Recently, a lot of news has been pouring in about Nintendo, and for what seems like the first time in a (really) long time, it's all positive. The 3DS is undeniably any gamer's Master Sword of a system, and the Wii U has finally become "the little console that CAN!" - as its fortunes have almost completely shifted direction for the better. Case in point, both of Nintendo's systems and their complementing software are making the Big N some well-deserved green, so everything's good right....right?
Well, despite Nintendo's simultaneous channels of success, the rumors of their next-gen system have spiked up again, and it seems that no matter which news outlet touches on the topic, the authors seem pretty much convinced that Nintendo will be putting one of their little darlings to sleep (really) soon. I've also seen the very same opinion forming around many different users from a lot of different sites, including here on N4G.
So, with all these rumors coming in, and all of these (quote-on-quote) "hints" that Nintendo personnel allegedly are dropping, is it safe to assume that 2015 could mark the final full year for one of Nintendo's systems?
You see, when the news that Nintendo has already begun work on their next system first sprang, many immediately came up with the idea that the Wii U's days were numbered, despite those rumors sprouting not to long after Nintendo reported the profit the once-troubled system reeled in for them. When I first heard the news however, my immediate reaction was: "Nintendo is making another system? Wow! In other news, water is wet, fire is hot, and night time is dark!" I was dumbfounded at some of the responses I was reading, and how amped people were. The final straw was when I read comments where users stated that they really want a Wii U, but would rather hold out until Nintendo's next system comes out, which many believe to be next year as mentioned before. My response to this is simply this: What in the blue hell are you talking about?
It's no secret that Nintendo is making another system; even if they didn't say it, it was a given. They mentioned not too long ago that as soon as the development of a system is complete, they start thinking about the next one. News flash: ALL hardware-manufacturing companies work that way! A single device has usually existed for 2-3 years before they're revealed to the public, and with consoles, that's even longer, as they're usually in development for the lifetime of the company's current system. So then, yes, if Sony should be around by the turn of the next console generation, then we'll be seeing the PS5, which has more than likely already started its R&D cycle. Same with Microsoft; if they plan to continue the XBOX brand for its 4th lifetime, then the next XBOX has too, more than likely began its R&D cycle.
With all this being said, I find it rather funny that so many believe that after this year, we'll be getting a new Nintendo system; and more specifically, a new Nintendo home console. It exists, even if only on paper, but chances are, it'll be AT LEAST 2 more years before the Big N makes the first whimper. Just in case you're currently suffering from what I call "convenient-amnesia" , let me remind you, the people of N4G that the Wii U has only been out for 2 years - barely. 2012 may seem like eons ago, and it was, but the U was released in November of that year.
When you take that into consideration, along with the fact that the average lifetime of a Nintendo system is 5-6 years, then, 2016 is NOT the release year of their next home console. And hey, let's pretend for a second that they actually do release it then; um, who's going to buy it? By that time, the PS4 and XBOX On would have already been (more) established than they already are. 2014 was almost completely lukewarm, but beginning this year, both these systems will start their true upward climb, as most consoles do. If the "next Nintendo" home system were to release at that time, you think the likes of Ubisoft, Take-Two, Activision and EA would even entertain that? Hah! They've made some pretty interesting decisions, but that won't certainly be one of them.
If Nintendo were to replace the Wii U in 2016, that would be murder on their part. It's simply too early to even fathom a Wii U successor, especially considering the fact that, oh, yeah, that's right - it's making money! Now then, if it were still a leech on the company's side, then (maybe), the idea of them releasing a new system would be (sort of) logical. But, that's not the case. If they were to replace it at that time, they'd lose more money than they did during the first stages of the Wii U's lifecycle.
There's still a lot of untapped potential that the system has coursing through its inner workings. We still haven't seen the true "second-screen" experience. Similar to what Nintendo did with the Wii and Skyward Sword, we haven't seen the true fruits of their vision. And even then, it's not like they're running out of IP to use. We've already seen the return of two franchises (Pikmin and Star Fox) that we thought only lived on in special appearances (like Smash Bros) or re-releases (like Star Fox 3D). Let’s also not forget some of the amazing third-party deals they’ve struck (a la Bayonetta 2 and LEGO City: Undercover), and teaming up with third-party companies to use original Nintendo franchises in new ways (like Hyrule Warriors). With all those factors already on the table, who knows that else is coming?
If you want to talk about the next Nintendo system, then the Wii U shouldn't be the possible candidate to assassinate; those crosshairs belong on the 3DS. Seeing that the system was released in 2011, then a new handheld in 2016 wouldn't be too bad of an idea. But alas, that's still not completely an ideal time, because let's not forget, it took the original DS a whopping 7 years before it stepped off the front-lines. With that being the case, if Nintendo continues to push the 3DS (especially with the *New* 3DS about to phase out the original on a worldwide scale), then we might not even see the next Nintendo handheld until 2018; who knows?
In the end, each of Nintendo's systems is doing quite well for them. They're making money off of the hardware, and the software is scoring high in both reviews and sales charts. Both systems are providing hours upon hours of fun for their owners. With green lights all around, to suggest a new system is on the immediate horizon is a ludicrous thought at best.
Don't get me wrong, it's coming, just not anytime soon.
Today, Astragon announced a new installment of the Bus Simulator franchise, simply titled Bus Simulator 27, coming for PC, PS5, and Xbox.
Limited Run Games, MARVEL and Konami have announced MARVEL MaXimum Collection for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
would love it if xmen arcade offered two modes. the regular single screen 4 player mode and the ultra wide (simulated dual screen) 6 player mode.
How much you wanna bet that this collection will keep the games in their original aspect radios with no visual fidelity or options?
Was excited until I saw that Limited Run was attached. Their so-called collections thus far have been nothing but sloppily slapped together emulations.
A new Resident Evil Requiem graphics comparison examines Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox Series S, revealing performance gaps and visual trade offs.
interesting that the Switch 2 version renders at a higher internal resolution. I wonder if they dropped it down to the same as the Series S the game would hit the 60 mark more often than it does.
Solid port though, can't wait to play this tomorrow (or whenever my preorder gets to me lol)
Wonder what random assed name they will give it this time around. I think they may move away from the Wii naming convention, at least I hope they do. Even after 9 years the name still sounds like it was cooked up by a 5 year old with dyslexia.