Disclaimer: The post is solely my own opinion. It is my perspective of the situation as of now and I don't claim everything is right and it may have some mistake. Overall it is only my opinion, not stated facts.

This is my thoughts of the state of the Wii U as of right.

The Wii U:

On September 13, 2012, Nintendo finally revealed 2 of the most factors for the Wii U, price and date. November 18, 2012 and it will come in 2 different set, “Basic Set” for $300 and “Deluxe Set” for $350, tidbit, Nintendo did this before when the Nintendo Entertainment System released in 1985. The “Control Set”, which comes with the console, 2 control pads, Super Mario Bros., and other retro stuffs like a big adaptor & RF screw switch(google it), the “Action Set” included the Zapper and duo in one cart game of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt(seriously Nintendo, why won’t you revive this franchise), and the “Power Set” that came with the Power Pad (before the Wii Fit Balance Board) and trio in one cart game of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/Track and Meet(that’s Wii Fit in retro days). Now enough with the SKU history, after watching Reggie Fils-Aime getting “his body ready” (eww…) and talking about the Wii U in the presentation, I wanted to give my thoughts. So the question is: “What do I think of the Wii U?

My Thoughts:

When I heard of the Wii U at E3 2011, I was interested, but not really hype, maybe I’m just getting old in my 30’s and gaming is just recreation thing to me, even so that I’m a Nintendo fanboy(I grew up with Nintendo). Even with new info about the Wii U at E3 2012, I say. “cool”, but still going to wait for a while, I don’t intend to get one at launch or get it within a year, I didn’t do it with the NES, SNES, N64, and GameCube. Only the Wii, I got it 2 months later after launch because “it was available” (look up history of Wii). I probably am going to wait at least a year to see what happens. The Wii U for now to me is a “GameCube in HD”, I will explain that later. I see it as a “gimmick” with the Wii U, but Nintendo consoles always had a gimmick attached to them anyway, exception of “1” console.

Gimmicks:

Before I give more of my thoughts of the Wii U and why it reminds me of the GameCube, only in HD, let me explain another tidbit about gimmicks. Nintendo consoles always had a gimmick attached to them. The NES had Game Pad controls and also had the Zapper, Power Pad, R.O.B. (bring him back please) the Robot toy and 4 players. SNES, introduce “Mode 7” and the “FX-Chip” (google those), also six button configuration. N64 showed new way to control the characters with “Analog Control”, more actuate than using a “D-Pad” (play Super Mario 64 DS on the DS, and then on the 3Ds and you’ll know what I mean). Wii, the casual gaming console further introduce motion control, less pressing with buttons, more moving with your big behind when gaming. The Wii-Mote showed that there are more ways how to play games (well the Power Glove did it, sort of (read it)). That’s why the Wii sold many worldwide. Now the Wii U, its big seller, the screen in the Wii U Game Pad, will it really work or it’s something of a fad, only time will tell. But what about the GameCube, yes this is the only console which did not have a gimmick, okay maybe the “Wavebird” controller, but that’s subjective.

Remember I said that when I think of the Wii U, it’s a GameCube in HD (minus the screen feature); allow me to give a history of it in my perspective (this is for people who don’t know what a GameCube is). The GameCube is the console that competed with the PS2 and Xbox. It was doing the same thing plus Nintendo games in 128 bits. It had good 1 party games, but that’s all, even its power better than the PS2 (look up Sonic Heroes’ fps), it couldn’t compete. People were buying GameCube only to play, “Nintendo Games”, and that’s all, “hey”, guilty right here, I mostly buy 3 party games on my PS2 than GameCube. Because of that, some companies stated they will no longer port games to the GameCube, Eidos and Midway were notable for this. Nintendo had tactics to persuade people to get it on the GameCube, like EA Sports game. Mario, Luigi, and Peach were in SSX On Tour and NBA Street V3. In Fight Night Round 2, the Boxer from Super Punch-Out (no, IMO it’s not Mac, that’s bullcrap market ploy) was in it. The GameCube was third in the competition (4 if you include the Dreamcast, a great system, but out shine by PS2), unlike the NES or SNES, which was 1 against Sega and others. The reason was according to Reggie-Fils-Aime, “the lack of availability of games” (if you can, watch Kevin Pereira on “classic” G4 Pulse, but that might be difficult). Resident Evil 4 and the “Capcom 5” (more history) didn’t helped GameCube made a worthy console. The GameCube, even it’s a good console, was considered “secondary” to a PS2 or Xbox. The GameCube is a console the play Nintendo games in 128 bits (and why the Wii when to a different approach), so with that, could the Wii U considered be a console that plays Nintendo game in “HD” and that’s all, my thought on the matter.

