So what exactly are the people at Nintendo thinking?

[Dragonbums]

Those numerous features are mostly irrelevant to a GAME console.

Nintendo stands to lose nothing from adding those features, given that they are losing sales to companies that include them as primary selling points. People, clearly, want those features, and Nintendo is losing market share to companies who aren't so obstinate about not providing them.

Yet they stand to gain nothing from it either.

People aren't buying a PS4 because of Netflix. People aren't buying the Xbox 1 because of a Youtube app.

I have 30 other portable devices that does that nonsense for me. I don't need another one to do it. And most consumers will not care.

They are buying those two systems for their games.

 

[not_you]

I'm kinda happy Nintendo have the Wii U...

I mean, sure, nothing is without it's flaws... But with how Sony and Microsoft are advertising their consoles... It's madness...
Nintendo seem to be the only ones who know what people want...
People will buy a Wii U to play games on it...

people will NOT buy a PS4/Xbone to "simplify the living room around one appliance"

Seriously, they are the only company who KNOW people buy the console to play games... Not check facebook, watch TV or other shit like that... IT'S A GAMES CONSOLE... PLAY GAMES WITH IT!

One thing I will say though; OP does have a few incorrect facts...
Xbone/PS4 are NOT running ARM processors... they're x86...
they are NOT running 2013 hardware... The Bulldozer processors they're based off were created in 2011/2012... Optimized in 2013, but not created... (So I guess that's a half-point... I'm no good at this...)

As for the topic itself...
Nintendo should keep doing what they're doing...
The reason people (gamers) buy a Nintendo console is for the first-party games... Mario/Zelda/Metroid etc etc...

And that's the way it always has been really....

 

[daveNYC]

Hopefully they're thinking that both Sony and Microsoft have managed to sell, in one day, about 25% of the number of consoles that Nintendo has sold over the course of an entire year. It's all well and good to say that Nintendo can do great just on the basis of their first-party games, but I wouldn't exactly want to be the CEO who bets the company on that plan.

It's all well and good to say that upcoming game X will send Wii U sales skyrocketing, but at this point I'd say it's more likely that Nintendo will pull back from consoles and focus on the massive cash cow of handhelds than that Super Mario Smash Zelda World 3D will show up to drive sales.

 

[Hover Hand Mode]

Those numerous features are mostly irrelevant to a GAME console.

Nintendo stands to lose nothing from adding those features, given that they are losing sales to companies that include them as primary selling points. People, clearly, want those features, and Nintendo is losing market share to companies who aren't so obstinate about not providing them.

Yet they stand to gain nothing from it either.

People aren't buying a PS4 because of Netflix. People aren't buying the Xbox 1 because of a Youtube app.

I have 30 other portable devices that does that nonsense for me. I don't need another one to do it. And most consumers will not care.

They are buying those two systems for their games.

I'm really curious if anybody actually uses Netflix on their 3DS. I tried it but it's probably the worst device for Netflix viewing unless somebody can name me a worse example. I suppose the portability would be nice, but every smartphone is capable of the same thing.

With that said, my WiiU's internet browser gets a lot of use for things like Twitch and Youtube. Sure there's a Youtube app, but it's not as good as watching Youtube on the browser. If there's anything Nintendo should be praised for (besides Mario 3D World), it's the top-notch browser they put on this thing.

So my feelings on the matter are as follows: simply slapping an app onto the system isn't necessary or even wise, but putting effort into providing a quality multimedia experience will certainly make the purchase more worthwhile. It's all about effort!

(also Miiverse rules)

 

[Aiddon_v1legacy]

This is what Nintendo is thinking: that they have better things to do than be in this pathetic, graphical arms race deadend everyone else is obsessed with. Furthermore, Nintendo takes their time with things because, let's face it, a lot of the "advancements" in the industry have brought as many bad things as good things. Furthermore, multimedia capabilities aren't as big a selling point for consoles anymore since there really haven't been any big things in multimedia since the rise of Netflix. They don't use that as a priority because they're GAME company, not a gaming division of a larger mega-corporation. I really don't get why people continue to sulk about Nintendo and their systems. It's just ridiculous at this point.

 

[Dragonbums]

Those numerous features are mostly irrelevant to a GAME console.

Nintendo stands to lose nothing from adding those features, given that they are losing sales to companies that include them as primary selling points. People, clearly, want those features, and Nintendo is losing market share to companies who aren't so obstinate about not providing them.

Yet they stand to gain nothing from it either.

People aren't buying a PS4 because of Netflix. People aren't buying the Xbox 1 because of a Youtube app.

I have 30 other portable devices that does that nonsense for me. I don't need another one to do it. And most consumers will not care.

They are buying those two systems for their games.

I'm really curious if anybody actually uses Netflix on their 3DS. I tried it but it's probably the worst device for Netflix viewing unless somebody can name me a worse example. I suppose the portability would be nice, but every smartphone is capable of the same thing.

