Thread: Wii U mysteries - good or bad?

The Wii U has had one of the most BORING release cycles I have ever seen. A month left until release and we know the most basic information. We have the most basic information regarding games and little understanding about some of the Wii U's features - eShop setup and pricing, Miiverse accounts, etc. Judging by the Miiverse promo they had with Non-specific Action Figure, it sounds like there will be account names - but it can just be seen as a proof of concept video as opposed to concrete details.

Do you think this lack of content surrounding the Wii U is a good thing as it adds a little surprise when we finally get the console in our hands, or do you think it is the WORST idea ever? Which do you prefer?

Personally, I like a little mystery, but I also want to understand the system before I fumble around with it. I would like to see more information surrounding the games as I am tired of seeing the same stock images we have been given since E3. From a marketing perspective, it keeps the Wii U in the dark! This needs to change. Hopefully the demo station rumor at Best Buy is true and people can start getting their hands on the system to see for themselves. Still, a month away and I feel I am just as in the dark about the system as the E3 2012 presentation. Then again, who knows the type of news that will come when Nintendo finally starts posting advertisements on TV and streaming video?

Originally Posted by Lew3107

I hate being in the dark about this sort of thing. I want to know as much as possible before I buy something, and it's pretty crazy that we still don't know some pretty trivial information. I don't want to wait until I buy it to know that I won't enjoy something, I want to know up front what I'm in for, and then make a decision. We still have over 6 weeks before it releases, so hopefully we get some news during this time. If not, then you guys in the US can give us Europeans some information!

Will gladly pass any information - assuming my Wii U arrives in the mail before EU gets the system.

As I see it, there is a lot of "good faith" purchases here. I want to know what my $350 is going towards! I know the UK is getting their first Wii U advertisement during your version of the X-Factor today, so hopefully once Nintendo starts to advertise, everyone else will start to post stuff online. I can understand multi-platform titles just having a Wii U logo at the end of their commercials, but the internet is a great avenue to really show off the differences between the other consoles. Right now, it's scarce information! That can scare people into thinking that nothing is done yet - this close to launch!

Originally Posted by Lew3107

Oh gosh, I don't want to sit through that rubbish! I do want to see the advert though, there might actually be some useful information in there. I doubt they'll talk about account systems, Miiverse and the like though, might just advertise Mario or something.

I am sure it will be on YouTube before the night's end.

I would expect Nintendo to ramp up advertisements pretty hard in the next two weeks. People have to understand that people like us that spend a lot of time reading online, and posting in forums only account for maybe 15% of gamers. Nintendo has been pretty vague on a lot of things so far, but some of that could be to keep their competitors in the dark for as long as possible. The part that worries me is that a game like Black Ops 2 might not get the free Elite service, and Activision isnt sure how that would work with the Wii U. Does that also mean no map packs? The online experience needed to evolve beyond what was seen with the Wii. At this point, its hard to see if that has really happened.

I think Nintendo will start releasing information about things like it's online infrastructure. I think they've kept it secret to A. keep excitement up and B. to prevent others from having time to copy it.

I severely doubt Nintendo wouldn't show off the menu system, how things work online and offline, before launch. That's just not possible.

I think we'll start seeing commercials in a couple days, and we'll start seeing videos on how it works in the beginning of November.

There's no rush. They're already sold out of the first wave with pre-orders gone within a couple days. If it was a Vita type situation, with barely any pre-orders for the system, I think they'd be telling us more in order to drive up pre-order sales. As for now, we'll have to wait. But I'd be a monkey's uncle if it was until you had your system in your hands.

Originally Posted by Goodtwin

I would expect Nintendo to ramp up advertisements pretty hard in the next two weeks. People have to understand that people like us that spend a lot of time reading online, and posting in forums only account for maybe 15% of gamers. Nintendo has been pretty vague on a lot of things so far, but some of that could be to keep their competitors in the dark for as long as possible. The part that worries me is that a game like Black Ops 2 might not get the free Elite service, and Activision isnt sure how that would work with the Wii U. Does that also mean no map packs? The online experience needed to evolve beyond what was seen with the Wii. At this point, its hard to see if that has really happened.

According to Nintendo, the eShop will allow for DLC. I am sure Activisions lack of information regarding that is more because Nintendo hasn't fully outlined the eShop to the public. I am sure Nintendo will follow suit and allow Elite and DLC, but Activision isn't going to step on Nintendo's toes. Nintendo would be foolish not to allow such things.

You are right though, it does add a layer of doubt amidst the mass negativity surrounding the console.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

You are right though, it does add a layer of doubt amidst the mass negativity surrounding the console.

