Topic: Wii U in Review (News & Rumor Consolidation)

[BlackNMild2k1]

This is the notable quote from the Wii U hacker:

"So yes, the Wii U CPU is nothing to write home about, but don't compare it clock per clock with a 360 and claim it's much worse. It isn't."

https://twitter.com/marcan42/status/274182672652308480

Truth is though that that quote can be taken in more ways than one.

It isn't much worse? or it's not worse?
Which one did he mean? [/devil's advocate]

[Adrock]

Do you think the internet will listen?

No. Most comments I've read are proclaiming the sky is falling which is par for the course. The Internet has been predicting Nintendo's doom since Al Gore invented it.

Here, Wii U's "Espresso" CPU apparently sucks because it doesn't trounce Cell/Xenon. What many of these people wanted (or even audaciously expected) was for Wii U to be so powerful that it could handle anything PS3/360 could through sheer "brute force," optimization be damned.

Truth is though that that quote can be taken in more ways than one.

It isn't much worse? or it's not worse?
Which one did he mean? [/devil's advocate]

I took it to mean that, all things considered, it's about on par at best or slightly worse at worst. Or more aptly, it's better at some things, worse at others so depending on what developers need it to do or use it for would yield different opinions. I think it's a good sign that Wii U launch ports generally run pretty well despite a few hiccups in some of them. If Espresso was so "horrible and slow," these games probably wouldn't be able to run as well as they do, especially for launch titles. Nintendo is still ironing out some of the wrinkles in the OS so given more time and familiarity, things will improve.

From what I've read, the industry is moving in a more GPU centric direction and the Wii U's GPU "Latte" is what really sets it apart from the current generation. It's clocked similarly to PS3's Reality Synthesizer, but we should all ignore that. The RS is clocked higher than the 360's Xenos, but I don't think I've ever read anywhere that RS is the better of the 2.

Anyone expecting a repeat of Wii vs. PS3/360 needs to simmer down. Wii U hardware will undoubtedly get outclassed by Orbis/Durango, but the gap will be much smaller.

[NWR_insanolord]

The gap will be smaller and it will also mean less. The Vita is about as much more powerful than the 3DS as the PSP was over the DS, but the 3DS is at a high enough level to handle most anything developers would need. The reason the PSP saw any success was Monster Hunter, which it only got because the DS wasn't capable of handling it. The 3DS, and the Wii U, while less powerful than their competition, are fairly likely to be "good enough."

[shingi_70]

But here's the thing. Next year when Battlefield 4 comes out will the Wii U get the same version as the PC/Durango/Orbis or will it get the PS3/360 version of the game.

Will developers take the time out to make a wii U version of a game that's in some weird middle ground. Its worst than the other next gen consoles but better than the last gen.

As well currently epic isn't going to port unreal engine 4 to the wii U (pretty sure it will be possible) you think third parties working on games for the engine slated for Duragno/Orbis launch and early 2014 are going to have the time and resources to port a whole engine to the wii U if engine maker itsself won't do its job properly.

At least the wii U is probably guarntted to have the best version of madden and fifa next year.

[Louieturkey]

If EA optimizes it correctly, it will look the same on Wii U/Orbis/Durango.  The PC version will be superior but with little to no visual difference.

Nintendo bought into what AMD has been preaching in that the GPU can do what the CPU has been handling for a long time.  It just requires the gamemakers to program the game to take advantage of that situation.  The Wii U was built on this philosophy.  We'll see if it works or not, though I suspect it will work as rumors about the Orbis suggest it will be built on the same philosophy, just with a bit more power.

[Gamejunkie]

But here's the thing. Next year when Battlefield 4 comes out will the Wii U get the same version as the PC/Durango/Orbis or will it get the PS3/360 version of the game.

Will developers take the time out to make a wii U version of a game that's in some weird middle ground. Its worst than the other next gen consoles but better than the last gen.

As well currently epic isn't going to port unreal engine 4 to the wii U (pretty sure it will be possible) you think third parties working on games for the engine slated for Duragno/Orbis launch and early 2014 are going to have the time and resources to port a whole engine to the wii U if engine maker itsself won't do its job properly.

