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There's no disputing the fact that the XBOX and GCN have lost the race. They'd probably lost it before the thing had even started. The Dreamcast died out due to sheer anticipation of the PS2, the universally recognised brand, the machine that makes games trendy and cool...in fact, the Gameboy Advance is probably the nearest challenger. Microsoft seem to be desperate not to fail, clutching at pack-in deals for less than £200, and splashing out on companies like Rare that seem to have lost a little of their pull...but despite the neediness that is exhuded by the XBOX, it's attractive pricing and killer apps such as Halo, along with the enticing option of Xbox Live, have seen it overtake the GC. Many gamers are upset, seeing Nintendo as the only lasting original company after the demise of consoles from the likes of 3DO and Sega...but do Nintendo deserve to falter? Sega have had a comeback of Alan Partridge proportions after going software-only, would it benefit Nintendo?
The big issue really is where you are. Japan is the home of Nintendo, and they get everything first. In fact, they're enjoying Zelda right now, along with a pair of bonus discs for pre-ordering customers. But what of Europe? It's no secret that Nintendo still don't regard the East of 'the West' as a main priority, concentrating more on home and America, traditionally the biggest electronics-buying countries. Here we won't be getting Zelda for a fair few months, and that's not just a single sob story to try and convince you. Metroid Prime is slowly chugging its way to release, despite most Americans having bought it and seen all three endings (and not because it's short, either). Think back to the release of the console itsself - we were the last to get a go on the Gamecube. It really hurts Nintendo's image when they build up big games such as Mario Sunshine, and then announce that it won't be here for half a year...in fact, the only people it really helps are the exact types Nintendo are strictly opposed to: Sony and Microsoft, who ply customers with classics instantly available, and importers and chippers, who provide the means for European gamers to get the games when they should.
So what does this all mean for Joe Public? Well, the most sought after Gamecube accessory isn't the Wavebird (again, released here long after the Japanese and Americans got their hands on it), but the Freeloader disc, which is nothing more than a modchip on a dinky DVD, really...although the ironic thing is, its release date has slipped into TBC land. Let's look at the alternatives - right now you could go out and buy a Playstation 2. For games, you could buy GTA:Vice City or Pro Evolution 2; both leaders in their respective fields. If you opted for an XBOX, you'd be given the choice of Halo (the best console FPS ever), Jet Set Radio Future (a sleeper hit) and Splinter Cell, the critically acclaimed challenger to MGS which won't come out on the other consoles for a few months, IF Microsoft don't lock it down for exclusive rights. The Gamecube's best games are usually cited as Mario Sunshine (which, despite many being dissapointed, is probably the best platformer of the year), Super Monkey Ball (in which you roll monkeys around in balls) and Eternal Darkness, which seems to have no choice but to limp into shopping trolleys through word of mouth due to criminal under-exposure from Nintendo. And then Resident Evil, the inexplicably popular game, is available with worse graphics on the PS1 for around a tenner.
Not bad, but then when you ask someone if they'd rather play football and kill people, shoot aliens, skate around and save the world or bounce around, negotiate mazes and stay sane they'll probably snub the Gamecube. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad system - it has the quality. But the makers seem to be determined to fail. Take the Panasonic Q, a Gamecube with multi-region DVD player capabilities. Do Nintendo license it for America and Europe? Nope. And they don't seem that bothered about their kiddie image either. You can have all the Resi adverts you like, when your main franchises involve a fat plumber, monkeys and a young man wearing a green tunic, you're not sounding mature. Having a purple console doesn't help either. No matter what people say about the content counting, people are put off by having a child's toy when they could have a cool PS2 or big bad Xbox...and Nintendo need to figure out that until they change this, they're not going very far.
Then the Game Boy Advance. Here Nintendo started off quite well - complete backwards compatibility creating an almost infinite library of games, tonnes of great updates of old classics like Doom and Super Mario World, audacious ports from more complex games such as Medal of Honour and SSX Tricky, and more of those new Nintendo must-buys like Metroid Fusion. It's even compatible with everything, due to no regional lock-out! Unfortunately, nobody bothered to mention the dark screen which has been the butt of an untold amount of jokes. It's taken independent companies to do what everyone has wanted Nintendo to do, and that's give the GBA a backlit screen...and when everyone's excited about this new piece of handheld hardware, it turns out they recycle a SNES idea and create a GBA player for the GCN.
