June 16th, 2012

E3 was “just the tip of the iceberg,” says Reggie

89 Comments

The Wii U is misunderstood. There are those who think the Wii U is a different version of the Wii or that the GamePad is no different from an iPad. But while perception continues to be a problem, Reggie Fils-Aime has clarified that Nintendo:

…wanted to get across that the Wii U experience is something unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before. It’s something that they will want to experience for themselves.

And I think those paying attention to the system would understand this. The focus on asymmetric game play is fascinating, so hopefully they continue to emphasise on that point. But, as for E3 itself, Reggie also said:

…we wanted consumers and media to understand that what we’re showing at E3 is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re just beginning a steady stream of information about Wii U.

I think most people would have preferred the ratio to be the other way around. Show everything at E3, then trickle out the smaller details afterward. But Nintendo has grown fond of their Nintendo Direct broadcasts, so they’re probably saving the unannounced features for their own events.

  • http://twitter.com/thegreattave Tave

    It’s great that they are going to announce more about the WiiU later through the year. I just hope they find a way to do it so everyone will get to see it. Give us videos in the eShop on the 3DS, tweet and post videos on twitter and facebook. Get the info to all the casual people out there who don’t read on blogs and IGN.

    • TheLordVoldemort

      What about 5 player Smash Bros?
      Controller methods:
      -2 Wii U Gamepads, 3 COMs, or
      -1 Wii U Gamepad and 4 Pro Controllers/Wii Remotes (thanks to Peskiest for calrifying this information) or
      -4 Pro Controllers/Wii Remotes and 1 COM

      If Nintendo improve their servers, 5, even 6 could play online.
      SSBB still lags like a Mudblood…

    • Luciano Fran

      Mushroom Tip

    • Ghoti

      5 player SSB sounds cool, but my friends and sister and I will probably stick to 1-on-1 matches with items off.

    • Roy Lagendijk

      What are you talking about when you say ”clarifying this information”? The catch mii demo already showed 4 people playing with wiimotes and a gamepad. I guess you’d be right about the 4 pro controllers as I didn’t really know that yet (though it’s not surprising).

  • MadCrain

    Good to know Nintendo is being so positive about this situation, The situation being retards everywhere not knowing the difference between apples from pears. Cheers Nintendo ^-^

    • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc.

      I don’t understand your comment

    • Dmt4030

      wow @Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc. i guess your dumb enough to not understand

    • MadCrain

      Lol

  • Peskiest

    I don’t mind; this way I have something new to tell my friends every week or so. If it was all at E3, I would have had to remember everything and then the News would have come to a more drastic halt.

  • bmcj199

    So instead of making their E3 conference too overwhelming with a crap ton of news, they made their conference underwhelming with crap ton of…crap..

    • Peskiest

      There wasn’t a crap ton of anything and there was very little crap that didn’t involve dancing or singing *cough* why the hell would you put so much focus on SiNG and Just Dance, Nintendo? Why? *cough*

    • jay

      to be fair, Peskiest, Just Dance is a gold mine. It’s a pretty horrible and cheap game. It’s like taking a rock off the ground, putting some shine on it, and selling it as a diamond. But it makes tons of money.

    • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc.

      They only showed these things for 4 SOMTHIN MINITES

    • Jared

      They could have talked about specs or realese date or retro for the 4 min.

    • Peskiest

      Jay, I actually agree with everything you just said.

  • Perry

    This is good, I guess.

  • 009soulmaster

    This is really confusing. by showing the WiiU’s full potential in their Nintendo Directs its only marketed to the Nintendo Fans, which they say the Console is for everyone. which would mean they should have shown off its full power by showing a demo of that Zelda HD with a small walkthrough kinda like that Unreal Engine 4 demo. that way itd convice the doubters that the Wii U is Next Generation.

    • Enzo

      I don’t think only Nintendo fans watch Nintendo Direct.

    • jay

      I see what you are saying. But media outlets will watch and share the news too. Though I do think they should have shown a chunk of the iceberg then the tip.

  • R2BDSi

    I can tell it was lol

  • Ezz151

    last e3 Reggie said the same thing, “just the tip of the berg.” a whole year Nintendo pointed to e3 2012 as the wii u unveil a thon. then they diverge little actual details about online, tech capabilities, 3rd party support beyond launch (and if EA is to be believed, support for launch window) or operating system. There’s obviously more, but I’m starting to doubt its “wow factor,” they wouldn’t or at least shouldn’t save all the info hardcore gamers need to be persuaded till after e3 and instead focus on convincing the casual at e3 (nintendoland, sing, just dance). I’m getting used to dissapointment and think Nintendo is making some bad choices divergence wise and design wise.

