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Nintendo Concedes Wii Troubles in Japan
As the home console market leader sits below the pack in Japan, Nintendo has admitted that the Wii has fallen into an “unhealthy” condition.
Edge’s weekly Japan sales reports show the Wii has sold below 20,000 for six consecutive weeks, on occasion dipping close to the 15,000 mark. And while games such as Wii Music and Animal Crossing City Folk have likely turned a profit for the Kyoto firm, neither has shown the sales stamina of Wii Fit or Mario Kart.
On Monday Nintendo stated that the Wii’s sales decline wasn’t of particular concern. Today, Iwata made a wholesale change of tune at a press conference, declaring that “the Wii is in the most unhealthy condition since it hit the Japanese market.”
While admitting that the Wii’s position is not one that Nintendo is happy with, Iwata refused to be drawn into the idea of selling the console at a lower price. “A price cut in a difficult economy cannot really excite the market and drive up sales. As of now I really don't think that a price cut is a good option for us,” he said.
It was clear that Nintendo has pinned much of its hopes on the upcoming Wii Sports Resort, as well as the Wii Motion Plus controller add-on. The original Wii Sports was a tremendous success in Japan, and June will be the month that its successor will arrive.
Europe and North America will see Sports Resort, and Wii MotionPlus, arrive in July.
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Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
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Everyone has a Wii. What do you expect? One in every room in every house? People have to expect that sales will die off at some point.
I'm still waiting for a worthy successor to Pilot Wings 64 myself.
Iwata is more honest than former Nintendo President Yamauchi ever was. That guy was pretty arrogant and sent Nintendo down the path of destruction with N64 and Gamecube.
Unfortunately, they lost me as a faithful customer back in 1997.
One thing Nintendo America and Europe could do in the meantime is sign up the more interesting third party Japanese Wii titles such as Project Zero 4 (Fatal Frame), Fragile, Sky Breakers and Tales of Symphonia 2.
Sky Crawlers!?
ToS2 confirmed to for Europe later this year:
Sky Crawlers is a game by the Ace Combat team based on a Mamoru Oshii film (confirmed for a western on DVD and Blu Ray release later this year). I'm surprised a tie in announcement for the game hasn't been confirmed, can only think of is poor sales forcasts and issues surrounding the film being handled by Sony Pictures, didn't stop the game coming out in Japan mind.
Didn't know TOS2 was confirmed, hope so, Namco are very patchy when it comes to which games they translate into english.
wow cute WaveRace 64 with wobble control. Haven't we come a long way Nintendo?
I can't believe how the folks at the Big N are acting blind and deaf. Their fans are asking for games and they are answering with Punch Out, Excite Bots, Wii Sports Resort and the rumors of an upcoming Zelda and Mario. Even the wii remake of old GameCube games is not an answer. We already played these games and we know now (or feel) more than ever that the Wii is just a Gamecube with waggle controls. Don't get me wrong. I have no grudge against them. I just don't like the way they treat their loyal fans over their new market. It's funny how Sega reacted faster on that matter than Nintendo did, if they ever react. Their lack of support about giving us more stocking place on the Wii is one of the best exemple. They kept telling us that WE had to adjust to what THEY think is best. Makes no sense to me. It's not us to adjust, it's them. We paid for the Wii, therefore we want to enjoy it. They can't tell us how we should think in order to do so. What's happening in Japan is something to be expected every where else in the world. See, I'm not asking for gore and violence in a game, just a good quality and fun game and it's not happening on the Wii, at all. Maybe they should pull the plugged on publisher that only release shovelwares to demonstrate that they care about the quality of the library on their system. They repeating the same pattern they had for the GameCube and N64 and what they got them in the last position for console of choice. It's already heading in that direction.
I must ask yet again, Why is it Nintendo's sole responsibility to bring you the games you want? When is it going to be 3rd party developers' responsibility to make games you want?
It's not their sole responsibility. But they will always bear the brunt of any criticism as they are the platform holder. Plus it's primarily their ingenuity that drives the fanbase. We all want other 3rd parties to step it up, but really get excited of the Nintendo developed titles.
You make a point there. However, Nintendo showed the way into making simple games with no dept (Wii Sports, Wii Play and Wii Music) and make a lot of money out of it. Of course, other publisher will follow the path, it's cheaper and has greater revenues. Shouldn't they now show how to make greater games and make just as much money? Or at least don't let publishers release games like Crazy Action Girlz Racing (or whatever the name is)? Games that are not only really bad, but also suffer from a huge lack of quality. By allowing this, they open the door to others to do the same. Okay these games are 20$ or so, but it's still a huge disrespect for the non-aware customers. These people have the right to feel they can trust the product they buy. Not in term of fun, but in term of overall quality. The game that I mentioned suffers for terrible camera, collision and control issues. These are getting in the way of appreciating the product by all means. Nintendo has a system of approval and they approved this. They obviously don't care it seems.