What mass negativity? Sure in the beginning I heard a lot of fanboys cry about a lack of power, but if anything I've noticed, even at usually hostile comment sections like IGN's, extremely positive reactions regarding the Wii U. Going as far as to say it's the first system for nearly a decade to excite commentors.

And those people are upvoted, not downvoted, which is also encouraging as it shows the community agrees with those comments in mass. It's actually been quite encouraging to see so many people defending Nintendo again, to be honest.

So from what I've seen, the tide looks to have turned in the last month or so with gamer's public opinion. I think Nintendo's huge push with 3rd party devs is also giving gamers a lot of confidence that coming back to Nintendo is a safe decision.

And I also think combined with rumors of Nintendo's much improved online infrastructure (from devs), and the fact that judging by PC game standards, the graphical leap is more of a small step this generation than the previous one, Nintendo isn't going to be left in the dust once again after a few years. Especially when the news came out that the Wii U would be able to run all current and in progress future game engines. Couple that with the fact they are moving away from motion control, which is now pretty unpopular, while companies like Microsoft are moving forward full steam with it (with Kinect 2.0), I think gamers are appreciating Nintendo's effort this time around. Gamers, from what I can tell, seem to also be unpleased with Microsoft's push towards multimedia, nearly forgetting games sometimes. Nintendo is doing the opposite.

Heck, it's why I'm back.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

What mass negativity? Sure in the beginning I heard a lot of fanboys cry about a lack of power, but if anything I've noticed, even at usually hostile comment sections like IGN's, extremely positive reactions regarding the Wii U. Going as far as to say it's the first system for nearly a decade to excite them.

Mostly I talk about those articles that talk about the underpowered CPU and how it's not better than PS3/Xbox 360 type articles that are all over the place. Do a Google search on Wii U and click News...it's EVERYWHERE! Some articles go afar as to somewhat attack Nintendo for not allowing Pro Controller to work with Wii titles, yet praise the battery life. It's like the second something seen as negative is said, the media wolves are all over it and use it as a headline. Forget the fact that most devs also say, they are still learning or still working with Nintendo on the issue.

Though, you are right, there are a TON of articles praising the system as well.


In recent news: Scribblenauts Unlimited will have Nintendo characters in it! New information is always great!

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Mostly I talk about those articles that talk about the underpowered CPU and how it's not better than PS3/Xbox 360 type articles that are all over the place. Do a Google search on Wii U and click News...it's EVERYWHERE! Some articles go afar as to somewhat attack Nintendo for not allowing Pro Controller to work with Wii titles, yet praise the battery life. It's like the second something seen as negative is said, the media wolves are all over it and use it as a headline. Forget the fact that most devs also say, they are still learning or still working with Nintendo on the issue.

Though, you are right, there are a TON of articles praising the system as well.

Not to be Capt. Obvious here or anything, but name me a recent system launch that wasn't shrouded in negativity? The Wii ... oh my God the Wii. People tore that thing apart. The PS3 as well. Dreamcast, Xbox, GC, Vita... 3DS... 360 (especially after launch with the RROD). I could go on.

My point is, just like with all news, negativity sells with the press. I don't base my "popularity barometer" on that. I base it on the people, the customers, not the press. And right now, like I said, even in usually hideous, dark corners of the commenting world, reaction has been hugely positive. Like, shockingly positive. Read some comments sometime at IGN. It's great to see.

Just like with the Wii, the press can say whatever it wants. When system pre-orders sell out in no time flat, and the launch comes and people are fighting for a Wii U like they did the Wii during the holiday season, none of those articles will matter.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

Not to be Capt. Obvious here or anything, but name me a recent system launch that wasn't shrouded in negativity? The Wii ... oh my God the Wii. People tore that thing apart. The PS3 as well. Dreamcast, Xbox, GC, Vita... 3DS... 360 (especially after launch with the RROD). I could go on.

My point is, just like with all news, negativity sells with the press. I don't base my "popularity barometer" on that. I base it on the people, the customers, not the press. And right now, like I said, even in usually hideous, dark corners of the commenting world, reaction has been hugely positive. Like, shockingly positive. Read some comments sometime at IGN. It's great to see.

Just like with the Wii, the press can say whatever it wants. When system pre-orders sell out in no time flat, and the launch comes and people are fighting for a Wii U like they did the Wii during the holiday season, none of those articles will matter.

Oh I have seen the comments. It's a jungle out there.

I remember the Dreamcast negativity...poor Sega (loved that system). I really wonder how things would have been different had Sega kept its footing and the PS2 didn't kill it.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Oh I have seen the comments. It's a jungle out there.

