Iwata assures we’re not even close to getting a Wii 2
Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 11:27pm by Jake
Many analyst, market stalkers, and bored fans have placed several bets on just when Nintendo will roll out their next console (Wii 2). Some say 2010, while others believe 2011 looks good, but it’s obvious Nintendo will need a “reboot” when/if sales begin to droop. A recent interview with Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata reminds us that it’s Nintendo’s turn at world domination, and why update that?
“I don’t think any hardware can enjoy eternal life. Someday, we’ll need a new platform for sure, and of course, Nintendo is always preparing for that. However, now that our customer base has expanded this drastically, we do not think it’s appropriate to conclude that past platform lifecycle theory can or should be applied to the current generation.”
No kidding, right? Why change the recipe when it already tastes so good? The current Wii setup has a very good chance at lasting long into the next decade without economical harm to Nintendo. However, in the long run consumers might become a bit more aware of the cheaper, more appealing competition as the global economy continues to weaken.
One area that most certainly needs to be stepped up is in the current software offering. No, not third parties, but our favorite homegrown first party titles. Today’s pathetic list of 2009 software does little to slow Nintendo’s recent 12% stock drop. We could see that Wii 2 sooner than you think if Nintendo doesn’t whip out a trick from their sleeve.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:00 am
Nintendo need to crank out the next Wii faster than the next Xbox. They need to keep Microsoft in check at all times.
Or this could be the beginning of the end.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:30 am
Even it if it coming soon they aren’t going to mention it till around a year before release. Thy don’t want to stop anyone from buying a wii because the next best thing is around the corner. I think they’ve got a awhile though, there’s a whole lot of space for improvement in the ps3 and 360 through software, it’d be foolish of them to be pushing new hardware anytime soon so why should Nintendo.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:22 am
I think a Wii+ hardware upgrade with more grunt that’s also backwards compatible with the existing Wii would be a good idea at some point as it would close the hardware gap somewhat. It should also have Wii Motion+ built into its new remote.
I don’t think it’d make much difference to software though as 3rd parties are clearly trying to squeeze Nintendo out of the market by not supporting their platforms.
January 31st, 2009 at 4:40 am
@ royal…
that’s what ms used to think… and we see that it worked a bit but it was not worth it if you take into accound all the problems the system had
January 31st, 2009 at 8:51 am
Nintendo could follow Apple’s book which says drop a product while it’s hot. This allow to shift the demand to a newer product that can still call for a premium price (The same $250 in this case) while keeping the buzz. But for this to work the consumer must understand that Wii2 can do all the things Wii does, just better. In this case Wii2 becomes an evolution. In this scenario, no “paradigm” shift, Wii2 becomes vulnerable to bolder initiative from the competition. Unless you consider that the revolution can go on “softwarized” not “hardwarized”. For sure Wii2 will be a software affair not a hardware “coup de force” anyway. By the way we can infer from the last CES that the next generation won’t be about motion control but maybe about 3D and the power to drive this illusion on HD screen.
Early Wii2 release seems unlikely, because Nintendo makes its main margins from games and licensing, not from the hardware sales. To kill the platform that generate the money stream would not be a good business decision. While Apple can change iPods every 6 month, that are running the same music/video files after all, a new console needs new software, new dev-kits. A new console must be sold / market to content producers as well as to consumers… by all acounts, the Wii is still not the content darling of the industry. So the Wii still has some distance to travel, some convincing to do before Wii2 can safely grab the baton.
As a follow up to Ady comment I think no one is driving Nintendo out of the market. Nintendo is being right about development cost and profitability. While third parties exhault themselves with hollywood blockbuster theories (financing big development cost and expect big sales to recoup), Nintendo shows that building games with your own money with solid worldwide sales is a bread winner game. I’m sure some people at Silicon Knights and Factor 5 wish today they could Mario their way out of bankcrupcy.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:18 am
@droop
Yes, of course Nintendo would take advantage of consumer’s fears regarding to Xbox360’s machine malfunctions in the next console war, but if history told of us anything is that people tend to forget about the past, the new console hype would over shadow everything up till the launch of the next console. Remember people actually bought Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire on ps3’s launch? Quality doesn’t matter, it’s the delivery and timing of your product makes you the winner. I know it’s kind of off topic, but if I remembered it right, Mac was superior than PC, but it was PC who won the “war that mattered” by being on the market first and fast, if you want to ask about the software, I got one word for the PC: DOS. On top of that If Nintendo could deliver the Wii2 before the next Xbox, it could set the tone for the market instead of reacting to it.
