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Now that the PS4 has already outsold the Wii U, where does Nintendo go from here?
- Thread starter Gonzo The Great
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Agent Matt
Member
Pancakes R Us
Member
Like Blackberry? Took so long to come out with Blackberry 10 that no-one gave a shit when the phone finally launched (especially as their market and mindshare decreased beforehand). Wii U is on death row right now and really, has been for a while. If they keep it going on life support for the next few years, no-one will give a shit when the next one is launched. People will have moved on. Heck, so many people have clearly moved on. I've no real evidence, but can confidently say that they've lost a heck of a lot of core Nintendo fans with the console and are just hanging on to the final group.
I think there are valid arguments for sticking it out or cutting their losses....just that right now, either is a loss-loss situation with the way things are going right now.
bequietdrive
Member
While the Wii U situation still isn't great, there's no way that the Wii U hasn't sold more than 4.2 million copies, it was close to that in November, and the console has sold at least 300k in Japan alone in the last few weeks. It's probably closer to 5.
With such a barren first few months though I can't see it being long until the PS4 overtakes the 'U
With such a barren first few months though I can't see it being long until the PS4 overtakes the 'U
TDLink
Member
Even in that post I agreed that Wii U only selling whatever they've sold already is terrible. I was just saying that they haven't actually been outsold yet. It will happen sooner or later anyways, but the whole premise of this topic is it happened, when it didn't.
I made the Microsoft comparison because they're in more direct competition than Nintendo and have been released for a more similar amount of time.
Yes, we all know the Wii U is in the shit hole in terms of sales. This topic is building on that saying PS4 has already squashed it, but it hasn't. It's not like the slight lead Wii U still has matters all that much...but if the whole point of this topic is to shit on it for a lie then that seems counterproductive.
Wii U is doing poorly. You don't need to make false comparisons and claims with an incomplete and misleading release list to make that point.
opticalmace
Member
I assume you meant WW numbers. It's releasing in Japan next month, that'll be a big boost. And demand is currently very high (look at the stock situation in the US). It'll easily sell 1.8 million within a couple months, if that, IMHO.
It's pretty clear that they need to change what it means to be a "Nintendo game" though, because their appeal has clearly decreased over the years. When your properties fail to move a sizable amount of hardware off the shelves unless there's a successful gimmick attached, it's a sign that something needs to be retooled with today's market in mind.
Doesn't mean that Nintendo needs to start pumping out military shooters, but they need several new or renewed, attention-grabbing IPs because whatever they're doing right now isn't enough to excite the mainstream.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
Exactly haha.. what kinda talk is that? lol
Jarod McChicken
Member
Wii U had shipped 3.91 millions worldwide back in september 31, so it's probably near 5 millions for the fiscal quarter ending december 31.
The Nintendo fiscal conference for september-december will be january 29th. We will know the exact number of Wii U on that day.
Of course that doesn't change the fact that the PS4 is a beast and will have easily outsold Wii U before the end of march (something like that).
The Nintendo fiscal conference for september-december will be january 29th. We will know the exact number of Wii U on that day.
Of course that doesn't change the fact that the PS4 is a beast and will have easily outsold Wii U before the end of march (something like that).
Gamer @ Heart
Member
Companies that don't appeal to my interests should cease to exist.
You shouldn't, it's not your problem and I'm presuming you thought it was worth your money to buy it so you knew what you were getting and thought that was a good deal. I'm really glad I spent my PS4 money on a Wii U in October, I'm having a legitimately great time with it instead of trying to justify spending £400 to play Knack.
It's all personal preference of course but there is nothing at all of interest to me on the MS or Sony offerings unless the latter announce Demon's Souls 2. I'm happy enough if Nintendo just keep plodding along releasing fantastic games every now and again because it's more than the alternative are offering me.
MisterSamMan
Member
2013 was an incredible year for 3DS first-party titles. Eventually, the Wii U will get its year and we'll buy one.
Can't wait to buy a Wii U in 2015.
Can't wait to buy a Wii U in 2015.
What is the actual problem? Nintendo fails, that happens, see you next time for your next trial. It saddens me but they didn't convince a lot of people with Wii U, they learn it by the hard way because they are burning their warchest with it, that's business.
