Despite it being clear that gamers don’t want the Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo continues to plug away with new bundles to lure gamers to buy its hardware. Last holiday season, Nintendo expected a big uptick in sales that never happened. Thanks in part to that lack of a holiday sales surge, Nintendo recently warned of a big loss coming for the fiscal year.
Nintendo is now expecting to post a loss of 25 billion yen, or about $240 million. Previously, it had predicted a profit this year of 55 billion yen. Nintendo has also slashed Wii U sales targets significantly. Previously, it predicted it would sell 9 million Wii U consoles this fiscal year.
That number has now been revised to 2.8 million units. That is about 1/3 the sales volume Nintendo had expected. The only bright spot for Nintendo right now is the pending launch of Mario Kart 8, one of the biggest franchises that Nintendo has. The game is a Wii U exclusive. “During the year-end shopping season, we weren’t able to lift sales momentum for the Wii U,” Nintendo President Satoru Iwata told a press briefing in Osaka.
The Struggles of the Wii U
The Wii U has faced numerous challenges since its launch. One of the primary issues has been its lack of third-party support. Many major game developers have opted not to create games for the Wii U, citing its unique hardware and lower sales figures compared to competitors like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This has resulted in a limited library of games, which in turn has made the console less appealing to potential buyers.
Another significant issue has been the marketing and messaging surrounding the Wii U. Many consumers were confused about whether the Wii U was a new console or just an accessory for the original Wii. This confusion likely contributed to the poor sales performance, as potential buyers were unsure of what they were purchasing.
Hope on the Horizon: Mario Kart 8
Despite these challenges, Nintendo is pinning its hopes on the success of Mario Kart 8. The Mario Kart series has always been a strong performer for Nintendo, with each new release generating significant sales and positive reviews. Mario Kart 8 is expected to be no different, with its high-quality graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and beloved characters.
The game features new anti-gravity sections that allow players to drive on walls and ceilings, adding a fresh twist to the classic racing formula. Additionally, Mario Kart 8 includes a robust online multiplayer mode, which is expected to keep players engaged and coming back for more.
Nintendo is also offering a special Mario Kart 8 bundle, which includes the game and a Wii U console at a discounted price. This bundle is aimed at enticing new customers who may have been on the fence about purchasing a Wii U. By leveraging the popularity of Mario Kart, Nintendo hopes to boost console sales and improve its financial outlook.
Looking Forward
While the Wii U has struggled, Nintendo is not giving up. The company is known for its resilience and ability to innovate. Looking forward, Nintendo has several promising projects in the pipeline, including new entries in popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Super Smash Bros. These titles are expected to generate excitement and drive sales.
Moreover, Nintendo is exploring new business ventures, such as mobile gaming and theme parks, to diversify its revenue streams. The company’s recent partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts to create Nintendo-themed attractions is a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth.
In conclusion, while the Wii U has faced significant challenges, Nintendo remains a beloved and influential player in the gaming industry. With the launch of Mario Kart 8 and other upcoming titles, as well as new business ventures, Nintendo is poised to overcome its current difficulties and continue to delight gamers around the world.
Via NST
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