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Reggie Claims Wii U Name Is Not Responsible For Console’s Problems

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Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has tried to assure online gaming publication Kotaku that the Wii U name isn’t responsible for the console’s problems. There was initially a lot of confusion surrounding the product as many people thought the GamePad was simply an add-on for the system. However, Reggie says the challenges the company is facing with Wii U are not issues of the name. He claims that the average consumer already understands that they have a new system in the marketplace.

“The challenges we’re facing with Wii U are not issues of the name. The issue is the lack of a steady rate of software launches to motivate the consumer to drive buzz and engagement and to highlight the wide variety of uses of the GamePad. That’s the issue.”

“The consumer understands that we have a new system. But the consumer is saying: ‘What am I going to play? And what am I going to play that’s a new and unique and compelling experience vs. what I can do today, whether it’s on the Wii or any other system?’

“And that’s why experiences like Pikmin 3, like Wonderful 101, like Zelda Wind Waker HD, with the off-TV play, experiences like Super Mario 3D World—that’s why it’s critical that we launch those, have consumers experience them in malls across the country, which we’ll be doing. It’s critical that the consumer see for themselves the range and breadth of compelling software for the system.”

172 thoughts on “Reggie Claims Wii U Name Is Not Responsible For Console’s Problems”

                1. Dosnt prove the consumers are it proves Nintendo thinks that’s the reason and it could bring them more problems to finds the true reason wich is advertising.

                  1. You saying it right now that people dont know what a wii u is. Its like when they compared iphone 5 with iphone 4 in us when they actually only had a iphone 4 to show. No one knew was a iphone 5 was. In other words it has nothing to do with the name or the SNES would’ve had the exact same problem.

              1. CNN doesn’t understand a majority of things. And quoting anything from the MSM invalidates your attempts of making a point (sorry). Your Iwata quote just proves V.o.R.’s point that it is about Advertising. Nintendo has not done enough to get info about the new console and what it is about, to the (uninformed) consumers. And if they up their Adverts (which by the way, I saw a commercial for Pikmin 3 on TV the other day), they have to have the software available to get people pumped about investing in the hardware. So V.o.R., and Reggie are correct. It is software and Advert that are where the ball was dropped.

              2. Super Nintendo Entertainment System…. it had Super in the name yet people didn’t really get confused. The marketing is to blame. Sorry kid but your education must suck.

                  1. Wich proves that is advertising the biggest problem not the name. They change the wiiu name to ” Obama’s reproductive organ and if is not advertised in wont work.

                        1. For the same reason that Sony is not doing with the vita. They will do it when it has the most effect the holiday season(hope so)

      1. if sony games were good people would buy them.
        top ten ps3 games.

        1 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 PS3 2011 Shooter Activision
        5.50
        4.79
        0.48
        2.05
        12.83
        2 Call of Duty: Black Ops PS3 2010 Shooter Activision
        5.71
        2.01
        0.48
        3.81
        12.01
        3 Call of Duty: Black Ops II PS3 2012 Shooter Activision
        4.48
        4.01
        0.48
        1.70
        10.67
        4 Gran Turismo 5 PS3 2010 Racing Sony Computer Entertainment
        2.63
        1.99
        0.80
        5.10
        10.52
        5 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PS3 2009 Shooter Activision
        4.87
        3.30
        0.38
        1.65
        10.19
        6 Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 2008 Action Take-Two Interactive
        4.47
        3.21
        0.41
        1.75
        9.84
        7 FIFA Soccer 13 PS3 2012 Action Electronic Arts
        0.95
        4.24
        0.11
        1.49
        6.79
        8 Battlefield 3 PS3 2011 Shooter Electronic Arts
        2.62
        2.57
        0.33
        1.07
        6.58
        9 FIFA Soccer 12 PS3 2011 Sports Electronic Arts
        0.79
        3.25
        0.11
        2.26
        6.40
        10 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare PS3 2007 Shooter Activision
        2.94
        2.04
        0.28
        1.07
        6.33

        1. You should note that all of those franchises are on the annual best selling franchise list (with the exception of Grand Turismo and GTA, which might be but I’m unsure). You’ll find a similar case on Xbox except with more Halo.

