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

[gothamhunter]

I also think that theoretically, the Wii U is likely significantly better than the PS3/360 and could probably run games comparably on the PS4/XB1.

Reason is that it supports DX11-esque shaders. that is more important.

I bet that if someone put the effort into it, they could get like most PS4 games running okay on the Wii U. The internal rendering resolution would have to be lower, but it would be comparable.

You should read up on and understand technical specs of the consoles.

 

[Aikouka]

I also think that theoretically, the Wii U is likely significantly better than the PS3/360 and could probably run games comparably on the PS4/XB1.

Reason is that it supports DX11-esque shaders. that is more important.

I bet that if someone put the effort into it, they could get like most PS4 games running okay on the Wii U. The internal rendering resolution would have to be lower, but it would be comparable.

Eh... just because it has programmable shaders doesn't mean you can really overcome the other differences. Games will still have to be dumbed down graphically due to reduced hardware. It isn't that this is impossible, but the big question is... is it worth it? I think you'll find that a lot of publishers wrestle with that question given the poor Wii U sales (note: more so with the games than consoles).

 

[desura]

I say it because with my PC gaming, DX11 patches from DX9 ends up being a fairly significant graphical fidelity bump.

Hopefully with the PS4 and XB1 the extra system processing will be used to create absolutely huge and complex living worlds.

But then, part of me thinks that gaming will never really change much from the enter-room-kill-everything-move-to-next that it does currently.

Wii U definitely can't do the crazy debris effects...

 

[CZroe]

Nintendoland
Pikmin 3
The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Super Mario 3D World

Just bought my Wii U today after realizing that it had a ton of games that I wanted to play and the competition only had one (Killer Instinct). If I am not alone and enough people like me realize this, Wii U may yet have a shot.

FWIW, my gaming PC plays all the multi-platform releases and "not-so-exclusive-exclusives" (Titanfall) beautifully and most people don't have that consideration.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Nintendoland
Pikmin 3
The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Super Mario 3D World

Just bought my Wii U today after realizing that it had a ton of games that I wanted to play and the competition only had one (Killer Instinct). If I am not alone and enough people like me realize this, Wii U may yet have a shot.

FWIW, my gaming PC plays all the multi-platform releases and "not-so-exclusive-exclusives" (Titanfall) beautifully and most people don't have that consideration.

Have fun with re-releases and no true 3D platformers.

 

[CZroe]

Have fun with re-releases and no true 3D platformers.

The only re-release I even know of is one I wanted and bought: Windwaker HD. I never finished it on GameCube and I have wanted to play it with a Wii Remote since the Wii was first announced.

Last I heard, they were planning on a Last of Us re-release on Playstation 4 and XBOX One already re-released the original Killer Instinct, so have fun being blinded by your own stereotypes.

Now, what on Earth do you mean about "no true 3D platformers?" They've always delivered on that front but you say this as if they are just going to stop.

 

[cmdrdredd]

The only re-release I even know of is one I wanted and bought: Windwaker HD. I never finished it on GameCube and I have wanted to play it with a Wii Remote since the Wii was first announced.

Have fun being blinded by your own stereotypes.

Now, what on Earth do you mean about "no true 3D platformers?" They've always delivered on that front but you say this as if they are just going to stop.

They do not have a Mario Galaxy successor. 3D World is basically the same game they released on the 3DS with different levels. Donkey Kong is still 2D.

Not that 2D is bad but it is bad for them at this point to not have a quality 3D adventure/platformer.

 

[CZroe]

They do not have a Mario Galaxy successor. 3D World is basically the same game they released on the 3DS with different levels. Donkey Kong is still 2D.

Not that 2D is bad but it is bad for them at this point to not have a quality 3D adventure/platformer.

Ah. No true 3D platformers YET. Got it. Not really sure what's supposed to scratch that itch on the competition at the moment, but it's a valid point.

As far as re-releases, PlayStation 4 getting The Last of Us and XBOX One getting the original Killer Instinct puts it into perspective.

 

[zerocool84]

Ah. No true 3D platformers YET. Got it. Not really sure what's supposed to scratch that itch on the competition at the moment, but it's a valid point.

As far as re-releases, PlayStation 4 getting The Last of Us and XBOX One getting the original Killer Instinct puts it into perspective.

But the other consoles get 3rd party games as well as first party stuff, WiiU you only get first party stuff.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Ah. No true 3D platformers YET. Got it. Not really sure what's supposed to scratch that itch on the competition at the moment, but it's a valid point.

As far as re-releases, PlayStation 4 getting The Last of Us and XBOX One getting the original Killer Instinct puts it into perspective.

You don't seem to get it. A Mario 64/galaxy successor and Zelda and metroid sell consoles. Something they need to do.

 

[preslove]

They do not have a Mario Galaxy successor. 3D World is basically the same game they released on the 3DS with different levels. Donkey Kong is still 2D.

Not that 2D is bad but it is bad for them at this point to not have a quality 3D adventure/platformer.

