Manufacturing Issues Could Cause Wii U Delay

[Sarah LeBoeuf]

Manufacturing Issues Could Cause Wii U Delay

Problems making the GamePad controller might lead to a late European Wii U launch.

Despite offering a 2012 window for the Wii U, Nintendo still hasn't given a release date for any region. Many have speculated that the console would launch worldwide in November, just in time for the busy holiday season. However, industry sources are reporting that the publisher is having manufacturing issues, which could cause delays launching the system. According to the sources, the Wii U is expected to slip to a December release in Europe, though other regions may not be affected.

The key problem appears to be the ambitious GamePad controller, which is one of the console's major selling points. This could be the reason Nintendo hasn't announced the Wii U launch date, despite the holiday season creeping ever closer. However, gamers in North America are still expected to see the system on store shelves before Thanksgiving. That should make the Black Friday rush even more challenging for those looking to be among the first to get their hands on Nintendo's newest console.

This isn't the first time a console was released later in Europe than other regions. Though the Wii launched in November of 2006 in North America, European gamers didn't get it until a few weeks later on December 8. In 2006, Nintendo didn't announce the launch information for the Wii until September, so it's entirely possible not having a Wii U release date isn't indicative of a larger problem. We'll know more when Nintendo finally makes its Wii U launch dates public, which, if history is any indication, could be within the next few weeks.

Source: CVG [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/362352/wii-u-release-date-delayed-to-december-across-europe-sources/]

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[ScruffyMcBalls]

Son of a *****... Ah well, gives me longer to gather the funds to buy this badboy. Plus I guess a month or two won't be too bad of a wait considering what we'll be getting.

 

[Al-Bundy-da-G]

Dear god no. Not Wii U delays.

So...

Slow news day?

 

[Scrustle]

Could be a problem for them if they don't get it out before Xmas. Doesn't really bother me though. I'm not really interested until a Zelda game appears.

 

[Xanthious]

I bet the eight people in Europe excited to buy the Wii U at launch are terribly upset by this news.

 

[Ghonzor]

Is anyone really going to be disheartened by a lack of Wii U?
Anyone at all?

Captcha: what. ever.
Oh captcha you so silly. Sounds about right

 

[Th37thTrump3t]

Oh Spiderman, you always know what to say.

 

[JokerboyJordan]

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

In 2006, Nintendo didn't announce the launch information for the Wii until September, so it's entirely possible not having a Wii U release date isn't indicative of a larger problem.

More likely it's Nintendo trying to conceal the price and release date from their competitors until the last minute so that they can reduce the possibility of Microsoft and Sony making another cut to their console prices on the same day in an effort to undercut the new kid on the block.

This. But to be real that's a stupid move on Nintendo's part as Sony and MS can announce a price cut that takes effect DURING the holiday season. Nintendo can't win that fight, that's the risk of putting out your console 1-2 years before the competition.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

This thread is sending my snark-o-meter readings through the roof.

Seriously you guys? The successor to the console that sold out on launch, then repeatedly sold out for months and months afterwards, and you think no-one gives a fuck? The general public is not as jaded as your average hardcore gaming forum.

Anyways, sucks for us Europeans I guess. Hope we still get to play Pikmin 3 and Project P100 before the year is out.

Yeah the Wii sold out for months and months after. But then sales came to a snails pace. The hype train died buddy. The Wii hasn't sold well in at least 2 years. And to be fair A LOT of people don't care about the Wii U.

Where's the hype that the Wii had? It's not here this time. Pikmin 3 isn't going to sell consoles, it was a niche game series to begin with. Its been close to 10 years now with no Pikmin releases, I highly doubt that many people are at the edge of their seats waiting for Pikmin 3 anymore. You'll have the loud cult follower just like we do with Beyond Good and Evil as well as Fear Effect but Pikmin is no killer app. And to be honest Project P100 was swept under the rug by Nintendo themselves right off the bat, so I don't have high hopes for that game either.

The Wii-U won't sell out like the Wii did. The fact that no one seems to care about it 3 months before its supposed release speaks volumes.

