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[IceDoesntHelp]

Sorry to hear that one was your first, haha. If you thought the Wii U reveal was vague and lacking information, then here is the Wii's reveal. This is where Iwata's "You will say wow" comes from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=69vFDd6PRpc#t=249s

The Wii U reveal was...odd. I had no idea what was going on, should have brought the console out on stage. Would have made things less confusing, that's for sure...oh and the name didn't help either.
I've heard that line so many times. My initial thought was that the Wii was actually suppose to be in HD, but the motion controls basically gimped that idea (due to price). If that's not what happened, then I have to say that they were working on Galaxy for a long time, and thought that every developer could bring out visuals like that on the Wii, obviously that was false.

 

[AzaK]

The thing that excites me more about the WiiU is the streaming, that's fucking genius,

I agree, and I think people are under estimating it. I'm like you in that I share my tv with my wife. She doesn't mind me playing games but I don't want to hog the thing all the time so being able to play while the TV is in use is amazing.

I also use my iPad quite regularly while watching TV too so replacing that with my Wii U for looking up shit on IMDB will be cool. If they also add in decent friend lists and a good online infrastructure I hope to be able to also check who's playing what, join a game, chat etc

Well that's my dream anyway. Wii U is full of potential.

 

[EatChildren]

The Wii U reveal was...odd.

Truly it was beyond odd, into the realm of flat out terribad. I dont think there's ever been such a poorly executed hardware reveal.

 

[nckillthegrimace]

Truly it was beyond odd, into the realm of flat out terribad. I dont think there's ever been such a poorly executed hardware reveal.

Was it the Sega Saturn that was revealed and then released the next day, or was that a post reveal event?

 

[Gamer @ Heart]

Truly it was beyond odd, into the realm of flat out terribad. I dont think there's ever been such a poorly executed hardware reveal.

The actual Presentation might have left many questions, but actual impressions from the show floor hours later where almost all unanimously positive. That alone makes the reveal a success in my eyes.

I think the big issue of E3 were our expectations. We wanted a console blowout like the 360 did at E3 05, instead we got what was essentially a controller reveal, like the Wii did at a separate smaller conference.

 

[Ushojax]

You think the 3DS should have launched Fall 2011?

I bet Nintendo wishes it had done, and done so at $170 with Mario Kart 7, 3D Land and a robust online system. For whatever reason Nintendo convinced itself that it had to release the 3DS when it did (and at $250), and it backfired massively. No way that Nintendo will release the Wii U in the same circumstances.

 

[bgassassin]

The Wii U reveal was...odd. I had no idea what was going on, should have brought the console out on stage. Would have made things less confusing, that's for sure...oh and the name didn't help either.
I've heard that line so many times. My initial thought was that the Wii was actually suppose to be in HD, but the motion controls basically gimped that idea (due to price). If that's not what happened, then I have to say that they were working on Galaxy for a long time, and thought that every developer could bring out visuals like that on the Wii, obviously that was false.

Yeah. Just spending 45-60 seconds showing the console first would have made a big difference. The "complaints" would have probably been limited to how it looks like the Wii only longer and that it might not be powerful based on its look.

 

[EatChildren]

The actual Presentation might have left many questions, but actual impressions from the show floor hours later where almost all unanimously positive. That alone makes the reveal a success in my eyes.

I think the big issue of E3 were our expectations. We wanted a console blowout like the 360 did at E3 05, instead we got what was essentially a controller reveal, like the Wii did at a separate smaller conference.

The positive impressions on the show floor still weren't enough though. Nintendo's public reveal for their next major home console, successor to the Wii (their most successful system, and the third most successful console of all time), was a mess of confusion and tech demoes. People were easily mistaking the system to be just a Wii periperhal, and Nintendo completely failed to sell any kind of software or online experience. At E3, the Wii U was nothing more than an idea, and a badly presented one at that.

Nintendo has me by the balls and always will, because I think they're still one of the best software developers in the market, and there's no way I could ever say no to Metroid, Mario, Zelda, F-Zero and more. Nintendo could churn out a brick with one button and I'd still have to buy it for those games .

But damn has the company done absolutely nothing to convince me the Wii U wont be anything less than another Wii, in terms of online interface and third party support. The disasterous launch of the 3DS does little to quell those concerns. For the record, I actually fucking love the Wii, moreso than most, but Nintendo is one of those companies I see consistently (at least recently) slipping up in areas I want them to succeed.

