Nintendo has done it again, with Wii-U.

[Fallax]

Lotta hate going on..lol Here's a leveled headed post

1) Everyone borrows from the competition, especially when something is successful. Sony is always got this wrap of being "Copiers" of Nintendo. When the fact is, they started as the same company, are both Japanese giants, and share many of the same philosophies. Sony usually "improves" on something Nintendo accomplishes as well, and not blatantly just "copies" ala MS with avatars on 360. The industry is better because of Sony and Nintendo--period.

2) Why is there so much technicalities when it comes to Wii-U? Sure not a lot was shown, and Ninty definitely rushed it. but we aren't even sure about how much more powerful it is. If everything can look like that Zelda demo, that's a pretty nice step up from PS3/Xbox especially considering the controller is likely expensive and Nintendo won't sell an expensive console and may even bleed out Wii-U for a while. There's a ton of potential here, its something new, it's crazy early, and really, where else are games going to go? Virtual Reality, 3D? all these techs aren't really there yet to push, and I think the controller being an extension of the game now was definitely a future leap for the industry. Just let it sink in...

PS3/Vita are separate entities, it won't be supported like Wii-U unless Sony makes a push for that and bundles the consoles.

I agree the market is better with all three. All three have done great things, including Microsoft. Kinect is an amazing technology, and without Microsoft we wouldn't have Xbox Live.

It will come down to one thing, as always, which system(s) have the game you want to play.

Nintendo has their fanbase, which has likely grown larger since the Wii came out. So the only real two questions I see are will it get good exclusive third party support and will the casual audience they grabbed with the Wii feel any need to upgrade?

They seem to have gotten the third parties' attention (launching first helps in that regard) but time will have to tell with that.

But on the casual front, Nintendo seem to think that traditional controllers where too complex for the casual audience so they made the Wii-Mote, but now they come out with that monster of a controller and to me that seems to have gone the other way. It has all the buttons Sony's and MS's controllers have (I think), a touch screen and motion sensors, it's very cool from a gamers perspective (though I am still worried about the price tag) but if Nintendo was right in the first place, the casual audience may have to look elsewhere.

Games are the soul of consoles. Without the games, you ain't got soul.

So far they have said that the WiiU will only support one of those tablet controllers. Supposedly they are working on making it work with two or more but currently only one.

So my question is: When that tablet thing breaks where do i get a replacement? Is "Bob's Big Box Mart" really going to stock these if nobody ever needs to by a second expect on the rare case when the controller breaks?

Thats my question as well. Maybe you'll have to buy it directly from Nintendo?

[OmniStalgic]

Btw--Move is not forgotten, MS just shoves commercials of kinect down your throats while Sony doesn't.

Move had a rise with Killzone bundle and a few people bought it for Socom. I'd imagine Sorcery will do well as the first core game completely designed around Move. Titles like Bioshock and Resistance 3 will probably have bundles too and increase sales of the peripheral.

I disagree that Kinect is amazing tech as well, it's cool--not amazing. Much the same as Move. Playing Wii sports back in 06, that was amazing.

[Fallax]

Btw--Move is not forgotten, MS just shoves commercials of kinect down your throats while Sony doesn't.

Move had a rise with Killzone bundle and a few people bought it for Socom. I'd imagine Sorcery will do well as the first core game completely designed around Move. Titles like Bioshock and Resistance 3 will probably have bundles too and increase sales of the peripheral.

I disagree that Kinect is amazing tech as well, it's cool--not amazing. Much the same as Move. Playing Wii sports back in 06, that was amazing.

I think Kinect is pretty amazing technology, it also has the ability to create unique experiences only on Xbox. However, I know those games do use PS3 Move. That is part of the 23 games that Sony has been able to get developers to make USING their new controller. Compared to what Microsoft has been able to do -- 36. That is 13 more titles in the same time span that Sony has had. Sure, some of those games are Kinect Sports -- but some of the games on PS3 Move is singing games that aren't mainstream, as well. And did Sony focus on Move at E3? I might have missed some of that -- sure -- but Microsoft continued to push Kinect, even to go as far to say every first party title will use Kinect in some way going forward. Sony hasn't committed to the Move, and I doubt they are going to commit to the PS3/Vita combo.

