Wii U MacRumors members reviews.

[jedolley]

I just picked up the WiiU Mario & Luigi Bundle from Best Buy (choose that deal due to gift cards). I was originally planning on saving up gift cards and getting a Xbone after the holidays, but decided since I already had a PS4, the WiiU would be a better choice for a "family" console.

It's currently updating, so I haven't been able to dive in yet. One question I do have right off the bat is, what's the point of a Game Pad stand if you also have the cradle? The cradle serves as a stand and charge, so i'm unsure what I would use the stand for.

 

[musicpenguy]

I just picked up the WiiU Mario & Luigi Bundle from Best Buy (choose that deal due to gift cards). I was originally planning on saving up gift cards and getting a Xbone after the holidays, but decided since I already had a PS4, the WiiU would be a better choice for a "family" console.

It's currently updating, so I haven't been able to dive in yet. One question I do have right off the bat is, what's the point of a Game Pad stand if you also have the cradle? The cradle serves as a stand and charge, so i'm unsure what I would use the stand for.

I use it during Wii Fit U, Wii Sports Club and Pikmin 3 - great for glance able info

 

[MRU]

It's currently updating, so I haven't been able to dive in yet. One question I do have right off the bat is, what's the point of a Game Pad stand if you also have the cradle? The cradle serves as a stand and charge, so i'm unsure what I would use the stand for.

I guess if the cradle is the other side of the room and you have to go pick up the gamepad to bring it to the couch, if then you need to sit it down say not he coffee table you could just utilise the gamepad stand and not have to unplug the cradle.

likewise if you decide to use the gamepad in a different room perhaps ?

 

[MRU]

Mario 3D World = sublime

 

[jedolley]

I've had a few days with the Wii U and here are my thoughts:

First off, I should state that when it was first announced I was not interested in the Wii U at all. I really couldn't put my finger on what I did not like about it until now. The Wii U is a good/decent console, but with really good and even great games. The Wii captured the world by storm and then it kind of dwindled when the newness wore off. Nintendo still did a lot of things right with the Wii, but instead of improving and evolving, we got the Wii U. The Wii U, is a solid console, but it feels like a departure from what made the Wii great. I like what they did with the game pad, but feel they should have evolved the motion control stuff. The Xbone and PS4 are both upgrades to their predecessors, and while the Wii U is an upgrade to the Wii spec wise, the vision seems so different that it might as well have gotten a completely different name.

It may sound like I am bashing the Wii U, am to a point I am, but I really am enjoying this console. I just think Nintendo missed an opportunity and hopefully it doesn't cost them too much as I would hate to see what console gaming would be without them.

 

[blesscheese]

The Wii U, is a solid console, but it feels like a departure from what made the Wii great. I like what they did with the game pad, but feel they should have evolved the motion control stuff. The Xbone and PS4 are both upgrades to their predecessors, and while the Wii U is an upgrade to the Wii spec wise, the vision seems so different that it might as well have gotten a completely different name.

That's interesting...I've thought about it in a similar way, but more along the lines of, "It's gonna be really hard to get developer's interested in your console if you keep going off in weird directions, and then changing things the next time and going a completely new weird direction."

As far as a consumer/player, my initial reaction was "Huh?" and then once I started using the gamepad, I thought it was a great move. Plus, you can still your Wii-motes for various games, but overall, it seems like the smart thing for them to have done would have been to reinforced the Wii-motes even more, or given the Wii U a different name.

Anyway, I'm still enjoying Wind Waker and Deus Ex, I'll pick up Super Mario 3D Land soon...

 

[jedolley]

That's interesting...I've thought about it in a similar way, but more along the lines of, "It's gonna be really hard to get developer's interested in your console if you keep going off in weird directions, and then changing things the next time and going a completely new weird direction."

