I don’t tend to talk about much other than MMOGs here in the Tap silo. I’m sure I drive you all mad; they’re my vice you see. Today though I’ll make an exception and discuss the latest Nintendo console. Briefly, I might add, considering I was more excited when having my tonsils removed than watching Nintendo’s announcement…
I couldn’t be more disappointed in it. Disappointed isn’t even a strong enough word. More like outraged. It’s like the Wii, only ten times worse in the let’s-appeal-to-the-masses-while-trying-to-appear-like-we-care-about-core-gamers department. Look at the controller, it’s an absolute monstrosity! Can you imagine purchasing a couple of those for some multiplayer fun? You’d need a mortgage, and to describe it as revolutionary is beyond me.
Basically it’s like a brick with physical analogue sticks, that on appearance has a radio transmission of some description that allows you to feed images from your TV, to the controller. In fact, I’ll not even describe it further as I’ll let you watch the horrendous promotional video instead.
As for the technical demo that’s alleged to be powered by the Unreal Engine, is this really a step forward in graphical possibilities? I’d say it all straddles an uncomfortable time line between the current generation of consoles. Inevitably, Nintendo will now forever be out of sync with Microsoft and Sony, at the expense of always being behind in the graphical stakes.
I’m genuinely lost for words. I’m sure Microsoft and Sony are terrified.
Email the author of this post at lewisb@tap-repeatedly.com
Hihihi, I was watching the Nintendo conference thinking “Man, this controller, what a waste of fucking money”. I mean, such awesome tech. But, you know, if I pay for a powerful console and a big ass TV I am NOT going to be happy with streaming the images to a 6.5 inch screen on the fucking controller that is as far from ergonomic as possible.
Then again, most devs will just use the screen for putting maps on it, stats readouts, inventories etc. I am reall y more concerned about the shape. There is a reason the Xbox 360 controller, the DualShock 3 and the Classic Wii controller pro look the way they look…
I’m still in Mauritius so don’t think I’m getting quite everything they’ve announced about this. I’m pretty sure I’m missing something, but.. I’m not entirely convinced by this either.
For starters, the name is terri-bad. Wii U? What? Secondly.. this doesn’t look like a generational leap to me. So where exactly are Nintendo pitching the Wii U? Is this the next gen? Are we supposed to sit this alongside our current systems? How is this all going to look in 2013 when the NextBox and PS4 hit town?
Thirdly.. dat controller. Eww.
I’m still reasonably out of the loop and am pretty sure I’m missing some HUGE deal from which all this makes sense, but.. yeah, I ain’t convinced. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Well, judging by what Reggie said, this is basically packing everything current gen consoles have (HD graphics, online play, online shopping… not sure about metagame stats like trophies/ achievements but that’s a no brainer I guess) plus adding the expected control options (motion control, touch screen), plus the controller screen that streams full game video. Plus it can all be used to share photos, browse the web and have video calls… I mean, it’s basically a comprehensive this-gen package really. We’ll see how future-proof it is. The fact is, Nintendo did really bad with the third party software this gen (Wii) and now that the development costs will be much higher, we’ll see how eager are the third party dudes to step forward. I mean, yes, everyone, from EA to namco to Ken Levine and Warren Spector said something along the lines of “Revolutionary!!! We’re so there” but let’s see if they actually put the money where their mouth is. Sure, stuff like Ghost Recon and Assassin’s Creed will be there (Arkham City announced too) but that just means you will be able to choose which platform you want to play multiplatform games on – having a selection of three instead of two (well, four, if you count the PC and with PS Vita, it could get up to five really) but beyond the first wave… we’ll have to wait and see…
Exactly. Beyond streaming to a sofa friendly location (which is pretty useful for me, a guy who has 1 HDTV and a wife who loves crap telly in the evenings) I’m not seeing a whole lot of new stuff from the Wii U. Third party support is great, but I ain’t buying a Wii U to play Arkham City or Ghost Recon when I’m already more than comfortable with a PS3.
If anything, as far as my sofa gaming fix is concerned, Sony’s huge conference yesterday for a whole new portable platform (with the potential for transferable save files between systems) at £230 has grabbed me more by the balls than the Wii U has. Even the Vita looks more comfortable than that Wii U controller..
Also, are we putting much faith in Nintendo delivering a genuine “best of the current/previous gen” class online system when their already 3 month late 3DS software update launched today complete with error messages, broken prices and game bricking flaws?
Bleurgh, still think I’m missing something. Maybe I’m not. Maybe this is just it.
Your missing me Mat, that’s what! Works just not the same without you 🙁 😉
This looks ridiculous.
I abandonded all things Nintendo over a decade ago. I played a ton of Mario Kart on some Nintendo system (the “64”?) back when I was in law school in 1997. Since then, nothing of Nintendo has done has interested me in the least.
I hope the weather’s nice, Mat!
This thing does seem pretty absurd. As Meho says… giant HDTV. I want to look at it. I don’t want to look down at my controller. WHY HAVE A GIANT TV IF YOU ARE NOT LOOKING AT IT PEOPLE?
Maybe we’re all missing something. Like… does it come with a hooker? Is it made of butter cream frosting? Will it mop?
Hrmmm…. I left the shores of Nintendo on a high in the halcyon N64 days, and I haven’t looked back since.
I just don’t see the point of this device (admittedly I watched the trailer with the sound down, so as not to disturb my work colleagues, and could have missed something), but I kept asking myself – if this was available for a system I love, like the PS3, would I be interested? Not really. I don’t think it’d enhance any of the games or other things I do at the moment with my PS3.
