As we have come to expect from Nintendo, their E3 presentation focused largely on first-party titles and franchises. While a number of the announced games for the Wii U were previously announced, the 3DS got all of the big surprises and reveals. Nintendo’s handheld got some new entries in a number of Nintendo’s legendary franchises including The Legend of Zeldo, Mario, Metroid and Animal Crossing. While Nintendo might have been lacking the overall punch on console that Sony and Microsoft had, fans should still be happy with what they saw.
Wii U
E3 2015: Nintendo Looks to Win Big in Back-to-Back E3s
Poor Nintendo. They were the biggest name in gaming through the Nintendo 64 but just lost traction along the way. Sure, the Wii was a sales success but they lost third-party support along the way and that hasn’t changed with the underpowered Wii U. That being said, Nintendo was probably the top first-party developer and publisher last year and this year’s E3 presentation hopes to help them retain the title.
E3 2014: Nintendo May Have Won E3 Without Even Showing Up
For the second straight year, Nintendo forewent the big press event and instead kicked off the first official day of E3 with a special Nintendo Direct video conference. While it might scream of a company bleeding cash, it may not have been a bad idea this year. With neither Sony nor Microsoft setting the world on fire with their media briefings, the door was open for the white brand to make a big impression.
Not only did they have a big opportunity, they took it and got people excited about Nintendo for the first time in a few years.
Xbox One vs. PS4: Who’s Really Over-Delivering Value?
In an interview on Bloomberg TV last week, Microsoft President of Interactive Entertainment, Don Mattrick, said that the Xbox One was over-delivering on value. In fact, the Xbox boss went so far as to say, “We’re delivering thousands of dollars of value to people.”
The problem is that no one apart from Mattrick, Microsoft employees and the staunchest of Xbox loyalists believe this to be the case. When you look at the dollars and cents of the next generation of consoles, it’s pretty obvious that the Xbox isn’t actually over-delivering and definitely not thousands of dollars worth of over-delivery.
E3 2013: The Nintendo Roundup
Coming into E3, many people were considering a move to the Wii U as it was the only console that was confirmed to not be actively battling its consumer’s rights. Then Sony came out on Monday night and destroyed everything that the Xbox One stood for.
Nintendo has a lot to gain at E3 this year despite not being there. That relied on Sony falling flat on its face. They were very prepared for that with a line-up of the expected first-party franchises and a third-party sizzle reel. The problem was that they were missing the big guns that were needed to pit them strongly against the PlayStation 4.
Nintendo, Let’s Plays and the Power of Free Marketing
Nintendo has always had this reputation as a friendly sort of company. Their big anchor franchises aren’t M-rated shooters but family-friendly adventure and platformer games that appeal to all ages. Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime’s public appearances show him as a charismatic and knowledgeable leader of the video game industry. They’re the little underdog up against the power of conglomerates like Sony and Microsoft.
Yet, Nintendo has been on the back foot lately. The terrible results of the Wii U launch has put Nintendo on the back foot and now they’re trying anything to reverse course. Unfortunately, their latest move has struck a nerve with gamers online. Nintendo is targeting “let’s play” videos on YouTube and making copyright claims so they can scoop the ad revenue from the videos.
Console Wars: A Battle No One is Trying to Win
One console has a sharing feature that nobody wanted and unveiled with a slightly underwhelming line-up. Another console is strongly rumoured to mandate a permanent connection to the internet to play games and is likely to prevent playing used games. The third console is so underpowered that some third-party publishers have abandoned it less than six months after release.
For as excited as everybody was about this generations console wars, it sure seems to be shaping up to be a race to the bottom and a case of not survival of the fittest but survival of the least weak.
Wednesday Link-Off: Game On
It’s Wednesday which means it’s time for more links. I was almost too busy gaming to get this one done. Between Steam and the ME3 Omega DLC, my mouse and keyboard are getting a workout. So many games, so little time. Damn you, Steam. Damn you to hell. Anyway, even though she has nothing to do with video games here’s Canadian model and former pro wrestler Maryse Ouellet.
The possibility of higher tax rates doesn’t scare Warren Buffet, who is one of America’s richest men. He welcomes higher tax rates on the rich. (New York Times)
You might think that your password that contains capital letters, small letters, symbols and numbers will protect you from the evil of the internet. However, you’d be wrong. Your password may not save you. (Wired)
Ever want to be a writer? There’s never been a better time than the present. (Esquire)
After the jump, the Onion strikes again, a detailed look at the Wii U and winter videos. Continue reading
The Humanoids: It’s June. Puck Off!
We’re over two weeks into the month of June and just handed out the Stanley Cup. I can’t be the only one who thinks that hockey has no place in the summer months, right? That’s not the only June thing that I have a problem with. I also have problems with Apple and video game industry trying to steal my money as well. Continue reading
E3 2012: Games and News Roundup
The news never stops at E3. All week, developers, publishers and manufacturers are releasing tidbits of information and unveiling new games. We had a roundup of some game news yesterday and we have more news for you to peruse today. We also have some of the latest details about the Wii U that Nintendo neglected to mention in either of their presentations. Continue reading
The Lowdown 