  • GalazyWaffles

    They need to realize that nobody really gives two shits about asymmetric game play. I wan’t games, information and games. Telling me about how great asymmetric game play is not what’s going to make me buy the Wii U. Games, information and games. That’s all I care for. I don’t give a fuk about graphics. Give. Me. Games

    • MadCrain

      It’s called news and information you stupid fuck, he’s saying that the freaking U has a new way to see gaming, a comment, if it’s the tip of the iceberg then more is coming.

    • http://twitter.com/thegreattave Tave

      You want games but don’t care about asymmetric game play. Wait, what?

    • Co-Wink-Key-Dink inc.

      There other ways the asymmetric gameplay could be used

    • Jared

      I see where he is coming from nintendo has been milking the cow of this asymmetic stuff almost as a filler shoot and its not selling me. You guys need to hop off nintendos dick and think. couse deep down when you get past the Nintendo can do no wrong layer of your heart U will see That nintendo needs some better 1st Party games than just pikmen.

    • Exclusive Content only

      So you speak for everyone now huh?

      Shut up you moron

  • Renato S.

    The whole idea is interesting but we can only believe when we see it. I mean, they always say that there is more to come, messing with some expectations but a lot of times it’s just that.

    The logic behind it makes sense and the fact that Microsoft came up with the Smart Glass and Sony reinforced the PS3/PSVita connection shows that they are trying to give Nintendo some answer, which, if you think about it, won’t really work.

    Why? We all know that a non-standard thing isn’t really appealing for 3rd party developers. Move!? Kinect had better acceptance than Move, but even so, things would have evolved very differently if it was something standard as the Wii Mote or the Wii Pad.

    When people talks about Smart Glass and PSVita connection people idealize a perfect situation where all developers will make games thinking about everybody having both, which isn’t true.

  • Dita

    I can’t imagine anyone getting excited over “asymmetric gameplay.” Who the hell cares? Can you imagine playing that with your friends? Maybe for a few minutes, but I doubt that can garner enough interest to plunk down a few hundred bucks.

    Also… WHAT HAS NINTENDO BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS? Where are the major releases? Why have they turned off the spigot for 1st party titles? Another “New” super mario game with last last gen graphics? WTF?

  • Pete41608

    E3 was the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and I hope Nintendo aint the Titanic. I was super hyped before E3, meh after E3, but after watching their All-Access on the eSHOP, im hyped again.
    Also, Iwatas referred to it a few times as an updated Wii, of course stressing at the same time that it is upgraded hardware. Wii U is, essentially a Wii 2 basically. Everything the Wii got wrong the Wii U will get right and much, much more. Long.Live.Nintendo.

    • George Tirebiter

      It’s definitely a successor console, and it’s been that way for their entire time as a console manufacturer. The SNES improved on the NES, the Gamecube (GCN) improved on the N64, and now the Wii U will improve on the Wii.

    • Kraw

      The WiiU is an upgrade to the Wii in the same way the SNES was an upgrade to the NES. It’s a new console with better graphical capabilities and enhanced controls. Were people also complaining this much 20 years ago when SNES came out?

    • darkfox

      yes they were called sega fans

    • Pete41608

      I wasnt complaining, just stating the fact that Iwata has said it was an upgrade of the Wii. Nowhere was there complaining in my post

    • Pac-Man1096

      Iwata said when asked if the Wii U was an upgrade for the Wii or a completely new console, the best answer is both.

  • GalazyWaffles

    @MadCrain I’m a stupid fuck for saying my opinion? Cool. Oh and you clearly didn’t get what I was saying about information. GAME information. We know bullshit about games, aside from the ones we already knew were coming. Telling people you have other games just isn’t enough. Also Nintendo has made it clear enough that you can see gaming in a whole new light and experience something new. They keep giving out useless information which is really making me rethink the Wii U. If you wanted your consumer to buy your product, why would you hide key facts and keep giving out the same message over and over again?

    • MadCrain

      They already said the games that were coming, and it’s mind blowing that you don’t think it’s enough, they have over 30 games for a system that hasn’t even announed the release date and still people say it’s not enough!?
      Not only that, but aside from the shovelwsre there are great titles coming like Rayman: Legends, Zombi U, Pikmin 3, Project P-100, Lego City 2, Assassins Creed III, Nintendo land (which looks fun, not amazing.) And more, and if you can use something called common sense then you should know that Smash Bros is in production, Retros cooking something up, and Mario kart, Zelda and Animal Crossing are bound to come, but before that, a freaking new IP from Miyamoto, Sure, Mass Effect and Batman are coming, but those are Year old games, now, if you still don’t want to buy a Wii U, I get you, 3rd party right? well, don’t buy it at launch and wait till good software is out, if nothing comes, Nintendo burns and crashes and you kept your money intact…yay.