 

[BurntPork]

I bet Nintendo wishes it had done, and done so at $170 with Mario Kart 7, 3D Land and a robust online system. For whatever reason Nintendo convinced itself that it had to release the 3DS when it did (and at $250), and it backfired massively. No way that Nintendo will release the Wii U in the same circumstances.

I doubt that they care about online. They're still not even trying to fix their online system.There's not even any messaging, and doubt there will ever be. Honestly, I think that if Nintendo went third-party, they'd still find a way to force friend codes. I think they have them because they're afraid of lawsuits from parents, so they'll keep them forever to avoid liability.

 

[Azure J]

EatChildren's thoughts completely mirror my own, with the only differences being that I' (probably foolishly) staying optimistic while sticking to the belief that this period is just Nintendo going through some growing pains as they go from Wii to Wii U and have to accommodate for the wide wide world of current (and future) gaming.

It's their ball game to win spectacularly or lose pitiably now.

 

[EatChildren]

I doubt that they care about online. They're still not even trying to fix their online system.There's not even any messaging, and doubt there will ever be. Honestly, I think that if Nintendo went third-party, they'd still find a way to force friend codes. I think they have them because their afraid of lawsuits from parents, so they'll keep them forever to avoid liability.

Nintendo has more or less blatantly said they dont see themselves as ever having a high priority online focus.

One day this bubble they live in is going to pop.

 

[BurntPork]

Nintendo has more or less blatantly said they dont see themselves as ever having a high priority online focus.

One day this bubble they live in is going to pop.

I doubt it unless management is completely replaced. Until then, the Wii U's wild west strategy is the best we'll ever get.

 

[EatChildren]

I doubt it unless management is completely replaced. Until then, the Wii U's wild west strategy is the best we'll ever get.

I mean it will pop in a bad way.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

The positive impressions on the show floor still weren't enough though. Nintendo's public reveal for their next major home console, successor to the Wii (their most successful system, and the third most successful console of all time), was a mess of confusion and tech demoes. People were easily mistaking the system to be just a Wii periperhal, and Nintendo completely failed to sell any kind of software or online experience. At E3, the Wii U was nothing more than an idea, and a badly presented one at that.

Nintendo has me by the balls and always will, because I think they're still one of the best software developers in the market, and there's no way I could ever say no to Metroid, Mario, Zelda, F-Zero and more. Nintendo could churn out a brick with one button and I'd still have to buy it for those games .

But damn has the company done absolutely nothing to convince me the Wii U wont be anything less than another Wii, in terms of online interface and third party support. The disasterous launch of the 3DS does little to quell those concerns. For the record, I actually fucking love the Wii, moreso than most, but Nintendo is one of those companies I see consistently (at least recently) slipping up in areas I want them to succeed.

Whie I generally share your concerns they have very little to do with how the console was revealed.

 

[BurntPork]

I mean it will pop in a bad way.

I know what you mean, but they'll act like it's still there and nothing will change. They'll drive themselves into the ground before they wake up.

 

[EatChildren]

I know what you mean, but they'll act like it's still there and nothing will change. They'll drive themselves into the ground before they wake up.

Well yeah, it will drive them into the ground. It baffles me that any company of such great success in a modern market either cannot or will not see the future of connectivity and networking and the importance it will play in every single industry.

 

[Gaborn]

The positive impressions on the show floor still weren't enough though. Nintendo's public reveal for their next major home console, successor to the Wii (their most successful system, and the third most successful console of all time), was a mess of confusion and tech demoes. People were easily mistaking the system to be just a Wii periperhal, and Nintendo completely failed to sell any kind of software or online experience. At E3, the Wii U was nothing more than an idea, and a badly presented one at that.

Nintendo has me by the balls and always will, because I think they're still one of the best software developers in the market, and there's no way I could ever say no to Metroid, Mario, Zelda, F-Zero and more. Nintendo could churn out a brick with one button and I'd still have to buy it for those games .

But damn has the company done absolutely nothing to convince me the Wii U wont be anything less than another Wii, in terms of online interface and third party support. The disasterous launch of the 3DS does little to quell those concerns. For the record, I actually fucking love the Wii, moreso than most, but Nintendo is one of those companies I see consistently (at least recently) slipping up in areas I want them to succeed.