With that said, my WiiU's internet browser gets a lot of use for things like Twitch and Youtube. Sure there's a Youtube app, but it's not as good as watching Youtube on the browser. If there's anything Nintendo should be praised for (besides Mario 3D World), it's the top-notch browser they put on this thing.

So my feelings on the matter are as follows: simply slapping an app onto the system isn't necessary or even wise, but putting effort into providing a quality multimedia experience will certainly make the purchase more worthwhile. It's all about effort!

(also Miiverse rules)

I guess the only people who would use it are those too lazy to use it on the big screen. I mean, they could get rid of the program on the 3DS and nobody sans a few would honestly give a crap.

It's just another selling point. It doesn't really gain the system anything.

 

[DrOswald]

One of the biggest problems with the wiiU was the name, apparently more than a few people thought it was just a tablet for the wii and didn't realize it was actually a whole new console.

I agree. I actually think this has been a really big problem for Nintendo. I know that many of the people I know who purchased a Wii but are not core gamers (like parents) don't realize that the Wii U is a new console.

I think they should have called it the Super Wii. This sends a clear message: like the Wii, but the next step. It can't really be confused that this is a new system. There wouldn't be this kind of confusing in the casual crowd.

Just as important, "Super Wii" would be a not so subtle reminder to core gamers about the Super Nintendo, the greatest Nintendo console of all time. This would have sent the message that they realized the Wii was too casual a console and that they were working on fixing that in the next generation.

And I think they could have built a much better advertising campaign around "Super Wii" than "Wii U."

 

[Tom_green_day]

People say that they aren't competing against Microsoft and Sony, and I think that's the whole problem there. Competition is healthy, the competitors are always trying to one-up each other by improving. Nintendo thinks that going off and doing its own thing is a great idea, and that isn't exactly proven.
Also, they seem a big smug and have an inflated sense of self-worth. It seems to me that they put all their eggs in the nostalgia basket, pumping out Mario or Zelda games like there's no tomorrow. I may be biased as their American main dude, Reggie something, is the most pompous and annoying prick I've ever heard of.

 

[BaronVH]

My family will typically own a Nintendo and one other console (although we will likely have all three within a year). The likes and dislikes of my family requires a Wii U and either a XBOX1 or PS4. Right now it is the Wii U and One. Why? One family member loves all things Nintendo. Mario, etc. Both like Zelda. The Mario fan does not like modern shooters and the like. Other family members do. So, out of three gamers, I rarely play the U, one plays both, and one only plays the U. Nintendo works for us. That being said, I do think it was a mistake not having the U be more in line with the other two in terms of graphics, since the hardcore crowd obviously are buying the PS4 and the One and not the U. It appears all three have done a very poor job getting new games on their systems, but here's to the future...

 

[Chaos James]

I'm really curious if anybody actually uses Netflix on their 3DS. I tried it but it's probably the worst device for Netflix viewing unless somebody can name me a worse example. I suppose the portability would be nice, but every smartphone is capable of the same thing.

With that said, my WiiU's internet browser gets a lot of use for things like Twitch and Youtube. Sure there's a Youtube app, but it's not as good as watching Youtube on the browser. If there's anything Nintendo should be praised for (besides Mario 3D World), it's the top-notch browser they put on this thing.

Both my Wife and I have used the Netflix app on the 3DS on multiple occassions (her more then I) because it's a nice portable way to watch when you are somewhere else. I guess it helps that we lack Smartphones or anything like that, so the 3DS is the only portable thing we have that plays Netflix.

On the second note, I agree that the Browser saw a lot of use on the Wii U, as I can quickly pick up the gamepad to check something online when my computer is in the other room, or quickly pause my game to look up some information I need, or watch Youtube (god damn that Youtube app is horrid as all hell, only watch via the Browser, which you can even put the video "to the TV" to continue reading websites if you are listening to a Podcast).

 

[The White Hunter]

Neither system uses an arm processor, they both use x86 64 bit CPU's on an APU die with a low-end Radeon GPU. Easy to optimise for because it's a PC.

 

[Kittyhawk]

Responding to the first part about the Virtual Boy, I read elsewhere from Jez San of Argonaut, who worked with Nintendo for the Super FX chip. Jez also helped conceive the Virtual Boy, with which its prototype was originally in colour, not red and black.

Now stop and ask yourself what happened next? Someone above Jez at Nintendo, decided it was a good idea but downgraded the graphics to what it became, the terrible red and black. Is it any surprise that Virtual Boy sold poorly as a result. And who's to blame for that bombing? Only Nintendo themselves, because they failed to adapt and it was their way or the highway. Another Nintendo money saving escapade, screws what could have been a much cooler piece of gaming kit.

 

[kurokotetsu]

The Wii U is the only console with any real exclusives. Hell, I only get exclusives on it. AC4 on Wii U will likely be inferior to the ones on the other systems, but it has tons of games worth playing that only they have and only they will ever have.

http://i.imgur.com/3uZQpxB.jpg

Not really, it has about the same as an Xbone and a little more than a PS4.