At almost every turn, Nintendo seem determined to show everyone how bad they can be. Be it neglecting an important market, almost not bothering to release games in certain areas, not doing enough about their image, and I haven't even touched on Nintendo's reluctance to move into the lucrative online avenue. With the Microsoft/Rare deal Nintendo won't be going bankrupt anytime soon, and with Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 said to be in 'the future' and the likes of Metroid Prime and Zelda:TWW yet to come, there's lots of good gaming to be had there. But should Nintendo be left behind by the Xbox? I think so. Here's hoping they try harder next time round...it'd be terrible to see another giant fall.
Thanks for reading, your thoughts are appreciated.
-El Blokey
The big issue really is where you are. Japan is the home of Nintendo, and they get everything first. In fact, they're enjoying Zelda right now, along with a pair of bonus discs for pre-ordering customers. But what of Europe? It's no secret that Nintendo still don't regard the East of 'the West' as a main priority, concentrating more on home and America, traditionally the biggest electronics-buying countries. Here we won't be getting Zelda for a fair few months, and that's not just a single sob story to try and convince you. Metroid Prime is slowly chugging its way to release, despite most Americans having bought it and seen all three endings (and not because it's short, either). Think back to the release of the console itsself - we were the last to get a go on the Gamecube. It really hurts Nintendo's image when they build up big games such as Mario Sunshine, and then announce that it won't be here for half a year...in fact, the only people it really helps are the exact types Nintendo are strictly opposed to: Sony and Microsoft, who ply customers with classics instantly available, and importers and chippers, who provide the means for European gamers to get the games when they should.
So what does this all mean for Joe Public? Well, the most sought after Gamecube accessory isn't the Wavebird (again, released here long after the Japanese and Americans got their hands on it), but the Freeloader disc, which is nothing more than a modchip on a dinky DVD, really...although the ironic thing is, its release date has slipped into TBC land. Let's look at the alternatives - right now you could go out and buy a Playstation 2. For games, you could buy GTA:Vice City or Pro Evolution 2; both leaders in their respective fields. If you opted for an XBOX, you'd be given the choice of Halo (the best console FPS ever), Jet Set Radio Future (a sleeper hit) and Splinter Cell, the critically acclaimed challenger to MGS which won't come out on the other consoles for a few months, IF Microsoft don't lock it down for exclusive rights. The Gamecube's best games are usually cited as Mario Sunshine (which, despite many being dissapointed, is probably the best platformer of the year), Super Monkey Ball (in which you roll monkeys around in balls) and Eternal Darkness, which seems to have no choice but to limp into shopping trolleys through word of mouth due to criminal under-exposure from Nintendo. And then Resident Evil, the inexplicably popular game, is available with worse graphics on the PS1 for around a tenner.
Not bad, but then when you ask someone if they'd rather play football and kill people, shoot aliens, skate around and save the world or bounce around, negotiate mazes and stay sane they'll probably snub the Gamecube. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad system - it has the quality. But the makers seem to be determined to fail. Take the Panasonic Q, a Gamecube with multi-region DVD player capabilities. Do Nintendo license it for America and Europe? Nope. And they don't seem that bothered about their kiddie image either. You can have all the Resi adverts you like, when your main franchises involve a fat plumber, monkeys and a young man wearing a green tunic, you're not sounding mature. Having a purple console doesn't help either. No matter what people say about the content counting, people are put off by having a child's toy when they could have a cool PS2 or big bad Xbox...and Nintendo need to figure out that until they change this, they're not going very far.
Then the Game Boy Advance. Here Nintendo started off quite well - complete backwards compatibility creating an almost infinite library of games, tonnes of great updates of old classics like Doom and Super Mario World, audacious ports from more complex games such as Medal of Honour and SSX Tricky, and more of those new Nintendo must-buys like Metroid Fusion. It's even compatible with everything, due to no regional lock-out! Unfortunately, nobody bothered to mention the dark screen which has been the butt of an untold amount of jokes. It's taken independent companies to do what everyone has wanted Nintendo to do, and that's give the GBA a backlit screen...and when everyone's excited about this new piece of handheld hardware, it turns out they recycle a SNES idea and create a GBA player for the GCN.
At almost every turn, Nintendo seem determined to show everyone how bad they can be. Be it neglecting an important market, almost not bothering to release games in certain areas, not doing enough about their image, and I haven't even touched on Nintendo's reluctance to move into the lucrative online avenue. With the Microsoft/Rare deal Nintendo won't be going bankrupt anytime soon, and with Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 said to be in 'the future' and the likes of Metroid Prime and Zelda:TWW yet to come, there's lots of good gaming to be had there. But should Nintendo be left behind by the Xbox? I think so. Here's hoping they try harder next time round...it'd be terrible to see another giant fall.
Thanks for reading, your thoughts are appreciated.
-El Blokey
Page:
Sorry.
Should Nintendo lose to Microsoft?
No.
Should Nintendo lose to Microsoft?
No.
Hows about in reply to the topic? :-)
This isn't about should Nintendo be driven to bankruptcy, it's about should they lose the battle with the Xbox. They were dragged kicking and screaming into online gaming by Sega, who were ready to release their own independent modem and set up servers etc.
But I do agree, somewhere it's worth mentioning the N64 didn't sell as much as the PSX, but it DID sell millions and millions, and was far from a failure.
This isn't about should Nintendo be driven to bankruptcy, it's about should they lose the battle with the Xbox. They were dragged kicking and screaming into online gaming by Sega, who were ready to release their own independent modem and set up servers etc.
But I do agree, somewhere it's worth mentioning the N64 didn't sell as much as the PSX, but it DID sell millions and millions, and was far from a failure.
In answer to the question posed in the topic title. No. Nintendo were the driving force that brought console gaming to where it is today, it is the only console manufacturer still in the business that actually has a history. While the N64 was not as popular as the Snes it still sold a LOT of units. People seem to have very selective memorys when it comes to Nintendo, they seem to think that since the N64 was a "Failure" then the company is on the way out.
It couldnt be further from the truth. Nintendo are such a rich company that i really cant see them ever retiring from the hardware market unless out of boredom. This is a japanese company, and you will have seen enough samurai films to know that above all they value honour and tradition.
If Nintendo ever went bust it would bring disgrace on the employees. Thats why they have such high standards, and are regarded as the best software manufacturer on the market. They continually challenge the expected, they create and dominate new and existing genres.
Conicidently the gamecube is now home to some new capcom exclusives. Because the gamecube has been recognised as the format of choice for the experimental and refreshing ideas. Unlike Sonys machine which is really only still developed for due to its immense popularity.
As far as online gaming is concerned, they have plans that are already getting underway. The Modem is available in Japan and many gamers are discovering or rediscovering Phantasy Star Online.
Europe has always had a pretty rough end of the stick, but Nintendo really seem to be turning itself around. In the short space of time that the gamecube has been available im sure there has already been more adverts for its products than we seen in the N64's entirety.
Nintendo will never die. Because they live for games.
It couldnt be further from the truth. Nintendo are such a rich company that i really cant see them ever retiring from the hardware market unless out of boredom. This is a japanese company, and you will have seen enough samurai films to know that above all they value honour and tradition.
If Nintendo ever went bust it would bring disgrace on the employees. Thats why they have such high standards, and are regarded as the best software manufacturer on the market. They continually challenge the expected, they create and dominate new and existing genres.
Conicidently the gamecube is now home to some new capcom exclusives. Because the gamecube has been recognised as the format of choice for the experimental and refreshing ideas. Unlike Sonys machine which is really only still developed for due to its immense popularity.
As far as online gaming is concerned, they have plans that are already getting underway. The Modem is available in Japan and many gamers are discovering or rediscovering Phantasy Star Online.
Europe has always had a pretty rough end of the stick, but Nintendo really seem to be turning itself around. In the short space of time that the gamecube has been available im sure there has already been more adverts for its products than we seen in the N64's entirety.
