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[apana]

I was against New Super Mario Bros 2 being brought out so quickly and so close to NSMBU launch from the beginning. I don't think digital sales will change much when they are factored in. To be fair to NSMB2, 3DS won't be a DS and doesn't necessarily have as many women and older people playing. People who could have boosted NSMB sales if they were buying it for themselves or children.

i think we'll see another 2d mario this gen. they just blew their load waaaaaaay too early. except this will have sprites or be cel-shaded like the kirby thing they abandoned or the wario game good-feel made.

No I think they are done for this generation.

 

[Dehumanizer]

I think in all the work of localization of Witcher 2 to sell so few units, sad. Would have selled more units in Brazil than in Japan

 

[ohlawd]

Vita really needs that hardware boost this week...

What's with the NGP line at the bottom?

 

[electroplankton]

What's with the NGP line at the bottom?

Neo Geo Pocket?

 

[Kazerei]

What's with the NGP line at the bottom?

Neo Geo Pocket (and Neo Geo Pocket Color). Shows how much a failure that was, heh.

 

[sphinx]

Vita really needs that hardware boost this week...

there is something odd with this graphic....

did you choose to put only "failing" consoles?? :lol

 

[Hero]

NSMB2 is doing solid but we're just used to insane numbers because of the craze of the DS and the Wii.

Comparisons to NSMB Wii are also a little different considering it launched at the beginning of December to get holiday momentum.

I think we'll be able to have a much better picture of how it's doing at the end of the year. Regardless I hope Nintendo takes away that this one was a little too rushed out the gates. I actually would like them to change it up for the next 2D Mario title. Imagine a style like Rayman Origins or DKCR for a new SMB game.

 

[airmangataosenai]

For comparison: After the DS Lite came out in February 2006 (Mario didn't launch until months later) the DS didn't drop below 100k until April 2007, and even when it did it was only to 80k.

 

[Celine]

What's with the NGP line at the bottom?

Yeah, it's pure injustice that a so good handheld sold so poorly.
Damn you gaming gods, damn you.

 

[Currygan]

there is something odd with this graphic....

did you choose to put only "failing" consoles?? :lol

haha, good catch. I suppose because if he put a Wii in there graph would have been three times its height

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

With each passing week, Media Create numbers will mean less and less if consumers start plunging into the digital realm. I suspect at least a good amount of "enthusiasts" have purchased download cards or straight from the e-shop already.

 

[Chris1964]

PSP 2012 is GBA 2007.

Not really, we talk for Japan.

 

[Baconsammy]

Glad to see NSMB2 sales dropping.

Why? It's the only good NSMB so far.

people dissing/ignoring NSMB2 are missing out on a great game

market has truly changed, though. Nothing is sure anymore

It's good. There's nothing remotely great about it.

 

[Count Dookkake]

Dat Vita stability.

 

[donny2112]

Comgnet comparisons can get a little dicey when it crosses platforms.

Even on the same platform. Extend ~ 2nd in preorders, yet 2nd opened ~30% higher than Extend. It's a rough estimate. Not really good at pulling out exact results from it.

For comparison: After the DS Lite came out in February 2006 (Mario didn't launch until months later) the DS didn't drop below 100k until April 2007, and even when it did it was only to 80k.

Yeah, Nintendo kept up the shipments during that part of the shortage period.

With each passing week, Media Create numbers will mean less and less if consumers start plunging into the digital realm. I suspect at least a good amount of "enthusiasts" have purchased download cards or straight from the e-shop already.

Bizarro world?

 

[BowieZ]

Nintendo is probably pleased as fuck with the health of the 3DS in Japan, with a variety of third party games selling comfortably and paving the way for a robust future.

Considering ALL the factors at play, I don't think NSMB2 is far below their expectations, if even at all. Comparisons to NSMB1 are fair but silly (wildly different market landscape nowadays), and comparisons to NSMBWii are just unfair (holiday launch).

NSMB2 was rushed out to accomplish 2 things: helping to kill the Vita, and burgeon the 3DS platform in the West. (And to a lesser extent, introduce the digital sales model.)

