I wrote this exact same blog on IGN. But since this is my profile on Gamespot, I'm posting here too. BTW, I've been a member of Gamespot for a while as well, but kinda left after Jeff Gerstmann was kicked to the curb. Don't worry, I did the same thing to IGN when Matt Casamassina left. I'm "site impartial" here.

Anyways, to the topic at hand... I have an issue that I'm sure many of you also share:

My issue today is with Nintendo, my favorite first-party publisher/developer, and some of the games they have published. Published in Japan, that is. Historically, Nintendo has withheld localizing games from North America in the past for such reasons as, to quote an email I received from Nintendo of America in the past in regards to this issue (this is a direct quote from an official NOA employee on record through customer service):

"difficulty or cost of localization, the size and financial strength of the publisher, the size of the distribution network, and (most often) the idea that the game will simply not be accepted or enjoyed in another market."

This may be true for some games (see Captain Rainbow, although that kinda looks cool too), but for three games in particular, the real question to Nintendo of America is "Why?"

Xenoblade, The Last Story, Pandora's Tower. If you have never heard of them before, look them up right here on IGN or do a quick Google search. All three games are beautifully designed and just the type of software that has been missing in action on the Wii since it's inception. Obviously, over the course of time since these games were unveiled in Japan, many gamers, myself included, have been eagerly following the titles, patiently waiting for news of a release date. But now that E3 2011 has come and gone, the patience is wearing thin. All because Nintendo announced their next console, Wii U and several 3DS titles without a word about these three games.

I understand that Nintendo is also releasing a few titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and Kirby Wii, and there are a few third-party titles releasing as well. But the three titles in question are not developed by Nintendo, or published by a third-party. Nintendo only serves as publisher. Meaning they can pass off localization duties to another first-, second-, or third-party localization team. Or sell the rights to another publisher.

Now here are the facts:

• Xenoblade has been announced as coming out in North America. The only problem is no solid release date. The game didn't even get a mention at E3. That's bad publicity, as Nintendo Europe already has an official website: http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wii/xenoblade_chronicles_32583.html
• The Last Story, although highly anticipated, has a massive amount of content that would require not only translation, but also localization. Direct translation is one thing, but it actually making sense in English (and most likely also Spanish and French for North America) is a whole different beast. This means that even if it did see release here, it probably would take a long time.
• Pandora's Tower was just barely announced in Japan January of this year, and just released this May. So even if it did come across the Pacific, it most likely wouldn't be until next year.
• There are many other titles that have released in Japan, but not North America, such as Fatal Frame IV, Disaster: Day of Crisis, Captain Rainbow, Dynamic Slash, Another Code-R and more. The difference is appeal. I would personally love ALL of these games to release in North America, but the consensus seems to be (on most gaming sites, anyway) that Xenoblade, The Last Story, and Pandora's Tower have generated more interest in North America.

The release date should not be an issue, as Wii U will be fully compatible with all current Wii games, so even if these games did release right before (or even after) the launch of the Wii U, everybody with a Wii and Wii U would be able to enjoy these games. Or maybe Nintendo can even do like they did with GBC-GBA back in the day and make a special feature show up if run on a Wii U. Either way, here's hoping these games make it overseas.

But there actually is something we (meaning everybody) can do.

Obviously, Nintendo is not going to take risks bringing these original IPs stateside without some sort of hope that they can make a profit. So seriously, if any of these games actually saw the light of day on North American soil, would you be there, day one, with your pre-order slip in hand? If so, then please tell Nintendo. They have a very courteous email staff that will reply to every message you send. Let them know that you, and many others, want these games. And mean it! Nintendo will publish a game if they think they can pull a profit. Yes, they make games, and games are fun, but first and foremost they run a business, and we need to convince them of the profitability of these franchises.

Also, do your part and inform everyone. Show everyone you know that these games look awesome and deserve attention. While these games may never reach the status of The Legend of Zelda, if enough people care about the games and the characters, worlds, and stories within, Nintendo will profit. And we will have more good games. Win-win.

Remember Zack & Wiki? Yeah, we got that. And a big part of that was the campaign that IGN made to "Buy Zack & Wiki". Only problem is, nobody bought it. So if these games do make it here, show your support and BUY the game. If you buy used, nobody but the seller of the used game profits, whether you save $5.00 at GameStop or $10.00 on eBay. Do everyone a favor with these release and BUY the game retail. You may spend a few dollars more, but those few dollars in the future will ensure that next time, Nintendo won't be so hesitant to release risky games in North America. But, I digress.

Now for the important part. How do you reach Nintendo?

The best way is to use their contact form on the website:

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/webform.jsp

Also, they have an official Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/Nintendo - while you cannot post directly on their wall, you can leave comments on each of their posts. Usually their posts relate to Mario Kart, or Reggie Fils-Aime showing up on late night talk shows. We've all seen how a few comments can turn an otherwise useless post into an engaging conversation. At the very least, we may inform a few new people, and quite possibly, maybe even someone at Nintendo will actually read one of those comments and make that decision we've been waiting for.

So let our voices be heard! I've already sent my emails to Nintendo, and added my comments on their Facebook page. Have you?

And finally, when they finally do come stateside, do everyone a favor and PRE-ORDER them, BUY them, RETAIL, BRAND NEW. Got it? Good.

Okay, I've stopped waving my cane, I'm done grumbling and I'm heading back to my cave. Good night.