The Wii U is dead in its current form, admits Nintendo. But what now?

[CZroe]

Sorry, but you can't. Wii U accessories cannot be used in Wii mode. Only the Wiimote and its attachments work there.

Which to be honest surprises me a bit. Wii U mode still uses Bluetooth, so I'm not sure why Nintendo couldn't patch in support for the Wii U Pro Controller, other than the fact that it didn't exist as the time MKWii was released. You'd think they could emulate a Classic Controller at the IOS level...

I think it would need to be translated in hardware because Wii mode does not allow any access to the extra Wii U performance (obviously to prevent piracy). The IOS in-game is actually executed from the game disc, which is why they couldn't just patch the IOS for exploitable games. They could've made the controller simulate a Wii Remote with Classic Controller if they wanted to but then games would assume you have a pointed when you do not.

Nintendo could've added WPA support to older DS games by simulating a WEP access point or Nintendo WiFi Connection USB Adapter to older DS software in a DSi or 3DS and having you set up the actual connection in the new system menu, but they didn't. Jerks.

 

[Narse]

What games have you been playing on it?

Windwalker HD (Never played the orig)
Batman Arkham Origins. Played the first two on my PC
Sonic Lost World
Super Mario 3D Worlds
Picked up ninja Gaiden 3 today
Tekken Tag
Ducktales remastered (loved this game back when it was on NES)
Too many virtual Console games to list.

 

[Narse]

Nintendo could've added WPA support to older DS games by simulating a WEP access point or Nintendo WiFi Connection USB Adapter to older DS software in a DSi or 3DS and having you set up the actual connection in the new system menu, but they didn't. Jerks.

This one annoys the piss outta me. I went out and got a cheap little router and plug it in just so I can get online with Pokémon Black 2. It got old changing my uverse router to WEP anytime I wanted to play. I really should just go buy a better router with a separate guest mode, but I'm lazy.

 

[Ichinisan]

This one annoys the piss outta me. I went out and got a cheap little router and plug it in just so I can get online with Pokémon Black 2. It got old changing my uverse router to WEP anytime I wanted to play. I really should just go buy a better router with a separate guest mode, but I'm lazy.

Yeah. It should have been easy for DSi / 3DS to encapsulate the connection profiles set up in the main system menu and make them available to legacy DS software -- to overcome the limitation that legacy software supports only WEP and AOSS. The legacy software could simply see 3 "open/unsecured" virtual networks that are mapped to the connection profiles in the DSi/3DS system menu (and those actually connect with WPA/WPA2).

 

[ViRGE]

I think it would need to be translated in hardware because Wii mode does not allow any access to the extra Wii U performance (obviously to prevent piracy). The IOS in-game is actually executed from the game disc, which is why they couldn't just patch the IOS for exploitable games. They could've made the controller simulate a Wii Remote with Classic Controller if they wanted to but then games would assume you have a pointed when you do not.

IOSes are stored and activated on the system, not the disc. The disc only contains system updates, which are how those IOSes get installed to the system in the first place.

In theory it should be possible to install a modify the appropriate IOSes to add controller support, and have those IOSes installed. Nintendo already does something like this for the WiiU, as several of the IOSes are "special" in order to allow the use of the tablet screen in Wii mode, among other things.

 

[gothamhunter]

So, Nintendo isn't doing very well...$229M loss and Wii U estimates down by 60%. Hopefully the 3DS is keeping them afloat.

http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/07/wii-u-projected-to-shift-3-6-million-units-this-fiscal-year/

Nintendo fell slightly short of the reduced financial projections it set in January, with the Wii U reaching 2.72 million shipments for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. However, the system remains way off Nintendo's initial projection of 9 million, so it's no surprise to see more conservative estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 of 3.6 million units. That's 60 percent less than Nintendo originally projected for the previous year.

Total Wii U shipments are now up to 6.17 million, nearly a year and a half after the console launched. On the software side, Nintendo revealed figures of 32.28 million units to date, with New Super Mario Bros. U (4.16 million), Nintendo Land (3.09 million) and Super Mario 3D World (2.17 million) leading the way.

The Japanese company announced a net loss of 23.2 billion yen for the fiscal year, which converts to around $229 million. Nintendo noted net sales were lower than expected due to 3DS hardware and Wii U hardware and software not meeting targets, with the Wii U continuing to negatively affect profits due to its markdown in the West. Downgraded assets and increased spend on research and development also contributed to the net loss.

While the 3DS also fell below targets, it still shifted 12.24 million units across the last fiscal year, with the 2DS contributing 2.2 million to that figure. The handheld's total shipments to date are up to 43.3 million, with total software figures at just under 163 million. Pokemon X/Y (12.26 million) and Animal Crossing: New Leaf (7.66 million) were big sales drivers, but Nintendo noted strong figures for Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3.98 million), The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (2.51 million) and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2.08 million).

