E3 Roundtable: What Wii U features does Nintendo need to reveal?

We already know a fair bit about the Wii U. Keeping with the focus on new ideas that made the original Wii break into new audiences, the Wii U was revealed to have a controller with its own built-in touch screen. With a new E3 upon us and the Wii U set to release this year it is very likely that pretty much everything will be revealed about Nintendo’s new console.

The primary thing I’m concerned about is the price. While the Wii-U is rumored to be only slightly more powerful than the 360 and PS3, it will require a controller that has a built-in touch screen. Nintendo never sells at a loss, so it’s likely the Wii U may debut at a price north of $250 at a time when many gamers are wincing at the thought of buying a new system at all (and the controllers themselves might cost a lot as well). With a system that’s supposedly only slightly more powerful than what we already have, I’m really worried the Wii U might price itself too high.

Another great concern I have is how the Wii U is going to handle online. One of the main complaints of the Wii’s online multiplayer was the reliance on friend codes. Though friend codes were intended to make it safer for child, they have proven mostly be a nuisance to the rest of us that don’t molest kids. Nintendo, last E3, mentioned that instead of this, the Wii U would be allowing developers and publishers to have control over their own online multiplayer. I’m hoping this is expanded on next month. Hopefully they won’t allow EA to further force Origin on us all.

Finally, and most importantly, are the games. Last E3 saw a few third party games, some Wii Sports styled minigames, and a breathtaking Legend of Zelda tech demo. This year it’s imperative that Nintendo show what the Wii-U means to the franchises people love Nintendo for. I expect Zelda, Mario, or Metroid (preferably something that begins with Other M being a terrible dream). I’m sure there will be the prerequisite granny games to appeal to the wider demographic, but I am really hoping that the focus is on convincing those of us that actually pay attention to E3 and not to just wait for Sony and Microsoft to announce their next consoles.

What are you guys wanting from the Wii-U, and what will convince you that the system is well worth your time and Bogda Bucks?

Jayson White

The last Nintendo game console I owned was the Gamecube, in 2004, which I bought primarily to play Super Smash Bros. Melee. But when I tried Halo at a friend’s place, it quickly garnered enough dust that I sold it within a few months. I played the Wii, and like all Nintendo consoles it’s perfect for kids and intriguing enough for the rest of us to enjoy it. Much of which could be attributed to the content the company likes to produce. Which is my primary source of ambivalence towards the Wii U. I want something like The Last Guardian.

Nintendo needs an original series. And if the hardware is as promising as some developers are suggesting, I might be willing to shell out $300 for it. Probably not much more though considering, like many, I’d rather be saving up for the next Xbox, PS4, or hardware to build a strong PC. I didn’t try playing online too much on the Wii, but I remember volatile connectivity and limited multiplayer options. As a consumer, a seamless and efficient online experience is a must in 2012.

Nick Simberg

Well, it’s already been stated that a launch price and firm release date will NOT be revealed at the show, but it could be worse – they could announce the price. Current products like the $199 Kindle Fire give me hope, though, that the starting cost won’t be too crazy. And, since the tech isn’t mind-blowing, add maybe $100 (what you can get a Wii for today) and you’ve got a $300 system. That’s not too out of the realm of possibility at all; PS3′s cost that much now. Anything more than that, though… and Nintendo will have some troubles.

My biggest Wii U fear is that Nintendo hasn’t been able to attract third-party developers since the SNES days. And the games they’ve shown on the thing so far… Arkham City? Ghost Recon? We’ve already played those games. Nintendo needs to do what they did with Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D Land, and show with their own first-party examples that legitimate core games can be amazing even on what is obviously a gimmick console. We saw with the first Wii that gimmicks can get you a long way, and the lackluster offerings from other consoles this Christmas will give Nintendo a huge holiday advantage in a period where they normally shine anyway. People are hungry for something new, especially since there’s what, two or three worthwhile Wii games released per year now? Nintendo is a sinking giant, and the Wii U is going to need some awfully big floaties.

Oh, and could you court some indies, Nintendo? This thing is made for Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP. Stop actively stomping on the little guys – they are the future and you need to stop living in the past.