Can this change? Sure, it can change at any moment. But saying your going to experiment with something and actually doing something (and committing to it) is entirely different. Nintendo is committed to this type of tablet controller -- so much they made their new console around it. And I bet you most games will use that controller in some way.

[frosty]

Um, they spent half their conference talking about Move. Move has sold 8.8 million units, on a few mil behind Kinect. And almost every game at their conference was Move enabled. You couldn't be any more wrong about them giving up on Move.

And Quantity doesn't matter when the majority of those 36 games are total garbage. Now go and look at how many Move games are of AAA quality vs. Kinect...

They already are committing to PS3<>Vita, it's been the biggest selling point since the console was unveiled. even Kojima's "big announcement" this year was a PS3/Vita cross play system.

[Fallax]

Um, they spent half their conference talking about Move. Move has sold 8.8 million units, on a few mil behind Kinect. And almost every game at their conference was Move enabled. You couldn't be any more wrong about them giving up on Move.

And Quantity doesn't matter when the majority of those 36 games are total garbage. Now go and look at how many Move games are of AAA quality vs. Kinect...

They already are committing to PS3<>Vita, it's been the biggest selling point since the console was unveiled. even Kojima's "big announcement" this year was a PS3/Vita cross play system.

That is good, then. I am glad they haven't given up on Move. I counted 17 games i am intrested in with Move, and 22 with Kinect. Sure, more are "crap" but more games I want to play.

(truth be told, i am anti-sony fan. i like ms and nintendo better and actually paid attention to their announements while half paying attention to sony. most media seems focused on vita, which is where i got my info from)

[SadPanda]

If you can find it on youtube @Fallax: you should rewatch the portion of the Sony show where they have the guy from Bioshock Infinite on. He talks about the move and his position on it. I think you'd find it interesting.

And move support for inFamous 2 apparently for when you want to create missions. idk about regular ingame stuff.

[venomv]

I agree the market is better with all three. All three have done great things, including Microsoft. Kinect is an amazing technology, and without Microsoft we wouldn't have Xbox Live.

Games are the soul of consoles. Without the games, you ain't got soul.

Thats my question as well. Maybe you'll have to buy it directly from Nintendo?

I agree that games are the soul of consoles, as you put it, but not everyone (including myself) likes Nintendo's first party enough to justify a purchase by themselves, so having third parties on board can only be a good thing, preferably with exclusives. (I wasn't sure if you where agreeing or not, thought I would rephrase)

How you play (in terms of control methods) has become more important too, though (mainly because of the success of the DS and Wii) but this time Nintendo may be alienating the same audience that helped launch Wii to the success that it had with their new controller.

I too am worried about where you would buy a replacement if you broke it if the rumor(?) is true that only one will work at a time.

Personally I think it would be a mistake if they only allowed one of those controllers to work at a time. I don't know if it was mentioned during the press conference, or maybe by someone in an interview afterwords about using the control to pick plays in Madden I think (probably all hypothetical). Personally that would be very cool to me but I play Madden games for the local multiplayer with family and friends, I don't play online and such a feature would be mostly useless without 2 of those controls. That's just one example, but I'm sure we could think of others.

[OmniStalgic]

@Fallax: Anti-Sony fan is fine. But Anti-Playstation?

You missed one of the greatest consoles last gen since SNES and a huge amount of exclusives this gen that's just getting started! Get yo self a Playstation soN!!!

[Fallax]

@Fallax: Anti-Sony fan is fine. But Anti-Playstation?

You missed one of the greatest consoles last gen since SNES and a huge amount of exclusives this gen that's just getting started! Get yo self a Playstation soN!!!

The thing is, most of the exclusive PS games I don't really want -- at least, up until PS3. There are a few games I want to play on the PS3, and I do want a PS3 for a blu-ray player (that way I can have a BR player that has connectivity to the internet) and have an added bonus of some games.

But for the most part, I am not a big Sony fan. They make some good stuff, sure, and the PS3 is actually a good product. Better designed then the Xbox 360 (original). I just don't really like Sony.

With that said, however, I still think Wii U is going to be more successful then what some are saying. I don't think it will sell as much as the Wii did -- not until the price runs down -- but the Wii U has everything Nintendo needs to make a success.

[OmniStalgic]

The thing is, most of the exclusive PS games I don't really want -- at least, up until PS3. There are a few games I want to play on the PS3, and I do want a PS3 for a blu-ray player (that way I can have a BR player that has connectivity to the internet) and have an added bonus of some games.