I remember the Dreamcast negativity...poor Sega (loved that system). I really wonder how things would have been different had Sega kept its footing and the PS2 didn't kill it.

More arcade-like games? That's what I really miss from Sega. All their games, even non-arcade ports, felt like something you'd see at an arcade or had the same sense of energy and tone to it. A certain cool, yet ultra cheesy/japanese flare that's missing from today's games.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

More arcade-like games? That's what I really miss from Sega. All their games, even non-arcade ports, felt like something you'd see at an arcade or had the same sense of energy and tone to it. A certain cool, yet ultra cheesy/japanese flare that's missing from today's games.

I have two words that will make it all better: Virtual Console

Dreamcast was ahead of its time. It had the dual screen idea before Nintendo, and also came with a built in modem, first console ready for online play right out of the box. Sega just didnt have the software, and the looming PS2 launch all but doomed it before it could even get started.

The energy around the Wii U is mixed. There's just not enough news and previews or reviews coming out to really get gamers talking. The fanboys from the other camps are course dismissing the console as weak. Nintendo needs to open the flood gates next month. Maybe sure software is available for previews and reviews. Talk more about Miiverse. Demand can fall off relatively quickly, Nintendo needs to keep the energy going through the end of the year. If you can walk into a store and buy a Wii U before Christmas, then Nintendo didnt do their job to keep demand high. Wii U should be hard to get for months.

If I am not mistaken the 1st commercial come on today after one of them judges shows!X-factor type!I only hate the lack of info because I am impatient and stereotyping!The Wii really did a number on me when it came to the online system!So I really,really,really want to know about all the same things D.Runner wants to know!

This should start to show the picture I was trying to paint for you. Even the press now is turning around:

Business Insider praises the Wii U

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I have two words that will make it all better: Virtual Console

I would be extremely doubtful we'll see emulated Saturn and DC games on the Wii U. I think we'll see arcade games like Daytona USA and what not, but I would assume given the complex architecture especially with the Saturn, that we wont be seeing those emulated for some time. I think both those system's would take too much work to simply dump on the VC. If anything they'd be seperate eShop games, ala Jet Grind Radio. I don't think we'll see an actual DC section.

Dreamcast games Shenmue 1 and 2

Well bestbuy was suppose to have floor sample model available soon, then if they like it can buy one at walmart. Yah actual info would be nice. Im now just curious of how the graphics will actually look in real life on big hd t.v. Im betting theyll be pretty nice. Although I have always been curious of full spec list and look forward to those.

Originally Posted by Princedavid

Well bestbuy was suppose to have floor sample model available soon, then if they like it can buy one at walmart. Yah actual info would be nice. Im now just curious of how the graphics will actually look in real life on big hd t.v. Im betting theyll be pretty nice. Although I have always been curious of full spec list and look forward to those.

I went to my local Best Buy yesterday and there was no demo station. I did see another article about the demo stations, though. I guess Nintendo reps are going to Best Buys to set them up and apparently GameStop's are just getting sent the system for them to setup. I will start calling around after the weekend to see if any place has demo stations. The article mentioned that some places won't even be setup until Monday the 22nd. I didn't see Wal-Mart mentioned, which would be a great place for Nintendo to generate buzz among the masses - since Best Buy and GameStop are specialized stores.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

I would be extremely doubtful we'll see emulated Saturn and DC games on the Wii U. I think we'll see arcade games like Daytona USA and what not, but I would assume given the complex architecture especially with the Saturn, that we wont be seeing those emulated for some time. I think both those system's would take too much work to simply dump on the VC. If anything they'd be seperate eShop games, ala Jet Grind Radio. I don't think we'll see an actual DC section.

I don't see why not. The Wii U is going to be emulating the Wii and the Gamecube, so it could be possible. I know, it's not exactly the same thing given the hardware being used does have backwards compatibility taken into consideration. However. the PS3 can emulate PS1 and PS2 with no problems and after the PS3 had the PS2 hardware removed, is a totally different architecture. One can never underestimate the powers of those who legally have access to the systems code for emulation. These companies have access to the system code AND the game code and can be modified at will. Plus, unlike PC, there is only a single hardware configuration to worry about - I am sure that makes emulation MUCH simpler.

