Nintendo: market is now waiting for new home consoles

By Wesley Yin-Poole Published 27 January, 2012

Are you ready?

Gamers are now ready for new home consoles, Nintendo has said.

Pointing to declining sales of the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 in the US in December, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata said "the market is now waiting for a new proposal for home consoles".

In the US in 2011, Microsoft's Xbox 360 enjoyed "large momentum", Iwata said. The Wii edged out Sony's PlayStation 3 in terms of sales, but Nintendo did not see the console sell as well in December as it usually does.

"Usually, the Wii enjoys high sales in December, but last year, even though 'The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword' was highly acclaimed, we were not able to expand it sufficiently to our target audience, and although the Wii was the platform which sold the most software in December, we were not able to propose new Nintendo titles to our broad audience," Iwata said.

"Therefore, except for Ubisoft's Just Dance 3 there were no Wii titles with huge sales in the year-end sales season. Along with effects from our trade marketing activities in December which mainly focused on the Nintendo 3DS, we were not able to sell the Wii as well as we usually do.

"However, not just the Wii, but the overall performance of home consoles in December was lower than the previous year, and I think that the market is now waiting for a new proposal for home consoles."

Nintendo is set to enter the next generation home console market ahead of Sony and Microsoft with the launch of the Wii U in all key markets by the end of the year.

It is Nintendo's first high definition home console, and has a tablet device for a controller. Technical specifications and launch games are yet to be announced, however.

Microsoft and Sony's next-gen plans remain unknown, but Microsoft is expected to discuss its next Xbox at E3 2012 in June, with a possible 2013 launch in the works. Sony executives continue to insist the PlayStation 3 has much work left to do - possibly indicating the PlayStation 4 is further out.

Picture of Wesley.

About Wesley Yin-Poole

Wesley is Eurogamer's news editor. He likes news, interviews, and more news. He also likes Street Fighter more than anyone can get him to shut up about it.

Read more articles from Wesley by visiting the Wesley Yin-Poole archive page.

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Comments (86) Latest comment 3 weeks ago

  • teabagger #1 4 weeks ago

    Bit early yet, in 12-18 months time I think it probably will be.

  • wizlon #2 4 weeks ago

    Gladiators - Are you ready? /ScottishAccent

  • md99 #3 4 weeks ago

    I have very little faith in Nintendo to deliver a home console that will appease both the casual and dedicated gamer. Nevermind the PS4, I wouldn't be surprised if the WiiU flops within the PS3's lifespan.

  • Daddy-Doom-Bar #4 4 weeks ago

    I'd say xmas 2013 would be a good time to launch. Everyone will be hungering for a new console by then.

  • onezeonx #5 4 weeks ago

    I'm waiting for the next xbox or ps4.... Not this thing

  • GamesProgrammer Verified Games Team Programmer, Eutechnyx Ltd. #6 4 weeks ago

    Honestly not ready im happy with what we already have.

  • sadakos_fury #7 4 weeks ago

    "Pointing to declining sales of the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 in the US in December, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata said "the market is now waiting for a new proposal for home consoles".
    Or, everyone has finally got around to buying a console and is busy playing with it. I'd happily take another year or so of the current gaming goodness.

  • robbiejc85 #8 4 weeks ago

    I've just finished Skyward Sword, and I'm going to sell my Wii because I can't see a single game worth playing to come (Xenoblade and Monster Hunter just aren't my thing chaps).

    So.....YES?

  • MaxFN #9 4 weeks ago

    In Next-gen, is there gonna be remakes of HD remakes?

  • TheLastProphet #10 4 weeks ago

    I am ready for a new console - but not one with specs on par with the SEVEN year old Xbox 360.

  • Bigmac1910 #11 4 weeks ago

    Depends on the graphics, if it's better than PS3 and Xbox 360, then I'm ready. But I might get a vita instead, I think it will be more clear after E3.

  • FireMonkey #12 4 weeks ago

    I think Wii sales probably dropped off as people are starting to noticing that it is priced too high compared to the PS3 and 360, especially when you look at the range of games on it.

    I'm not ready for a new console yet and it definitely won't be the WiiU on release this time. Did that with the Wii and there is still hardly anything I want to play on it.

  • FireMonkey #13 4 weeks ago

    @Bigmac1910 - "Depends on the graphics, if it's better than PS3 and Xbox 360, then I'm ready."

