Support NeoGAF

[AceBandage]

But at the same time, trying to launch a system at $350-400 is a dangerous gamble.
One that might not pay off.
Power is just a small part of what makes people want a system.
If you don't have the software to back it up, and keep it strong, all the silicon in the world is worthless.

 

[Log4Girlz]

But at the same time, trying to launch a system at $350-400 is a dangerous gamble.
One that might not pay off.
Power is just a small part of what makes people want a system.
If you don't have the software to back it up, and keep it strong, all the silicon in the world is worthless.

Well naturally. But at the end of the day its people's interpretation of value that affects what they are willing to spend on a product. Consoles are seen as nothing more than toys by a massive amount of people. Ipads are considered to be the equivalent of laptops (all the non-tech savvy people I know who crave one see it as a full fledged computer in terms of the niche it fills in their life) and thus are willing to pay top dollar (there are huge margins on each Ipad sold, while consoles tend to have no margin or sell at a loss early on).

 

[Jarsonot]

But at the same time, trying to launch a system at $350-400 is a dangerous gamble.
One that might not pay off.
Power is just a small part of what makes people want a system.
If you don't have the software to back it up, and keep it strong, all the silicon in the world is worthless.

I'm hoping that if they price it "dangerously" high, they'll include some sort of virtual console free downloads to offset that. It's been bandied about in this thread before, I think. Maybe you could download 2 free games out of a select number of choices.

This doesn't hurt them in retail, really, and would be a huge incentive to anyone with that nintendo nostalgia. It would be kind of like the ambassador program: offsetting high console cost with the promise of free games to play with.

 

[Lord Ghirahim]

I'm hoping that if they price it "dangerously" high, they'll include some sort of virtual console free downloads to offset that.

I want region freedom if I'm paying over ¥35k for a toy.

 

[Jarsonot]

Well naturally. But at the end of the day its people's interpretation of value that affects what they are willing to spend on a product. Consoles are seen as nothing more than toys by a massive amount of people. Ipads are considered to be the equivalent of laptops (all the non-tech savvy people I know who crave one see it as a full fledged computer in terms of the niche it fills in their life) and thus are willing to pay top dollar (there are huge margins on each Ipad sold, while consoles tend to have no margin or sell at a loss early on).

This is a good point. Perceived value is a big deal in getting people to fork over the cash, of course, and if Nintendo can convey a "living room experience" maybe they can get past the whole "just plays video games" thing.

In one of the reveals they show people video chatting, browsing pictures, etc. And if they do enable the subscreen to be a remote, go further with Nintendo Video, and really hype up and MARKET this aspect of the Wii U I think the perceived value will go up.

I can see the casual crowd eating this stuff up, and since they're also pursuing the "core" crowd, man... Hype levels... Approaching meltdown.

 

[BY2K]

I want region freedom if I'm paying over ¥35k for a toy.

I hope this was a jab at the developers who actually called the Wii a toy.

That or you're getting incredibly bitter toward Nintendo, all of a sudden.

 

[Log4Girlz]

This is a good point. Perceived value is a big deal in getting people to fork over the cash, of course, and if Nintendo can convey a "living room experience" maybe they can get past the whole "just plays video games" thing.

In one of the reveals they show people video chatting, browsing pictures, etc. And if they do enable the sunscreen to be a remote, go further with Nintendo Video, and really hype up and MARKET this aspect of the Wii U I think the perceived value will go up.

I can see the casual crowd eating this stuff up, and since they're also pursuing the "core" crowd, man... Hype levels... Approaching meltdown.

It is not an easy task I must say...but I think it is critical to have an app store with tons of ACE software having nothing to do with games. E-books, streaming media (movies, shows). This would knock the perceived value a peg or two. I know they are pursuing this a bit, but the lack of an internal HDD or at least room to shove one in (as opposed to using a sloppy looking external drive or relying on tiny, easily lost SD cards) kinda indicates to me this won't be much of a priority.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

I would support an achievement system on the Wii U only if it said Shine Get! every time

Otherwise, fuck achievements. I irrationally hate them.