And if I may make a bold statement: the next console war between MS, Nintendo, and Sony is the “war that matters 2.”
January 31st, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I can see myself enjoying the Wii for a long time to come, assuming that the software keeps on coming and hopefully, keeps improving. Thus, i dont care when the next Wii will come.
When I play Wii, I play for a fun, good time. It matters not if it has blue ray support , HD visuals or the latest gizmos and Tech. That is not what the Wii is about. We have known that for years now.
However, I do want to have the latest gaming technology at my fingertips ,as well. I really hope to see the next Microsoft machine before I see the next new Nintendo console. Let Microsoft and Sony pump out the latest graphics and media powerhouse systems. Nintendo and its Wii will still be fun years from now, so it doesn’t need to be updated any time soon. As long as the “neXt box” comes out with enhancements in 3 years or so, who cares about an upgraded Wii?
January 31st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I’m one of the people who thinks this generation’s hardware is good enough for gaming. Being an Xbox 360 and Wii owner I don’t think Nintendo has any reason to release a new console. It took for me a few years to realize this, but graphics and new technology aren’t everything. I’m having just as much fun playing my Wii (if not more fun) compared to the Xbox 360.
I think more and more people will purchase the Wii as long as Nintendo continues to create new software for it.
January 31st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
^ Craig
Agreed. I too would love new tech with improved hardware capable of impressive graphics, but like you said that’s not everything. Unfortunately the software needed to keep this idea alive is nowhere in sight. Just look at 2009 software list. Wii Sports Resort and Punch-Out will sell like hotcakes, but it’s nothing that really pushes the console to a new height. I’m still waiting for that big “revolution” Iwata told us back in 2005. I almost felt it when I first took a spin down Wii Sports bowling, but the whole “motion controls” innovation still feels a bit gimmicky.
Don’t get me wrong though…I love me some Nintendo.
January 31st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
@Craig
I know what you are saying, if we love a great deals of DS title, then we can confidently say that graphic shouldn’t matter. But, whenever a Super Mario Galaxy drop down on a Nintendo or MS, OR for the sake of the argument…Sony next generation console, who can resist to just wondering about the game?
I thought WarioLand 3 was the only game that I ever needed, but was very wrong. There are always going to be a better console in the future, and you are going to buy it. Of course, I think better graphic doesn’t hurt, especially HD graphic…LOL.
P.S. I think the game of the game is to not let MS win again so easily.
January 31st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Why not have both? Why not keep the Wii, a simple device for people who want simplicity and build a new console with better graphics and simply make games for both. They make software for Wii and DS, why cant there be two home consoles. Its like “oh no a new console is out so we MUST stop making games for the old console and make games for the new one.” Companies are making 8-bit games again when there are no new 8-bit consoles. PS2 games were still coming out when the PS3 was out, and that is my main point. Just because Wii 2 comes out would not mean that they cannot co-exist. Wii 2 would play Wii discs but not vise versa. I think it would be a mistake for Nintendo not to progress and to simply stay in a slump. Granted don’t get rid of something that is still selling just bring in something new to co-exist. One console to last 10 years would upset me. Don’t cancel the Wii, just make a better one for people who want it, huge internal storage, better graphics, Blu-ray, basically all the things the high end consoles have. Then Nintendo would indeed corner every aspect of the market, they will have hardcore and casual gamers. It would be a monopoly for Nintendo.
January 31st, 2009 at 6:14 pm
@Daimyo Nintendo
But didn’t Sega tried to do that? How did that work out for Sega? Right now, Wii is stepping in the same dangerous territory of having too much peripherals: Wii Wheel, Wii Board, Wii Speak, and Wii plus, and that’s just first party essentials. You can’t compete with your own console too much, Nintendo will be competing with itself: DSi, DS, DS(thenextgenerationthatweallknowiscoming), Wii, Wii2hardcore. PS2 is NOT helping the PS3, PS3 is not selling anywhere close to reach it’s intended potential. And PSP is killing itself slowly with different useless upgrades(or I think).