 

[Mr.Mattress]

Is anyone really going to be disheartened by a lack of Wii U?
Anyone at all?

Captcha: what. ever.
Oh captcha you so silly. Sounds about right

I would. But thank goodness this would only affect Europe if it affects anyone at all.

Where's the hype that the Wii had? It's not here this time. Pikmin 3 isn't going to sell consoles, it was a niche game series to begin with. Its been close to 10 years now with no Pikmin releases, I highly doubt that many people are at the edge of their seats waiting for Pikmin 3 anymore. You'll have the loud cult follower just like we do with Beyond Good and Evil as well as Fear Effect but Pikmin is no killer app. And to be honest Project P100 was swept under the rug by Nintendo themselves right off the bat, so I don't have high hopes for that game either.

That's funny, because when I went to the WiiU Experience in Washington DC two weeks ago, not only were Pikmin 3 and Project P-1000 Crowded beyond belief, but every game station (Except for Batman Arkham City) was crowded. I think your under-estimating Nintendo Games just a tad bit.

I will agree, it probably won't sell like the Wii Did. But to say that there is absolutely no interest in it is completely absurd. There may not be a lot of interest here, but go look elsewhere and I am sure you'll find someplace full of excitement.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

That's funny, because when I went to the WiiU Experience in Washington DC two weeks ago, not only were Pikmin 3 and Project P-1000 Crowded beyond belief, but every game station (Except for Batman Arkham City) was crowded. I think your under-estimating Nintendo Games just a tad bit.

I will agree, it probably won't sell like the Wii Did. But to say that there is absolutely no interest in it is completely absurd. There may not be a lot of interest here, but go look elsewhere and I am sure you'll find someplace full of excitement.

So you think that by going to a Nintendo oriented event and seeing people demo the Wii U games you think that proves that there's large scale excitement for the Wii U? The Nintendo fans are going to go to the Nintendo events. Those are people that are already going to buy the Wii U most likely. No new customers there.

Back when the Wii was announced people were already hyped beyond belief about it. The internet was ablaze and the mainstream news channels were actually reporting on the possibilities of the Wii's motion control. Now the Wii-U has a giant "meh" painted on it in terms of buzz. Hell, when CNN reported on it at E3, they thought it was just a new controller. That represent a huge decline in interest if you ask me. I'm not underestimating Nintendo game at all. They came first this gen. But everyone seems to forget that for two generations in a row before that Nintendo took a beating in the hardware sales department. Its not like Nintendo constantly had the markets eating up whatever they threw out, that's a very recent phenomena.

Granted I honestly don't think the next Sony or MS console will sell that well either, I just think that because Nintendo sold the most consoles for the first time in over 20 years their fans are being really overly optimistic about the Wii-U. Hell after the thing was announced Nintendo's stock took a massive dip 2 days later due to the lukewarm reception of what seems to be another gimmick based console.

 

[Jack and Calumon]

A late european launch to something made by Nintendo?

Oh no.

I am shocked.

The expression on my face is one that can be described as astonished at the news which I assure you caused my surprised nature.

In all seriousness, AGAIN Nintendo? Seriously? What is it with you and European release dates? We had to wait ages for Mario Galaxy 2, ages for Kirby's epic yarn and when you come to the party with an entertainment system not everyone is sold on, preventing a lot of people from playing it is not a good way of selling us on it.

Calumon: ...how many batteries is that thing gonna use? :S

 

[Yopaz]

A possible delay on the release of WiiU? I can't really say this is heartbreaking. I do plan to get one, but I'll be waiting for some interesting game before I purchase one anyway.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

After having sold nearly twice what the 360 or the PS3 managed to achieve. If the hype train for the Wii died, what shall we say for either of those consoles?

That the Wii sold an extreme amount really quickly before its sales died. As for the other 2 consoles, they sold steadily and started slowing down about a year and a half ago. The Wii's sales stopped much harder and have done so since 2010.

Consoles in general haven't been doing so hot over the last couple of years. This isn't a Nntendo-only problem. Console sales are down all across the board.