Nintendo will never die. Because they live for games.
A Sega / Ninty merge would be amazing.
Mario and Sonic together at last.
With the maturing of the GC I'm really considering buying one as soon as possible which is probably a year considering the amount of money I don't have.
Mario and Sonic together at last.
With the maturing of the GC I'm really considering buying one as soon as possible which is probably a year considering the amount of money I don't have.
Dr Z wrote:
> That was a very factual and intersting post, well done.
Thank you =D
> I may not be a fan of theirs, but Nintendo have consistency, which
> can't be said about most companies. Their GC is now receiving a wider
> variety of games than in previous years, with more violence and adult
> material, and I think they're finally getting to grips with the
> times.
I think that Nintendo need to be there just for the sake of having a true games company out there. I think the best thing would be to have them and Sega merge, but then that would deprive my PS2 of Sega ports...think about it, Sega would bring over Daytona (sorely needed racing game) and other stuff like that the GC is missing right now.
> They have the best handheld around, but their console seems to be
> lacking in the race with Microsoft and Sony. Nevertheless, I think
> Nintendo have a plan, something that's going to shock the competition,
> well the Xbox anyway.
They have the ONLY handheld around. If somebody mounted a serious challenge, i.e. Nokia, it can only be a good thing.
And Megaton is *so* a load of balls ;-)
> That was a very factual and intersting post, well done.
Thank you =D
> I may not be a fan of theirs, but Nintendo have consistency, which
> can't be said about most companies. Their GC is now receiving a wider
> variety of games than in previous years, with more violence and adult
> material, and I think they're finally getting to grips with the
> times.
I think that Nintendo need to be there just for the sake of having a true games company out there. I think the best thing would be to have them and Sega merge, but then that would deprive my PS2 of Sega ports...think about it, Sega would bring over Daytona (sorely needed racing game) and other stuff like that the GC is missing right now.
> They have the best handheld around, but their console seems to be
> lacking in the race with Microsoft and Sony. Nevertheless, I think
> Nintendo have a plan, something that's going to shock the competition,
> well the Xbox anyway.
They have the ONLY handheld around. If somebody mounted a serious challenge, i.e. Nokia, it can only be a good thing.
And Megaton is *so* a load of balls ;-)
That was a very factual and intersting post, well done.
I may not be a fan of theirs, but Nintendo have consistency, which can't be said about most companies. Their GC is now receiving a wider variety of games than in previous years, with more violence and adult material, and I think they're finally getting to grips with the times.
They have the best handheld around, but their console seems to be lacking in the race with Microsoft and Sony. Nevertheless, I think Nintendo have a plan, something that's going to shock the competition, well the Xbox anyway.
I may not be a fan of theirs, but Nintendo have consistency, which can't be said about most companies. Their GC is now receiving a wider variety of games than in previous years, with more violence and adult material, and I think they're finally getting to grips with the times.
They have the best handheld around, but their console seems to be lacking in the race with Microsoft and Sony. Nevertheless, I think Nintendo have a plan, something that's going to shock the competition, well the Xbox anyway.
There's no disputing the fact that the XBOX and GCN have lost the race. They'd probably lost it before the thing had even started. The Dreamcast died out due to sheer anticipation of the PS2, the universally recognised brand, the machine that makes games trendy and cool...in fact, the Gameboy Advance is probably the nearest challenger. Microsoft seem to be desperate not to fail, clutching at pack-in deals for less than £200, and splashing out on companies like Rare that seem to have lost a little of their pull...but despite the neediness that is exhuded by the XBOX, it's attractive pricing and killer apps such as Halo, along with the enticing option of Xbox Live, have seen it overtake the GC. Many gamers are upset, seeing Nintendo as the only lasting original company after the demise of consoles from the likes of 3DO and Sega...but do Nintendo deserve to falter? Sega have had a comeback of Alan Partridge proportions after going software-only, would it benefit Nintendo?