You're right Sim, but they also released games like Mario Galaxy, Metroid, Twilight which are far from simple puzzle/party/no depth games and those games sold lots of copies (not nearly as much as wii play/wii fit though). I think the Wii needs more RPGs, action/adventure games, games that are epic in storyline, etc. Unfortunately though, I don't feel those games will sell strongly except for the ones made by Nintendo (and even Mario and Zelda although more than wand waving games, still aren't quite like some of the modern RPGs as far as complexity, narrative, difficulty, and custimization). And also, those games most likely would be inferior to the similar types of games that are offered on the HD twins. That coupled with potential poor sales results in those games just not coming out on the Wii. If you're more into the types of FPSs, RPGs, action/adventure games that are offered on the HD twins, you'll have to do what I did last gen and make the switch (or own one of those with a Wii).
Super Mario Galaxy is a fantastic game. LIke it a lot. Wii Sport while simple is very fun and I always appreicate the Zelda's, Metroids, etc etc. I can't imagine a Nintendo platfrom without these classics on it.
I know some could care less about Punch-Out, Wii Sports 2, Wave Race, or maybe the next Pilot Wings. But I for one really like these simple, yet challenging games. It's a nice break from what I have on my PS3 and my 360. I may play my 360 more than the other two, but really like a good Wii break.
Nintendo and the 3rd parties just need to kick it into high gears and get the good stuff out.
I agree with the guy that said the Wii alone doesn't really satisfy. I own all 3 and very happy I did. Wii really has too few quality titles at this point.
I bought the Wii about three months after the release. Working for a game company, got me lucky enough so that I didn't have to bother with the store stock ruptures. About another three months later, I was already grown bored with the Wii. Played a bunch of Prime 3, Twilight Princess and RE4. So I bought the PS3 (even thought I promised myself to only buy the Wii for this generation). It's been a year so far and I'm still having a blast with it. It answers all my gaming needs; hardcore (Uncharted, Dead Space, etc.), party (Guitar Hero, SingStar, Buzz, etc.) and casual (Bejeweled, Zuma, etc.). I'm sure I would have the same level of satisfaction if I would've picked the 360 instead. These consoles are superiors, not only because they're HD, but they're just all around good consoles. Downloadable games, demos and additional contents are incredible and so are the video services and the media center side of it. Price put aside, I'm sure my mom would enjoy a PS3 or Xbox, just as much (or even more) than the Wii. It has something for everyone on them and that's something people should realize. My mom as a 50'' HD TV, the blu-ray from the PS3 is exactly what she needs to get the best out of it and I'm sure she wouldn't mind some HD Bejeweled or Zuma, as well as SingStar, Buzz, Trivial Pursuit or even Wheel of Fortune. Another thing that bugs me with the Wii is how slow features are making their way. Online multiplayer was available over 6 months after the console release and about the same for WiiWare. The SD Card upgrade took over a year and half. And the Wii Motion Plus will finally (and hopefully) deliver what the Wii Remote was suppused to do in the first place. I agree with you the Wii needs games that are epic, with an interesting narative and a great deal of dept. And you're right again saying these might not sell enough.
Must you "core" gamers keep beating the same dead horse? Not everyone thinks like you:
" Downloadable games, demos and additional contents are incredible and so are the video services and the media center side of it......Online multiplayer was available over 6 months after the console release and about the same for WiiWare. The SD Card upgrade took over a year and half. And the Wii Motion Plus will finally (and hopefully) deliver what the Wii Remote was suppused to do in the first place."
The vast majority of Wii users don't care about any of this. "Core" gamers might, which is why Sony and Microsoft offer it, and it's great that they do, so you can get what you really want out of your machine, but the average Wii player couldn't care less. They bought a video games console to play games. Myself, my wife, my parents, my brother, my best friend, we all couldn't give 2 shits about online multi-player, media service, streaming anything or any of that. Nor do we want to pay for it when we don't need it. Nintendo is "slow" adding these features because the vast majority of users don't want them, so why be in any rush to develop and release them? Different strokes for different folks. Do we really need 3 consoles that all do the same things? Sadly, it seems like that's where we're going as Nintendo has caved and is now doing all the same stuff Sony and MS are. And Nintendo is lucky because the second i have to start paying even one penny for any of this online crap, or streaming garbage that i don't want, i'll happily hang it up and move on.