In my opinion, Nintendo were never attempting to position NSMB2 for maximum sales, but rather for ... erm ... maximum crab damage.

 

[Baconsammy]

Dat Vita stability.

Rock solid consistency. Steady wins the race. Etc etc etc

 

[Vic]

Dat Vita stability.

The Vita should be commanded for maintaining average selling numbers in a constant basis. I'm pretty sure this feat hasn't been achieved by any other system before. Bravo!

 

[cw_sasuke]

Rock solid consistency. Steady wins the race. Etc etc etc

First to 10K wins.

 

[donny2112]

Considering ALL the factors at play, I don't think NSMB2 is far below their expectations, if even at all.

They now realize they can't take a group of guys in "Mario" school and make a full game out of their work. Maybe should've had them focus more on the Coin Rush DLC instead of giving them the full game. (Extreme coin collecting really is a gimmick. Golden Flower is a nice addition as is Coin Rush mode, but they're side modes/extras, not worth a main game made for them.) Valve used something similar, but only for their free expansion pack on Portal 2. Unfortunately, Nintendo just didn't have the experienced resources to do two full blown NSMB titles at once.

NSMB2 was rushed out to accomplish 2 things: helping to kill the Vita, and burgeon the 3DS platform in the West. (And to a lesser extent, introduce the digital sales model.)

I don't think they particularly cared about its effect on Vita. It was pushed out to help with flagging sales everywhere, but by the time it actually came out, it was mainly just to help poor sales in the West. Also an experiment to see how sensitive the market is to B-team vs. A-team output. We'll see how that pans out in a year or so with NSMB U's results.

 

[electroplankton]

I just noticed:

11./00. [PSV] Tokushu Houdoubu <ADV> (Nippon Ichi Software) {2012.08.23} (¥6.090) - 7.425 / NEW

Wow, that's gross. Outside Disgaea, NIS can't really catch a breath, uh?

 

[Shion]

Why?

Because I'm crazy enough to believe that 2D Mario deserves better treatment.

 

[Opus Angelorum]

Wow, that's gross. Outside Disgaea, NIS can't really catch a breath, uh?

[PSV]

 

[Joseph Flemming]

Nintendo is probably pleased as fuck with the health of the 3DS in Japan, with a variety of third party games selling comfortably and paving the way for a robust future.

Considering ALL the factors at play, I don't think NSMB2 is far below their expectations, if even at all. Comparisons to NSMB1 are fair but silly (wildly different market landscape nowadays), and comparisons to NSMBWii are just unfair (holiday launch).

NSMB2 was rushed out to accomplish 2 things: helping to kill the Vita, and burgeon the 3DS platform in the West. (And to a lesser extent, introduce the digital sales model.)

In my opinion, Nintendo were never attempting to position NSMB2 for maximum sales, but rather for ... erm ... maximum crab damage.

Agree. Ever since they've gone into panic mode, they have done everything to keep Sony on their toes, off balance, and the Vita gasping for air. Brilliant marketing, good timing with releases, News, to control the Media cycles. The Nintendo Directs... they are going for the kill.

 

[djplaeskool]

[PSV]

Doesn't help that the game had almost no fanfare or marketing.
Premise sounds interesting (newcasters investigating paranormal occurences and crimes) but I'm not surprised it didn't sell too well.

 

[ZoddGutts]

Anyone know the LTD for Game Center CX: Arino no Ch&#333;senj&#333; ( &#12466;&#12540;&#12512;&#12475;&#12531;&#12479;&#12540;CX &#26377;&#37326;&#12398;&#25361;&#25126;&#29366; ) and part 2 sales. Thanks.

 

[Currygan]

It's good. There's nothing remotely great about it.

opinions

I don't think they particularly cared about its effect on Vita. It was pushed out to help with flagging sales everywhere, but by the time it actually came out, it was mainly just to help poor sales in the West. Also an experiment to see how sensitive the market is to B-team vs. A-team output. We'll see how that pans out in a year or so with NSMB U's results.

yep, struggling sales in the West definitely was the prime factor behind it, I think. Not sure about the A vs B team thing: would the masses know about such things?