    • MadCrain

      They already said they don’t want to give out to much information since Sony and Microsoft can copy them, patience man, learn how to use it, if you don’t care about the system just shut your mouth and wait ’till good games come, plus, the PS3 is getting great games so buy that in the meantime. Or just forget about the system completley, no ones forcing you to buy one.

    • MadCrain

      Oh yeah and I forgot some games, Game & Wario, Aliens Colonial Marine, Sega all stars, Tekken Tag tounament, Tank! Tank! Tank!,Scribblenauts unlimited, and super mario bros. U…yep, no games here.

    • http://twitter.com/thegreattave Tave

      Pwnd.

    • Ricardo

      @Mad Crain – You know that no matter how annoying a person might be to you, you don’t make yourself look any better here by being mean.

      You stated your comments like a jerk.

    • MadCrain

      @Ricardo, Yeah I know, I may come out looking like the biggest douche in the world but it pisses me off. GalazyWaffles I’m sorry for calling you a stupid fuck…you’re still pretty dumb.

    • MadCrain

      No, screw that, I couldn’t care less

  • Pete41608

    I hear Reggie saying it like this: “…we wanted consumers and media….to understand….that what we’re showing at E3….is just the tip of the iceberg………..We’re just beginning a steady stream…..of information……about Wii U.” LOL Reggie 4 Life

  • scotty

    well good thing they’re putting that out there, that the wii u isn’t like a wii 2 or ipad

  • George Tirebiter

    One of the interesting developments from Nintendo this year was their peripheral events surrounding the main conference like Nintendo Direct, the Developer Roundtable and the 3DS Software Showcase. With that in mind, here’s how Nintendo can instantly improve their reception at next year’s show:

    Do a separate presentation on all their casual content for the year.

    If someone is interested in things like Wii Fit and Just Dance 4, they can watch that event. If they want absolutely nothing to do with it, they won’t have to sit through it and will instead watch the main conference which would be composed entirely of bridge and core titles. Goodness knows they have ones to show, given the sizzle reel.

  • rom

    I just saw the Wii U and Reggie on that one late night show. They were showing off Zombie U and some of its features. When asked about the launch of the Wii U, Reggie said “Holiday 2012″. Christmas?

    • George Tirebiter

      Probably the second half of November.

    • Guy

      Yeah probably November. That’s when most “major” releases happen.

    • KING Z Is Ready For The Wii U

      No! I Cant Afford Luigi’s Mansion 2, Paper Mario, Lego Lord Of The Rings, A Wii U, & A Wii U Game! They All Come Out In November >:(

  • larsberg

    if they i had to show something they would have shown it.

    I am getting the feeling Nintendo wasn’t ready o show the wiiU for prime time, but the pluming sale Numbers of the wii forced them to show it ahead of their actual plan.

  • uPadWatcher

    I love Reggie’s quote from last night’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon–

    “It’s Nintendo, it does everything!”

    • Wildman

      That should become a meme.

    • Jared

      like non specific acion figure should come with the wii u

  • Wildman

    Nintendo Space World 2012?

  • Mo

    My problem with E3 is that this was meant to be what convince the hardcore gamers. Nintendo stated all this time that Wii U is hardcore, but they keep feeding into the casuals. Nintendo is forgetting about the millions (AND MILLIONS) of hardcore gamers again, and thats not cool. This year’s E3 felt like it was just a recap of last year. A lot of the stuff that was showed, we already knew. No casual person is going to watch E3. Yet, Nintendo acted as if E3 is watched by millions(AND MILLIONS) of casuals. Doesn’t matter to me though, I’m still getting a Wii U. I am just saying if someone was disappointed, I can understand why.

    • Paul

      Would someone respond to this I’m too lazy…?

    • Ricardo

      @Paul – You just did.

      (I know what you really mean though.)

  • http://www.fanfiction.net/~gamemaniac GameManiac

    That’s nice to know from my perspective. Nintendo will play out their entire hand one card at a time.

    Sort of reminds me of Masahiro Sakurai’s Smash Bros. Dojo website.

    • Peskiest

      I wonder if he’ll start posting new things there soon. It would be nice to have a small trickle of information on what he’s doing with the new game.

  • GalazyWaffles

    @MadCrain I have patience but i want Nintendo to tell me 100% that they’ve got the games for launch and after launch. If Nintendo was so worried about Sony and Microsoft copying them, they could always sue. Just saying. Also yes they announced that those games are coming but when? That’s the big question. How am I suppose to save money for a Wii U if they won’t saying anything about price. They can at least tell people the price. I’m tired of guessing. I would never buy a PS3 because i only really support Nintendo, also im not a fan of half the games that sony has. Also I never said that the Wii U had no games. I said i wanted information about the games. Not sure where you got that conclusion from.. I will end up buying one (probably at launch) but I want Nintendo to confirm that they have a bunch of games ready for line up and not “in progress” or telling me that “it’s coming soon”. All i really want is confirmation of things :s

