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Nintendo could be releasing Wii 2 right now
Disclaimer: I don’t, for one second, think this is “real.” I don’t think this is what is “going to happen.” The point of this article isn’t to make any sort of predictions. It scarcely should even be considered speculation. Instead, this article is strictly entertaining a hypothetical situation; it’s a mental game of problem solving.
Nintendo positioned themselves as a low-cost option in the interactive entertainment market. They did well to innovate in terms of control input for this generation. Also, they decided to forgo high-definition graphics with the Wii. They went for a simplified online system (compared to the competition). Many consider the Wii “current gen” when comparing it to its Gamecube predecessor, which the Wii is based on.
How can Nintendo catch up to Sony and Microsoft in terms of the high-tech gaming elements? Are they destined to be last place in graphics (in technical terms), online systems, and the things that Nintendo has seemingly disregarded?
Reposition
First, we need to accept this concept: Nintendo cares. In a world where Nintendo cares about competing with other companies in terms of the “core gamer” elements, this situation could actually come about.
We don’t have a solid notion that Nintendo does care about competing in the high-powered areas of gaming, but that doesn’t stop this situation from being considered. Instead, we need to accept this hypothetical circumstance to continue on.
So, Nintendo wants to create a new console with HD graphics and a revamped online system (or what have you in regards to “high tech” gaming elements). Assuming so, they could have troubles keeping it at a low price.
The best solution for Nintendo is to change gears. Nintendo needs to shift their focus from being control-centric to zoning in on the more “non-tangible” elements of gaming. The company centers around innovating on control input. Logically, less effort and R&D dollars (more appropriately, yen) being spent on new and exciting controls should leave more time and money for the things most complainers have yearned for: a more fleshed-out system.
The question turns: how does Nintendo accomplish this?
Reuse
Microsoft looms with Project Natal. Sony edges closer with Arc. Even with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime showing “no fear” (via Gizmodo), a wise businessman takes their competition seriously.
Microsoft and Sony are taking interesting turns at this stage in their console cycles. Both companies, whose game systems predominantly demonstrate the advancing technology and graphical capabilities of home gaming, are developing new controllers. Without a doubt, this is very “Nintendo” of them.
Let’s not assume that Nintendo’s plan is to counter-attack in predictable ways, with new(er) and (more) exciting control styles. Instead, as we’re hypothesizing, Nintendo is striking back in the graphics and online department, the one area of video games where they decidedly come in “last.”
To accomplish this, they use the Wii Remote. Again.
Even better, Nintendo would update the Wii Remote. This proven device with an already-established install base becomes the iPod of gaming, with newer, better versions of it available. As a better comparison, one could liken it to the DualShock 2 controller.
To clarify, recall that PlayStation owners that upgraded to the PlayStation 2 could play their original games and even new ones while using their PlayStation controller. Still, a newer, altered version of the controller was released with the PlayStation 2.
Similarly, the Wii Remote begets the Wii Remote 2. Perhaps Nintendo would include a better speaker in this new controller. MotionPlus, as many rumors go, would certainly be included in its initial design.
This would be Nintendo’s low-cost solution: existing technology (arguably, again). The Wii Remote has been a success story. With millions sold, why would Nintendo abandon it?
This also means that the Wii Remote 2 could very well be released BEFORE the new console. Nintendo could be working on new peripherals that are designed just as much for Wii HD (or 2, or Dolphin, or whatever) as they are for the Wii.
Reduce
Nintendo could then release their new console “in pieces” for Wii gamers to pick up ahead of time. What happens then? A new Wii HD could easily be reduced to a $250 price, and you would already have the controllers to go with it.
Were Nintendo to go the Sony route, there’s no need to change the design of the controller as well. Good news, all those plastic guns and wheels that your Wii Remote clips into would also hold the Wii Remote 2.
This works the other way as well. If Nintendo shows consistency, then a Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and MotionPlus could be sufficient controllers for the new console. Buying all those devices sounds a lot better to the consumer when they find out they work for two systems.
Were this to be Nintendo’s solution, expect the new system to sell out all over again for the next few years
With the Wii, Nintendo already turned everything we thought we knew about game console releases and video games on its head. I wouldn’t put it re-using controllers past them.
