15 replies to this topic

[Mukkinese]

I've been thinking about why Nintendo are being so secretive about the Wii U?

Sure, not all the specs will be finalised, but, with the latest version of the dev kits already out, they must have a damn good idea of what the machine is capable of? I have also been somewhat taken aback by the number of big-name devs who give verbal support to the wii U, but tend to end their comments with something like; "we'll have to wait and see if the machine and market for the Wii U suits our needs".

It is almost as if they are all singing from the same hymn-book, as though they agreed to say this kind of thing. Maybe it's my over-active imagination, or the conspiracy theorist lurking inside me, just below the surface, but I'm becoming more and more convinced that Nintendo are hiding the true power and support of the Wii U in order to create a massive splash when it is launched. Perhaps they want to catch the competition off guard?

This article is what started me down this road;
http://www.nintendoj...s/wii-u-wii-who


Then again, I might be just indulging in wishful thinking.

[Caius Casshern Sins]

Well, it is possible as nintendo tend to keep their games as much of a secret as possible. Also, they could have also told 3rd parties not to reveal what games they are making until a certain period of time. They did something like this at E3 where 3rd parties were not allowed to show off there games running on the system. So what you are saying is possible but only time will tell.

[Anomandaris]

It can probably make smoothies too.....

i really hope its an awesome IP

[Wertville]

It's clear that they are definitely hiding many things about the Wii U, and I think I know why:

They won't be able to release before next E3.

If you think about it, this is a huge issue. Sony and Microsoft, hearing that Ninty's making a new console, are going to try and 1-up them at the big event, and drop sales before the console even launches. Nintendo is using this to their advantage, to counter MicroSony.

This bad publicity from the lack of information is going to keep the Wii U stuck in everyone's mind. People remember negative thought much more easily than positive ones. People will spread rumors, good and bad, speculate, write blogs, ect. ect. Then, come E3, people are going to forget about the Wii U for a minute and watch the unveiling of something MicroSony wants them to think is awesome, and worth skipping the WiiU for.

Next comes Ninty's conference. They watch the conference, with no mention of anything U. Some 3DS things here, Zelda thing here, opinion on the game industry there... then comes the end. The restless reporters, who want nothing more than to find out about the U, get bombarded with amazing specs, outstanding games and great innovation. 90%+ of their doubts will have turned out to be false! Nintendo will have effectively absorbed all the splash damage from MicroSony and generated at least some hype! Plus it will be that much harder to spread seeds of distrust about U, simply because people will find it harder to justify their doubts.

Of course, it won't go that smoothly. Lots of people will keep questioning Ninty, and many non-gamers will be even more confused. But it will prevent MicroSony from stealing the WiiU's thunder. And that's all that counts.

[Bill Cipher]

It's clear that they are definitely hiding many things about the Wii U, and I think I know why:

They won't be able to release before next E3.

If you think about it, this is a huge issue. Sony and Microsoft, hearing that Ninty's making a new console, are going to try and 1-up them at the big event, and drop sales before the console even launches. Nintendo is using this to their advantage, to counter MicroSony.

This bad publicity from the lack of information is going to keep the Wii U stuck in everyone's mind. People remember negative thought much more easily than positive ones. People will spread rumors, good and bad, speculate, write blogs, ect. ect. Then, come E3, people are going to forget about the Wii U for a minute and watch the unveiling of something MicroSony wants them to think is awesome, and worth skipping the WiiU for.

Next comes Ninty's conference. They watch the conference, with no mention of anything U. Some 3DS things here, Zelda thing here, opinion on the game industry there... then comes the end. The restless reporters, who want nothing more than to find out about the U, get bombarded with amazing specs, outstanding games and great innovation. 90%+ of their doubts will have turned out to be false! Nintendo will have effectively absorbed all the splash damage from MicroSony and generated at least some hype! Plus it will be that much harder to spread seeds of distrust about U, simply because people will find it harder to justify their doubts.

Of course, it won't go that smoothly. Lots of people will keep questioning Ninty, and many non-gamers will be even more confused. But it will prevent MicroSony from stealing the WiiU's thunder. And that's all that counts.

I like this idea a lot

[Andy]

It's clear that they are definitely hiding many things about the Wii U, and I think I know why:

They won't be able to release before next E3.

If you think about it, this is a huge issue. Sony and Microsoft, hearing that Ninty's making a new console, are going to try and 1-up them at the big event, and drop sales before the console even launches. Nintendo is using this to their advantage, to counter MicroSony.

