Nintendo: Wii U To Be Relaunched E3 2012, New Pokemon Game, New Online Strategy

After a rather confusing E3 debut for Nintendo's new console this E3, which has left many out in the cold and not excited for it at all, Nintendo has confirmed that it will re-unveil the Wii U this coming E3 2012. Iwata had more to say about the Wii U:

We are also planning to launch the Wii U, which is the successor to the Wii, during the next fiscal year. We would like to show the final format of the Wii U at the E3 show next year. As we learned a bitter lesson with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, we are trying to take every possible measure so that the Wii U will have a successful launch.

With all of these efforts and plans I have mentioned so far, we are trying to get back to our previous profit level.Iwata

David Gibson's Twitter feed had more to add, also confirming the existence of a new Pokemon game due for a Spring 2012 launch, as well as a rare introspection on what went wrong with the 3DS:

• At nintendo results meeting, materials confirm kid icarus will be released in japan in jan-mar, new pokenon spring, both not listed intl
• Iwata- said will have strong momentum for year end 3ds sales, admitted software lineup in 1H was not strong

David Gibson Twitter Feed

In addition, they also talked at length about their online issues, and spoke about changing their entire onine strategy.

Nintendo is planning on several substantial updates for the 3DS, inlcuding, but not limited to, DLC for games (which will be availabe for third party games), demos, parallel downloads, media content like Hulu Plus in addition to the already available services like Netflix and Nintendo Video, and finally and perhaps most importantly, connectivity with PCs and smartphones.

All this information comes from Nintendo's financial briefings for Q2 2011, sourced via NeoGAF.

Several new functions will be added to the Nintendo eShop.
For one thing, after a software title is launched, content can be added to it via the Nintendo eShop. This is a feature a number of software creators have been looking forward to. With the Nintendo 3DS system update this time, we can create that desired circumstance, so we should see an increase in the number of applicable software titles that will be launched from now on.Nintendo on DLC

Another addition is the ability for the software publishers to provide the owners of Nintendo 3DS systems with demo versions of their software, for which they can put a limit on the number of trials. As you may know by now, the player reviews available at the Nintendo eShop have high credibility since only those who have played the subject software for one hour or more are eligible to cast a vote. More than one million reviews have been contributed to date worldwide. By combining this existing review mechanism with the demo versions, we would like to continue our endeavors to expand the number of opportunities for consumers to be able to notice the potential and appeal of new software titles.Nintendo on Demos

Although this next feature is not going to be available with the next system update, we are now preparing for the Nintendo eShop to be available on the Web so that you can access it via PCs or smartphones too. As of now, the information available on our Nintendo eShop, including the reviews that I mentioned just now, is only available at the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS and it does not have a great affinity with the social media which are currently being used as a means to spread information. In other words, even if a software title receives an incredible review, majority of people will not know about it unless they access the Nintendo eShop with their Nintendo 3DS system.

We would like to solve this issue by making the Nintendo eShop accessible via PCs and smartphones as well. At the beginning, you will not be able to directly purchase software from your PC or smartphone. Instead, you will need to take a photo of a QR code at the Nintendo eShop by using the camera of your Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo 3DS will then open that specific page of the Nintendo eShop. That function is already included in the upcoming system update for the Nintendo 3DS.In the future, we will make it so that you will be able to purchase software by using your PC or smartphone.Nintendo on PC and Smartphone Conectivity

In terms of its usability, we know that there still are several issues with the Nintendo eShop. We have made several improvements for this time. For example, software downloads can be done when Nintendo 3DS is in sleep mode, which will lessen the need for the users to patiently wait by while downloading several software titles at once or while downloading software with a large memory capacity.Nintendo on Parallel Downloads

Also in the U.S., Hulu Plus, which is a paid video distribution service operated by Hulu that was established primarily by a major TV network, is going to start on both the Wii and the Nintendo 3DS in the near future.Nintendo on Media

Siliconera had more to add, detailing on how 3DS connectivity to smartphones and PC will work:

Finally, while this won't be completely implemented alongside the November firmware update, Nintendo plan to make the eShop usable on PC and smartphone browsers. This is being done so that information and user reviews for eShop titles receive more exposure. Step 1 of this process will be making downloads easier. You'll be able to take a picture of a game's QR code (with your 3DS) displayed on your PC or smartphone browser, and doing so will automatically make your 3DS navigate to that page of the eShop so you can buy the game. This is coming in November.

