Anyone feel like the Wii U is doomed?

[rlemmon]

Hi guys. I’m not trolling here I’m a big Nintendo fan and a Mario freak. I have a gut feeling that the Wii U is sort of doomed to fail for a few reasons. First of all there calling it the Wii U. Seriously did they not learn anything from parents/uneducated gamers thinking that the 3 ds was just an updated 3ds and not a whole new platform?

Then there’s the tablet controller. It seems like a gimmick to me. I guess it could be fun in some respects but I think it’s more of a novelty. If it’s perceived that way by the public Nintendos gonna have a really big problem.  There’s also the launch games issue. I remember an article with Reggie Fils-Aime talking about how if they were to launch the 3 ds with big name first party games it would make gamers feel that there was no third party support.

 I would say kind of stupidity is part of why the 3 ds is in trouble. If it had been launched with Super Mario land 3d along with a Zelda game and a $200.00 price point things would be very different.  I just seems like they got a little two cocky with there massive wii sales. What do you guys think? Have Nintendo learned from there mistakes and does the wii U have a good chance of making it? I would hate to see Nintendo go down the sega road. That would kill a part of me.

[Howard_Casto]

If by "doomed" you mean that it isn't a worlwide hit like the wii is then it's possible.  If by "doomed" you mean that they'll be pulling it from the shelves a year later then no, it will do fine. 

Nintendo doesn't make a failing console, it's as simple as that.  They are the oldest hardware manufacturer still in the industry and they only have one complete flop to their name (virtual boy).  It's a little ironic that their next handheld to feature 3d isn't doing so well either. 

As for mistakes, there aren't many to learn from.  The only thing they really did wrong was to release the 3ds before they had a large enough library of quality, first-party titles.  Note that remakes of n64 games do NOT count as quality titles. 


The wii U will basically be a massive processing and graphics upgrade to the wii.  If the touchscreen doesn't catch on it is backwards compatable with wii controllers so all will be well. 

Worst case scenario it will only do as well as the gamecube and it sold millions of units, which was still enough to make a modest profit. 

[danny_galaga]

  What Howard said

[Well Fed Games]

I was a big Nintendo fan until they pretty much stopped supporting the Wii with games altogether. I don't think the Wii U will be able to succeed... people already have Wiis, and now that consoles are competing with iPads and $200 Kindle Fires, the touch aspect is nothing to write home about.  I think I would like to be divorced from Nintendo hardware, so part of me wants them to go the Sega route.

[Vigo]

They didn't even line up enough 3rd party games either for the DS release either. I remember it was pretty much Mr. Driller or a dating Sim game.

[Donkbaca]

I would disagree with HC's assessment that they only flop has been the Virtua Boy.  The 3DS is a slam dunk flop, they lowered the price less than six months after release, sales were so miserable that Nintendo earnings suffered, and not only that, but Nintendo themselves don't think that sales will pick up because they have lowered their earnings forecast twice.  If that wasn't bad enough, they released that stupid right analog stick peripheral, other than headphones and an AC adapter, what peripheral has EVER been succesful on a handheld?  Anyhow the hot rumor is that they are going to completely redisign the 3ds next year with the right analog stick integrated.  I don't see how you think that isn't a flop.

The wii was great, but Nintendo never really supported it well from the get go, instead it allowed anybody that wanted to to make a game.  So at the beginning there were a TON of wii games, but they were mostly garbage.

The president of Nintendo himself has said that the controller will be just that, a controller.  It will have no tablet functionality to it.  Its going to be similar in concept with the Vita, where you can transfer games from a handheld onto your console.  Except the Vita is a standalone system that you can take anywhere, the controller will need to be coupled with the console.

I have said this before and will say it again, what is the market?  Its not a next gen console in terms of capabilities, Nintendo's president pretty much says as much.  Its only revolutionary thing is the touch screen controller, and if that is a big hit, Sony and MS will be a year away from making a competing peripheral.

As far as I can tell, the people most likely to buy are Nintendo fanboi's ( a shrinking cohort), or people that don't have a wii/xbox360/ps3.  I think that is a small segment of the population.