Besides, can’t you do all of the thowing/golf stuff already on the Wii without the Wi-iPad?
Gimmick, crap, bollocks, crap, bollocks, crap.
Me and my girlfriend were sorting through boxes over the weekend and found in one of them her Sega Game Gear. That’s what the Wii U looks like.
Seriously, I’m sick and tired of controllers and peripherals. I remember when consoles were simple; one box, two controllers and a stack of games. Now we’ve got cameras, headsets, remotes, nunchuk combos, guitars, microphones, keyboards, mice — lots of shit surrounding the box. I mean, I’m a PC user and there’s plenty of shit connected to that but since when did the living room space become an interface locker?
I seem to remember Miyamoto saying something about the Wii being designed around mums who didn’t want clutter around the living room. Is this Nintendo trying to keep the console in the living room without the players? “Now be good kids and go upstairs with your Wii Fuck U controllers, I’m going to watch some Ricki Lake [thank you Nintendo!]”
Hahaha Gregg you’re so funny 🙂
Wii Fuck U, I love it!
There’s a penis in the Wii U logo.
Cannot unsee.
Aside from the updated technology, it sounds like they’re trying to make a whole system out of the peripheral GBA hookup functionality the Gamecube had. I mean, that was cool some of the time, for certain things, but I’m not sure how much we haven’t seen with it. Besides, no one really did anything outstanding with the Wii’s technology, so expecting the WiiU to be any different…well, there’s just not much reason to.
Besides the fact that, as I’ve heard some people comment, it sounds like Sony can achieve the same affect with the PS3/PSVita, and then it’s not something you’d have to deal with all the time.
As for the look…on the bright side, that could still change. Remember, the PS3’s controllers were ginormous boomerang-shaped absurdities until very nearly release. The tech probably isn’t gonna change, but the case it comes in might get more…shapely.
” Can you imagine purchasing a couple of those for some multiplayer fun?” You can imagine it, but that’s about all you can do. Why? Because according to this article (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/306087/news/wii-u-console-and-controller-wont-be-sold-separately/) you can’t buy another controller.
That’s right. You get one controller for it. That’s it. Other people can play with Wiimotes, but the Wii u only recognizes one screen controller. Oh dear.
I really think Nintendo was hasty in their unveiling…I really doubt this is going to wind up the final product. Everything about the presentation and the system is vague….
Stupid name? Sure. Gimmicky controller? Yup. Graphics one generation behind the curve? No question? Will it sell like crazy? Well, all those features came with the Wii too, and that sold like… some sort of warm pastry product.
Are the casual audience even going to “get” it? Frankly even as a hardcore gamer (HARD FRICKIN CORE, YOU MOTHER) this thing baffles me.
I suppose all they need to do is give the screen a calory counter or something..
“I suppose all they need to do is give the screen a calory counter or something.”
This had me laughing over breakfast.
This thing is a bonafide leap off the deep end. What the hell is wrong with the minds at Nintendo?
I actually won’t be surprised if they cancel this monstrosity because of the laughs it’s getting in the press.
And this can’t even be compared to the Wii launch. Gimmick that it was, there was still a passion about the Wii’s early days. Wii U (why this name???) reeks of desperation and ineptitude.
One controller per system rumour confirmed.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-09-only-one-wii-u-controller-per-console
So apparently the solution to fears over cost for second controllers is to buy a £230 3DS.
Not to mention how absolutely stupid the idea of having a console that’s controller – which is it’s single USP – can only be used by one person really is.
I genuinely don’t think Nintendo really know what they’re doing with this.
Why didn’t Nintendo come up with a nice and simple vanilla console that, y’know, just cut the crap, and as a bonus allowed the 3/DS to interface with it as a controller? It seems a bit strange to champion the 3DS then come up with the Wii U as another pseudo-portable device to game on. The fact that you only get one per system is quite frankly bat-shit gaga-doolally. Mum’s going to have to watch Ricki Lake elsewhere.
Gregg, did you laugh because of the calorie comment, or at my ridiculous attempt to spell calorie?
I’ve not slept for 30 hours.. sue me!
From the sounds of it, Nintendo seem to be relying on people using Wii remotes for their Wii U multiplayer fix. The problem that poses is that it makes it harder for Joe Public to differentiate between the new fangled £300 device they’re being told to buy, and the £170 one they paid for 5 years ago. Especially if the visual performance doesn’t justify itself above the cheaper PS3 and 360. I think it’s a similar problem they have with the 3DS. I think there’s alot of your average DS owners out there, who may have upgraded to a DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL etc recently anyway, who have a hard time differentiating the 3DS from the systems they already own; especially at such a higher price premium. I don’t think Nintendo’s marketing strategy is helping either. The “see for yourself” angle (and the simple fact that you can’t visibly show 3D on a commercial) along with their bland “smiley kids and grandmas play Nintendogs” line, isn’t doing them any favours.
No it was definitely the comment that made me laugh, although I did query your spelling of calorie:
calory noun 1. alternative spelling of calorie.
You’re in the green.
After reading much about the Wii U (WTF with this name?!?), I’ve come to the conclusion that Nintendo is just trying to hard right now to constantly come up with the next great unique (gimicky?) technology to play games. With the Wii it sorta worked with the motion sensor. It was recognized enough that Microsoft and Sony rushed to copy. But some of the Wii U stuff seems weak. Plus, the 3DS seems weaker the more I think about it. I may still buy one just because there are a crapload of DS games that I’d like to play, but the 3DS tech is hit or miss. I’ll give it time though to see if the library of games get better.
Nintendo can’t cut the crap, Gregg. They’re too full of the stuff.