      2. it’s totally the name. not only is it dumb. but confusing for the casual retards they’ve been lusting over.

      3. You can’t assure Kotaku of anything.

        Anyway, it’s not the name, it’s the marketing. The Wii U is lacking some serious marketing. Common sense.

      4. Sounds like their starting to realize that a simple game isn’t going to cut it for their system.
        If they were clever enough, they would attempt to create more games utilizing the gamepad or get rid of the gamepad entirely and do a backwards compatibility for the game station.

      5. wii u system sellers

        new super mario bros u
        new super luigi u
        pikmin 3
        wonderful 101
        wind waker hd
        sonic lost world
        dk tropical freeze
        mario 3d world
        mario and sonic
        x
        super smash
        shin megami tensai x fire emblem
        yarn yoshi
        3rd sonic game
        myamotos new game
        zelda 2015

        ps4 system sellers killzone infamous.

        1. Actually PS4 System Sellers:

          Killzone Shadow Fall
          Infamous Second Son
          DriveClub
          Knack
          The Order 1886
          Everyone’s Gone to the Rapture
          The Witness
          N++
          New Naughty Dog Title
          Ratchet and Clank’s new game
          GT7
          Minecraft
          Final Fantasy Online
          Elder’s Scrolls Online
          Final Fantasy 15
          KINGDOM HEARTS 3
          Assassin’s Creed 4
          Watch_Dogs
          Destiny
          Thief
          Dying Light
          Mad Max
          Deep Down
          The Evil Within
          Mirror’s Edge 2/Reboot

          So really despite the PS4’s lack in 1st party games (Seeing how its only getting released in November while the Wii U has been out since last November) it still has a much better line up than Wii U. I love the Wii U but even with some of the first party games they don’t match up to some of the best known games on PS4.

          To be honest I can’t wait to get some of the 1st party games on Wii U but the PS4 has a lot more system sellers seeing how Assassin’s Creed 4, Destiny, Mad Max and Watch_Dogs have exclusive content compared to the Wii U and Xbox One versions (Well Watch_Dogs and AC4 that is).

      6. The wait for actual good games besides NSMBU and probably ZombiiU was a long one. I find this unfair how Nintendo treats their customers. Especially supporting Nintendo day 1 in high hopes of a console being great. No one say the 30 cent games are our reward for that support. People that waited and didn’t even support Nintendo day 1 are getting the better deal and better game ie. Nintendo Land + 32gb for 350 vs 32gb + Wind Waker for 300. Nintendo has to give us something. I am not joking on that. No one can even try to give excuses to why Nintendo shouldn’t at least gift us something. Consoles bricked first day, they can’t excuse that.

            1. its a waste. if i don’t have to use it i don’t ever and never will. the only game that makes it worthwhile is rayman legends.

              nintendo’s mistake was the gamepad. its a worthless turd.

              you guys do know if nintendo was as powerful as the other two and wasn’t operating in the 90’s, they could destroy the competition.

              no instead they go for gimmicks and child crap like mii’s. fuck the stupid mii’s!!!!!!

              1. I think it’s great that Nintendo has created the gamepad. However, they haven’t used the gamepad’s full potential, only “off tv play”, “off tv play” (that’s the Wii U’s gimmick).

                You know, if they made the gamepad optional and had the pro controller (with improvements) as their main controller then it may have been a different story.

              2. I use off screen play more often then playing on tv. I have a big family if I didn’t have off screen play I would never get a chance to play games. Life saver for me.

                1. I think it’s more about change people don’t like change. The controler should have been an add on for the wii u instead of forcing it on consumers.

              3. Gotta disagree with ya. I’m in love with my gamepad. I almost never turn my tv on now. I think it’s got a lot to do with personal preference though, I enjoy change a lot and the gamepad is really something new. It’s got a ton of potential, but having potential can be worse than having none at all because your expected to do things and right now the game pad is NOT at all reaching its potential. Makin it seem really gimmicky. The miis could use a change. But at least they aren’t like the Xbox avatars with all that arbitrary customization bs. But I think that’s personal too since a lot of ppl enjoy the custom items.