I think it would be more a question of wanting to make the emulator over actual technical limitations.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I don't see why not. The Wii U is going to be emulating the Wii and the Gamecube, so it could be possible. I know, it's not exactly the same thing given the hardware being used does have backwards compatibility taken into consideration. However. the PS3 can emulate PS1 and PS2 with no problems and after the PS3 had the PS2 hardware removed, is a totally different architecture. One can never underestimate the powers of those who legally have access to the systems code for emulation. These companies have access to the system code AND the game code and can be modified at will. Plus, unlike PC, there is only a single hardware configuration to worry about - I am sure that makes emulation MUCH simpler.

I think it would be more a question of wanting to make the emulator over actual technical limitations.

Yeah, that's true.

My main concern after that is simply that there hasn't been many additions to the VC in quite some time. Obviously, with the power of the Wii U, this could change. But I'm hoping Nintendo doesn't continue on it's 1 new game every 3 months or so streak with the VC. I miss the days when we had a regular stream of classic games coming in.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

Yeah, that's true.

My main concern after that is simply that there hasn't been many additions to the VC in quite some time. Obviously, with the power of the Wii U, this could change. But I'm hoping Nintendo doesn't continue on it's 1 new game every 3 months or so streak with the VC. I miss the days when we had a regular stream of classic games coming in.

Yeah, I hope the Wii U revitalizes Virtual Console releases in the same way that 3DS has gained VC releases. I do wonder if Wii U and 3DS development within Nintendo was the reason why VC releases began to decrease - because I think it was around 2009 when VC took a huge dip in releases.

I mean even if the Wii U just gets 1 VC release week like the 3DS would be better than what Wii VC releases have become.

I also hope that when Nintendo unifies the account system, NES games that are linked to my account from either buying on the Wii or bought on the Wii U are available on both systems for one price. I see all these NES games coming to the 3DS and I have no interest because I already own them on the Wii. The only NES games I have on 3DS are the ones I got with the Ambassador program. I don't care if they are linked, it would just be nice to not have to buy an NES game I already own on the 3DS.

Even still, I am more interested in the handheld games on the 3DS VC than the NES games at the moment. I really wish Nintendo changes its mind about GBA games on the 3DS, because I would love to see some of the GBA Castelvania titles and Metroid Zero Mission become available at some point.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Yeah, I hope the Wii U revitalizes Virtual Console releases in the same way that 3DS has gained VC releases. I do wonder if Wii U and 3DS development within Nintendo was the reason why VC releases began to decrease - because I think it was around 2009 when VC took a huge dip in releases.

I mean even if the Wii U just gets 1 VC release week like the 3DS would be better than what Wii VC releases have become.

I also hope that when Nintendo unifies the account system, NES games that are linked to my account from either buying on the Wii or bought on the Wii U are available on both systems for one price. I see all these NES games coming to the 3DS and I have no interest because I already own them on the Wii. The only NES games I have on 3DS are the ones I got with the Ambassador program. I don't care if they are linked, it would just be nice to not have to buy an NES game I already own on the 3DS.

Even still, I am more interested in the handheld games on the 3DS VC than the NES games at the moment. I really wish Nintendo changes its mind about GBA games on the 3DS, because I would love to see some of the GBA Castelvania titles and Metroid Zero Mission become available at some point.

Yeah, I love Nintendo, don't get me wrong. But other than a lack of steady releases and the fact I simply don't have any use for a portable gaming console at my age, the main reason why I sold my 3DS is because I didn't like how the VC wasn't linked up. I was highly disappointed that with a portable in this day and age, to be released without even so much a linked account to purchases, is just idiotic. I've heard rumors that the 3DS will get a software update once the Wii U hits. Maybe that will address the issue of the 3DS not hooking up to a generic user account.

Because if I have to do this transfer BS every generation, count me out. I should be able to have my VC games on multiple systems at once. I will be very angry if they erase my purchases from my Wii when I transfer them to my Wii U.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

Because if I have to do this transfer BS every generation, count me out. I should be able to have my VC games on multiple systems at once. I will be very angry if they erase my purchases from my Wii when I transfer them to my Wii U.

I hear you! I do believe that the whole transfer thing is part of the reason they are doing the unified account, so you don't have to do that anymore. If you lose a 3DS or it breaks, your unified account means you don't have to worry about transferred purchases any longer. So I think that will be addressed.

I hope my VC games aren't erased on my Wii as well. I mean, I am only holding on to the Wii because I have physical Gamecube games and controllers and I don't want to lose the ability to play those. The best people to ask are those who may have kept their DSi's after buying a 3DS and if they can still play their DSiWare games after transferring to the 3DS - because they seem to be following the same process with the Wii U transfers.

