Wii U could be in trouble if this report turns out true

[Shino]

Starting to sound like the power of the Wii was overstated... which is scary considering we knew it wouldn't compare with the Next Xbox and the PS4. Now it seems it may not even compare with the current gen Xbox and PS!

Wii U 'not up to the same level' as PS3, Xbox 360 - Developers

Report cites developers' gripes about next-generation Nintendo hardware; new console 'just can't quite keep up,' says one.

Yesterday reports emerged that the Wii U might be heading to shops on November 18; however, more information about Nintendo's next console also emerged that might be less pleasing to the Nintendo faithful. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, a number of anonymous developers compared the new console in unfavourable terms to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, suggesting it didn't have the graphical horsepower to compete with either, despite being able to output HD video.
The tablet controller might not be as unique a selling point as first imagined, according to developers.

"There aren't as many shaders, it's not as capable. Sure, some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up," said one source. Another developer who is reportedly working on software for the new console said "it's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360."

The developers also opened up on the issue of the new console's controllers. "The whole thing about the tablet controller is that you only get one of them, and you can only use one and it's not completely independent," which means that multiple players on the same console will get different experiences, which may not suit all games or all players. "Other controllers are just Wiimotes [sic], or other Wii controllers. They may change the form factor or looks a bit, but it's the same controller," the developer continued.

It was also suggested that the uniqueness of the tablet controller is likely to be severely undermined as Sony moves further towards integration of the PS3--and its successor--and the Vita. "You can do everything with that combo that you can with the Wii U, and more," GamesIndustry's source said.

As of press time, a Nintendo representative had not returned GameSpot's request for comment.

For more on rumours and speculation concerning the next generation of consoles, check out GameSpot's rumor roundup feature.

This just reinforces my realization that I will definitely NOT be getting one of these things at launch.

[mikestrife]

Just like the Wii I don't think the processing power is going matter in terms of sales, but it's clear they can't repeat what they did with a wii. At this point they're best bet is to market it to ignorant parents of kids who are begging for a iPad. (look I can get my kid a Nintendo and tablet for like 1/2 the price of a iPad!)

I think we're going to see a return to Gamecube like sales this generation, but I don't think it has anything to do with they hardware. Nintendo lucked out with the wiimote gimmick which kept them on top for a while, but just can't repeat that success.

Also I think I remember from a previous show, where this was the qotw:
email: "...they said it's as strong as a ps3..."
Shino: "which means it won't be."

[MikePSN08]

Lately I been saying that Nintendo really only cares about their handheld devices. Does the Wii even compare to an iPad 3 .....MMMaybe. Let's be honest the Wii in my opinion looked great then until I bought one and was bored like hell after 3 weeks. I can't lie their handheld units are better than the Wii now. I would rather have a parent put the money on the new Xbox Lite (Their Roku box of gaming) than this crap. Yes supposedly Microsoft might be doing a small Xbox type unit that let's casual gamers play the Xbox live games that you download only.

[Sweet_Johny]

I was hopeful the Wii U might be able to take over as my main current gen console. But it it seeming like it may end up as a compliment to my main system same as the Wii was. Thats not really enough for non nintendo fanboys to buy it day one though. Do you think they will integrate the classic controller into the system?

[Fleshy]

Just like the Wii I don't think the processing power is going matter in terms of sales, but it's clear they can't repeat what they did with a wii. At this point they're best bet is to market it to ignorant parents of kids who are begging for a iPad. (look I can get my kid a Nintendo and tablet for like 1/2 the price of a iPad!)

I think we're going to see a return to Gamecube like sales this generation, but I don't think it has anything to do with they hardware. Nintendo lucked out with the wiimote gimmick which kept them on top for a while, but just can't repeat that success.

Also I think I remember from a previous show, where this was the qotw:
email: "...they said it's as strong as a ps3..."
Shino: "which means it won't be."

The thing is when it comes to processing power. Wii only used an ATI Hollywood chipset if Im not mistaken. Not the most powerful in consoles. Wii needs to re-evaluate its current setup if it wants to make a profit and a good market gain against the Vita..

[saskbob]

I don't know, nintendo doesn't need much processing power to make awesome looking games, and they only need to really make 2-4 of them. Those being Mario platformers, zelda games, pokemon and umm mario games.

So if they really could sell it at a price point of $149-199 plus launch with a real mario or zelda game I could see them making a profit and selling a ton.

The reason that 3DS initially failed I don't think was really due to the high price of the 3DS. It was more due to no games and then reacting to the impending launch of the cheaper vita. If we look at it against the Vita, it is vastly inferior and in fact really doesn't seem much more powerful than the PSP.

I also find it highly funny all these game journo's complaint that it has one controller and then I hear these same dudes saying there is no need for split screen couch co-op on the big consoles.

[mikestrife]

I don't know, nintendo doesn't need much processing power to make awesome looking games, and they only need to really make 2-4 of them. Those being Mario platformers, zelda games, pokemon and umm mario games.

So if they really could sell it at a price point of $149-199 plus launch with a real mario or zelda game I could see them making a profit and selling a ton.

The reason that 3DS initially failed I don't think was really due to the high price of the 3DS. It was more due to no games and then reacting to the impending launch of the cheaper vita. If we look at it against the Vita, it is vastly inferior and in fact really doesn't seem much more powerful than the PSP.

I also find it highly funny all these game journo's complaint that it has one controller and then I hear these same dudes saying there is no need for split screen couch co-op on the big consoles.

I think the 199 price tag is unlikely since the controller alone will drive up the cost of the system. I'd expect a launch at 299... maybe more, but I hope they learned their lesson with the 3ds.