            1. Is that sarcasm? Who called the Xbox, “Xbox 1”.

              There are 3 distinct names in the Xbox family.

              Xbox, Xbox 360, and now Xbox One.

              I could see it being confusing if it were Xbox, Xbox 3, and then Xbox One, but that’s not the case.

      7. ps vita is dead.

        top 10 vita games.
        1 Uncharted: Golden Abyss PSV 2011 Action Sony Computer Entertainment
        0.39
        0.39
        0.13
        0.09
        0.99
        2 Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified PSV 2012 Action Activision
        0.44
        0.19
        0.06
        0.07
        0.76
        3 Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation PSV 2012 Action Ubisoft
        0.38
        0.22
        0.06
        0.07
        0.72
        4 Persona 4: The Golden PSV 2012 Role-Playing Atlus
        0.15
        0.04
        0.27
        0.02
        0.48
        5 LittleBigPlanet PS Vita PSV 2012 Platform Sony Computer Entertainment
        0.17
        0.21
        0.02
        0.05
        0.45
        6 FIFA Soccer PSV 2012 Sports Electronic Arts
        0.12
        0.24
        0.02
        0.05
        0.43
        7 Need for Speed: Most Wanted – A Criterion Game PSV 2012 Racing Electronic Arts
        0.15
        0.18
        0.01
        0.04
        0.38
        8 Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational PSV 2011 Sports Sony Computer Entertainment
        0.10
        0.07
        0.19
        0.02
        0.37
        9 Rayman Origins PSV 2012 Platform Ubisoft
        0.09
        0.21
        0.00
        0.04
        0.34
        10 Mortal Kombat PSV 2012 Fighting Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
        0.26
        0.05
        0.00
        0.03
        0.34

      8. This is the same company that just announced the 2DS. These names they keep coming up with are undoubtedly going to be confusing!

        I like Nintendo as much as the next guy, but their excuses are starting to grate

          1. Yes but I think we all have gone through those points like a gazillion times already…

            They are coming…

            1. People aren’t patient these days. They are spoiled with getting a game each year. But Nintendo doesn’t do that, they take their time. Which is good but the launch titles still lacked a lot.

              1. Personally what really ruined the launch was the delay of Pikmin 3 and the over confidence for NSMBU…

                SM3DW should have been the launch title instead…

                1. Yeah. Like all the New Mario Bros games are pretty much the same only with different power ups. I got the 3D one and the Luigi one. I’m done with the series. I want a big 3D Mario title and 3D World is the closest we’ll get for now.

                  1. I’m sure one is in development right now…

                    It would be foolish not too…

                    And as you might remember, Lord Iwata said last month that they have several unannounced games…

                    So let’s see if they can truly show the power of the Wii U…

                    1. You know Nintendo need games for next year also maybe they change it so much that they need to do a new reveal?

        1. wait.. your telling that Reggie is wrong? he’s the damn CEO of Nintendo! I think he knows what he’s talking about despite your belief on what the media said.

      9. The problem was not the name, the problem was that you do not show the console, only the gamepad, and start screaming “Wii U” with the gamepad in hands, that was the problem that start the confusion.

        If You have show the console first an say something in the lines of “This is the Wii U” and then show the gamepad an say “and this is the control that will make it a revolution, the Gamepad” then you would not have a single person confuse nor a single problem with the name.

        You blew it up.

            1. I guess it’s one of those games…

              It’s somewhat disturbing that the Ubisoftians can create Gamepad almost worthy games before our Empire…

                1. Yes I support them when I’m able. Final fantasy therythm is the best game I have ever played is not Indie but sure was a new way in gameplay.

          1. That’s true, but we can’t put the complete blame on Nintendo for that. They did try educating people before launch. They even had nationwide tours showing off the Wii U. So while I do believe they could do more on the advertising front, sometimes these misconceptions come from plain old consumer ignorance.

      10. “It’s critical that the consumer see for themselves the range and breadth of compelling software for the system.”

        Sooooo, why aren’t you showing them? *Needs more advertising*

          1. I doubt that’d help. Anyone from that crowd are probably already getting a PS4 or Xbox One, if any console at all. They should advertise it on programming families would watch together.

            1. Sure but parents watch those shows and I’m sure they are not goin to get dead rising 3 for their kids.

              1. ps vita 200 plus 80 for 32gb memory card.
                2ds 130
                3ds 170
                3ds xl 200

                ps vita price cut should be 100 because vita has no system sellers.

          1. I just attack Sony when a fanboy makes me angry beyond that I just bring their problems when I’m discussing with serius people like you but this Guy is a jackass.

        1. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

          everybody look. this guy knows what he is talking about. so how is it to not be a corporate cock sucker like almost everybody else here????
          its nice isnt it??

      11. go back…. to pizza hut. bitch.

        reggie you are responsible for noa sucking, its pathetic that iwata has to come over because your doing such a bad job!!!! iwata sucks, you should be ashamed.

        if nintendo itself was noe itself as a whole, nintendo probably woulnt be a stale dusty shit living in the past.

        fire reggie and iwata.

      12. It’d pry help them more if:
        1. They marketed the system more. I know they like to advertise in magazines, but that isn’t really going to cut it. The “WiiU” isn’t going to be snatched up if a lot of people haven’t seen commercials marketing it and influencing buyers.
        2. They had a more diverse library for the system’s launch. I know it’s time consuming creating top notch games, but that’s what sells the product.
        3. They would’ve made the system more powerful. They got a lot of turn downs due to the system not being powerful enough to handle even the most intense games. If it was more powerful, it could handle games like Call of Duty and other shooters, Mature rated and sports games.
        4. They would’ve been more creative with the system name. Admittedly, Wii U to me sounds like an upgraded Wii. They could’ve called the Nintendo “Rev” or something like that.
        5. They need more mature rated games.

      13. xbox 360 had a failure rate of 54 percent in 2009.
        ps3 had ylod.
        wii had 1 percent failure rate in 2006.
        sony/microsoft fans love to get ripped off.

        1. Probably why us Nintendo fans “complain” and are frustrated by the slower pace because we want quality games and secure consoles unlike the other 2, specially the Xbots that buys any garbage sent out by their corrupted leaders…

          1. nintendo fans are upset because we always get the best games and wii u doesnt have alot of games right now.

            sony/microsoft fans are never upset because they never get good games.

            1. I love the 2 second part, it sounds so lovely…

              It’s funny how they both praise their games when most of “their” games is not even made by Sony or Microsoft…

              It’s so sad and amusing…

              Nintendo games always sell the most regardless of any non Nintendo game released…

        2. Actually the PS3 only had a failure rate of 4 percent because all my friends still own the older PS3 and I owned it since launch day and still no problems with it, unlike my Wii which died before my PS3 so the logic in your “Example” is flawed.

        1. So you are saying $50 for free games, an extra 90 days and better service is a bad thing for PS4? Wow you really are a Nintendrone aren’t you…

          Nintendo = Makes a 2DS and lowers the Wii U price by only £30

          Sony = Reduce the price for both Vita and PS3 by £50

          Nintendo fans love to get ripped off :D

      14. Reggie, the consumer audience Nintendo’s built up with the Wii does not take video games seriously enough to be concerned with such things as compelling software experiences. The most compelling thing they’re interested in is party gaming. The confusion is very much over the name, and why they would need “another Wii” when they’ve already got their Wii Sports/Wii Fits to keep them healthy and active, and their [insert generic party game(s)] when they feel like unwinding.

      15. xbox 360 had a failure rate of 54 percent in 2009.
        ps3 had ylod.
        wii had 1 percent failure rate in 2006.

        wii u online=free
        ps4 online=60 a year
        xb1 online=60 a year

        sony/microsoft fans are brainless zombies.

            1. Not really, I’ve had the fat PS3 since launch, so did many of my friends and they said their PS3s are still working. While my Wii died just a few years ago and I had to buy a new one…. not really fact seeing how Wii consoles will brick if you just drop it.