It's the same damn drum I've been beating for a while. Nintendo NEEDS to do an event to change people's impressions of the Wii U. Too often consoles are killed by negative early buzz. We saw it with the PS3 for example just being DESTROYED over the $599 price point, and that knock of it being the expensive console became mind share. Or the GameCube, it never shook off the early "lunch box" knock on the design (which I actually quite liked personally, very minimalist) or the "kiddy" slur.

Whether an early impression is "real" or not it can affect how consumers will perceive a system for YEARS. How many people were leery of the 360 for years after the RROD problem was solved? So, Nintendo needs to "reboot" consumers impressions.

Right now there is a ton of uncertainty around the Wii U and the rumors are skewing negative, the longer Nintendo remains silent the more entrenched the rumors become and the more effort Nintendo needs to exert to regain mind share. Nintendo MUST restore confidence in it's brand and in the Wii U specifically or it could be an epic failure.

 

[schuelma]

It's the same damn drum I've been beating for a while. Nintendo NEEDS to do an event to change people's impressions of the Wii U. Too often consoles are killed by negative early buzz. We saw it with the PS3 for example just being DESTROYED over the $599 price point, and that knock of it being the expensive console became mind share. Or the GameCube, it never shook off the early "lunch box" knock on the design (which I actually quite liked personally, very minimalist) or the "kiddy" slur.

Whether an early impression is "real" or not it can affect how consumers will perceive a system for YEARS. How many people were leery of the 360 for years after the RROD problem was solved? So, Nintendo needs to "reboot" consumers impressions.

Right now there is a ton of uncertainty around the Wii U and the rumors are skewing negative, the longer Nintendo remains silent the more entrenched the rumors become and the more effort Nintendo needs to exert to regain mind share. Nintendo MUST restore confidence in it's brand and in the Wii U specifically or it could be an epic failure.

I agree with you, but launch is still probably about a year away. If anything Nintendo was way too early at E3 and should not do a re-unveil until they have real impressive footage to show.

Also, Nintendo needs to focus on the 3DS this year and make sure their portable business is taken care of.

For Japan, DQX coming to Wii U as an online title is a good start.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

It's the same damn drum I've been beating for a while. Nintendo NEEDS to do an event to change people's impressions of the Wii U. Too often consoles are killed by negative early buzz. We saw it with the PS3 for example just being DESTROYED over the $599 price point, and that knock of it being the expensive console became mind share. Or the GameCube, it never shook off the early "lunch box" knock on the design (which I actually quite liked personally, very minimalist) or the "kiddy" slur.

Whether an early impression is "real" or not it can affect how consumers will perceive a system for YEARS. How many people were leery of the 360 for years after the RROD problem was solved? So, Nintendo needs to "reboot" consumers impressions.

Right now there is a ton of uncertainty around the Wii U and the rumors are skewing negative, the longer Nintendo remains silent the more entrenched the rumors become and the more effort Nintendo needs to exert to regain mind share. Nintendo MUST restore confidence in it's brand and in the Wii U specifically or it could be an epic failure.

The pretty horrible starts that the PS2, 360, DS, and PS1 had didn't really affect those systems long-term. It's obviously better to have a good start than a bad one, but no one will care that the WiiU had a bad e3 2011 if in 2013 it's a really good piece of hardware with lots of appealing games.

 

[phosphor112]

Well yeah, it will drive them into the ground. It baffles me that any company of such great success in a modern market either cannot or will not see the future of connectivity and networking and the importance it will play in every single industry.

This is exactly why I can't support Nintendo anymore. It makes me so mad. I'm serious, straight up MAD. Games are my life, I play them, design them, go to school for them, and want to make a company for games. Seeing Nintendo, a lovely childhood memory of mine just make completely IGNORANT decisions again and again that hurts them as a company just makes me want to punch a wall.

I haven't supported them since the GC, and I plan to keep it that way until I see some change... So far, the Wii U's partial attempt at a hardware upgrade... and using a proprietary format (****ing again) doesn't convince me to do that.

Convince me otherwise Nintendo, ffs, please.

 

[BurntPork]

This is exactly why I can't support Nintendo anymore. It makes me so mad. I'm serious, straight up MAD. Games are my life, I play them, design them, go to school for them, and want to make a company for games. Seeing Nintendo, a lovely childhood memory of mine just make completely IGNORANT decisions again and again that hurts them as a company just makes me want to punch a wall.

I haven't supported them since the GC, and I plan to keep it that way until I see some change... So far, the Wii U's partial attempt at a hardware upgrade... and using a proprietary format (****ing again) doesn't convince me to do that.

Convince me otherwise Nintendo, ffs, please.

On the hardware side, they can't carter to you anymore. The only way they could meet your perception of "next gen" is to launch 3 years late. Losing $100+ on each console isn't a viable option for them.

 

[phosphor112]

On the hardware side, they can't carter to you anymore. The only way they could meet your perception of "next gen" is to launch 3 years late. Losing $100+ on each console isn't a viable option for them.

I don't want them to lose money per console, I want them to stop spending money for bullshit proprietary hardware. Don't want to pay DVD licensing? Deal with it, production is still a crap ton cheaper than making your own format, even if it's already based off of current tech.

Not only that, but their firmware feature set is just NOTHING. There is nothing relevant to people in them. Wii opera browser was awesome... but that's it. Nothing else exists that they have that gives me a reason to buy it. When I want a device, it has to be more than just games. Hell I'm not expecting some media powerhouse like PS3/Vita, but just give me some options!

 

[RedSwirl]

Well yeah, it will drive them into the ground. It baffles me that any company of such great success in a modern market either cannot or will not see the future of connectivity and networking and the importance it will play in every single industry.

Not to get all east vs west here, but it kinda still isn't that important on the Japanese side of the industry, and that's still a large part of Nintendo's focus, even for their consoles. Even in North America the market that Nintendo has gone for doesn't much care for the kind of environment that Xbox Live has. Sony's market priorities are completely different in that regard.

I agree that if Nintendo wants to bring back "core" gamers they need something there, but I just don't see them ever directly copying XBL. They've already admitted they don't have the connectivity know-how to do it. It's just one way they're caught in a sort of conundrum of bringing what core gamers want without alienating the casual audience.

I'm just glad Nintendo hasn't forgotten the value of local multiplayer. Whenever I have anyone over for gaming, Nintendo consoles is more or less all we boot up.

 

[SolarPowered]

Nintendo has me by the balls and always will, because I think they're still one of the best software developers in the market, and there's no way I could ever say no to Metroid, Mario, Zelda, F-Zero and more. Nintendo could churn out a brick with one button and I'd still have to buy it for those games .

Doesn't even seem like we'll ever get a proper Metroid/F-Zero title on a Nintendo console at this rate again...

meh

But damn has the company done absolutely nothing to convince me the Wii U wont be anything less than another Wii, in terms of online interface and third party support. The disasterous launch of the 3DS does little to quell those concerns. For the record, I actually fucking love the Wii, moreso than most, but Nintendo is one of those companies I see consistently (at least recently) slipping up in areas I want them to succeed.

I may start to play my Wii again now that my cousin who played with me(nearly all the systems from 1985+) is going to be close again.

I don't intend on wasting my money on the WiiU at this rate. All hope is lost with Nintendo on anything outside of their main software...

 

[Azure Dream]

Truly it was beyond odd, into the realm of flat out terribad. I dont think there's ever been such a poorly executed hardware reveal.

"We're only going to talk about our brand new controller this E3. Look at this fantastic controller!"
"A controller every player can enjoy at once?"
"PFFT, of course not. Why would you want to use more than one? The rest of you get Wiimotes!"

 

[EatChildren]

When I want a device, it has to be more than just games.

I dont think I entirely agree with your outlook, but I guess its because I'm firmly in the "software trumps all" party, so no matter how flawed the GCN or Wii might be Nintendo's excellent software ultimately makes them worth the purchase.

For me, the issue is that connectivity isn't a gaming industry specific thing. Its society. Its technology. Its how the world is advancing and changing. I ranted about it here or elsewhere, but internet speeds are getting faster, more widespread, with more flexible bandwith limits at cheaper costs. That's just the direction of technology and the way society is adopting that technology.

Its...'bigger' than the gaming industry. Connectivity is already shaping the world as we know it. Its changing the way industries operate. Its changing the way things can be built. Its changing distribution. Of everything. And its only going to get bigger and bigger.

Nintendo's reluctance to jump in head first into an online world is very concerning to me, as its the equivilent to someone decades ago trying to write off the concept behind the home PC, or even the car. Its like this big, glaring, noisy wake up call. Everything is changing, and is going to continue changing for some time, and for every second Nintendo sit on their hands they get further and further behind, making it harder to catch up.

Even with the things they're doing with the 3DS in the online space (poorly, mind you), and the occasional pro-online quote from Iwata and co, I cant help but shake the feeling that Nintendo is stuck in the past, and legitimately believes the 'this or that' policy of online can apply to their products. Once upon a time this was true, but that window is closing. It wont be 'this or that', it will be 'this or nothing', and every console or portable they release that fails to grab the connected world by the balls will be criticised for lacking important features.

This probably all sounds quite hyperbolic. The irony is I'm not a huge online gamer, nor someone who loves social networking. But I really, truly believe that is the unstoppable way of the future. A natural progression. And Nintendo seem oblivious to it.

Not to get all east vs west here, but it kinda still isn't that important on the Japanese side of the industry, and that's still a large part of Nintendo's focus, even for their consoles. Even in North America the market that Nintendo has gone for doesn't much care for the kind of environment that Xbox Live has. Sony's market priorities are completely different in that regard.

I agree that if Nintendo wants to bring back "core" gamers they need something there, but I just don't see them ever directly copying XBL. They've already admitted they don't have the connectivity know-how to do it. It's just one way they're caught in a sort of conundrum of bringing what core gamers want without alienating the casual audience.

I'm just glad Nintendo hasn't forgotten the value of local multiplayer. Whenever I have anyone over for gaming, Nintendo consoles is more or less all we boot up.

I actually agree with all of this, especially the market in Japan, and Nintendo's strong push for local multiplayer (which is awesome). But its not going to last forever.

 

[Azure J]

This topic is so sobering/depressing after all the buildup and hype going into E3. Nintendo needs to do/say something and fucking fast. The easiest thing they could satiate people with would be some details on their online feature set. If only someone would leak who is working/collaborating with them on their online and how competent it is.

 

[RedSwirl]

Nintendo's reluctance to jump in head first into an online world is very concerning to me, as its the equivilent to someone decades ago trying to write off the concept behind the home PC, or even the car. Its like this big, glaring, noisy wake up call. Everything is changing, and is going to continue changing for some time, and for every second Nintendo sit on their hands they get further and further behind, making it harder to catch up.

See, if you look back Nintendo has never been the kind of company to jump headfirst into new technology. They always wait until it's ready, until most people can have reasonable access to it (and other reasons).

The reason Nintendo didn't do online last gen was because it didn't actually make a lot of money, and only a tiny fraction of console gamers actually played games online back them. I don't think it's a matter of Nintendo being oblivious, they just don't believe in the way Sony and Microsoft are doing it. In a lot of ways I don't either.

Like you, I actually don't play online games that much... on consoles. Things like DLC, online passes, and matchmaking to me feel like poor imitations of what was originally an infrastructure made for the PC. I'm glad today's consoles have the overall online connectivity that they do (and even the Wii has a lot of that), but for some reason I feel like the current way multiplayer is being handled just doesn't "fit" for console gaming. I still feel like local mulitiplayer is a console thing, and online is a PC thing.

What I HOPE Nintendo is doing is trying to figure out their own way to do online multiplayer that isn't a cheap imitation and actually feels like it works specifically for console gaming.

 

[Cmd. Pishad'aç]

The ultimate feature I want is a powerfull internet browser and messaging system on the console, where I can use the wiimote IR pointer as a mouse, and the tablet lying on my lap becomes a keyboard&webcam&mic.

The good games are secured of course.

Oh, and videochat will never happen on Wii U. You have heard it here first.

 

[schuelma]

I think people are being just a bit too impatient with Nintendo right now. The E3 premature reveal kind of threw things off IMO.

Let's see how it looks next year when it is actually getting ready to launch.

 

[The M.O.B]

The ultimate feature I want is a powerfull internet browser and messaging system on the console, where I can use the wiimote IR pointer as a mouse, and the tablet lying on my lap becomes a keyboard&webcam&mic.

The good games are secured of course.

Oh, and videochat will never happen on Wii U. You have heard it here first.

They showed video chat in their promo video, i think it will come but it will be one of those things Nintendo doesn't implement until a year after launch.

 

[EatChildren]

One game/franchise I really think would be a poster child for the benefits of a digitally networked world, that Nintendo could pimp hard, would be New Super Mario Bros.

The game's framework is ideal for including a level building toolset, and would be perfect for the Wii U's controller interface. A hugely popular franchise like that is perfect for allowing friends to build their own stages and share them.

Whether they do or don't include such a feature, NSMB is also a wonderful framework for a DLC model. Nintendo could theoretically approach a NSMB Wii U as a base package that they can continue to expand, develop and enhance over time. Think like what Valve has done with Team Fortress 2. Imagine New Super Mario Bros. Wii U launching with the system, and acting as a foundation for a series of upgrades and iterations through a digital network. Download the sequel (new stages, hub worlds, powers, etc), download expansions, new world building toolsets, etc.

Stuff like that is exactly why I wish Nintendo would jump into the online world. A day one New Super Mario Bros built for online connectivity and expansion could be a hugely popular and viable product right up until the next generation, if supported correctly.

 

[Fantastical]

They showed video chat in their promo video, i think it will come but it will be one of those things Nintendo doesn't implement until a year after launch.

Nintendo really needs to get over this. It's inexcusable that the 3DS launched without the eShop. If they do the same type of stuff with the Wii U, it will be a huge mistake.

All basic online features need to be in there at launch.

 

[Red UFO]

One game/franchise I really think would be a poster child for the benefits of a digitally networked world, that Nintendo could pimp hard, would be New Super Mario Bros.

The game's framework is ideal for including a level building toolset, and would be perfect for the Wii U's controller interface. A hugely popular franchise like that is perfect for allowing friends to build their own stages and share them.

Whether they do or don't include such a feature, NSMB is also a wonderful framework for a DLC model. Nintendo could theoretically approach a NSMB Wii U as a base package that they can continue to expand, develop and enhance over time. Think like what Valve has done with Team Fortress 2. Imagine New Super Mario Bros. Wii U launching with the system, and acting as a foundation for a series of upgrades and iterations through a digital network. Download the sequel (new stages, hub worlds, powers, etc), download expansions, new world building toolsets, etc.

Stuff like that is exactly why I wish Nintendo would jump into the online world. A day one New Super Mario Bros built for online connectivity and expansion could be a hugely popular and viable product right up until the next generation, if supported correctly.

Unfortunately, this makes far too much sense for Nintendo to do

 

[StickSoldier]

Truly it was beyond odd, into the realm of flat out terribad. I dont think there's ever been such a poorly executed hardware reveal.

Yeah, I found my self questioning if the Wii U was a new console or not after that reveal, even after reports already confirmed it was. I know they were trying to emphasize the controller, but you can at least show the damn console so people aren't confused.

 

[BurntPork]

See, if you look back Nintendo has never been the kind of company to jump headfirst into new technology. They always wait until it's ready, until most people can have reasonable access to it (and other reasons).

The reason Nintendo didn't do online last gen was because it didn't actually make a lot of money, and only a tiny fraction of console gamers actually played games online back them. I don't think it's a matter of Nintendo being oblivious, they just don't believe in the way Sony and Microsoft are doing it. In a lot of ways I don't either.

Like you, I actually don't play online games that much... on consoles. Things like DLC, online passes, and matchmaking to me feel like poor imitations of what was originally an infrastructure made for the PC. I'm glad today's consoles have the overall online connectivity that they do (and even the Wii has a lot of that), but for some reason I feel like the current way multiplayer is being handled just doesn't "fit" for console gaming. I still feel like local mulitiplayer is a console thing, and online is a PC thing.

What I HOPE Nintendo is doing is trying to figure out their own way to do online multiplayer that isn't a cheap imitation and actually feels like it works specifically for console gaming.

Negated by the fact that 3DS online is like 0.5% better than Wii.

 

[bgassassin]

One day this bubble they live in is going to pop.

I would say it already popped and they realize it now. The real concern is how they go about fixing the problem and the execution of those fixes.

 

[Übermatik]

Negated by the fact that 3DS online is like 0.5% better than Wii.

Single friend codes is about 50% better to me. The next half will be getting rid of them all together.

