I like the idea of the XL being the "luxury model" - and you're completely right about the burgundy color. I feel it might sell for around another $30 to boot. Either way, I definitely think this is a trend that's going to continue for some time. The "DS 2" might not be a massive upgrade either, and backwards compatibility is almost a lock.
Freddy -
I wish things like this wouldn't have a shot of happening until 2100, but sad truth is that DJ Hero Renegade Edition is already set to cost $200 - and it's coming out in 2009 (reg. version set for $120).
@roxkis
You have a good point about the fact that the guitars are backwards compatible. Yet, all the other games on that list (World Tour, Tony Hawk: Ride, DJ Hero) each come in bundles that the consumer has no choice but to buy if they want to enjoy the experience.
And that whole business of not giving people a choice other than to buy large, expensive bundles with each new franchise is what I feel like is hurting his image and the company the most.
Sure the article's got some snark, but the part I felt was important came toward the end, where it goes into the idea that maybe the Wii is successful because of the various input methods, not despite them.
It will really be interesting to see where the buzz starts rolling. I agree that innovation is key, and I'm glad to see it happening too!
It's seriously a long wait - even more so for Versus, which I think is going to actually be pretty awesome (maybe even the better of the two?)
I agree with putting some of the blame on publishers for this one - thing is, I just feel too many were caught off guard when the system hit such an early stride. So the quick fix was to develop a bunch of mini game collections and other such shovelware.
But this year I suspect some of the original non-shoveled 3rd-party content will take off. Forget eyeing games like MadWorld and Conduit as a test of 3rd-party success on Wii, the real weight rests on games like EA Sports Grand...
Hey Xander - I dig your comments, feel free to post a version of them at the original site, I'm sure the author would appreciate it
Even more ridiculous is all this reverence for Michael Patcher. Where did he come from exactly? Why do we value his opinions so much? Especially after his notorious prediction that GTA for DS would sell 450 *thousand* copies last month - I think it's time we all start thinking a bit more critically about this industry.
I agree that Nintendo isn't doing enough at times with such a novel idea, relying way too much on Wii Sports to sustain system sales. But I can't completely agree with the assessment of control - I have absolutely no problems with MadWorld or Mario Kart - two games that rely on motion control for a bulk of their gameplay.
I can't wait for it either -- they've really seemed to have poured a lot into this game, and it's great how much Aykroyd has been promoting it lately (and it's not even due out til June!). It's a great new concept, a true video game sequel to another media's property, I hope it's a success.
The market buys what the market wants.
With that said, I'm not entirely sure how the blame is on Nintendo in this case. It kinda says to me that 'technological progression' ain't the endgame for the medium.
Either way, super mario 3 deserves a spot on the modern charts!