Step 2, which sounds like it will implemented later, will be the ability to download games to your 3DS via your PC or phone.

Nintendo looks like it is ready to take on all the challenges that it has been facing HEAD ON

EDIT: Nintendo also announces a major change in its online strategy. Check it out here

im hoping the new pokemon game is grey or ruby/sapphire remake. im guessing march its for japan and september for the rest of the world.

hopefully all goes well & nintendo can make the wiiu appealing enough for me.

Is the Wii U still going to be released to retailers next year?nintendoboy16

Show me the games Nintendo, not the controller. We're fully aware of the controller and what it can do, now show us what it WILL do!

Show me the games Nintendo, not the controller. We're fully aware of the controller and what it can do, now show us what it WILL do!

ChubbyGuy40

I hope its a powerhouse with awesome core titles and online functionality done right :P. I am interested in the WiiU tablet, but I have a lot of concerns with it being 1 tablet controller centric. I just want some good graphiced Zelda :P.

I hope its a powerhouse with awesome core titles and online functionality done right :P. I am interested in the WiiU tablet, but I have a lot of concerns with it being 1 tablet controller centric. I just want some good graphiced Zelda :P.

NaveedLife

I want to support Nintendo, but at the same time I feel like I'm throwing away my money when I buy a 3DS. This is good news. I may get a 3DS with upcoming Pokemon game (assuming they mean a REAL one, not a spin-off). What would really make me buy it in a heart beat though would be Metroid Dread.

I want to support Nintendo, but at the same time I feel like I'm throwing away my money when I buy a 3DS. This is good news. I may get a 3DS with upcoming Pokemon game (assuming they mean a REAL one, not a spin-off). What would really make me buy it in a heart beat though would be Metroid Dread.

AmayaPapaya

[QUOTE="NaveedLife"]

I hope its a powerhouse with awesome core titles and online functionality done right :P. I am interested in the WiiU tablet, but I have a lot of concerns with it being 1 tablet controller centric. I just want some good graphiced Zelda :P.

charizard1605

Re-Release = Excellent.

Here's what I see:

New name - Didn't Iwata say that the name confusion of 3DS and DS partly affected sales? Same for Wii and WiiU?

Online Infrastructure for WiiU (If it's still called that :P) and 3DS.

First party games announced will include Pikmin, 3D mario, Fire emblem, Metroid, among others. AKA strong first pary launch titles.

Aesthetically improved controller. Including analog triggers and maybe thumbsticks in place of slidepads.

Among others.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="NaveedLife"]

I hope its a powerhouse with awesome core titles and online functionality done right :P. I am interested in the WiiU tablet, but I have a lot of concerns with it being 1 tablet controller centric. I just want some good graphiced Zelda :P.

darkspineslayer

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Show me the games Nintendo, not the controller. We're fully aware of the controller and what it can do, now show us what it WILL do!

charizard1605

That better be what they're gonna be doing. The only controller footage they should be showing is showing someone playing an awesome launch title and 4 player co-op via 4 controller. Nintendo listens, and to prove that they should have the 4 player co-op via 4 controllers.

The launch titles are the most interesting....what could they be!? We only know Ubisoft has that one exclusive FPS, and it should be better than what Red Steel 1 was (pretty good back then, but not now that we have RS2.) More importantly, what new core and existing IPs could Nintendo have, or possibly new ones!?!?!?!?111?!?!