Really though, its all about the games.  If it has a strong library at launch exclusives, it could do well, if not, then its going to sink like a rock.  That is part of the reason the 3ds sucks - no compelling games at launch.

I think Nintendo has really dropped the ball lately.  The 3ds is a disaster, not making the wii HD was a big misstep, and this is the 25th anniversary of Zelda, a game that has pretty wide appeal, and there has been hardly any marketing push around that.

At this point in the game, I think Nintendo should just stop making hardware.  What is great about Nintendo has always been the games.  If they ported SMB to the iphone, it would sell like nothing you have ever seen before.  Imagine what a six month exclusive for the next Zelda game would be worth to Sony or MS?  I am sure their revenue would go through the roof.

[Mikezilla]

At this point in the game, I think Nintendo should just stop making hardware.  What is great about Nintendo has always been the games.  If they ported SMB to the iphone, it would sell like nothing you have ever seen before.  Imagine what a six month exclusive for the next Zelda game would be worth to Sony or MS?  I am sure their revenue would go through the roof.

Ugh.  Reminds me of how excited people were to see Sonic games everywhere... and we all know how well that turned out..

Damn. PBJ has a very good point.

I think Nintendo has really dropped the ball lately.  The 3ds is a disaster, not making the wii HD was a big misstep, and this is the 25th anniversary of Zelda, a game that has pretty wide appeal, and there has been hardly any marketing push around that.

I thought of this as well, being a huge Zelda fan and all. I know graphics dont make the game, but they sure as hell help. Im not going to buy a Wii U just to play one or two games on it. I couldnt even enjoy the latest Mario Galaxy games because they make me have motion sickness. Im going to get Zelda for the Wii, like I said, I love the games and Im a fan, but man, I get spoiled by the visuals from my PS3 and 360, so its going to be kinda like "damn it Nintendo, why didnt you make the Wii HD and actually make the 25th anniversary of Zelda relevant". A gold controller doesnt really cut it... Didnt they say that Zelda will probably be the last Wii game they are going to make?

[ark_ader]

Its going to do well for those whom it will benefit.  I will not last though.

[Howard_Casto]

The 3ds can't be considered a flop yet because they are still selling them.  I should point out that Nintendo is still making a profit even with the 3ds.  They are simply making less of a profit than they would like and since a lot of their revenue comes from liscenses and software, they reduced the price hoping to get a higher adoption rate.  It worked really well in Japan.  Sales went through the roof once they dropped the price. 

Having the wii a SD console is what let nintendo win the console war this go around.  It allowed them to sell a console 100 dollars cheaper than the 360 and 200 dollars cheaper than the ps3.  Now that the prices are starting to level out, sure it hurts the wii to be in SD, but guess what?  As soon as sales dropped, they announced the Wii U, which I guarantee you they had been sitting on until the time was right. (They did this a lot in the Gameboy days)  This was a VERY smart move on their part if you ask me. 

If Nintendo stops doing hardware then Nintendo ceases to exist.  They build their hardware around a particular game idea, unlike M$ and Sony who build a console and then makes around it.  This difference in hardware developement is what has lead to virtually every bit on hardware innovation since nintendo started making video games. 

You asked who the target demo is.  It's anybody who wants to play Mario, Zelda or Metroid.  Seriously that's all they need.  It literally carried the n64 and gamecube.  That is why I replied that the Wii U could never really be doomed.  The thing is once you have the new wii for those games you'll buy other, third party games.

[Well Fed Games]

  Having the wii a SD console is what let nintendo win the console war this go around.

Wait, what? No.

[DaveMMR]

Yeah everything Howard said. Predict what you want, hate them all you'd like, vow never to buy anything Nintendo ever again - but they'll do just fine. Their stable of characters (Mario, Link, etc.) are highly recognized and more importantly, exclusive (the CD-i debacle notwithstanding). There aren't really bad Mario games (arguably weak, maybe - but not out-and-out "bad"). Same goes for Zelda titles. These alone move hardware. And even though much maligned, their family-friendly image is still a tick in the pro column for parents buying for younger kids.