January 31st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
wii is poopy
January 31st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
@Jake I agree that Nintendo’s 2009 lineup looks kind of disappointing. I think Wii-Sports 2 will be fun, but it’s not something I’m hyped up about. I am excited about all the Wii-make games coming out though. I never had a chance to play Pikmin, Metroid Prime or Mario Power Tennis. I think these games will do a good job of filling the gap. I’m still crossing my fingers for a new unannounced IP.
The motion controls can feel gimicky depending on the game. I think Mario Kart Wii works so well because of the motion controls though. The Wii Wheel is portable and easy to use. It’s pretty cool to be able to pass a controller to a friend who never played and say “hit 2 for gas and turn the wheel to steer” as opposed to saying “RT is gas, RB is boost, left stick is steering, right stick is camera, X is handbrake, LT is regular brakes, etc.” Also I can’t picture playing World of Goo on another console, the Wiimote is superior for selecting items on screen.
January 31st, 2009 at 8:31 pm
^ Yes, IR controls (world of goo) work like a charm on the Wii, but motion…not so much for me. When i first purchased Mario Kart Wii I tried the “new” control style. Hated it. I’ve played with the GC controller ever since. The controls might be enjoyable for those new to gaming within the past 5-6 years, but for a someone who has grown up with a tight controlling d-pad, or control stick…it’s just not that great.
The 2009 list does provide for those who missed the GC generation what with the “new play style” line of games, but majority of long-time Nintendo followers have “been there, done that”. I still would like to play Metroid Prime with a new FPS IR control, but these re-released titles just feel like a cheap way to kick some titles out onto the market.
It all comes down to Nintendo once again leaving the traditional gamer in the dust. All I can say is that these unannounced titles for true fans better knock my shorts off from quality. I don’t need to see Cammy tossing a frisby to a virtual Nintendog.
January 31st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Nintendo thought this way back when the SNES was king.
Didn’t go so well for them did it.
Nintendo has earned itself some amazing success, but in the same way that they abandoned lots of the features they promised us for the Wii before it came out once they realized the system would sell great either way, they may find that consumers want more bang for their buck and are no longer happy spending so much on a party machine.
If Apple had followed Nintendo’s philosophy we’d still be using a physical scroll wheel maxing at 5gigs for the iPod. Apple has remained king for so long because they constantly innovate, they give consumers reason to look forward to an upgrade so that consumers are always excited or at least interested in what’s around the corner.
Nintendo have just told us they don’t think that’s important.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
They seem to have no problem changing that DS recipe all the time. A Wii coming soon, with the HD that it should’ve had, would definitely get a buy from me. (better be backwards compatible also)
January 31st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
@Jake I agree the GC controller is more accurate compared to the Wii Wheel, but I find it more relaxing/simplistic using the motion controls. My performance doesn’t really suffer using the motion controls either… I usually find myself finishing in the top positions online. Different people have different opinions I guess. I’m kind of curious what the Infendo community prefers (it’d make a good poll!).
I’d be a little upset too if I bought all these games for the Gamecube and this was the only thing available in 2009 for me to purchase. Luckily I only had Wind Waker, Eternal Darkness and Twilight Princess for my Gamecube, so all these games are now cheaper and have superior controls. You’d think they’d offer a greater incentive to people who purchased the game originally. Maybe add new levels, online play or other hidden secrets. When Conker 64 came to the original Xbox they atleast updated the graphics.
Looking back Nintendo has rereleased games in the past with little or no changes. I was the proud owner of Links Awakening for the GameBoy and the GameBoy Color. There was additional armor and another dungeon, but nothing more to justify repurchasing the game.
February 1st, 2009 at 12:29 am
well i want to know if we’re even close to getting a black wii….
February 1st, 2009 at 8:02 am
I’m glad to hear this. I’m sick of having to buy a new console every 4 years. Especially when the Wii has yet to come close to even meeting what I consider it’s own expectations. Sales wise, yes it’s gone way above and beyond, but games-wise and even motion sensor-wise, not even close.
But to go beyond, none of the 3 should be talking about their next system yet. The PS3 doesn’t even feel like it’s gotten off the ground. I know I said the Wii hasn’t met expectations, but the PS3 is even further from that. 2 years later and they are still acting like it just came out and we still have few quality exclusives to choose from, and seemingly they have no idea where to go. The 360 has been the best overall to me, but even it feels like it is just now getting into it’s groove, and they’ve had 3 years. Not to mention that stupid red ring of death deal still being an issue.