Oh ya as the guy above said, name change. Wii-U sounds good IMO, but it'll confuse the consumer. Dominance would be a fitting name :P

[QUOTE="AmayaPapaya"]

I want to support Nintendo, but at the same time I feel like I'm throwing away my money when I buy a 3DS. This is good news. I may get a 3DS with upcoming Pokemon game (assuming they mean a REAL one, not a spin-off). What would really make me buy it in a heart beat though would be Metroid Dread.

charizard1605

What does the 3DS give me? I hate to say it, but there isn't ONE game I want on the 3DS except Mario 3D Land. Not one. Maybe Kid Icarus, but that would be more of a purchase not because I want it, but because that's the only other title that, at least, mildly interests me. I'll admit, I'm excited for Level 5's offerings, and I think I could get into Monster Hunter, but all those titles seem far off and haven't been really shown.

PR talk. Seeing is believing nintendo.

PR talk. Seeing is believing nintendo.

GD1551

After a rather confusing E3 debut for Nintendo's new console this E3, which has left many out in the cold and not excited for it at all, Nintendo has confirmed that it will re-unveil the Wii U this coming E3 2012. Iwata had more to say about the Wii U:

[Quote="Iwata"]We are also planning to launch the Wii U, which is the successor to the Wii, during the next fiscal year. We would like to show the final format of the Wii U at the E3 show next year. As we learned a bitter lesson with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, we are trying to take every possible measure so that the Wii U will have a successful launch.

With all of these efforts and plans I have mentioned so far, we are trying to get back to our previous profit level.charizard1605

David Gibson's Twitter feed had more to add, also confirming the existence of a new Pokemon game due for a Spring 2012 launch, as well as a rare introspection on what went wrong with the 3DS:

• At nintendo results meeting, materials confirm kid icarus will be released in japan in jan-mar, new pokenon spring, both not listed intl
• Iwata- said will have strong momentum for year end 3ds sales, admitted software lineup in 1H was not strong

David Gibson Twitter Feed

Excited about a re-reveal? Excited about Pokemon?

Nintendo looks like it is ready to take on all the challenges that it has been facing HEAD ON

EDIT: Nintendo also announces a major change in its online strategy. Check it out here

Why couldn't they just make a "normal" controller? Also, Metroid Prime 4 and a spiritual successor to Donkey 64 would be nice too.

Other than Zelda, Metroid, and SSB, I'd probably only use the Wii U primarily for multi-plats.

What does the 3DS give me? I hate to say it, but there isn't ONE game I want on the 3DS except Mario 3D Land. Not one. Maybe Kid Icarus, but that would be more of a purchase not because I want it, but because that's the only other title that, at least, mildly interests me. I'll admit, I'm excited for Level 5's offerings, and I think I could get into Monster Hunter, but all those titles seem far off and haven't been really shown.

AmayaPapaya

No Resident Evil Revelations, Paper Mario, Mario Tennis, Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, Wright vs Layton, Layon: Mask of Miracles, MH3G or MH4, Mario Kart 7, Shinobi, Sonic Generations (I think it'll be different enough from the PC/console version,) Kingdom Hearts 3D, Heroes of Ruin, Ninja Gaiden, Super Smash Bros, Lego City Stories, Bravely Default, Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Tekken 3D, MGS: SE 3D, Nano Assault, or Ace Combat?

[QUOTE="GD1551"]

PR talk. Seeing is believing nintendo.

charizard1605

This seemed like an investor re-assurance rather than an internal meeting. Not sure why they would need to publish an internal meeting if it wasn't PR.

I called it. I said "March 2012 new pokemon game :roll: " Watch the good critics pan this one.

Calvin079

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="GD1551"]

PR talk. Seeing is believing nintendo.

GD1551

This seemed like an investor re-assurance rather than an internal meeting. Not sure why they would need to publish an internal meeting if it wasn't PR.

They better show something awesome this time cuz the WiiU reveal was probably the worst console reveal I've ever seen in my entire life.

They better show something awesome this time cuz the WiiU reveal was probably the worst console reveal I've ever seen in my entire life.

Jolt_counter119

After a rather confusing E3 debut for Nintendo's new console this E3, which has left many out in the cold and not excited for it at all, Nintendo has confirmed that it will re-unveil the Wii U this coming E3 2012. Iwata had more to say about the Wii U:

[Quote="Iwata"]We are also planning to launch the Wii U, which is the successor to the Wii, during the next fiscal year. We would like to show the final format of the Wii U at the E3 show next year. As we learned a bitter lesson with the launch of the Nintendo 3DS, we are trying to take every possible measure so that the Wii U will have a successful launch.