Games in HD:

Right now, Wii U is a console that plays Nintendo game in “HD”. Finally I can play Mario or Zelda in “HD”, games like New Super Mario Bros. U, Warioware and maybe Super Smash Bros. 4, for now. 3 party games I’m not really interested, most of them already exist on previous console, unless you never had a PS3 or Xbox 360, maybe, but for the rest, sorry, not playing a non-new game (or Chocolate version) on the Wii U, done that already, why should I play it again. Bayonetta 2, that’s for another story, yes, I know it’s some sort of controversy. I really don’t see any good 3 party games yet, maybe in due time. Price of games been confirmed to be $60 (good luck with that), but for now I will talk about the price of the console, the games will be in another time.

Price of Console:

When I heard of the price, I think it’s reasonable with the content included, but at the same time I don’t agree with it. Let’s analyze what the “Basic Set” comes with for $300. The console comes with 8GB memory, the Game Pad, that particular thing probably cost a lot. In , it cost half of the console, granted that they won’t sell it in the , due to lack of games that required 2 Game Pad, an adaptor not only for the console, but for the Game Pad, this mean you can charge it as well. The big deal here is a HDMI cable; nor the PS3 or Xbox 360 came with the HDMI cable, you have to purchase that separately, which at that time (in 2007) cost more than $40 (now you can get one as low as $10). The Wii U comes with the HDMI in the box, with that, people who purchased it can already play Wii U games in 1080i/p resolution. The “Deluxe Set”, which will cost $350, what was included in the “Basic Set”, the console with 32GB memory, but more such as: extra accessories like a stand for both console and Game Pad, a premium subscription like PS+ (and no, I considered Gold as you have no choice to get it if you want to play with friends or die playing alone (my apologies)), and most important, a game that is $10 off than getting it on retail, Nintendoland (unless Nintendoland cost $50 to being with). In my opinion, it was good that they included Nintendoland, just like Wii Sports on the Wii. Nintendoland can show what the gimmick is capable off. Now, with that explanation of price, even it makes sense, I don’t agree.

I don’t agree with the price because, in my opinion, it’s a bit more than the Wii, so how much will parents willingly buy for their kids, at the same time, it will compete with the PS3 and Xbox 360, which both cost less than the Wii U with bigger Hard Drive. Granted the Wii U is new, as gamers we know that, but to “common” parents, they might not know, especially if their kids still don’t have a PS3 ($250) or Xbox360 ($300(the 240G version, not 4G)) in 2012 (and yes there are people, I know some). As consumers, we always want to pay less of product, but have to understand reality that these things cost money and the people who works in these company (whether Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft), needs to “put food on the table”. Developers are well aware of the situation, but at the same time, they’ll do what ever it takes to make a living. Back to the Wii U, the technology in it, sorry, but it’s already existed with this current gen consoles, there nothing new, only the Game Pad, but again it’s a gimmick. The Wii U is in the same caliber with PS3 and Xbox 360. The other problem why I don’t agree with the price is the features, both PS3 and Xbox 360 plays DVD (or Blu-Ray only on PS3), Wii U doesn’t, not a big deal as gamer, but for consumers, that might be a factor. The Hard Drive Space, in the low end: Wii U has 8GB (granted you can expand it, but Nintendo need to show a demonstration), PS3 has 160GB (you can expand that as well, it’s just tricky), and Xbox 360 has 240 GB (more by using a ), so which one would you choose. Lastly are features in the game itself (no, not watching movies or browsing the internet), online gaming, I heard that Nintendo online is improving, but still have some hurdle, apparently they are bring back the infamous “Friends Code” (but to a minimum of “1”, like the 3Ds) and rumors that the online is still not great (only time will tell), at least it’s free like PS3, but I heard Xbox 360 is superior (still need to shell out $$$ for Gold). This one is my very personal taste, an achievement system, (yes, I’m an achievement whore) and Nintendo still refuse, accomplishments like on the 3Ds is just abysmal and what will it be on the Some gamers will not buy a game if it doesn’t support trophies (Saint Row 2 for the PS3), and no achievement when playing New Super Mario Bros. U, what, Nintendo think gamers only play for fun,….oh wait, that what videogames are for, but that’s beside the point. It may be a gimmick, but some do like them, it has a competitive feeling to it. So, let me reiterate why I don’t agree with the price: 1) Technology 2) Features & 3) Online & Achievements, in my opinion, I would go with $250 for the “Basic Set” and $300 “Deluxe Set”, more competitive.