They can just support the system now it's out and wait the next shift to a new generation because they can't be the only guy again, nobody is alongside them yo do it and they should try to follow the wave next time. Fails can be a good thing sometimes, even more when you can bounce back after that.
They can just support the system now it's out and wait the next shift to a new generation because they can't be the only guy again, nobody is alongside them yo do it and they should try to follow the wave next time. Fails can be a good thing sometimes, even more when you can bounce back after that.
lwilliams3
Member
Good post.
Please, just someone humor me for just a moment; explain to me what Nintendo risks by going third party in the home console market? They temporarily piss off the more immature sections of their fanbase who will eventually get over it anyway then its practically business as usual.
They continue to scratch their hardware itch with the handheld market and everyone is happy.
They continue to scratch their hardware itch with the handheld market and everyone is happy.
Principate
Saint Titanfall
I imagine most their fans would be on the 3DS which still sells reasonably well, Regardless they likely wade it out and hope to the stars they strike gold again (which is a terrible plan).
A large proportion of the profit they've been receiving over the past 2 decades. Keep in mind the console business overall has been far more profitable for Nintendo than it's ever been for Sony and Microsoft. They're not going to give it up lightly
I don't disagree at all, but the title is sensationalist and false information either way. 3rd parties will focus the next gen consoles (they would anyway) that aren't the Wii U even if it sold more due to the type of people who buy into WiiUs vs those who buy into PS4/Xbone. Consumers will also flock there but frankly, but I don't buy into the fact that consoles are saved. Maybe China can boost the overall home console industry, but I personally expect major contractions everywhere else due to a number of factors.
if you think the vast majority of console gamers are also pc gamers then your comment about playing those games at better resolution/framerate is right but i highly doubt that theory. the vast majority of gamers are still on the console side of things and they will upgrade to the better version sooner rather than later this time around in my opinion. sony has infamous, driveclub mlb ths show and most likely planetside 2 with indie games to promote the ps4 for this first quarter. they will have good sales till march. i hope they have more stuff for the summer though.
zenosparadox
Member
I have seen several posts where people seem to bank on Mario Kart 8 or Smash Bros. to save the Wii U (I want the console to succeed, by the way). Nintendo is currently caught in this Bermuda triangle (or quadrilateral, pentagon, ...) where the Wii U is unknown in the market, lacking proper online accounts, region-locked, ignored by 3rd party devs, without a steady stream of titles, Mario everything, lack of advertising for new IP, lack of technical prowess compared to the competition, etc. Not everyone is pushed away by all those issues, but most are turned off by some of them.
It does seem like the Wii U is dead in the water, but I hope they turn it around. Personally, I think the success of the Wii and DS made Nintendo arrogant (what almost every successful console seems to do to a company). They have a lot of pride, and they know that their console HAS to sell in North America to be considered successful, but they do not seem interested in what western audiences want from Nintendo.
It does seem like the Wii U is dead in the water, but I hope they turn it around. Personally, I think the success of the Wii and DS made Nintendo arrogant (what almost every successful console seems to do to a company). They have a lot of pride, and they know that their console HAS to sell in North America to be considered successful, but they do not seem interested in what western audiences want from Nintendo.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
What would sony or ms risk? just ask that
Apophis2036
Banned
We shall see but I have to admit I forgot PS4 has yet to launch in Japan yet lol... There is another 1 million sales in three months.
Can someone add up the last official WiiU WW sales figures with all the available NPD and Media Create Sales data since that announcement. On top of that number there is still EU data for Nov and December and Dec NPD. I really wouldn't be surprised is WiiU was currently on 5.5 million units sold Worldwide.
What is your logic? hopefully it isn't that the PS4 will sell at the same rate it did on Christmas time.
Fourth Storm
Member
5. Never have another Zelda or Metroid that makes your jaw drop to the floor ever again.
TDLink
Member
Those lists are all also incomplete. Additionally, the majority of dates on all of those lists are "TBA" and vague. All 3 lists share the commonality that there are no hard dates for things past these next couple months. My point stands. What will ultimately have the worst year in terms of a software library is impossible to know at this point. I don't doubt Wii U will have less releases than the other two. I also don't doubt that most of Nintendo's releases will be quality though, so it's hard to compare. Especially if we're including in the comparison things like Tomb Raider Definitive Edition which isn't truly a new game.
I'm not in denial. I know Wii U hasn't been doing well, there's no need to lie about its predicament. It currently has not been outsold by PS4.
Microsoft and Sony don't make money by selling their own games.
They need to start appealing to older gamers that aren't into Zelda and Mario. You have Metroid, F-Zero, and Waverace. Sure, they don't sell anyway near as much as Zelda or Mario but you need to use these games and generate a little buzz. Metroid grabs people's attention. And if it's impressive and not some half assed sequel even better.
Green Biker Dude
Banned
i'm curious about what nintendo does next. outside of firing iwata, slowly building/improving their network services and attempting to go for a handheld/console hybrid next gen, i don't think there is anything left for them to do. and even then, not only do i sincerely doubt that they'll do any of this, i also don't think it'll help a whole lot in the end, even if they do all of it
i don't think they can turn around public opinion after what happened with the wii. they had to invest massively and didn't. now, even if they managed to get a system to sell that much by expanding the market again, people would just look back at the wii and assume the same thing would happen again. so it seems pretty much impossible for them to get 3rd party support at this point, and they can't really survive without it
nintendo could release a system on par with whatever microsoft/sony release next i guess. i don't see it doing better than the gamecube though, especially since they're lacking in other areas like online
i don't think they can turn around public opinion after what happened with the wii. they had to invest massively and didn't. now, even if they managed to get a system to sell that much by expanding the market again, people would just look back at the wii and assume the same thing would happen again. so it seems pretty much impossible for them to get 3rd party support at this point, and they can't really survive without it
nintendo could release a system on par with whatever microsoft/sony release next i guess. i don't see it doing better than the gamecube though, especially since they're lacking in other areas like online
MrNyarlathotep
Banned
If only someone had made a topic about this at some point where the reasons were laid out.
That's a pretty solid list and makes a lot of sense from a business standpoint and not a consumer standpoint.
I think carrying it to conclusion is probably their best bet. And they absolutely can't afford to get caught with their pants down with regard to hardware strength again like with the PS4 and Xbox One. The next console needs to actually compete in order to rope back in what really pushes systems and sells consoles -- third party software.
Principate
Saint Titanfall
Microsoft and Sony don't make much money in this business full stop. Their earnings will tell you as much. This business is mostly an entertainment gateway for Microsoft, and may turn into a reasonable profit earner for Sony. But it's opportunity costs isn't great for either.
Yes they do. Or are you trying to imply their first party is non existent?
ArkkAngel007
Member
While I agree that those two games probably won't sell the PS4 to some tangible effect at this stage, I think these types of arguments should begin to be retired in this generation. With the right marketing, those games could very well be huge. COD 1-BR1 weren't what you'd call system sellers, but now you see folks driven to buy whatever system everyone else they know is going to play that franchise on.
Related, traditionally new IPs don't sell very well. However, look at how The Last of Us sold. Not a sports game, or a bro-shooter. The zombie thing wasn't even a huge part of the tv/theater ads IIRC, at least in a way to call to the zombie fans out there. It sold extremely well though for what it was.
Just because Halo, Mario, Just Dance, and Call of Duty are THE household titles of the past generation or so doesn't mean no one else can move into that space, whether they are an established franchise/series or a new IP.
Psycho_Mantis
Banned
Such posts should not be taken seriously.
Honestly, looking at their console sector is very damning. With the exception of the Wii, there has been a steady decline in user base which dos not seem to stop. WiiU is tracking behind even the already low 20 million GC.
The system is dead in sales. Best thing is ensure profitability and ensure mistakes are not made again.
Also a valid statement. Nintendo needs fresh blood at the top of the company and needs to give back the autonomy that Nintendo of America enjoyed during previous hardware generations to acquire studios, develop & publish software.
It's hard to see them doing anything with Iwata any time soon.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
Whos games are they selling? Sony japan studios is owned by who? Capcom?
-Pyromaniac-
Member
I've said it before but I don't think people realize how long it takes to release another console. Years of R&D and testing have to take place and then to actually line up the manufacturing and whatnot. That's a long ways off for Nintendo.
