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WiiU

Wii U Sells 57K Units in January

by Zack Kaplan - February 16, 2013, 8:00 am EST
Total comments: 85 Source: CNET, (Description), Gamasutra, http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57569583-235/uh-..., http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186734/January_..., http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/186741/At_57K_s...

Sales are not looking great for the console.

The Wii U sold about 57,000 units in January, according to figures obtained by CNET.

Initial NPD estimates had the system selling under 100,000 units, while Gamasutra had predicted sales in the range of 45,000 to 59,000 units. 

An accompanying comparison of sales history posted on Gamasutra shows that in comparison to the sales of other consoles in the first three months, the Wii U is still slightly higher than both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, though well below both the Wii and the previous generation of consoles.

Talkback

CericFebruary 16, 2013

That is sort of an interesting trend their.  If it holds that probably means that when the rest of the systems come it will be similar.

purevalFebruary 16, 2013

Did the XBOX or PS3 have any big name games come out in the time period? I know that as soon as a big game gets released on Wii U sales will go up on it.

MiyamotoFebruary 16, 2013

Huge price drop and aggressive software support stat!

RazorkidFebruary 16, 2013

I agree. I'm not surprised by the number nor dismayed because:

There hasn't been a notable retail release in 2 months
It's trending above the 360/PS3 in their same time frame, that is to say, it's trending with consoles similarly priced.
When the next Xbox and Playstation release, I believe they are gonna produce similar numbers again in the beginning.  I think this new gen of consoles are gonna experience a slow burn in sales similar to the HD twins of last gen and this console gen is gonna last even longer than the previous.  I really hate when ANY console's sales are compared to the Wii because that was a once in a life time phenomenon that will not be repeated until something just as disruptive and revolutionary happens to consoles again (like when Nintendo releases its Oculus Rift like VR helmet system in 2019).  It's an outlier and not something any console maker today can realistically shoot for with what is/gonna be offered when all 3 next gen systems are released.
Otherwise, I predict that all the next gen consoles are gonna take longer to sell as many as they did last gen mostly because of the economy.

I don't think a price drop is needed, maybe just one SKU, but as soon as the quality games start to hit at a regular pace, the system will pick up steam like the 3DS.

AdrockFebruary 16, 2013

I don't see a price drop coming until the end of the year at the earliest. The timing is better and the Wii U is already sold at a loss.

MiyamotoFebruary 16, 2013

Nintendo will not have a choice but to slash the price. Right now there is nowhere near enough incentive for the average consumer to part with so much money. The Wii U is essentially a PS360 at double the price with software costing more, without the software library and with tech that is already looking dated when compared to the PS4 / Nextbox leaks. The only option Nintendo has it to aim once again for the budget market with unique software. Very tough times ahead for the big N. Not good. The U should have ditched the now toxic Wii brand and come out at least a year sooner.


ShyGuyFebruary 16, 2013

We need more games. The whole industry is getting squeezed due to people spending less time playing video games and more time watching Netflix, browsing Facebook, and playing phone games.

FjurbanskiFebruary 16, 2013

The only reason Nintendo would need to drop the price is if the ps4/720 are priced the same as the Wii U. They won't be, though. They'll be higher. So as long as the Wii U is the cheapest option, and it starts pumping out must have games, there won't be any need to drop the price and sell it for even more of a loss.

CericFebruary 16, 2013

Man let me tell you that PS3 & 360 are doing terrible.  No new system for them.  Please we all know why its not selling.  If you can't afford a Wii U then you have other financial problems.    Its not that expensive for the tech and the rest will be more expensive.

As long as its tracking w/ the 360 & PS3 that's fine the games aren't their yet.

Mop it upFebruary 16, 2013

I don't think it's really surprising considering there hasn't really been notable software since launch. Nintendo need to be careful how they handle this situation, though. They've gotten through rough launches before, but they did it by making all the right moves. Here's hoping they've got more of a plan than it appears.

broodwarsFebruary 16, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

As long as its tracking w/ the 360 & PS3 that's fine the games aren't their yet.

Except it's not. IIRC, the 360 sold something like 250,000 units in January, between 4-5 times more than the Wii U.  That it may be selling on-par with the Xbox 360's launch is kind of irrelevant considering that was 6+ years ago. The market's changed.  Even if the PS4/720 manage to repeat the Wii U's launch "success", you can be sure there will be more than two worthwhile games at launch with nothing coming in the next 6 months outside a game most people in NA won't give a **** about (Monster Hunter).

In any case, I'm looking forward to my Wii U Ambassador's program and price drop around E3, because Nintendo has nothing that anyone other than severe niches will care about until the Summer.  Because if Nintendo doesn't drop the price, people aren't going to care that good software eventually came in the Fall, just as they really didn't care that the Vita had great software that eventually came after launch.

They're not going to play the Ambassador card again, you'll take the 10% DDP and 30 cent VC games and like it. That would be setting a horrible precedent for every console to come.


Will there be a price drop? Yes, probably in the summer. But not 5 months after launch and not with 20 free games.

broodwarsFebruary 16, 2013

Quote from: Shaymin

They're not going to play the Ambassador card again, you'll take the 10% DDP and 30 cent VC games and like it. That would be setting a horrible precedent for every console to come.


Will there be a price drop? Yes, probably in the summer. But not 5 months after launch and not with 20 free games.

The precedent's already been set when Nintendo bailed out the failing 3DS with its Ambassador program + ridiculous price drop.  But hey, Nintendo only has a good 5-6 months of bad sales months to look forward to before they finally have software worth buying (Pikmin 3, Wonderful 101) while all the other platforms are loaded with software worth getting, so I'm sure they'll be fine.

And no, I didn't forget Monster Hunter, a niche of a niche game in NA if there ever was one.

CericFebruary 16, 2013

I have to wonder why your so hateful and like a DmC fan there and it is absolutely relevant how the PS3 & 360 did at launch instead of when their fully developed w/ a deep catalog. 

SorenFebruary 16, 2013

We already have an ambassador program. It's called the "30th Anniversary Famicon Virtual Console Trial Campaign." But yeah, we totally deserve more free games.

I also don't see how slashing $50 dollars off the price tag helps right now. There's still no games coming out.

ShyGuyFebruary 16, 2013

You would think virtual console games would be the quickest route to go. Or put some Wii Games in the e-shop for $15-$20 each.

NeoStar9XFebruary 16, 2013

The lack of any must buy games or any games of any kind at retail and no advertising at all I'm not surprised. By no advertising I mean zero. Not even so much as web ads or commercials on YouTube at the very least. Nothing at all.


I would like to see anything new sell well when handled that way.  February is going to be much worse. It actually would have been worse still had Rayman Legends still came out. Ubisoft was never going to advertise the game. Let's be honest here. Doesn't matter if it was coming to all three systems this month or in Sept. It was always going to be sent to die.


Things will get better. That much I'm sure of but how long it will it take is another matter. More games and better advertising when they do decide to advertise will be key. E3 is likely to be a relaunch of the system and I hope it works. Until then I hope Monster Hunter and Lego City do well but I really doubt because they will get no pushes. Need for Speed certainly won't and it looks to be worthy of a purchase as well.


