Note: this is not a wii u discussion. The wii u is having a rough go, but it's a good system and will likely prove that going forward. But considering the bad rap it has, Nintendo is no doubt figuring out how to make the next console much more of a success.
1) the name. Wii u is an unfortunate name. It sounds goofy, it has created confusion that it's something too closely related to the wii, and it basically has no meaning unless it is "explained" to people.
They really should go back to the simplicity of naming it:
The NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
A) because that's what it is. And it suits the current console as well as future console better than any name currently in use by anyone. It entertains via games, movies, music, internet, etc.
the nostalgia factor, modernized. People like nostalgia. It takes them to a happy time. But not when it doesn't do anything modern. The original nes was a bold concept with peripherals that really expanded the idea of "an Atari" at home.
The new NES can be the best games system, a great internet communicator, a great personal communications device, a great movie player, music player, etc.
Change the name to this.
2) specs. Kill it with power. People want power. They'll pay for it too. $600 tablets and $500 smartphones that get changed out very year or two? Vs a console that lasts 6-10! years? A bit higher price won't hurt anyone. But the power needs a reason to be there. Which leads into the next thought...
3) games! If there has been one big monster issue with wii u, this has been it. Not only did the name sound last gen, but the initial games LOOKED like it too. Because that's what they were ( in order to rush into launch timing). The new gen Nintendo games have been coming so slowly as to nearly not matter.
Nintendo needs to humble themselves in meaningful way NOW and make the rounds with third parties, not just to salvage the wii u, but to build reliable partnerships for the next system -- give the studios and publishers reasons to be genuinely excited about it. And give them future spec with enough time to be ready at launch.
4) Marketing. Things need to be marketed or they don't sell. Period. Nintendo needs to be at the events they thought didn't matter the least two years. They need to pay for commercials. They need well done print ads. Everywhere. And they need to manage how their retail store presence is being displayed to customers. And for crying out loud, it's ok to brag on specs and to go for a high quality commercial. Preferably ones without Iwata or Reggie being featured. YouTube, Vimeo, MTV, CNN, FOX, etc are all necessities.
5) build time. Don't look at what's out now and then wait to make it cheaper. Think forward. And look to new tech that can be engineered in a cost effective manner for the console. Pay attention to what competitors are doing and rise above. Everyone knows the wii sold
Ike crazy without the specs, but that was a special case. The ps4 is selling great right now on specs alone. Even kids care about specs. No one wants their fourth grade buddies ya uniting them because they have the "kids toy" (ironic though it may be. Lol). And when the dev kits make the rounds, make sure the final console exceeds dev kit power.
6) take I to account the world around you. Phones, tablets, computers, nest thermostats, smart tvs, Logitech tv remotes, etc. make sure the system connects with these devices in a way that brings value to the console. MiiVerse access on the internet is a good step, but incredibly small ( the fact that there is still no smart device app illustrates just how small). Much more needs to be done here. Building a corvOS experience that doesn't feel like I just stepped into my kid sisters room would help as well. Keep the Nintendo touches, but make them much less pervasive and keep a more neutral interface, sounds, etc. so that way, when I'm going all lethal Splinter Cell, it doesn't feel weird jumping out of that and back into a cloud full of rainbows, kittens, and cotton candy. It's jarring.
7) conclusion: give the NES a reason to exists. Make sure it offers what no one else can because it has the best specs that show the best games from the best partners as well as your own world class IP, make sure it's well connected, SOS no one feels left out. Market the thing like it deserves the attention, and you'll have a winner.
Just some thoughts going through my mind the last couple days.
Wondering what anyone else is thinking regarding what Nintendo needs to do now, before then.
Edited by Socalmuscle, 20 January 2014 - 02:42 AM.