Nintendo Needs a Makeover

Nintendo has always had an incredibly popular list of mascots. These characters have been known since the 1980s and have ensured we all grew up happily and addicted to video gaming. From Mario to Link, from Pit to Samus, we have all enjoyed these superstars and their games as much as good old-fashioned Saturday morning cartoons.

While these precious gems are always welcome and will never get old, however, perhaps it's time Nintendo comes up with something to attract a more hardcore audience. Let's put it this way: There's a financial "pie" that consists of casual, family-friendly gamers, and then there's the other half which consists of hardcore players. Why is Nintendo only willing to eat from the family-friendly side of things?

Sure, sticking to something in particular helps a company become a master of its domain. Nintendo is now widely reliable among families, as they can always deliver what their kids want. There's no doubt that Nintendo has dominated this market, and i bow to them for accomplishing this huge achievement.

On the other hand, however, let's define "Hardcore." It doesn't necessarily have to be bloody and violent. Hardcore gaming also extends to titles which present more solid premises from a realistic perspective. This effectively allows Nintendo to test the waters and create new franchises which are family-oriented while still avoiding blood and gore.

Let's take a look at a racing game, for example. Yes, Nintendo has Mario Kart and most fanboys love it, ourselves included. But why limit themselves to a kid-friendly game when there's so much more to explore in the gaming arena? PlayStation's good reputation was partly built on great franchises like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed (although the latter is not a PlayStation exclusive.) So again, this is the time for Nintendo to spread their wings a bit without necessarily creating or owning a bloody, violent franchise.

In the end, it all comes down to one question. Think about this: Are Nintendo really planning to survive on Mario, Donkey Kong and Zelda for the next 50 years? It's like having someone survive on spaghetti for the rest of their lives. As good as these games may be, at some point we also need a change. Nintendo need to improve their laughable track record when it comes to third-party support, and eventually come up with a brand new AAA franchise that does not rely on the Mario universe. These games are entertaining and always welcome. They're also from the 1980s-- something new would be great.

Wii U Release Date Leaked?

According to a GameStop's regional manager's email, it seems that the Wii U is scheduled to release on November 18, 2012. The source talks positively about such date and how GameStop hopes to start taking reservations for Nintendo's new console after E3.

 

Although pleasant to hear, it is hardly shocking, we admit. Nintendo's last two consoles (GameCube and Wii) arrived around the same date. This time is also perfect due to Black Friday's golden popularity, which helps ensure Nintendo makes a high profit right from the get-go.

In any case, we won't be sure of the Wii U release date until it is officially announced later this year.

Wii U Price Rumors

Although the Wii U has not been given an official price tag, some respected news outlets are taking some wild guesses here. Many are hopeful to see the Wii U at no more than $250, while others firmly believe the hardware could cost as much as $600.

A typical argument may suggest that a gaming console should never cost over $300 or $400. After all, it's just a gaming console, correct? Well, for better or worse, that's where the argument falls flat. In this day of age, these once-conservative machines are becoming a full-blown HTPC, where gaming capability is only the tip of the ice berg. When you have access to countless TV shows, movies, movies and the Web, however, money should take a front seat and do the talking. There may come a time when a console could be turned on 24/7 because the entire family needs to watch their daily TV shows and movies. As odd as this may sound, it surely seems like we're heading in that direction.

Considering most people don't complain about $999.99 computers, why should we have a problem with a $600 console? I'm not suggesting it's cheap; however, with the monumental amount of features potentially available, it is getting more and more difficult to complain about pricing.

How much are you willing to pay for the Wii U and any other (next-generation) console?

Wii U Controller Patent Hints Multimedia Features

A new patent has been uncovered which reveals the possibility of various neat features for the Nintendo Wii U. The most prominent ones indicate full HD graphics, capable of supporting higher resolutions than previously thought. Additionally, Nintendo may implement 3D technology similar to that of the Nintendo 3DS. Such features would undoubtedly give the controller new heights and endless possibilities.

Among these, other controller features flirt with the idea of microphones to be used with video games, along with a front-faced camera. Combine this with the ability to connect to the Internet and other players' devices, and you have the perfect recipe for video chat.

The patent also shows the new Wii U controller attached to existing Wii peripherals, such as first and third party guns developed for the console. This would essentially allow developers to expand their creativity through shooting and action games, relying on the controller screen for telescopic sight.

While some of these technologies are rather optional, we would certainly welcome the 3D-based feature and the scope-like gimmick.

Are you satisfied with the controller's overall look and potential feel?

Assassin's Creed 3 in the Works

Ubisoft had recently confirmed the release of Assassin's Creed 3, which due out in October 2012. The company made the announcement during recent earnings conference call. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that the game has been in development for about 3 years now.

This clearly suggests the company has put a lot of loyalty and faith into the franchise, developing multiple games at the same time.

Assassin's Creed 3 has not been officially announced for the Wii U, but we can all expect the game to be part of the new console. Not only does the Wii U possess the capabilities, but an unofficial AC 3 was actually revealed at last year's E3 conference.

Toki Tori 2 May Be Available on the Wii U

The original Toki Tori was available through Wiiware and other platforms as a downloadable game. Now, Two Tribes reports that the game's sequel may eventually become available for the Wii U, although at this point it is mostly speculation.

If released, developers are expected to take advantage of the Wii U's unique tablet controller, providing the ability to play the game without using the television screen. Additionally, a level editor might be implemented for players to create and share their own customized levels.

This is great news for Toki Tori fans out there, as we feel the original game was underrated and overshadowed by more popular titles at the time it was released. If anything, developers could implement older levels as "bonuses" along with original ones, following the style of newer Mario Kart games.

Do We Need DVD and Blu-Ray Players Anymore?

According to Nintendo execs, the console will not support the widely used DVD format nor the emerging Blu-Ray discs.

This news may be both good and bad. On one hand, we all know DVDs are incredibly standard since, well, the 1990s. Blu-Ray players are also starting to dominate the market, eventually making DVDs obsolete. In essence, one could argue that Nintendo execs are deliberately discouraging customers from buying the hardware. It's pretty clear they are not concerned about making the Wii U an "All-in-One" entertainment system, unlike Microsoft and Sony.

Or are they?

This is where the big question comes in. Do we really need such accessories to be satisfied these days? First, let's keep in mind that such media players are a household name, as they can be found virtually in every home. In turn, this allows the big 'N' to sell their console at a cheaper price. After all, who doesn't love paying less? It obviously goes without saying.

Secondly, something that is clearly emerging in this day of age is a cloud-based and wireless environment. Why stick to past inventions when Nintendo could potentially keep partnerships with services like Netflix? Sure, not every movie can be streamed instantly--but then again, let's consider the fact that we can find a DVD player in most homes.

Nevertheless, while many of us do possess video-playing hardware, we don't necessarily have them connected next to our gaming console in the same room. This is a major inconvenience for those who wish to watch a good movie after playing a game. In essence, we are being forced to run to the next room when Nintendo could have simply provided an affordable DVD player.

All in all, I understand that Nintendo decided to skip Blu-Ray capabilities, as this would effectively increase the gaming console's price by more than just a buck. However, Nintendo just shot themselves in the foot the very minute standard DVD discs were disregarded.