At least the wii U is probably guarntted to have the best version of madden and fifa next year.

What makes you so sure that Battlefield 4 will be released for the Wii U at all ?

[ShyGuy]

Wasn't Battlefield in the Wii U sizzle reel back at E3 2011?

[NWR_insanolord]

That was before the rumored falling-out between Nintendo and EA over control of the Wii U online system.

[azeke]

But what does it all mean?

[tendoboy1984]

But what does it all mean?

People at Nintendo like eating healthy? Or they finally caught on to Internet memes...

[EasyCure]

Staring at fruit was a prior meme? Or are they trying to start one..?

[Ceric]

You know didn't the whole fruit thing start with someone photoshopping in fruit with an earlier direct?

[nickmitch]

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/satoru-iwata-holding-bananas

That says it started at the E3 presser.

[tendoboy1984]

Staring at fruit was a prior meme? Or are they trying to start one..?

That one.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Miyamoto to revisit the unrealized Connectivity game ideas is "Very Likely"
http://nintendoeverything.com/108496/miyamoto-very-likely-hell-return-to-unrealized-gcn-gba-link-ideas-with-wii-u/

“I think it is very likely. I cannot tell specifically what ideas I used to have at the time which might be realized this time around. But as you might recall, at one of the E3 shows several years ago we showcased a game of Pac-Man Versus, which was a really interesting game. Unfortunately however it was rather hard for everyone to own four GBAs at the same time.

“But at that time still it was not very easy or accepted. [Now, with Wii U], it’s not just creators outside the company are finding fascinating possibilities to be able to realize a game dream come true.”

We've already gotten Pacman Vs in Mario Chase, and the opposite of that in Luigi's Mansion.
Animal Crossing is like LM with 2 visible ghost.


We can hope for a new FFCC from SE, but what else could Miyamoto have come up with that was never realized and isn't already touched on in Nintendoland and currently released Wii U games?

[EasyCure]

Another Four Swords Adventure? Battle Quest was fun and all but limited since it was on rails. If the 3D environment is more difficult to manage with multiple players, I wouldn't mind another 2D Four Swords game.

Easy answer is a new tingle tuner in the next Zelda

[Caterkiller]

I had some extensive play time with Nintendo Lands Metroid today and good god that is the ultimate future. Co-op 3d Mario, Zelda and Metroid could bring forth some amazing ideas with the whole isometric(is that the word?) gameplay.

I don't know now anyone could doubt the gamepads use for "core" titles after playing Metroid.

[nickmitch]

Did you mean "asymmetric"?

Isometric is something else.

[Retro Deckades]

I had some extensive play time with Nintendo Lands Metroid today and good god that is the ultimate future. Co-op 3d Mario, Zelda and Metroid could bring forth some amazing ideas with the whole isometric(is that the word?) gameplay.

I don't know now anyone could doubt the gamepads use for "core" titles after playing Metroid.

Same here, Caterkiller! A friend and I played co-op Nintendo Land for the first time, and we completed every challenge in Metroid Blast (Mastering all but two of them) and all the standard challenges in LOZ: Battle Quest. After checking my Wii U log, we played for nearly 12 hours!


Metroid is serious fun. I wasn't entirely sold on Nintendo Land prior to this, but now I am.


Also, using the grapple beam to hang from the gunship is awesome.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Nikkei Iwata Wii U article
http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXBZO50570470T10C13A1000000/


translation thanks to NeoGaf

Nikkei has published another article、called 'The valley Between Engrossment and Reliance: Things Mr. Iwata Wants To Protect (The Revenge of the Wii U & 3DS Part 2)' with in interview with Mr. Iwata. I have translated Mr. Iwata's comments below. Let me know if you have any qualms with the translations.


Article is here: http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXBZO50570470T10C13A1000000/


On Wii U vs. Wii Sales...
"I don't think there's much point comparing the weekly numbers to the Wii, or the weekly numbers themselves. Worrying and rejoicing each week is something we can't avoid. On the subject of the reaction to the Wii U, there are still things we must do, things we must overcome. That's what we're waiting on."


