6
« on: September 14, 2006, 07:06:01 PM »
Look, basically with the Wii you're getting a Gamecube on crack with a lot of extra power made just for figuring out how to react to the wacky controller. The system shouldn't cost that much since it's recycling a lot of technology. It's got a sweet interface and a lot of potential for future firmware updates and downloads etc. but that doesn't make up for the price for what it’s bundled with. I fully expected Nintendo to release this thing with at the very least a demo built into the system or Wii Sports and well we got Wii Sports. However, I won't be happy if those 50 dollars over the $200 sweet spot are for packing in Wii Sports. That's ridiculous. You shouldn't have to pay more than 10 dollars for that via a Virtual Console download if at all. 5 overblown mini games do not equal 50 dollars. Perhaps additionally with a demo disc with future titles such as Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Twilight Princess, Wario Ware, Rayman Raving Rabbids, etc., an extra Wii controller and nunchuck attachment, a classic controller, and 5 Virtual Console downloads it would be well worth going 50 dollars over the sweet spot. It'd be a great sign of good will to the consumer. That way you could preview all future and current titles and be one step towards a full multiplayer set up. Here's hoping that they offer demos to download.
Oh the Virtual Console. It's pure profit even if they sell all the games for just one dollar. 5 dollars for an NES game is extortion. With the price they have set up I don't think they'll be getting as many sales as they think they will. They'd be raking in a lot more cash for 1 dollar for NES games, 3 dollars for SNES games, and 5 dollars for N64 games. Given the illusion for cheap prices people are more likely to go spend crazy and Nintendo will get more money as a result; money which again is pure profit. Nintendo is just being greedy with current prices and I think it'll likely bring down sales but no matter since it's all profit to them. I as a consumer am just disappointed because I won't be buying as many games on the Virtual Console as I'd like.
I'm actually fine with the launch line up because as it was there were too many good games at launch. Many that would've have overwhelmed other games. I'm sure Ubisoft is very appreciative of the Metroid Prime 3 delay. I imagine Red Steel will sell many more copies now. Oh and I'm very happy about region-free. I sincerely hope no third party is retarded enough to actually region their games since it is an option. Likewise I hope they also follow Nintendo's lead and price their games at no more than 50 dollars.
If Nintendo plans to release 4 million Wiis across the US this year how would it hurt to start earlier than PS3's release date? They'll obviously have stores stocked no matter what so the "oh PS3 buyers will turn to Wii after not finding PS3 in stock" argument is rendered null since the stock will be available if they're stock piling this stuff. They have to be if they have 4 million of them. Oh and if they can produce that many white Wiis it can't be that hard to have black Wiis too. According to most polls the black version is what most people want. Unfortunately just like Gamecube they've decided to make their flagship system the color that most people didn't want. At least this time it isn't purple but last time we at least had the option of choosing black. If you can somehow transfer or redownload Virtual Console games you've already purchased to a new system I might buy a black Wii when it comes out and sell my white Wii. Let's just say the white Wii had an "accident".
Separately sold controller parts are a crime to both consumers and developers if it's the only option. I'm fine if the classic controller is sold separately but the pointer and nunchuck parts should be sold together for no more than 50 dollars. If you need a part replaced then I can see them charging those separate prices. This would be good for an online store I bet. Speaking of online they better not making component cables an online store only again. I want to use component cables on day one so I better be able to get them retail.
No one would be complaining if the following case was true:
1x Wii Console
1x Sensor bar
1x Wii stand
1x AC adaptor
1x AV cable (composite)
2x Wii Controllers (with two AAA batteries)
2x Nunchuck attachments
1x Classic Controller attachment
1x Wii Sports
1x Wii Demo Disc
5x Virtual Console downloads
Cost: $250
Virtual Console Prices:
$1 - NES games
$3 - SNES games
$5 - N64 games
Controller packages:
$50 - Wii Controller and Nunchuck attachment bundle
$40 - Wii Controller separately
$20 - Nunchuck attachment separately
$20 - Classic Controller (comes with 1 free Virtual Console download)
Nintendo also needs to have a rewards program. My recommendation is to have 1 or 2 free Virtual Console downloads with every Wii game purchase (that means all Wii game purchases including 3rd party. Nintendo still needs to figure out that they need to reward consumers for supporting them. If they can do that then they'll have this generation won right at the start.
I'll be getting a Wii no matter what. Just don't expect me to not say my piece on how Nintendo could be doing this better. Everyone would be rejoicing if this was the reality.