for example all the Yves Guillemot mentions of Wii U, like Watch Dogs version being first in development and all the things like this) and an official communication there is not much to discuss here.
 
The CEO represents the company. For him to announce a 2010 release promise would be akin to the firm promising the same year too. They officially delayed the game at E3 2010.
It was never officially delayed because there was never an official date until it was 2011. Iwata may have said they were aiming for 2010 early on in press interviews but corporate never did on any press or investor docs.

Zelda U has an official date of 2015. It isn't hard to understand the difference here.
 
sörine;155790547 said:
I think this is true. I also think this is the last major year for EAD development, 2016 will see them pivot to games for launching their new handheld. The big 2016 Wii U games will probably come from other core studios (like Retro, Intsys, Next Level, etc) and partner devs (like Namco, Atlus, Koei, etc).

They'll probably want to have one big first party game for the holidays next year on Wii U.
 
sörine;155793910 said:
Yeah but it'll probably be coming from Retro or someone. EAD's going to wrap up with Animal Crossing.

I think Animal Crossing is their last Wii U game, outside of maybe EAD Tokyo doing more NES/GBA Remix e-shop games. Maybe 1-2 remasters with sub-contracted developers.

Each EAD 'group' doesn't really exist in the same way that other teams or groups do in other development houses. People flow between projects depending on needs. So just because 'group 2' is working on Splatoon, doesn't mean they can't also be working on Animal Crossing.

Technically, the group heads are small 2-10 man units per project that include the main producer / director / planner / prototype team. The brunt of the production team is collective EAD / Nintendo contractors that flesh out the development team.

Where's this Animal Crossing rumor coming from?

When Nintendo suspended the Animal Crossing Plaza, the project leader and director (Aya Kyogoku) said to stay tuned for Animal Crossing information in 2015 (e3?). Besides that, Miyamoto has been mentioning to investors his interest in an Animal Crossing with Amiibos or NFC cards.
 
Their next system needs backward compatibility with Wii U games, just so everyone who never got a Wii U can actually play some of *THE BEST* games nintendo has EVER made. The overall quality of this gen is insane.

That is, of course, assuming nintendo's next console somehow does better than Wii U and not WORSE, which is entirely possible.
 
Isn't the Animal Crossing team working on Splatoon? If so, I find it a bit hard to believe Animal Crossing for Wii U could come out this year.
 
Zelda is the only game on that list that has a serious shot at boosting sales in a big way. And even then, I don't expect it to change the WiiU's sub-Gamecube performance overall--any more than MK8 did anyway.
 
Their next system needs backward compatibility with Wii U games, just so everyone who never got a Wii U can actually play some of *THE BEST* games nintendo has EVER made.

From a technical POV this would be their worst decision though, although I get what you mean. They need to be ARM (or X86) - and leave the PPC architecture behind. I prefer ARM so they can use the same chipset in their handhelds and console + profit from the development and tools in smartphones and tablets.
 
Nintendo gamers are on route to experience one of the biggest waves of software to ever come out of the prized EAD groups at Nintendo.

  • Mario Kart 8 (DLC Pack No. 2) - May 2015
  • Splatoon - May 2015
  • Project Giant Robot - Summer 2015*
  • Mario Maker - Fall 2015*
  • Star Fox U - Fall 2015*
  • The Legend of Zelda U - Fall 2015*
  • Animal Crossing U (Unconfirmed) - December Japan *?

For most Nintendo fans or even purists, this might be the best stretch of internal releases ever witnessed.

My opinion:

  • Mario Kart 8 (DLC Pack No. 2) - May 2015 - great, but it is still just a DLC pack and not MK8-2
  • Splatoon - May 2015 - really looking forward to it, and hope they have local multi option, too, somehow
  • Project Giant Robot - Summer 2015* - clunky at E3; at best, integrated into another game; likely, just not released
  • Mario Maker - Fall 2015* - do-it-yourself games always seem great on paper but usually aren't in practice, unless you just spend tons of time with it. Not expecting much from this and not even considering buying it unless it has a basically full game already there with the "Maker" stuff being extra.
  • Star Fox U - Fall 2015* - want it to be good...
  • The Legend of Zelda U - Fall 2015* - will be awesome
  • Animal Crossing U (Unconfirmed) - December Japan *? - could be another City Folk. :(

Definitely not a "release list for the ages" in my opinion, but also don't have comprehensive EAD historical release lists for comparison. If IS releases a real Fire Emblem for Wii U at some point (not FExSMT), it'll trump all but Zelda from that list, for me! :lol
 
My impression from the totality of Nintendo's comments over the last couple of years: right now, they're as concerned with reputation as with sales. Regardless of how the Wii U sells they want to make sure they look really damn good from a software point of view so that people who like their games don't lose faith. They're doing pretty well in that regard.

The question of backwards compatibility on their next console is a good one, and for all the practical, economic arguments against it, I wouldn't be surprised if they find a strategy to make it feasible. They've put a lot of effort into their big Wii U titles. There is a good catalog of software that could continue to sell perpetually, especially now that almost all their first-party games are available digitally and will continue to be available.
 
How do the sales affect your enjoyment of the games, exactly?

Indirectly. A platform being less successful means less risks being taken, less projects (first and third party) being pitched for the platform, i.e less games.

In the case of individual games, Wonderful 101's incredibly poor sales don't detract my enjoyment of that game, but they pretty much killed the chance of there ever being a sequel to enjoy.
 
I hope Animal Crossing U comes this year. I know the home console versions aren't as popular but I always love them cause I started with the GameCube game. Honestly a straight port of New Leaf a la WW -> CF wouldn't even bother me (cause NL is that good).
 
The question of backwards compatibility on their next console is a good one, and for all the practical, economic arguments against it, I wouldn't be surprised if they find a strategy to make it feasible.

Somehow keep the Wii U internals in the new system and sell the GamePad separately?
Go the PS3 route, and have only a higher priced system offer full BC?
 
I think Animal Crossing is their last Wii U game, outside of maybe EAD Tokyo doing more NES/GBA Remix e-shop games. Maybe 1-2 remasters with sub-contracted developers.
I can see that. Co-produced downloads and remasters but no more full boxed retail efforts.

I still want Sunshine HD.

Isn't the Animal Crossing team working on Splatoon? If so, I find it a bit hard to believe Animal Crossing for Wii U could come out this year.
So how did EAD2 put out Nintendo Land and New Leaf a month apart? Or City Folk and Wii Sports Resort 7 months apart?

From a technical POV this would be their worst decision though, although I get what you mean. They need to be ARM (or X86) - and leave the PPC architecture behind. I prefer ARM so they can use the same chipset in their handhelds and console + profit from the development and tools in smartphones and tablets.
They'll go ARM I think. There are multiple ways to achieve compatibility with the big Wii U games be it abstraction/emulation, a dedicated additional chip that can be phased out later (like GBA, PS2 or PS3) or maybe just remastered ports that as a bonus could be cross-compatible with the new handheld.
 
I don't think the WiiU can be "saved" saleswise - all of the heavy hitters except for zelda in the west have already come and gone:
- Wii Sports U
- NSMBU
- Mario 3D World
- Smash Bros
- Mario Kart

All the entries (except for Wii Sports maybe) were really strong entries in their series, so if these don't convince people to buy one the only thing left is:
- Zelda U
- Price cut
- Some now kind of software/peripheral that becomes a hype

It's possible, but imo they better concentrate on making some smaller scale software(*) for 2016-2017, Metroid as their last big flagship title for the west and introduce a new console in Q4 2017.

With smaller scale software for 2016-2017 I mean:
Rhythm Tengok-U
Advance Wars U
A proper Wario Ware
Mario RPG
A spinoff game ala captain toad
Hyrule Warriors 2
Pokken
Smash Bros DLC Pack
SNES remix
A GC remaster

Most of these titles can also be played on the 3DS successor when it gets released Q4 2016.

Golden Sun U
Fire Emblem U
Could have potential come Nintendo make these occur... MAKE THEM OCCUR......
MAKE THEM HAPPEN!!!!!!! OR ELSE.....
 
The games are fantastic and deserve more kudos beyond hardcore gaming outlets.

Anyone that considers themselves a gamer that ignores the WiiU (except for cost reasons) is doing themselves a disservice and missing out on several quality titles they will not find elsewhere.

The mainstream ignoring it is fine and dandy, most of them will ignore Indie darlings as well. But there are probably a significant of GAF types who follow all the big PS4 and XBone games with a magnifying glass, that don't give the WiiU the time and credit it deserves.

The WiiU has had and will have an amazing run, but as a Nintendo fan I'll just say that the GameCube was league betters than it (yes I'm aware two juggernauts named Zelda WiiU and Xenoblade are also realising soon). The gamecube got multiple Zelda, Starfox and Metroid games + even a MGS remake. It was fucking amazing. Plus it got a little game called RE4. Honestly when compared side by side is not even a contest.

The thing is that the PS2 was just as good. In comparison Ps4 and XBone have underdelivered and honestly that is a huge reason the WiiU is being praised so much.
Is not a great console and I'm glad this is probably going to be it's last year. Let it finally die Nintendo.
 
I'd say Wii U is better than Gamecube from a 1st party perspective mostly because EAD's games have been more on point. 3rd party wise GC was WAY WAY better, at least for traditional publishers but there are aspects of the Wii U library that weren't present at all on GC (indies, Virtual Console).
 
Somehow keep the Wii U internals in the new system and sell the GamePad separately?
Go the PS3 route, and have only a higher priced system offer full BC?

Yeah, the trick to B/C for Wii U games is the use of the gamepad. A new system would need one sold as an accessory, or be capable of syncing the existing Wii U gamepad to itself.

Of course, being Nintendo, completely odd solutions that nobody saw coming are always a possibility.
 
From a technical POV this would be their worst decision though, although I get what you mean. They need to be ARM (or X86) - and leave the PPC architecture behind. I prefer ARM so they can use the same chipset in their handhelds and console + profit from the development and tools in smartphones and tablets.

Oh I totally agree, abandoning backwards compatibility opens the doors for broader and likely better opportunities, but on the other hand, I don't want the potential of Wii U games to go to waste. At least somehow mathemagically conjure up some sort of wii u virtual console or put an actual Wii U chip on board as well (even though that would be unfeasibly expensive).
 
OT - You have not listed Metroid in that list also. Shigeru did confirm last E³ that a Metroid title is in the works. Why does anyone never mention this very important information? Please add to the list! :)
 
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