In number yes. But when I buy a Nintendo Wii U exlclusive game I don't feel like it could've been on my PC much cheaper on a Steam Sale.

The Wii U is not just a mid-range optimized PC like the Xbone and the PS4. It is it's own thing. A different arquitecture, a different way to play (with the tablet and motion controls aviable for all) and it get's me the game of a company that does quality products consistentley, evenif tehy are not everybodies alley.

THe Wii U exclusive to me feel justified. I couldn't play Zombie U or Nintendo Land in my PC, not unless it was heavily modded and adding a Wii U controler. NSMBWU would work, but that is also a good thing. There are exclusives in different forms and for different people. I get a variety of games which aren't just a PC game with a controller.

THat is why I game in PC and my Wii U.

THe WIi U is not a console for multiplatform titles. It is a thing of ot's own, and that is what I like about it.

THe same of the 3DS. It is not a miniature Wii or Wii U. It has it's own market, with it's own games and gives me a different gaming enviroment than my stay at home devices. I don't want a miniature PS3 like the VIta, nowdays I want a unique gaming device that gives me something different.

If you don't like Nintendo games, well then that is another thing. I still love my Mario, Zeldas and Metroids more than any of the competitors exclusive (which is another reason to buy Nintendo). Also saying that these games are devoid of innovation are missing what this sagas do with old formulas and shaking things up in their genres. Each Mario is different form the last, much more than a COD or most FPS are between them.

So I like what NIntendo is doing. And I hope they keep that path. I don't want consoles that are just PCs. The moment that happens I feel scammed by exclusives and DRM. If I'm going to game, I want different things from each plataform I game in. ANd Nintendo is giving me that. SO I'm happy with my Wii U.

 

[kekkres]

This is what Nintendo is thinking: that they have better things to do than be in this pathetic, graphical arms race deadend everyone else is obsessed with. Furthermore, Nintendo takes their time with things because, let's face it, a lot of the "advancements" in the industry have brought as many bad things as good things. Furthermore, multimedia capabilities aren't as big a selling point for consoles anymore since there really haven't been any big things in multimedia since the rise of Netflix. They don't use that as a priority because they're GAME company, not a gaming division of a larger mega-corporation. I really don't get why people continue to sulk about Nintendo and their systems. It's just ridiculous at this point.

A friend of mine described it quite well, Sony and Microsoft are media software/hardware companies, and that's how they see themselves and that's what they will push for. Nintendo, Nintendo is different, Nintendo is a toy company, they aren't interested in anything but making and selling the best toys. and i think it shows.

 

[Kittyhawk]

We can only guess but we'll never know Nintendo's mindset. Despite its calm on the outside, inside they are panicking with sleepless nights at Wii U's performance or lack there of. Nintendo can still be a unique island to visit, on its own home console and handheld formats or not.

Nintendo's certain 1080p isn't much to right home to mama about, when their games have a cheap cartoony cheerful style to them. That stuff is easy to do than in more complex games on other formats. A game like BF4 not getting 1080 is a problem but understandable to a degree. BF4 is heavy fps game mainly multi-player and needs to keep up with a certain pace to be fun. Nintendo games don't need the same at all.

 

[Aiddon_v1legacy]

A friend of mine described it quite well, Sony and Microsoft are media software/hardware companies, and that's how they see themselves and that's what they will push for. Nintendo, Nintendo is different, Nintendo is a toy company, they aren't interested in anything but making and selling the best toys. and i think it shows.

Pretty much; Nintendo ultimately makes the system serves the games, thus meaning there's a LOT less clutter with it. They have no pretenses of being anything other than a toy company

 

[Dragonbums]

This is what Nintendo is thinking: that they have better things to do than be in this pathetic, graphical arms race deadend everyone else is obsessed with. Furthermore, Nintendo takes their time with things because, let's face it, a lot of the "advancements" in the industry have brought as many bad things as good things. Furthermore, multimedia capabilities aren't as big a selling point for consoles anymore since there really haven't been any big things in multimedia since the rise of Netflix. They don't use that as a priority because they're GAME company, not a gaming division of a larger mega-corporation. I really don't get why people continue to sulk about Nintendo and their systems. It's just ridiculous at this point.

Honestly, I think some people just like to complain about everything. We get COD and other shooters, yet people say they are "the devil" and want fun creative games. So then we show them the creative games on Wii U and 3DS, and they say "HUUUUR DUUUR THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" I mean, look at the idiot poster a few posts above, who said Nintendo is having sleepless nights. It's the perfect example.

You might want to omit the part where you called a poster above you an idiot. That can potentially be seen as flaming.

 

[Exhuminator]

I can not understand why Nintendo hasn't done a World Of Pokemon MMORPG yet. It'd sell Wii Us like hotcakes. Oh the millions that could be made...