I was not saying that individually any of these features are the most important things (on PS3 and 360). Simply that if you are going to invest on a product (no matter what type), people usually prefer to have the most versatile one. That is the reason I believe a lot of people enjoy the iPhone (for exemple); it's doing calls, photos, music, games, video and internet. And it's doing it really well. Nobody would want a computer that does only text processing. The same applies here. Be careful thought, I never said that Nintendo Wii was a bad product, simply one that doesn't answer to loyal Nintendo fans. That's all. No reason here to use the sh*t word like you did. There are better forums to do that if you feel like using that type of words. There are many loyal fans who bought the Wii. Not just newcomers or casual players. We have put our trust in Nintendo when spending next to 300$ on their consoles and they didn't listen to us. It's normal to feel betrayed. I am far from being bashing. I'm simply expressing my disappointments, that's all. I'm returning the question to you; why should I care about the "Check Mii Out" and "Everybody Votes" channels? All I was asking for is a place to conveniently store the WiiWare and Virtual Consoles games. All I was asking for is to be encouraged in spending more money in their Shopping Channel and I couldn't. I was willing to spend more money on them, but they didn't allowed me. The one thing I'm sure about is that if Nintendo listens to us, we will be spending our money on them for a long time. Non gamers (and don't take it the wrong way) are just a trend that won't last. The novelty is appealing for a lot of them, but that won't last. Whereas, I have been spending money on game for the last 25 years or so and will continue to do so for a long time, but not on Nintendo products if they keep thinking we're not worth the effort. I agree that not all consoles have to be the same, but I believe there are minimum requirements that need to be met; drive space and online are two important ones.
"Simply that if you are going to invest on a product (no matter what type), people usually prefer to have the most versatile one"
I would disagree with that. I would think people usually prefer to have the one that most fits their particular needs/wants. As the old adig goes, that's why there's different flavours of Jell-O. If you are disappointed by the Wii flavour, there are many other flavours available. Personally, the Wii to me tastes the best out of the PS# and 3600 flavours.
"There are many loyal fans who bought the Wii. Not just newcomers or casual players. We have put our trust in Nintendo when spending next to 300$ on their consoles and they didn't listen to us. It's normal to feel betrayed"
I have every gen on Nintendo product hooked up in my living room, NES all the way to Wii, and I don't feel betrayed. I have gotten exactly what I wanted out of my Wii, a different and better gaming generation then the previous generation. They listened to me just fine and I am more then happy with my $300 purchase. In fact, all this SD card and a streaming media and all that jazz is, in my estimation, NOT listening to me. I want fun games. If they're spending cash and resources and R & D and manpower (personpower?) developing these stuff, instead of focusing on better games and or, new ways to improve my gaming experience, they are not listening to me and what I value as a gamer. I guess our views on what we think Nintendo should be doing are subjective.
" I'm returning the question to you; why should I care about the "Check Mii Out" and "Everybody Votes" channels?"
you shouldn't, if they don't interest you. Any more then I would like streaming media or downloadable movies or any of that jazz. I'm sure you're not pleased they invested time and resources into developing those channels anymore then I am that they're working out Netflix deals or whatever.
"Non gamers (and don't take it the wrong way) are just a trend that won't last. The novelty is appealing for a lot of them, but that won't last."
It's that line of thinking which is the exact reason people WOULD leave the gaming industry. Since everyone thinks they're jsut gonna quit gaming once the "fad" is over, why bother being interested. Or, you could try to continue to offer the same experiences that got them interested in the first place and maybe most of them stick around. That's the "hardcore" attitude of being entitled to be catered to because everyone is only around "until the Wii fad is done." Time will tell if that is the case or not. With attitudes like that, I can assure that gives "new" gamers no reason to WANT to stay around in the gaming community.
"but I believe there are minimum requirements that need to be met; drive space and online are two important ones"
Purely your personal taste. Personally, I couldn't give a toss about either of those things. Different priorities for different folks. If these are priorities to you, and the Wii doesn't offer them, then maybe this console isn't for you? Perhaps some other company is more geared to your wants. The Wii offers me what I look for in a console and adding more "features" won't change that.