"I think it will take a little time for our customers to understand the Wii U."


On customers' satisfaction with the Gamepad...
"Setting aside the dissatisfaction some purchasers have with start-up and software change speeds, which we will improve, speaking only of the 2-screens, people find that they enjoy the Gamepad more than they thought when they actually hold it themselves. People realize the importance and benefits of having a personal screen that works in conjunction with the TV the more they use it, slowly, but that doesn't transfer to people who have yet to use the system."

On transmitting a system's message...
"[The initial reaction to the DS] was terrible. The DS began with sentiments like 'Has Nintendo lost the plot?' and 'have they gotten that desperate?'. When the PSP released, no one thought that the DS would succeed. That was the narrative at the time, but when things like Brain Training and the DS Lite came out, that changed. Afterward, people thought, 'Ah, so that's what that was, huh?'.


"The Wii was an exception. With the Wii, the DS Boom was in full force, and we were able to show off the tennis demo using the Wii Remote Controller, and it was a simple concept for everyone, one that could be understood immediately."


"We were really lucky, but at that exact time, the popularity of large-screen flat panel TVs was increasing, and the living room space opened up a little bit. We had a really strong wind behind us (luck) and we didn't have to work particularly hard to send our message."


On accusations of copying the Ipad...
"We began talking about having another screen being a good idea around 2008. We thought thoroughly about our other options, but in the end, this was the idea which was the most logical for us. So, in 2009, just as we began to press forward with this idea, sure that we were on the right track, this thing called an 'Ipad' came into the world."


"So, 2.5 years after the debut of the Ipad, when we were announcing the Wii U, it was the start of the tablet boom, the reaction was, 'Nintendo's just added a tablet to a game console, and there'll be no revolution this time.' Even though we'd been working on dual screens prior to the release of tablets, it looked like we were just following a trend."

On changing the way families play games...
"The Wii, with which we wanted to change the way game consoles existed in the family environment, changed the perspective and the result was the Wii U. The Wii's challenge was to, once again, gather the whole family in the living room to play. A restoration of tea time. Before digital TV and flat screen TVs, the number of TVs per family had been increasing, and it was common for there to be a TV and gaming console in the kids play room or bedroom. Because the big, good quality TVs entered the households, and they wanted to use them, families that had been separated came together once more in the living room and we were successful.'

On the concept of Off-TV Play...
"But, with that change, the TV also became a shared item and people who played games were interrupting people who did not. This was a dilemma. So, when making the Wii U, we discussed what could be done about situations where you were told to stop playing games because someone else wanted to watch the TV. We came up with many ideas internally and combined them in the Gamepad."

On beating Smart TVs at their own game...
"When we thought of the Gamepad, I was convinced that future TV remotes would, like the Gamepad, come with a screen attached. This is the so called Smart TV, right. TV manufacturers have, for a long time, been making trials for the internet to be viewable on TVs, but the hurdle with that is that inputting text on a regular remote is very difficult. There is [was] no remote that allowed you to read, touch, and type in your hand."


"There, the TV purchase cycle is, at shortest, 5 years, and at longest 10 years, and since many families have only recently purchased a new TV, many will likely not purchase one for a while. So, while thinking all this, we thought how about we make a game console that borrowed from the concept of future TVs. Change the pleasure of using the living room TV experience at once, sort of thing."

On increasing the gaming population...
"There are many things on the internet that are more interesting when viewed together. Watching videos, shopping, trip planning, and the Street View Google Map service [which will begin on Wii U] this month, in January. This way, if it's an enjoyable experience, for people who don't have any interest in games in the family, rather than something that's a hassle to have, the Wii U can become something that they have a connection with."