With all of these efforts and plans I have mentioned so far, we are trying to get back to our previous profit level.charizard1605

David Gibson's Twitter feed had more to add, also confirming the existence of a new Pokemon game due for a Spring 2012 launch, as well as a rare introspection on what went wrong with the 3DS:

• At nintendo results meeting, materials confirm kid icarus will be released in japan in jan-mar, new pokenon spring, both not listed intl
• Iwata- said will have strong momentum for year end 3ds sales, admitted software lineup in 1H was not strong

David Gibson Twitter Feed

Excited about a re-reveal? Excited about Pokemon?

Nintendo looks like it is ready to take on all the challenges that it has been facing HEAD ON

EDIT: Nintendo also announces a major change in its online strategy. Check it out here

All signs tell me that Nintendo was to confident in the success of the Wii & DS, and they definitely had plans to reproduce this success with the 3DS and the Wii U. It didn't work as they planned, and after the 3DS's bad reception, Nintendo decided to say "**** it", they released a commercial about its graphical capabilities (all commercials before were about the 3D feature), Iwata apologized, they dropped the price, and now it's allright considering it's doing good in sales and the amount of games it'll have soon enough will cement its status. Now, because they learned their lesson with the 3DS, they aren't going with the plans they had with the Wii U (basically saying "**** it" again) and they are going to focus on the launch lineup, the core, and all that stuff. (i think they overhauled the hardware aswell, making the final product more powerful than what they planned)

Could be wrong, but i think that's what's happening here, which is good.

PR talk. Seeing is believing nintendo.

GD1551

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/111028/05.html

That doesn't look like PR talk to me...

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

They better show something awesome this time cuz the WiiU reveal was probably the worst console reveal I've ever seen in my entire life.

charizard1605

Pretty much. And the 3ds still had flaws from the beginning (no second analog) but I still got hyped. I don't think the WiiU showed anything good at all and instead of using the controller for cool things (FPS's and Pikmin with touch controls) they showed gyro and just playing regularly on the screen. Boring.

[QUOTE="AmayaPapaya"]

What does the 3DS give me? I hate to say it, but there isn't ONE game I want on the 3DS except Mario 3D Land. Not one. Maybe Kid Icarus, but that would be more of a purchase not because I want it, but because that's the only other title that, at least, mildly interests me. I'll admit, I'm excited for Level 5's offerings, and I think I could get into Monster Hunter, but all those titles seem far off and haven't been really shown.

ChubbyGuy40

No Resident Evil Revelations, Paper Mario, Mario Tennis, Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 2, Wright vs Layton, Layon: Mask of Miracles, MH3G or MH4, Mario Kart 7, Shinobi, Sonic Generations (I think it'll be different enough from the PC/console version,) Kingdom Hearts 3D, Heroes of Ruin, Ninja Gaiden, Super Smash Bros,Lego City Stories, Bravely Default, Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem, RollerCoaster Tycoon, Tekken 3D, MGS: SE 3D, Nano Assault, or Ace Combat?

I originally wrote out this long thing for every game but found it easier to color code.

Red means I don't like the franchise associated with the game/ don't care for the game.

Yellow, I don't know what it is.

Green means it's too far off for me to consider buying a 3DS.

As for what's left, The whole Layton and MH part I addressed in what was said previously, and Sonic IDK what to think. I don't think it's worth buying for a system, but I'm interested to see how good it is though.

They better show something awesome this time cuz the WiiU reveal was probably the worst console reveal I've ever seen in my entire life.

Jolt_counter119

Whereas E3 2010, Nintendo right off the bat told us a whole bunch of exclusive games were coming for the 3DS, all they had to announce for the Wii U was their excitement over getting multiplats, showing off a bunch of PS3/360 footage after demonstrating teh amazing controller.

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Shinobi

Heroes of Ruin

Braveley Default

AmayaPapaya

Yellow, I don't know what it is.