Even so, my point is not that the other two consoles' sales are great. My point is that the Wii lost a LOT of traction rapidly. The sales do reflect that. Last year MS announced that over 50 million 360s have sold. This year we know that they've sold over 67 million. The Wii at the same time last year was at 86 million units sold. This year 96 million sold. MS sold almost twice as many units within the same time frame. Nintendo's sales seem to be the biggest victim of slumping console sales

To be fair, a lot of people didn't care for the Wii. In fact, a lot of people hated the Wii before it ever came out. Still sold like hotcakes laced with crack.

Like I mentioned before mainstream news constantly reporting on the Wii. People everywhere went crazy. The hype drowned out the hate pretty hard. Like you said, the Wii sold out when it came out. What you seem to disregard is the fact that the motion controls drew people in, and the fact that the Wii was the cheapest console on the market. The Wii U doesn't have those advantages in a hurting way.

The fact that the hardcore gaming base doesn't care about it only shows that the hardcore gaming base is simply going to continue moaning about Nintendo. It doesn't matter that the Wii U has Pikmin 3, ZombiU and P-100 coming out doesn't matter. Apparently it's another casual console for the casual audience.

And here's the thing: the reason there's no hype amongs the casual audience is because if there were, they wouldn't be casual anymore, they'd be hardcore. Casual gamers are not the type to look up game trailers on Youtube and to blog about how excited they are online. They're the kind of gamers who see something cool, and buy it. The Wii U has just as much going for it in that regard as the Wii did, so there's no reason why it shouldn't sell.

Honestly, using a lack of hardcore-behaviour among a non-hardcore demographic doesn't really say much. People weren't hyped about Angry Birds before it was released. Still sold more than any other game in history.

The thing is that there's no excitement coming from either the core or the non core demographics. It seems to be the hardcore Nintendo fans who are clamoring for the Wii U, but the noise seems to be dangerously quiet. The core gamers are going away from ALL consoles and the casual gamers aren't great repeat customers. Look at Zynga.

The Wii U will sell only to longtime Nintendo fans who still like the company. And even then, a lot of longtime Nintendo fans have stopped blindly supporting Nintendo(with their wallets and their voices) and can hardly be blamed for doing so.

 

[Mr.Mattress]

So you think that by going to a Nintendo oriented event and seeing people demo the Wii U games you think that proves that there's large scale excitement for the Wii U? The Nintendo fans are going to go to the Nintendo events. Those are people that are already going to buy the Wii U most likely. No new customers there.

Back when the Wii was announced people were already hyped beyond belief about it. The internet was ablaze and the mainstream news channels were actually reporting on the possibilities of the Wii's motion control. Now the Wii-U has a giant "meh" painted on it in terms of buzz. Hell, when CNN reported on it at E3, they thought it was just a new controller. That represent a huge decline in interest if you ask me. I'm not underestimating Nintendo game at all. They came first this gen. But everyone seems to forget that for two generations in a row before that Nintendo took a beating in the hardware sales department. Its not like Nintendo constantly had the markets eating up whatever they threw out, that's a very recent phenomena.

Granted I honestly don't think the next Sony or MS console will sell that well either, I just think that because Nintendo sold the most consoles for the first time in over 20 years their fans are being really overly optimistic about the Wii-U. Hell after the thing was announced Nintendo's stock took a massive dip 2 days later due to the lukewarm reception of what seems to be another gimmick based console.

1: Alright, so maybe a Wii U Event would paint me as biased. However, you claim no one is hyped about it right now. You even state in your second paragraph that the Wii U has a giant "Meh" painted on it. That can not be in any way true, because A) I'm excited about it, B) There are many Escapists here who are excited about it, C) The Nintendo Fans are excited about it, D) 3rd Party developers that were scared away from Nintendo from the 64-Wii Are jumping on the Wii U, E) Casual fans will no doubt eat it up, and F) I highly doubt Hardcores and Midcores won't be tempted to play this when more and more games come out.

2: Before I go on, I'd like to point out that CNN is not in any way, shape, or form, the perfect place to get Video Game News. Trusting CNN to give Video Game News would be like the Escapist to tell me how to water plants.