 

[sphinx]

Nintendo is probably pleased as fuck with the health of the 3DS in Japan, with a variety of third party games selling comfortably and paving the way for a robust future.

Considering ALL the factors at play, I don't think NSMB2 is far below their expectations, if even at all. Comparisons to NSMB1 are fair but silly (wildly different market landscape nowadays), and comparisons to NSMBWii are just unfair (holiday launch).

NSMB2 was rushed out to accomplish 2 things: helping to kill the Vita, and burgeon the 3DS platform in the West. (And to a lesser extent, introduce the digital sales model.)

In my opinion, Nintendo were never attempting to position NSMB2 for maximum sales, but rather for ... erm ... maximum crab damage.

I don't think Vita needs help for that, it manages to do it on its own pretty efficiently.

 

[donny2112]

Anyone know the LTD for Game Center CX: Arino no Ch&#333;senj&#333; ( &#12466;&#12540;&#12512;&#12475;&#12531;&#12479;&#12540;CX &#26377;&#37326;&#12398;&#25361;&#25126;&#29366; ) and part 2 sales. Thanks.

There's a sales database linked in the OP (or should be; may need to go to last week's thread to see the link).

Game Center CX 1 - ~99K through end of 2008
Game Center CX 2 - ~76K through end of 2009

Not sure about the A vs B team thing: would the masses know about such things?

That could be what the experiment is to find out. It would really be shown in word-of-mouth/legs instead of early sales results.

 

[Foshy]

Not sure about the A vs B team thing: would the masses know about such things?

Well, that's probably what Nintendo wanted to know too.

Edit: Beaten

 

[BowieZ]

I don't think Vita needs help for that, it manages to do it on its own pretty efficiently.

We know that now, but Nintendo was obviously taking no chances when NSMB2 was fast-tracked.

 

[Joseph Flemming]

opinions





yep, struggling sales in the West definitely was the prime factor behind it, I think. Not sure about the A vs B team thing: would the masses know about such things?

I don't think the average consumer would intrinsically know, but a large amount of the Nintendo faithful are internet savvy/ on various message boards. I think it's more of a quality issue with the experiment. If the quality can maintain the previous set standard, and have relatively the same look & feel (like pre Infinity Ward disbanded Treyarch) and they can still sell it reasonably well, it would be a success.

This is a B-Team game after all, so Nintendo can blame any shortcomings to previous standards of sales to that instead of brand fatigue.
Smart, besides just being a cash cow. The game is profitable, and after last year they need profits and momentum.

 

[Foshy]

When are we going to get the results of the prediction league with DQX, NSMB2 and Oni Training?

 

[hachi]

Also an experiment to see how sensitive the market is to B-team vs. A-team output. We'll see how that pans out in a year or so with NSMB U's results.

I'm not sure I follow your logic. The DS NSMB was more evidently B-team material than the 3DS or Wii entries: the blandest level design of the series, less direct involvement from Tezuka than either of the follow-up games, etc. And yet it sold tremendous quantities. That doesn't really leave open any causal narratives concerning B-teams with regards to NSMB2 sales.

 

[Joseph Flemming]

I'm not sure I follow your logic. The DS NSMB was more evidently B-team material than the 3DS or Wii entries: the blandest level design of the series, less direct involvement from Tezuka than either of the follow-up games, etc. And yet it sold tremendous quantities. That doesn't really leave open any causal narratives concerning B-teams with regards to NSMB2 sales.

NSMB was also Had the benefit of being the first 2D Mario game in ages, it was an experiment to see if the game would sell to the Nostalgic crowd and casual fanbase they had built up. A relatively low risk proposition and I think the budget and staff reflected that. I do not remember ( I might be wrong here) Nintendo being so forthcoming about a B team making it Vs. they are advertising NSMB2 as being made as a training exercise in level design. IMHO I think they have a multiple built in excuses if it doesn't live up to expectations.