Just because it isn't wholly different than the 3ds game doesn't mean that it isn't a 3d platformer. Why does a successor to a 3ds game not count, while a successor to mario galaxy would?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Just because it isn't wholly different than the 3ds game doesn't mean that it isn't a 3d platformer. Why does a successor to a 3ds game not count, while a successor to mario galaxy would?

Cause they can show off the system better with it. Isometric viewpoints just don't have the same impact visually.

 

[CZroe]

You don't seem to get it. A Mario 64/galaxy successor and Zelda and metroid sell consoles. Something they need to do.

They no doubt will. History shows it takes years to get all that on a Nintendo console and you couldn't possibly expect it all within the first year and a half. The original Wii had no Mario at launch but it had something the previous platforms didn't: a new Zelda (Twilight Princess). They didn't delay Skyward Sword to release as a Wii U title like they did with Twilight Princess so the Wii U launched without even that. I expect the usual 2-4 year wait.

GameCube launched with Luigi's Mansion instead of a 3D platformers and we didn't get Mario Sunshine, Metroid Prime, and Zelda Windwaker for years. I don't recall anyone expecting them all in the first 1.5 years on the GameCube. I guess they spoiled us with the original Wii but that's because two of the three bullet points were all GameCube projects almost ready to go (Metroid Prime 3 Corruption and Zelda Twilight Princess). Even then it took two years for Mario Galaxy.

 

[mmntech]

Just because it isn't wholly different than the 3ds game doesn't mean that it isn't a 3d platformer. Why does a successor to a 3ds game not count, while a successor to mario galaxy would?

There's nothing wrong with 3D World but I would consider it to be more a spinoff than part of the main series. It's not quite at the same level as Galaxy, which is a big, flagship title.

Nintendo has been coasting a lot for a while now on HD remakes and the nostalgia factor. It's a problem on both Nintendo's platforms right now. The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Despite claims otherwise, fresh and original content is what ultimately pushes consoles out the door. The Wii probably wouldn't have been a success had it not shipped with Wii Sports. Same thing with the N64 and Mario 64. Either you have to have the games like this at launch, or at least have them announced as coming in the next year. Since Nintendo lacks the third party support that Microsoft and Sony have, it makes things even more a challenge.

 

[CZroe]

There's nothing wrong with 3D World but I would consider it to be more a spinoff than part of the main series. It's not quite at the same level as Galaxy, which is a big, flagship title.

Nintendo has been coasting a lot for a while now on HD remakes and the nostalgia factor. It's a problem on both Nintendo's platforms right now. The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Despite claims otherwise, fresh and original content is what ultimately pushes consoles out the door. The Wii probably wouldn't have been a success had it not shipped with Wii Sports. Same thing with the N64 and Mario 64. Either you have to have the games like this at launch, or at least have them announced as coming in the next year. Since Nintendo lacks the third party support that Microsoft and Sony have, it makes things even more a challenge.

Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

You say they need to make something fresh and original, which they do (Nintendoland, Mario 3D World), but you contradict yourself and demand that they make another Mario 64 or Mario Galaxy.

What other HD remakes have they made for the Wii U? I still only know of Zelda Windwaker HD.

They make fresh games and you wave them off dismissively as "spin offs."
They make a new Mario in the 64/Sunshine/Galaxy vein and you'll say it's a "rehash" that's "more of the same" and "the definition of insanity."
For announcements: They have announced a new un-named Zelda game. I do not recall the next Mario platformer being announced at the Wii's launch (only known to be in development formerly for the GameCube). Why bother announcing something you know is coming?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Cause by not announcing it...you lose hype. Just look at all the people saying "a new halo game is coming!" "A new uncharted is coming!" It is pretty important even if everyone knew halo was going to get another sequel already anyway.

 

[Arkaign]

You can't play 'hype' though. I sort of like being surprised by announcements, even more so when they're not too far off from release.

This E3 timeframe coming up (whether they do a full E3 presence or the 'direct' whatever again) will be really interesting. They've had a lot of time now, I know the team that did either Sunshine and/or Galaxy is already on something big for WiiU.

I still think people will be pleasantly surprised for the next 6-24 months on the WiiU. It's gonna be a great 2nd console for sure (for console-only players). As someone who already has a PC, I'm about a thousand times more likely to get a U than an XB1, as there's nothing on the XB1 that I want anymore that I can't already play on PC. The PS4 is interesting, but I'll wait a couple of years for the games to pile up and price drop/new revision to come out.

But for people with either a PS4 or an XB1, it doesn't make sense for the XB1 owner to buy a PS4, or vice versa, when 90% of the games for them will be on both, and the handful of exclusives aren't worth $400 or $500 + accessories + PS+/XBLG. The only XB1 game I was really looking forward to was Forza 5, but after playing it for a couple of hours I'm so happy I didn't pre-order it. I wish the version that was given to people at E3, and that they rolled onto Jimmy Fallon's show, was released (the i7 + 780ti awesome version). The downgrades to the final version combined with the hacking of the content was just the nail in the coffin for any chance I'll ever care about that console.

 

[Dumac]

Have fun with re-releases and no true 3D platformers.

Uh, okay, I will?

That list had one re-release, and since when does a platformer only count if its 3D? 2D platformers are much tighter in terms of gameplay and challenge. 3D platformers are much sloppier in comparison.

I already have more games for the Wii U than for my 360, and with Mario Kart, Smash, and Bayonetta on the way, I'm pretty happy.

I haven't found anything of interest yet on the ps4 or xbone. It's just a matter of personal tastes, so don't let it get your pants in a twist.

 

[Dumac]

Nintendoland
Pikmin 3
The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Super Mario 3D World

Just bought my Wii U today after realizing that it had a ton of games that I wanted to play and the competition only had one (Killer Instinct). If I am not alone and enough people like me realize this, Wii U may yet have a shot.

FWIW, my gaming PC plays all the multi-platform releases and "not-so-exclusive-exclusives" (Titanfall) beautifully and most people don't have that consideration.

The Wii U makes a great secondary console. The ps4 and xbone overlap a lot, and are a sort of subset of the PC's library. The Wii U kind of stands alone in its first party games that don't show up elsewhere.

 

[Arkaign]

Uh, okay, I will?

That list had one re-release, and since when does a platformer only count if its 3D? 2D platformers are much tighter in terms of gameplay and challenge. 3D platformers are much sloppier in comparison.

I already have more games for the Wii U than for my 360, and with Mario Kart, Smash, and Bayonetta on the way, I'm pretty happy.

I haven't found anything of interest yet on the ps4 or xbone. It's just a matter of personal tastes, so don't let it get your pants in a twist.

So many people forget this (not picking on Dredd, just a general statement).

Being critical of, or not caring for something is not the same as 'you like X so you suck', which so many people seem to take it as. People get so attached to brands and games, or so attached to their hatreds, that they start insulting/degrading people that don't share their opinions.

I love my 3DS, kind of hate what Xbox has done of late (though Phil seems to be doing a magnificent job righting the ship), but do I think XB1 owners are dumb? Hell no, more power to em. Have fun with what you want, and don't be a plick to other gamers who don't share your exact opinions.

 

[exdeath]

Right now? Give me X. I'll take that and be a missing person for a month over any other game on the horizon on any other platform for the rest of 2014.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

You say they need to make something fresh and original, which they do (Nintendoland, Mario 3D World), but you contradict yourself and demand that they make another Mario 64 or Mario Galaxy.

What other HD remakes have they made for the Wii U? I still only know of Zelda Windwaker HD.

They make fresh games and you wave them off dismissively as "spin offs."
They make a new Mario in the 64/Sunshine/Galaxy vein and you'll say it's a "rehash" that's "more of the same" and "the definition of insanity."

Agreed. No game or games will fix the Wii U's value proposition. Nothing short of a massive price drop will.

 

[zerocool84]

The Wii U makes a great secondary console. The ps4 and xbone overlap a lot, and are a sort of subset of the PC's library. The Wii U kind of stands alone in its first party games that don't show up elsewhere.

But see, that's the problem right there, it makes me great secondary console, no one should shoot to be number two.

 

[cmdrdredd]

But see, that's the problem right there, it makes me great secondary console, no one should shoot to be number two.

Precisely Nintendo's problem. They had no clue when they released this thing, can't even make good use of the second screen in many of their own games and even had to admit they don't know how to work in HD. That's pretty bad. This has relegated it to playing second fiddle and in terms of sales numbers and user count, 3rd overall for the next several years.


Still Nintendo needs to learn something...hype matters. You have to get your fans pumped up to generate buzz. How many forums do you see where people say "Dude, They are doing a new Halo! Gotta have an XB1 for that!" "Wow man...another Uncharted game is coming. I gotta have a PS4 now!"? I see it often and it's not limited to those titles, games coming in the future even if we just have an announcement and some concept art or a bit of info on the story etc. It will generate interest. It seems as if Nintendo doesn't understand that and wants to keep secrets. Just look at the reactions when they show Smash Bros or Mario Kart. It helps hype people up. Not me personally, but people get interested. I wonder if Nintendo even notices it because if they did they would not hesitate to give some info on current projects.

 

[Dumac]

But see, that's the problem right there, it makes me great secondary console, no one should shoot to be number two.

..but..isn't that how it has always been in the world of 3D gaming?

Wii may have sold more, but the only games worth playing on it were a small set first party for the most part. The PS3/360/PC were the ones with the large library that was most gamers actual 'primary console'.

Gamecube was behind PS2 and Xbox, and again featured a smaller, more focused library.

N64 was behind PS1 in terms of sales and library...

What has honestly changed now about the Wii U, other than marketing and name? Nintendo consoles (aside from the SNES) have always been secondary gaming machines. They have great titles you don't want to miss, but not enough to fuel your play 24/7 unless you are a light gamer.