In attempting to merge the hardcore and casual audiences with its new console, Nintendo apparently has little interest in appeasing the movie-watching segments of either of those audiences.
Speaking to investors at E3, Satoru Iwata was asked about the Wii U's capabilities as a playback device for Sony's Blu-ray format, as well as standard DVDs. Iwata's answer left little room for interpretation, as he flatly stated that the Wii U would not support either format.
Iwata's reasoning was that Nintendo believes most people already have relevant players for the favored movie format. Licensing the necessary technology patents to support either format would have ultimately proved too costly.
In this regard, Iwata is probably correct. You can buy a DVD player for less than a tank of gas these days, and while Blu-ray players are a bit less common, it seems unlikely Nintendo would leap at the opportunity to pay a direct competitor licensing fees for what will ultimately amount to ancillary technology for the console. If nothing else, this does appear to signal that Nintendo is looking for ways to ensure its console remains cost-friendly to consumers, even if that means taking some potentially sexy bullet points off the box.
Also, FINALLY!
Really, Alex? I guess HD Netflix is no longer a thing. I don't even know anyone with a Blu-Ray player besides those with a PS3 (and they barely own any discs, at that). You know as well as I do that film consumption is increasingly going to the cloud, if the majority of such isn't already there.
Ok, that makes sense. I'm alright with it.
Baffling. Consider that you know rather developed places like "Europe", still do not have widespread streaming services like Netflix. Physical media still matter!
too costly? gah, nintendo clearly doesn't have any desires to topple Xbox or Playstation or even come on par.
Lighting won't strike twice, i guarantee it.
I was going to say that was a terrible decision. But I didn't remember that BluRay is Sony's tech. I wouldn't want to pay Sony anything either if I'm competing with them.
Spend millions of dollars on stupid looking controllers that you are bound to have to sell at a loss, and this is what you get.
not even a DVD player? Ya, that's a real cost cutter.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106274
Netflix has been confirmed for Wii U so it's not a big deal. Of course I didn't think it was a big deal when the Wii had no DVD playback way back when.
Nintendo is still Nintendo.
And I just don't care anymore.
Less controller "innovation" (duct taping shit together) and more quality games/new franchises please.
@MysteriousBob: Licensing fees.