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

[Dumac]

Ugh AT sometimes I swear.

I LIKE SM3DW AND HAVE NO COMPLAINTS PERSONALLY.

But it is what it is, still "2Dish" level design and game play direction with 3D visuals and not a "true 3D" game like Super Mario 64. That's what OTHER people are griping about and it IS a valid point.

You ARE stuck in a hamster tube, it's not like 64 or even Sunshine where you could point the stick in a random direction, start running, and see what you discover. This is what most of the gaming population wants and expects when they see a title like "Super Mario 3D World". That title mislead many to believe we would have a true Mario 64 type experience, for the first time in a long while, and it wasn't.

Doesn't make it a bad game at all. Just many Mario 64 fans who have been craving a full open world 3D Mario game were mislead and let down by the title apparently. Having played both I can say that 3D World just feels like a "moar 3D" version of NSMB more than Mario 64.

64 you could just spend hours exploring a single level and still probably not find everything without a guide.

Contrast, SM3DW, much like NSMB, you just follow the path and you can't miss anything due to the obvious pipe or short "behind the level" or underground fork that gets you a "secret" item then pops you back out into the main level 5 feet further down the main path. It's just not the same and not what the Mario 64 audience was expecting or desired.

I like it, it's charming and looks and plays incredible. But its absolutely no Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Conker, etc. These are the standard that people expect in a 3D platformer, esp when you specifically name your game "3D World" to set it apart from the 2D NSMB sub series.

I was never much of a 64 person but having written this post and really thought about the games mentioned, I can see now why everyone thinks N64 was gods gift to 3D action platforming. Mario 64, Banjo, Conker, really set the bar and defined the platformers perfect transition to 3D to a level that really has at best only been half heartedly attempted since then.

You left out galaxy, which is what people have been whining and clamouring for. Except, galaxy doesn't fit your descriptions...

Also, Super Mario 3D World is a sequel to Super Mario World from SNES, so I don't think it's name implies that it is a free roaming platformer.

And honestly, while I love Mario 64, I wouldn't call it a good platformer. It was more of a 3d adventure game. The platforming elements were tiny, and some levels didn't really have any. The game was really easy and lacked the challenge of a good platformer. The last level of SM3DW was more difficult than the entire game of Mario 64.

 

[sxr7171]

Other observations:

I'll just confirm the gamepad battery issue. If you don't put that thing on the charger or connect it a charger during disuse it will likely not be ready at the time of intended use.

The extended battery is a must have. It was measured to be only ounce heavier that the stock battery. In the sense that one might want one of these to last through a party at least the ability to switch out batteries such as the xbox 360 controllers or standard inclusion of the "extended" battery would have been required.

Saw Duck Tales remastered on sale at the store for $7.49. The input of info was painless and easy. As a game it's a nice update.

It has a weird habit of requiring a 2-3 min update after the download (which happens in the background) of any game upon first launch. Menu transitions are also painfully slow such as from game to menu or vice versa. All the 5 icons on the bottom take quite while to load and are not labeled so it will be quite some time getting everything down.

Once set up it won't be a big issue. But my point is that you will spend considerably more time getting this set up than you would with an Xbox one or PS4. Which is ironic if this is the console for the "casual gamer".

Overall I'd have to say that the plus is that I've never have imagined how good these titles look today. It's powerful enough to make the typical Nintendo art style look amazing.

 

[CZroe]

Other observations:

I'll just confirm the gamepad battery issue. If you don't put that thing on the charger or connect it a charger during disuse it will likely not be ready at the time of intended use.

The extended battery is a must have. It was measured to be only ounce heavier that the stock battery. In the sense that one might want one of these to last through a party at least the ability to switch out batteries such as the xbox 360 controllers or standard inclusion of the "extended" battery would have been required.

Saw Duck Tales remastered on sale at the store for $7.49. The input of info was painless and easy. As a game it's a nice update.

It has a weird habit of requiring a 2-3 min update after the download (which happens in the background) of any game upon first launch. Menu transitions are also painfully slow such as from game to menu or vice versa. All the 5 icons on the bottom take quite while to load and are not labeled so it will be quite some time getting everything down.