Yes, Nintendo is no longer synonymous with video games like they were during the 3rd Generation (NES) but they're still relatively healthy. They're posting a loss this year, but compare that to Sony and Microsoft's loss (or Sega's complete exit from hardware which culminated from all their missteps.)

  Having the wii a SD console is what let nintendo win the console war this go around.

Wait, what? No.

Actually yes. He explained why. It made it cheaper and made the console more attractive to consumers, especially compared to the $600+ PS3 or the $300 Xbox 360. And it was profitable from day one. Plus HD TV's were not yet as prevalent as they are these days when the Wii was released.

[Donkbaca]

SD had nothing to do with it, the wii was popular  because of its gimmick controller that let grandma play wii bowling and because housewives wanted to play wii fit. The cheap price helped a lot too. The 3DS has been a complete loser. It will be off the shelf by next Xmas. Why would you spend 200 bucks on a game boy when the next generation android tablets are going to be $200? 

So the advantage the wii had - it was cheap and appealed to the casual gamer. None of that will apply to the WiiU. It will be $300 and is targeted towards hardcore gamers

[danny_galaga]

I still think it will be awesome to have a fps shooter where the guy with the tablet gets to fly in a helicopter and 'look down' on the other players who are using the big screen. If a 'halo'esque killer ap like that launches with the U I reckon that'll create new interest.

[Well Fed Games]

I guess my definition of "won the console war" is different from yours, as I am going off of what I hear from my gaming friends and gaming podcasts like the Bombcast, Joystiq, Player One, etc.  The Wii will be a footnote in popular culture while the 360 is the PS2 of this generation. Not to say that the Wii didn't sell well, or was a lot of fun, but even including motion controls (was it ever explored to its fullest?), Nintendo has been lacking innovation for the last decade- even failing to capitalize on its own IPs, which are its only lifeblood (no celebration of Zelda 25th, Metroid Other M, no Mario game at 3Ds launch, etc.). I mean, when did Nintendo bring out a game with a character that wasn't at least 10 years old?

Hopefully they can turn it around, because I really want to play NSMB Wii 2 someday (or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

[Donkbaca]

I still think it will be awesome to have a fps shooter where the guy with the tablet gets to fly in a helicopter and 'look down' on the other players who are using the big screen. If a 'halo'esque killer ap like that launches with the U I reckon that'll create new interest.

Well there isn't one in the works as far as I know, and there are so Many FPS games out it would have to be pretty good. Besides most people play those games alone, online.

[Mikezilla]

(or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

Ugh, can someone drag this knucklehead out into the street and shoot him?  It'll be easier that way.

Seriously. You are probably the only person that I have ever "known" to like that game, let alone hope for a sequel. GOD I hated that tripe. 

[Vigo]

It takes a rare breed to like the Wind Wanker. I have to give the game a bit of credit for at least trying to break the mold that all zelda games seem to fall in, but man, after sailing around endlessly hoping to find some landmark, you end up feeling that playing a bass fishing video game would be much more exciting...

[Well Fed Games]

Aww, sailing around, the feel of discovery? Nothing but love for Wind Waker here, but I know I am in the minority. Most people just want a rehash of Ocarina every time... at least the WW feel continued on the portable Zeldas.

[Howard_Casto]

I guess my definition of "won the console war" is different from yours, as I am going off of what I hear from my gaming friends and gaming podcasts like the Bombcast, Joystiq, Player One, etc.  The Wii will be a footnote in popular culture while the 360 is the PS2 of this generation. Not to say that the Wii didn't sell well, or was a lot of fun, but even including motion controls (was it ever explored to its fullest?), Nintendo has been lacking innovation for the last decade- even failing to capitalize on its own IPs, which are its only lifeblood (no celebration of Zelda 25th, Metroid Other M, no Mario game at 3Ds launch, etc.). I mean, when did Nintendo bring out a game with a character that wasn't at least 10 years old?

Hopefully they can turn it around, because I really want to play NSMB Wii 2 someday (or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

Nintendo failed to innovate over the last 10 years?  They brought motion controls to the masses, so much so that the other two "hardcore" console now have their own motion controls.  With the wavebird they released the first, first-party wireless controller to ever be popular.  Now this generation wireless controllers are the standard.  They reinvented metroid... twice and put 2d mario back on the consoles in a new way.  Yeah they haven't innovated any between 2001 and 2011. 

