Can The Wii U Live Up To Its Predecessor? Reggie Fils-Aime Makes The Case

Few people saw the Wii coming. In the weeks before Nintendo’s video game console hit stores on November 19 2006, critics called it underpowered, gimmicky, and a potential flop. But six years later the family-friendly, motion-sensitive Wii is the undisputed leader of its console generation, with nearly 100 million units sold worldwide –about thirty million more than either of its competitors, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3.

This fall Nintendo hopes to confound expectations once again. On November 18th, the company will release a new console called the Wii U. Critics are already calling it out for a “gimmick” –the Wii U GamePad, a controller with its own built-in touch screen display, like a tablet computer. But Nintendo says the controller will usher in exciting new styles of gaming.

[Griffin4871]

It's funny how Nintendo has to prove critics wrong AGAIN.

[LX-General-Kaos]

That will always be the circle of life

[Pillsbury1]

*holds simba up*

[Gazondaily]

@ Pillsbury1

Haha brilliant. +Bubs

If by living up to its predecessor in terms of sheer sales, then that remains to be seen. Judging by the mammoth sales of the original Wii, it sure will be difficult to match that.

In terms of quality and overall appeal of the console and its games, I have a feeling that it will surpass its predecessor. With the Wii finally entering the HD era and coupled with the interesting tech and possiblities available as a result of it, we should be in for a real treat. Nintendo have always been the innovators and I think we can rest assured that we will get some interesting titles.

I also think Ninty will make a more concerted effort when it comes to catering for 'core gamers'. Obviously time will tell whether this is the case, but for now, I remain optimistic about the Wii U's prospects, not just financially but also in terms of quality.

[live2play]

hakuna matata

wiiu will be alright

[darthv72]

The sales side will be tough to match unless Nintendo does a really good marketing program. Focusing that not only is the Wii-u better (performance) but that it is a Wii as well.

So those who bought a Wii wont feel like all their previous games and accessories are useless now that the new U is out.

The other side is the technical specs. The U has lived up and surpassed the predecessor by a significant margin. That is usually the way it goes. In fact all consoles since Pong have been steps up the evolutionary ladder.

Some have taken bigger steps than others but they have always been on the increase in trying to move the industry forward.

The biggest and most important factor for any platform is the games. Having something that appeals the widest audience has always been the most successful. some would like to think its all about the 'core' when the core no longer makes up the majority stake.

Looking back at systems like the NES and SNES and PS1 and 2 and we can see their greatest expansion in overall units sold were when there were titles available to pretty much any type of gamer.

[Venoxn4g]

I always am amazed when people are losing faith in Ninty, but they always have surprises..good surprises, I'm always looking forward to Ninty's announcements :)

[Pillsbury1]

Nintendo will prove everyone wrong and and bring great games we have all grown up with.

[Krew_92]

I'm pretty sure anything Nintendo makes can out-do the Wii.

They've learned from their mistakes, third party support, and are on the road to a good outcome.

[TongkatAli]

I'm going to do the soulja boy dance when getting mine.

[Npugz7]

Wiiu...meh!

[ozzywazzy]

Sales not happening. Casuals won't pick this up over an iPad etc. the wii went in with huge momentum and anticipation, the casuals ate it up like candy had it for a while and discovered it was a gimmick. They won't be easy to convince to pick up a wii2. Informed non Nintendo fanboys will wait about a year to see next gen announcements before deciding to buy a wii2.

[Gekko]

If the sales of the 3DS is any indication then as long as the pricing is done right, it'll sell like hot cakes but the first few months will definitely be a challenge for Nintendo.