(NOTE: Originally published February 2014 for Press2Reset)
When it comes to the Wii U, Nintendo is hurting. Its market performance has been underwhelming to the point that the company reduced its expectations from nine million to 2.8 million units sold by the end of March. Globally, 5.85 million units have been sold since its launch on November 2012, yet Sony’s PlayStation 4 is estimated to have sold around 5.1 million units since its launch in November 2013.
Not very good, considering that Nintendo reported a loss of 25 billion yen instead of the 55 billion yen profit it predicted. Of course, I must acknowledge that the 3DS has been successful for the company, but still performed lower than expected in terms of sales.
A recent editorial by Press2Reset columnist Anton Wegenast showed what Nintendo needs to do in order to get back on track. However, the answer lies not only in his suggestions that the company acknowledge the competition, create an ecosystem, and develop new IPs, but also in releasing a new console. Within the next two years.
While this may sound crazy, I am not the only one who thinks this should happen. Shortly after Nintendo released its earnings report in January, an anonymous rumor surfaced on Nintendo News suggesting that the company was developing a new console called the Fusion. Whether true or not, this is what Nintendo needs to do if it wants its console division to continue on.
First of all, let me talk about what Nintendo should call this new console. While this may not be the most important issue for the company to worry about, it is something that should be given some consideration. Calling the next console the Fusion or the Wii U Do (don’t mock me, they might just name it that) is not going to cut it. The Wii brand has always been horrible, and due to Nintendo’s shortcomings, confusion came about with the Wii U and what it was. Instead, Nintendo should have followed Sony’s lead by picking a name and then just adding a number to it. It’s simple and doesn’t cause confusion (makes me wonder what Microsoft will call its fourth console).
Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m not very good at naming things. Just watch my past TwitchTV stream of Game Dev Tycoon(video no longer exists) and you’ll see. But I believe that Nintendo should pick a name that its older fans remember fondly and that younger fans can get behind. What I’m trying to say is that it should resurrect the NES brand and call it the NES HD. Or something along those lines.
The new NES would need to be on par, or more powerful than, the PS4 and retail for the same price. Rather than trying to come up with a new gimmick, such as motion or tablet controls, stick with what works. A reliable control pad similar to what Sony and Microsoft offers, like the Wii U Pro Controller, or, if things work out for Steam, mimic the Steam Controller. Then design the console with future tech in mind such as the Oculus Rift.
“But Sean,” you protest. “Why does Nintendo need to push this console out so quickly?”
Because Nintendo needs a system that is on par with its competitors, to be able to offer games that look and run just as well as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Because both systems are gaining traction and, this year, an unknown element is entering the living room – Valve’s Steam Machines. Hell, if I were Nintendo, I’d do everything I could to get a new system out for this holiday season.
Another reason for Nintendo to push a new system out quickly is because the Wii U is not the first console that many people are going to consider buying, aside from Nintendo fans. Nor will it be considered as a second console for those who plan to own multiple platforms. And if the Steam Machine catches on, it probably won’t even be considered as a third console purchase. After all, there is only so much many gamers are willing to spend and, if they are going to buy a console, they will want next-gen technology.
Of course, a new console by itself isn’t going to help Nintendo regain lost ground in the console market. Third-party games, a strong online infrastructure, some kind of achievement or trophy system, and new IPs will be needed as well. Let’s face facts, there is a lot that Nintendo needs to do, but this new console could provide the company with a clean slate and usher in a new era for Nintendo.
What do you think? Is Nintendo’s console in another castle? Or should it stick with the Wii U for the next four years before releasing the next one? Sound off in the comments below!
Author’s Note:
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