Nintendo reconfirms 2012 release for Wii U, learned 'bitter lesson' from 3DS

Nintendo will be showing off the Wii U in its "final format" at E3 later this year. The system will also be on sale "in time for the year-end sales season."

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If today's Nintendo news has you sweating with anticipation for the Wii U, you won't have to wait much longer. The Japanese games maker promises to showcase the system in its "final format" at E3 later this year. If you want to buy the system, you'll be pleased to know that the Wii U will be on sale "in time for the year-end sales season."

While we will undoubtedly have to wait until E3 to see the system's launch library in action, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata says that it will be key to launch the system with key games. He points to the 3DS, which many pointed to as a disappointing follow-up to the DS line. Nintendo blamed the lack of key launch titles as a reason for the handheld's sluggish start. "The company is aiming to firmly complete the development of the entire system and prepare sufficient software so that the Wii U will be at its best at the time of the launch," Nintendo's Satoru Iwata promised. "Needless to say, we have learned a bitter lesson from the launch of the Nintendo 3DS."

3DS sales have surged over the recent months, thanks to a price cut and the launch of two Mario games.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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  • reply
    January 27, 2012 8:00 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Nintendo reconfirms 2012 release for Wii U, learned 'bitter lesson' from 3DS.

    Nintendo will be showing off the Wii U in its "final format" at E3 later this year. The system will also be on sale "in time for the year-end sales season."

    • reply
      January 27, 2012 8:28 AM

      I'll be waiting for the launch line up with baited breath. If they have some stuff that appeals to me and if Wiiware and VC games transfer over, I'll be waiting in line on day 1 just like it's predecessor.

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        January 27, 2012 9:00 AM

        [deleted]

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          January 27, 2012 9:06 AM

          and they are ports of the Wii versions.

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            January 27, 2012 9:09 AM

            You know what, in 1080p I wouldn't mind buying them all over again (assuming they meant Prime, not Other M).

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              January 27, 2012 9:12 AM

              lol, yeah, this! no other m!!!

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            January 27, 2012 9:12 AM

            i wouldn't mind that one bit

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          January 27, 2012 9:14 AM

          You laugh, but if they had a launch Metroid game as good as the Primes, I'd buy it day one.

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      January 27, 2012 8:30 AM

      I remember reading an interview with some of the Nintendo guys (I want to say Miyamoto was among them, but its been far too long) just before the launch of the Wii.

      One of the things they addressed was that in hindsight it was a mistake to launch the Gamecube without a Mario, or similarly major, title ready. They did express a little regret that Super Mario Galaxy wasn't a Wii launch title, but also thought that Twilight Princess at launch made up for it.

      I'm a bit surprised that they made a similar mistake with the 3DS, and are citing it as the 'bitter lesson'.

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        January 27, 2012 9:11 AM

        Yeah, it's a bit bizarre, though they get pushed into launching the 3DS early.

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      January 27, 2012 9:14 AM

      I anticipate a new Mario title, and probably a port of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Too soon for a new Zelda game, though.

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      January 27, 2012 9:15 AM

      As much as I probably shouldn't buy this system, if they make a proper mario kart that allows for good shackbattles, I'm in. I'm talking real easy to setup online matches, leaderboards and just a great overall game.

    • reply
      January 27, 2012 10:25 AM

      On top of the launch lineup, I would imagine they'd dangle a Smash Bros. carrot in front of us for Fall 2013 or Spring 2014.

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