 

[Koren]

It's the same damn drum I've been beating for a while. Nintendo NEEDS to do an event to change people's impressions of the Wii U. Too often consoles are killed by negative early buzz. We saw it with the PS3 for example just being DESTROYED over the $599 price point, and that knock of it being the expensive console became mind share.

For me, it has less to do with the negative buzz and more with the actual price.

 

[Koren]

Single friend codes is about 50% better to me. The next half will be getting rid of them all together.

I've yet to see the difference between a friend code and a login. Or if I see one, I prefer the friend code (at least, you can freely choose your nickname, and not use something nobody will recognize or add a stupid _27 after it).

Or you mean invites/possibility to add people meet during gameplay. But those both things have nothing to do with friends codes.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

I hope Nintendo has some new casual franchises planned because I don't think WiiSports 3 or WiiFit 3 will push systems looking at how Nintendogs 2 didn't (And how WiiPlay Motion just failed). Been way too conservative in casual space ever since WiiMusic.

 

[Hero of Legend]

Think any Wii U news will be at TGS? We did get DQX after all. But still, that one was certainly a biggie.

 

[BurntPork]

Single friend codes is about 50% better to me. The next half will be getting rid of them all together.

The fact that there are still no invites makes it only 20% better, but the removal of messaging negates that pretty much completely.

Think any Wii U news will be at TGS? We did get DQX after all. But still, that one was certainly a biggie.

No. We probably won't see it again until GDC.

 

[corn_fest]

I've yet to see the difference between a friend code and a login.

The nice thing about normal usernames is that you can tell someone, "oh, my name is x, add me," instead of looking up and telling them a 12 digit number and having them get out a pad of paper to write it down.

 

[guek]

The reason Nintendo didn't do online last gen was because it didn't actually make a lot of money, and only a tiny fraction of console gamers actually played games online back them. I don't think it's a matter of Nintendo being oblivious, they just don't believe in the way Sony and Microsoft are doing it.

What I HOPE Nintendo is doing is trying to figure out their own way to do online multiplayer that isn't a cheap imitation and actually feels like it works specifically for console gaming.

History supports this (optical media, HD resolution, etc.) but until they put out a competitive online platform, myself and many others are going to have doubts.

I do agree though that nintendo isn't being run by a bunch of blundering idiots. They're not oblivious to the online market, they just have yet to nail down how exactly they want to utilize it. People think that nintendo doesn't care about online, but they wanted to incorporate unprecedented ideas such as the virtual console and wiiconnect24 from day 1. The problem is, the online market has evolved drastically since 2006 and the wii was never, ever designed to be prepared for that.

Some people might call that short sighted, but that's only in hindsight. It's easy to kick the wii down now that nintendo is in a transition period, but from 2006-2010, the wii completely dominated the market. The worst thing that can be said about the wii from a market point of view (other than the fact that it wasn't a great platform for 3rd parties), is that it set a really poor precedent for future nintendo products. Because the wii had a online system unprepared to meet the challenges of a 2011 marketplace, people assume the wii U wont either.

I personally think it's impossible to really predict how things are going to turn out. Pessimism is understandable, but doom-saying feels a bit harsh. Nintendo generally doesn't put out new products that don't improve, in some way, on the major failings of the previous generation.

Think any Wii U news will be at TGS? We did get DQX after all. But still, that one was certainly a biggie.

I think developers will talk about wii U, but only in vague and uncertain terms. No one is going to show squat because nintendo probably has asked devs not to.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

Negated by the fact that 3DS online is like 0.5% better than Wii.

May I ask how? I personally think the 3DS' online is all around better than the Wii's (yes even the eshop).

 

[Anth0ny]

I would say it already popped and they realize it now. The real concern is how they go about fixing the problem and the execution of those fixes.

This is how they go about fixing problems. I wonder how this will translate to the Wii U.

 

[Jin34]

No that's how they appease Capcom to get the most important 3rd party portable game.

 

[BurntPork]

May I ask how? I personally think the 3DS' online is all around better than the Wii's (yes even the eshop).

Still has friend codes, still requires both people to input friend codes, and took away the messaging system. Plus, the eShop money system is worse than any other in existence.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

No that's how they appease Capcom to get the most important 3rd party portable game.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Still has friend codes, still requires both people to input friend codes, and took away the messaging system. Plus, the eShop money system is worse than any other in existence.

Fair enough. I will say the eShop money system is a pain in the ass, I personally don't mind friend codes though.