As far as a consumer/player, my initial reaction was "Huh?" and then once I started using the gamepad, I thought it was a great move. Plus, you can still your Wii-motes for various games, but overall, it seems like the smart thing for them to have done would have been to reinforced the Wii-motes even more, or given the Wii U a different name.

Anyway, I'm still enjoying Wind Waker and Deus Ex, I'll pick up Super Mario 3D Land soon...

The Wii motes were new and different at the time to resurrect Nintendo. The motion stuff was even compelling enough at the time for people to overlook how graphically inferior the Wii was. The Wii motes have been the same for over 7 years (minus the minor motion plus upgrade). You'd think they could have come up with something better or evolved the tech is some way since then. I like the Wii U, but I wonder what could have been. The gamepad is cool, but not sure it's unique enough to sway people, especially when they are still behind the times visually.

I think the way the gaming market is now, Nintendo is that company that needs to take chances. I don't think they would succeed trying to play same game MS and Sony play. I think that is why the Wii was initially so successful, and why the Wii U was/is not. The Wii U was too safe and did not stand out. It's a shame though because I'm really loving mine and really hope Nintendo can stay in the race.

 

[twietee]

Anyone can remember this freak show? Loved it as a youngster. Luigi actor just passed away in the Year of Luigi..

[URL="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/12/luigi_actor_danny_wells_takes_the_great_warp_pipe_to_the_sky_aged_72"][/URL]

 

[MRU]

Anyone can remember this freak show? Loved it as a youngster. Luigi actor just passed away in the Year of Luigi..

[URL="http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/12/luigi_actor_danny_wells_takes_the_great_warp_pipe_to_the_sky_aged_72"][/URL]

Image

They are both dead now

 

[blesscheese]

I don't think they would succeed trying to play same game MS and Sony play. I think that is why the Wii was initially so successful, and why the Wii U was/is not. The Wii U was too safe and did not stand out. It's a shame though because I'm really loving mine and really hope Nintendo can stay in the race.

That's interesting you think that, because the talk on the business pages for sometime now has been whether M$ will stay in the console race. It turns out they have lost billions over the last 10 years on the XBox...now that Ballmer is out and a new prez is coming in, there have been all sorts of rumors they would sell it off. This is the best article of the bunch, with actual numbers, but it is old (from Jan):

XBox Financial Returns

Obviously, I don't think they can do such a thing (sell off the unit)...if they did, M$ would have 0 (zero) buzz with the under 30 crowd...an important market they can't afford to lose.

Nintendo isn't doing hot with the Wii U, but, those "gameboys" basically print money. Also, they don't sell their consoles at a loss, so in a lot of ways, they may be healthier than people think. Back to work...

 

[jedolley]

That's interesting you think that, because the talk on the business pages for sometime now has been whether M$ will stay in the console race. It turns out they have lost billions over the last 10 years on the XBox...now that Ballmer is out and a new prez is coming in, there have been all sorts of rumors they would sell it off. This is the best article of the bunch, with actual numbers, but it is old (from Jan):

XBox Financial Returns

Obviously, I don't think they can do such a thing (sell off the unit)...if they did, M$ would have 0 (zero) buzz with the under 30 crowd...an important market they can't afford to lose.

Nintendo isn't doing hot with the Wii U, but, those "gameboys" basically print money. Also, they don't sell their consoles at a loss, so in a lot of ways, they may be healthier than people think. Back to work...

I'm not going to begin to claim I understand the gaming business, but that article was a horrible example. The graph and some of the "numbers" were provided by the person being interviewed, an ex-console developer.

The only numbers most of us have access to or even hear about are units sold, so that's the only number that I care about or even can comment about. The fact is, the Xbox and the PS3 have been doing much better than the Wii/Wii U in units sold. I think the Wii still has the lifetime units sold numbers, but those have dwindled a lot over the last few years.

I'm not saying anything most people don't already know... The Wii U, from a sales standpoint, has been a disappointment. I'm just giving my opinion on why I think that is.