And sorry you are wrong about the whole pop culture thing.  30 years from now the game titles will be virtually irrelevant but everybody will remember the system that made them get off their couch and wave their arms around.  Ask your mom what she knows about the 360 or ps3.  Now ask her about the Wii.  I almost guarantee you that she will know more about the wii. 

Don't misunderstand, I like my 360, at this point I primarily game on my 360, but my 360 is nothing special.

I think you are confused.  Things that you don't personally like are relevant, even if you don't like them.  A lot of people flat out hate motion controls, for example, but there is no denying their impact on gaming and the gaming culture. 

Just for the record, I liked wind-waker too.    But then again, after they essentially released it two more times on the DS, I understood that it needed to stay a stand-alone title. 

[Well Fed Games]

I think you are confused.  Things that you don't personally like are relevant, even if you don't like them. 

Nope, not confused- unless the majority of games media is too, who see the Wii not as a failure, but as a perfect example of unfulfilled potential. I like my Wii, too, but have my own opinions about how it will be remembered, how the WiiU will be received, and whether someone's mom's awareness of a console makes it a success or not.  Now, for fear of actually being a person who fights online about what console is best (shudder), I'll be sure to make my last opinion in this thread this one: every console has great games, and games are fun.

[Howard_Casto]

Nope, not confused- unless the majority of games media is too, who see the Wii not as a failure, but as a perfect example of unfulfilled potential.

What does that have to do with it winning the console war, or being relevant in pop-culture?  I'll remind you that people still talk about the pet rock. 


Just for the record, there is no such thing as "games media."  Video game magazines are dead.  Online sites, while commercial, are just blogs.  There are hardly any legitimate critics on staff.  And people in the industry are far too involved to give a good opinion.  Just as an example they have never correctly predicted which console will win the war.  Now plenty of actual gamers have, but gaming journalists... nah, they are always wrong. 

[Malenko]

I dont really care who wins what console war. I bought an N64, I didnt buy a gamecube. I didnt want a wii, GF made me get it. I wont get a WiiU. I wont get a 3DS. I also wont get a Kinect or a PS Move.  Actually, the 360/PS3/Wii are most likely my last consoles and my slim NDS is most likely my last hand held, my iPhone 4s and Dell Streak 7 dont count as gaming devices.



ba humbug

[Howard_Casto]

I dont really care who wins what console war. I bought an N64, I didnt buy a gamecube. I didnt want a wii, GF made me get it. I wont get a WiiU. I wont get a 3DS. I also wont get a Kinect or a PS Move.  Actually, the 360/PS3/Wii are most likely my last consoles and my slim NDS is most likely my last hand held, my iPhone 4s and Dell Streak 7 dont count as gaming devices.



ba humbug

I find that hard to believe from a  guy that is enjoying the new batman game that much.   The problem about gaming is, even if you say you are going to quit it, some game comes out and you go "holy crap that is the best thing ever!" and then you are back in.  I've threatened to quit two or three times and yet I haven't missed a single generation.  I said I wouldn't get a gamecube because it was a terrible system compared to a xbox (see I told you guys I wasn't a nintendo fanboy) and then metroid prime and re4 came out and I was off to the store to buy one.   

It's Kind of like this hobby actually. 

[chillinwater]

Doomed ? No. Successful? Yes. Relevant? Maybe.

Between fanboys who will always love Nintendo regardless of the product and parents who by nature associate Nintendo as somthing good for there kids, they will be successful.

Unless they have some killer apps and not continuous rehashes of Super Mario, SM Kart, Zelda it will be irrelevant to me.
No matter the power or sexyness of any system its always about software.

My Wii has been collecting dust for years now, since my daughter was 7, shes now 12. Shes not even interested in it.
Havent purchased a 3Ds yet. No current software to entice or wow me or my daughter.

Is the new Wii U controller a gimmick?
Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

Again unless there is some killer app that isnt available on any other system, I'll pass on the Wii U. Will U?

