Controversial industry analyst Michael Pachter has proclaimed that the Wii U not only has the dumbest console name ever, but that the console is two years too late to market. We all know Pachter isn’t one to mince his words, but this scathing attack at Nintendo is relatively unfounded. Do you agree with Pachters supposed words of wisdom?
“The most impactful ‘reveal’ at the show was the Wii U, which, in our opinion, is arriving two years too late. Depending on pricing, the system will be either a phenomenal success or a phenomenal failure, as competitive bundles for Xbox 360 with Kinect and PS3 with Move are likely to be priced below $300 by the time the Wii U launches.”
“Sony’s presentation was solid, and the pricing on PlayStation Vita (the second-dumbest name for a device after Wii U) was quite a surprise.”
– Michael Pachter
It is a terrible name and I have to agree I am a huge nintendo fan but I have been incredibly disappointed with my most recent purchase the 3DS which was released with NO good titles and all I have to look forward to are all the good titles off the N64 to be remade. In my opinion if Nintendo doesn’t get it together they are not only going to lose the handheld market but they will lose the home console market too
Greencheese u forgot new mario-cart and Luigi’s mansion 2, there not remakes!, but i agree, i should of bought my 3ds around this time and not at launch.
Don’t forget a little game called Super Mario this year! People always think the name of a new console is terrible, it’s a knee-jerk reaction. I did for Playstation, and definitely for Wii and XBOX.
The 3DS JUST came out. Give it time.
Nintendo finally in HD all good for me and hopefully they tighten up the online also please 3rd party developers put some work into your games for nintendo haha
I don’t know about the two years too late thing, but Wii U is an absolutely terrible name.
He didn’t say what HE would call it…
lol he mad
Don’t even know who the hell this Patcher guy is; that just shows how much this guy’s 2 cents is worth. :B
Have to agree with him on the name thing.
Nintendo’s branding of their new consoles is just causing confusion, they should be totally new systems and presented that way.
Does Wii U even have any valid meaning apart from the obvious?
I have faith in the Wii U, but I agree that it does have the single worst name EVER. I was mad at Nintendo after their press conference. They didn’t leave me with anything to defend them. Look at how good it looks? Can’t say that, since there were no “real” games being shown. Look at what people are doing with it? Don’t know that either. All I could say was, “it does 1080p and has dual circle pads.” The name didn’t help at all. Can I still call it Project Cafe? kthxbai
The names “Wii” and “Mii” were already gay but “Wii U” is even worse.
first off its not even that bad a name, and no one says they will keep that name if i recall the Wii was called the revolution when first announced. and its not two years late sony and microsoft have stated that they dont plan on putting out new consoles until 2014 that gives nintendo two years to dominate the market which they always do with their loyal fan following
and as far as the 3DS goes, you have nothing to complain about really, pick up the virtual console titles to hold you over until sunday when ocarina 3d comes out and there is going to be a steady amount of games released up until this holiday which is the motherload of great games
Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed that WiiU is the final name in an interview.
Worst name ever.. I agree on that… But 2 ueyears late? No… Nintendo is once again making the console new. It isn’t just a beast of a system.. It’s unique
see i agree with this guy 100% its not two years too late they are remaking the console yet again and innovating it, this michael guy probably loves his 360 and ps3 too much to see that. and people say its dumb but if i remember correctly 2 years ago everyone thought the Wii and motion control was a gimmick and a bad idea but now sony and microsoft are bending backwards like a cheap hooker for anything and everything motion control
I must say the name is the biggest dissapointment from Nintendo. It’s never been their nature to use the name of a previous console in their successors, and it gives people the impression that this is an accessory to the Wii. I guess Nintendo just clinged to it because it sold well?
well i’d say so look at the name gameboy, they held on to that until the DS came out many years later, why get rid of it when its just the name is a goldmine
Really?
NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) / SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Game Boy / Game Boy Color / Game Boy Advance
Ever heard of an NES and a SNES?
I think he has a point about the two year thing. The PS3 and xbox360 aren’t getting updates for a while, so the prices will likely be lower, and they already have back catalogs to lure consumers in. I think the Wii U will be successful, but it may have a rocky start if they handle the launch like they handled the 3DS launch.
It will be great, but Nintendo NEED to change the name. I don’t really care what they call it if they change it because NOTHING could be worse then Wii U. Still, I love Nintendo and I’m gonna buy it anyway.
I have to say, I really hate the name “wii” and the new one “wiiu” is just unimaginative, maybe if they had kept the name nintendo revolution people wouldn’t be so upset with the name… although I must say, whenever I talk about the wii I always call it the revolution
Michael Pachter? Now thats a dumb name!
Hes just jelly
The wii u name makes some sense if you watched the press conferenc. Still coulda been a better name
It will be a good system even though the name is a little dumb.
Honestly, in my opinion, the name of a console shouldn’t matter so much. I mean c’mon, how many people have just called it ‘the new wii’? I know I have. This Michael guy seems to not care that the system is completely innovative and unlike anything we’ve ever seen before! Two years late? Why because its an expensive HD system that isn’t bundled with crap like xbox and playstation? Who the hell cares?! Its a BRAND NEW system. I mean if Michael cared so much about this, then he should wait four years and get Sony’s knock-off of the Wii U. But honestly, this guy is like troll encarnate and offers no kind of logic or reason to his rant. So, in conclusion: yea the name doesn’t roll off the tongue, but to call a system lame for the name, that just shows some insecurity towards something bigger regaurding the system. Also, calling something two years too late is just silly, because in four years sony and microsoft are just going to release a beefier and more powerful machine. I mean, is there anything else to expect from them?
P.s. I own a ps3 and a xbox 360 as well, and they’re fun. I’m not bashing on them at all.
He is correct, this is a few years too late considering it won’t really push the ps3 or 360 graphically and in a year or two will be obsolete as Microsoft and Sony release new systems that really put it in the dust.. Good for Nintendo on finally doing something to allow 3rd party publishers to release good games on their system but it is not the power house that most were expecting and I see it fizzling out just like the 3DS has
The 3DS has NOT “fizzled out”… It’s been out no time. I just got mine, and it’s an amazing system. The Only thing holding it back from soaring is a great lineup of games, and that is on the way, starting with Ocaring of Time. I don’t love the name, but if Ninttendo can nail the launch with this system, they’ll take off like a rocket, an it will remain at par with anything coming fon Sony or Microsoft at the very least.
1. Who cares about the name, its about the hardware and performance
2. If nintendo want to take there time they can bluddy well can!
3. What would of he called it, Wii Stream?
Unfortunately I kind of agree :-/ I think simply calling it Nintendo would have been much more attractive and it is a bit behind on hardware. Xbox 360 and Ps3 have been out with a while and a new console should be well beyond their capabilities. Its not like the tech isnt available, you can very easily get a gaming computer together that’s much, much, much more powerful. That would cause issues with selling it at a feasible price but I still think they should have packed a bit more power for this day and age. I’m disappointed with my 3ds as well, nothing attractive on the console since launch.
i don’t care what the console is called for all i care it could be called pussy and i will still will not care
nintendo wanted to keep the wii name so they just added the u because it’s called Strategy the WII name is so Popular and sold over a Million copy’s more then Xbox and PS3 put together and well know that Nintendo will sell the Console even My Mom want’s to by the console (I’m 17) XD
Depending on pricing, the system will be either a phenomenal success or a phenomenal failure, as competitive bundles for Xbox 360 with Kinect and PS3 with Move are likely to be priced below $300 by the time the Wii U launches. thats ok because wii u is a next gen system it’s not going to compete with the ps3 or the 360
It will until Microsoft and Sony release their next consoles. Most people aren’t going to be thinking “oh, PS3 is last gen, I’ll go with the Wii U”. They’re gonna have to choose between PS3, 360, and Wii U, and the former two are likely to be cheaper (because of their age) and come bundled with games, therefore more “casual” buyers will choose the competition.
I dislike the name Wii U but I love the system its self. In my opinion it isn’t really too late.
I completely agree. Nintendo is still way behind MS and Sony in terms of technology. Not to mention Sony’s PS Move completely left the Wii’s motion control in the dust.
Although, even though I am currently one of the Wii U’s biggest critics, I do intend to give it a chance once it releases.