This bad publicity from the lack of information is going to keep the Wii U stuck in everyone's mind. People remember negative thought much more easily than positive ones. People will spread rumors, good and bad, speculate, write blogs, ect. ect. Then, come E3, people are going to forget about the Wii U for a minute and watch the unveiling of something MicroSony wants them to think is awesome, and worth skipping the WiiU for.

Next comes Ninty's conference. They watch the conference, with no mention of anything U. Some 3DS things here, Zelda thing here, opinion on the game industry there... then comes the end. The restless reporters, who want nothing more than to find out about the U, get bombarded with amazing specs, outstanding games and great innovation. 90%+ of their doubts will have turned out to be false! Nintendo will have effectively absorbed all the splash damage from MicroSony and generated at least some hype! Plus it will be that much harder to spread seeds of distrust about U, simply because people will find it harder to justify their doubts.

Of course, it won't go that smoothly. Lots of people will keep questioning Ninty, and many non-gamers will be even more confused. But it will prevent MicroSony from stealing the WiiU's thunder. And that's all that counts.

If this turns out to be true, than it would explain so much about the way some developers have been sort of vague about WiiU support.

Edited by Andy, 14 August 2011 - 03:28 PM.

[Auzzie Wingman]

The more they can keep to themselves, the better.
They have competitors, oh and trust me, they all copy of each other.

The longer it takes for the other guys to copy what they have, the better for them.
Sucks for us, but that's our fault for being greedy.

[StreetPassWanter]

Just read the post since this post is too long.

Nice theory, Wertville.

[kris1206]

I think Wertville's theory is the most likely to come true.
I hope that the launch games will make people want the system so bad that it sells out for months making microsony scared.

[Pong]

It might also be because they don't want to disappoint people when they want to remove (a non finalized) feature.

Edited by Pong, 15 August 2011 - 07:41 PM.

[Dementis]

Why are they being secretive? Ugh.

1. It's a year away from release, we don't need to know anything.

2. It's Nintendo, they never give out specifications.

Edited by Dementis, 16 August 2011 - 05:18 AM.

[AMAC]

Nintendo don't normally make a big deal about the specifications of their consoles. Also, the Wii U won't be out until 2012. Nintendo will give us a lot more information at E3 next year. They're being that secretive. They released the following tech specs at E3:

• Launches: 2012
• Size: Approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide, and 10.5 inches long.
• New Controller: The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.
• Other Controls: Up to four Wii Remote™ (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers can be connected at once. The new console supports all Wii™ controllers and input devices, including the Nunchuk™ controller, Classic Controller™, Classic Controller Pro™ and Wii Balance Board™.
• Media: A single self-loading media bay will play 12-centimeter proprietary high-density optical discs for the new console, as well as 12-centimeter Wii optical discs.
• Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, component, S-video and composite.
• Audio Output: Uses AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI.
• Storage: The console will have internal flash memory, as well as the option to expand its memory using either an SD memory card or an external USB hard disk drive.
• CPU: IBM Power®-based multi-core microprocessor.
• GPU: AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU.
• Other: Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.

[giggity3000]

Nintendo don't normally make a big deal about the specifications of their consoles. Also, the Wii U won't be out until 2012. Nintendo will give us a lot more information at E3 next year. They're being that secretive..

They never have but they might this time around since they are trying to capture some core gamers

[NightShade]

I really hope they announce something soon :S

I mean, next summer seems really far away, but it'll fly by before we know it. So the wait shouldn't be TOO unbearable, but I hope they at least announce some interesting first party and 3rd party titles before next e3/TGS.

Hopefully capcom gets to show the Wii U game they're working on at TGS.

[SleepyGuyy]

I like the idea of Nintendo countering a counter by Sony/Microsoft's reaction to the WiiU. I feel it makes more sense because (although they tend to announce thier consoles early) Nintendo announced this console a little too early, This idea of the WiiU may easily be countered (unlike the Wii which seemed wierd and less profitable, until a year into its lifespan that is) The WiiU can be countered or copied because it's simple and has some obvious benifits, with little cons because the controller has everything. If Nintendo does have some significant secrets for the WiiU's plans then they could announce it early (like they did) to gain back some of the market's interest in Nintendo, then use the secrets to keeps people's attention and throw off the competition's plans. Sony has Vita connectivity and CRAPPLE has crapple TV ipad connectivity, Nintendo know (and knew) that this market is not new (unlike the motion market at Wii's launch) and i think Nintendo is smarter than people give them credit for.

[Gruff]

It's not surprising. Nintendo has always seemed to be secretive about certain things. I was hoping they would give more info on Wii U at E3 but they didn't give much. Hopefully they will tell us sometime soon.