Feature: Wii U must find its own identity

Amidst speculation as to what the Wii U will bring to the table when it is supposed to release later this year, it is becoming more and more apparent that the console seems to be having a bit of an identity crisis already.

What do we mean by this? Well there are some simple facts surrounding the console that will either make it or break it when it comes to release time. It seems that the Wii U can’t quite decide whether it’s a console for the families like the Wii or whether it is going to cater for the more serious gamer. If it could decide on which way it would go, then this would not be a problem but until the time where Ninty decide where to go with it then they will have problems.

In a handy list format, here are several reasons as to why the console must forge its own path and identity;

1) Its Name – Now whilst there is nothing wrong with its name per se (apart from being a little silly) what do you think of when you see it? The old Wii, exactly. As mentioned above, if you were selling this console as a family console to the old consumer base then fantastic but the ‘hardcore’ gamer will be able to use this device for many big releases. Do they want tying down with the family consumer? Highly unlikely.

2) Its shape – The thing is nearly the damn same shape as the old console, which makes the first problem even more prevalent. Why not make the console a different shape entirely to show your consumers that a proper revolution has taken place with this new console? It feels more like the update of the Wii much like the slim 360’s PS3.

3) The branding – Nintendo, please no more adverts where celebrities pretend to use the Wii every day and use it non-stop. We all know they do not and the adverts are pure cheese. The console must have its own appearance, advertising campaign and branding in order to be more successful. Treating us with adverts in a similar light to the 3DS and Wii will certainly not entice the core audience.

4) The user-interface – The whole operating system sings out as an updated Wii patch that has had little thought or effort put into it. Why not start from scratch and make an entirely new system that looks clean, fresh and steps away from the simpleton approach the Wii did.

5) Better promotional material – Stop showing off all the social features that the majority won’t use and focus more on what the console can do and how it can rival the current console if not beat them. Instead of showing us how we can chat with the laptop controller, why not show us some killer in-game footage or how the controller will actually bring something fresh to the table?

So until Nintendo decide to fix these issues then they could have a potential flop on their hands. Will the console sell in huge quantities? It’s very likely, but at a time where money is tighter and gaming is more of a luxury these days then persuading people to part with their cash may be tougher than they first thought.

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