So the entire Internet has been buzzing about Nintendo and their new console, but for some reason it’s hard to be excited about it. Right now with Wii, I haven’t had anything to play since Donkey Kong, and the rest of 2011 is looking bleak. I don’t think I will be stopping in for coffee at Nintendo’s next café, and here’s why. The Games
During the N64 and Gamecube generations when multiplatform titles started to become more common, those games that came to Nintendo platforms always seemed to get the short end of this stick. Take an example from this generation, Call of Duty: Black Ops. While the version Treyarch deliverd for Wii owners was undoubtedly spectacular given the confines of the system, I don’t think anyone would argue that the game that appeared on the HD consoles was the superior one. Until Nintendo proves their console can deliver the huge multiplatform games I desire, count me out for Café.
The Droughts
As a self proclaimed Nintendo fanboy I have been around for every console since the NES. I can tell you firsthand that it can be tough to be a Nintendo console owner in the year or so prior to a new consoles emergence. Remember 2006? It wasn’t the quantity of games that were released, it was that there wasn’t really a first-rate title to enthuse the so called “hardcore” crowd aside from Twilight Princess that year. Will Project Café suffer in the same way?
The Peripherals
My closet is filled with unused plastic doohickeys that are only useful for a handful of games. The Transfer Pak is compatable with a whopping 17 N64 titles. They where cool when I was playing Mario Kart Wii regularly, but where am I supposed to store 3 plastic Wii wheels? Nintendo is notorious for their lack of support for their peripherals, and if I was a betting man, my money would say that it is bound to continue with Project Café.
The Online
Look, Nintendo just doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to supporting online play. DS and Wii was a nice start, but you can’t even begin to compare Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to services found on Xbox Live and PSN. That may be fine if online multiplayer isn’t your cup of tea, but in 2011 many gamers come to expect an always-on online interface that allows for a more social gaming experience. It may be a tad early to count out Project Café as absolutely zero about it has been confirmed by Nintendo; but seeing as how the 3DS didn’t even launch with proper online, Nintendo has a lot to prove this e3.
The Mystery
Nintendo’s veil of secrecy can drive many a gamer nuts. When is Pandora’s Tower going to be localized? What about Pikmin? It certainly has been a long time since we have seen a F-Zero don’t you think? When buying into Nintendo you have to do so knowing that they do what they want.
Be sure to check out the other side of the argument if you missed it.