    • MadCrain

      You said you wanted information of games so I assumed you were one of the many idiots saying the Wii U doesn’t have good games (or will) and, Nintendo can’t sue Microsoft for making softglass or Sony for making PS All Stars, the Jugde won’t allow it since it’s not a direct copy but it has simalaraties, and I’m glad you’re getting it at launch, given the number of idiots that won’t cause of E3, if you want confirmations, I’m sure you’re going to get them before the Wii U launches, So, again, Patience :)

    • Pete41608

      @GalazyWaffles “How am I suppose to save money for a Wii U if they won’t saying anything about price?”

      not knowing the price isnt stopping you from saving for Wii U, I would assume the $300 price tag and make that your goal, if its more (doubtful) than youre close, if its less than your already there. works good

  • cutefan

    David why don’t you do regular video updates anymore you have a steady stream of news so what is wrong?

  • Angel792

    For those who wanted too see a Batman: Arkham City comparison between the PS3 and WiiU.
    Remember this is a PORT!
    But it looks a lot better on WiiU.
    http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3207/ps3vswiiu.png

  • Rhino Pubes

    The tip of my DICK!
    Besides Pikmin 3, Rayman Legends, P-100, Assassins Creed 3 and ZombiU Nintendo did nothing to peak the “hardcore’s” interest.

    • MadCrain

      Then don’t buy it and stop commenting stupid shit like this.

    • the psvita is better

      you know considering those are all launch titles and they are gonna talk later on about more games
      i dont really see a reason to complain

    • zeta

      lol this sounds so odd, so besides a total of 6 games (added in batman) they did nothing.

      Also they basically showed what was within reach and also what had the most use of the uniqueness of the console, they could have also showed Smash, Zelda, Metroid (maybe what Retro pulled from the E3 presentation), Project Cars, Mario Universe, Ninja Gaiden 3 and all the games other games in development for the Wii U which either won’t be very different and we already know about them or are coming out late next year and won’t really have anything to do with the launch window.

    • DarkPhazon_Qc

      Geez stay patience ..They will have many good games later…

    • BlackjackQc

      hey DarkPhazon_Qc do i know you.

      To Pubes, I know how you feel but i think we have to wait and see. T hardest part of the conference was the end. i was sure they were going to show us a bomb, not another look at Nintendo land. I’m really tired of games made just of minigames. Those shitty games should not exist anymore. The Wii as overkilled that genre.

    • DarkPhazon_Qc

      @BlackJackQc. Nope I’m new on this site and ..Qc is Quebec so yea… I speak French too.

    • Rhino Pubes

      @ MadCrain
      Who said i wasn’t going to buy it?
      I can comment on whatever topic I feel like. The comments section is meant for people to express their opinions. Just because my opinions don’t line up with yours doesn’t warrant you to be chief of this site so relax and get your panties straightened out.

    • BlackjackQc

      bonjour a toi aussi.

    • MadCrain

      Your opinion is bullshit.

  • cutefan

    they should have shown more pikmin instead of all that time wasted on nintendo land

    • BlackjackQc

      No they should have shown Aliens or AC3 or any other games. They should have kept Nintendo land a secret till launch as it will be pack in. They should have shown real games, not another minigame extravaganza. they were enough of those on Wii. Leave those games to the 360 and PS3

  • Ness

    Just the tip of the iceberg? Good. Because that conference was fucking horrible. Hopefully the rest of the iceberg isn’t full of shit.

  • Halo 4 for Wii U

    I wonder what they are going to put in the Wii U involving 3DS to Wii U communications? Halo 4 should come to Wii U

    • Peskiest

      You do know that Microsoft pretty much owns Halo, right?

    • Etkar

      That’s like saying Halo 4 should come to the PS3.

    • bosss

      No chance dude halo is from microsoft

  • zero107

    Man, every time I look at the Wii U gamepad I think the gameplay will be very similar to the ds.

    • BlackjackQc

      What’s wrong with that.

      But the only thing that concerne me is how the compagnies are going to implement the gamepad in the game. I don’t want to see a new king of wiggle fest. Ir’s not because it’s there that you have to use it. I like the way ZombiU integrated the inventory systeme in the game. I just don’t want to be forced to use the pad. AC3 should support the pro controller or the Gamepad if people want to.
      It’s like on Wii we should have had the choice the either the Wiimote or the pro-controller from the start.

  • CuteFan

    ugh David didn’t hear me -_-

  • Etkar

    What’s wrong with Wii U being a upgraded Wii?
    Xbox 360 is a upgraded Xbox.
    PS3 is a upgraded PS2 which is a upgraded PS1…

  • Flip

    2 MONTHS LATER

    indeed, reggie

  • Omarsonic9

    OLD
    WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE