I, and many others, believe that the Wii U is a fantastic console with a lot to offer, in fact it might just be the best around. From the outside it is sleek and sexy. On the inside it is down to earth, yet has a wild side that is irresistible. For me, the Wii U is the perfect console. It is new, innovative, bold, and ready for anything. However, it has some steep competition out there. I compare it to Daniel Larusso preparing to crane kick Johnny Lawrence.
However, there are still those that believe that the Wii U needs more training before it has a chance to face off against the Xbox One and PS4. One of those skeptics believes that Nintendo only needs to make one small change for the time being, lower the price. Web-analyst Michael Pachter believes that the Wii U’s success will be dependent on third party developers, and not exclusive first party, or second party, IPs. Unless the sales increase, he believes that the third party devs will give up on the console. So, a $50 price drop may be the solution.
“In addition, if the Wii U’s popularity does not improve by the end of the year, many third-party publishers may pass on producing games for the console. We note that EA recently announced that it had no Wii U games in development, and it remains a possibility that the publisher will abandon the platform entirely. Should other third parties follow EA’s lead, the Wii U could be relegated to a first party only platform.”
With a rumored manufactured retail of below $400 for both the Xbox One and PS4, a $50 price drop would put the Wii U in a great position for the holiday season (even if a temporary price drop). Actually, a price drop is sort of a no brainer here, $200-$250 compared to $400 will win over in my household every time, and I would assume that many families are similar in their spending habits.
Of course, battling against Sony and Microsoft will not be easy, they are both brutal competitors within the market and will use any gimmick to become the leader (it is a business). However, I believe, Wii U-San is in a great position to face the upcoming Tsunami and make friends of enemies.
In the end, I could care less who actually rises to the top in sales. What I want is a collection of great games, innovative game-play, ear tantalizing soundtracks, and awe inspiring story lines. Nintendo made me a fan with their NES console, but more importantly, a gamer. I do enjoy the drama between the big three, it keeps things fresh and interesting, but I don’t like when their aspirations of being the best hinders their advancement with bitterness.
I am a lover of all games, even though Nintendo holds a special place in my heart.
Ben
Well written, sir. Well written.
Essel Pratt
Thank You 🙂
William
The Wii U is an abysmal failure. Ours is relegated to Netflix duty and the occasional Tanks! Tanks! Tanks! party game. The PS3 still prevails for deep gaming and with the PS4 and Xbox One due to arrive, I’m nearly certain the Wii U has no viability. Not all is lost, Nintendo has the ability to make some really fantastic games (Mario Kart…) that the other consoles would love.
Jared
Where are the games???
Owning a system for 6 months and not having bought a single game is…ridiculous.
EdEN
The only way a Wii U price drop would take place is if XBO or PS4 launch at $349.99 which would pretty much put Sony into Chapter 11 if they sell too many/not enough consoles. MS can probably take the hit and carry on, but it would definitely put XBO in the red for a couple of years.
@Jared: You’re just extremely picky.
Retail Wii U games: Zombi U, Mass Effect 3, Darksiders II, NSMB U, Nintendo Land, Lego City Undercover, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Assassin’s Creed III, Tekken Tag Team Tournament 2, Batman Arkham City Armored Edition, CoD: Black Ops II, Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2, Injustice: Gods Among Us, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, Resident Evil: Revelations and Scribblenauts Unlimited.
eShop Wii U games: Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, Kung Fu Rabbit, Little Inferno, Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition, Nano Assault Neo, Puddle, The Cave, Tank! Tank! Tank! (DL), Toki Tori 2, Trine 2: Director’s Cut, Zen Pinball 2.
ALL of those are available RIGHT NOW, and E3 is just around the corner with Round 2 of releases.