            1. The only thing that’s the “truth” is that you’re a dumbass.

              Now that’s a fact

              you can’t handle the truth boy

      16. I can’t believe the Nintendo fans are the ones using statistics to argue that Nintendo is better. I’m very disappointed that we would stoop to that level. It’s the equivalent of Beliebers using subscribers, fame, and success to a justified and talented Justin Bieber make.

      17. Wii U was kind of a bad name at first for me, or at least a “Meh” name because, well, I don’t know, I guess I just didn’t understand the ‘U’ at first… but, it isn’t bad now, it is distinct and its fine…
        Its an awesome system… that’s about all there is to it… Advertising, well, I don’t even see it but I don’t watch alot of tv where it would be and hell… it is made by a company whose sole purpose is gaming… nothing more, which is one of the reasons I love that Sega has exclusives with them, because Sega was the only other gaming only name to last into the 2000s really, when no one knew what the Dreamcast was… although it had the best controller and some impressive games itself (loved that thing)

      18. in my country, xbox one is more known than the wii u (despite having a more confusing name than the wii u)… i guess sony and microsoft home consoles just get more attention than nintendo’s… in other words, people care more about sony and microsoft… nintendo needs to win back its audience (im referring to home consoles, since the 3ds is a success anyway)

      19. I think he is giving consumers way too much credit. The name is what they were playing off of, that’s why there has been so little advertising for the thing up until recently! They were hoping that the “Wii” monicker would carry enough weight to push the general public into buying it. But, alas, that name didn’t carry it as far as they had hoped and now they have to do some type of media blitz to bring the thing back into the realm of relevancy. I really enjoy my Wii U, but literally 3 days ago I had to explain to someone in a store that the Wii U is a new console with new games and the ability to play Wii games! They saw the Wii U boxes and the black Wii was right next to it in the case, they pointed to the Wii and then pointed to the Wii U and said “yeah, with that(Wii) you can then get that(WiiU Gamepad) and have new experiences.” I was quick to reference the misconception that they had and correct their ignorance of the system. They then asked me if I could truly recommend the console and if it was fun. I told them “Yes, I can recommend it without hesitation and it will provide tons of fun!” They ended up purchasing the Wii U and hopefully are satisfied. I do feel somewhat bad, since I noted to them the fact that there are bundles that would be coming out for it soon, but I had no knowledge that the price would drop as well! I’m sure they are having fun with the console!

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      21. The real issue is advertising and Reggie promising us stellar 3rd party support but not working his ass off in bringing them to the console.

      22. Sure, it may or may not be much of a problem, but Adding a U after Wii is still a bad idea.
        A simple 2 makes more sense, Wii 2 needs no explanation.
        U on the other hand requires an explanation. It needed a clear marking effort to explain its meaning, which Nintendo failed to do. Those cubicle dubstep commercials were horrible.

        1. I would have been a bit disappointed with Nintendo if they merely opted to add a 2 to the title of the successor system. Although I agree that it would have helped it in sales.

          I like how Nintendo and I guess even Microsoft have at least somewhat creative names. Rather than just taking the Sony route and going 2, 3, 4. Although to be fair Sony changed it up with the Vita.

      23. People are stupid. When u walk in Gamstop,Walmart wherever games are sold, there’s a blue box and a white box. White says Wii, blue says Wii U. They change the colors. Name isn’t a problem. Advertisement is.

      24. Don’t release the Nintendo 2DS shits stupid I love you Nintendo but that’s your worst idea yet and i know it has nothing to so with the Wii U I just wanted to mention that lol

      25. The problem is that there are many great games coming out right now and showing too much of the Wii U Gamepad and not the actual system. The 3DS had a similar slow start and some thought it was because of the name being similar to DS, but it was the games. Once the great Wii U games comes, people will know what the Wii U offers and get it. I don’t believe it has to do with the name. Xbox and Playstation stick with their names, but at the same time, show their systems and future games.

      26. It might not be the name that caused the current problem with Wii U sales, but a different name sure would have been better. Even Super Wii would be better. Or throw that stupid Wii name out altogether. Wii was always a stupid name. And always will be. These consoles became the victims of pee and penis jokes throughout the world.

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