But for the most part, I am not a big Sony fan. They make some good stuff, sure, and the PS3 is actually a good product. Better designed then the Xbox 360 (original). I just don't really like Sony.

With that said, however, I still think Wii U is going to be more successful then what some are saying. I don't think it will sell as much as the Wii did -- not until the price runs down -- but the Wii U has everything Nintendo needs to make a success.

I feel that...Just remember to check gaming sites databases for reviews from time to time and you shouldn't miss anything.

I found out about Bioshock and Alan Wake just from browsing what's highly rated in the Xbox channels. Some games don't get a lot of media coverage and with Sony especially, some of PS3's best games are PSN titles with hardly any adverting. I cycled through all three consoles this gen though, and found my way back to PSN, Sony's WWS, Bioware, Capcom and Nintendo's first party the most.

[Viper]

Nintendo is known for having incredibly good (awarding winning, in fact) customer service. Many times even getting a free replacement console after warranty.

I'm quite certain that any issues with the Wii U controller will be handles the same way.

[Crazybone126]

Nintendo is known for having incredibly good (awarding winning, in fact) customer service. Many times even getting a free replacement console after warranty.

I'm quite certain that any issues with the Wii U controller will be handles the same way.

Yeah, they have fantastic customer service. I remember when my Wii broke and they were so helpful. I sent my Wii out and literally got it back the same week I sent it. Fantastic.

That's beside the point, though. If you can't have 4 tablet controllers running on the same console at the same time, then that's going to be an issue for me and many other buyers. I hope that since the console is still being worked on, the number of tablets will increase to 4 players when the final development kit is in use. I understand you can still use the original Wii's controller options, but why the heck would I, or anyone else, want to use that previous generation controller? If the Wii U's final design won't be able to support 4 tablets on one console, then that's going to severely hurt Nintendo.

Sidenote: I remember back on the PS2, Sony offered a "multi-tap" adapter to allow the console to support up to 6 controllers at the same time. I wish the next generation consoles could support 6 players wirelessly. I know that won't be happening, but it'd be cool.

[frosty]

I agree. Only having one screen will cripple the potential they put forth with Wii U. As for 6 players... that's a bit much don't you think? I normally don't have 6 people trying to play a video game in my home at any given point. Just seems like added cost to the device that isn't needed.

but the Wii U has everything Nintendo needs to make a success.

except more than one controller (possibly), or the power to convince those of us who own current generation consoles to upgrade. Or a gimmick as catchy as motion control to lure in the casual crowd.

[Fallax]

Yeah, they have fantastic customer service. I remember when my Wii broke and they were so helpful. I sent my Wii out and literally got it back the same week I sent it. Fantastic.

That's beside the point, though. If you can't have 4 tablet controllers running on the same console at the same time, then that's going to be an issue for me and many other buyers. I hope that since the console is still being worked on, the number of tablets will increase to 4 players when the final development kit is in use. I understand you can still use the original Wii's controller options, but why the heck would I, or anyone else, want to use that previous generation controller? If the Wii U's final design won't be able to support 4 tablets on one console, then that's going to severely hurt Nintendo.

Sidenote: I remember back on the PS2, Sony offered a "multi-tap" adapter to allow the console to support up to 6 controllers at the same time. I wish the next generation consoles could support 6 players wirelessly. I know that won't be happening, but it'd be cool.

I do agree that that seem limiting. The only reason I can think is either A, however they stream the game to the controller will not allow for multiple streaming, B the Wii U doesn't have enough processing power to do HD graphics AND stream HQ images to the controller or even C, where Nintendo just doesn't want to do that. I doubt it's C. A or B is more likely. I don't think it's a cost issue, in fact it would be cost saving to sell them because mass producing the parts instead of smaller quantities make it cheaper. So it's A or B, and less likely C.

However, I will still buy the Wii U assuming the games are there -- and I am sure there will be games. I am more worried about first party games, actually. Nintendo needs to go out of the gate with both guns blasting, and have a strong third party front too.