Fair enough Ozzman. But I'm sure Nintendo wouldn't mind having some of the hardcore crowd, too. If they can keep their market they have now, and maybe please some of the hardcore fans that either have a Wii and wish those features are available or on the fence because those features aren't available yet they would enjoy even better sales (and save some face with the hardcore Nintendo fans). Nintendo has amassed quite a few fans over the years and I would be willing to bet many of them are hardcore gamers (and gamers that do enjoy gaming in the multiplayer arena), and Nintendo shouldn't just completely abandon them right?
"They bought a video games console to play games."
So did I, but it's just very convenient that I can also watch movies, stream music, etc. from it as well. One argument was made that Wii owners don't choose gaming as their first entertainment priority, but imagine if their 1st (movie) and second (music) were available through their Wii just how much that convenience would be appreciated. The Wii has the Miis, sharing those, having friends, the Wii is supposed to be a social experience as well. Just imagine if you'd be able to talk to your Wii friends while you play Mario Galaxy while they're watching a movie? It makes it an even more social event, one you can experience when people aren't able to come over and sit on your couch with you. And if you want to socialize and you don't game quite as often, you can still socialize online regardless whether you're watching a movie, music, playing a classic non-multiplayer game, etc. Those features should not be limited to just the hardcore. They should always be at least an option. If I could have friends (with names) I could take to, compare games with, chat while I play with on the Wii, I most likely would not have gotten rid of it. Why should Nintendo LIMIT their audience in a way they have? Offer the option at least. You don't have to charge for chat support, movie playback, streaming, multimedia, etc. I don't have to pay extra on my 360 for any of that. I only have to pay extra for online multiplayer, everything else is free.
"some of the hardcore fans that either have a Wii and wish those features are available or on the fence because those features aren't available yet "
Do you honestly think that, at this point in the game, there are still hardcore gamers out there that are on the fence about the Wii because of these features? And do you honestly think, at this point in the race, hardcore gamers would switch over their "main" console use to the Wii if these features were suddenly introduced and brought up to par with the PS3/360? After all, most Wiis are just "dust magnets" now, aren't they?
"Why should Nintendo LIMIT their audience in a way they have? "
Well, i very much doubt Nintendo is the one limiting the audience, but more like vice versa, but i guess we'll have to wait and see. Personally, I don't see any point in chatting with my friends while i'm trying to play a game...especially if they're not even playing the same game. And if I want to watch a movie or listen to music, I can engage the DVD player or stereo that sit almost directly beside my Wii in my living room (and, as I imagine, the vast majority of other people would have grouped together in their living rooms) but i guess the "convinience" of such things is lost on me.
If all you want from a console is insert a disk and play, that's perfectly fine and there's nothing wrong with that. The reality however is that electronic devices in general are becoming more and more multi-task. It creates expectations for customers. Nintendo from the start as been trying to appeal to the masses. They succeeded. Now they have to delivers the goods in forms that will satisfy the various type of people in that mass. That's it.
It creates expectations for CERTAIN customers. Should Nintendo try to be all things to all people? Spreading themselves thin in areas they have excelled in in the past, jsut to appease a few vocal minorities? I guess we'll have to see if SD cards and streaming video and the like will change either Hardcore gamers or casual perceptions of the Wii at all. My personal feeling is that neither group will significanly notice, for the reasons mentionned previously.
You know Ozzman, after everything that is said, you're probably right. But for those gamers wanting more features from their Wii, it is too bad. But Nintendo has always been behind the curve in certain areas why would they be any different now?
Too true. But, ultimately, they are getting the desired features (thought doesn't look like it's at the level as the HD twins). So, hopefully, both groups will be happy enough.
I couldn't agree more. The 360/PS3 offer so much (and most anything you could ask for). If I'm not playing games on my 360, I'm using it as a 1080p upconvert DVD player (have the defunct HD-DVD add on with about 25 HD movies), Netflix (where's PS3's Netflix action?) or streaming music from my PC to it. I used to use it as DVR through my media center PC but I didn't have an HD cable tuner so I got an HD-DVR from my cable provider. My 360 is on daily for multiple uses (just downloaded yes man and Transporter 3 last night). When I had my Wii, other than the first couple weeks or so, it was never turned on. It functioned better as a cool blue night-lite than anything else (for me anyway).
I agree, bring on the games. I think it's slowed so much because people have already purchased the quality titles that are out there(And there are not that many). Nintendo now needs to get out the AAA titles and excite people again.
I'm looking forward to EA Sports Tennis, Punch-Out and of course the new Wii Sports. I will probably buy the new House of the Dead by Sega. It looked pretty good.
Nintendo has already delivered the console. Now deliver the games!