Regardless, it's doing it's job, being profitable, being another release and testing the digital download waters.

 

[test_account]

Personally i'm not really a fan of the A and B team talk. The reason why is because it seems to me that it diminish how good the game is simply based on the studio. Surely there are such thing as a track record of course, but i think each game should be viewed individually. It is not like the A team always makes great games, and sometimes "B teams" can make great games too.

 

[donny2112]

a B team making it Vs. they are advertising NSMB2 as being made as a training exercise in level design.

Yeah, it's not so much a specific B-team as the result of their "Mario" school. As said, Valve did something similar where they just asked anyone who wanted to try in the company to help make the Portal 2 expansion pack, but it was also an expansion pack. NSMB2 is supposed to be a main game, though. It's not bad, at all. It's just not anything particularly "wow." Really like the Golden Flower and Coin Rush, but they would've been better suited for a side mode, in my opinion, than ostensibly making them the thrust of the game.

NSMB was special for being a return to 2-D Mario and the "wow" moment of getting the giant mushroom and crashing through entire levels. NSMB Wii had great level design and well-thought out multi-player. NSMB2 still feels more like a side project than those two. We'll see how NSMB U goes over.

 

[hachi]

Yet there is a long history of handheld Mario titles coming from alternate teams or being direct remakes of console games. In fact, that's been the norm all along, with only a single exception in SM3DLand.

SML - alt team, little to no involvement of primary Mario staff
SML2 - likewise
Mario Deluxe - remake / port
Super Mario Advance / SMA2 / SMA3 / SMA4 - remakes / ports
Mario 64 DS - remake / port
NSMB - alt team, little involvement of primary Mario staff
SM3DLand - the sole exception (and that's a 3D platformer)

If anything, history has shown that (1) consumers are fully willing to accept Mario games from alternate teams on handheld systems, and (2) they will also shell out for direct ports of console titles.

NSMB2 is somewhere between those, using assets from a console iteration while at the same time using an alternative team, albeit feeling much more main-franchise than any prior handheld entry, and having arguably more involvement of a "primary" Mario personality like Tezuka than any prior handheld entry outside of 3D Land. Therefore, I don't see any plausible argument for NSMB2's sales having something to do with the team involved.

 

[Joseph Flemming]

Yeah, it's not so much a specific B-team as the result of their "Mario" school. As said, Valve did something similar where they just asked anyone who wanted to try in the company to help make the Portal 2 expansion pack, but it was also an expansion pack. NSMB2 is supposed to be a main game, though. It's not bad, at all. It's just not anything particularly "wow." Really like the Golden Flower and Coin Rush, but they would've been better suited for a side mode, in my opinion, than ostensibly making them the thrust of the game.

NSMB was special for being a return to 2-D Mario and the "wow" moment of getting the giant mushroom and crashing through entire levels. NSMB Wii had great level design and well-thought out multi-player. NSMB2 still feels more like a side project than those two. We'll see how NSMB U goes over.

^This exactly. I actually like NSMB2, not love, but like. as far as NSMBU, I expect nothing less than a stellar release. Just from the short clips I see hints of fun on a level that just isn't present with NSMB2. It's also Nintendo's main driver for the launch of the Wii U, so they will make sure it's up to standards.

The fact that even when the pressure was on to course correct with the 3DS, and they green lighted NSMB2, they didn't pull team members from NSMBU, shows they are committed to that products success.

 

[donny2112]

NSMB - alt team, little involvement of primary Mario staff

Not sure why you keep saying this.

http://www.vooks.net/Miyamoto-feels-he-made-New-Super-Mario-Bros-DS-too-easy/

Edit:
The Iwata Asks that this comes from.

http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/nsmb/0/4

 

[Lord_Byron28]

i think we'll see another 2d mario this gen. they just blew their load waaaaaaay too early. except this will have sprites or be cel-shaded like the kirby thing they abandoned or the wario game good-feel made.