Re-think
After entertaining the thought, I find that doubts still linger. For one, we have to assume that Nintendo cares about things like high-definition graphics or a more enriching online experience.
Even more, we have to assume that Nintendo is willing to act on this soon. Nothing could be further from current indications from the company. If anything, Nintendo’s constant denial of an upcoming console shows their desire to ride out the Wii to its last sale.
Nintendo, especially Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata, have made a habit of denying “Wii HD” for the past few months. Their thought process revolves around adding HD to the current system, and how they don’t consider that “enough” to make the new system worthwhile. It’s likely that they would also feel the same about using the same controls again in the new system.
However, the new console we hope for has far more features than what the current Wii offers. Also, this doesn’t discount the idea of Nintendo still innovating on supplemental controls for the system.
This brings up the Vitality Sensor. Nintendo will be exhibiting the mysterious heart rate/pulse monitoring accessory in July, and possibly in June at E3. If Nintendo believes that the Vitality Sensor can breath new life into the Wii, they have no reason to announce a new console.
Of course, none of this stops Nintendo from releasing the first parts of their new system, in the form of the Wii Remote 2. As long as it doesn’t come in white and no other colors for the first three years of its release, you’ll hear no complaints from me.
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Rage of the Gladiator to hit WiiWare next Monday.
It was recently announced by Ghostfire Games that Rage of the Gladiator will hit WiiWare’s virtual shelves this coming Monday, March 15th. It will cost 1000 Wii Points.
And what good would a game be without a contest to coincide with its release? Ghostfire Games announced a competition which challenges players to beat the game as fast as possible. This encompasses both the regular game, and the challenge mode (more difficult versions of the bosses), which unlocks after beating the regular mode. If you do all of this first, with a Grade A in every boss fight, and send a screenshot to Ghostfire Games, they will put your name in one of their next video games.
If you remember, Ghostfire was working towards a late 2009 release of the game, but because of interest shown by fans, they decided to work in Wii MotionPlus. This set their development back, but as Ghostfire Games’ Scott Merriam said in a prior interview, they prefer to take the “Blizzard approach” of making sure their game is a quality one, ensuring not to rush it out too soon.
Coupled along with the announcement of the release date was also new media of the boss Tagon (pictured above). This raps up all of the media releases Ghostfire Games will do before the release of the game. Each release served as a preview to a new boss, and to see a listing of bosses revealed in the game, check out Ghostfire Games’ website.
Are you going to get this game? If so, are you going to compete to get your name in a video game?
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THQ CEO Brian Farrell confirms de Blob 2 sequel going multiplatform in 2011
THQ CEO Brian Farrell has confirmed the publisher will be launching de Blob 2 for multiple platforms in fiscal 2011.
“de Blob started its life on Wii. We’ve not announced anything yet, but obviously with a great brand like that — people love that character — taking it to other platforms, the game mechanic can be done. Actually, I prefer it on a normal controller. We’ll be branching it out to other platforms — that’s a great brand to build.” Farrell said in an interview with IGN.
THQ originally announced a de Blob sequel was coming to Wii during an investors conference call on February 3.
This marks another lost Wii exclusive for Nintendo. Recently, High Voltage Software announced their upcoming monster/zombie shooter, The Grinder, will no longer be a Wii exclusive.
When asked just what gamers should expect from a de Blob sequel, Farrell had this to say:
“You’ll really like what you see. It’s being developed by our Blue Tongue studio down in Australia. I was down there probably about three months ago and they’ve just taken it to the next level. The first one is always the first one. And now having all the technology built so that they can work solely on the creative side and production values — you’re going to love what you see.”
Initially developed by a small group of college students, de Blob puts players in control of a ball of color with the mission to jump around and repaint a barren city.
THQ’s unique action puzzler took home five awards at the annual Games Developers’ Association of Australia (GDAA) Awards in 2008. It received “Best Console Title”, “Best Gameplay”, “Best Graphics” and Best Audio” along with the coveted “Best Game” award.
For more info, check out The Wiire’s de Blob Impressions.
