Poll: Should Nintendo Stop Making Consoles?

[Callate]

Riiiiight. They should become Sega. Because, y'know, that's worked out so well for Sega.

Nintendo released the most popular console of this generation and set the presumed market paradigm on its ear. Arguably, that hasn't been without its downsides, but something needed to be done; the model that every generation of console was simply more powerful than the last was heading for another early-eighties market crash, and may yet. We need to start moving video games in new directions rather than just piling more powerful chips into consoles that the producers can't afford to sell at a price point people will accept, forcing developers to create games that can't pull in their production costs. It could be said that it's that model which is Nintendo's nemesis right now, more than gimmickry.

Nintendo needs to show that it takes third-party developers seriously, and that it's willing to do more on its home consoles to embrace the Internet and the mostly digital-distribution independent scene which may end up providing much of the content we play in the future. It needs to have a better sense of how things like its touch-screen controller will add value to the playing experience and differentiate it from its opposition in positive ways, and communicate that to its customers.

What it doesn't need to do is abandon hardware. Leaving the field to Sony and Microsoft would be a disaster for all of us.

 

[Epona]

I'm currently enjoying the heck out of Skyward Sword, a game that is far better on the Wii with Motion Plus than it would be on another console. Granted, the Wii isn't perfect, but Nintendo makes games that use the hardware very well, and not just party games.

So, no. Don't assume all hardcore gamers hate Wii controls.

I would imagine they could have made a Skyward Sword in HD with far better graphics AND motion control with PS3 + Move.

 

[Canadamus Prime]

Why? Because they're not pandering to the small brain, small dick, loud mouth, dipshit demographic; also known as "hardcore" gamers?

 

[Jeremy Avalon]

The 3DS was a complete disaster, yes.

Complete and utter falsehood. It outsold its predecessor's launch year sales in two-thirds the time with half the library. I do personally think it was released six months early, but it is a "disaster" by absolutely no measure.

 

[gillnavisingh]

Let's not forget that Software is what makes a console, not the hardware.
If Nintendo can get some really good exclusives, or even some neat exclusive content for the Wii U, i think they'll still have a leg up on the others.

Let's see:
Considering the Wii U has a touch screen, motion controls, 3DTV Support, AND the standard 8 buttons and two analog sticks, I can see it having a larger lineup of games than the PS3 if developers use the motion and touch controls responsibly.

The HD from that non pre-rendered Zelda demo looked too good to be true. If Nintendo can keep that up, we might be able to reach a new level of fidelity otherwise unknown to us. (Not to mention, re-releasing Twilight Princess in HD would make for some very happy Zelda-fans like myself (and a boatload of cash).)

Touch Screens tend to have more physical feedback than motion controls do, which is why I preferred using the Celestial Brush in the PS2 Okami, or the DS' Okamiden, over the Wii Okami. Using these as like a GPS, inventory, or even a Starcraft-Style minimap would greatly improve the gameplay.

Like I said, if you use the touchscreen like a Starcraft-Style minimap, it could also open the way for the Wii U to play RTSes I think that Wii U could rival PC gaming, and even make things more intuitive. (Hold your flame, PC gamers, let me explain)

Let's not forget that since the Wii U is capable of supporting a digital download service, we might be able to get Steam or *shudder* Origin on the Wii U Shop channel.
If Wii U prooves it can compete with PCs AND the PS3/360, Steam or Origin PC games could be available right off the bat on Wii U, and Nintendo would have an Achievement system (finally...)

Can you imagine that? If you bought Skyrim off of Steam, and Wii U prooves it can handle PC games responsibly as a console, you could potentially be able to play Skyrim on either your Wii U or PC, saving you an extra $60, and drastically increasing your Wii U catalog. (To me, that would mean an extra 50 games!)

Of course, I might have read that incorrectly. If only Steamworks supported games will work that way, then at least I would get to play Portal 2 on PC, PS3, and Wii U...
But this is all speculation. I have high hopes for this console, but I AM ready to have my hopes shattered at a moment's notice.

 

[Epona]

The 3DS was a complete disaster, yes.

Complete and utter falsehood. It outsold its predecessor's launch year sales in two-thirds the time with half the library. I do personally think it was released six months early, but it is a "disaster" by absolutely no measure.

Sales aren't the only thing that matters. People talk about the success of the Wii too, in terms of sales but in terms of usage, the Wii collects dust more than the other two console. People on gaming boards would rather game on their smartphone than the Wii. Now, if sales are all that matter, then do you think Nintendo should just make another Wii? Well, they are and there is already a lack of enthusiasm around it. It won't sell like the Wii did because people won't get burned twice.

The 3DS may have more sales than the DS but an $80 price drop a few months after release may be responsible, not that people love their 3DS. Just like the Wii people ran out to buy it but how many were disappointed? How many use it to play DS games because they can't bear to see such an expensive toy collect dust, like their Wii?

Final Fantasy XIII was the fastest selling Final Fantasy game, does that make it the best? No.