Conclusion:

Overall, right now, I don’t agree with the price that finally plays Nintendo game in HD, but the technology has been there since 2005 with the Xbox 360. 3 party games for the Wii U already exist before and what are the new games. My hypothesis is (and I hope I’m wrong with this one) that it will be the next GameCube, only in “HD”, people could buy it only to play “Nintendo” games. Nintendo always have good 1 party games since the NES era, but that alone can’t make the company profits. When November 18, 2012 comes (the Sunday of Black Friday), it will be the start for Nintendo to prove to everyone why we as gamers should get the Wii U, Reggie Fils-Aime (I’m pointing at you), convinced me why I should get the latest console. Nintendo will at least have “1” years, until, if ever, the next Playstation or next Xbox come. “Ganbare” Nintendo…

Next Time:

Price of Wii U games, agree or not, does the price tag of $60 justify…

Disclaimer: The post is solely my own opinion. It is my perspective of the situation as of now and I don't claim everything is right and it may have some mistake. Overall it is only my opinion, not stated facts.

This is my thoughts of the state of the Wii U as of right.

The Wii U:

On September 13, 2012, Nintendo finally revealed 2 of the most factors for the Wii U, price and date. November 18, 2012 and it will come in 2 different set, “Basic Set” for $300 and “Deluxe Set” for $350, tidbit, Nintendo did this before when the Nintendo Entertainment System released in 1985. The “Control Set”, which comes with the console, 2 control pads, Super Mario Bros., and other retro stuffs like a big adaptor & RF screw switch(google it), the “Action Set” included the Zapper and duo in one cart game of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt(seriously Nintendo, why won’t you revive this franchise), and the “Power Set” that came with the Power Pad (before the Wii Fit Balance Board) and trio in one cart game of Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt/Track and Meet(that’s Wii Fit in retro days). Now enough with the SKU history, after watching Reggie Fils-Aime getting “his body ready” (eww…) and talking about the Wii U in the presentation, I wanted to give my thoughts. So the question is: “What do I think of the Wii U?

My Thoughts:

When I heard of the Wii U at E3 2011, I was interested, but not really hype, maybe I’m just getting old in my 30’s and gaming is just recreation thing to me, even so that I’m a Nintendo fanboy(I grew up with Nintendo). Even with new info about the Wii U at E3 2012, I say. “cool”, but still going to wait for a while, I don’t intend to get one at launch or get it within a year, I didn’t do it with the NES, SNES, N64, and GameCube. Only the Wii, I got it 2 months later after launch because “it was available” (look up history of Wii). I probably am going to wait at least a year to see what happens. The Wii U for now to me is a “GameCube in HD”, I will explain that later. I see it as a “gimmick” with the Wii U, but Nintendo consoles always had a gimmick attached to them anyway, exception of “1” console.