 

[MRU]

Lets just put it this way. When the sublime Mario 3D World on an 'existing console with an admittedly small user base' sells far less copies than the 'its OK but nothing special at all' KNACK on PS4 - then you know the Wii U is in trouble.

I like my Wii U. But it's clear Nintendo over estimated it's ability to sell 'older/slower hardware on new consumers under the ever present threat of the PS4 / Xbox One launches' and now the new hardware is here - even killer AAA Mario game is providing enough of temptation to sell the hardware to new users or even to sell the game to existing users.

It's not good for Wii U.

Nintendo can ride it out as the 3DS is a cash cow, so they aren't going to die like Sega after the dreamcast.

 

[takao]

Lets just put it this way. When the sublime Mario 3D World on an 'existing console with an admittedly small user base' sells far less copies than the 'its OK but nothing special at all' KNACK on PS4 - then you know the Wii U is in trouble.

I like my Wii U. But it's clear Nintendo over estimated it's ability to sell 'older/slower hardware on new consumers under the ever present threat of the PS4 / Xbox One launches' and now the new hardware is here - even killer AAA Mario game is providing enough of temptation to sell the hardware to new users or even to sell the game to existing users.

It's not good for Wii U.

Nintendo can ride it out as the 3DS is a cash cow, so they aren't going to die like Sega after the dreamcast.

*i think the Wii U has quite a few problems... the biggest IMHO was the launch price for the premium bundle ... it's more expensive than any other nintendo console at launch with a price over 300 price point (Wii: 249, including wii sports, Gamecube: 199 bucks)

*also as a Wii owner some decisions simply were confusing: Wii U supports the Wiimote with Wii Motion plus but not the 'normal' one, for those were friends have mostly classic wiimotes it meant rebuying plenty of controllers for party games
also with the step from Wii -> Wii U one could really amas all thsoe extra controller add on parts:
Wiimote, nunchucks, Wiimote Motion Plus, Wii U Tablet controller, WiiU Pro controller
it really fragments the install basis right from the start. They should have simply said: 1 controller = tablet controller + wiimotes&nunchuck for party games

*no built in harddrive & different SKUs: mcirosoft and sony both had multiple SKUs at _launch_ last generation and it was a stupid idea ... Nintendo went on to repeat that mistake.... also going with 8GB and 32 GB memory instead of a harddrive ? a msitake IMHO ... had they simply made 1 SKU with a 160 GB drive for 299 and they had have been in a better position

*also i don't get why they have never made a pokemon game(their biggest money press) for the home consoles ... completly baffeling

*why do we have 3-4 Mario jump and run games for the Wii U by now and no Mario Kart ? on DS,3DS, and Wii that franchise were combined with a bundle an ultimate system seller

* also: why make a windwaker HD remake isntead of simply making a brand new cell shaded Zelda ? ... it's hardly because they lack money in their pocket

* no new franchises/ big game ideas so far

* still no classic follow up for the board game Mario party games with great online support


i love my Nintendo stuff but since i'm mostly interested in their own games i currently _have_ to wait for a 199,- Mario Kart Bundle and some new stuff

edit: also something still sorely missing: AFAIK they still don't have that central account based online system is that correct ?

 

[MRU]

edit: also something still sorely missing: AFAIK they still don't have that central account based online system is that correct ?

Yeah it's still tied to the console rather than your account name. Console breaks and you don't get nintendo to transfer - your fooooked big time. It's annoying and stupid.

Games are the big problem though, not just first party but third party too.

Even the 3 mario games you say above, well two of them are variations of same thing - New Super Mario Bros / Luigi and even then - that in itself is a HD remake of the Wii New Super Mario Bros game.

So really we only have 1 totally original Mario Game.

I don't have any problems with WindWaker HD - as it was severely overlooked when it first came out, even by the nintendo fans.

 

[jedolley]

edit: also something still sorely missing: AFAIK they still don't have that central account based online system is that correct ?