Looking ahead, the company noted the Wii U "still faces a challenging sales situation," and it's looking to stimulate its retail performance by making the GamePad have greater value as "the most important differentiator of Wii U." As for the 3DS, the forecast remains steady at 12 million units across the fiscal year. Overall, Nintendo projects revenues of 590 billion yen, converting to $5.8 billion, and a net profit of 20 billion yen, equal to $197 million.

 

[PricklyPete]

If your past success in the console market is based on shitty graphics and a gimmick, what motivation would a person have to buy the next gimmicky iteration? There will always be the faithful buyers for their well done games, but they misstepped with the Wii and I don't see them rebounding in the console market. They really should just change their business model to releasing kick ass games on other platforms.

 

[CZroe]

IOSes are stored and activated on the system, not the disc. The disc only contains system updates, which are how those IOSes get installed to the system in the first place.

In theory it should be possible to install a modify the appropriate IOSes to add controller support, and have those IOSes installed. Nintendo already does something like this for the WiiU, as several of the IOSes are "special" in order to allow the use of the tablet screen in Wii mode, among other things.

I know that the system has all older IOSes installed but the discs still execute copies as part of their program. When you press Home in-game, the IOS that appears is part of the game. It's why old games have less functional IOS versions and why patching older IOS versions doesn't fix game-specific exploits.

 

[mmntech]

So, Nintendo isn't doing very well...$229M loss and Wii U estimates down by 60%. Hopefully the 3DS is keeping them afloat.

Nintendo has to be careful about how much stock they put into the 3DS. It's selling almost as well as the DS, year over year on average. However, the handheld market is starting to get soft. Smartphones have been slowly cannibalizing sales as they become the preferred platform of casual gamers.

 

[gothamhunter]

Nintendo has to be careful about how much stock they put into the 3DS. It's selling almost as well as the DS, year over year on average. However, the handheld market is starting to get soft. Smartphones have been slowly cannibalizing sales as they become the preferred platform of casual gamers.

At the same time, I don't think handhelds were ever the casual gamer's market item either. I see both co-existing for a long time until smartphones are capable of having actual buttons to play the games (or said buttons are no longer necessary), or more IP's actually DEVELOP for the mobile field rather than the handhelds (and I'm not talking about more candy crush).

 

[zerocool84]

Even worse news now for the WiiU. The PS4 has already passed it in sales despite the WiiU having a year head start and sales dropped off huge as well.



Nintendo reports third consecutive annual loss as Wii U sales fizzle out

http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/7/5689878/nintendo-earnings-fy-2013

 

[Lil Frier]

The next console's going to have to come sooner than they'd like, and they'd ideally bring the next handheld along with it. That way, they can set up remote play properly, and try to dig their way out of this. Nintendo COULD opt to do like Amazon, and create their own Android-based device with a special flavor of Android that linked only to the Nintendo online store, rather than Google Play. Having a Nintendo-branded smartphone would be a possible solution, and they could give it a proper gaming add-on accessory, like how the 3DS got the second stick peripheral--build a gaming shell that the phone would sit in.

 

[mmntech]

Pushing new hardware out too soon could be disasterous though. It ends up alienating hardcore fans who are most likely to be early adopters. That's what killed Sega's hardware business. Unfortunately, Nintendo is going to have to weather out this storm.

Nintendo needs to get out new games. That's a given. They also need to start making things easier for third parties as well as greatly improving the online experience. A new lower cost SKU would also help. So far, there's no reason to own a Wii U over its competitors. That's what has to change.

 

[Lil Frier]

I just don't think that there's a way the Wii U could pull that off. We're talking about how underpowered the PS4 and the Xbox One are when compared to PCs, yet they blow the Wii U out of the water. Why would someone developing something like The Division or Dying Light want to have to cut down the visuals for the Wii U? Then, when you look at the multiplayer scene, which developers and publishers are going to want to touch the Wii U, which barely registers as having an online experience? CoD has never made sense on the platform, and it seems that Ghosts was the last one that Nintendo will be seeing.

Without a new set of hardware and some online infrastructure worth mentioning, they aren't going to attract the third-party developers, particularly when gaming's current fads seem to be online multiplayer and cloud stuff and digital distribution.

You're right that Nintendo has to wait this out, but they can't wait it out the whole generation. 3-5 years, and something's going to have to replace the Wii U.

 

[Pheran]

They actually think they are going to sell 3.6 million units this year? That's funny. There's no way that's going to happen, unless they drop the price like a rock.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Even worse news now for the WiiU. The PS4 has already passed it in sales despite the WiiU having a year head start and sales dropped off huge as well.