What I hope is that I don't have to have my downloads loaded into the Wii system storage, because I don't have enough space to fit all of my games on the system. I wonder if all the transfer is really doing is "unlocking" those titles in my Wii U account(in the same manner the hardware unlocks the titles in the Wii Shop) and, as a convenience, also transfer the titles so you don't have to search and download them again. I just hope that means it will read the SD card slot for titles and copy them to the Wii U system memory.

Personally, I just wish that my Wii U account will link to my Club Nintendo account and see all the downloads I have purchased and just unlock the games for me and I can just insert my SD card into the Wii U and copy the data and not have to worry about some long-winded data transfer process. That would just make sense.

EDIT: Accord to this article, the systems simply connect online to verify the data and you just move your SD card to the Wii U and copy from there. Hopefully you can just do a copy and return your SD card back to your Wii and keep all the games there as well!

Yet again, the lack of news is frustrating! This is stuff we should probably know by now! What if people don't know this and they trade-in their Wii for credit towards the Wii U and lose all of their downloads?! I know I would be pissed. If I didn't scour the internet for this information, I wouldn't know that there was a transfer process.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Yet again, the lack of news is frustrating! This is stuff we should probably know by now! What if people don't know this and they trade-in their Wii for credit towards the Wii U and lose all of their downloads?! I know I would be pissed. If I didn't scour the internet for this information, I wouldn't know that there was a transfer process.

There's no probably about it. It IS stuff we should know by now. They are going to have to tell us at some point so people will know how to deal with VC and eShop and even get online for pete's sake. How do you suppose they'll do it? Their pattern so far would suggest a new Nintendo Direct (or three), but I'm not sure that's going to be effective enough when you consider all the folks out here who have pre-orders--and questions. The cloak and dagger crap is understandable (in a warped way) on certain things; games, specs, things like that. But the basic functionality of the thing? The only good thing I can see about all the secrecy is that it may end up putting the console in the hands of more true Nintendo fans earlier, and fewer casual gamers.

At the Press Event they said they would talk about online features at a later date. I do not know if this will be a press event or a ad. Also I saw my first ad for the Wii U yesterday. It was not direct ad about the Wii U it was about the game Epic Mickey 2 which featured a Wii U case and Logo at the bottom of the screen.

It's not even so much that I want them playable on my Wii for another TV, though that is a big thing I want. It's simply that the GC controller is the best controller to use for classic games. Even the classic pro is absolutely horrible for games like F-Zero 64. The centered Playstation-like joysticks make it very hard to control, and the triggers are god awful.

Don't even TRY to play Starfox 64 with a classic pro controller. Not being able to use the set of triggers in the rear for the G Diffuser system, makes me want to scream.

The GC controller fixes that issue by letting you use the main triggers.

We'll see if they address those control issues with the Wii U controllers. I hope they do, or there simply are a few games I will never play on the system due to frustrating controls.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

It's not even so much that I want them playable on my Wii for another TV, though that is a big thing I want. It's simply that the GC controller is the best controller to use for classic games. Even the classic pro is absolutely horrible for games like F-Zero 64. The centered Playstation-like joysticks make it very hard to control, and the triggers are god awful.

Don't even TRY to play Starfox 64 with a classic pro controller. Not being able to use the set of triggers in the rear for the G Diffuser system, makes me want to scream.

The GC controller fixes that issue by letting you use the main triggers.

We'll see if they address those control issues with the Wii U controllers. I hope they do, or there simply are a few games I will never play on the system due to frustrating controls.

I am sure they will find a way to make sure that the games are playable this time. After all Nintendo has learn its lessons from last time.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

It's not even so much that I want them playable on my Wii for another TV, though that is a big thing I want. It's simply that the GC controller is the best controller to use for classic games. Even the classic pro is absolutely horrible for games like F-Zero 64. The centered Playstation-like joysticks make it very hard to control, and the triggers are god awful.

Don't even TRY to play Starfox 64 with a classic pro controller. Not being able to use the set of triggers in the rear for the G Diffuser system, makes me want to scream.

The GC controller fixes that issue by letting you use the main triggers.

We'll see if they address those control issues with the Wii U controllers. I hope they do, or there simply are a few games I will never play on the system due to frustrating controls.

I totally agree, I use my Gamecube controller for all of my VC N64 needs. The Gamecube controller feels more like a natural exentision of the N64 design that it just fits. There is still the C-stick that is mapped directly to the N64 C-buttons. The Classic Controller just doesn't feel good for N64. I love it for SNES games - then again, it's based on the SNES controller. I just have the standard Classic Controller, not the Pro.

