E3 2014: Nintendo's Last Chance to Prove the Gamepad is a Game Changer - Article
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 30 May 2014 / 10,761 Views
It's obvious that Nintendo’s Wii U and its unique Gamepad controller concept has not been a runaway success for the Kyoto-based giant. Unlike the original Wii, which had people lining up (literally) to own one and experience a new way to play games, Nintendo’s current console is having trouble catching on with the market. While it’s true that third party support is painfully lacking on the console, largely forcing Nintendo to support it alone, the controller remains arguably the biggest culprit for the system's lagging sales for one simple reason: untapped potential.
It's not that the Gamepad is completely bereft of great uses. First, off-TV play is a boon to many people, as being able to continue playing a game while allowing the TV to be freed-up can be very convenient. Secondly, the way it enhances games with maps and inventory at your fingertips is far more useful than it may first appear. Anyone who has played The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD can attest to that. Then there's also the fact that its internet browsing capabilities are pretty impressive.
But unfortunately, none of those features warrant system-selling status with the majority of consumers. What Wii U sorely lacks is a hit game featuring gameplay that couldn't be done without the Gamepad – such as the promised function of asymmetrical gameplay that has been largely absent on the system. Aside from very few games (most notably Nintendoland), the vast majority of the Wii U's library could be played with a standard controller and the Gamepad functionality that is incorporated is done so in token, gimmicky ways (both Mario games come to mind).
To put this point into perspective, imagine the original Wii releasing without Wii Sports to properly demonstrate the potential of motion controls. Imagine the unique functionality of its IR pointer capabilities going underutilized. Needless to say, the Wii likely would have had a tough time selling the concept much like the DS did before games like Nintendogs and Brain Age arrived. Instead, the Wii showed the world on day one that Nintendo had ideas in mind when the system was conceived, which is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the Wii U still has us scratching our heads over what Nintendo intends to come up with in the gameplay department to prove the Gamepad as a bona fide game changer in the market.
At this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo says it will reveal "Wii U software titles that can only be made possible with the Wii U Gamepad." Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo, was also quoted recently as declaring that, "The fate of a video game system is often influenced greatly by the introduction of a single title." While history has proven this true, it will almost certainly need to be something new and not a sequel to an already established franchise. It must also, unequivocally, resonate with a broad market. If Nintendo really does have great ideas ready to be announced, there could still be a chance for them to capitalize on this prospect, and Wii U is sure to remain the cheapest of the 8th generation consoles as well - but this window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
Was Nintendo hoping that core gamers would support the console at its most expensive while they fine-tuned their unique ideas for the Gamepad? Did they ever have these ideas to begin with? One thing is certain: it's imperative that Nintendo's promise of Gamepad-centric software this year delivers their next big hit.