This. I hate Nintendo's eShop or online account "system". My first WiiU died on me so I exchanged it. So I had to create a new Nintendo Network ID, no big deal since I had not done any eShop purchases yet. Then I learned I could not link my Club Nintendo account to the new NNID because it was linked to the old one that I can no longer access (NNIDs being only accessible on the console is dumb). Now I have to wait for Nintendo Support to respond to my request to unlink my Club Nintendo.

I just wish they would make it account based so you can activate it one multiple consoles/devices. This is one of those things that they should just do it the way everyone else does it and not try to be different.

 

[MRU]

This. I hate Nintendo's eShop or online account "system". My first WiiU died on me so I exchanged it. So I had to create a new Nintendo Network ID, no big deal since I had not done any eShop purchases yet. Then I learned I could not link my Club Nintendo account to the new NNID because it was linked to the old one that I can no longer access (NNIDs being only accessible on the console is dumb). Now I have to wait for Nintendo Support to respond to my request to unlink my Club Nintendo.

I just wish they would make it account based so you can activate it one multiple consoles/devices. This is one of those things that they should just do it the way everyone else does it and not try to be different.

Because that would be logical and make sense ........ Have you seen the plot line to any Nintendo game ? Logical and making sense are not high priorities in a world full of pipes, talking mushrooms and hairy moustached men

 

[gkarris]

*i think the Wii U has quite a few problems... the biggest IMHO was the launch price for the premium bundle ... it's more expensive than any other nintendo console at launch with a price over 300 price point (Wii: 249, including wii sports, Gamecube: 199 bucks)

*also as a Wii owner some decisions simply were confusing: Wii U supports the Wiimote with Wii Motion plus but not the 'normal' one, for those were friends have mostly classic wiimotes it meant rebuying plenty of controllers for party games
also with the step from Wii -> Wii U one could really amas all thsoe extra controller add on parts:
Wiimote, nunchucks, Wiimote Motion Plus, Wii U Tablet controller, WiiU Pro controller
it really fragments the install basis right from the start. They should have simply said: 1 controller = tablet controller + wiimotes&nunchuck for party games

*no built in harddrive & different SKUs: mcirosoft and sony both had multiple SKUs at _launch_ last generation and it was a stupid idea ... Nintendo went on to repeat that mistake.... also going with 8GB and 32 GB memory instead of a harddrive ? a msitake IMHO ... had they simply made 1 SKU with a 160 GB drive for 299 and they had have been in a better position

*also i don't get why they have never made a pokemon game(their biggest money press) for the home consoles ... completly baffeling

*why do we have 3-4 Mario jump and run games for the Wii U by now and no Mario Kart ? on DS,3DS, and Wii that franchise were combined with a bundle an ultimate system seller

* also: why make a windwaker HD remake isntead of simply making a brand new cell shaded Zelda ? ... it's hardly because they lack money in their pocket

* no new franchises/ big game ideas so far

* still no classic follow up for the board game Mario party games with great online support


i love my Nintendo stuff but since i'm mostly interested in their own games i currently _have_ to wait for a 199,- Mario Kart Bundle and some new stuff

edit: also something still sorely missing: AFAIK they still don't have that central account based online system is that correct ?

Though I love the Touchpad Controller, I really love the Pro Controller - best for me yet.

I would've settled for the Wii U with just the Pro Controller and games that utilize that. A black 32 Gig system bundle with that instead would've been $299 at launch, and now would be only $249 with the great game bundles this season.

 

[MRU]

Gamepad

Though I love the Touchpad Controller, I really love the Pro Controller - best for me yet.

I would've settled for the Wii U with just the Pro Controller and games that utilize that. A black 32 Gig system bundle with that instead would've been $299 at launch, and now would be only $249 with the great game bundles this season.

The big problem for wii is the Gamepad too. It's best feature is off screen gaming. But other than that - there is no compelling use for it yet. There has been no 'wii sports' type magic that makes people want to use a gamepad.

Even Windwaker & the awesome Mario 3D World don't really use it in any meaningful way.

Given it's the most expensive part of a Wii U - the fact that there is no killer experience on it that is 'radical' from any other system means they simply haven't justified the reason why the Wii U is $100 more than it could otherwise be.

The reality is - a more powerful GPU & CPU would likely have cost less to beef up the console than the 'Gamepad' has 'added value' to the console.

 

[blesscheese]

The big problem for wii is the Gamepad too. It's best feature is off screen gaming. But other than that - there is no compelling use for it yet. There has been no 'wii sports' type magic that makes people want to use a gamepad.

The gamepad was a "great" idea. It would have been "greater" if they had just let you hook up your iPad or iPhone (or Android, or whatever) and plowed the money into the console, just as you say. It definitely makes some things easier, but Nintendo selling the pro gamepad now is basically an admission that the gamepad isn't central to the platform.

And let's face it, Nintendo definitely doesn't get how to do online stores/gaming.

Overall, I think the whole console eco-system is best for consumers when there are 3 consoles in the market. However, it doesn't seem like there is room for 3 anymore, not like there used to be.

----------

I'm not going to begin to claim I understand the gaming business, but that article was a horrible example. The graph and some of the "numbers" were provided by the person being interviewed, an ex-console developer.

That was the best I could do with a quick search, the headlines were getting snowed under with the XBone release news.

Here is a better amalgamation of the weeks/months long gossip--is Forbes good enough a source?

I'm not saying M$ is going to sell it off, only that a) they haven't made much money off of XBox, and b) this is the kicker...now there are legions of analysts predicting M$'s doom, just like 15-16-17-heck more years analysts were predicting Apple was going to go bankrupt.

If you live long enough, you may eventually see everything...

 

[e²Studios]

The gamepad was a "great" idea. It would have been "greater" if they had just let you hook up your iPad or iPhone (or Android, or whatever) and plowed the money into the console, just as you say. It definitely makes some things easier, but Nintendo selling the pro gamepad now is basically an admission that the gamepad isn't central to the platform.

And let's face it, Nintendo definitely doesn't get how to do online stores/gaming.

Overall, I think the whole console eco-system is best for consumers when there are 3 consoles in the market. However, it doesn't seem like there is room for 3 anymore, not like there used to be.

----------



That was the best I could do with a quick search, the headlines were getting snowed under with the XBone release news.

Here is a better amalgamation of the weeks/months long gossip--is Forbes good enough a source?

I'm not saying M$ is going to sell it off, only that a) they haven't made much money off of XBox, and b) this is the kicker...now there are legions of analysts predicting M$'s doom, just like 15-16-17-heck more years analysts were predicting Apple was going to go bankrupt.

If you live long enough, you may eventually see everything...

I still stand by that we will see Nintendo go the way of Sega, stop making consoles and sell their IP on other consoles. Maybe they'll keep the portable market since its about the only thing they seem to get right, even that has issues that shouldn't be there.. like friend codes.. just get a unified system already!

 

[jedolley]

That was the best I could do with a quick search, the headlines were getting snowed under with the XBone release news.

Here is a better amalgamation of the weeks/months long gossip--is Forbes good enough a source?

I'm not saying M$ is going to sell it off, only that a) they haven't made much money off of XBox, and b) this is the kicker...now there are legions of analysts predicting M$'s doom, just like 15-16-17-heck more years analysts were predicting Apple was going to go bankrupt.

If you live long enough, you may eventually see everything...

That article isn't really about the Xbox, more about the rumor that if Elop became CEO that he might kill or sell off the Xbox division.

Again, I don't pretend to know how well the Xbox is doing, but it's demise is greatly exaggerated. The gaming landscape has obviously changed, but it will still be years and maybe even a couple more console generations before we see them gone in a traditional sense. Now, I agree we might be getting to a point where there is only room for two consoles instead of three.