You're right about the classic controller feeling alien to N64. Majora's Mask on the VC put a real damper on the game experience for me. I caught myself on a few occasions rushing to the end, rather than enjoying it, controls were very disorienting. As far as the mystery I feel Nintendo is STILL working out the specifics. Though for us, it feels like D-day is upon us. It's not uncommon for companies of their size to get the green light on something a week prior. They may be waiting for the green light on tech, contracts, etc..This is big businesses and they have to be 100% confident they won't announce something that might not come into fruition. Imagine if they announced Tvii and Hulu backed out? In-accurate info like that would crush the trust of their consumers.

They are already fighting out of a hole with the Wii's lack of third party support. We know and they know how IMPORTANT this time around is. It's do-or-die time for the big N's rep. Though I feel the same sentiments you guys have about the lack of info, I'm putting my trust in the fact that they will get it right, on all facets. I just pray to baby Jesus I'm not proven wrong. They almost lost me with the Wii. I'm currently hanging on a thin thread. If this doesn't go as I hope...well, I prefer not to think about it.

Originally Posted by NintenBro

. I just pray to baby Jesus I'm not proven wrong. They almost lost me with the Wii. I'm currently hanging on a thin thread. If this doesn't go as I hope...well, I prefer not to think about it.

Do I see a Talladega Nights reference in there?

Yeah, Nintendo is kind of fighting a little bit of an uphill battle with the "core" gamers right now. I see what you mean about certain features being locked down - one would hope that they don't wait until the 11th hour to have everything set to go, though.

You got me

Yeah bro, I hope so too. Though I have a feeling we aren't going to get much more info till after it drops.

At the Press Event they said they would released more information at a later date. I am going to believe that Nintendo will do this. This is the same thing they did with the Wii and 3DS and it caused them no problem. I would rather have late information that is accurate than early information that is wrong. Many people were upset after seeing Battlefield 3 at E3 2011 that it was not going to be released on the Wii U.

Originally Posted by Andrew

At the Press Event they said they would released more information at a later date. I am going to believe that Nintendo will do this. This is the same thing they did with the Wii and 3DS and it caused them no problem. I would rather have late information that is accurate than early information that is wrong. Many people were upset after seeing Battlefield 3 at E3 2011 that it was not going to be released on the Wii U.

Yeah I remember hearing that too. Still, one would have hoped that "at a later time" wasn't so close to release. I thought maybe late September or early October. I am just getting impatient!

Honestly, I didn't follow the Wii or 3DS press events that much. 1st time I have been very vigilant about a game system in a long time. I bought a Wii on a whim, not really knowing much about it and I loved it! 3DS I learned more about at E3 2011.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Yeah I remember hearing that too. Still, one would have hoped that "at a later time" wasn't so close to release. I thought maybe late September or early October. I am just getting impatient!

Honestly, I didn't follow the Wii or 3DS press events that much. 1st time I have been very vigilant about a game system in a long time. I bought a Wii on a whim, not really knowing much about it and I loved it! 3DS I learned more about at E3 2011.

I had expected it to be a Halloween treat since they first said it. So the time between the events was not really a surprise.

Originally Posted by Andrew

I had expected it to be a Halloween treat since they first said it. So the time between the events was not really a surprise.

I hope so! Now there is a huge debate about the voice-chat capabilities and how the built-in mic for the Gamepad won't be the default device for in-game voice chat. They are also complaining that all communication efforts must come through the Gamepad even if you are using the Pro Controller as it doesn't have a headphone jack.

I am not a huge voice-chat person, so I am not largely affected by this...but the "core" gamers are brutal about this stuff! Besides, when I do use in-game voice with friends, this is something I would like to know.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I hope so! Now there is a huge debate about the voice-chat capabilities and how the built-in mic for the Gamepad won't be the default device for in-game voice chat. They are also complaining that all communication efforts must come through the Gamepad even if you are using the Pro Controller as it doesn't have a headphone jack.

I am not a huge voice-chat person, so I am not largely affected by this...but the "core" gamers are brutal about this stuff! Besides, when I do use in-game voice with friends, this is something I would like to know.

I personally never intended to voice chat with the pro controller anyway. I think the comment of KingHippo on the article makes a lot of sense.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I hope so! Now there is a huge debate about the voice-chat capabilities and how the built-in mic for the Gamepad won't be the default device for in-game voice chat. They are also complaining that all communication efforts must come through the Gamepad even if you are using the Pro Controller as it doesn't have a headphone jack.

I am not a huge voice-chat person, so I am not largely affected by this...but the "core" gamers are brutal about this stuff! Besides, when I do use in-game voice with friends, this is something I would like to know.

