• EvilBit@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    1 year ago

    I guarantee that SOME people were confused about whether it was its own console or not - I just couldn’t say if it was enough people to make a significant difference. Frankly, it was a dumb name and a poorly marketed device that didn’t have the means to command a news cycle through power, exclusives, or an instantly compelling use case. I think it’s basically a huge swing and a miss on Nintendo’s part.

    But Nintendo also has the uncanny ability to release incredible games on anything. They could release a 3-button, motion-controlled, tethered monocle game system with a smartwatch chipset and I’d give you 70% odds they launch with a game that has an unforgettable amount of charm and joy infused in it.

    • Detheroth@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      Anecdotally, it was a very confusing name and system for consumers. I worked at a game retailer during the launch of the WiiU and easily over half the people I’d try sell to would respond with something likd “Oh no, Ive already got a Wii and I don’t really need the tablet for it”

      I’m glad the WiiU existed - I’m certain it paved the way for the Switch. But it was a disappointing console, released a year before a major overhaul of the gaming ecosystem (PS4/Xbone).

      • EvilBit@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Great points. The timing was really awful too. It was rightly a poor seller, but certainly not without its merits. I think the relative excitement over its best feature, the remote play, almost certainly drove the creation of the Switch, which is damn near a cultural phenomenon.