When the Wii first burst onto the gaming scene, it was viewed as a quirky anomaly. Would people buy it? Yes, but probably not for long as it seemed (at that time) to be nothing more than a gimmick.
Cut to almost 3 years later and the system is still consistently the top monthly hardware seller across consoles, controlling half of the modern console install base. While that monthly sales boom seems to be slowing down, the system continues to sell extremely well and beyond expectations.
So why the sudden anarchy? Why have the gaming masses begun to “turn” on Nintendo? Recent solid releases such as MadWorld, the Conduit, and Punch Out have failed to make a substantial sales dent. Although Nintendo declines to reveal WiiWare sales, behind closed doors at publishers the general consensus is that they have been poor in comparison to their counterparts on XBLA or PSN. And with a substantially better fall release schedule line up from third party companies highlighting games such as Dead Space, Silent Hill, DJ Hero, and Resident Evil the mood is still gloom by the “core” contingent. Wii owners face their system being viewed as the console for everyone, yet no one in particular.
We posed the question last month to our readers to see what they/you would change in the system to make it a better option for potential buyers and current users, with special thanks to theWiire for extending the survey to their readership as well. An interesting note is that we received vastly more replies to this than to the XBox 360 or PS3 redesign articles. This article takes those comments, desires, and dislikes and helps draft a possible redesign of the little white box that is better for all.
Firstly, the most-frequently mentioned issue that comes up with the Wii is its lack of HD output and its visual fidelity when compared to Hi-Def consoles the XBox 360 and PS3. With that as an “obvious” answer we’ve decided to leave that out for now. Why? Well, we know that Nintendo’s next new console will HAVE to have High Def output as even the N can’t go three systems in a row with the same-ish tech… can it? For now we will focus on what can take place in a relative short amount of turnaround time. Also, we’ll focus more on the core audience as they (we?) are definitely the most vocal due to our gaming experience. Many first-time gamers really don’t know or care about what they are missing in comparison to other consoles. Perhaps this article could address some issues for both that can improve the experience all around.
Hardware
The Wii hardware is not bad by any means. In fact, some of the technology in the system is highly advanced even for consumer products. The WiiMote is a technological beast even with its Motion Plus-less faults. While its processors are not as powerful as those of its rivals, some of the experiences that have come from it have been truly “revolution”-ary. (WINK!)
With that said, there are many concerns and issues that need working out from the hardware side. Foremost, one of the persistent comments is the constant inclusion of and necessity for peripherals, with the most recent being the Motion Plus. A redesigned WiiMote with the inclusion of Motion Plus is a natural fit without continually segmenting the market [Nathan Andrews/SQ]. This, with the addition of a built-in rechargeable mechanism a la the Dualshock 3 and EVERY MOBILE DEVICE EVER, would make for a way to reduce the amount of plastic dongles that are needed. On top of that, [TJ/SQ] a wireless Classic Controller (not a Wavebird since it is not compatible with every game) would be a blessing.
This controller could even be the basis for a new SKU released by Nintendo: a current-gen Wii console — perhaps in glossy, sexy black — geared towards the core gaming market and packed with a wireless CC, upped internal storage from 512 mb to 16gb, Smash Brothers Brawl and a slew of WiiWare download points to entice players to go online. [iQue/Wiire]. The WiiMote would still be compatible, but now would be purchased separately for motion-specific games.
The last few hardware-based tweaks would include opening the Wii to external hard drives [Mainfinger/SQ] and creating a dedicated online voice chat headset/microphone [TJ/SQ], both for the more dedicated gamer that plans on playing online more often.
Software
The Wii’s operating system is visually laid out like the iPhone’s: download programs, drag them to desired locations, point and click to select. By having all of the channels visible all of the time, the quick-access nature of the Wii is designed to be drop-dead simple for its controls.
The position spin stops there. Accessing specific information is either nearly impossible or non-existent as it wasn’t a desire… until now. As gamers’ playing habits and interests in emerging technology grew at an exponential pace, the Wii’s OS went from being perfectly simple to simply lacking. Fact: people (now) want more. Whether it is through the addition of new channels (Facebook, stocks, web links) or a better peer-to-peer system, the OS needs improvement.
First, the layout. The closed OS of the Wii is causing developers such as Harmonix to hold back on releasing certain features for the Wii due to its lack of ability to update/patch [TJ/SQ]. This closed mentality is preventing players from coming back to games they may have completed and forgotten about as their Wii collects dust. An improved online multiplayer patched into Smash Bros Brawl would cause a surge of players to return to the game, and potentially bring in new buyers who have been hesitant to play due to the sub par experience online.
Also lacking is what every modern piece of technology is including: social networking. In this case the Wii’s lack of it. While Facebook or Twitter may not be a necessity for change, a revamped online structure is. The ability to connect to friends — perhaps by linking Friend Codes to user profiles or dropping FCs completely [Jordan Snyder/Wiire] — and being able to view those from the Wii home screen is badly needed. I DO want to know that my cousin is online playing the Conduit, and I DO want to play (and chat) with him. And, I DO want to show off what games I’ve been playing and what achievements I’ve had.
While certain games carry accomplishment structures (achievements in The Conduit, stamps in both WiiSports Resort and Metroid Prime) they cannot be shared. ‘Cheevos may seem worthless at times, but they do spur sales and friendly competition. Nintendo could develop an achievement system that awards up to 100 “Coins” (or 120 Mario-like “Stars”?) per game based on specific tasks [Jarael/Wiire]. One hundred of these coins nets the player a “1UP”, which in turn can be used in the WiiShop channel to purchase virtual desktops, themes, or even special in-game content that can make playing games easier. The more you play and earn 1UP mushrooms, the more you can go back to games to open GameGenie-like cheats.
Issues with Nintendo’s closed network structure need addressing as well. Allow for larger downloadable games & apps [Mahr/Wiire]. Developers have stated that the current 40mb cap has caused unwanted compromises in WiiWare development. Add in allowance for game demos and even add updated Flash to the Internet Channel, and the online connectivity makes leaps and bounds ahead of where it is now.
Business
Even if nothing changes in the hardware or OS aspect of the Wii, the most-needed change must take place on the business side of the pie. Marketing, quality checks, support for third parties, and even fan appreciation… all are needed to run a gaming business viewed as successful.
For instance, the Nintendo Seal of Quality used to mean something. I would not play an NES or SuperNES game without it signifying that Nintendo had looked at this game and confirmed that it was of a good enough quality for many gamers to enjoy. It was akin to the Comics Code that adorned my copies of X-Men in the 80s. Now, the NSoQ is featured on Chrysler Classic Racing AND on Super Mario Galaxy, and only as a tiny logo on the back of the game’s case. What happened? Nintendo, looking to expand its audience, has allowed shovelware to cannibalize its shelf space. Where there could be 20 copies of MadWorld there are now 5 copies each of My Poniez, My Poniez 2, Generic Fitness Guru 18, and MadWorld. Quality over quantity will help change the perception of throw-away software dominating the system [Bob/SQ].
Maintaining high-quality games can pertain to several possible factors: Bring games to the Virtual Console that players want, such as Earthbound and Goldeneye [Mahr/Wiire]– work out those licensing issue first, mmkay? Reduce the 8 yr old Wii-makes in the vein of Resident Evil Archives and Mad Dog McCree. Don’t be afraid to spend money for exclusives, because exclusives do sell a system. Whatever Nintendo did to win over Dragon Quest X should continue for other franchises from third parties. A new 2-D Sonic? Please. Tiger Woods exclusive to Wii? Yup. World of Starcraft? Far-fetched, but would be the biggest gaming bombshell in history. [Elnicorico/Wiire]
Balanced marketing is needed as well. Currently Nintendo focuses on selling family-friendly games such as WiiMusic and WIiFit to everyone, including those who may not want it (*cough*E32008*cough*). The latest PS3 rebranding advertisements showcase the system as being highly accessible and providing an optimal, enjoyable experience to users of all types. The Wii needs this kind of marketing as well. More ads during NFL games showing Metroid Prime Trilogy and the Wii version of Madden ’10, not just WiiFit Plus spots during The View. The third parties are not doing a good job of catering their marketing to the core audience. Nintendo needs to take up the reins and showcase third party exclusives as well. [Mr_tweedy/Wiire]
Finally with the recent price drops for the PS3 and XBox the Nintendo Wii MUST follow suit. In fact, gaming industry analysts are predicting Nintendo will announce a price drop sometime in October, perhaps around their annual Fall summit. Dropping the price to $199 (or$179 without a pack-in game) could spur sales instantly. Or better yet, a core gaming bundle as we’ve noted above at $249.
In Conclusion
Nintendo fans are some of the most loyal of any consumer product, perhaps rivaling those of Apple. The dedicated gamers that have been following the products for years are entrenched in the company’s gaming history. Their love of Mario, Zelda, and innovative gaming technology whets their appetite often. The new Nintendo buyers, the “grandfathers” and “soccer moms” that buy the system for specific experiences, are often less in tune with what Nintendo has and can offer. Should Nintendo rely solely on one consumer or another? No. But should the Big N re-evaluate what they can offer to both by providing a cohesive experience? Yes. The casual gamers can one day become regular/core buyers of gaming products, but Nintendo will need to bridge that gap with changes in some of their core philosophies for that to occur.
Once again, thanks to all of the communities that participated in this study: TheWiire, N4G, reddit, and yours truly at SideQuesting.
And remember to comment on our Remix This: The Legend of Zelda article in which we begin a series of features where we take a look at what improvements can be made to some of our favorite gaming series.
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