Nintendo reports third consecutive annual loss as Wii U sales fizzle out

http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/7/5689878/nintendo-earnings-fy-2013

Yep they posted an annual operating loss of $457 million and a net loss of $22.8 million.

They have only sold 310,000 units in the last quarter of 2013 but expect to sell 3.6Mil this year? Against a PS4 and XB1 (which have sold 6-7 million in about 6 months)with some highly anticipated releases coming? I don't know how they expect that. They then say they want to sell 12million DS systems which...I dunno. It may not happen either as those sales came in under their predictions.

 

[preslove]

So, are they still losing money per console?

3-5 years, and something's going to have to replace the Wii U.

Yup.

 

[poofyhairguy]

What is sad is in the statement they seemed ready to double down on the controller.

Cut bait and hit the $150 price point Nintendo, geez.

 

[Lil Frier]

IDK, I still think that the tablet's a good concept, and when they're ready to release a successor, a proper tablet (not that resistive garbage one) wouldn't cost much to make.

 

[Slick Mcflicken]

It's still early, I remember buying the N64 the day it came out. It was a Saturday, I worked that morning and went to Walmart right after. Put in 90 Hrs. that week ugh. The N64 wasn't even on the shelf yet but the boxes on the floor. I ripped them all open the Walmart A/V dept. clerk came up and asked "Can I help you sir?...Nope just ring it up, grabbed a console Mario64 and PilotWings64 and trucked home. I called in the sick that Monday and gamed my ass off(GMAO). Plus had a PS1 at the time also.

But after the purchase and Gamepro and EGM mags...and no internet at the time was the only norm for reviews etc. The lack of or dry spell of no 3rd party games was killing it at the start. I remember being pissed going wheres the games, then the Star Wars game came out 1080 snowboarding and Golden Eye etc. Nintendo needs 3rd party support and not the dry periods the N64 had exclusively. Bottom line is the waiting..... Great promise!... Wait.... c'mon Nintendo. Games+price drop would do well right now.

 

[mmntech]

What is sad is in the statement they seemed ready to double down on the controller.

Cut bait and hit the $150 price point Nintendo, geez.

How many games actually require the tablet? Maybe they could pull a 3DS and just release a console with the pro controller and a Wiimote instead. Would cut the cost significantly. Though the risk would be then having to differentiate it from the competition. The issue still remains the lack of top tier games.

 

[ViRGE]

So, are they still losing money per console?

I don't think anything has been said officially. Though it's hard to imagine them losing money on the variable costs at this point; they probably just aren't selling enough to cover their contacts and fixed costs.

 

[poofyhairguy]

How many games actually require the tablet? Maybe they could pull a 3DS and just release a console with the pro controller and a Wiimote instead. Would cut the cost significantly. Though the risk would be then having to differentiate it from the competition. The issue still remains the lack of top tier games.

Port some more GameCube games over and make them 1080p. It would be new to many and would suck in Nintendo nostalgacs. Plus they would work great without the tablet remote.

As it is 1080p Wind Waker is the biggest draw for me currently. Give me a 1080p Twilight Princess and its a done deal.

They made a 2DS. Maybe they get the hint to drop the gimmicks before they sink with them.

 

[Lil Frier]

It's still early, I remember buying the N64 the day it came out. It was a Saturday, I worked that morning and went to Walmart right after. Put in 90 Hrs. that week ugh. The N64 wasn't even on the shelf yet but the boxes on the floor. I ripped them all open the Walmart A/V dept. clerk came up and asked "Can I help you sir?...Nope just ring it up, grabbed a console Mario64 and PilotWings64 and trucked home. I called in the sick that Monday and gamed my ass off(GMAO). Plus had a PS1 at the time also.

But after the purchase and Gamepro and EGM mags...and no internet at the time was the only norm for reviews etc. The lack of or dry spell of no 3rd party games was killing it at the start. I remember being pissed going wheres the games, then the Star Wars game came out 1080 snowboarding and Golden Eye etc. Nintendo needs 3rd party support and not the dry periods the N64 had exclusively. Bottom line is the waiting..... Great promise!... Wait.... c'mon Nintendo. Games+price drop would do well right now.

Yeah, but Nintendo's up on its high horse, turning its nose up to third-party developers. They're not telling people to wait, because it's not coming. In fact, they're LOSING third-party developers, given that the new CoD isn't expected on the Wii U, from early reports (which only list it as being on the Sony/Microsoft stuff and PC).

 

[zerocool84]

Port some more GameCube games over and make them 1080p. It would be new to many and would suck in Nintendo nostalgacs. Plus they would work great without the tablet remote.

They made a 2DS. Maybe they get the hint to drop the gimmicks before they sink with them.

The problem with that is that there are games that NEED the Tablet gamepad to play, no games need the 3D on the 3DS which creates a problem for them.