Not only did I basically say that the "Meh" is only for Nintendo Doubters right now, your also wrong with the statement that Nintendo was beaten badly in the previous gens; Nintendo came in 2nd with the 64, and has a huge number of Hardcore Games on it, and it made money off of all of it. The Gamecube, yes, was a dissapointing third, but it still made them money. The only reason I would say Nintendo's stocks took a dip is because we're in a slow recovery period and Businesses at the time don't like taking risks.

The Wii U will sell only to longtime Nintendo fans who still like the company. And even then, a lot of longtime Nintendo fans have stopped blindly supporting Nintendo(with their wallets and their voices) and can hardly be blamed for doing so.

3: Not only is that improbable, requiring Nintendo to do something insanely dumb to piss everyone off, but that would be a downright stupid thing to say. Saying something won't be bought, after the thing before it was bought in huge amounts? That's gonna be a crazy claim. I know the Wii U Won't sell like the Wii, but it will sell, to Casuals, to Hardcores, to everyone.

 

[AzrealMaximillion]

1: Alright, so maybe a Wii U Event would paint me as biased. However, you claim no one is hyped about it right now. You even state in your second paragraph that the Wii U has a giant "Meh" painted on it. That can not be in any way true, because A) I'm excited about it, B) There are many Escapists here who are excited about it, C) The Nintendo Fans are excited about it, D) 3rd Party developers that were scared away from Nintendo from the 64-Wii Are jumping on the Wii U, E) Casual fans will no doubt eat it up, and F) I highly doubt Hardcores and Midcores won't be tempted to play this when more and more games come out.

Well look at the reception on this thread alone. It's been either "I'm gonna buy it" or "Meh". Mostly "Meh".

And to your points
A)Good for you, I'm out of cookies.

B)There are a lot more Escapists that don't care about the Wii-U than do. And hell, that's just THIS site. Like I stated before, as a result of the poor public perception the Wii U got upon announcement investors got worried and sold some of their stock. This affected Nintendo's stock in a way it hadn't seen ever. If the general public thought it was "Meh" right off the bat to a point that it scared investors into selling their stock, I'd say its safe to say that
most people are not excited about the Wii U.

C)Of course the Nitendo fans are excited about it. That's like saying that Valve fans use Steam...
But on that note, there are a LOT of Nintendo fans who aren't as happy with what the Wii U and aren't too excited. Notice how the general excitement of the Wii U seems to be only bolstered BY Nintendo fans? And even then the excitement seems to be quieter than it should be for a company of Nintendo's stature. More people are excited for the Ouya than the Wii U with the way things seem to be going.

D)Some 3rd party devs have already disregarded the Wii U as well.

E)Casual fans are bored of their Wiis. If you look at most companies that have invested heavily into casual games have lost money. The most glaring example is Zynga. That and there are factors that everyone who uses the casual angle forgets. One, the Wii was thre cheapest console this gen. The Wii U will not have that advantage for 1-2 years at least. And to be honest Sony and MS ARE going to announce PS3/360 price cut to hamper the Wii U. Two, the Wii sold on a gimmick that didn't work out too well all things considered. Hell, most of Nintendo's own 1st party games for the Wii U don't utilize the motion controls well enough to warrent how much it was hyped. Three, as I pointed out to another person on this thread. Wii sales came to a snail pace two years ago and haven't picked up. The Wii's hyped died. The Wii U has little buzz around it. No one seems to care about the tablet controller at all. And to be honest, the fact that this next gen console is being built to compete with current gen tech is only going to hurt the Wii U in the long run.

F)Hardcores and Midcores gave up on the Wii. Most games that were considered "core" on the Wii flopped hard. Zack and Wiki, Muramasa, No More Heroes, MadWorld, House of the Dead Overkill, and a few more games like them flopped pretty hard. That's what also caused 3rd party developers to keep their core games OFF the Wii.

2: Before I go on, I'd like to point out that CNN is not in any way, shape, or form, the perfect place to get Video Game News. Trusting CNN to give Video Game News would be like the Escapist to tell me how to water plants.