What bothers me more though is how people on other forums are loving this and love throwing it in the face of others. Wanting others to feel bad about their purchases, etc. That more then anything is bothering me lately and I'm trying my best to not read a lot of threads in other places because of that and just avoid certain sites altogether.

broodwarsFebruary 16, 2013

Quote from: NeoStar9X

Things will get better. That much I'm sure of but how long it will it take is another matter. More games and better advertising when they do decide to advertise will be key. E3 is likely to be a relaunch of the system and I hope it works.

Unfortunately, that would mean that Nintendo would have spent 3 E3s in a row trying to "relaunch"/"make people understand the value of" the Wii U.  I hope they succeed this time because my Wii U is a $350 paperweight, but at some point you have to wonder if Nintendo really needs to kill their messengers when it comes to Wii U b/c they have utterly failed at selling the thing.

ThePermFebruary 16, 2013

at that rate they'll sell 684,000 units by the end of the year.  Of course we know January is a slow month anyhow. Sales should pick up around march and July...not to mention the holiday season. They sold 2.6mu during the holiday season last year. I'm sure by the end of the year they will have sold 6million total. That will probably double as they gain momentum next year with some quality software.

I predict 60-70 million by the end of 5 years
year 1 = 6 million - slow growth - good year to buy stocks
year 2 = 12 million - popularity and momentum
year 3 = 24 million -continued momentum with price cuts -good year to sell stocks
year 4 = 12 million -steady decline with low prices and new colors
year 5 = 6 million - rapid decline with no games and no interest


broodwarsFebruary 16, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

I have to wonder why your so hateful and like a DmC fan there

Dude, the ones being like the Devil May Cry fans are the Nintendo ones who are currently saying they hope the PS4/720 flop at launch like the Wii U has simply so they don't have to admit that they made a mistake and Nintendo ****-up with the thing.

I look forward to the Wii U Ambassador program because I missed the 3DS one & Nintendo has made it clear that we'll probably never actually see those games on the 3DS.  Plus, people here just love to point out how everyone called the 3DS a failure in its first year, and it's recovered.  Guess what Nintendo had to do to make the 3DS relevant? Oh right...an Ambassador program and major price drop. You can't keep using the 3DS as an example as why the Wii U isn't doomed if Nintendo doesn't take the steps to save the Wii U as they did the 3DS.

TJ SpykeFebruary 16, 2013

The Ambassador Program had NOTHING to do with helping the 3DS, it was just Nintendo apologizing to people who bought the 3DS before the price drop (since they dropped the price less than 6 months after launch, and I don't see them dropping the Wii U's price before E3). The price cut + notable new releases helped 3DS. Wii U just needs notable software (or really ANY software right now).

RazorkidFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: broodwars

Quote from: Ceric

I have to wonder why your so hateful and like a DmC fan there

Dude, the ones being like the Devil May Cry fans are the Nintendo ones who are currently saying they hope the PS4/720 flop at launch like the Wii U has simply so they don't have to admit that they made a mistake and Nintendo ****-up with the thing.

I look forward to the Wii U Ambassador program because I missed the 3DS one & Nintendo has made it clear that we'll probably never actually see those games on the 3DS.  Plus, people here just love to point out how everyone called the 3DS a failure in its first year, and it's recovered.  Guess what Nintendo had to do to make the 3DS relevant? Oh right...an Ambassador program and major price drop. You can't keep using the 3DS as an example as why the Wii U isn't doomed if Nintendo doesn't take the steps to save the Wii U as they did the 3DS.

The PS4/720 are not gonna flop as long as they continue to provide quality software at a constant rate right out of the gate. WiiU's numbers for Jan is IMO more to do with absolutely no retail releases of note than anything else. When the games come and consistently, the system will be fine. The other point I want to make is that I can't see any of the new consoles selling 400K+ month to month for even a single quarter post holiday season because of the consumer landscape of today. Like I stated before, I think all the consoles (once they've all gotten through their growing pains) will sell similarly over time like the PS360 and probably less so. The consumer market for videogames ain't what it use to be, but Nintendo will be fine.

Luigi DudeFebruary 17, 2013

As I said in the sales thread, the Wii U in 2013 is looking to parel the DS in 2005.  In 2005, the DS had basically nothing for software until Kirby and Meteos hit in June, but both games didn't do much to help hardware.  It wasn't until Nintendogs in August that sales finally picked up, and then Mario Kart and Animal Crossing: Wild World gave it huge sales during the holiday.  Until Nintendogs hit though, the DS had numbers similar to the Wii U in the 50k range each month for most of 2005.

And yet in the end the DS would become Nintendo's most successful system of all time.  Hopefully more people will realize this when the Wii U numbers are terrible for the next several months.  Being bad now doesn't mean the sky is falling since the DS showed Nintendo can still turn things around.  A price cut along with Mario Kart U this Fall will probably do the trick.  I also wouldn't be surprised if they have a Wii Sports U ready for this holiday as well, that they'll start bundling in the new $300 Deluxe models.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterFebruary 17, 2013

So Broodwars, did you buy a Wii U simply so you could run into forums saying "oh my god Wii U is such a piece of crap, I know because I own one, that means my opinion carries real weight!" hm? Why do you frequent these forums? I mean seriously why? Why do you own a Wii U, is it not everything you said it would be?

I've seen a few around here with their fanboyish remarks about Wii U's situation along with how and why Sony and Microsoft will be in the same position. But you speak like this place is Neogaf or IGN. Only person who really has an agenda around here is you, until everyone on this board goes "yeah, Nintendo Land really is worthless" you'll always be a grinch around here. Can't wait til you get Disney'd.

Pixelated PixiesFebruary 17, 2013

I agree with what many people have already said, that the market is not what it was in 2006 and consumer's are more hesitant to purchase now than they were then. However, based purely on my discussions with those around me (friends, family, colleagues etc., so far from scientific) I get the sense that people are actually crying out for a new console. The current generation of home consoles have all but run their course, and people really do seem to want something new. The excitement surrounding the upcoming Sony announcement I think speaks to that anticipation.

The Wii U for all it's qualities, however, does not seem to be convincing gamers that it in fact offers anything new. Even I, a long time Nintendo fan of some 20 years, am not yet convinced by the system. Proponents of the system rightly say that new games are coming and that the software library will become healthier with time. All of which is true, but my being a fan of Nintendo's systems has always been conditional. I support those systems which support me, and at the moment the Wii U does not have a single release that interests me.

If the Wii U isn't an attractive prospect to someone like me (and I'm sure I'm not the only Nintendo fan who isn't impressed), then it's hardly surprising that it's not selling to the broader market.

For what it's worth, my opinion is that Nintendo have a small window of opportunity in which to make a dent with the Wii U. If Nintendo sell enough Wii U's before the next Sony and Microsoft consoles hit then the system might have sufficient momentum and mindshare to continue receiving support from third partys. If the Wii U sells poorly or lower than expectations during this period then the system is likely to be left behind by third partys as they move on to develop for the Sony and Microsoft platforms, which by all accounts are far more comprobable.