I swear a couple of days ago he was praising nintendo for a good E3, in fact i sure it was an article on this very site.. I confused he changes his mind quickly..
I thought just the same thing.
1st: who cares about the name?
2nd:who cares about Pachter?!
MOAR LIEK PEEYU, AMIRITE?
Seriously, though, this guy sounds like the type whose words you wouldn’t take to heart.
The name is shit, regardless of whether people care or not. Bad move Nintendo I mean I’d actually be embarrassed to say I owned a ‘Wii U’ to someone…
You clearly have some self esteem issues then.
Says the man who seemingly HATES Nintendo. Come on, PEOPLE WILL STILL BUY THEIR GAMES AND THEIR SYSTEMS.
Dear Pachter. No one likes your opinions. Go slip into a hole underground and never come back. Your predictions are always wrong, sorry to break it to you.
The name is really not that bad. Sure it’s a bit silly but so was the Wii. To bash a system based on its name is essentially a repeat of the announcement for the Wii.
Although im not that big on the name too, the Wii U IS gonna own. Yea it’s late on graphics but it has the BEST graphics now. And Sony PS Vita which is also a stupid name is almost 10 years late with a touch screen. But they never say anything about the other companies. Bunch of **** suckers
Dear Patcher,
WHO F**KING CARES!
~ Hoodlum, the “Voice of Reason”
who cares about the Wii U, give me the girl.
in 2014 when sony and microsoft announce new systems nintendo could very well upgrade the specs of the Wii U we dont know we will see what happens then. all that matters is now and right now we have a great and innovative home console with specs that compete with the ps3 and 360 and a great line up of games that is what will push the wii u to the top again. plus we have a super powerful handheld thats about to get the best lineup of games being put out at the same time i can remember in along time
It’s the Wii u the Wii for u and the 3DS console was very good
In 2006 Nintendo refused to talk specs and focused only on their new consoles controller and emphasized just how the controller would change the way we play games forever. In the four years following, Nintendo managed to draw in people who weren’t gamers and drove away the majority of those who were with the release of lazy titles, an abysmal online experience, no hard drive, outdated hardware (from the get go), huge gaps in time between major franchise releases, a lack of 3rd party support and exclusive “must owns”.
Now here we are in 2011 and Nintendo is once more trying to convince the core crowd that their new console will satisfy not just the casual crowd but them too. I believe Mr. Iwata stated at E3 that Nintendo aims to satisfy both markets with the Wii U but it’s the same rhetoric that came from Nintendo during the Wii’s unveiling and we all know how well the Wii served the core audience. They say that the devil is in the details but in this case the devil is in the name Wii U. The mere fact that they’re keeping the name “Wii” should raise more than a few red flags for those very gamers Nintendo is aiming to get back. In keeping the name Wii and adding a U to it, Nintendo is doing two things. One it’s ensuring that the casual crowd will buy the new console and two, trying to convince the gamers who hated or where disappointed by the Wii that the console isn’t the Wii, though that’s all it really is.
What Nintendo is doing today is exactly what they did in 2006. A heavy emphasis is being placed on the Wii U’s controller, they don’t want to talk specs, showed no games, didn’t discuss any online models or experiences, and are beating to death the “this will change the way you play games” line. Nintendo was hush hush on the Wii’s technology because focusing on it would have shown and driven home the fact that the console was essentially the GameCube 2.0 and featured only outdated, rehashed, and moderate technology. The same is true for the Wii U. What Nintendo doesn’t want the core audience to think about or focus on is that the new console boasts only outdated, rehashed, and moderate technology. This is the GameCube 3.0 or Wii HD if you will. This this is still a Wii and gamers would do well not only to recognize this but remember it too. What Nintendo doesn’t seem to get is that the games themselves create the experience core gamers are looking for, not a controller. Deep and immerse gameplay come from a great story, interesting characters, balanced mechanics, in game surprises, realistic visuals, a memorable soundtrack, etc. They will continue to focus on their “unique” controller but a great game is a great game regardless of the type of controller it utilizes.