I think it'll be dependent on sales of NSMB2. If NSMB2 has long legs like its predeccesors then I don't think there will be. However if it essentially falls off after a year or two then I could see them do a non-nsmb platformer on the 3ds.

 

[Joseph Flemming]

Yet there is a long history of handheld Mario titles coming from alternate teams or being direct remakes of console games. In fact, that's been the norm all along, with only a single exception in SM3DLand.

SML - alt team, little to no involvement of primary Mario staff
SML2 - likewise
Mario Deluxe - remake / port
Super Mario Advance / SMA2 / SMA3 / SMA4 - remakes / ports
Mario 64 DS - remake / port
NSMB - alt team, little involvement of primary Mario staff
SM3DLand - the sole exception (and that's a 3D platformer)

If anything, history has shown that (1) consumers are fully willing to accept Mario games from alternate teams on handheld systems, and (2) they will also shell out for direct ports of console titles.

NSMB2 is somewhere between those, using assets from a console iteration while at the same time using an alternative team, albeit feeling much more main-franchise than any prior handheld entry, and having arguably more involvement of a "primary" Mario personality like Tezuka than any prior handheld entry outside of 3D Land. Therefore, I don't see any plausible argument for NSMB2's sales having something to do with the team involved.

Edit: After seeing donny2112 post above, and reading the links, I am sure that my post bellow is on to something.

Not trying to be argumentative here, just my opinion, I think those examples were under a much different era in Nintendo's history. During the Gameboy and GBA Era, the handheld business was totally owned by Ninty, they were simple handheld machines, great for kids (or kids at heart) who only wanted to play Pokemon, Mario and maybe a business exec with childhood memories or had a Tetris addiction.

All of that changed with DS, you had the Wii & DS going after..well everyone with the blue ocean strategy. Long dormant genres like adventure games found a new home, (Trace Memory, Hotel Dusk, Layton) They created Touch Generation, Grandma suddenly became a viable targeted customer and more importantly, portable hardware had matured to start putting more engaging content. They treated the portable market as equal to their whole ecosystem.

My Point? I absolutely believe that under this new era of Nintendo, they would want to ensure that the quality of all of their releases regardless of platform is up to a certain gold standard of excellence. NSMB sold based on Nostalgia, it was a success, so much so that they created a Wii version to further capitalize and I think if they had a choice that NSMB2 would have came out later in the 3DS's life cycle.

 

[GCX]

Didn't Iwata just recently say something along the lines of "NSMB has been one-per-console type thing and I think it'll stay that way"?

 

[olimpia84]

Didn't Iwata just recently say something along the lines of "NSMB has been one-per-console type thing and I think it'll stay that way"?

Yeah, unless Miyamoto changes his mind and wants to release another NSMB game.

 

[saichi]

Not sure about the A vs B team thing: would the masses know about such things?

I didn't know the game is made by the "B team" until recently where I saw someone mentioned it. However, I didn't find the Coin Rush theme interesting at all. As someone mentioned earlier, it should be one of the modes for the game but it shouldn't be the main focus of the game.

 

[wrowa]

Not sure why you keep saying this.

http://www.vooks.net/Miyamoto-feels-he-made-New-Super-Mario-Bros-DS-too-easy/

Edit:
The Iwata Asks that this comes from.

http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/nsmb/0/4

I wanted to agree with you, but after checking NSMB's credits it makes indeed the impressions that most of the directors are relatively new at Nintendo and haven't worked in as important positions before.

 

[Boney]

Terrible numbers for NSMB2. It'll be interesting to see Nintendo continued advertising push for this.

 

[TreasureHunterG]

I can say I'm happy with NSMB2, it took the sales it deserve it. I hope Nintendo get the message and next time they put full effort on a NEW (Really) SMB game rather than, pretty much, an expansion pack of a DS/Wii game.

 

[zroid]

There you have it. "Brain Age: Concentration Training"

 

[jj984jj]

Cute, but I don't see SH pulling SJ numbers (90k first week).

Maybe something around 75k? :/ I don't know.

Yeah, it'll probably be much closer to Persona 2: Innocent Sin.