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Sony executive says publishers are leaving Wii for PS3, has data to prove it
In a recent interview with IndustryGamers, Sony Senior Vice President of Publisher Relations, Rob Dyer, said publishers are leaving Wii for PS3 and that the Wii platform has little innovative new IP.
“What publishers have said is they’re not going to spend the resources on Wii… In my job, we compete against Microsoft and Nintendo, and we’re competing for resources. So when I walk into a publisher, I ask, ‘Where are you guys pushing your resources?’ In the past, it was ‘Look how hot the Wii is,’ or ‘Look how hot the DS is,’ and ‘We should put resources there.’ They did that and realized, ‘You know what, third-party product just doesn’t sell on that platform.’ So now they’re taking those resources, coming back to us and saying, ‘Sony we’re going to be able to provide you with that exclusive content,’ or ‘We’re going to put more engineers on it and figure out to maximize the Blu-ray and get more out of PS3.’ That’s what we’re seeing now,” Dyer said.
Dyer went on to explain that the Toy Retail Sales Tracking Service (TRST) data for top 10 titles is what is driving publishers to leave the Wii in hopes of a brighter future on PS3.
“And I don’t even have to fight for their hearts and minds; I just show them the TRST data with regards to how many top 10 titles are third-party titles on the Wii, or how many top 10 titles are third-party titles on the DS. Not many. It’s not a hard story to sell, and they get that. Unless they’ve got a particular franchise that’s worked well on the Wii, you don’t see a lot of innovative new IP coming out on that platform.”
With High Voltage Software’s recent announcement that their upcoming monster/zombie shooter, The Grinder, will no longer be a Wii exclusive as one example, it is clear that Nintendo must do something to maintain third party support for the Wii platform.
Do you think Nintendo has a third party problem? If so, how should they fix it? Let us know in the comments below.
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Analyst Mike Hickey says Nintendo must cut Wii price to $150 immediately
In an equity research newsletter, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey says Nintendo must “immediately” cut the Wii’s price to $150 in anticipation of Microsoft’s Natal and Sony’s Arc, both new motion controllers due to launch this fall.
“We believe Nintendo needs to cut the price of their console from $200 to $150 immediately, as they should establish as meaningful of an installed base as possible before the Natal and Arc are introduced,” Hickey wrote.
“We believe they also need to generate strong hardware sales momentum into their competitors release or face the draconian consumer perception of the Wii having a dramatically reduced entertainment value proposition over a faded technology innovation; Rock Band anyone?” Hickey continued.
Hickey believes the Wii will lose market share due to competition in the motion controlling space from Microsoft and Sony throughout the year.
“We expect continued market weakness through ‘10 for Nintendo related products, as the Wii cycle fades meaningfully and the DS platform faces considerable competition from Apple related mobile gaming devices. We recognize new hardware from Nintendo is on the horizon.”
Nintendo has announced a Q1 Media Summit event for February 24 in San Francisco. “Please join us for a full day of presentations, demos and hands-on gameplay,” Nintendo said in an invite to select members of the press.
Just what Nintendo plans to unveil at the Media Summit remains to be seen. With GDC in March, and the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, Nintendo will have to spread out announcements in order to maintain interest in its key franchises.
Should Nintendo decide to make a Wii price cut, these upcoming events could be the perfect time to unveil such an announcement.
What do you think? Does Nintendo need to “immediately” cut the price of the Wii? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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Nintendo announces Q1 Media Summit, February 24 in San Francisco
Today Nintendo has announced it will be holding a Q1 Media Summit event on February 24 in San Francisco.
“Please join us for a full day of presentations, demos and hands-on gameplay,” Nintendo said in an invite to select members of the press.
With Nintendo set to release all three of its major franchises this year, the company has much to talk about at this event. Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M, and the new Legend of Zelda: Wii title are currently all well into development.
Just what Nintendo plans to unveil at the February 24 Media Summit remains to be seen. With GDC in March, and the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, Nintendo will have to spread out announcements in order to maintain interest in its key franchises.
Nintendo’s Media Summit announcement comes just one week after an employee at a major international publisher said Nintendo plans to announce a new platform at next month’s GDC conference and that some developers have already begun work on it.
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