DiddyInAHellcat
Member
Nintendo needs to start building a new gaming system
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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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freezamite
Banned
Of course it is. Look, I'm the first to know that the ones who play because we simply enjoy to play great videogames are a bunch of "freaks", and that what's really cool is to play semi-automatized games without any gameplay depth and astonishing presentation.
Nintendo giving up on the console space it's the same as them abandoning their philosophies.
Nintendo going 3rd party means Mario with exceptional graphics and absolutely atrocious gameplay due to level design being totally and completely minimized in terms of importance.
Sorry, but there are still a few people here that don't play to get "immersed" into a story, but that simply play because we like to. To those traditional gamers, Nintendo and some indies is the last thing that this industry has left.
Even when for you to be compared to a "freak" that plays because he likes to play may be an insult, it would be better if Nintendo survived and those 4 freaks that are still left can still play some big budged games directed at them, otherwise this industry will end exploding like it did two decades ago, and it will be even worse...
Nintendo makes quite a bit of money from home console hardware when they have a successful home console. Going third party only in home console means potentially abandoning a large source of income. While Wii U is unsuccessful now, abandoning home console hardware means Nintendo gives up the possibility of ever having a successful home console in the future and loses out on potential income.
*Video game controllers have a high profit margin and attach rates and Nintendo makes money from them if they have their own hardware. By their design there should typically be at least a 1:1 attach ratio for controllersl Nintendo has almost certain sold at least 100 million Wii Remotes and possibly much more with a similar number of Wii Nunchuks and a lesser number of Classic Controllers.
*Although people like to point out that third party games don't sell on Nintendo systems, third party games still sold in the range of several hundred million on the Wii. While many of these games were shovelware, Nintendo still gets the same licensing fees from shovelware as they do with games that GAF likes. Iwata cited Wii sales were 50/50 first party and third party in 2010.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...party-sales-especially-low-3ds-will-do-better
*Nintendo doesn't have to pay licensing fees on first party games. When you sell hundreds of millions of games, these licensing fees add up to hundreds of millions of dollars that Nintendo keeps for themselves that they otherwise would be paying to Sony and Microsoft.
During the Wii generation all of this would have added up to billions of dollars. A lot of people were already calling for Nintendo to go third party after the GameCube, but if they did, they would have lost out on the above sources of income.
Ummm no. I want Nintendo in the console business too, but them pulling out doesn't suddenly mean they're going to start putting out Call of Duty equivalents.
It sucks but it's true. Buy new iPad with 64-bit A7 to play Candy Crush. I'm actually wondering if this effect may condense the console cycle. If it did it would still suck for Nintendo because their platform (PPC) doesn't have a future that's not proprietary and expensive. They need to move to ARM or something.
Fatality
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
Am I the only one here still wondering if the thread title is right or wrong?
rokkerkory
Member
Pretty sure they have already started building a new machine slated for 2015. Probably going more power this time compared to X1 and PS4.
You're not alone. There are quite of few people said that. Well, of course didn't bother to mention it since you know "Nintendoomed".
TDLink
Member
The premise of this topic is that PS4 already outsold Wii U when it probably is not going to happen for another month or two, but ok. Fine. Where does Nintendo go from here?
I've said it in other topics, I'll say it again. They need to go full reverse on their Wii strategy and attact the hardcore niche gamer again. The casual Wii audience is gone. Wii U is probably never going to be a huge success now, that is for certain baring some impossible to predict random game that becomes a fad. Nintendo needs to hunker down on old IPs of theirs that target a more hardcore/niche market. They have already started with Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3, Bayonetta 2, X, and SMT x FE. They need to build on that by bringing back stuff like F-Zero, Star Fox, Wave Race, Metroid, Eternal Darkness, etc. They have the IP to do this. None of these games are going to singlehandedly drastically improve the system's sales. However, together they can create a somewhat attractive library for core gamers.
I also want to say, I don't believe firing Iwata is the right course of action. Of the 4 systems that have released under his reign only the Wii U is a failure. Everyone has a miss, and he's done a lot of good for the company. He gets far too much shit here. He's made the company as a whole a lot more transparent than in the Yamauchi days, which is very good.
Even if Nintendo did just say "fuck it" to those ~5 million, they can't just pull a system out of their hats. New systems take years of extensive R&D. Releasing something before 2017 is highly improbable. If they really stepped it up, late 2016 could be doable, but I'm a bit doubtful.
If you turn a sinking ship around, it is still sinking, only its pointing back home...back to a time when it used to float, and was fun, and popular, and shiny and new...
