The poor, underperforming Wii U took another hit today. Wedbush Securities analyst and gaming industry guru Michael Pachter commented today that the Wii U’s sales would continue to drop, and not even a price reduction could save it.
“The only key hardware device to underperform our expectations was the Wii U and its fortunes appear unlikely to improve for several months, even if Nintendo decides to drop price, as there are an insufficient number of core titles that are generating interest in the console. We think that core gamers are far more likely to turn their attention to the PS4 (due in the holiday season) and the next Xbox, which we believe will be unveiled before E3 and have a launch alongside that of the PS4, and believe that the long-term appeal of the Wii U will be severely limited by the perception that the PS4 and next Xbox will be much more powerful with greater online integration and multimedia functionality.”
Since its lackluster unveiling at E3 2011, the big N has struggled to build enthusiasm around the successor to its uber popular Wii. Sadly there just isn’t the excitement there or the slate of killer titles to build it. The tablet controller is really cool and the unique gaming styles it could bring about are still a draw, but it’s hardly more than a gimmick in the great majority of titles. Also, the system’s been riddled with late or sub-par ports of current-gen titles (I just saw that Injustice is being delayed in the UK, for example).
I’m not writing the Wii U off yet, Nintendo systems can take time to reach their stride. But I have to agree with Pachter that it’s looking pretty grim. It will take more than just a price cut to save the ailing game box, it will take some great games. And, if any company knows how to make a great game it’s Nintendo.
[Via: GamePolitics]