[AtomSmasher]

Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

The Wii also allows you to use your DS as an extra controller, but the game has to be setup to utilize it, so it was very rarely used.

My prediction is the Wii U will be about as successful as the Gamecube.  It will have a few great games and won't be considered a flop, but it will largely be ignored by the average gamer.  The success of the Wii has eliminated the casual market since they will by happy with their Wii's for quite some time, and it's push to attract the casual gamer caused the hardcore gamer to become jaded, so I think Nintendo is going to have a large uphill battle to make the Wii U a success.

[Donkbaca]

I agree, though that would be considered a failure on the heels of the Wii's success. Also the 3ds flopping puts a lot of pressure on making this thing a success. My guess is it will sell moderate units, and that will be considered a flop

[Howard_Casto]

Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

The success of the Wii has eliminated the casual market since they will by happy with their Wii's for quite some time......

For the 12 people out there who still haven't bought a wii I suppose this is true, but otherwise it isn't. 

It's for a far more practical reason than you might think. 

Let's put it this way:

I will eventually get a 3ds even though I'm not interested in it in the least.  Why?  Well because I get a lot of use out of my DS and eventually they will stop making games for it.  So I have the option of only playing the DS back-library or getting a 3ds.  The choice is obvious. 

This is what will happen with the Wii U.  Say your family loves the wii and they've already bought all the games they like for it?  Well you are going to have to buy the Wii U if you want any more, but don't worry all of your expensive add-on controllers will still work with it.  It's already happening actually... the flow of wii games has almost halted at this point except for some really really terrible third-party games.

See Nintendo's deceptively smart about things like this. 

As for the hardcore community, we are going to have to see.  Nintendo's biggest problem has always been that they don't get the third partys on board to make "hardcore" games because their system is under-powered or they have a wierd controller or something similar.  The wii U is a HD system with a standard controller layout (albeit with a screen, but it could be largely ignored).  There will almost definately be capcom games on it considering their strong relationship.  Ubisoft seems to have a strong interest in the console as well and that might be the deal-breaker right there.  The pop/ac series are top sellers and if ubi can take advantage of the controller to enhance the AC experience it could appease the hardcore crowd.  This is just speculation though, we will have to see. 

I came out of E3 worried, but as time has passed and I've actually had the time to process the decisions Nintendo made and they aren't that stupid, they are actually quite clever.  They will be the first out of the gate for the next generation, possibly with no competition for years, which is always a bonus.  Their new controller is far more traditional and yet they have added compatability for their old controllers, meaning that they can go either way depending upon the public's reaction.  They've also managed to build relations on the "inferior" wii with companies that have emerged as rock stars like ubisoft, meaning that they might actually get so legitimate third-party support this time.  The hand is there and it's a good one, we'll all have to wait and see how the cards fall.

[AtomSmasher]

Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

The success of the Wii has eliminated the casual market since they will by happy with their Wii's for quite some time......

For the 12 people out there who still haven't bought a wii I suppose this is true, but otherwise it isn't. 

It's for a far more practical reason than you might think. 

Let's put it this way:

I will eventually get a 3ds even though I'm not interested in it in the least.  Why?  Well because I get a lot of use out of my DS and eventually they will stop making games for it.  So I have the option of only playing the DS back-library or getting a 3ds.  The choice is obvious. 

This is what will happen with the Wii U.  Say your family loves the wii and they've already bought all the games they like for it?  Well you are going to have to buy the Wii U if you want any more, but don't worry all of your expensive add-on controllers will still work with it.  It's already happening actually... the flow of wii games has almost halted at this point except for some really really terrible third-party games.

You're confusing the casual market with the normal gaming market.  Grandma is not going to buy another game console because she will be happy with the one she already has.  They will not be looking to buy a new console and don't pay attention to when new consoles are released.  Nintendo was able to capture a huge market who are normally not into gaming, and it's something that won't happen again for quite a while.

[Mikezilla]

Man. I really hate the term "killer app". Especially when people use it seriously. 

[Vigo]

That phrase was probably coined by Kid Vid of the Burger King Kidz Club.   

