410°

Wii bubble to burst as developers shy away?

Recent suggestions that the high-flying Nintendo Wii's days at the top of the console sales charts may be numbered are beginning to look less ridiculous almost every day, as more people in the know come round to that point of view.

The latest naysayer to pitch in is heavyweight business newspaper The Nikkei in an analysis piece headlined 'Software Houses Miscalculate Audience, Demand For Wii'. In the subscription-only article, author Tomoyuki Kawai reflects on a range of concerned voices within the videogames industry.

Jeremy Gerard6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

everyone knows the wii only makes money for nintendo, it is a 1st party platform only for the most part. On top of that most folks purchased one just because it was the thing to have, they played it for a few hours and never touched it again, the WIIs days are numbered.

Prismo_Fillusion6044d ago

Classy avatar. It really makes me respect you and your opinion.

/sarcasm

Silvia0076044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

not sure who disagreed with you but I know there is not a single game on the Wii at this moment that is worth my time. My 9 year old niece comes over and plays mario party sometimes but that's even starting to bore her. Perhaps Metroid Prime but never really liked metroid in 3d anyway. I wonder who out there is actually a Wii fan that would disagree with you. I know I'll get some disagree's too but what can you say.

Edit:

Prismo... I agree with the avatar. It would be fine if this was an all guy's forum but if we have ladies in here, that is unappropriate. It would really, really bother me to see a lady who put a guy bending over wearing a G string as a avatar.

PS360WII6044d ago

*shudders* guy bending over in a g-string. yea that's an image I could of done without.

As far as no games that's all subjective. People can say that 360 has no games that I want to play therefor it must be an awful system. Just like the PS3 doesn't have a game besides PS2 titles. This argument has no grounding seeing that Wii has games that people buy and developers are still making games for the Wii because games still get bought.

marinelife96044d ago

I think the point the article is trying to make is that Nintendo is the only one that can make a decent game for it. And that third party developers are starting to shy away from even trying.

ITR6044d ago

Tell that to Ubisoft, EA, T2, and Capcom.

I promise you the Wii will keep on selling way into next yr.
Nintendo will hit it's goal of over 14 mil. sold by Dec.

JosefTor6044d ago

Yeah... I've noticed that Wii owners love to disagree when making valid points, future projections or just stating an opinion. They are usually really nice on the forums though so its all good. I'm glad they love and are proud of their system.

I own a Wii too but like the first and third post said... I didn't play it for more then like a couple days. Even games like Mario Party are better on the gamecube in my opinion and the sad thing is my favorite versions of Nintendo games are still on the N64... one of my favorite consoles. I do like how Nintendo tried to bring creativity and innovation back into the forefront and I do like how they brought a lot of casual gamers into the market.

forum_crawler6044d ago

I must be weird or just plain wrong for playing Metroid, Zelda, RE4, Mario Strikers, Rayman, etc on my console.

If the wii's days are numbered (based on the current sales figures), then I should almost ask if they even make the XBox & PS3, but then going to your local Walmart and seeing all the unsold stock they have, and the lack of wiis...

I'm sure the wii is jut fine, and will be fine for the next while.

anonymousAJA6044d ago

There are more stupid people like the poster above who think the Wii is the greatest system of all time with the exception it has the worst library of games out of all three systems. Fact is that most people who bought a Wii were the average Nintendo fanidiots who never question Nintendo or the technology put into a system so many of them were severely uninformed about its real lack of potential. Sales don't justify a system is worth a buy, its games do. And to that effect Nintendo has nothing to offer that a gamecube won't. Hell even the N64 has a better library of games than what the Wii is offering.

forum_crawler6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

I called the wii the greatest system of all time, and how it is that it has the worst library of all 3 systems. Name an action RPG like Zelda on the Xbox that is better than Zelda, oh wait a minute, maybe YOU don't like that kind of games, but others do. In fact, I'm willing to bet that there are gamers out there who aren't interested in shooters, thus making the meat of the XBox library of little interest to them.

Who says that people who bought the wii didn't know it wasn't the most powerful console out there? I am pretty sure most people who bought it did it knowing that it didn't have PS3 like horsepower. The Game Cube had more power than the PS2, and yet you don't see people who bought that system feeling like idiots.

Oh, and by the way, the GC didn't offer motion sensing controls, so there, the wii does offer something more...

Why is it so hard for people to understand that most people who bought a wii did it because they WANTED TO BUY ONE, and not because everybody ad their dog has one. I bought one knowing full well that it was the least powerful of the three consoles, that it didn't have all the "medial capabilities" or that it may not be for the "hard core" gamers out there. But why would I want my GAMING CONSOLE to stream video, or do more than just play games? I ALREADY HAVE A PC FOR THAT!!!

Believe it or not, the PC still plays shooters, simulators, streams media, or just about any other kind of games better than any console out there. So please don't give me that "you are an uninformed idiot for buying a wii." I got it because I wanted one, no tricks, no misinformation.

Oh, and by the way, I don't appreciate you calling me stupid for stating my opinion (which I am entitled to), or calling wii owners idiots for CHOOSING to get a wii.

assjacket6041d ago

Ummm, that's a girl bending over...

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 6041d ago
Trick Nolte6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

Wii haters are more of a Fad than the Wii itself. Seems people forget that Nintendo consistantly does things that appear to be fads but turn into successful product that enjoy longevity.

Pokemon? C'mon I thought that was a joke and I never got into it, not ever and nor do I chose ti. yet its still going strong and sells in the Millions. You guys really think that just because YOU dont like something or it shouldnt exist. Wake Up.

People RARELY associate Nintendo with the word; FAD. They associate Nintendo with the word; fun.