That's crazy. No jack on the ProController. I guess it's a cost saving move (?). That controller does have some pretty advanced innards. I wonder if a 3rd party Controller might have one at some point. On a related note, anybody know who makes the 3rd party Controllers on the main news page? Those SNES ones look very cool, and if they are decent quality, I might have to get one.

Originally Posted by the ancient gamer

That's crazy. No jack on the ProController. I guess it's a cost saving move (?). That controller does have some pretty advanced innards. I wonder if a 3rd party Controller might have one at some point. On a related note, anybody know who makes the 3rd party Controllers on the main news page? Those SNES ones look very cool, and if they are decent quality, I might have to get one.

Since they are Wii compatible it would make sense if they had jacks.

Originally Posted by the ancient gamer

That's crazy. No jack on the ProController. I guess it's a cost saving move (?). That controller does have some pretty advanced innards. I wonder if a 3rd party Controller might have one at some point. On a related note, anybody know who makes the 3rd party Controllers on the main news page? Those SNES ones look very cool, and if they are decent quality, I might have to get one.

...and those 3rd parties work with both the Wii U AND the Wii - two controllers in one for $15 less.

As far as the headphone jack - there is one thing they aren't considering with the headphone jack and communication - it's one-way. So the mic would have to use some other separate transmission method. Last time I checked, unless it was a USB headset, there are two wires on headsets with mics requiring plugging into an output and an input. The Wii U Gamepad only has the headphone output with no mic input - unless there is now ways to have input and output through the same headphone jack that I am not aware of?

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

...and those 3rd parties work with both the Wii U AND the Wii - two controllers in one for $15 less.

As far as the headphone jack - there is one thing they aren't considering with the headphone jack and communication - it's one-way. So the mic would have to use some other separate transmission method. Last time I checked, unless it was a USB headset, there are two wires on headsets with mics requiring plugging into an output and an input. The Wii U Gamepad only has the headphone output with no mic input - unless there is now ways to have input and output through the same headphone jack that I am not aware of?

There must be since they are promoting it as a use for it.

Originally Posted by Andrew

There must be since they are promoting it as a use for it.

Either that or Kotaku is misinformed at the moment - since there hasn't been an official Nintendo announcement to discuss it - and there will be some kind of official Bluetooth headset option that will be available.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

Oh I have seen the comments. It's a jungle out there.

I remember the Dreamcast negativity...poor Sega (loved that system). I really wonder how things would have been different had Sega kept its footing and the PS2 didn't kill it.

It's too bad. In my opinion, the Dreamcast's games were better than the PS2. They just don't make games like that anymore. I think the game devs are stuck in a major rut, and they don't think outside the box. I'm hoping the Wii U with the Gamepad will force the game devs to start thinking outside the box and give us something fresh.

Originally Posted by Allon

Dreamcast games Shenmue 1 and 2

Shenmue was awesome. I also liked Jet Grind Radio and Toy Commander. There was also some remote control car racing game that was cool. And you can't forget Crazy Taxi.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I don't see why not. The Wii U is going to be emulating the Wii and the Gamecube, so it could be possible. I know, it's not exactly the same thing given the hardware being used does have backwards compatibility taken into consideration. However. the PS3 can emulate PS1 and PS2 with no problems and after the PS3 had the PS2 hardware removed, is a totally different architecture. One can never underestimate the powers of those who legally have access to the systems code for emulation. These companies have access to the system code AND the game code and can be modified at will. Plus, unlike PC, there is only a single hardware configuration to worry about - I am sure that makes emulation MUCH simpler.

It would be really cool if they would emulate Sega consoles. The last Sega console is old enough hardware that the Wii U won't have any trouble emulating it, even though it is different architecture. You don't need a very powerful PC to emulate the Dreamcast smoothly.

Originally Posted by WoodenSaucer

It's too bad. In my opinion, the Dreamcast's games were better than the PS2. They just don't make games like that anymore. I think the game devs are stuck in a major rut, and they don't think outside the box. I'm hoping the Wii U with the Gamepad will force the game devs to start thinking outside the box and give us something fresh.

Shenmue was awesome. I also liked Jet Grind Radio and Toy Commander. There was also some remote control car racing game that was cool. And you can't forget Crazy Taxi.

It would be really cool if they would emulate Sega consoles. The last Sega console is old enough hardware that the Wii U won't have any trouble emulating it, even though it is different architecture. You don't need a very powerful PC to emulate the Dreamcast smoothly.

The remote control car game is Re-Volt, and it is indeed a great game. I have over 250 DC games. One of the best systems ever. And I agree about devs being in a rut. It's kinda like modern rock music where all the bands sound the same as they did 10 years ago. They're different guys, but you'd never be able to tell. I kinda feel the same way about most 3rd party franchises.