No its not. But it is mainstream news, and when one of the most watched news networks in the world tell the target casual gaming crowd that the Wii U is "just a new controller" that's all they hear. Casuals don't go to gaming websites. They watch NBC, CNN, and FOX. That's where their gaming news comes from. If you can't even tell the masses what you're selling, you should rethink your marketing plan.

Not only did I basically say that the "Meh" is only for Nintendo Doubters right now, your also wrong with the statement that Nintendo was beaten badly in the previous gens; Nintendo came in 2nd with the 64, and has a huge number of Hardcore Games on it, and it made money off of all of it. The Gamecube, yes, was a dissapointing third, but it still made them money.

I didn't say that they didn't make money. I was commenting on how fans of Nintendo use this generation's "success" with the Wii automatically makes the Wii U seem like something more amazing than it actually is. Also its to remind Nintendo fans that the Wii's success is not a result of marketing and technological genius, but rather the gimmick based marketing and cheap price if the Wii.

The only reason I would say Nintendo's stocks took a dip is because we're in a slow recovery period and Businesses at the time don't like taking risks.

I can't say the same seeing as how Nintendo's stock dropped when they announced the Wii U. Last Year. Yes there are slow economic times but that should not be used as a cover for mistakes made.

3: Not only is that improbable, requiring Nintendo to do something insanely dumb to piss everyone off, but that would be a downright stupid thing to say. Saying something won't be bought, after the thing before it was bought in huge amounts? That's gonna be a crazy claim. I know the Wii U Won't sell like the Wii, but it will sell, to Casuals, to Hardcores, to everyone.

But Nintendo has pissed off pretty much everyone. 3rd party developers like Capcom and Sega have gone on record saying that they won't put as many core games on Nintendo consoles due to horrible support from Nintendo. John Romero bashed the Wii U almost instantly. Core gamers had to annoy the hell out of Nintendo JUST to get Xenoblade Chronicles LOCALIZED. Non core gamers got bored of their Wiis and stopped buying them hand over fist due to the inevitability of all fads, they realized it was based on a gimmick. And if you still don't think Nintendo has pissed ANYONE off, look at the reception of E3 2012. It hasn't been good for Nintendo PR wise. There hasn't been this much criticism of Nintendo since the Wii Music reveal.

And you keep thinking that just because the Wii sold high amounts that the Wii U should sell well. Then please explain to me how the PS3, the successor to the highest selling console of all time came in 3rd this gen? By your logic the PS3 should have at least been able to make the 360 trail in sales.

Casuals won't buy it because they don't have great repeat buy rates. Hardcore won't buy it because the franchises that they want to play are on other consoles or the PC (especially with the port heavy launch list). Its on the longtime Nintendo fans to support this console for the most part.

 

[Pedro The Hutt]

But what does John Romero not bash if it isn't a high end PC? =p

That said, sigh, it's always us Europeans who get screwed over. XD Just for the mere fact we pay between 20% and 35% more for our games than Americans do thanks to the lovely $1=?1 policy that so many game publishers wield, we should be getting equal if not better treatment than US gamers. Rather than be forced to wait weeks to months on several games each year and then also have to pay more for our troubles.

 

[Your Fearless Captain]

I was planning on waiting at least a year before I even considered buying one. Unless someone awesome game comes out for it. Like a gritty Pokemon game.

 

[Guffe]

Funny how Nintendo haters and "hardcore gamers" come here and bash Nintendo and the ones who are going to buy it. I came here because I think the WiiU might be something interesting and to see what is maybe going to delay the launch of the new console.

I don't understand people who have no interest in the new console and still clicked the link, just like I don't go on Nikki Minaj or Bieber videos on youtube to comment because I don't have anything to do there. But hey, trollers gonna troll!

Personally I see nothing wrong with delaying the launch if something doesn't work. Better to give the people a full working device than to send something half ready to the market. I hope the WiiU will do good. I guess I'm getting it sometime but not at launch, Get a few titles at the same time, Pikmins out at launch. A new Mario and Zelda are a given, hoping for a StarFox and Metroid as well. Of course there'll be a few good JRPGs as well as for every new generation and hopefully some new successful IPs.