"I am still thinking about increasing the gaming population, and it's something I'd like to spend my whole life doing. Not becoming an enemy of mothers is healthy. Previously that idea wasn't in the minds of game shops, and I said it a little too forcibly, maybe, but now I don't talk like that. People are aware of that idea now, see. But the way of thinking hasn't changed. In order to realise that change we must improve the reception people have to Game Console Companies. For example, suppose there is someone who doesn't play games, but does watch Youtube, and this person gets used to holding the gamepad, the threshold for gaming has been lowered in them. Or, until now, there has been cases of a mother wanting to watch TV, but the child doesn't want to quit his game, and then they argue over it, but now the kid can continue playing solely on the pad. It is in this way that we can change the reception of gaming companies."


On Miiverse, empathy, and social gaming...
"The outlook for Nintendo fans on social networking services such as Twitter is worsening. If we look into it, the people who used to post about Nintendo are satisfied with Miiverse and have stopped posting online as much."


"When we first spoke about Miiverse, we were told that trying to make a social network now was a fool's errand. We were asked by many people why we weren't simply connecting up with Twitter or Facebook. But, what we thought would be good about the service has largely come true and, as of right now, our customers are really enjoying it. The networks of people on Facebook and Twitter aren't all people you are playing games with, right? From my viewpoint, I don't use Twitter or Facebook [privately] but if I were to, it would be about things like 'Hey, wanna go for a drink?' 'Wanna go on a trip?' 'Why don't we have a class reunion?', and so on, it wouldn't be just about the people who I am playing games with. Because I couldn't tell my high school buddies that I had got a high score in Mario Kart. (Laughs)"


"We, Nintendo, have always thought this, but games shouldn't just be about the time you spend with a console, but also telling people that you passed something, or that you found a neat trick is interesting. If I were to put a name on it, it would be empathy."


"Mr. [Shigeru] Miyamoto has been talking about this concept for years, the reason that the games that he makes are popular around the world is that they have that meta-shared experience between players. Mr. Miyamoto likes making you feel that, and giving you the ability to feel that. It was at a time thinking about that that we received the original idea for Miiverse. Like 'Ah, this is an empathy network.'"


"So, with 'empathy' as a theme, we created Miiverse to make games played alone not a lonely experience, but one that you could experience with many people. In order to make that a reality, we had to integrate it into our platform, and support it as a unified service."

”[Regarding Miiverse on PCs and Smartphones]I can't make any concrete statements about when it will be available yet, but it won't be far away."


"If there was Miiverse on the 3DS [Note, the article mentions this is still the intention] it would probably be something amazing. If Miiverse and Animal Crossing were integrated together, we'd have the chance to create something even more awesome [than what is going on now]."


On personal information posted on Miiverse...
"We delete personal information immediately. Never longer than 15 minutes. It would be too late to act once something has happened."


On additional charges for games...
"It's built to be difficult to have unlimited charges. Each time the charge screen will appear, or you need to recharge in 1000 yen increments so it's very difficult to be charged just by continuing to push a button."


On the company's philosophy...
"We aim to leave a smile on our customer's faces, no matter whether it's the game being interesting, a parent and child talking about gaming, or a grandfather being able to remain cheerful. Because it's worth doing, our staff can smile too. If our performance rises, so too our investors smile. If this chain is successful, Nintendo can be something worth keeping and continuing, and we can fulfill our responsibility to society."


Conclusion[ (for donny2112)
"[Nikkei]Former CEO Mr. Yamauchi taught Mr. Iwata, his protege, that 'when selling leisure items, which are not daily necessities, if you win it's heaven, if you lose it's hell,' as well as the concept of remaining calm in the face of disappointment and skilled indifference. This mean that when you are not blessed with luck, without panicking, calmly prepare, and work hard, when you are blessed with luck, you remain thankful and work hard calmly. So, Mr. Iwata intends not to be hung up on the upcoming profits and focus on working on creating pure products.　
Looking at Nintendo's 123 year long history, the current situation is only a small blip. They have 4.1 billion yen or more in cash and internal reserves. When we asked Mr. Iwata about his hopes for the coming year he responded that 'As we have no new hardware releasing this year, we must work hard to surprise and delight people with our software. I want this year to become one where many people can feel the bright future of the dedicated console gaming business. It was short and sweet and with it we feel Nintendo's strength and awareness with its unchanging position of calmness.