Sales are only one way to look at something and alone, aren't very helpful.

 

[SnakeoilSage]

If Nintendo stops making consoles, then how will they release their re-release of every game they made back in the 1980's?

Gimmicky consoles are the only way they can bring some variety to the party, so let them sit in the corner with their 900-pound irregularly shaped object controllers and their dollop of sour cream motion controls. It'll give the children, moms trying to get their kids to try aerobics, and "special" gamers a place to play while the rest of us enjoy our Christmas parties.

 

[Vivi22]

Sure many of us aren't fans of motion controls but it was something very new & interesting and we will look back in 20 years and appreciate the pioneering of the wii.

Why would we look back on it like that? Especially when you even acknowledge that many of us aren't fans of motion controls. The problem is that motion controls are a creative dead end in all honesty. They can't replace the precision that comes from standard controllers or keyboards and mice (in part because physical feedback is essential to our brains being able to learn how to control things precisely). Controllers may very well be substantially different in 20 years than they are now, but I would bet money it won't be because of continued development of motion controls. Outside of drawing in casual gamers there is no further potential with them. And frankly, if simple, intuitive controls are the goal, motion controls aren't the only, or even the best way to achieve it.

So yeah, honestly I'd be fine with them getting out of the console business. They can't compete in terms of console power, they've been relying on gimmicks to draw in a casual audience at the expense of their hardcore fans, and what's worse for them is that casual market is now saturated with more competition than they had 5 years ago. And now, when they basically needed to release a new console, not only to continue to compete, but to replace the aging and waning Wii, they showed off what amounts to a poorly thought out console version of the DS (only being able to use one tablet is just plain stupid when that's supposed to be the draw with the WiiU), and have tried to pack in as many other superfluous features as they can in the hopes that if they throw enough gimmicks at the controller something will stick.

Nintendo has been too directionless for far too long. Before the Wii they didn't know how to cater to their core demographic and draw in third parties, while ignoring legitimately interesting developments like the implementation of online play. With the Wii, they decided to target another demographic entirely, still didn't know how to draw in third parties or core gamers, and now have to face the fact that the market they chased after wants iPhones and iPads, not consoles. And now with the WiiU, they have to not only deal with that competition, but try and cope with the fact that they had no clue where to go after the Wii's motion controls, in part because there's nowhere to go from it yet assuming there ever will be. The entire announcement of the WiiU smacked of them grasping at straws.

And I won't even bother mentioning the 3DS.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

I don't think that they should (or even will) stop making consoles. People might believe that the Wii is starting to look a lot like the Dreamcast because of it's very narrow audience, classic exclusive franchises, unique features, dwindling popularity, and failure to keep up/compete with other next gen consoles in the game department. The Wii U is definitely looking to be more promising, but it's still a stretch whether people will want to buy it, especially if it won't be as inexpensive as the Wii was when it was first released (I doubt it if they are promising 1080p graphics), and assuming that the Move and Kinect introduce more appealing games.

In short, Nintendo is the only company at the moment that needs to release a new console, if only to compete graphically and with online features.

 

[Kenjitsuka]

It'd be great if they made their games available to as much people as possible, i.e. I want Zelda but I am not able to be forking over several hundred bucks for the pleasure.

 

[senobit]

I really hate the way "hardcore gamer" is used, like its something you can just buy it too, play game Y on console X = hardcore gamer. Which personally I think is horseshit, I would consider being a hardcore gamer more of a mindset, wanting to play the best games regardless of the platform, having the patience to learn them, to understand how to use the gameplay mechanics and acquire the skills to get the top score, the fastest time, or whatever definition of wining you want to use. The point is about wanting to be the best and putting the effort in to try and achieve it.

Anyway rant over and on topic, I hope Nintendo continue to make consoles that are a bit different - if they started making consoles like Sony and MS what would be the point? There's relatively few exclusives on either consoles and on most of the cross platform titles you have to look at the controller to remember which one your playing, why would anyone want to see gaming homogenized more?

 

[Epona]

I really hate the way "hardcore gamer" is used, like its something you can just buy it too, play game Y on console X = hardcore gamer. Which personally I think is horseshit, I would consider being a hardcore gamer more of a mindset, wanting to play the best games regardless of the platform, having the patience to learn them, to understand how to use the gameplay mechanics and acquire the skills to get the top score, the fastest time, or whatever definition of wining you want to use. The point is about wanting to be the best and putting the effort in to try and achieve it.

Anyway rant over and on topic, I hope Nintendo continue to make consoles that are a bit different - if they started making consoles like Sony and MS what would be the point? There's relatively few exclusives on either consoles and on most of the cross platform titles you have to look at the controller to remember which one your playing, why would anyone want to see gaming homogenized more?

You mean, if Nintendo started making consoles that were powerful, instead of gimmicky, they would not be able to compete. Both the N64 and Gamecube were crippled due to storage space. The 3DS is using another gimmick to compete with the more powerful Vita.