Wii is more of a social console, we all know that. The perfect answer for the person who doesnt want to sit in front of a tv 12-14 playing games.

Its-a-perfect! for people with active lifestyles.

KeiZka6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

Didn't Capcom just announce that MH3 is coming to Wii? Developers shying away? Interesting.

EDIT: Disagree all you want, but Capcom still did announce MH3 for Wii, which does indicate against what the article is saying.

Duh, was meant to type against instead of towards, but guess I was distracted then.

Rooftrellen6044d ago

Capcom has made good money from the Wii, and, shockingly, it has been with good games.

Third paties can do well on the Wii, and Capcom is showing that.

boodybandit6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

like this one.
Isn't the theme of this gen "negativity"?
I have a strong feeling this will become reality. It's the same thing that happened with the N64 and Gamecube. Developers looked elsewhere and almost all of the must have games came from Nintendo themselves. I don't think Nintendo cares one way or the other. They already made a ton off of their new console. They "always" make money. More than the other 2 combined (profit).

I do think that they really did a disservice to their diehard fans by bringing out such dated hardware to power this console. The Wii is the first time ever I passed on a Nintendo made product. I crave hi def and 5.1 or higher. I don't want to hook up analogue when all my hardware is best suited for digital. After a long day I want to kick back and relax and not stand or sit off the edge of a chair waving my arms about.

But that's just me.

forum_crawler6044d ago

I have yet to see anyone waving their arms around as they play wii games. I didn't even do that when I was playing Zelda, so I really don't know what you are talking about.

Oh, just as a side comment, the people playing in the adds are not representative of how your actual game play will be. This is much like a burger. It never looks the same as the add when you actually have it in your hands.

seaempty6044d ago

I can see that the lower development costs and bigger fan base makes the Wii a much less alluring prospect...

And then the 80 games coming out for it this quarter - just about double that of the 360 and PS3 combined - supports this claim...

crck6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

Good for you. BTW that "bigger fanbase" don't buy games outside of Nintendo ones. Every 3rd party multiplat game has done piss poor on the wii. Sad fact is none of the top independent developers want to touch the system. It will continue to get crap games made by mostly crap developers forced into projects by mega corporations. If those are the kind of games you want then ROCK ON!

ItsDubC6044d ago

If the Wii having two 3rd-party games that've sold over 1 million copies is piss-poor, then what does that say about the PS3 having none?

One of those Wii titles is multiplat - Rayman.

crck6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

that sold well. Well great, I hope wii owners get the best minigames on the planet. But look at sales of Spiderman 3, Transformers, Madden 08, Nba Live 08 and just about any other game available on other platforms. It gets outsold by the ps3 version by about 3 to 1. While the 360 version usually outsells it by around 10 to 1. Orange Box, Call of Duty 4, Rockband, Assasin's Creed and UT 3. The biggest 3rd party games this holiday season. Where's the Wii version of these games? Oh thats right, good developers don't want to bother with it.

ItsDubC6044d ago (Edited 6044d ago )

to refer not simply to games in general, but specific types of games? We could go on and on if the basis for argument keeps changing.

The 360 and PS3 obviously have similar capabilities so a higher percentage of their titles are likely to be multiplat in comparison to Wii titles. If the PS3 had never come out and the console war was between Wii, 360, and PS2, then of course the 360 would get the least number of multiplat games. The sale of multiplats that are common to all three consoles of course tend to favor the 360 and PS3 because those two consoles share a similar and narrow demographic for which those titles appeal to (your list of upcoming 3rd-party titles proves my point). Release a mass-market title such as Singstar as multiplat across all three platforms and guess which console will sell the most copies.

But bragging about multiplat titles just seems a bit odd when we're comparing the software libraries of individual consoles. Especially right after Capcom and Square-Enix have announced major Wii-exclusives. Apparently they're not the good 3rd-party devs I thought they were since they're "bothering" with the Wii.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6044d ago
Show all comments (52)
80°

Zelda Replay: Majora's Mask

VGChartz's Evan Norris: "Is Ocarina of Time as legendary as I remembered it? For the most part, yes. In spite of a handful of missteps — a few obtuse puzzles, some tedious backtracking, and a clunky stealth sequence — I don't believe the last 23 years have been unkind to it. Ocarina remains a brilliant example of the medium, a landmark game that shaped the future of its own franchise and 3D gaming in general. After more than two decades it retains its inventive dungeon design, challenging puzzles, dynamic combat, wistful storyline, unforgettable music, and empowering open-air freedom. I feel confident calling it one of the greatest games of the fifth generation, even if I'm no longer prepared to list it among the five best games ever made."

Read Full Story >>
vgchartz.com
Crows909h ago

Pure unadulterated fun. They don't make them like this anymore...especially not the triple A industry.

90°

7 Iconic Games That Put The PS1 On The Map

The first PlayStation is home to an array of iconic video games that went on to define the sheer significance of this console.

SimpleSlave14h ago

I think from a historical perspective I would change Spyro for Grand Turismo. It's the franchise that made the PS1 look like an absolute unit. Other than that, I can't argue with the rest when it comes to games that defined the PS1.

And to be honest, there should be space for Tekken 3, Wipepout and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater in order to round out the PS1 identity as the machine to own at the time.

With Tomb Raider 2, Silent Hill, Symphony of the Night, Tenchu, and Soul Reaver as backup contenders.

290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv723d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle2d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18812d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio2d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning772d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga2d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv721d 21h ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19921d 16h ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21832d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga2d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan2d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit1d 21h ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus232d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv722d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica1d 21h ago (Edited 1d 21h ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier1d 16h ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan1d 7h ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1d 7h ago
purple1012d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos2d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-2d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac2d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1012d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic2d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead2d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2d ago
Show all comments (46)