Originally Posted by WoodenSaucer

Shenmue was awesome. I also liked Jet Grind Radio and Toy Commander. There was also some remote control car racing game that was cool. And you can't forget Crazy Taxi.

It would be really cool if they would emulate Sega consoles. The last Sega console is old enough hardware that the Wii U won't have any trouble emulating it, even though it is different architecture. You don't need a very powerful PC to emulate the Dreamcast smoothly.

Yep, yep, yep and yep. Toy Commander was freakin' HARD though! Never played Re-Volt. There has to be a Crazy Taxi 4. There just has to. I hope to see Dreamcast games on the Wii U eShop, but Sega is so messed up right now, nothing either way would surprise me. At least we're getting Sonic & All Stars Racing.

Originally Posted by ceramicsaturn

The remote control car game is Re-Volt, and it is indeed a great game. I have over 250 DC games. One of the best systems ever. And I agree about devs being in a rut. It's kinda like modern rock music where all the bands sound the same as they did 10 years ago. They're different guys, but you'd never be able to tell. I kinda feel the same way about most 3rd party franchises.

Re-Volt! That's right. I couldn't remember what it was called.

Originally Posted by the ancient gamer

Yep, yep, yep and yep. Toy Commander was freakin' HARD though! Never played Re-Volt. There has to be a Crazy Taxi 4. There just has to. I hope to see Dreamcast games on the Wii U eShop, but Sega is so messed up right now, nothing either way would surprise me. At least we're getting Sonic & All Stars Racing.

Toy Commander was hard, but I absolutely loved the concept. Crazy Taxi was classic.

I had a DC emulator at one time, and I wanted to play Jet Grind Radio on it, but it didn't support analog sticks. I wonder if they finally added support for that. It's been a few years since I checked.

Originally Posted by Lew3107

I hate being in the dark about this sort of thing. I want to know as much as possible before I buy something, and it's pretty crazy that we still don't know some pretty trivial information. I don't want to wait until I buy it to know that I won't enjoy something, I want to know up front what I'm in for, and then make a decision. We still have over 6 weeks before it releases, so hopefully we get some news during this time. If not, then you guys in the US can give us Europeans some information!

like how we just found out about the reality of voice chat. Now if they tell us that the online system has friend codes, I swear i'm going to rethink about canceling my Wii U preorder.

Originally Posted by Bob Singh

like how we just found out about the reality of voice chat. Now if they tell us that the online system has friend codes, I swear i'm going to rethink about canceling my Wii U preorder.

I am a little skeptical of the whole voice chat thing. I wonder if there was some kind of breakdown in the internal communication process within Nintendo about that. I can totally understand the built-in microphone and speakers of the Gamepad not being the IDEAL method for in-game voice chat - leaving 3rd parties to manufacture a more ideal experience - but it makes zero sense that it wouldn't be useful. The Gamepad can already do two way video with the built-in camera that is used in-game which takes up more bandwidth than audio, so that shouldn't be an issue. Even when using the Pro Controller, the Gamepad can still display information, so it's not a bad idea to have it close at all times if headsets need to be jacked in. I am sure someone will come out with a Bluetooth headset at some point to alleviate the issue.

I think people are making a mountain out of an ant hole.

Originally Posted by Daemonrunner

I am a little skeptical of the whole voice chat thing. I wonder if there was some kind of breakdown in the internal communication process within Nintendo about that. I can totally understand the built-in microphone and speakers of the Gamepad not being the IDEAL method for in-game voice chat - leaving 3rd parties to manufacture a more ideal experience - but it makes zero sense that it wouldn't be useful. The Gamepad can already do two way video with the built-in camera that is used in-game which takes up more bandwidth than audio, so that shouldn't be an issue. Even when using the Pro Controller, the Gamepad can still display information, so it's not a bad idea to have it close at all times if headsets need to be jacked in. I am sure someone will come out with a Bluetooth headset at some point to alleviate the issue.

I think people are making a mountain out of an ant hole.

Yeah, I was wondering if the Wii U has bluetooth. If it does, it won't be long at all before there's a headset. I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes out with it soon after launch.

Originally Posted by WoodenSaucer

Yeah, I was wondering if the Wii U has bluetooth. If it does, it won't be long at all before there's a headset. I wouldn't be surprised if someone comes out with it soon after launch.

it has Bluetooth - it has to as the Wii Remotes require Bluetooth.

I'm really inpatient, so hopefully once the advertising cycle begins we will find out off the details. *sigh*