Now it is just a broken, wet, sinking ship, with people trying to flee from it, but getting caught in its sad, sad undertows as it gurgles its last breath before the dark waves splash above it..."It'sa me! Mari...gugguguguglleeee....."
Now it is just a broken, wet, sinking ship, with people trying to flee from it, but getting caught in its sad, sad undertows as it gurgles its last breath before the dark waves splash above it..."It'sa me! Mari...gugguguguglleeee....."
I don't see them making many sensible changes now after some of the outrageously stupid decisions they've made these last couple of years.
They'll stick with the Wii U, Reggie will say "Well we've got unique experiences, Geoff" in the interviews in further desperate attempts to block outside noise without curling up going "LALALALALALALALALALALALALA", and they'll make a sub 720p dual screen handheld with Wii U performance in late 2016, without smartphone capabilities, not running iOS or Android, which they'll price too high again and, again, say "We're making nice profits off of this, please pretend you didn't hear that ;D".
Things Nintendo should've done in 2013 (Or should do now):
- Release a Wii U without a GamePad, Pro Controller as standard.
- Redesign the OS UI so that it doesn't require said GamePad. (And patches allowing Pro Controller inputs to be seen as GamePad inputs, for GamePad only titles)
- Tablet app (Android/iOS/W8) for games that require touch (eg. ZombiU).
- $199 With NSMB collection (Wii + U + Luigi DLC), level designer software available on Google Play and App Store for $30.
- Change the name of the Wii U.
- Change the design of the Wii U (Don't we all remember "Super Nintendo inspired design"?)
- HDD instead of SSD, user replaceable 2.5"
- Official GameCube BC through Wii channel, release a 4-port USB dongle (And allow PC/CC/CCP controllers, naturally).
- Smaller Mario Kart 8 pre-release (1+1 (Retro/New) cups) shipped with every unit after E3, free.
- Bribe Rockstar into releasing GTA V on the Wii U.
What they should do in 2014:
- Kill the Wii U. There are fewer than 5.000.000 owners, c'mon people, make sense.
None of those points will become reality, btw.
They'll stick with the Wii U, Reggie will say "Well we've got unique experiences, Geoff" in the interviews in further desperate attempts to block outside noise without curling up going "LALALALALALALALALALALALALA", and they'll make a sub 720p dual screen handheld with Wii U performance in late 2016, without smartphone capabilities, not running iOS or Android, which they'll price too high again and, again, say "We're making nice profits off of this, please pretend you didn't hear that ;D".
Things Nintendo should've done in 2013 (Or should do now):
- Release a Wii U without a GamePad, Pro Controller as standard.
- Redesign the OS UI so that it doesn't require said GamePad. (And patches allowing Pro Controller inputs to be seen as GamePad inputs, for GamePad only titles)
- Tablet app (Android/iOS/W8) for games that require touch (eg. ZombiU).
- $199 With NSMB collection (Wii + U + Luigi DLC), level designer software available on Google Play and App Store for $30.
- Change the name of the Wii U.
- Change the design of the Wii U (Don't we all remember "Super Nintendo inspired design"?)
- HDD instead of SSD, user replaceable 2.5"
- Official GameCube BC through Wii channel, release a 4-port USB dongle (And allow PC/CC/CCP controllers, naturally).
- Smaller Mario Kart 8 pre-release (1+1 (Retro/New) cups) shipped with every unit after E3, free.
- Bribe Rockstar into releasing GTA V on the Wii U.
What they should do in 2014:
- Kill the Wii U. There are fewer than 5.000.000 owners, c'mon people, make sense.
None of those points will become reality, btw.
BruiserBear
Banned
It's probably right, but does it really change anything if it happens in a few weeks? Either way it's pretty damning for the Wii U that one of the new consoles has surpassed it's year plus sales in less than 3 months.
Throwing more power in the box isn't going to do much. Why are people buying a PS4? The power? Not likely. The dudebro games. If Nintendo somehow gets those games too, then what will a similar platform do in 2015 with PS4 on full steam? Nothing.
Nintendo's way forward is the casual, family and kids market. And they don't give a shit about power.
SniperHunter
Banned
Fourth Storm
Member
The Wii U architecture is a dead end. Even if they can shrink down the PPC cores for one more go, it's unlikely they'll be able to do the same for the eDRAM...unless they go the MS route and opt for a large pool of SRAM. That would probably annoy devs, though.
Bending_Unit_22
Member
The system needs more 2D platflormers and blue ocean casual titles. I hope Iwata has every studio working on one or the other, as he has thus far.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
It does matter cause its probably not true now.
Incoming silly analogy..
Yea my 1 year child is taller than my dog.
