Let’s Play the Name Game
It’s pretty common knowledge that Nintendo sometimes has trouble when it comes to naming their consoles. The Wii U proved to be a prime example of what could possibly go wrong. Name confusion left many wondering if it was a peripheral or just an upgraded Nintendo Wii which left sales suffering as people wrapped their heads around this peculiar device. The Nintendo NX cannot afford to make the same mistake.
Sure, some of you may be reading this and thinking “but NX sounds absolutely nothing like Wii U,” and yeah you’re completely right. But, let’s keep in mind that Nintendo has a track record of changing names at the last second, or just using codename placeholders. NX could easily just be Nintendo’s edgy way of saying “Next” only to dub this hardware successor the WII U 2. Sounds silly, but after them naming their newest handheld the New Nintendo 3DS could you really put it past them?
Names carry a lot of power and are crucial when it comes to recognition of hardware. Sony might have played it extremely safe by just putting a number behind the name of each PlayStation, but you know what? It gets the job done.
Art of Control
Before anyone gets upset, the Wii U Gamepad is far from a bad video game controller. It’s innovative, easy to use, has tons of welcome capabilities, and adds many options to game development. Unfortunately, even with all its inherent greatness it still had a few drawbacks. You could only use one of these gems at a time on a single Wii U, it cost twice as much as any other controller, and for some people it was too uncomfortable to play with.
The NX needs to address these issues. Sure the Wii U’s Gamepad was one of a kind, but it is possible to reach the same results using other devices. Both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One provide second screen experiences using devices most people already own thus mitigating costs and allowing them to charge the standard $60 for a controller. There was no need for multiple options because they allowed other devices to fill in the blanks for them.
With Nintendo finally pursuing the mobile market, perhaps they can also provide second screen options via smartphones and tablets. This will allow them to focus on delivering one gamepad for the NX at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. The Pro Controller for the Wii U is a step in the right direction that puts them in line with what everyone else is offering. If the NX could deliver something along those lines, it would make the transition for fans of other platforms much easier.
Gimmicks
Nintendo is known for innovating the gaming industry with new gimmicks and hardware. Sometimes things work for the best, and others not so much. But, you really can’t knock Nintendo for trying to deliver new, exciting experiences. With the Wii U it was the whole making your television a 3DS thing. It worked surprisingly well, but it also sometimes got in the way. Not everyone wanted to lift their Wii U Gamepad to interact with their gaming worlds.
Recently, many have been questioning Nintendo’s motives with the NX and virtual reality. With every major platform exploring this new avenue in gaming, the fact that Nintendo has been seemingly adamant against it is a good move. Nintendo may be risky but they seem to recognize the shortcomings of this budding technology. If they can keep their focus with the NX, sort of like they did with the Wii U they may already be in a very good place.
Gimmicks aren’t necessarily a bad thing, although certain black holes in the internet will have you believe so. They can set a console apart from the crowd making them much more appealing. But, unnecessary, not fully fleshed-out gimmicks can only bring a machine down.
Third Party is a Good Party
The Wii U did in fact have third party support, especially during the launch window. Activision, EA, Ubisoft, Platinum Games, and many more were eager to showcase new, and re-released titles on Nintendo’s new hardware. But, as time went on, it began to fade away. Newer, more powerful consoles hit the market and began grabbing up large chunks of the market share. They also started flexing their financial muscle in order to snatch up tons of timed and complete exclusives, as well as unique bonuses to new games.
Nintendo decided to rest on their laurels and bet big on their established franchises. This worked well with the most hardcore of Nintendo fans, but it didn’t do too much in the way of attracting the not so hardcore. Other platforms had the ability to set up a market for hardcore followers and for those who wanted access to all the other popular third party games. The Wii U struggled (and still struggles) with this issue and it has caused more than its fair share of problems that Nintendo would probably like to avoid with the upcoming NX, whatever it may be.
The NX needs to cement itself as the platform to play on for all gamers. It needs to have Nintendo exclusives, the big third party exclusives such as Bethesda’s RPGs, EA’s many franchises, Activision’s action blockbusters, and even some more non-Nintendo exclusives. The NX needs to step in strong and stay strong. Of course, in order for it to do so there is one thing that needs to be given some much needed attention…
What’s Under The Hood?
I know, I know, power isn’t everything. Nintendo has been able to deliver some of the greatest experiences known to gaming with less than stellar hardware. The Wii and the Wii U both have some of the best video games out there, this is no secret. But, it can’t be denied that the Wii U has missed out on quite a few AAA games simply because the hardware couldn’t cut it. It would be a shame to see the NX (if it is indeed a console) suffer the same tribulations.
When the Wii U launched, it was leaps and bounds ahead of the Wii and better than both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Yet, only a short year later, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 introduced a new, drastic graphical disparity. They were also much more powerful consoles capable of running new, larger games that the Wii U just couldn’t run in its wildest dreams. Maybe it’s time that Nintendo invests in a powerful console rather than solely an innovative one. The NX could lead the charge with a new generation of powerful hardware that will put others to shame and rally that support Nintendo needs.
New First Party Franchises
Almost everyone loves Nintendo’s first party franchises, and how could they not? These are games and characters that have molded a generation, and defined genres. Super Mario, Metroid, Legend of Zelda, and many other titles have helped to shape the gaming landscape. It would be a shame to see such loved franchises become over-saturated to the point that people look at releases with dismay (not that this has happened yet).
The Wii U took some chances and introduced some new games. Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, and Splatoon are fun, innovative games that allow Nintendo’s bigger mascots to rest. The NX should do the same by bringing new games and characters to the forefront. Instead of just being another Mario box, it can be so much more, provided that Nintendo is willing to try a few more experiments.
All in all, the NX can learn a lot from the Wii U. While not a bad console by any stretch of the word, the Wii U had a lot of missteps that provided wisdom to impart upon its successor. Let’s all hope that Nintendo takes heed, and delivers the best NX they can.
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