[Viper]

Crazy, I think that's the reason that asymmetrical gameplay is being pushed by 3rd parties in those video interviews. We are so used to the idea of symmetrical multiplayer that at first we balk at the idea of asymmetrical gameplay but when you listen to some of their ideas...it's a whole new world. I recall one suggestion was that player 1 could be using the tablet to make intricate incision into a patient in an ambulance while player 2 is driving with a Wii remote. Another I heard was a player could use the Wii remote in Tekken to fight while player 2 could use the tablet to add real time changes to the arena/stage.

Nintendo made asymmetrical multiplayer popular with Super Mario Galaxy. This would take things to a whole new level.

But, the ability to use more than 1 tablet is being considered but it may simply be cost prohibitive which would prevent developers from supporting it.

[frosty]

not everyone likes the idea of being forced into choosing what task they want to do when gaming... some like the freedom of being able to do all their friend is doing, which is where the lack of multiple controllers will cripple Wii U. LBP even tried asymmetrical gameplay with Move. Never really cared for it, nor has any of my friends (except the guy playing sackboy).

[Crazybone126]

Crazy, I think that's the reason that asymmetrical gameplay is being pushed by 3rd parties in those video interviews. We are so used to the idea of symmetrical multiplayer that at first we balk at the idea of asymmetrical gameplay but when you listen to some of their ideas...it's a whole new world. I recall one suggestion was that player 1 could be using the tablet to make intricate incision into a patient in an ambulance while player 2 is driving with a Wii remote. Another I heard was a player could use the Wii remote in Tekken to fight while player 2 could use the tablet to add real time changes to the arena/stage.

Nintendo made asymmetrical multiplayer popular with Super Mario Galaxy. This would take things to a whole new level.

But, the ability to use more than 1 tablet is being considered but it may simply be cost prohibitive which would prevent developers from supporting it.

Viper: Sorry, but in this day and age, everyone wants play with the same controllers. While I'm jamming out with the tablet, my friends/family are going to be looking at me in envy wondering why they still have to play with the old Wii controllers. No matter what feature developers try to add to their Wii U titles, people are not going to want to play with Wii Remotes and Classic Controllers. They're going to want to get in on the tablet action as well. It'd feel like a "cop-out" to them that they can't play with the tablet. It's kind of like when I'd get a negative reaction from friends/family that they had to use the Gamecube controllers to play Super Smash Bros: Brawl or Goldeneye 007 because I didn't have enough Wii controllers. They wanted to play with a Wii Remote, not a last generation controller. And the same will happen here. They wanted to play with a tablet controller, not a Wii Remote.

[Viper]

And you can currently still use ALL the Wii control options for symmetrical multiplayer.

In the current incarnation of the Wii U system, you can still play completely symmetrical multiplayer...just not with the screen in the middle of everyones controller. But again, it's being looked into.

[frosty]

Which is fine, but that's where I question how well this thing will do. If it's just one extra screen, for multiplayer stuff it's just a PS3/360 with an extra screen. It'll have Ninty's great first party games, but I just question how many of the 100 million PS3/360 owners will care enough to "upgrade" to a Wii U. Wii owners who haven't jumped ship yet will like it for sure, it's a comparable or even slightly more powerful console than the PS3/360 that plays all those great franchises, but I just can't see them repeating wii's success with this machine if the current indications are true. I also don't see the casuals wanting to buy another Wii that you still use the same controller with, but it has an extra screen now. They don't give a damn about HD, so they'll just keep their wiis.

It's a good solid console, and it'll no doubt have excellent games... But so were Gamecube and N64. All had great games. I think this one will have much better third party support, and it'll do well.. just not Wii well.

[SadPanda]

If it does end up being one Wii uPad like all the floor demos and photos show i pity the fool in Madden who is stuck play calling on the TV like a chump. Or the other guys in a FPS where tablet man gets a private screen. or or or

@Viper: don't get me wrong. Asymmetrical stuff can be a blast just look at Splinter Cell or game with other counter objective game-type(s). But with only one Wii uPad allowed it's kinda like buying a single seat car for a roadtrip. Sure your friends can join you... but they are all going to be stuck in some beat up van that doesn't have a working A/C.

-edit-

Now don't get me wrong I haven't purchased more than one extra controller for a system since ... well N64 when I had three. However, that didn't stop my friends brining their own controllers over to play along. I can't imagine the dissapointment when Bob and Jim get together to play Wii u SuperSlam!+ and Bob can't get his Wii uPad to connect to his friends system.