[shingi_70]

1) Is having people move from twitter to Miiverse a good thing? Is would assume you lose a lot of vision from the people who dont care about miiverse. Its like how Google+ has a quite a few cool stuff but I still link it to twitter when I write a blog post.


2)I wouldn't call the Wii U a better smart TV being a good thing as that's a pretty low bar. For those functions its still worse than say the Xbox or an Apple TV.


3)Creating a new social Network isn't a Fool's Errand. Instagram and pintrest are big examples of that.  The problem is that once you have a social network people like to compare you to Twitter and Facebook which makes you look like a failure even if you have a niche push. Only problem I have with miiverse is its Nintendo only.

4)Google Street View on Wii U sounds stupid. I use street view a bit on my tablet when I'm traveling or want to know what's around the place I'm getting to go. At home it seems pretty lame on the Wii U.

[tendoboy1984]

I love Iwata. He is so observant and humble.

But I hate when people try to prove the relevance of "dedicated gaming consoles". Why not just use the broader term "video game industry"? It doesn't matter what device you play games on, it's about the software, not hardware. The same thing could be said about watching movies on disc or Netflix. As long as yu are enjoying the experience, then why does it matter what hardware you are using?

In this day and age, there is no such thing as a "dedicated game system" anymore. The Xbox 360, Wii U, and PS3 are now full-fledged multimedia boxes, fully capable of streaming movies, music, web browsing, etc. And in Microsoft and Sony's case, that's what they've been striving for this whole time.

[Ceric]

*shrug* IF the WiiU had parity with all the Media features of the PS3 then it would be a better Smart TV.

I would argue that Miiverse is more concentrated on topic and thats its strengths.  When games implement it they naturally guide their part of Miiverse to be about their game.

[Caterkiller]

*shrug* IF the WiiU had parity with all the Media features of the PS3 then it would be a better Smart TV.

I would argue that Miiverse is more concentrated on topic and thats its strengths.  When games implement it they naturally guide their part of Miiverse to be about their game.

Yeah keeping the topics to the games and apps only is a big plus. Of course people just talk about anything they want anyway, but their minds are guided by the game or app they are in.

The great thing is you know everyone on there plays video games, no worries about being judged for our dude bro hobby.

I love reading big statements from Iwata like this. He seems like he understands a lot and is a genuinely nice guy. I wonder if he is inexplicably evil at home? Glad a brought up the improvement of the OS speed, which I would like to be faster but don't really have any issue with regardless.

I'm also glad he brought up the DS as well, I remember that first unveiling to that ugly little device and how it compared to the PSP. Sure enough with the right 2 games the DS took off and never looked back.

With Wii Nintendo got lucky right off the bat with Wii Sports and Wii Fit. You know they are trying to find that spiritual successor right now that will attempt to bring over more of the none gaming world which is not a bad thing. It's amazing how short sited the whole industry is when judging sales early and then late in a gaming life's span.

[EasyCure]

4)Google Street View on Wii U sounds stupid. I use street view a bit on my tablet when I'm traveling or want to know what's around the place I'm getting to go. At home it seems pretty lame on the Wii U.

For the most part I agree but there was at least one situation I found myself in where I desperately wished I could hook up my moms Macbook to her TV; Our family took a trip to Japan and a few weeks after our return, there was a gathering at her house, the trip came up but she didn't have any pictures to show, I wasn't prepared so outside of a few pics on my phone I couldn't show off and my brother who puts everything up on facebook wasn't around either, and since I didn't have an account at the time I couldn't go on his page on her laptop to show everyone pictures..

I bring this up because I had the idea of using Street View and giving the other guest a small tour of Japan, unfortunately I had to huddle everyone around the laptop because my mom didn't have a way to connect it to her big screen.

I don't have a laptop at my place and connecting my PC to my TV would be a pain, but the Wii U is much more portable so if I ever have to do something like that again, it's a nifty feature to have.