The big issue really is where you are. Japan is the home of Nintendo, and they get everything first. In fact, they're enjoying Zelda right now, along with a pair of bonus discs for pre-ordering customers. But what of Europe? It's no secret that Nintendo still don't regard the East of 'the West' as a main priority, concentrating more on home and America, traditionally the biggest electronics-buying countries. Here we won't be getting Zelda for a fair few months, and that's not just a single sob story to try and convince you. Metroid Prime is slowly chugging its way to release, despite most Americans having bought it and seen all three endings (and not because it's short, either). Think back to the release of the console itsself - we were the last to get a go on the Gamecube. It really hurts Nintendo's image when they build up big games such as Mario Sunshine, and then announce that it won't be here for half a year...in fact, the only people it really helps are the exact types Nintendo are strictly opposed to: Sony and Microsoft, who ply customers with classics instantly available, and importers and chippers, who provide the means for European gamers to get the games when they should.
So what does this all mean for Joe Public? Well, the most sought after Gamecube accessory isn't the Wavebird (again, released here long after the Japanese and Americans got their hands on it), but the Freeloader disc, which is nothing more than a modchip on a dinky DVD, really...although the ironic thing is, its release date has slipped into TBC land. Let's look at the alternatives - right now you could go out and buy a Playstation 2. For games, you could buy GTA:Vice City or Pro Evolution 2; both leaders in their respective fields. If you opted for an XBOX, you'd be given the choice of Halo (the best console FPS ever), Jet Set Radio Future (a sleeper hit) and Splinter Cell, the critically acclaimed challenger to MGS which won't come out on the other consoles for a few months, IF Microsoft don't lock it down for exclusive rights. The Gamecube's best games are usually cited as Mario Sunshine (which, despite many being dissapointed, is probably the best platformer of the year), Super Monkey Ball (in which you roll monkeys around in balls) and Eternal Darkness, which seems to have no choice but to limp into shopping trolleys through word of mouth due to criminal under-exposure from Nintendo. And then Resident Evil, the inexplicably popular game, is available with worse graphics on the PS1 for around a tenner.
Not bad, but then when you ask someone if they'd rather play football and kill people, shoot aliens, skate around and save the world or bounce around, negotiate mazes and stay sane they'll probably snub the Gamecube. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad system - it has the quality. But the makers seem to be determined to fail. Take the Panasonic Q, a Gamecube with multi-region DVD player capabilities. Do Nintendo license it for America and Europe? Nope. And they don't seem that bothered about their kiddie image either. You can have all the Resi adverts you like, when your main franchises involve a fat plumber, monkeys and a young man wearing a green tunic, you're not sounding mature. Having a purple console doesn't help either. No matter what people say about the content counting, people are put off by having a child's toy when they could have a cool PS2 or big bad Xbox...and Nintendo need to figure out that until they change this, they're not going very far.
Then the Game Boy Advance. Here Nintendo started off quite well - complete backwards compatibility creating an almost infinite library of games, tonnes of great updates of old classics like Doom and Super Mario World, audacious ports from more complex games such as Medal of Honour and SSX Tricky, and more of those new Nintendo must-buys like Metroid Fusion. It's even compatible with everything, due to no regional lock-out! Unfortunately, nobody bothered to mention the dark screen which has been the butt of an untold amount of jokes. It's taken independent companies to do what everyone has wanted Nintendo to do, and that's give the GBA a backlit screen...and when everyone's excited about this new piece of handheld hardware, it turns out they recycle a SNES idea and create a GBA player for the GCN.
At almost every turn, Nintendo seem determined to show everyone how bad they can be. Be it neglecting an important market, almost not bothering to release games in certain areas, not doing enough about their image, and I haven't even touched on Nintendo's reluctance to move into the lucrative online avenue. With the Microsoft/Rare deal Nintendo won't be going bankrupt anytime soon, and with Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 said to be in 'the future' and the likes of Metroid Prime and Zelda:TWW yet to come, there's lots of good gaming to be had there. But should Nintendo be left behind by the Xbox? I think so. Here's hoping they try harder next time round...it'd be terrible to see another giant fall.
Thanks for reading, your thoughts are appreciated.