It's going to be an interesting few months.

broodwarsFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: Caterkiller

So Broodwars, did you buy a Wii U simply so you could run into forums saying "oh my god Wii U is such a piece of crap, I know because I own one, that means my opinion carries real weight!" hm? Why do you frequent these forums? I mean seriously why? Why do you own a Wii U, is it not everything you said it would be?

Actually, I bought my Wii U to troll the forums, an effort that didn't seem altogether effective.  :P: Seriously, though, I had high hopes for ZombiU and Rayman Legends, and Nintendo was talking a good game in the run-up to the Wii U launch.  I wanted to see Nintendo make good on their word and have some big games in their first year marketed towards our interests.  In case certain folks like those on RFN were actually right about the market running towards Nintendo to get away from skyrocketing costs, I wanted to have the console they were running to.  I hate having big games I'm interested in get announced for devices I don't own, and Nintendo does still produce exclusive games I care about on occasion.

A large part of why I bought my Wii U when I did was because I thought Nintendo was really going to milk its GameCube catalog on the Wii U Virtual Console so I figured with the DPP program I would probably see some healthy return on that initial investment in the Deluxe model (little did I know Nintendo's big "plan" for the VC was to spend half the year trickling out a portion of its previous VC library).  And hey, there is just something exciting about being there at the start of a console launch, something I'd never done before.  Times were also pretty good for me around the time the Wii U came out, and these days with the podcast being as it is I felt I needed a Wii U if I were going to talk about it.

As for why I frequent these forums, that's really none of your damn business. And given that I rarely post on the forums anymore outside of Talkback, I think you can just deal with that.

Quote:

Only person who really has an agenda around here is you

I have no agenda around here, pal. I'm just a guy who likes to play video games more than could be considered healthy (regardless of platform), and as I'm particularly insane I also like to talk about those experiences from time to time.  However, I am no company's fanboy or cheerleader, and I will criticize whenever, wherever, and to whoever I feel deserves it.  I'm sorry if you take so much issue with that.  Nintendo launched the Wii U seemingly without any kind of plan, so they get criticized.

Quote:

Can't wait til you get Disney'd

I have no idea what you mean by that.

Killer_Man_JaroTom Malina, Associate Editor (Europe)February 17, 2013

With the Wii U having only been out for a day shy of four months, it's really too early for any of this conversation. When we get the sales figures this time next year, after all the highly-anticipated games have been released and had time to circulate the market, we will then know enough to have an informed discussion about the health of the system. But not until then.

Pixelated PixiesFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: Killer_Man_Jaro

With the Wii U having only been out for a day shy of four months, it's really too early for any of this conversation. When we get the sales figures this time next year, after all the highly-anticipated games have been released and had time to circulate the market, we will then know enough to have an informed discussion about the health of the system. But not until then.


Where's the fun in that?

ShyGuyFebruary 17, 2013

I think we will see the first major upswing when Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate hits. It needs heavy promotion in NA and EU.

CericFebruary 17, 2013

I still hold by what I said earlier.  These sales are more indicative of a trend more then anything else.  To some extent the DS had it.  The 3DS had it.  PS3 had it.  360 Had it.  Wii is the exception to prove the rule.

We know the problem is Software.  Plain and simple.
A little bit of Cost as well and Software will get around that.

The Durango and Orbis are going to run into this too.  Big initial launch period but, then it will slow down.  It will probably be worse for those 2 because the 360 and PS3 are pretty capable machines and will probably be getting the big titles like the PS2 did.  Not to mention, if the hardware isn't sold for a large lost, will be more expensive.  And if the rumored architecture is true BC is a non-starter.  All this makes a higher barrier of entry.  Despite that I believe the numbers we'll see here in the States are going to look relatively better but, not really that great.  Now in Fall when the releases really get kicked into gear we will see a pickup.  It really depends on if developers start seriously dropping the PS360 but, I'm not sure that will be the case.

I do think Sony might have an edge here over the others.  Even though BC is a non-starter, I could see them pulling what they do w/ Vita.  Buy one version that lets you get them all across the consoles.  So you buy the PS4 version and you get the PS3 version to play on your current hardware.  Once you get a large enough collection moving over isn't nearly as daunting.  Not to mention PS Plus.  In fact Sony may just make PS Plus free during the "Launch Window"  to supplement till real games tailored for the system comes out.  I think that would put them in a good position to keep at least a little momentum.  I also think they will continue to sell the PS3 for a while.  It is still one of the best Blu-Ray players on the market.

Now I be interested to see how Microsoft kills off the 360.  I expect them to have an aggressive time table to kill off features of Live.  They want people to move over.  I expect them to require companies to port there games to the new system to launch when they launch on the 360.  Which them being able to strong-arm like that is an advantage.  Though that may have a potential to back fire.  I just don't really see it doing so.  Eventually Microsoft will find a way to raise the bar to get onto the 360 effectively forcing developers to move over.  To tell you the honest truth I'm not expecting much more then 360 PC version of games on the system for the first year. 

I do expect both Sony and Microsoft to have their showcase titles at launch unlike Nintendo, Pikmin 3 should have been launch.  I'm expecting at least 1 of them from both Sony and Microsoft to be their Wind Waker HD.  At least for the first year I can't believe that either of those systems won't be a hard sale.  Especially if they take this opportunity to raise the prices of Software.

CaterkillerMatthew Osborne, Contributing WriterFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: broodwars

Quote from: Caterkiller

So Broodwars, did you buy a Wii U simply so you could run into forums saying "oh my god Wii U is such a piece of crap, I know because I own one, that means my opinion carries real weight!" hm? Why do you frequent these forums? I mean seriously why? Why do you own a Wii U, is it not everything you said it would be?

Actually, I bought my Wii U to troll the forums, an effort that didn't seem altogether effective.  :P: Seriously, though, I had high hopes for ZombiU and Rayman Legends, and Nintendo was talking a good game in the run-up to the Wii U launch.  I wanted to see Nintendo make good on their word and have some big games in their first year marketed towards our interests.  In case certain folks like those on RFN were actually right about the market running towards Nintendo to get away from skyrocketing costs, I wanted to have the console they were running to.  I hate having big games I'm interested in get announced for devices I don't own, and Nintendo does still produce exclusive games I care about on occasion.

A large part of why I bought my Wii U when I did was because I thought Nintendo was really going to milk its GameCube catalog on the Wii U Virtual Console so I figured with the DPP program I would probably see some healthy return on that initial investment in the Deluxe model (little did I know Nintendo's big "plan" for the VC was to spend half the year trickling out a portion of its previous VC library).  And hey, there is just something exciting about being there at the start of a console launch, something I'd never done before.  Times were also pretty good for me around the time the Wii U came out, and these days with the podcast being as it is I felt I needed a Wii U if I were going to talk about it.

As for why I frequent these forums, that's really none of your damn business. And given that I rarely post on the forums anymore outside of Talkback, I think you can just deal with that.

Quote:

Only person who really has an agenda around here is you

I have no agenda around here, pal. I'm just a guy who likes to play video games more than could be considered healthy (regardless of platform), and as I'm particularly insane I also like to talk about those experiences from time to time.  However, I am no company's fanboy or cheerleader, and I will criticize whenever, wherever, and to whoever I feel deserves it.  I'm sorry if you take so much issue with that.  Nintendo launched the Wii U seemingly without any kind of plan, so they get criticized.