Their best bet isn't to back away from this generation, it's to double the fuck down on it so when next-gen does come around they'll still have a loyal base. Just do what Sony did. A bit of a rebranding through marketing, go on a blitz with it, back it up with lots of big first party titles and a price drop, and simply don't take the foot off the pedal at any point. They'll porbably have to spend a lot of money to make that happen but imo it's the best strategy out there for them.
Their best bet isn't to back away from this generation, it's to double the fuck down on it so when next-gen does come around they'll still have a loyal base. Just do what Sony did. A bit of a rebranding through marketing, go on a blitz with it, back it up with lots of big first party titles and a price drop, and simply don't take the foot off the pedal at any point. They'll porbably have to spend a lot of money to make that happen but imo it's the best strategy out there for them.
i'm pretty relieved that the wii u is a flop. not because of fanboyism, but rather its just a indication of poor leadership as opposed to a dying market. hopefully it gets sorted out, but it may take them a whole generation to get rid of iwata and realise they cant rely on old franchises designed for old kids (who are now adults) when its clear that children nowadays are on mobile and tablets.
Psycho_Mantis
Banned
I'll make it clearer:
WiiU sells 1.5 million in 5 months.
PS4 sells 1.8 million in 5 month, including its Japanese launch.
Any person who is not deluded can see the absurdity in logic here.
Of course they do. The whole Tablet like controller on the WiiU was a clear attempt to cash-in on the massive popularity of tablet devices.
Personally I think they should re-brand the system as the Nintendo U, dropping the Wii name all together. Then add a system redesign into the mix (matte finish, drop the rounded look) and bundle with Smash Bros U or generate hype by reviving an old IP. They should also seriously consider developing a full out Pokemon console game.
Outside of this I can't see what else they could possibly do. But a fresh new take on the system might attract some attention and consumers may finally see it as a new offering instead of confusing it with the Wii.
No, they were trying to replicate the DS/3DS experience on a home console.
Outside of this I can't see what else they could possibly do. But a fresh new take on the system might attract some attention and consumers may finally see it as a new offering instead of confusing it with the Wii.
No, they were trying to replicate the DS/3DS experience on a home console.
Gormless Noodle
Member
If they get an outsider in there from Japan, they'll be focusing on mobile phones before anything else. Japan is absolutely obsessed with them. So be careful what you wish for, the chances of them turning back to the core with a management change, is virtually non existent.
Fourth Storm
Member
From my perspective, older gamers want a few basic things, perhaps the most important being a console that performs along certain expectations and an online ecosystem that matches certain expectations. Despite their previous claims, Nintendo has failed to check those boxes. Mix in an unappealing price and unclear marketing message and you have the Nintendo we see today, quickly sliding into irrelevancy.
Yes. I bought a PS4 so I could specifically play those games.
MrNyarlathotep
Banned
You're right, but you also just described why you can never rule out any platform owner that also produces exclusive content from making a comeback.
Which is sort of the opposite of the spirit of this thread.
Notor!ousG
Member
I've always been very Nintendo minded but even last year they are pissi ng me off. I guess I'm tired that they keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
They deserve little success with the 'U'.
I can understand that they feel like they are not directly competing with Sony or MS, but the 'MEH' (we don't care) attitude is what brought them where they are now.
The Wii was their biggest mistake ever. Surely it brought them financial prosperity, but they alienated them from most of the gamers completely. Alot of people just moved on now. Naming your successor with the same brand name didn't help either.
They should pray and be thankful to their Japanese Gods that they have the 3DS right now to compensate.
Where they go from here? I have no clue.
I don't see them turning around next-gen if a major overhaul of their company, strategy and vision isn't going to happen. They are too stubborn.
They deserve little success with the 'U'.
I can understand that they feel like they are not directly competing with Sony or MS, but the 'MEH' (we don't care) attitude is what brought them where they are now.
The Wii was their biggest mistake ever. Surely it brought them financial prosperity, but they alienated them from most of the gamers completely. Alot of people just moved on now. Naming your successor with the same brand name didn't help either.
They should pray and be thankful to their Japanese Gods that they have the 3DS right now to compensate.
Where they go from here? I have no clue.
I don't see them turning around next-gen if a major overhaul of their company, strategy and vision isn't going to happen. They are too stubborn.
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