Why the Wii U is the best next-gen choice this Christmas
Earlier this week, Nintendo confirmed that it was ceasing production of the Wii. You probably don't need reminding of its successes, just as Nintendo likely doesn't need reminding of the shadow it has been operating under with its successor. The Wii U, according to every sales report since its release late last year, has been a disappointment and, if you've an inkling for melodrama, something of a disaster. The common consensus is that Nintendo blew its 12-month head start.
Yet in spite of weak messaging and third-party support that has already been dramatically reduced, something amazing is happening: heading into the first Christmas where it will be toe to toe with the Xbox One and PS4, the Wii U isn't just sizing up to the opposition - it's fast becoming, I reckon, the best next-gen proposition over the coming months. Maybe Nintendo didn't blow its lead after all - maybe it's been using the time wisely.
It's not exactly a turnaround, but rather a small congress of circumstances. Firstly - and most importantly - there's the software. The removal of Watch Dogs from the Xbox One and PS4's launch line-ups revealed one of the underlying problems with the new round of next-gen launches: that mantra of games, games, games rings hollower by the day when there's only a handful of titles worth playing, and not much at all to get really excited about even within that.
There's colour in Super Mario 3D World, and a little of the vibrancy and verve that's sorely missing in so much of a noisy but drab line-up for Microsoft and Sony's consoles. Would you rather wake up to a morning with Killzone, Ryse or Mario? I'd like to think that much is a no-brainer, and if do you like your Christmas soundtracked by throaty violence, let's not forget that the slim third-party support the Wii U has is at least impactful: Assassin's Creed 4 and Call of Duty, two of the seasonal kings, are coming to Nintendo's console, and the former at least looks like a very handsome port.
Inject a little Tokyo EAD magic into that back catalogue and it's hard to deny that the Wii U's line-up eclipses those of the Xbox One and PS4 - and so it should after its lengthy headstart. Is it enough to turn the tide, though? That's a harder ask, but there are at least signs that Nintendo's beginning to push the console in the right direction.
Mitenkäs boksista nyt yhtäkkiä siis tuli jopa WiiU:ta heikkotehoisempi? Ettei vaan plösön ihannointi olisi taas mennyt liian pitkälle?