Gimmicks:

Before I give more of my thoughts of the Wii U and why it reminds me of the GameCube, only in HD, let me explain another tidbit about gimmicks. Nintendo consoles always had a gimmick attached to them. The NES had Game Pad controls and also had the Zapper, Power Pad, R.O.B. (bring him back please) the Robot toy and 4 players. SNES, introduce “Mode 7” and the “FX-Chip” (google those), also six button configuration. N64 showed new way to control the characters with “Analog Control”, more actuate than using a “D-Pad” (play Super Mario 64 DS on the DS, and then on the 3Ds and you’ll know what I mean). Wii, the casual gaming console further introduce motion control, less pressing with buttons, more moving with your big behind when gaming. The Wii-Mote showed that there are more ways how to play games (well the Power Glove did it, sort of (read it)). That’s why the Wii sold many worldwide. Now the Wii U, its big seller, the screen in the Wii U Game Pad, will it really work or it’s something of a fad, only time will tell. But what about the GameCube, yes this is the only console which did not have a gimmick, okay maybe the “Wavebird” controller, but that’s subjective.

Remember I said that when I think of the Wii U, it’s a GameCube in HD (minus the screen feature); allow me to give a history of it in my perspective (this is for people who don’t know what a GameCube is). The GameCube is the console that competed with the PS2 and Xbox. It was doing the same thing plus Nintendo games in 128 bits. It had good 1 party games, but that’s all, even its power better than the PS2 (look up Sonic Heroes’ fps), it couldn’t compete. People were buying GameCube only to play, “Nintendo Games”, and that’s all, “hey”, guilty right here, I mostly buy 3 party games on my PS2 than GameCube. Because of that, some companies stated they will no longer port games to the GameCube, Eidos and Midway were notable for this. Nintendo had tactics to persuade people to get it on the GameCube, like EA Sports game. Mario, Luigi, and Peach were in SSX On Tour and NBA Street V3. In Fight Night Round 2, the Boxer from Super Punch-Out (no, IMO it’s not Mac, that’s bullcrap market ploy) was in it. The GameCube was third in the competition (4 if you include the Dreamcast, a great system, but out shine by PS2), unlike the NES or SNES, which was 1 against Sega and others. The reason was according to Reggie-Fils-Aime, “the lack of availability of games” (if you can, watch Kevin Pereira on “classic” G4 Pulse, but that might be difficult). Resident Evil 4 and the “Capcom 5” (more history) didn’t helped GameCube made a worthy console. The GameCube, even it’s a good console, was considered “secondary” to a PS2 or Xbox. The GameCube is a console the play Nintendo games in 128 bits (and why the Wii when to a different approach), so with that, could the Wii U considered be a console that plays Nintendo game in “HD” and that’s all, my thought on the matter.

Games in HD:

Right now, Wii U is a console that plays Nintendo game in “HD”. Finally I can play Mario or Zelda in “HD”, games like New Super Mario Bros. U, Warioware and maybe Super Smash Bros. 4, for now. 3 party games I’m not really interested, most of them already exist on previous console, unless you never had a PS3 or Xbox 360, maybe, but for the rest, sorry, not playing a non-new game (or Chocolate version) on the Wii U, done that already, why should I play it again. Bayonetta 2, that’s for another story, yes, I know it’s some sort of controversy. I really don’t see any good 3 party games yet, maybe in due time. Price of games been confirmed to be $60 (good luck with that), but for now I will talk about the price of the console, the games will be in another time.

Price of Console:

When I heard of the price, I think it’s reasonable with the content included, but at the same time I don’t agree with it. Let’s analyze what the “Basic Set” comes with for $300. The console comes with 8GB memory, the Game Pad, that particular thing probably cost a lot. In , it cost half of the console, granted that they won’t sell it in the , due to lack of games that required 2 Game Pad, an adaptor not only for the console, but for the Game Pad, this mean you can charge it as well. The big deal here is a HDMI cable; nor the PS3 or Xbox 360 came with the HDMI cable, you have to purchase that separately, which at that time (in 2007) cost more than $40 (now you can get one as low as $10). The Wii U comes with the HDMI in the box, with that, people who purchased it can already play Wii U games in 1080i/p resolution. The “Deluxe Set”, which will cost $350, what was included in the “Basic Set”, the console with 32GB memory, but more such as: extra accessories like a stand for both console and Game Pad, a premium subscription like PS+ (and no, I considered Gold as you have no choice to get it if you want to play with friends or die playing alone (my apologies)), and most important, a game that is $10 off than getting it on retail, Nintendoland (unless Nintendoland cost $50 to being with). In my opinion, it was good that they included Nintendoland, just like Wii Sports on the Wii. Nintendoland can show what the gimmick is capable off. Now, with that explanation of price, even it makes sense, I don’t agree.

I don’t agree with the price because, in my opinion, it’s a bit more than the Wii, so how much will parents willingly buy for their kids, at the same time, it will compete with the PS3 and Xbox 360, which both cost less than the Wii U with bigger Hard Drive. Granted the Wii U is new, as gamers we know that, but to “common” parents, they might not know, especially if their kids still don’t have a PS3 ($250) or Xbox360 ($300(the 240G version, not 4G)) in 2012 (and yes there are people, I know some). As consumers, we always want to pay less of product, but have to understand reality that these things cost money and the people who works in these company (whether Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft), needs to “put food on the table”. Developers are well aware of the situation, but at the same time, they’ll do what ever it takes to make a living. Back to the Wii U, the technology in it, sorry, but it’s already existed with this current gen consoles, there nothing new, only the Game Pad, but again it’s a gimmick. The Wii U is in the same caliber with PS3 and Xbox 360. The other problem why I don’t agree with the price is the features, both PS3 and Xbox 360 plays DVD (or Blu-Ray only on PS3), Wii U doesn’t, not a big deal as gamer, but for consumers, that might be a factor. The Hard Drive Space, in the low end: Wii U has 8GB (granted you can expand it, but Nintendo need to show a demonstration), PS3 has 160GB (you can expand that as well, it’s just tricky), and Xbox 360 has 240 GB (more by using a ), so which one would you choose. Lastly are features in the game itself (no, not watching movies or browsing the internet), online gaming, I heard that Nintendo online is improving, but still have some hurdle, apparently they are bring back the infamous “Friends Code” (but to a minimum of “1”, like the 3Ds) and rumors that the online is still not great (only time will tell), at least it’s free like PS3, but I heard Xbox 360 is superior (still need to shell out $$$ for Gold). This one is my very personal taste, an achievement system, (yes, I’m an achievement whore) and Nintendo still refuse, accomplishments like on the 3Ds is just abysmal and what will it be on the Some gamers will not buy a game if it doesn’t support trophies (Saint Row 2 for the PS3), and no achievement when playing New Super Mario Bros. U, what, Nintendo think gamers only play for fun,….oh wait, that what videogames are for, but that’s beside the point. It may be a gimmick, but some do like them, it has a competitive feeling to it. So, let me reiterate why I don’t agree with the price: 1) Technology 2) Features & 3) Online & Achievements, in my opinion, I would go with $250 for the “Basic Set” and $300 “Deluxe Set”, more competitive.

Conclusion:

Overall, right now, I don’t agree with the price that finally plays Nintendo game in HD, but the technology has been there since 2005 with the Xbox 360. 3 party games for the Wii U already exist before and what are the new games. My hypothesis is (and I hope I’m wrong with this one) that it will be the next GameCube, only in “HD”, people could buy it only to play “Nintendo” games. Nintendo always have good 1 party games since the NES era, but that alone can’t make the company profits. When November 18, 2012 comes (the Sunday of Black Friday), it will be the start for Nintendo to prove to everyone why we as gamers should get the Wii U, Reggie Fils-Aime (I’m pointing at you), convinced me why I should get the latest console. Nintendo will at least have “1” years, until, if ever, the next Playstation or next Xbox come. “Ganbare” Nintendo…

Next Time:

Price of Wii U games, agree or not, does the price tag of $60 justify…