[shmokes]

(or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

Ugh, can someone drag this knucklehead out into the street and shoot him?  It'll be easier that way.

Seriously. You are probably the only person that I have ever "known" to like that game, let alone hope for a sequel. GOD I hated that tripe. 

I loved Wind Waker. It has the best art direction of the series, some of the best in all of videogame history. And it's a far better game in almost every way than Twilight Princess.

[Howard_Casto]

Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

The success of the Wii has eliminated the casual market since they will by happy with their Wii's for quite some time......

For the 12 people out there who still haven't bought a wii I suppose this is true, but otherwise it isn't.  

It's for a far more practical reason than you might think.  

Let's put it this way:

I will eventually get a 3ds even though I'm not interested in it in the least.  Why?  Well because I get a lot of use out of my DS and eventually they will stop making games for it.  So I have the option of only playing the DS back-library or getting a 3ds.  The choice is obvious.  

This is what will happen with the Wii U.  Say your family loves the wii and they've already bought all the games they like for it?  Well you are going to have to buy the Wii U if you want any more, but don't worry all of your expensive add-on controllers will still work with it.  It's already happening actually... the flow of wii games has almost halted at this point except for some really really terrible third-party games.

You're confusing the casual market with the normal gaming market.  Grandma is not going to buy another game console because she will be happy with the one she already has.  They will not be looking to buy a new console and don't pay attention to when new consoles are released.  Nintendo was able to capture a huge market who are normally not into gaming, and it's something that won't happen again for quite a while.

No I'm not.  People seem to think the "casual" game market is so far removed from us that they are an alien species when they really aren't.  Any moron can understand that when they stop making games for your current game system and you still want to play games you will have to buy a new system, casual players included.  

[Howard_Casto]

(or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

Ugh, can someone drag this knucklehead out into the street and shoot him?  It'll be easier that way.

Seriously. You are probably the only person that I have ever "known" to like that game, let alone hope for a sequel. GOD I hated that tripe.  

I loved Wind Waker. It has the best art direction of the series, some of the best in all of videogame history. And it's a far better game in almost every way than Twilight Princess.

I wouldn't go that far.  It brought something fresh and new to zelda, which is a hard thing to do, but gameplay wize it had a ton of anoyances that they removed in TP.  I personally think that TP and WW are equally good, but this is from somone who thought that zelda II was a good game and the snes and n64 zeldas were utter garbage due to the poor gameplay mechanics so take that how you will.

[AtomSmasher]

Hey remember when the Gamecube allowed you to use your gba as an extra game screen? Sound familiar?

The success of the Wii has eliminated the casual market since they will by happy with their Wii's for quite some time......

For the 12 people out there who still haven't bought a wii I suppose this is true, but otherwise it isn't.  

It's for a far more practical reason than you might think.  

Let's put it this way:

I will eventually get a 3ds even though I'm not interested in it in the least.  Why?  Well because I get a lot of use out of my DS and eventually they will stop making games for it.  So I have the option of only playing the DS back-library or getting a 3ds.  The choice is obvious.  

This is what will happen with the Wii U.  Say your family loves the wii and they've already bought all the games they like for it?  Well you are going to have to buy the Wii U if you want any more, but don't worry all of your expensive add-on controllers will still work with it.  It's already happening actually... the flow of wii games has almost halted at this point except for some really really terrible third-party games.

You're confusing the casual market with the normal gaming market.  Grandma is not going to buy another game console because she will be happy with the one she already has.  They will not be looking to buy a new console and don't pay attention to when new consoles are released.  Nintendo was able to capture a huge market who are normally not into gaming, and it's something that won't happen again for quite a while.

No I'm not.  People seem to think the "casual" game market is so far removed from us that they are an alien species when they really aren't.  Any moron can understand that when they stop making games for your current game system and you still want to play games you will have to buy a new system, casual players included.  

Any moron can also understand that they are not buying new games, they are playing Wii Sports and probably one or two other games they got when they first bought the system.  Theres a reason an absurd amount of Wii consoles sold, yet most games on it have horrible sales numbers.  Most of the people who have a Wii are not buying new games, they are happy with what they have.

