That's definitely true. In some way, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate was trying to provide that right? I think part of the problem with the list of party games above is that they are pigeonholed into either a platformer or a pure party game (Mario Kart & Smash will be exceptions). I kind of wish they could have a multiplayer action game, like Four Swords Adventures or something for example. Pikmin 3's multiplayer is fairly fun though.
Well, that is a problem of sorts yes.
One can only hope that (presumably) launching DK, Wii Fit @ retail, and Mario Kart in Q1 next year will assist in 1) keeping up the system's momentum and 2) continue to solidify it as a place to experience multiplayer, family games. 2/3 of those have multiplayer experiences and all have been strong brands in the past.
Of course, this will probably have negative affects on titles like FE X SMT, Bayonetta, and X - i.e. if the audience perceives that Nitnendo will once again pursue that audience there may be less insentive to purchase the console for people who otherwise might for those games.
I don't know why anyone would be surprised at Vita's low sales, but they're going to be anemic until the new 2000 models hit on 10/10. You will see a significant bump there, that, combined with the software lineup, should carry through the holidays. Ditto with the Vita TV on 11/14. But the next two MC charts are going to have crappy Vita hardware numbers because consumers are waiting.
Same deal with the Wii U. The new bundles with 2 games + accessories come out on 10/31 in Japan. Why buy one now when you can wait a month and get a bunch of free stuff for the same price? Wii U sales will stay anemic until then.
Problem is that both were dropping before either new models or bundles were announced.