Quote:

Can't wait til you get Disney'd

I have no idea what you mean by that.

Ok very fair, I legitimately take back that last statement. Mostly...

As for the Disney'd thing, I'm just poking fun. I remember you saying you work or worked there. Eventually they brain wash you to be an ultra super happy zombie.

NeoStar9XFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: ShyGuy

I think we will see the first major upswing when Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate hits. It needs heavy promotion in NA and EU.

Sadly it won't get it though. This, Lego City Undercover, and Need for Speed. EA will not push their own games on Nintendo hardware.  They've already written off the Wii U as not being apart of their upcoming plans. The only reason Need for Speed even seems to have so much effort surrounding it I believe is because Criterion actually cares about what their name is attached to.


I actually have no faith in general when it comes to Capcom. So I just expect the worse out of them.


As for Lego City. Well these days Nintendo won't even push their premier IPs. They won't and haven't even advertise for the Wii U system itself or Nintendo Land/NSMBU. I see no reason to think it will be different when it comes to Lego City.


Nope. Don't see an upswing at all any time soon.

RazorkidFebruary 17, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

I still hold by what I said earlier.  These sales are more indicative of a trend more then anything else.  To some extent the DS had it.  The 3DS had it.  PS3 had it.  360 Had it.  Wii is the exception to prove the rule.

We know the problem is Software.  Plain and simple.
A little bit of Cost as well and Software will get around that.

The Durango and Orbis are going to run into this too.  Big initial launch period but, then it will slow down.  It will probably be worse for those 2 because the 360 and PS3 are pretty capable machines and will probably be getting the big titles like the PS2 did.  Not to mention, if the hardware isn't sold for a large lost, will be more expensive.  And if the rumored architecture is true BC is a non-starter.  All this makes a higher barrier of entry.  Despite that I believe the numbers we'll see here in the States are going to look relatively better but, not really that great.  Now in Fall when the releases really get kicked into gear we will see a pickup.  It really depends on if developers start seriously dropping the PS360 but, I'm not sure that will be the case.

I do think Sony might have an edge here over the others.  Even though BC is a non-starter, I could see them pulling what they do w/ Vita.  Buy one version that lets you get them all across the consoles.  So you buy the PS4 version and you get the PS3 version to play on your current hardware.  Once you get a large enough collection moving over isn't nearly as daunting.  Not to mention PS Plus.  In fact Sony may just make PS Plus free during the "Launch Window"  to supplement till real games tailored for the system comes out.  I think that would put them in a good position to keep at least a little momentum.  I also think they will continue to sell the PS3 for a while.  It is still one of the best Blu-Ray players on the market.

Now I be interested to see how Microsoft kills off the 360.  I expect them to have an aggressive time table to kill off features of Live.  They want people to move over.  I expect them to require companies to port there games to the new system to launch when they launch on the 360.  Which them being able to strong-arm like that is an advantage.  Though that may have a potential to back fire.  I just don't really see it doing so.  Eventually Microsoft will find a way to raise the bar to get onto the 360 effectively forcing developers to move over.  To tell you the honest truth I'm not expecting much more then 360 PC version of games on the system for the first year. 

I do expect both Sony and Microsoft to have their showcase titles at launch unlike Nintendo, Pikmin 3 should have been launch.  I'm expecting at least 1 of them from both Sony and Microsoft to be their Wind Waker HD.  At least for the first year I can't believe that either of those systems won't be a hard sale.  Especially if they take this opportunity to raise the prices of Software.

Excellent summary and I agree completely. For me, numbers talk is never productive when it comes to new hardware until after its first year and holiday (not launch period) to get a more realistic picture of where lifetime sales will trend. Nintendo is squandering a much needed head start and is suffering because of it, but hopefully they will right the ship in time to meet the onslaught of their new competition. 

What I'm really interested in is how Sony and Microsoft will combat the software drought that comes shortly after launch of every console released. They are in a better position I think to keep software coming with their superior 3rd party relations and digital library. I didn't consider that the PS3 and 360 ( a Microsoft first) will continue getting support for sometime due to how successful they have become over the last few years.  This will indeed be a very interesting year.

xcwarriorFebruary 17, 2013

Folks, there will be no price drop. Nintendo knows they need games, not a change in price.

But if you must talk price, remember PS4 and Durango are going to be $600 each. Wii U will be the cheap option come the holiday season. So relax on the price. It's not coming down. It's going to be the bargain.

Monster Hunter is going to start the upswing of games. It's the baby months of the system. Everything is going to be OK, just like the DS and 3DS had slow starts. This too will past.

Go play some Wii games, 95% of you missed a ton of great games on the system for various reasons. You can find those games for cheap now. So go play them.

ThePermFebruary 18, 2013

my predicted sales date put into chart form
http://i50.tinypic.com/1jn57m.jpg

ill make a more detailed one later

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 18, 2013

Quote:

As for Lego City. Well these days Nintendo won't even push their premier IPs. They won't and haven't even advertise for the Wii U system itself or Nintendo Land/NSMBU.

Wait is this true? Have they done that little advertising in the States? I was under the impression they had a decent amount of advertising airtime, just that the advertising itself was not decent, if ya get my drift.


On sales reports, to put things in in a bit of perspective, mighty Wal-Mart reported horrendous store sales for the month of January, with recent reports indicating February will be just as bad. It seems US consumer confidence is low right now?


That said, 57,000 units is really really terrible. Can't sugarcoat that. Especially when the 360 sells five times that. Really curious what the average-sale-price is with the 360s. An especially low ASP would mean their Live-subsidization strategy is doing quite well indeed. If the ASP ends up being in Wii U's ballpark, man I wonder what made Microsoft's marketing efforts so successful?

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 18, 2013

Quote from: xcwarrior

...But if you must talk price, remember PS4 and Durango are going to be $600 each. Wii U will be the cheap option come the holiday season. So relax on the price. It's not coming down. It's going to be the bargain.
...
Go play some Wii games, 95% of you missed a ton of great games on the system for various reasons. You can find those games for cheap now. So go play them.

If you think either of those competitors will put out $600 boxes you are in for a sticker shock. Or a... reverse...sticker shock? Anyways, its going to be lower. Honestly, above $400 would surprise me.


"WHYYYY!?" you might be thinking.
In the case of Sony, pricing PS3 at 599 US Dollars did a ton of damage to their market share. They won't make that mistake again. Microsoft must have been doing happy dances those first two years.
Speaking of Microsoft, they already were successful with the $299-399 pricing strategy with Xbox 360 and of the "Big Three" they have the most cash to burn in the name of establishing a rapid foothold for their new box.
Then you can consider that both of those guys are watching U's market reception closely and gauging consumer receptiveness to expensive new living room products. U stumbling at $299-350 must have them scribbling copious notes.


Finally,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/ang1ache1/GoPlayWii.jpg
Agreed.

CericFebruary 18, 2013

Not going to happen.  Microsoft and Sony are no longer really in position to let the Game division be a huge loss leader.  $400.  I do not see it coming under that without Sony and Microsoft having a WORSE fiscal year then Nintendo did with the WiiU.