 

[jedolley]

I still stand by that we will see Nintendo go the way of Sega, stop making consoles and sell their IP on other consoles. Maybe they'll keep the portable market since its about the only thing they seem to get right, even that has issues that shouldn't be there.. like friend codes.. just get a unified system already!

I think if Nintendo doesn't make another Wii like rebound then that's what will probably happen. It's really sad since they could be in the best position to have a really good console/handheld eco system if they could find an effective way to bridge the two.

 

[MRU]

I still stand by that we will see Nintendo go the way of Sega, stop making consoles and sell their IP on other consoles. Maybe they'll keep the portable market since its about the only thing they seem to get right, even that has issues that shouldn't be there.. like friend codes.. just get a unified system already!

Thing is the 3DS is still the best selling system of all of them, and that for Nintendo will always be a safety net (unlike Sega) until people stop buying Nintendo handhelds to ride out the wii u storm.

 

[twietee]

Never really understand those Nintendo is doomed arguments. As far as I understand it they are far more profitable than both Sony or MS (regarding consoles) - who'd most likely already left console business if it weren't cross financed. Nintendo makes awesome games on a regular basis since decades. Now they obviously aren't everybody's cup of tea, but that is not per se a problem imho. They created their very own niche which neither Sony nor MS can cater to at all. If asked I could never tell the exact difference between a PS or a Box - yea, specs a bit better here or there, some exclusive games (most of them will be forgotten in ten years if not sooner). So if three's too much - I'd rather vote for one of those two twins.

The Wii U is a cool console imho that doesn't take itself too serious and just because it has less horsepower doesn't make their games any worse. Also the off-tv play is most probably it's coolest feature, not for everyone of course but still, and just because they don't advertise this feature properly doesn't mean it isn't amazingly useful (to some) still. Now whether they should include this controller or not in the package - I really don't care - I don't buy a console because I think it will 'win' this abomination called console wars but because of good games and a good experience.

Long story, little sense

 

[MRU]

The Wii U is a cool console imho that doesn't take itself too serious and just because it has less horsepower doesn't make their games any worse. Also the off-tv play is most probably it's coolest feature, not for everyone of course but still, and just because they don't advertise this feature properly doesn't mean it isn't amazingly useful (to some) still. Now whether they should include this controller or not in the package - I really don't care - I don't buy a console because I think it will 'win' this abomination called console wars but because of good games and a good experience.

Long story, little sense

The wii U is a cool console, but it's lacking support. That there is NO argument and there doesn't appear to be much appetite from third parties to support it.

The OFF TV feature of the gamepad is cool, but one of the most under marketed features of the console to date.

Without OFF TV feature - gamepad support has become what most feared, merely a place to drop a map or inventory - nothing revolutionary or remarkable in any meaningful way.

Your biggest First Party titles, Pikmin, Zelda and Super Mario 3D World - all benefit from using either wii remote / pro controller - rather than the Gamepad. Where again the screen is an after thought, or there merely for Off TV gameplay.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the Wii U - but I am not silly enough to just pretend that the reason people are not buying the console is clearly evident. Even Nintendo themselves have said publicly on record that they haven't given people enough of a reason to do so.

With the release of Nintendo's biggest game this year on Wii U - Super Mario 3D World - Nintendo still hasn't.

Trailing behind titles like Knack in the charts, and even in Japan the Wii U in a week of Mario World 3D - the Wii U was still easily out gunned by the Vita sales wise. Mario World 3D didn't even provide Nintendo with the boost in sales normally associated with big N titles.

So we can dance around all day and say the Wii U is great, and for the most part it is a great console (with serious issues regarding ecosystem) but other than us existing purchasers who are likely Nintendo fans of old - they are not convincing New Users to pick it up.

With Global sales of PS4 & Xbox One combined after 14 days pretty much at the same level as the Wii U is in total sales over an entire year - that is NOT a good sign, though it is likely an inevitable one.