[Mikezilla]

(or, in my heart of hearts, Wind Waker 2).

Ugh, can someone drag this knucklehead out into the street and shoot him?  It'll be easier that way.

Seriously. You are probably the only person that I have ever "known" to like that game, let alone hope for a sequel. GOD I hated that tripe. 

I loved Wind Waker. It has the best art direction of the series, some of the best in all of videogame history. And it's a far better game in almost every way than Twilight Princess.

I have to disagree with you there. Twilight Princess was amazing. Some critics liked it even more than Ocarina Of Time. I havent played either in years, but I enjoyed TP for many reasons, the graphics, story, and gameplay were all superb. Im really excited for Skyward Sword. Cant wait, I noticed it is going to be released on a sunday. Thought that was kind of odd.

[Mikezilla]

Howard?! You didnt like the damn N64 Zeldas OR the SNES versions and you liked Zelda 2 on NES?!? Dude, youre out of your mind.  What other ones did you like?!

[DaveMMR]

Forget about the casual market - I know very few grandmother's rocking the Wii. The real money's in the younger gamers who want a new system for Christmas and the parents see that much of their Wii investment is not suddenly "worthless" with the Wii U.  Compare it to the release of the SNES. That was more of an uphill battle for Nintendo considering the system was not compatible with existing 8-bit hardware or software and stiff competition from Sega (and to a lesser extent NEC). It turned out better than alright for them.

Of course, if we still comparing the same two generations, it's safe to say maybe Wii U will not do as well as the Wii much like the SNES didn't top the NES in number of systems sold.  That's because, yes, I don't think those ultra-casuals are buying the new system. But they're also not buying new PS3s or PS4s or 360s or 720s.

By the way, a little incentive for the budget minded game consumers is that the Wii U (as of this date) only supports one touchscreen controller - which means less of an investment for multiplayer, if any at all.

[Necro]

The Wii is basically a dead system at this point with no new games in months, so Nintendo has no choice but to try to come out with another system.  They never implemented online play even halfway decently, screwed people with multiple addons that had next to no support (even the Motion Plus got next to no games for it), and just overall there was a very, VERY limited selection of non-shovelware games.

I got a Wii the first holiday season it came out - was insanely excited for it.  My last console system was a NES. 

I have zero desire for a Wii U.  I'm thinking of getting a PS3 or an Xbox360, actually, if the prices are good this season. 

[hypernova]

Of the major console releases for Zelda from the SNES onward (which I've played all), WW is easily the worst in my book.  I still own it, but can't bring myself to even consider playing it a second time, while I've played the others at least three times each.

I've been a Nintendo fan since the NES, but even I don't know if I'll get the Wii U.  I might after awhile, but unless it comes out with some great games, it won't get purchased, and it better have good online support, too.  A good strategy to get me to buy it would be a new Metroid, Zelda, Mario, and Smash Bros game all within a reasonable time frame, otherwise I'll just wait.

[shmokes]

I have to disagree with you there. Twilight Princess was amazing. Some critics liked it even more than Ocarina Of Time. I havent played either in years, but I enjoyed TP for many reasons, the graphics, story, and gameplay were all superb. Im really excited for Skyward Sword. Cant wait, I noticed it is going to be released on a sunday. Thought that was kind of odd.

Both you AND Howard mentioned gameplay in Twilight Princess as something favorable. How can this be? Did you guys play the Gamecube version or something? Does the word "waggle" mean nothing to you? The gameplay in Twilight Princess was one step forward two steps back. Sure, firing arrows was nice, but swinging your sword, which you do approximately 34897238904723890x more often, was utter crap. I was defeated by Ganon multiple times during those sequences where you have to bounce the plasma beam or whatever it is back and forth. I was beat not because my timing was bad, but because the stupid remote has such unreliable sensors. And the stupidest thing about it is that just a few moths before the game's release, at the Tokyo game show, sword swings were mapped to the A button. They changed it last second so it would feel like it was taking advantage of the Wii's capabilities (seeing as it was the flagship launch title). And they didn't even give the gamer the option to choose. Stupid.