Sony nears bankruptcy, Japanese government barters sales for its major divisions.
Nintendo buys PlayStation division, Japanese gamers rejoice, mass migration to Xbox as US gamers leave in anticipation of "kiddification" of PlayStation.
Years later, Nintendo purchased by Google as they enter the console marketplace
Samsung creates its own console as old man Microsoft slowly fades into irrelevance.
Nintendo buys PlayStation division, Japanese gamers rejoice, mass migration to Xbox as US gamers leave in anticipation of "kiddification" of PlayStation.
Years later, Nintendo purchased by Google as they enter the console marketplace
Samsung creates its own console as old man Microsoft slowly fades into irrelevance.
http://runnergirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ricky-bobby-if-you-aint-first.jpg
Gogo fanboy wars. Nowhere for Nintendo now but third party. Nintendoomed. iOs ports. $0.99 Mario (because Mario sucks anyway). Can't wait to play Mario on PS4.
Gogo fanboy wars. Nowhere for Nintendo now but third party. Nintendoomed. iOs ports. $0.99 Mario (because Mario sucks anyway). Can't wait to play Mario on PS4.
The Wii U numbers we have now are shipped, right? Whereas Xbone and PS4 numbers are sold?
They've probably both outsold Wii U at this point, honestly. I've seen mountains of Wii Us at many stores I've been to since the console launched, not even kidding. At the very least, it's never been sold out. I still see Basic Sets at stores. Haven't seen PS4s or Xbones since launch.
They've probably both outsold Wii U at this point, honestly. I've seen mountains of Wii Us at many stores I've been to since the console launched, not even kidding. At the very least, it's never been sold out. I still see Basic Sets at stores. Haven't seen PS4s or Xbones since launch.
rokkerkory
Member
But that comparable power is why some 3rd party games aren't making it to Wii U and for those that are, looks last-gen so why would dude bros buy Wii U version.
It's games games games that N needs and power does play a big factor in that.
They probably already are. They'll probably cut WIIU after 4 years. They'll have a new system out by 2016. MS nad Sony won't be anywhere near ready for a new console and they'll try to jumpstart things. Not saying it'll work but 4 years is long enough for a console. The original Xbox was only on the market 4 years.
meh, as long as nintendo keeps it in life support long enough for me to get it at a lower price with a beefier library of their exclusives and what not. and looking back at the hardware scenario, seeing that they just expanded upon cube/wii hardware, how much did they actually spend on Wii U hardware (minus pad)? i kinda feel that nintendo sat on its ass for a good deal of that gravy train (wii) and expected a smooth transition into next gen. They should have been getting ready for war!!!! instead they planned for a fucking picnic.
iamvin22
Industry Verified
add to this sony is now the only console where you can pick up an MLB game. these games always launch at the start of the MLB season.
Mango The Magician
Banned
I'd imagine they're doing the same thing they did prior, making games and trying to get people to buy a Wii U.
PoweredBySoy
Banned
Their heart and soul? They've been regurgitating the same shit for the past 15 years. And now they got Rare making a Donkey Kong Country game.
Nintendo is on autopilot.
Man, I hope so. I would love to go back to the 4/5 year cycle. I just hope they don't charge for online, but that's probably a lost cause as tons of people like paying for online for some reason. I also hope they don't bother trying to pander to Western devs/gamers cause then we end up with half executed ideas like the U.
ULTRAAAAA COMBOOOO!
Flawless Victory
Richardbro
Neo Member
Nintendo releasing a more powerful console would be suicide. The Wii U isn't selling poorly because of graphical capabilities, it was selling poorly due to lack of compelling software and confusion of the mass consumer (and the initial price).
The sales will come in due time, when Mario Kart 8 and Smash arrive. Will it reach Wii's numbers? Absolutely not, but will it surpass the gamecube in sales? Absolutely, and that shouldn't be deemed a failure.
I don't see the Xbone or PS4 fairing too well either tbh in this coming year, not in this economy and gaming generation (not until they reach sub $300).
What Nintendo needs to do is reduce the price to $250 and announce even more compelling software and possibly release a Gamepad free Wii U console.
The sales will come in due time, when Mario Kart 8 and Smash arrive. Will it reach Wii's numbers? Absolutely not, but will it surpass the gamecube in sales? Absolutely, and that shouldn't be deemed a failure.
I don't see the Xbone or PS4 fairing too well either tbh in this coming year, not in this economy and gaming generation (not until they reach sub $300).
What Nintendo needs to do is reduce the price to $250 and announce even more compelling software and possibly release a Gamepad free Wii U console.
Quoting this for truth. The Iwata-hate around here is really overblown.
Just like Windows Phone likes to think they aren't competing with Apple and Android.
Father_Brain
Banned
You're assuming that Nintendo can easily produce (or, at least, has a very good chance of producing) a console that:
-can sell healthy numbers
-can be profitable per unit for the majority of its lifespan
-can be attractive enough to third parties to generate significant licensing revenue
Given the majority of NCL's history, and how the market has changed since Wii was introduced, I would have to seriously question that assumption.
Joke post?
I think they'll just hedge their bets a little more and focus more on their first party titles. Those always generate a pretty decent amount of cash for them due to their following alone. Meanwhile, they'll no doubt start working on something more comparable, they have a loooong way to go to match what the other two consoles are currently at with their entertainment, cloud, and handheld device integration (in regards to how it interoperates with the main console).
The Abominable Snowman
Member
Nintendo doesn't care about console sales. They care about profits. The Wii U will probably have a full 5 year life and still not sell 15M units, but as long as they can still sell software on it, they will budget accordingly and sell to make a return. If the Wii U is Nintendo's last console before a full hybrid future, then I'd be fine with that.
InsaneZero
Member
The single biggest problem with the Wii U is that it does not have a positive software outlook. Throwing money at marketing would do nothing to resolve this problem, as it is a combination of a lack of third party support and Nintendo's inability to develop software at a pace to compensate. The former is a problem that cannot be solved by increasing the userbase alone, as the Wii has already demonstrated.
One of the most significant problems that has been around even during the Wii generation was that it was difficult to impossible to quickly and cheaply port over software from the other dedicated gaming consoles due to the differences in the architecture. The Wii U has not resolved this problem in regards to the PS4/XBO, which would've made ports a more feasible prospect. And that in turn affects consumer expectations, which then affects publisher/developer expectations of the potential audience.
People bring up the PS3 as an example of a successful turnaround, but that product required billions in investment to do so. The Wii U has more significant problems that cannot be solved through a rebrand/relaunch alone, so there is really no reason to think that a turnaround is possible. Like I stated earlier, Nintendo should instead invest more on resolving problems inherent to the company itself, then do better for their next slate of products.
The Wii U should not be killed immediately. Software that are far into the production process should be finished, new projects or projects early in development should be reshuffled to 3DS or the next generation, and allow the product to live a short but complete lifecycle.
This makes absolutely zero sense.
Thanks for this great post!
Dreams-Visions
Member
Yep. Make the WiiU their new entry console and come out with something that can compete. Something that can get respectable/equal versions of multiplats while building the excluisves people buy Nintendo products for.
If they want to continue making consoles.
BONKERS
Member
And this is exactly the way I want it to stay.
Really, the Wii U should've just been given a higher power target for more power under the hood. The thing is TINY as it is. If it had been twice as big or more, certainly be easier for 3rd parties.
But then again, 3rd parties were the ones saying the PS3/360 had all the power they ever needed for years and years. And the Wii U does at least that in a form factor a fraction of the size. AND has near complete backwards compatibility.
Also: Super Mario 3D World looks GREAT and NEVER drops a frame.
You can't say that about a SINGLE first party Sony or Microsoft game of that caliber. Let alone that fact being 60FPS.
They don't do something like that in a vacuum though, do they? They piss off 5 million owners, and 100 million other videogamers see exactly what they do and probably make a mental note that that's what happened to Nintendo's last system, so be even more cautious about the next one. It's not just upsetting fans - it's gaining a reputation in the process.
Apophis2036
Banned
I said PS4 and Xbone would struggle to meet 3 million, one is on around 3 and the other is on what 4.2 ?, don't act like I said they would struggle to sell a million.
AranhaHunter
Banned
I would hope Nintendo would do what David Jaffe hoped they would do. Sell to Disney. That way we can get their games everywhere AND a theme park in Orlando. Mario Kart ride would probably be all sorts of awesome and they could do something really for for the SSB ride.
Nintendo should partner with Valve and release their own Steam console bundled with a WiiMote and Classic Controller Pro. Call it Nintendo Steam. They will automatically have a backlog of Linux Steam games to compete with PS4. Release it around fall 2015, make it slightly more powerful than PS4 and try to release it for around $250 which should be doable around fall 2015 for that level of hardware.
Hah. Listening to Jaffe would be a bad idea. And to think a company like Nintendo would sell to Disney, crazy talk.
I feel Nintendo should learn from the Gamecube, learn from the Wii, learn from the Wii U. Release one more console and if that fails despite making all the right moves, radically change your business.
Yeah, Disney has been rocking it with their games lately. What with canceling most games and selling Star Wars to EA.
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