Once set up it won't be a big issue. But my point is that you will spend considerably more time getting this set up than you would with an Xbox one or PS4. Which is ironic if this is the console for the "casual gamer".

Overall I'd have to say that the plus is that I've never have imagined how good these titles look today. It's powerful enough to make the typical Nintendo art style look amazing.

Yeah, I saw Ducktales Remastered on the eShop (digital download) for $7.50 the same night I came home with the physical copy for $20.

Is that where you saw it for $7.50 or was it a physical copy?

 

[sxr7171]

Yeah, I saw Ducktales Remastered on the eShop (digital download) for $7.50 the same night I came home with the physical copy for $20.

Is that where you saw it for $7.50 or was it a physical copy?

It was on the estore. I was lured into it by the sudden installation of Wii Sports Club and a flashing estore icon. So I saw the game and thought that's a good price. Then I saw demos in the store and downloaded most of them. Good thing there are demos in the store. I know PS4 has almost no good demos. Demos show a confidence in the product that hype used to sell copies doesn't.

Also most games don't hold my attention for too long so I feel like I can "play" a lot of games without buying all of them. I will of course but the ones I like. Wonderful 101 is looking like one of those games. The retail copies I've seen are less than the $29.99 on the estore.


I'm a bit wary of that fact that downloads are tied to the console and not the Nintendo ID. That needs to change absolutely.

One thing that would be nice to be implemented is installation of games from disc to SD Card. I would just put a big SD Card in there and all my games on it. This concept of getting up to switch discs is a bit old.

Of course the reason why you need to switch discs is a problem. It's late to do this but somebody needs to come out with a mechanism that allows you to tie the game to your account and then using the laser renders the disc unreadable. Therefore preventing sale or gifting of the disc. It would be like a one time activation by disc instead of code.

There will be some time for them to figure out how to do digital distribution work like discs. Like the ability to assign your library to a wimote and allow you access your library at a friend's place. You need bring it back to play your games at home. If you lose it, you can deactivate it remotely.

I know I'm asking for a lot and I think these things will likely happen next generation.

 

[CZroe]

It was on the estore. I was lured into it by the sudden installation of Wii Sports Club and a flashing estore icon. So I saw the game and thought that's a good price. Then I saw demos in the store and downloaded most of them. Good thing there are demos in the store. I know PS4 has almost no good demos. Demos show a confidence in the product that hype used to sell copies doesn't.

Also most games don't hold my attention for too long so I feel like I can "play" a lot of games without buying all of them. I will of course but the ones I like. Wonderful 101 is looking like one of those games. The retail copies I've seen are less than the $29.99 on the estore.


I'm a bit wary of that fact that downloads are tied to the console and not the Nintendo ID. That needs to change absolutely.

One thing that would be nice to be implemented is installation of games from disc to SD Card. I would just put a big SD Card in there and all my games on it. This concept of getting up to switch discs is a bit old.

Of course the reason why you need to switch discs is a problem. It's late to do this but somebody needs to come out with a mechanism that allows you to tie the game to your account and then using the laser renders the disc unreadable. Therefore preventing sale or gifting of the disc. It would be like a one time activation by disc instead of code.

There will be some time for them to figure out how to do digital distribution work like discs. Like the ability to assign your library to a wimote and allow you access your library at a friend's place. You need bring it back to play your games at home. If you lose it, you can deactivate it remotely.

I know I'm asking for a lot and I think these things will likely happen next generation.

As a collector, I hope not. The utility and transferability of a disc is the last thing in the world I want to lose. It's the only reason a collection has value. Getting rid of transferable ownership means getting rid of physical sales medium in the first place.

I love that I'm still able to play, share, and SELL my classics and I lose much of my incentive to do any of that when you remove any one of those aspects.

If Ductales Remastered were still $15 and I paid $20 then I wouldn't feel ripped off at all. I hope the digital price indicates a price drop on the physical copy too. I intend to find a cheaper retail price and do my 30-day price match if possible.

 

[sxr7171]

As a collector, I hope not. The utility and transferability of a disc is the last thing in the world I want to lose. It's the only reason a collection has value. Getting rid of transferable ownership means getting rid of physical sales medium in the first place.

I love that I'm still able to play, share, and SELL my classics and I lose much of my incentive to do any of that when you remove any one of those aspects.

If Ductales Remastered were still $15 and I paid $20 then I wouldn't feel ripped off at all. I hope the digital price indicates a price drop on the physical copy too. I intend to find a cheaper retail price and do my 30-day price match if possible.

Discs should still be around though. There are many countries without high speed internet for downloading games. However there could be an option for those who wish to go discless.

 

[desura]

I wonder when there will be the die-shrink revision of the wii u.

Those are usually...4 years after launch?

 

[CZroe]

I wonder when there will be the die-shrink revision of the wii u.

Those are usually...4 years after launch?

That's about when I'd expect to see a full redesign but the die shrinks usually happen well before that. PS3 got one in less than a year.

Nintendo needs to reduce the cost quickly so I hope they rush it. A bring-your-own-display tablet controller option would be nice too (slot in iPad mini, tolerate a phablet phone, etc). It'd probably need a dongle though because it doesn't use Miracast or any open standard (is based on 802.11n instead of UWB wireless HDMI though).

 

[TeknoBug]

Going from the Nintendo DS/3DS to the Wii U is a little baffling, the Wii U is extremely unappealing in appearance in almost every way, who wants to pack around a giant device like that? The Wii was a great TV console unit especially in today's age where most families has a 50" TV or larger and interacting with the game rather than sitting on your two cheeks.

 

[CZroe]

Going from the Nintendo DS/3DS to the Wii U is a little baffling, the Wii U is extremely unappealing in appearance in almost every way, who wants to pack around a giant device like that? The Wii was a great TV console unit especially in today's age where most families has a 50" TV or larger and interacting with the game rather than sitting on your two cheeks.

Huh? The Wii U *is* a TV console. The tablet is adding a DS-style second screen to your TV and enabling single-screen play while the TV is in use for other things. You don't "pack it around." It can't leave the console's wireless range.

 

[Dumac]

Going from the Nintendo DS/3DS to the Wii U is a little baffling, the Wii U is extremely unappealing in appearance in almost every way, who wants to pack around a giant device like that? The Wii was a great TV console unit especially in today's age where most families has a 50" TV or larger and interacting with the game rather than sitting on your two cheeks.

Another example of Nintendo's failed marketing.

People have the strangest ideas about the Wii U.

 

[exdeath]

Hmm it actually makes more sense than Nintendo has ever made.

Wii U is a home big screen version of a DS.

Never thought about it that way.

I'm sure that was the intention, but people think of it as a Wii with a tablet instead.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Too bad the Wii U doesn't let you play 3DS games on the big screen!

I know a few people who like their 3DS's more than any other modern console, and at least one commented that he wished he could play awesome new 3DS hits (Link to the Past sequel, new Yoshi's Island, Bravely Default, etc.) on his TV.

That could move some units!

 

[exdeath]

With Nintendo's current track record we should soon see the Wii 3DU with a glasses-less 3D tablet!

 

[Dumac]

Too bad the Wii U doesn't let you play 3DS games on the big screen!

I know a few people who like their 3DS's more than any other modern console, and at least one commented that he wished he could play awesome new 3DS hits (Link to the Past sequel, new Yoshi's Island, Bravely Default, etc.) on his TV.

That could move some units!

I've said that at some point in the past.

 

[shortylickens]

Got the U.
Its OK.

Took 25 minutes to setup with all the BS account nonsense and everything else. I didnt spend that much time on the game.

Console itself is sleek and low profile. I like all the USB ports. Controller did not come charged, but the 3rd party gamepad I bought was charged. That big controller also has a proprietary charging port, whereas all the other gadgets are standard mini or micro USB.


I do not like the massive pad. That mini screen is more annoying that anything else. Left controls and right controls are too far apart. My brain doesnt think its working on one device. Will have to completely retrain myself if I'm going to use it. Unfortunately the setup requires you to use it, as do most UI things once you get started.

Menu system is very slow. Just opening the basic apps or settings takes a long time. Felt like Android 1.6. Web browser was surprisingly fast though. I could zip thru pages nicely and it played everything on youtube. Watched some HD music videos, looked great. Netflix and Amazon were good too. But my Roku XS is faster. Of course it doesnt have a keyboard and headphone jack. Oh wait, I think it does have a headphone jack....

I like my 3rd party game pad better, it was easy to setup and is comfortable. HOWEVER, it seems more than a few U games will require the use of that freakin touchscreen just to do basic stuff.

The included mario/luigi game was OK. I got bored in the middle of the first level. Its very pretty, but not original. They just combined elements from all the previous 2D platform titles. But it was fun in a way. The "2nd" game is really just the first one, but Luigi is faster and theres a shorter time limit on levels. And the progress you make in one does not carry over to the 2nd. They should have just included a 2nd Luigi mode in the core game. Glad I got it with the console. By themselves they are 40 plus 25 dollars, which is hella stupid. Also came with some challenge modes which were kinda fun.

Did not try any Wii games yet. Will need a WiiMote plus and maybe a wheel, oh, and that stupid nunchuck.


Wish they had included either a wiimote or a gamepad with the basic U console. Even if the included game didnt use it, to me thats just basic stuff.
They also only included a simple HDMI cable even though theres a multivideo port on the back for composite and component I think.
They did not even include a basic memory card, but since the good model has 32GB onboard I guess it doesnt matter.

Overall, its not bad. I like it.
Wish they had an original Zelda game when it debuted. Also wish they had a truly original mario game on debut. I think the other one is like SMW but in 3D.

Will keep it around long enough to try Mario Kart 8. And if a zelda game pops up not too long before or after, I may nab that as well.

 

[exar333]

I've said that at some point in the past.

That would honestly tempt me to buy one....

I also didn't know that Nintendo still tied virtual purchases to the CONSOLE. LOL, they need to get with the times, like 2001...

 

[shortylickens]

Got Windwalker HD.
Its fun. Spent some time stealing piggies. Got up to the fortress and decided to call it a night. Is there ever a point where I can free roam?

 

[dguy6789]

Got Windwalker HD.
Its fun. Spent some time stealing piggies. Got up to the fortress and decided to call it a night. Is there ever a point where I can free roam?

Vast majority of the game lets you free roam. Fortress is still when the game is in tutorial mode.

 

[Aikouka]

I also didn't know that Nintendo still tied virtual purchases to the CONSOLE. LOL, they need to get with the times, like 2001...

Isn't everything tied to the Nintendo ID with the Wii U?

 

[CZroe]

Got Windwalker HD.
Its fun. Spent some time stealing piggies. Got up to the fortress and decided to call it a night. Is there ever a point where I can free roam?

I'm still really mad that I can't play with a Wii Remote + Nunchuk.

http://youtu.be/VmOg41l7EMI

That's all I really wanted from the remake since before the Wii even launched (check the upload date on that video). Sure, 1080p wide screen, and updated graphics with tweaked gameplay are also welcome, but they failed to give me what I want.

I finally just broke out my Wii U Pro controller so that I could stop cycling my tablet controller's battery.

Anyway, I'm in the Deku Forrest dungeon, which is as far as I got back in 2003 when my GameCube was stolen.

 

[exdeath]

Wii U should have had a 3DS slot built in from the start. Would have cost 25 cents and Wii U could run 3DS in software emulation. With the success of DS they should have marketed the hell out of not only Wii U being a NEW console but also associated the dual screen asynchronous gameplay features as a home version the popular DS platform.

But then that probably would have failed too. People would think "a $350 DS that connects to the TV no thanks" which is no better than the Wii U being mistaken as a Wii peripheral.

Also now days with eShops and such nobody would ever do such a thing if they can sell you a game twice. The ability to have digital downloads and virtual consoles is a conflict of interest. I was going to add remasters but at least those add significant asset reinvestment and come in at 39.99 or less.

 

[zerocool84]

Even the 2DS suffers from the horrible Nintendo naming. I told someone at work I was buying the $100 bundle of the 2DS and Pokémon X and he asked if it played only regular DS games or 3DS games. It should have been 3DS Lite or something like that. They screwed up naming the WiiU and the 2DS.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Woah, I had no clue about the 2DS! That looks awesome, I will have to hunt down one!

 

[zerocool84]

Woah, I had no clue about the 2DS! That looks awesome, I will have to hunt down one!

You're essentially paying $60 for the 2DS since Pokémon is $40, insane deal.