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 18, 2013

Yeah!
They are still likely to be decent loss leaders tho...what with Ninty already losing on their $299-350 skus. The other boys meanwhile are packing higher octane silicon, bigger boxes, large-ass drives, mucho memory and of course each will come with their own party favor i.e. Kinect, Eye and whatever else they feel they need to CONQUER THE LIVING ROOM.


Not cheap.
MS can afford it though. Sony? They can get credit.

Ian SaneFebruary 18, 2013

I don't own a Wii U because right now there is literally only one title I would want to own on it and that's NSMB U.  But the NSMB series is so generic that it just wouldn't make sense to buy a whole new system just for that.  The Wii U deserves its low sales.

On one hand I think that this sort of thing could be a good swift kick in the ass for Nintendo to get their shit together.  But if the Wii U is just some glorified PS3 with a touchscreen then I'm not sure how much better it can do if it's once again a generation behind the other systems.  A lack of games is something to fix but a key design decision about the console itself cannot be fixed.  I don't know if they can make lemonade out of that lemon.

I think the best case scenario is Nintendo hanging on for a few years with some last gen hardware that gets no third party support until they can release something that can truly compete with current hardware.  But how would Nintendo react to something like that?  Would they cut the Wii U's life short to play catch up or would they wait at least five years and get leapfrogged again?  Would they just go with handhelds?

CericFebruary 18, 2013

Quote from: Ian

...
Would they just go with handhelds?

That's not a bad possibility.  A handheld that acts like a Console.  I've said as much on NFR before.  Especially if they can get Wireless HDMI working well.

They could just take the Wii U tech and reverse it. Instead of streaming from the console to the handheld, stream from the handheld to a receiver that connects to the TV.

NeoStar9XFebruary 18, 2013

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

Quote:

As for Lego City. Well these days Nintendo won't even push their premier IPs. They won't and haven't even advertise for the Wii U system itself or Nintendo Land/NSMBU.

Wait is this true? Have they done that little advertising in the States? I was under the impression they had a decent amount of advertising airtime, just that the advertising itself was not decent, if ya get my drift.

There were commercials when the system first launched and yes they were bad. After that there has been nothing at all from what I can tell and what others have also experienced.


Which is why I'm not surprised at the numbers.

CericFebruary 18, 2013

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

They could just take the Wii U tech and reverse it. Instead of streaming from the console to the handheld, stream from the handheld to a receiver that connects to the TV.

That would be mostly likely except it would need to support a higher resolution, varied resolutions, and more then likely find a way to run off the current an HDMI port provides.  It could be a set top box deal but it wouldn't be as elegant.  Higher Resolution = More Bandwidth.  That all being said I believe that the next "Console" from Nintendo is going to be done in this way.

Quote from: NeoStar9X

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

Quote:

As for Lego City. Well these days Nintendo won't even push their premier IPs. They won't and haven't even advertise for the Wii U system itself or Nintendo Land/NSMBU.

Wait is this true? Have they done that little advertising in the States? I was under the impression they had a decent amount of advertising airtime, just that the advertising itself was not decent, if ya get my drift.

There were commercials when the system first launched and yes they were bad. After that there has been nothing at all from what I can tell and what others have also experienced.


Which is why I'm not surprised at the numbers.

I've seen more Wii U commercials then Vita.  That's not saying much.

StogiFebruary 18, 2013

While the numbers are abysmal, they aren't surprising.

What is surprising is Nintendo's not learning from their mistakes. The Wii's launch was pretty piss poor, all things consider. Even further back, the DS's launch was also really very shitty. And don't get me started on the 3DS.

Nintendo has said point blank that they are working on these mistakes, but you wouldn't know unless they told you.

Ian SaneFebruary 18, 2013

Quote from: Stogi

While the numbers are abysmal, they aren't surprising.

What is surprising is Nintendo's not learning from their mistakes. The Wii's launch was pretty piss poor, all things consider. Even further back, the DS's launch was also really very shitty. And don't get me started on the 3DS.

Nintendo has said point blank that they are working on these mistakes, but you wouldn't know unless they told you.

Nintendo not learning from their mistakes is surprising?

Here's how Nintendo sees it:  the DS and Wii were two of the highest selling videogame systems ever made.  Thus they do not think there is a mistake to learn from.  They don't even learn from mistakes that they suffer from so I'm not at all surprised that they wouldn't learn from ones that they didn't.

The Wii having a weak launch lineup and third party support did not matter.  So Nintendo probably thinks it won't matter here or maybe even that that somehow was an important part of of the successful Wii formula.

Archaic hardware, dumb name, gimmick controller, game with Miis in it, cookie-cutter sequel to a popular Nintendo franchise.  So, uh, am I describing the Wii's launch or the Wii U's?  Considering that the Wii was sold out for almost three solid years would you think Nintendo would look at the Wii launch and think "yeah, that was a bad idea."

We know that the Wii succeeded DESPITE a crappy launch and certainly not because of it.  But on what planet would I assume Nintendo, the master of fucking up the seemingly unfuckable, would figure that out?

Mop it upFebruary 18, 2013

I think this chart puts things in perspective:

http://www.gonintendo.com/content/uploads/images/2013_2/three-month-console-totals-v2.png

Now I'm not trying to say it's selling well right now, but looking at other systems on that chart, this certainly isn't doom and gloom time for the Wii U.

StogiFebruary 18, 2013

I'd like to see the same chart but for handhelds and consoles.

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 19, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: Ian

...
Would they just go with handhelds?

That's not a bad possibility.  A handheld that acts like a Console.  I've said as much on NFR before.  Especially if they can get Wireless HDMI working well.

Oh so what you guys want is Apple TV and iPad but with Nintendo games? :D

I hear Wii U's Miracast streaming tech performs even better than Apple's Airplay tho.
But really, as long as this hypothesized portable-console hybrid can dock with the TV all you really need is a wireless controller.

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 19, 2013

Quote from: Mop

I think this chart puts things in perspective:

http://www.gonintendo.com/content/uploads/images/2013_2/three-month-console-totals-v2.png

Now I'm not trying to say it's selling well right now, but looking at other systems on that chart, this certainly isn't doom and gloom time for the Wii U.

Mop It Up, I agree 103% that its Doom and Gloom is silly so early into a console product cycle. The killer-apps have yet to be played!

That said, the full context of the article you got the graph from notes this about the two consoles below the Wii U in sales at that point in their lives:
1) 360 was supply constrained at that time, whereas anecdotal evidence (and hard sales data) indicate the U was in plenty of supply.
2) PS3 had a msrp double that of the U. Lets watch this video.

http://youtu.be/pJElsNaC6yQ


Abysmal is a pretty fair way to describe Wii U's January in the U.S. market.
Just like it is for some fairly important consumer chains.

CericFebruary 19, 2013

You also have to take into account that every single one of those consoles on thier except Wii U where launch Pre-Financial Crisis.  I think being even in the running on that chart is amazing in its own.

Honestly the "Supply Constraint" and "Stupid Price" arguments don't tread water.  Are those going to be used next month when they track similar?  How about March when we see a bump in Wii U being sold because their is actually new software being released?

February is going to have "bad" numbers.  Why?  Because thier is NOTHING new on the system.  The fact that if the numbers break into 30,000 that be pretty good.  Now March on the other hand has some games.  2 of which are Exclusive to the system.  People will jump in at that point and will see an uptick.

TJ SpykeFebruary 19, 2013

Optimus, I remember seeing a buttload of Xbox 360s in that 3 months launch period. Hardly supply constrained. I recall some media outlets saying it was, but every store I went to had plenty.

Mop it upFebruary 19, 2013

Let's also point out that the highest system on that chart sold only 24 million units in its entire life, and the GameCube is ahead of the PS2, which ended up being Nintendo's worst-selling system ever outside Virtual Boy, and the PS2 is the best-selling home console of all time.

So, clearly, the first few months of a system's sales provides little or no indication of the following years. That's the point I was trying to make.

Luigi DudeFebruary 19, 2013

Quote from: TJ

Optimus, I remember seeing a buttload of Xbox 360s in that 3 months launch period. Hardly supply constrained. I recall some media outlets saying it was, but every store I went to had plenty.

Yeah I remember seeing all the stores where I live filled with 360's as well.  Most gamers I knew at the time weren't interested in the 360 since they assumed the PS3 was going to be like the PS2 and be the dominate system with the majority of games released for it.  It wasn't until the PS3 was revealed to be $600 and most of its games were also on the 360 that people started viewing that system more favorably.

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

You also have to take into account that every single one of those consoles on thier except Wii U where launch Pre-Financial Crisis.  I think being even in the running on that chart is amazing in its own.

Honestly the "Supply Constraint" and "Stupid Price" arguments don't tread water.  Are those going to be used next month when they track similar?  How about March when we see a bump in Wii U being sold because their is actually new software being released?

February is going to have "bad" numbers.  Why?  Because thier is NOTHING new on the system.  The fact that if the numbers break into 30,000 that be pretty good.  Now March on the other hand has some games.  2 of which are Exclusive to the system.  People will jump in at that point and will see an uptick.

I agree absolutely that part of the U's somewhat lackluster reception is due in part to larger economic factors, as pointed out in the retail report I linked to. If Wal-Mart is seeing the worst sales it has in years, including throughout the Financial Crisis, well I think it is safe to say there are strong macro factors at play as well.

That said, supply constraints and stupid price I feel are both hyper-aquatically water-treading arguments. Assuming of course that those conditions were true which several folks, anecdotally, now tell me were not so in the case of the 360 :p
In the case of the PS3 however, pre-crisis, on the coattails of an immensely successful cycle, at the absolute height of the Playstation brand, with the hype train over the "revolutionary" cell running full speed, with many folks predicting the PS3 would "Dreamcast" the 360...thats a very "meh" reception. Dat pricetag is a pretty decent place to start when trying to figure out why. Demand for a PS2 successor was there, but not for that product costing 
Five-Hundred Ninety-Nine US Dollars.

BTW, y'all watched the video, right? Man I love that video.


*edited to include more Riiiiidge Racerrrr!!

Fatty The HuttFebruary 20, 2013

Dismal sales, yes, and February will be much worse probably.
But this will all change when decent software arrives. Happens every time. Mario Kart will send this thing over the top.


That said, I often wonder why I care? I am enjoying the system, I fart around with it frequently and I know games I want will be available soon enough and I will buy them. Hell, I want The Cave but don't have enough time right now to play it, so I am holding off. I will very likely buy ZombiU and/or Assassin's Creed 3 while they are currently on sale in the e-shop. (Just where I will download them to is another question, buy at least if I buy them now, I can DL later.)


Anyway, why are we so obsessed with the "business" of video games? I don't own stock in Nintendo or MS or Sony or any others. Their bottom lines are not, so far, preventing them from producing products I want; too many for me to keep up with. So, why do we give a crap?

Fatty The HuttFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

Five-Hundred Ninety-Nine US Dollars.

BTW, y'all watched the video, right? Man I love that video.

Yes, that video is gold.
Best part: "These battles are based on actual Japanese history. So here's a giant enemy crab..."

EasyCureFebruary 20, 2013

@fatty: at least two reasons i know of:

-everyone is a critic analyst.

-haters and fanboys alike need ammo

martyFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus

Demand for a PS2 successor was there ...

I think the idea that people want to buy a new console is flat out wrong.  I cannot think of a single system that sold well without a strong selling library.  Consumer demand for hardware exists only because consumer demand for more games exists.  There wasn't pessimism about a new PS console--people were actually excited about it--but that shouldn't be mistaken for demand (much like the 3ds).


Citing economic factors as a reason for the Wii U sales figures (or any game console, at this point) doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  Nintendo didn't have to make the most expensive console with the most expensive controller with the most expensive games (none of which are particularly earth moving) and try to sell it at a loss in a recession/post depression economic environment.  They could have made something else (or actually put out good Wii games instead of starving that console).  It's not like Nintendo had a ton of Wii U ready games that were going to be smash hits and they needed to get out a system that could play them.  Consoles and their price points are the barrier between consumer and games.  Until the games are there, most people aren't going to care about getting over the barrier.

CericFebruary 20, 2013

Wii U doesn't have the most expensive games.  Their the same cost as the 360, PS3, and PC.  By default any new hardware is going to be more expensive then 6-7 year old Hardware. 

Back to if you can't afford a $350 console you need to take a hard look at your financials and identify where your money is going and if this is more important.  The price point is not the barrier here.  Its the lack of games and general hardware problems. Period.

martyFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

Wii U doesn't have the most expensive games.  Their the same cost as the 360, PS3, and PC.  By default any new hardware is going to be more expensive then 6-7 year old Hardware. 

Back to if you can't afford a $350 console you need to take a hard look at your financials and identify where your money is going and if this is more important.  The price point is not the barrier here.  Its the lack of games and general hardware problems. Period.

What's being priced higher than Wii U games?  Nothing I can think of--hence most expensive games.  newest=pricier is simply untrue.  The idea that Nintendo had to have the most expensive console currently on the market is just wrong.  The Wii U could have been anything else and priced accordingly, for the economic situation--instead, Nintendo went a different way and their sales reflect that.


I doubt anyone would argue that $350 is unaffordable to anyone used to paying for their own videogames.  The problem with the price tag is that the Wii U isn't worth $350 to most people.  It's not even worth $300 to most people.  The value of the system has to increase before it stops looking over-priced.

CericFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: marty

Quote from: Ceric

Wii U doesn't have the most expensive games.  Their the same cost as the 360, PS3, and PC.  By default any new hardware is going to be more expensive then 6-7 year old Hardware. 

Back to if you can't afford a $350 console you need to take a hard look at your financials and identify where your money is going and if this is more important.  The price point is not the barrier here.  Its the lack of games and general hardware problems. Period.

What's being priced higher than Wii U games?  Nothing I can think of--hence most expensive games.  newest=pricier is simply untrue.  The idea that Nintendo had to have the most expensive console currently on the market is just wrong.  The Wii U could have been anything else and priced accordingly, for the economic situation--instead, Nintendo went a different way and their sales reflect that.