Well now you do :P

The hell is Nintendo doing announcing a console 1.5 years in advance of their launch? And then publicly announce they plan to re-debut their console? Dunno what's gotten into Nintendo lately but they better start pumping out as many Mario games as fast as they can.

make it holiday 2012 release

zelda and pikmin 3 at launch

wii games bc

gamecube games, on the virtual console

make it holiday 2012 release

zelda and pikmin 3 at launch

wii games bc

gamecube games, on the virtual console

resevl4rlz

Oh, it was an investors meeting, all right. But Iwata seems pretty serious. Coupled with what he said about the online strategy (being implemented in November), it seems he recognizes the issues that the 3DS and the Wii U face, and is hell bent on addressing them ASAP.charizard1605

Hopefully that's true.

The hell is Nintendo doing announcing a console 1.5 years in advance of their launch? And then publicly announce they plan to re-debut their console?

Basinboy

The PS3 ended up being a bit different than when first revealed. We don't know what changes will be made. There's nothing wrong with publically saying it.

Nintendo lost me with the wii.

Chances are I won't come back unless something trully awesome is shown. So far they aren't doing it and even if they show something really awesome, I won't buy anything from them until a year has passed and I can see good games on their system.

[QUOTE="resevl4rlz"]

make it holiday 2012 release

zelda and pikmin 3 at launch

wii games bc

gamecube games, on the virtual console

D4W1L4H

ik but a guy gotta dream am i right

[QUOTE="AmayaPapaya"][QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Shinobi

Heroes of Ruin

Braveley Default

ChubbyGuy40

Yellow, I don't know what it is.

Well now you do :P

Eh,nah. There are 2 generes I just don't like. Horror and, Racing. Unfortunately, that takes out 2 heavy hitters, Mario Kart and Resident Evil. Also, I am VERY particular about my RPGs and Action game. I usually don't know if I'll like a game from both genres unless I play the game. Most of the time, I end up not liking it, so I don't take chances too often (especially when the RPG is a JRPG, and the Action game is somewhat arcady or on rails...which is mostly what the 3DS has).

You know it's not too late for them to change that ridiculous console name. Or else it suffer identity crisis just like the 3DS.

You know it's not too late for them to change that ridiculous console name. Or else it suffer identity crisis just like the 3DS.

Crossel777

I doubt anything Ninty says will get me to buy a Wii U anywhere near launch. Their home consoles are a worthy purchase, but only years after launch when the price has gone down considerably and the library has built up. Yeah, they say it'll be different, but we've all heard that before The N64, the Gamecube, the Wii have all offered less for me than the competition, and the 3DS is hovering in that territory for me (haven't bought or played a 3DS game since DOA: Dimensions). Just like with the Wii, I'm going to wait this one out a few years.

I'm currently backed up on Pokemon games, buuuut if it turns out to be an MMO I will probably hump Iwata's leg.

I may sound like a jerk for this. But I am glad it is going badly for Nintendo.

Why? Because it gives nintendo a lot of pressure and in return, causes them to work harder than ever. Look at all the reformations they are doing, with most if not all being for the better.

Same thing pretty much happened Sony this gen, with their laughable start forcing them to reform and look at where they are now. Now I hope it goes badly for Blizzard forcing them to do what Sony did and Nintendo is going through right now.

hopefully all goes well & nintendo can make the wiiu appealing enough for me.

painguy1

Someone please tell me who this is.

Re-Release = Excellent.

Here's what I see:

New name - Didn't Iwata say that the name confusion of 3DS and DS partly affected sales? Same for Wii and WiiU?

Online Infrastructure for WiiU (If it's still called that :P) and 3DS.

First party games announced will include Pikmin, 3D mario, Fire emblem, Metroid, among others. AKA strong first pary launch titles.

Aesthetically improved controller. Including analog triggers and maybe thumbsticks in place of slidepads.

Among others.

D4W1L4H

I think Nintendo has too much pride to change the name.

I'm not interested in the new Pokemon game unless it's a sequel to Black/White, not just an updated version of B/W.