 

[MetaKnight19]

Nope, they should keep going. Nintendo for me is often the saving grace for keeping me interested in gaming.

When I get bored of grey shooters, muscle bound men, being called a ****** by 13 year olds, apocalyptic cities, I throw on a zelda, kirby, mario or okami game and remember why the hell I started this shit in the first place.

This is my view on it as well. I enjoy games like CoD or Gears of War but after a while I boot up games like Kirby Super Star Ultra or Wind Waker. Also this Friday Nintendo are releasing the free GBA games for the 3DS Ambassador program, and there are some stellar titles on the list. Minish Cap, Wario Land 4 and Yoshi's Island to name a few.

 

[Nergy]

I like their consoles. They seem to be the only company adding new things to their consoles with some thought behind them. Both Kinect and Move haven't been embraced by people as much as the Wii control scheme was. Don't blame Nintendo and their consoles for other companies make poor implementations of the control scheme.

If you need games to play on the Wii, look at this list:

http://vsrecommendedgames.wikia.com/wiki/Wii

Oh and as for the people saying that the 3DS is failing/has failed. You're bordering on delusional, with the release of high selling titles like MK7, SM3DL, Monster Hunter Tri G as well other titles, it's been VERY successful. Yes, yes, yes sales aren't everything, but these are quality titles and are getting hours and hours of gameplay out of their 3DSes.

 

[Findlebob]

One word. Starfox.

 

[Nazulu]

Can you believe? I'm with the 'wait for the Wii U to come out' crowd. I've heard they are improving the hardware which can be a very good thing, plus I don't know exactly what they are aiming for yet so it will good to wait and see. They basically experiment for us. I have to agree though, I really hate the motion controls. Can't believe a bloody billion dollar company can't even let you have a choice in controls. Bloody pricks.

Also, to the people saying it will bland without Nintendo cause we will just have brown shooters, are fucking kidding me?

And one other thing. They haven't made a great game for awhile, they don't know how to do it anymore so you can give them a million years and it still won't change.

 

[wooty]

Nope, they should keep going. Nintendo for me is often the saving grace for keeping me interested in gaming.

When I get bored of grey shooters, muscle bound men, being called a ****** by 13 year olds, apocalyptic cities, I throw on a zelda, kirby, mario or okami game and remember why the hell I started this shit in the first place.

This is my view on it as well. I enjoy games like CoD or Gears of War but after a while I boot up games like Kirby Super Star Ultra or Wind Waker. Also this Friday Nintendo are releasing the free GBA games for the 3DS Ambassador program, and there are some stellar titles on the list. Minish Cap, Wario Land 4 and Yoshi's Island to name a few.

Some people would complain about.that, " oh nintendo just keep releasing things that are the same and charging for old games". Yeah, but bring it on, theres a reason why people keep buying them.....because theyre good.

Im just waiting for Windwaker to hit the Wii's virtual console and makes my day.

 

[Valanthe]

No, they should not, for the simple reason that Nintendo's 'gimmicky' console outstripped -both- of it's contenders combined in sales. Nintendo hit the motherlode tapping the casual market and it would be stupid and naive for them to stop.

I hate the Wii, personally, I own one, I played Twilight Princess on it, and haven't touched the thing since and have zero interest in buying the Wii U, but that doesn't mean I am blind to what the Wii -has- done, it's introduced an entire generation to gaming that every other console has dismissed, and that is a -very- good thing for the industry.

So fly strong, Nintendo!

 

[F4LL3N]

The 3DS was a complete disaster, yes.

Complete and utter falsehood. It outsold its predecessor's launch year sales in two-thirds the time with half the library. I do personally think it was released six months early, but it is a "disaster" by absolutely no measure.

Sales aren't the only thing that matters. People talk about the success of the Wii too, in terms of sales but in terms of usage, the Wii collects dust more than the other two console. People on gaming boards would rather game on their smartphone than the Wii. Now, if sales are all that matter, then do you think Nintendo should just make another Wii? Well, they are and there is already a lack of enthusiasm around it. It won't sell like the Wii did because people won't get burned twice.

The 3DS may have more sales than the DS but an $80 price drop a few months after release may be responsible, not that people love their 3DS. Just like the Wii people ran out to buy it but how many were disappointed? How many use it to play DS games because they can't bear to see such an expensive toy collect dust, like their Wii?

Final Fantasy XIII was the fastest selling Final Fantasy game, does that make it the best? No.

Sales are only one way to look at something and alone, aren't very helpful.

True. But you can't say that for certain. Sure, go on any gaming forum and you'll see people saying they haven't touched their Wii or 3DS in months or years. But people who go on gaming forums are but a small minority of the people who actually buy such hardware. Even people who say such things on a gaming forum are but a minority of the people who actually own one (and go on such forums).

The Wii is aimed mainly at non-gamers and kids. You won't find either of them on a gaming forum. Besides, I have 500+ hours on my 3DS and often prefer playing that over my 360.

 

[Darth Lexx]

If they do continue they should at least give their consoles better graphics...