I predict that the Wii U will be bought by the same people who bought the Wii, a whole bunch of casual gamers who don’t sustain sales in the long run and the hardest core of core gamers who have to play Mario, Zelda, Kart, Metroid, etc. Nintendo will find themselves in a very familiar position come 2017 or so. I’m expecting a ton of shovelware to hit the stores with a few 1st party gems every other year just as has been the case with the Wii.
Aside from adding a modified Ipad to the Wii and adding HD capabilities to it, gamers should be to excited over this thing. The Wii U is a Wii that’s it. The other two consoles adapted HD nearly 6 years ago and while it’s nice to see Link in HD (very nice) I hardly think it’s something that Nintendo should be praised for including. Nintendo is once more going to sell yesterdays technology at today’s prices and convince a whole ton of people that the new controller is revolutionary. People are going to re-buy their Wii’s in November of 2012 and are essentially being asked to pay not for a console with groundbreaking revolutionary technology but for a controller, just as they where asked to do in 2006.
Good points.
Here’s the flaw in logic:
1) Nintendo’s plan in 2006 worked. Well. It has the most units sold, and they were laughing all the way to the bank. Ignoring core gamers or not, they banked. Probably better than they thought they would. So why wouldn’t they want to replicate that again? If it ain’t broke…
2) This isn’t the exact same as the Wii, because of two things:
a) In 2006, Nintendo focused on a controller, yes, but said controller was not a core-gamer friendly controller from the get-go, and Nintendo made no attempts (other than releasing an oft ignored “classic” controller that most only got used for Virtual Console games) to accomodate third party developer’s need for a more core-friendly controller (i.e. dual analog sticks, trigger buttons, etc.). They are rectifying that presently, with the fact that this new controller, apart from the touch-screen functionality, is centralized around core gaming, and while it does incorporate non-traditional concepts (touch screen, interaction with original Wii controls and assets, etc.), third party developers can now reset easy knowing that all owners of this console will have the appropriate control scheme to play their games the way the were intended. Such was NOT the case with the Original Wii, and developers would be forced to gamble the chance that enough people owned a “classic” controller for the original Wii, or would be willing to purchase one upon buying their game.
b) In 2006, Nintendo made almost no attempt at gaining third party support for it’s console, nor did they insist on that fact. When they did, they were met with negative criticisms about the lack of processing power, appropriate control scheme, and so on, despite their impressive console install base. Such is not the case this time around, as a slew of third party developers have not only expressed interest in porting over existing and current projects to the Wii U, but also future projects as well as Wii U exclusive titles. Activision, EA, Ubisoft, and many others are falling in line. Not to mention the fact that the CryTek, Unreal, and a couple of other big-name engines are reportedly running on the Wii U at similar or higher capacity to the PS3, which was not even in the the close realm of possibility on the original Wii.
So you see, there are two major differences right there, not to mention Nintendo has finally admitted the error of having non-account based online setup, and is moving away from it. Whether it’s as good as XBOX Live, for example, is yet to be seen. But the mere fact that it is moving to account-based online setup is a more than significant improvement over it’s previous attempts, not to mention the inclusion of a wireless microphone for in-game voice chat, which was also missing from the original Wii at its launch, and still is.
And by the way, the tech inside EVERY console is “outdated” by the time it comes out. Hell, it’s usually outdated before it even launches. The tech behind PS3 was outdated before the PS3 launched. And PCs will always, ALWAYS out-perform consoles anyway, so who cares? As long as this console can deliver 1080p, with on-par graphics to the PS3 and XBOX360, what’s wrong with that? While Sony and Microsoft stick to their 10-year plan, Nintendo went for 2 consoles in the same timeframe, AS IS always the case up until just this current gen. To complain about the 5-year console cycle now is pretty ridiculous, as we’re not even through the first non-traditional cycle yet.
Furthermore, the Wii U’s GPU and CPU have already been disclosed. Nintendo doesn’t disclose that information because it’s a really smart marketing move. Why show all your cards before the game has even started? Take it from someone who’s worked in advertising: Nintendo is doing EVERYTHING right from a marketing standpoint. It’s not because they’re ashamed of the tech, or because the system is so under-powered (it’s not; the specs behind the CPU and GPU far exceed that of the PS3, do some research), it’s because they’re doing exactly the same thing that worked last time: whetting the media’s appetite, letting the buzz accumulate, and slowly divulging bits of information as the months lead up to the console’s launch, to keep it on everyone’s attention.
To put it bluntly (and crudely): Nintendo is stroking it slowly, to prolong the “effects,” rather than blowing it’s load and “prematurely” ending the excitement before it even begins.
Yeah…. Precedence has shown that nobody really cares about names. Case in point, Wii, iPod, iPad… all bagged on but in the end sales shut idiots up.
Excellent point. Couldn’t have said it any better myself.
And Sony and Microsoft copy nintendo also didn’t Sony get hacked do you want them with your personal information
i swear i’ll smack this asshole if i ever see him
Why do I have a feeling this guy makes statements like these for publicity? “…in our opinion, it’s arriving two years too late.” When he says “our” he makes the statement collective, allowing him to make his own personal reaction to the Wii U seem like it’s part of some larger group. By including himself as a representative of a larger demographic, he can make incorrect statements with absolution. I read almost every Iwata Asks interview with Miyamoto and the development teams that actually create this technology, and most people don’t realize how much work and research goes into building a machine that is anticipated to make billions in profits. What would the CPU and GPU for the Wii U have cost if it had been released two years ago? Too much, the cost would have either made the system prohibitive to normal consumers or Nintendo could have dropped in chips that were designed in 2007 that might not be able to handle the new controller as well as the current processors. Plus, why would Nintendo want to release a new console when the Wii was setting record sales numbers in 2009-2010? It’s almost impossible to compare Wii U to PS3 or Xbox because the new controller can do things that neither of those systems can do. The Kinect and the Wii U are complete opposites; one has the most advanced controller ever created and the other has no controller at all. Imagine, in the future, the Wii U has already been selling for a couple years, Sony and Microsoft reveal they’re latest Nintendo knock-offs, and Mr. Pachter comes out and says the systems are two years too late. Late for what? Technology can’t be late because it constantly evolves faster than the years it take to developed a new console. To reiterate, this clown is just trying to get his name out there. I could sit her and incorrectly state that Nintendo sucks for the hype it would create, but it’s a sleazy tactic.
oh michael patcher, always bashing on Nintendo and Sony. he is truly a real life “troll”
Anybody who says the Wii-U is a dumb name will get an online punch in the face >:[
Why on f-ing earth am I seeing bad news everyday on my twitter, including this diss?!
Go s- yourself Patcher. I never even liked you since I wondered who you were and saw your picture online >:[
I don’t think it’s a dumb name. I personally feel its a good one because idk it sounds personal. I can’t wait to buy it i hope it’s cheap. Sony vita is a dumb name! they should have just kept it at NPG
I don’t think the name is awful, certainly not the best though. I think it kind of grows on you, much like the Wii. it does make sense though. Kepp the Wii brand so the moms and grandmoms and their sisters buy it, but also the “U” is a nod to us “core” gamers. It’s for us, and them! :D
Even though Wii U is a dumb name, you get used to it and you eventually dont think it’s dumb anymore
The same thing happened with the wii
1. He never actually goes into why he thinks this console is hitting the market too late. Is it the graphics? We only saw an early build. Is it the accumulation of several current ideas in one controller? In case you haven’t noticed, that’s actually attracting developers. Customers will already flock to the Wii U because it offers the experience Apple proposed on Monday with buttons/nunchuck-styled analog pads. No multitouch, sure, but I we don’t know how much that would impact developers at this point.
I also don’t care if this console is on the verge of the PS4 and Xbox 720, it’s a next-gen device that should hold its own in that new arena.
2. It’s a poor move to say the Wii U would fail simply because the other 2 older systems are available for a cheaper price. That’s like saying the PS2 would fail because it had a higher price tag that comes with a new system and would arrive in the face of competition quickly.
Fuck you Pachter! you are one of the worst business analysts I have ever seen in my life
Its an ok name. But honestly how innovative was the name xbox and playstation? A box with an x on it. At least ms has xbox and xbox 360. All sony ever changed is the number 1,2,3. Wow amazing. I have all 3 systems but still. Psp vita sucks as a name. I’m not sold on it yet since it has NO backwards compatibility at all. That’s something sony sucks at
Well that’s dumb. I don’t care who he is.
the name of the console is the least of my concerns. i don’t give a damn what it is called, as long as the games are going to be good. as far as i see it, providing costs of this console are kept as low and affordable as possible, the wii U WILL deliver.
The new name makes sense, as they still have to sell it to the casual crowd who could get confused by a new Nintendo product that doesn’t have Wii in the title.
Should have been called “UltraNES”.
i’m so fed up of this guys. i don’t think wii u is the worst console name ever, and two years late? why is that? it’s 50% more powerful than bot PS3 and Xbox360, so i don’t see how it’s late.
How is it “2 years too late”? The average life span for a Nintendo console is 5-6 years. Wii was released in 2006, and Wii U will be released in 2012. I agree that it may be a dumb name, but don’t go judging something by its cover.
I agree that “Wii U” sounds odd, but I disagree about the system being late.
I believe he is saying that Nintendo should have released a console that played the same games as PS3 and 360 a long time ago. And I think he’s telling the truth. In the past 2 years, I’ve bought over 20 Xbox games and only one Wii game (that I got for $10 because our video store was going out of business.) Why? Because developers make their good games with good graphics. I would NEVER have bought Fallout: NV on a Wii if it would have come out on it. Like it or not, graphics do matter. If you had two consoles and the exact same game was released on both of them, would you buy the one with mediocre graphics or awesome graphics?
There’s a reason he’s just an analyst. This is the same guy that said the Wii was a dumb idea. He has no idea what he’s talking about, like most analysts. I read a bunch of reports from “analysts” back in March/April that were saying Nintendo was definitely not going to debut a new console, because it would be stupid to do so. Don’t take anything these clowns say seriously. Their job is just to give their personal opinions, which count for shit in the grand scheme of things (as has been proven time and time again).
Its a better name than wii wii (lol my friend said that was gonna be the name) plus dont you remember what wii meant? “wii would like to play” it was created to group people, multiplayer games :) and now the wii u is named that because its like the wii, because the name sells, it will remind us of the old wii but the U in wii means that is singular player oriented. Dont you get it? I think theyre gonna go back to their good games with adventure and story! :D
Its got potential. They just need a more ergonomic controller nd do something w/ the name (Wii U? How bout Stream)
Nintendo could call the console “The Piece of Shit”, as long as it plays games well, and has good games to support it I’m onboard.
The only thing I like about Nintendo is innovation. They explore different things and ideas that others are not doing. Unfortunately after the initial release year of the Wii I found 99.9% of the games lacking in innovation, rehash after rehash of exactly the same gameplay and I mean “EXACTLY”. I feel sorry for the “Madworld” developers (Platinum Games) who look to have put a lot of effort and money into a quality game (look at the reviews) yet have come back with well under 1mill sales to date. Same goes for No More Heroes scoring 83/100 on metacritic yet only selling 500k and even Xenoblade Chronicles only selling 250k so far.
The only reason Wii have sold so many is because:
The Wii was and still is the cheapest console on the market being released at the start of the current global recession. It was a cheap console Christmas….
Parents saw the Wii as thier children exercising while playing mostly non violent computer games.
The Wii caters to all ages (family games) and is seen by a good proportion of adults as an exercise tool.
The Wii is in a totally different market compared to the other games consoles, I find it hard to describe it as a games console, more like 70% fitness tool, 20% games console, 10% dust gatherer.
I consider the Wii a complete gimmick that the masses (mostly non-gamers and casual gamers) lapped up because it is cheap and cheerful. Same goes for the DS, it has been a very brain training christmas for many non-gamers.
The Wii U will not be so lucky, I don’t believe it will fail, but I believe it will not be anywhere near as successful. Only one screen remote so most of the family games will most likely be extremely turn-based. Nintendo are not sure they will be able to release the controller completely wireless due to input and video lag with current technology (if they go ahead and release it in 2012), most of the non-gamers (exercise based software users such as wii fit) will mostly be happy with their current Wii console.
There we have it, the opinions of a fan of all games consoles released during the 90’s and 00’s except for the Wii and DS. Good luck Nintendo.