The Nintendo Wii U Speculation Thread Pre-E3 Survey
1) So.. how much will the Wii U cost?
$299
This is a key point. Nintendo has to figure out which chunk of the market share it's going to target: Current gen, next-gen or somewhere in between. It's a fair guess to say that PS3 will be lowering its price and/or bundling a Move with its system for the holidays and that Kinect will be bundled with the 360 at a similar price point. To the everyday consumer, being presented with these options as well as the Wii U, will a higher price deter these people from buying something that can be compared to current gen offerings? Pricing the system at a next gen premium (above $300), is foolhardy and Nintendo realizes this (see: 3DS). I think $299 is the highest they should come in at which would allow them the flexibility to lower the price in the future (perhaps in lieu of lowered demand, launch of next gen Sony and Microsoft offerings, etc.)
2) And when will the Wii U's Launch Day be?
US: November 18th, 2012
Hitting this date allows them to posture a weekend before Thanksgiving and a little while after larger 3rd party offerings earlier in the month. This will allow consumers to focus their dollar on Nintendo as opposed to more closely coinciding with other games' releases.
3) Your #1 Desired Launch Day Game?
Pikmin 3
I want it to be a launch title, but I believe contrary to popular belief, Pikmin will slip into December/January and as much as I want to put Retro Studios' next title here, I also believe Nintendo will position it as a launch window release. One thing you will hear Nintendo communicate at E3 is that they are focused on providing a constant stream/drip of titles throughout its launch window. New Super Mario Bros for Wii U will be the main, best selling launch title for Nintendo among its possible 1st party offerings. If Mario is not there, I think Pikmin would be better served as a launch title instead of a stand alone release after launch as the audience for that title is more niche and would greatly benefit with being the main Nintendo offering that people will look to as they determine what games to purchase.
4) Any pleasant third-party surprises for the Wii U?
Exclusive Square Enix announcement
Eternal Darkness 2: 60% likelihood
GTA V: 40% likelihood
Bioshock Infinite: 10% likelihood
5) Any predictions of media criticisms for Nintendo's behaviour/substance during E3 Week?
Wii U is a stopgap that will be quickly forgotten once Sony and Microsoft's offerings become announced, screen should be multi-touch, too much confusion between uTablet, 3DS, Wii and Wii U brands and how they differentiate from one another to the end consumer
6) What'll be your preferred food & drink of choice during the Nintendo Conference? -
What I want: Nice big sub sandwich and a beer
What I'll have: Salad and water
7) How long will the Nintendo Conference go on, and what'll be the breakdown on time spent between Wii U amd 3DS?
70 Minutes
50 minutes on Wii U, 15 on 3DS, 5 on transitions, announcing presenters, etc.
8) Predict: rate the Wii U Launch lineup from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Compared to previous Nintendo launches: 10 (due to Mario, perhaps Pikmin, and sheer number of diverse 3rd party offerings)
Compared to all previous system launches: 8
9) Predict: any final hardware revelations? -
Nothing that hasn't already been revealed (bigger screen, circle pads to sticks, etc.)
10) Predict: any super-special applications that Nintendo's gonna spring on us? -
You will be quite surprised and happy with Wii U's Nintendo Network implementation and infrastructure. There will be a major 3rd party contributor that will have assisted in this (Valve? :x)
" in the pCARS forums.