I find that most games use the achievement system in completely asinine ways.

I'd love to be playing RE6 only for Shine Get!: Exploding Head Master! to appear.

 

[Log4Girlz]

I find that most games use the achievement system in completely asinine ways.

I'd love to be playing RE6 only for Shine Get!: Exploding Head Master! to appear.

I bet you would love that exploding head master.

 

[bgassassin]

Is this level of belligerence and ignorance serious or sarcastic? I have to know that you've accepted the point that was made before I commit you to the ignore list or not. I try to be fair about these things.

A little quick on the trigger there hoss.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

I bet you would love that exploding head master.

Don'tknockittilyou'vetriedit!

 

[guek]

This is a good point. Perceived value is a big deal in getting people to fork over the cash, of course, and if Nintendo can convey a "living room experience" maybe they can get past the whole "just plays video games" thing.

In one of the reveals they show people video chatting, browsing pictures, etc. And if they do enable the subscreen to be a remote, go further with Nintendo Video, and really hype up and MARKET this aspect of the Wii U I think the perceived value will go up.

I can see the casual crowd eating this stuff up, and since they're also pursuing the "core" crowd, man... Hype levels... Approaching meltdown.

Yeah, those are good thoughts, I just have my doubts when it comes to Nintendo and UI. For those to be real selling points, it'll need one hell of a UI.

 

[Jarsonot]

It is not an easy task I must say...but I think it is critical to have an app store with tons of ACE software having nothing to do with games. E-books, streaming media (movies, shows). This would knock the perceived value a peg or two. I know they are pursuing this a bit, but the lack of an internal HDD or at least room to shove one in (as opposed to using a sloppy looking external drive or relying on tiny, easily lost SD cards) kinda indicates to me this won't be much of a priority.

Aw shit. Didn't think about that. =)

Hmmm... Any hope they've built a massive server bank ala Apple and are going to do everything over the cloud? I mean, if they're going to go online full-force, they're going to do it right, right? That's the Nintendo way! (trying to convince/delude myself)

 

[Log4Girlz]

Aw shit. Didn't think about that. =)

Hmmm... Any hope they've built a massive server bank ala Apple and are going to do everything over the cloud? I mean, if they're going to go online full-force, they're going to do it right, right? That's the Nintendo way! (trying to convince/delude myself)

They may. I know there was a hint of a cloud service in some rumor. The kindle fire relies heavily on cloud. We shall see. Its funny how the Wii U has the potential to become a family computer (famicom )

 

[antonz]

Nintendos in an interesting position price wise. If they are too similar to the PS360 then they cannot afford to go too high in price otherwise its basically DOA. Even then if the 4-5X is accurate they need to make sure they price competatively

 

[Lord Ghirahim]

I hope this was a jab at the developers who actually called the Wii a toy.

That or you're getting incredibly bitter toward Nintendo, all of a sudden.

I consider all video game consoles to be playthings, toys.

 

[guek]

I consider all video game consoles to be playthings, toys.

Pfft. No wonder your avatar is from a kiddy game on a console made for toddlers.

 

[AzaK]

I agree with you guys, but I think you're underestimating how many people love stroking their e-peen and showing off that gamerscore.

Knowing Nintendo, it'll be something totally different and unexpected.

If the new 3DS accomplishments are anything to go by, then we're in for one boring system.

Please Nintendo, stick to your creative guns and don't give in to the mediocre side.

 

[Grampa Simpson]

oooh. Skinnable achievement system.

 

[Log4Girlz]

Nintendo games have great potential for achievements. Speed runs, finding rare shit etc.

 

[TheExplodingHead]

Don'tknockittilyou'vetriedit!

Agreed.