-El Blokey
The big issue really is where you are. Japan is the home of Nintendo, and they get everything first. In fact, they're enjoying Zelda right now, along with a pair of bonus discs for pre-ordering customers. But what of Europe? It's no secret that Nintendo still don't regard the East of 'the West' as a main priority, concentrating more on home and America, traditionally the biggest electronics-buying countries. Here we won't be getting Zelda for a fair few months, and that's not just a single sob story to try and convince you. Metroid Prime is slowly chugging its way to release, despite most Americans having bought it and seen all three endings (and not because it's short, either). Think back to the release of the console itsself - we were the last to get a go on the Gamecube. It really hurts Nintendo's image when they build up big games such as Mario Sunshine, and then announce that it won't be here for half a year...in fact, the only people it really helps are the exact types Nintendo are strictly opposed to: Sony and Microsoft, who ply customers with classics instantly available, and importers and chippers, who provide the means for European gamers to get the games when they should.
So what does this all mean for Joe Public? Well, the most sought after Gamecube accessory isn't the Wavebird (again, released here long after the Japanese and Americans got their hands on it), but the Freeloader disc, which is nothing more than a modchip on a dinky DVD, really...although the ironic thing is, its release date has slipped into TBC land. Let's look at the alternatives - right now you could go out and buy a Playstation 2. For games, you could buy GTA:Vice City or Pro Evolution 2; both leaders in their respective fields. If you opted for an XBOX, you'd be given the choice of Halo (the best console FPS ever), Jet Set Radio Future (a sleeper hit) and Splinter Cell, the critically acclaimed challenger to MGS which won't come out on the other consoles for a few months, IF Microsoft don't lock it down for exclusive rights. The Gamecube's best games are usually cited as Mario Sunshine (which, despite many being dissapointed, is probably the best platformer of the year), Super Monkey Ball (in which you roll monkeys around in balls) and Eternal Darkness, which seems to have no choice but to limp into shopping trolleys through word of mouth due to criminal under-exposure from Nintendo. And then Resident Evil, the inexplicably popular game, is available with worse graphics on the PS1 for around a tenner.
Not bad, but then when you ask someone if they'd rather play football and kill people, shoot aliens, skate around and save the world or bounce around, negotiate mazes and stay sane they'll probably snub the Gamecube. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad system - it has the quality. But the makers seem to be determined to fail. Take the Panasonic Q, a Gamecube with multi-region DVD player capabilities. Do Nintendo license it for America and Europe? Nope. And they don't seem that bothered about their kiddie image either. You can have all the Resi adverts you like, when your main franchises involve a fat plumber, monkeys and a young man wearing a green tunic, you're not sounding mature. Having a purple console doesn't help either. No matter what people say about the content counting, people are put off by having a child's toy when they could have a cool PS2 or big bad Xbox...and Nintendo need to figure out that until they change this, they're not going very far.
Then the Game Boy Advance. Here Nintendo started off quite well - complete backwards compatibility creating an almost infinite library of games, tonnes of great updates of old classics like Doom and Super Mario World, audacious ports from more complex games such as Medal of Honour and SSX Tricky, and more of those new Nintendo must-buys like Metroid Fusion. It's even compatible with everything, due to no regional lock-out! Unfortunately, nobody bothered to mention the dark screen which has been the butt of an untold amount of jokes. It's taken independent companies to do what everyone has wanted Nintendo to do, and that's give the GBA a backlit screen...and when everyone's excited about this new piece of handheld hardware, it turns out they recycle a SNES idea and create a GBA player for the GCN.
At almost every turn, Nintendo seem determined to show everyone how bad they can be. Be it neglecting an important market, almost not bothering to release games in certain areas, not doing enough about their image, and I haven't even touched on Nintendo's reluctance to move into the lucrative online avenue. With the Microsoft/Rare deal Nintendo won't be going bankrupt anytime soon, and with Pikmin 2 and Mario 128 said to be in 'the future' and the likes of Metroid Prime and Zelda:TWW yet to come, there's lots of good gaming to be had there. But should Nintendo be left behind by the Xbox? I think so. Here's hoping they try harder next time round...it'd be terrible to see another giant fall.
Thanks for reading, your thoughts are appreciated.
-El Blokey
Page: