That’s what Gamaustrua analyst Matt Matthews suspects:

The second point (of last year’s annual console sales) brings out is just how sequel-driven the top end of the market has become. Every game, with exception of Just Dance 2 and Batman: Arkham City is a sequel several times over. I’m just now beginning to try to follow the mobile/tablet gaming market, and while many of the games I see there are derivative, the ones that appear to sell exceptionally well are still original in many ways. If there really is generational fatigue, as Piper Jaffray’s Connor suggests, and consumers are “spending more time on Facebook and the iOS app ecosystem,” then perhaps this heavy dependence on sequels is contributing to that trend.

It’s a valid point. Obviously Facebook and iOS are not only cheaper than console and handheld experiences, but they’re easier to jump in and out of, which a lot of gamers prefer. At the same time, I suspect I’ve played a lot more non-sequels on iOS in the last year than I did on consoles/handhelds. As a friend of the new, that’s a big hook for iOS gaming, however non-epic it still is.

The good news for Nintendo is they have a history of original games — more than any other, perhaps. Problem is, they also have a bad case of sequelitis at times (as they do right now), so it’s up to them to find the proper mix of new vs. retro games.

What do you think?

The first half of the year is obviously a down one for Nintendo. Some okay games on that list, but not any must haves. Of course, that could all change when Wii U drops in the fall—Nintendo is expected to detail the console and its launch games at E3 this summer. Still, what Nintendo games are you most excited to play? More 3DS? Wii U? A completely new surprise, a la Wii Sports? Or a specific game? Let’s hear it.

I can see you now. I bet you’re walking up to some store buying all of your end of the year celebration goodies. Confetti? Check. Fireworks? Absolutely. Some of you may even be looking for an adult beverage or two. The one thing you may be looking for that you can’t find in any stores is a list of top games on Nintendo consoles this year, and that’s where I come in.

All around the Internet are lists of best of this, the worst of that, and even the worst dressed video game characters. Yes it’s true. What I intend to do is not make a list of the absolute best games of the year, there are other places to get that. Below you will find the 15 games that I enjoyed the most throughout the year that appeared on Nintendo consoles. Although you may know how I feel about what was possibly the biggest game of this year, there were plenty of great games outside of the realm of Hyrule.

Dive on in, and feel free to criticise my taste in gaming. Or don’t. Your choice. Here are my 15 favorite games of the year. (more…)

Wired has a nice little piece on lower profile holiday Nintendo games, including the unsung Kirby’s Return to Dreamland:

While the aforementioned games are more than mere serviceable diversions, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land is an unsung contemporary classic. It’s both deep enough to qualify as a game for true gamers and inviting enough so as not to alienate the untested, whether they’re six or 60.

What do you think? What get’s your vote for “low profile Nintendo game of the year”?

If your location observes Daylight Saving Time, don’t forget to set the clock back one hour on your Wii, DS, and 3DS today! Unlike many modern electronics, these game systems don’t set themselves.

Now that you’re well rested after an extra hour of sleep, you’ll be able to solve more puzzles using less hint coins in Professor Layton and the Last Specter!!