Same can be said with the PSP; it’s never truly delivered so any talk of a PSP should be silenced. To me the DS is the only system of this gen, handheld or console, that has truly delivered and may be ready for a next version, though for me even its library lately has been lacking, but that’s just lately.
February 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
@jack It’s really funny though…. I wanted the normal controller for mario kart also just because it is such a complex game with the power sliding and all. Yet excite truck was prefect for it. For some reason no one give that game a chance. This reminds me of times when people would avoid certain games at the arcade because of controls but once they saw some one crushing with those controls they opened up to them. I wish I could show you how well excite truck works because it made me discipline to my controller posture. The Wiimote has to be facing a certain direction. This is what the Wii wheel fixed it makes you hold the controller correctly.
Any way you guys have a good discussion here. Will we get a new Wii and why more importantly?
Current problems first-
Motion controls have not been perfected for extremely precise hardcore gaming, yet Ir pointing works just fine.
HD hardware and the processors to do it correctly still are too expensive, yes the xbox 360 is $200 but really that is basically a ati 9800 in there, the Wi would need a HD4870×2 in there to make it worth while.
This new HD system has to cost the same as the Wii current price with the Wii becoming 150-200. The Wii’s remote has to be upgraded with the new package also. The reason why the price has to be so low is so that they don’t have to worry about the “I paid all this money for HD games buyers” which is currently the problem of the HD gen of system. They only want HD games that look like PC games.
Well we all know motion+ is coming and it should help fix the motion problem and even some issues with the IR not being on screen.
True HD ready hardware is scaling to price as we speak. Intel’s push into the graphic realm could help with this.
Another thing is 3rd parties efforts in the next year or so will actually determine what type of machine nintendo makes. When 3rd parties where on board we did get some pretty high end tech for consoles. The N64 actually had better texturing than the PS1 and the GC was obviously better than the PS2. Truthfully the Wii was not designed with 3rd parties in mind which is a good thing because factor 5 was wrong along with most of the HD console devs. The only HD devs that got it right where the PC guys.
The Wii is about to get it’s FX chip on though. Only conduit, monster hunter and others are pushing this thing right now. Then on top of that every one will get the motion+. The new players will want the game while the tech guy want the better motion tracking.
Another thing if the motion+ needs to be pointed at the screen to reset it self then why not make that the nunchucks jobs since it is always pointing in that direction, yet it would need an IR cam.
This one is hard to predict. Nintendo could easily sell a $300 product right now just based on people wanting it’s software yet nintendo is smart enough to not lock out potential customers. Then on top of that lots of gamers even the ones that call them selves hardcore are actually new to gaming in away. You have PS and PC gamers coming into gaming right now looking at the Wii and to an old schooler like me I love the VC and every thing coming out minus Wii music games. Maybe these guys did have a SNES or Genesis yet they haven’t played those games in such a long time they forgot why they where good and judge them solely on graphics.
I’ve never seen so many people with out a deep knowledge of console games demand more when we are obviously getting more. That more has to be descriptive or some halo junkie is going to co sign with you on getting more FPS out. When you ask for more please let these guys know what that is suppose to mean.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Just to put my two cents in, I don’t know if this generation of consoles, or the Wii at least, will live up to the average console life expectancy. Meaning, with so many features on each console, such as many menu options (Nintendo Channel?), internet connectivity, and developers on the move with a ton of downloadable content, we’re possibly looking at several years of life for these consoles.
That being said, didn’t Iwata say shortly after E3 that the next console was already in development?
July 21st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
HAVE A WII AND A WIIHD AT THE SAME TIME IT WOULD BE LIKE PS3/360 MAKE GAMES FOR BOTH LIKE 360/PS3 TAKE ALL THE GOOD 360 GAMES PORT THEM UP AND MAKE QUALITY ORIGANAL GAMES FOR WII/WIIHD NINTY SHOULD MAKE A GAME ENGINE THAT WORKS FOR ALLOWING EASY DOWN PORTING FROM THERE HIGH END CONSOLE GIVES THE WII MORE LEGS THEN SIMPLE BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE THAT OWNA WII WILL BUY A WIIHD
July 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
R&D SPENDING FROM NINTY HAS RISEN FROM 40 MILLION TO 380 MILLION OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS YES POUNDS