. . . For the greater chunk of this year, the Wii U has been bashed slammed, kicked and spat upon from all sides. From devs, from analysts and even from gamers. It's only recently that the system seems to finally look like it's actually getting some footing.
From since the beginning of this year, the system really hasn't sold any boast-worthy numbers in both the software or hardware category - but all that is set to change.
When Nintendo presented their "E3 Direct" at this year's E3 ~ although it wasn't as massive as a standard conference, it still brought a beefy amount of information. To sum it all up - the Wii U basically has one major first-party title coming out from now until the end of the year - a far~cry difference from what we saw in the beginning half of this year and what we usually see from Nintendo in the first place, as first-party titles are usually months between each other. All of this coupled with a plethora of new indie titles as well as some major AAA third-party releases releasing from September on-ward.
But let's jump back to the first-party titles. Why are they so crucial? Because they're the major franchises. The franchises that everyone knows and that everyone loves - the franchises that move units. Pikmin is a late franchise that was introduced (and last seen) over two generations ago. It has been well over a decade from since a new Pikmin game has been released...until now. Both in Japan and now, even in the West - Pikmin 3 has lit the near-dormant flame in the Wii U's boosters. If that says anything - it says that the Wii U doesn't need to be revised, at least not in the way people keep thinking it should.
Some believe Nintendo should ditch the Gamepad and simply go on with the Pro Controller. Others think that the name should be changed. And there's some who think that Nintendo should just nuke Wii U altogether and come out with a sleeker, more powerful, more "next-gen" system.
But that's not what's necessary. Here's what's has always ever been - for every console - necessary: G A M E S.
You know why they're called "video-GAME systems"? Because their first and foremost priority is to play videogames. Yes, today, they are really sweet media hubs-but games still are first priority. That's what gets these things off of store shelves and out of online stock. When there are high-quality, blockbuster titles available - then of course the system will sell. That's not anything new. Software sells hardware. The hardware, no matter how good it is, is useless if it doesn't have any good software to drive it. That's like having an expensive computer and all you do is type stuff on Microsoft Word and surf the web on Google Chrome. The hardware is basically useless.
Looking towards the rest of the year - Wii U has a pretty decent amount of first-party, 'blockbuster' titles coming out for it.
- The Wonderful 101
- Sonic Lost World
- Wind Waker HD
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
- Super Mario 3D World
- Wii Party U
- Wii Fit U
With titles like that under it's wing, once again, accompanied by 'AAA' third-party titles like Rayman Legends, Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed IV, Batman: Arkham Origins and CoD: Ghosts - it would be silly to dis-acknowledge the fact that despite having it's two main rivals on the horizon, the Wii U may, just may, have a fighting chance.
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"But let's jump back to the first-party titles. Why are they so crucial? Because they're the major franchises. The franchises that everyone knows and that everyone loves - the franchises that move units."
Exactly. These games are why people buy Nintendo consoles. These games will move units, increasing the install base better than anything. With an increased install base, we will eventually see more quality third party games. Great blog.
Good read.
>the Wii U basically has one major first-party title coming out from now until the end of the year
Might want to add 'per month' to that, otherwise it looks like you're saying Nintendo is releasing a single game for the Wii U this year, lol
Otherwise, yeah exactly. A library of games is what gets most people interested in a system.
You should, perhaps, look up the work "tautology"