After my throughly enjoyable experience with the Wii, which has been the first Nintendo console I've ever owned, I'm getting it as soon as I can afford it. The Wii has been a breath of fresh air for me at a time when gaming had started to become a little stale. It offered something different and imo (and I'm in the tiny minority I know!) the third party exclusives have been top notch. The Trauma franchise, Zack and Wiki, Resident Evil Chronicles franchise, Fatal Frame IV, House of The Dead Overkill, Dead Space Extraction, De Blob, Muramasa, Manhunt 2 (Uncut), Deadly Creatures, the Rabbids franchise and Madworld have all been stunning imo.

And there have also been several multiplatform titles that have been superior on the Wii - Guitar Hero, Godfather, Tiger Woods and, most importantly for me, Pro Evo. After playing Pro Evo on the Wii playing any other football game on any other platform with any other control scheme is a HUUUUGE step backwards.

I'm hoping for more third party exclusives for the U that make good use of the new controller, continue to make good use of the remote and nunchuck (I'm looking at you, FPS and TPS games!) and I'm also itching to see developers and publishers opting to be adventurous enough to implement hybrid controls. The U controller is big enough to sit on your lap or on a table whilst you use the remote and nunchuck and you can quite easily use the touchscreen with your hand that's using the nunchuck as long as there isn't a function in-game that is triggered by a shake of the nunchuck.

I wasn't too keen on the idea of having a touchscreen on the controller but it's really growing on me now. I'm going to be all over the inevitable Fallout 4 giving me a Pip-Boy in the palm of my hands as well as having a Camera Obscura for Fatal Frame V.

Sorry for the long read lol.

Tldr; Yes, I'm getting one as soon as possible and there are no dealbreakers that I can see ;oD

Hey Snow!

I also really hope dev's don't completely abandon the Wiimote/chuk, the IR with enough refinement and experimentation could really be great especially on Wii U. Even gestures while not my favorite thing (mostly tech reasons) could be beneficial with enough refinement and clever implementation. I just feel like the Wii U provides enough control possibilities and options to dev's that there shouldn't be any shoehorning gimmicks anymore, although not likely. I'm even in favor of Nintendo releasing a real successor to the GC controller. I'd also like to see some control options transferred to the users as well.

 

[Anth0ny]

Nintendo games have great potential for achievements. Speed runs, finding rare shit etc.

I'm fairly certain I'd become an achievement whore if Nintendo introduces such a system with their first party games.

It would be awesome if they add them to virtual console games too. I'd probably get every achievement for every available N64 game.

 

[TheExplodingHead]

I'm fairly certain I'd become an achievement whore if Nintendo introduces such a system with their first party games.

It would be awesome if they add them to virtual console games too. I'd probably get every achievement for every available N64 game.

Yeah, a retroactive achievement system would be awesome. Would also probably help them sell VC games and digital HD re-releases. But a updated table for Wii games should be mandatory if that ever happened.

 

[abstract alien]

I'm fairly certain I'd become an achievement whore if Nintendo introduces such a system with their first party games.

It would be awesome if they add them to virtual console games too. I'd probably get every achievement for every available N64 game.

I would be more accepting of them if they were filled with such useless things like "complete training" or "do a barrel roll". I really enjoyed some of the ones in Mega Man 9. I don't want to get an achievement for things I would do along side beating the game normally.

 

[Vinci]

I really don't think ebooks would add much to the value proposition. Nothing Nintendo is going to add on an expanded front is going to help them as much as what they uniquely bring to the system. I mean, sure, if they can add ebooks, that's fine but it's basically worthless as a value driver at this stage.

What I feel Nintendo should do is bring their skills to educational software that either comes pre-installed and can be added-on with additional content over time or is a central part of its messaging with the system. Educational software that is both fun and encourages parents interact with their children's intellectual development is something that would add value, particularly in America where public dissatisfaction with the educational system is at a growing fever pitch.

Play. Learn. Dream. NINTENDO.

I don't know, just thinking aloud. At any rate, the most important thing Nintendo can do is leverage its unique skills to expand what the product can do, not simply add what have become standard stuff that every phone and tablet has.

 

[Terrell]

Yeah, a retroactive achievement system would be awesome. Would also probably help them sell VC games and digital HD re-releases. But a updated table for Wii games should be mandatory if that ever happened.

I agree with your assertion that it would increase purchasing through Virtual Console, since a lot of people would like to be able to advertise the things that they are able to achieve in these older titles (especially the speed run crowd). And it's certainly doable, since the achievement markers would just be built into the emulation wrapper they put the games into.

Getting Wii games in the mix, though, would really depend on how the backwards compatibility is implemented. The other hurdle is 3rd-parties actually wanting to essentially re-do their VC games to include this.

I'm still of the belief that they are going to use a software emulation method, and then achievements are doable with Wii games, but then you run into the same hurdle with 3rd-parties that I listed above.

 

[disap.ed]

I'm even in favor of Nintendo releasing a real successor to the GC controller. I'd also like to see some control options transferred to the users as well.

This +1. They need some kind of Gamecube controller for the HD classics releases and they have to support it also otherwise for the love of god. The lack of classic controller support in NSMB and DCKR really sucks and doesn't make any sense :-/

 

[Vinci]

This +1. They need some kind of Gamecube controller for the HD classics releases and they have to support it also otherwise for the love of god. The lack of classic controller support in NSMB and DCKR really sucks and doesn't make any sense :-/

Given that the U's primary controller is predominantly a traditional controller tells me you'll probably get your wish.

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

Like you get Shines.
And the Shines unlock backgrounds and music.

Or videos of "The Day in the Life of Iwata".

 

[Jackano]

Given that the U's primary controller is predominantly a traditional controller tells me you'll probably get your wish.

More than that, Wii U's tablet have all the button he wants, plus a screen that was experimented and improved (touch screen) over the Gamecube-GBA connection.

 

[freddy]

Negotiations are ongoing.

 

[TheExplodingHead]

More than that, Wii U's tablet have all the button he wants, plus a screen that was experimented and improved (touch screen) over the Gamecube-GBA connection.

I seriously question the ergonomics vs the epic ergonomics of the GC controller. That's beside the fact sometimes you just want a traditional modern controller to use. A real modern Nintendo gamepad is long overdue, it's a shame because Nintendo used to have the best ones (based on function, feel and comfort) applicable to a wide variety of games. I'm sure the Upad will be great, but I still crave a real successor to the GC pad.

 

[disap.ed]

Given that the U's primary controller is predominantly a traditional controller tells me you'll probably get your wish.

The uTab doesn't have analog triggers (or at least it didn't have in the E3 '11 build), and I really doubt the ergonomics will be on par with the GCN pad (while I don't doubt it's uncomfortable in general). Also we have to see how the circle pads will be in comparison with real analog sticks (didn't Miyamoto state it was different tech than on 3DS?)

EDIT: Beaten. And yes, the GCN pad is my all-time-favorit, beside of the Z trigger (and the lack of a second) it's pretty much perfect IMO.

 

[TheExplodingHead]

EDIT: Beaten. And yes, the GCN pad is my all-time-favorit, beside of the Z trigger (and the lack of a second) it's pretty much perfect IMO.

My only issues with the GC controller were the obvious C-Stick and Dpad. Which I'd like to see improved in any hypothetical new Nintendo pad.

I'd also like wired/wireless option (with braided cable), micro-switches on the buttons and Dpad, perfect GCN analog's, as well as tension adjust so you can always tighten the sticks when they get loose, leading to longer life of the controller. And I'd pay $85-$90 for a perfect Nintendo gamepad with all modern staples. And even more for a version you can use on PC!

 

[Terrell]

I seriously question the ergonomics vs the epic ergonomics of the GC controller. That's beside the fact sometimes you just want a traditional modern controller to use. A real modern Nintendo gamepad is long overdue, it's a shame because Nintendo used to have the best ones (based on function, feel and comfort) applicable to a wide variety of games. I'm sure the Upad will be great, but I still crave a real successor to the GC pad.

If that's what you wanted, then maybe you and the myriad of people who now vocally state it's so awesome should have said something while the entire gaming community, developers and journalists included, were taking a huge steaming shit all over it and the console it attaches to?

Sorry, I get a little tense on the subject of the GCN controller. Seems like gamers woke up this gen and realized how awesome it was, something I realized in 2001 when I wrapped my hands around it for the very first time.

This is why you shouldn't listen to haters... they'll change their mind in 5 years. Like clockwork. You're already starting to see that reversal in the "lol waggle" crowd. Turns my stomach, really, to see such a lack of foresight in humanity.

 

[disap.ed]

WTF? Calm down a bit. I never heard something such bad about the GCN controller before (beside of the port unfriendly button layout). And whom should I have told that I liked it back in the days?

Okay, the digipad is a bit to small, never had problems with the C-stick though (while it wouldn't harm if it would use a full size analog stick).

And yes, wireless (including rumble) would be nice.

 

[squid]

I've always been a bit meh about the GC contoller actually. In addition to the dpad and z button issues, I've never liked the triggers, even though others seem to love them. Plus the shape of it just doesn't fit my hands as well as a 360 controller for example. It's still a heck of a lot better than the Playstation controller though.

 

[Vinci]

The uTab doesn't have analog triggers (or at least it didn't have in the E3 '11 build), and I really doubt the ergonomics will be on par with the GCN pad (while I don't doubt it's uncomfortable in general). Also we have to see how the circle pads will be in comparison with real analog sticks (didn't Miyamoto state it was different tech than on 3DS?)

EDIT: Beaten. And yes, the GCN pad is my all-time-favorit, beside of the Z trigger (and the lack of a second) it's pretty much perfect IMO.

Given its other input options, the uTab should do fine without analogue triggers. Frankly, those have always seemed a bit superfluous to me - even in FPS titles that use them often. As for the ergonomics... *shrugs* The GCN pad was fantastically ergonomic, I agree with that, but it's impossible for me to know how one stacks up to other without having held the uTab. I don't think it has to be exactly the same to work well for the purpose you're suggesting.

I do, however, agree with doubts about the circle pads. They are the only parts of the uTab that I am truly concerned about. I get why they're using them, but still... it's a questionable choice depending on their functionality.

 

[Terrell]

WTF? Calm down a bit. I never heard something such bad about the GCN controller before (beside of the port unfriendly button layout). And whom should I have told that I liked it back in the days?

Okay, the digipad is a bit to small, never had problems with the C-stick though (while it wouldn't harm if it would use a full size analog stick).

And yes, wireless (including rumble) would be nice.

You mean the C-nipple, right?

The button layout was the most vocal complaint/troll against it, but to say you couldn't translate a game to that layout is/was ridiculous, when so few games required the use of 2 buttons simultaneously outside of fighters, and even GameCube got Soul Calibur 2, FFS.

But that didn't stop trolling it for issues rarely even related to usability.

"Why does it have a nipple on it?"
"Feels like I'm wrapping my hands around 2 vibrators, it's worse than the N64!"
"No dual shoulder buttons? Lame."
"It's too small, why does Nintendo only make controllers for tiny Japanese hands?"

But the most common complaint was "why couldn't they just make something like the Dual Shock? Nintendo being different for the sake of being different again."

Hell, it even got shit for its BEST feature: resistive shoulder triggers. Forget that they were analogue, I actually liked that they provided a slight strain against your finger. A physical response to gauge just how much you're pushed the button in was super-useful. Making triggers analogue without providing resistance feedback is almost... pointless.

 

[disap.ed]

You don't have to tell me, I am perfectly fine with the button layout, honestly it is fantastic IMO because even a retard can find the buttons without looking (something that I can't say about the dual shock for example)

And yes, the resistive shoulder buttons were the child of a genius.

EDIT: And it has a nipple because every man loves nipples, no?

 

[Caramello]

I consider all video game consoles to be playthings, toys.

Indeed they are.

 

[Svafnir]

I consider all video game consoles to be playthings, toys.

And how the nostalgia feeling like a child comes over me while playing video games. I will never grow up.

 

[fabricated backlash]

Given its other input options, the uTab should do fine without analogue triggers. Frankly, those have always seemed a bit superfluous to me - even in FPS titles that use them often. As for the ergonomics... *shrugs* The GCN pad was fantastically ergonomic, I agree with that, but it's impossible for me to know how one stacks up to other without having held the uTab. I don't think it has to be exactly the same to work well for the purpose you're suggesting.

I do, however, agree with doubts about the circle pads. They are the only parts of the uTab that I am truly concerned about. I get why they're using them, but still... it's a questionable choice depending on their functionality.

After spending around 60 hours with RE:R I can safely say that a Circle Pad can provide the same accuracy and comfort as any analog stick. Though it certainly takes some time to adapt to it's flat radius vs the angled input of a stick.
Still, they could improve the slide pads even further by adding indentations and a grip rubber surface to them.

 

[snowdog1971]

I hope they don't pull a "Red steel" with that - a.k.a. a rushed launch-game release that doesn't live up to everybody's expectations - I like the idea of a science-fiction game taking place in London has some potential, but maybe they should better take their time this time around.

Even better is having a protagonist shouting "Fack Orf!" And "'Ave it!!!" as he kills enemies lol. Whenever I hear the latter I always think of David Beckham breaking the windscreen of Gary Neville's car in the car park at Carrington, United's training ground, years ago lololol

I wouldn't worry about it being another Red Steel too much (although at the time I thought that the game was excellent myself) because it's been in development for a while and whilst the touchscreen on the controller is a new thing it isn't as alien a concept as motion controls were at the time and also gives developers a traditional dual analog control setup to work with. It's the (presumed) launch title I'm most looking forward to myself.

 

[TunaLover]

Negotiations are ongoing.

?

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

?

I've been trying to understand what he's going at for about an hour. I still don't get it.

 

[Jackano]

Negotiations are ongoing.

Indeed, any more precise news about that?

Edit: He probably know something about Nintendo wanting to buy the domain who currently is owned by some canadian enterprise. I'm interested to see how and how much this will end ^^

 

[Nibel]

Maybe he means the domain? If the system is indeed named Wii U, then I don't think that Nintendo would accept that www.wiiu.com is some kind of gaming blog.

 

[TunaLover]

BTW wii-u.com and wii-u.net links have connection to Nintendo site.

 

[Rösti]

BTW wii-u.com and wii-u.net links have connection to Nintendo site.[

Indeed. Nintendo registered a bunch of domains connected to Wii U in conjunction with E3 2011. Here is some reference information for wii-u.com:

Domain Name.......... wii-u.com
Creation Date........ 2011-06-08
Registration Date.... 2011-06-08
Expiry Date.......... 2012-06-08
Organisation Name.... Nintendo of America Inc.
Organisation Address. 4600 150th Ave. N.E.
Organisation Address.
Organisation Address. Redmond
Organisation Address. 98052
Organisation Address. WA
Organisation Address. UNITED STATES

Domain Name: WII-U.COM
Registrar: MELBOURNE IT, LTD. D/B/A INTERNET NAMES WORLDWIDE
Whois Server: whois.melbourneit.com
Referral URL: http://www.melbourneit.com
Name Server: A4.NSTLD.COM
Name Server: F4.NSTLD.COM
Name Server: G4.NSTLD.COM
Name Server: L4.NSTLD.COM
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Updated Date: 07-jun-2011
Creation Date: 07-jun-2011
Expiration Date: 07-jun-2012

Sources: https://www.speednames.com/, http://www.verisigninc.com/en_US/products-and-services/domain-name-services/whois/index.xhtml

Notice that Verisign says it was created on the 7th of June while Speednames claims the 8th of June. I trust Verisign here, as they manage the .com domain. Wiiu.com however was created on the 13th of January 2004, and registered through a company called Dotster/Namesdirect. And I go with Nibel here, Nintendo surely won't accept this domain is owned by anyone else but themselves.