I doubt anyone would argue that $350 is unaffordable to anyone used to paying for their own videogames.  The problem with the price tag is that the Wii U isn't worth $350 to most people.  It's not even worth $300 to most people.  The value of the system has to increase before it stops looking over-priced.

Wii U games are priced the same way as 360 and PS3 games.  To be the "Most Expensive Games"  they would need to cost MORE not THE SAME on average as the 360 and PS3 games.

Um... ok.  So the newest hardware should be cheaper than the Hardware that has been out for 6-7 years... Don't follow you, AT ALL.

Nintendo made a console in the Gamecube, Playstations, and XBoxes mold and priced it accordingly.  By all reports we are paying the COST of the console even at this point.  Let me guess you own an iPad.  Man do you feel SUPER ripped off right now.

martyFebruary 20, 2013

@ceric


I really don't even get what point you're trying to make... or even if you're trying to make a point at all. 


$60 is what new ps3, xb360, and Wii U games cost... all other games on every other platform are less expensive.  Why do you have a hard time understanding that Wii U games are the most expensive?  Parity with the most expensive games doesn't make you not the most expensive--it makes you the most expensive.


Nintendo decided to release the most expensive console available.  They didn't have to.  If you can't follow those two sentences, slap your parent/guardian/teacher/rabbi/etc.  Someone aught to have taught you how to follow two sentences by now.


Consumers buy things based on value.  PERIOD.  If the Wii U isn't selling, it's because it's perceived value is lower than the cost to the consumer.  This is very basic microeconomics.

TJ SpykeFebruary 20, 2013

marty, you are just wrong.

First, look at the Xbox 360. When it launched it was by far the most expensive system (it was at least $100 more than the next most expensive console and games were $10 more than any other system), but it still sold really well. It's delusional to think a new system should be the same price or less than 6/7 year old systems. And game prices are not gonna go down, on any platform. At most you can expect game prices to stay the same. It's silly and unrealistic to think the console was gonna be the same price or less than Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, and Nintendo doesn't control how much third party publishers charge for games. So you are wrong.

martyFebruary 20, 2013

Quote from: TJ

marty, you are just wrong.

First, look at the Xbox 360. When it launched it was by far the most expensive system (it was at least $100 more than the next most expensive console and games were $10 more than any other system), but it still sold really well. It's delusional to think a new system should be the same price or less than 6/7 year old systems. And game prices are not gonna go down, on any platform. At most you can expect game prices to stay the same. It's silly and unrealistic to think the console was gonna be the same price or less than Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, and Nintendo doesn't control how much third party publishers charge for games. So you are wrong.

where did i write about anything that you are replying to?  certainly not in this thread.


I'm not wrong.  Nintendo could have made any console and priced it however they wanted.  This is 100% RIGHT.  THere is zero wrong with that statement.  Nintendo didn't have to make the Wii U.  THis is again, 100% right.  Nintendo didn't have to release the Wii U.  This is 100% right.  I'm saying the depression/recession is not a new factor that surprised Nintendo so it shouldn't be used as an excuse of why the Wii U isn't selling.

CericFebruary 20, 2013

THe overall theme on this thread is that the WiiU is selling as well as the PS3 and 360 did at this time in their life.  Despite the Economy and the lack of games.

Fatty The HuttFebruary 21, 2013

Calm down, children.

CericFebruary 21, 2013

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Calm down, children.

No, I want a Cookie.

Fatty The HuttFebruary 21, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Calm down, children.

No, I want a Cookie.

Nap time, little one.

LouieturkeyFebruary 21, 2013

Quote from: marty

Quote from: TJ

marty, you are just wrong.

First, look at the Xbox 360. When it launched it was by far the most expensive system (it was at least $100 more than the next most expensive console and games were $10 more than any other system), but it still sold really well. It's delusional to think a new system should be the same price or less than 6/7 year old systems. And game prices are not gonna go down, on any platform. At most you can expect game prices to stay the same. It's silly and unrealistic to think the console was gonna be the same price or less than Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, and Nintendo doesn't control how much third party publishers charge for games. So you are wrong.

where did i write about anything that you are replying to?  certainly not in this thread.


I'm not wrong.  Nintendo could have made any console and priced it however they wanted.  This is 100% RIGHT.  THere is zero wrong with that statement.  Nintendo didn't have to make the Wii U.  THis is again, 100% right.  Nintendo didn't have to release the Wii U.  This is 100% right.  I'm saying the depression/recession is not a new factor that surprised Nintendo so it shouldn't be used as an excuse of why the Wii U isn't selling.

I'm glad you are right in your hypothetical world.  Congratulations.

martyFebruary 22, 2013

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

OblivionFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: marty

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

Life pro tip: In a debate, it's a good idea not to insult the intelligence of the opposing side, since it makes you look like a complete asshole.


And by the way, they can't price it whatever they want. They are a business, designed to make money. They want a profit, they deserve it. It's called capatalism, it's what our world is funded by. Get the fuck over it. And you honestly believe that a completely new system, not produced in the most efficeint way possible yet (considering it IS a new system) shou;d be sold equal to or less than systems that have been out for a very long time and have had time to streamline production? Come on, dude.

Fatty The HuttFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Quote from: marty

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

Life pro tip: In a debate, it's a good idea not to insult the intelligence of the opposing side, since it makes you look like a complete asshole.

+1
Loving my New Power

martyFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Quote from: marty

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

Life pro tip: In a debate, it's a good idea not to insult the intelligence of the opposing side, since it makes you look like a complete asshole.


And by the way, they can't price it whatever they want. They are a business, designed to make money. They want a profit, they deserve it. It's called capatalism, it's what our world is funded by. Get the fuck over it. And you honestly believe that a completely new system, not produced in the most efficeint way possible yet (considering it IS a new system) shou;d be sold equal to or less than systems that have been out for a very long time and have had time to streamline production? Come on, dude.

again?  I suggest reading.  I'm not insulting anyone.  I'm merely observing the fact that reading comprehension is a skill that is sorely underdeveloped here.  It's concerning, really, that I can write a 100% true statement like the Wii U is selling the most expensive software and people here deny  it and take offense to that 100% true statement.


Your little rant is cute and makes me realize that not only can you not read very well, you actually have no understanding of business or capitalism.  You seem like a very angry, very ignorant person.  Maybe you should "pro life tip" yourself some humility and decency before you accuse me of being an asshole, dude.

Quote from: marty

Quote from: Oblivion

Quote from: marty

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

Life pro tip: In a debate, it's a good idea not to insult the intelligence of the opposing side, since it makes you look like a complete asshole.


And by the way, they can't price it whatever they want. They are a business, designed to make money. They want a profit, they deserve it. It's called capatalism, it's what our world is funded by. Get the fuck over it. And you honestly believe that a completely new system, not produced in the most efficeint way possible yet (considering it IS a new system) shou;d be sold equal to or less than systems that have been out for a very long time and have had time to streamline production? Come on, dude.

again?  I suggest reading.  I'm not insulting anyone.  I'm merely observing the fact that reading comprehension is a skill that is sorely underdeveloped here.  It's concerning, really, that I can write a 100% true statement like the Wii U is selling the most expensive software and people here deny  it and take offense to that 100% true statement.


