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Is Smash Bros 3DS's earlier release a bad idea for Nintendo? [roundtable]
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One of the biggest pieces of news from the recent SSB Direct--and one I think warrants some discussion--is that the 3DS version of SSB is hitting stores this summer, while the Wii U version is slated to arrive at the end of the year. Which is kind of the opposite of what many people were expecting and hoping for. This is a pretty strange move to me, for a couple reasons. For starters, there's no doubt in my mind that the 3DS's early release will hurt Wii U sales. I've already heard people ask why they should get the Wii U version if it's got the same roster and just has different modes and such. The Wii U desperately needs killer apps--each one is an oasis in a desert, and it's bizarre to me that even Nintendo's own series can't be exclusive on their home consoles anymore! The 3DS, on the other hand, is doing fine and dandy; even if Smash never arrived, it'd probably go down in history as the best-selling system ever. In terms of my own enjoyment of the series, a SSB game's release is an event like little else. I spend months, or years, speculating on the roster, absorbing every bit of media that releases, and generally getting caught up in the hype. Knowing that the 3DS version is the one where I'll be first introduced to Smash's takes on Mega Man, Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, Little Mac etc is a weird feeling. It's like, I know I'll love it, but it'll be somewhat off-putting knowing there's a better, "cleaner" version of the game coming a few months later. Almost like I can't enjoy it to its absolute fullest. And speaking of which, what of when the Wii U version hits? It won't have that completely fresh, I'm-so-overwhelmed-by-all-these-characters punch that SSB64, Melee, and Brawl all shared. I'll have already mastered several characters, unlocked everyone, become very familiar with the way they control and interact, etc. It'd almost be like buying an HD remake or something…very strange. On the plus side, playing SSB by this Summer almost sounds too good to be true. And for what it's worth, both versions are shaping up to be amazing (among the best on their systems, easily). I just really wish the releases were switched a bit, even if it meant a big delay for the 3DS. What do you think of the whole 3DS first, Wii U later thing? URL to share (right click and copy)
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04/09/14, 09:06 |
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Hell no! It one of the few moves that actually makes sense. First, the Wii U version being HD, more detailed visuals mean that version would take longer to program. So, why just have the 3ds version sitting on the shelf, while waiting for the Wii U version to be completed? If both versions were released at the same time, many people who might want both, would have to choose just one version cause they couldn't afford both.
The 3ds's installed base is like 8 x's the Wii U's. So releasing the 3ds version sooner, esp. in the summe when there usually isn't much competition in the videogame market makes sense. Then, when holiday season rolls around, those who already own both 3ds & Wii U, will be ready to play the ultimate version of Smash Bros (EVER!), either purchasing for themselves or by receiving it as a gift. I'm sure there will be Wii U/Smash Bros bundles available as well, thus helping Nintendo to increase the Wii U's installed base. I also predict a small price drop for the Wii U as well. Somewhere around the $259-$279 range. I'd bet money on it. |
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First of all, I'm thoroughly sick and tired of caring about what Nintendo does from a company standpoint at this time in my life. Once upon a time I cared SO much (spent day after day arguing their decisions and sales stats, and for what?) but now I just don't. If they closed up shop tomorrow I'd be sad, but I'd continue on with life and know they had a great run. Life's too short to worry about if they'll survive or not, or what would help Wii U sales, or whatever.
That being said, this decision of theirs to release the 3DS version first absolutely solidified my purchase of both versions instead of just one. If they released the same day, ain't no way I would have bought both. Why? They're just too similar. However with the 3DS version coming this summer, I won't want to wait until allllllllllllll the way until Christmas to play a new Smash Brothers! I want it now, darn it! And of the two, I would have passed on the 3DS version (I'm the only person I know with a 3DS) but certainly gotten the Wii U version, to play with old friends who grew up together with the original Smash Brothers.
On top of that, I know for a fact this is another plus 1 sale of not only the 3DS version, but a 3DS SYSTEM. One of my friends is completely and utterly obsessed with Smash Brothers. He doesn't buy consoles anymore (PC and Steam only) but he keeps asking me when the new Smash is coming so he can get a Wii U to play online. Over and over, and I keep saying "I DON'T KNOW." Well now I know, and the fact that the 3DS one can be had in summer, and we can play that online too, will absolutely make him go buy a 3DS in a few months. And he would NEVER have bought one if he had the Wii U version instead.
So bravo, Nintendo. This decision may hurt you in the long run, or maybe it won't who the heck knows, but boy howdy did you just score a few extra sales with this choice. And you scored a few more fan points in my book, because I'm all for games releasing when they're ready and not waiting for some other version to be done YEAH I'M LOOKING AT YOU STUPID RAYMAN.
(And really, can we stop worrying about their future? They'll be here as long as they're here for. Our worrying isn't going to make a single lick of difference.) |
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Eh, I think this'll be a different situation from what happened with NSMB2 and NSMBU, where the earlier release of the handheld title dampened the excitement for the console version. For one, I think the core Smash audience is going to be on consoles. The 3DS version has always been more of a curiosity to that crowd. Some of them, like JKR's friend, will double dip because of this and some of them will simply continue to anticipate the console version.
I think the one risk they do run, though, is if the 3DS game is cooly received. What if the Melee obsessives pillory this new version? It could, perhaps, melt off some of the hype for the Wii U version. But, in general, I think Smash is one of those evergreen highly-anticipated titles. I don't really imagine the core fanbase of that series is going to waver very much.
I'd also add I was surprised to learn the rosters would be the same. That seems like a missed opportunity from a business standpoint. At the very least, a couple of bonus characters for the U version makes sense to me. |
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@ZeroI'd think so. At this stage of the game, does it GET any bigger than Smash Brothers for Nintendo? Even Zelda doesn't pull Smash Brothers numbers. I guess Mario Kart maybe. I'm fine with them releasing two or three huge games a year and then putting out some unique "Nintendo" stuff along side. What other company in the entire world does that? None others. And we complain they aren't releasing enough... PogueSquadron said:Once someone has the 3DS game, will they really want to shell out $60 for essentially the same game? I dunno, do people shell out $60 yearly for Madden, Halo, Call of Duty, NSMB, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. to infinity? It's as much the "same game" as those. It has different modes and different stages. The core gameplay is the same, just like Madden or Call of Duty, and it's the levels and modes that make each one unique. But really all that even fades to the sidelines when it boils down to 4-player local multiplayer Smash Brothers funtime. I've played hundreds of dollars worth of fun out of Brawl and Melee with friends (plus the good ol' original, but those days we were more addicted to Goldeneye and MK64) so to me $60 to experience those times again is dirt cheap. I imagine many others will feel the same. |
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