22 replies to this topic

[Fig]

Let's assume the hardware supply situation is the same no matter what month you choose to release Wii U, and let's say software available at launch increases the longer you (Nintendo) wait to release Wii U. Regardless, your major first party title is available no matter when you choose to launch Wii U.

I would launch the Wii U late September 2012. This would give Nintendo a full quarter to reap the benefits of launching a new system, and two total quarters before the fiscal year ends (March 2013). By waiting until late September, third party developers would have time to put finishing touches on new games/ports. The wait-in-line all nighters would have a chance to purchase several games before the year ends (calendar and fiscal). You would also have several months until the Christmas season. This would allow people who adopt the system in December to have a chance to buy launch games w/o having to go to several stores to find the game(s) they are looking for, assuming wait-in-line all nighters all ready bought the launch games they wanted in September/October/November.

Launching in late September not only allows longer development time on software, but also gives third parties the option of staggering releases of their games. For example, Ubisoft is releasing Killer Freaks at launch. They could release another game geared towards the same audience in November or December to minimize self-competition. Or, if Capcom, for example, does not want to compete with a first party launch title and two or three other "heavy-hitter" launch titles, they could wait until late October to release their game.

There's my two cents. I'm no video game industry expert, but I love business. I am really interested in hearing all of your ideas/suggestions...

[abbe]

Your resonemang is very smart, i believe the wii sold so well at launch cuz it was right before x-mas.

[Caius Casshern Sins]

For me it is either september or october for the same reasons as you, especially the part of 3rd parties refining there games. I have to say you have some great reasoning.

[Bill Cipher]

Uh, the choices...
By launching near Christams, you do get the holiday rush and 3rd-parties would be ready, but if you launch in Summer, you have 4-6 months to listen to what your consumers want for the holiday season.
I really can't answer this question, because I'm no Market Specialist.

[Boba2007]

Whenever Pikmin 3 is done

[Splint]

Late Sept. or Early October. You get less rushed titles/ports, Holiday rush, more titles, etc. The only downside is the announced titles like Darksiders2 and all the others will be released nearly a whole year later. Maybe April isnt such a bad idea..

[Guy Fieri]

Proabably December so developers can work on games longer and people save up for the Wii U.

[Burford11]

Obviously I'd want it in April but for it to do best and have the most solid launch games it would have to be launched in Sept/Oct

[Limelight788]

Should be released on November, 2012. Anything else is too early.

[AMAC]

I'm no expert in this field, but I would release it in late 2012. That would give developers time to make some quality launch titles and it lots of people would buy one in the lead up to Christmas.

[giggity3000]

I'd chose October (This guy copy and Pasted my mind onto this thread) For a closer Christmas but not past November in order for 3rd parties to not want to compete with other 3rd party launch titles.

[Fig]

I'd chose October (This guy copy and Pasted my mind onto this thread) For a closer Christmas but not past November in order for 3rd parties to not want to compete with other 3rd party launch titles.

OT: for the thread, but you have the best signature I have ever seen. Good day, sir.

[kris1206]

It needs to be released after e3 2012 so that all the games for it can be announced.

[nintendo3DS]

I would say sometime in October or November. That way the developers can have some more time to develop their games, for the Wii U.

[GeneralCraezy]

I said June, cuz thats right after my birthday, so I can get a load of money for my birthday and spend it on the wiiu

[StreetPassWanter]

April 2012. People NEED this.

[Brian6330]

I'd release it in November. in case there's any bugs with the system, they can/will be fixed before the big Christmas sale

[0003mg]

I say November because of Black Friday and the Christmas shopping.

[xXSuperNintendoXx]

Holiday 2012 I don't want it to have no launch titles like the 3ds.

[PK-Gaming]

May 24th right before e3 2 weeks later too.