Your little rant is cute and makes me realize that not only can you not read very well, you actually have no understanding of business or capitalism.  You seem like a very angry, very ignorant person.  Maybe you should "pro life tip" yourself some humility and decency before you accuse me of being an asshole, dude.

If you don't think calling people illiterate is insulting them, you're the one who's ignorant. Cut out the personal insults.

TJ SpykeFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: marty

Quote from: Oblivion

Quote from: marty

Heckled by the illiterates.  oh well.

Life pro tip: In a debate, it's a good idea not to insult the intelligence of the opposing side, since it makes you look like a complete asshole.


And by the way, they can't price it whatever they want. They are a business, designed to make money. They want a profit, they deserve it. It's called capatalism, it's what our world is funded by. Get the fuck over it. And you honestly believe that a completely new system, not produced in the most efficeint way possible yet (considering it IS a new system) shou;d be sold equal to or less than systems that have been out for a very long time and have had time to streamline production? Come on, dude.

again?  I suggest reading.  I'm not insulting anyone.  I'm merely observing the fact that reading comprehension is a skill that is sorely underdeveloped here.  It's concerning, really, that I can write a 100% true statement like the Wii U is selling the most expensive software and people here deny it and take offense to that 100% true statement.

Your little rant is cute and makes me realize that not only can you not read very well, you actually have no understanding of business or capitalism.  You seem like a very angry, very ignorant person.  Maybe you should "pro life tip" yourself some humility and decency before you accuse me of being an asshole, dude.

No, your statement is factually wrong. Wii U games are the SAME price as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, so it's incorrect to say they are the most expensive. So we are perplexed why you continue to insult people and try to re-affirm a 100% wrong statement. Oblivion is right, you don't have a clue how business or capitalism works.

martyFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

If you don't think calling people illiterate is insulting them, you're the one who's ignorant. Cut out the personal insults.

I'm not being ignorant, I'm pointing out illiteracy where I see it.  Feel free to disagree with my harsh, but ultimately accurate assessment.  It's not insulting to say that some people here can't respond in any sort of coherent, measured, or rational fashion--it's obviously true.

You are being ignorant if you can't see why the way you're acting is unacceptable. You made a point that was misleading and, at best, only technically accurate, and people responded accordingly.

martyFebruary 22, 2013

Dare I ask:  how is stating that the Wii U is the most expensive console with the most expensive games misleading while being "technically accurate"?  What point am I trying to mislead people to? 


I stated that economic factors were already established when the Wii U launched so it shouldn't be cited as a reason the system isn't selling more.  I don't know how this became such a controversial idea when many other people in the thread seemed to agree with the overall point, before I said any of my "technically accurate" statements (also know as facts).


I don't really care what you think about my behavior.  I wrote a general dismissive quip to a few people being hostile and ignorant.  If I came out of the gate with the attitude that ceric, tj, oblivion, or louie have, I could see you being upset.  I didn't.  My initial post and responses are far more civil than anything they've written in response to me by a wide margin.

TJ SpykeFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: marty

Dare I ask:  how is stating that the Wii U is the most expensive console with the most expensive games misleading while being "technically accurate"?  What point am I trying to mislead people to?

I stated that economic factors were already established when the Wii U launched so it shouldn't be cited as a reason the system isn't selling more.  I don't know how this became such a controversial idea when many other people in the thread seemed to agree with the overall point, before I said any of my "technically accurate" statements (also know as facts).

I don't really care what you think about my behavior.  I wrote a general dismissive quip to a few people being hostile and ignorant.  If I came out of the gate with the attitude that ceric, tj, oblivion, or louie have, I could see you being upset. I didn't. My initial post and responses are far more civil than anything they've written in response to me by a wide margin.

Wii U games are the same price as the competition, so it's factually false to say they are more expensive. How is that so hard to understand? Something that is the same price as the competition is not MORE expensive. A $59.99 game is NOT more expensive than a $59.99 game

Quote from: marty

Dare I ask:  how is stating that the Wii U is the most expensive console with the most expensive games misleading while being "technically accurate"?  What point am I trying to mislead people to? 


I stated that economic factors were already established when the Wii U launched so it shouldn't be cited as a reason the system isn't selling more.  I don't know how this became such a controversial idea when many other people in the thread seemed to agree with the overall point, before I said any of my "technically accurate" statements (also know as facts).


I don't really care what you think about my behavior.  I wrote a general dismissive quip to a few people being hostile and ignorant.  If I came out of the gate with the attitude that ceric, tj, oblivion, or louie have, I could see you being upset.  I didn't.  My initial post and responses are far more civil than anything they've written in response to me by a wide margin.

I don't understand how the fact that we knew the economy was bad before the system came out somehow means it can't have been the factor in how it's sold so far. The Wii U technically has the most expensive games, in the sense that no one prices them higher, but they are the same as every other non-handheld platform. You're also technically right that no one put a gun to Nintendo's collective heads and forced them to make the system they did, but they didn't have much practical choice but to do what they did, except maybe to design something more expensive.

martyFebruary 22, 2013

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

I don't understand how the fact that we knew the economy was bad before the system came out somehow means it can't have been the factor in how it's sold so far. The Wii U technically has the most expensive games, in the sense that no one prices them higher, but they are the same as every other non-handheld platform. You're also technically right that no one put a gun to Nintendo's collective heads and forced them to make the system they did, but they didn't have much practical choice but to do what they did, except maybe to design something more expensive.

IN your last statement, you say that the Nintendo could have made the Wii U or a more expensive console.  I don't agree with that statement and, after the success of the Wii, which had less expensive games and was a less expensive console, a cheaper system should definitely have been something worth considering (and perhaps pursuing) given the known economic situation.  I think it's far more honest to say that Wii U games have to compete with handheld games/smart device games/netflix/life and the time investment/consumer dollars for those things than it is to say that the Wii U is only in competition with PS3 and XB360--Nintendo has even stated this, too (a few times in the last couple of years, actually).  So to say that the Wii U has the most expensive games is not only "technically accurate" it also speaks more truthfully to the real-life economic environment that the Wii U exists in.  It's far less meaningful to say that the Wii U games cost the same as *whatever very small segment of the market*--I'd say that looking at things only from THAT vantage IS misleading.

The Wii U is a game system. Its pricing is in line with other game systems. Nintendo did say they were competing with all those things and not just Sony and Microsoft, which is a thing they said because it sounded good. They are very much competing primarily with those companies, as well as with Apple to an extent.

Nintendo got extremely lucky with the Wii, and knew well enough that they weren't likely to pull that off again, so they wisely decided to go more traditional this time around. I'm fairly certain that if they'd gone lower-tech and less expensive than they did they'd be at best in the same place in terms of sales with actually less support from third parties.

LouieturkeyFebruary 22, 2013

Nintendo stated they compete with everything that uses entertainment dollars and time.  That doesn't mean that is its direct competition.  The Wii U competes directly with Sony's and Microsoft's home consoles.  Everything else is indirect competition, including handhelds and smartphones and sports events and musical concerts, etc.

Uncle_OptimusFebruary 23, 2013

Quote from: Uncle_Optimus


Riiiiidge Racerr!
It's Ridge Racer!!

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