    <sigh> Better graphics do NOT make better games.

    They can add to a game, but that is all if you really want better graphics buy a PC as the games are cheaper and the graphics will be better than the NextGen. They may cost more (but not as much as most anti-pc people make out) and you can do a lot more with them (including hook them up to a big-screen TV and control them with wireless controllers).
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 09:23

  • jumpdeveraux #14 4 weeks ago

    I'm not so interested in news of the pixel-pushing hardware specs... I'm more interested in Nintendos reveal of their online strategy for the WiiU... this is where they need to demonstrate they can at minimum match PSN/Live.

    There was talk of bringing in 3rd party expertise in online? Open platform giving lots of flexibility to the publishers? Time for some newsflow on what next-nextgen online means for the Big N...

  • menage #15 4 weeks ago

    Not really, nobody really wants to spend 500 bucks on a new machine if it isn't apple.

    Personally I like playing it safe with my cash nowadays, buy a game once in a while so Ican still feed myself in 3 months time if shit hits the fan.

  • JadedSoul #16 4 weeks ago

    No, what the market wants is new ideas, not bigger louder shinier rehashes of existing ones.

    This generation of games is threatening to kill my passion for the medium, if a new gen comes along which will more than likely polarise developers completely and destroy what diversity there is left then I'm calling lit quits and finding a new hobby.

  • simsini #17 4 weeks ago

    Considering current consoles cannot cope with stereoscopic 3D at 60fps and 1080p, I think we are definitely ready.

  • lucky_jim #18 4 weeks ago

    @menage
    Me too. If I was as financially secure as I was two years ago, I'd be all over a new console. Maybe by the time they hit the shelves I'll be comfortable enough again to consider it. Right now? No chance.
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 09:29

  • Weezer #19 4 weeks ago

    If 'Chase Mii' is a prime example of Nintendo's next-gen gaming, count me out.

  • Sabreman64 #20 4 weeks ago

    Yes, I'm waiting for a new Nintendo console - waiting for one without motion sensing and iPad rip-off touch screens.

  • Inmediasress #21 4 weeks ago

    I think they got it mixed up the market is waiting for a next gen not new home consoles.

    I ceartainly don't see how Ninty will make a kiling when their machine will be a slightly better version of the now available ones.
    The way I see it is that the multiplat games will be still on the same level as on the ps/xbox just for the simple matter that devs usually only care for the lead platform the rest is just a port.

    Unless Ninty manage to get ahold of the lead platform title for games which now is held, more or less by M$, I don't see how devs will take advantage of their better hardware.
    Well apart form the in house ones and a few exceptions here and there.
    It actually is just like the PS3 really, multiplat titles this gen draw the short one msot of the time eg: Skyrim on the PS3, and that won't change with a third console.
    In fact I think it will be even worse since now they got three platfroms to cater to.
    This is the reason the Xbox stagnates with exclusives, that's the trade of for geting the best multiplat titles and in response to that Sony is put on the defense with high quality exclusives to keep in the race. Ninty will have to go the same route high quality exclusives but well yeah... Mario and Zelda start to get a bit old now, to be honest.
    I just can't see them winning over the hardcore crowd, but of course this is all just speculation.

  • Nevflinn #22 4 weeks ago

    Wait a minute Nintendo, no I'm not. I'm quite happy with all my three consoles! I don't want to have to spend another 200+ euro just to keep playing games! You don't have to release this so soon!

  • DrStrangelove #23 4 weeks ago

    Actually, no, I'm not. I lost my interest in consoles altogether and only play on PC now.

  • Darren #24 4 weeks ago

    Am I ready?

    Not particularly as I have my own upgradable next-gen console already: my PC! :p

  • Darren #25 4 weeks ago

    Post deleted at 09:58:04 27-01-2012

  • Ranger101 #26 4 weeks ago

    As much as people keep going on about how awesome PC graphics are compared to the 7 year old 360... there's still not much of a difference in technology comparable between the jump of, say, the SNES and the Playstation.

    I welcome a next gen if it can wow me... be it amazing graphics, amazing physics or amazing AI handling technology.

    Wow me.

  • bad09 #27 4 weeks ago

    @DrStrangelove, @Darren

    I thought about posting that to but it sounded too much like I was trolling :)

  • SteveHolt #28 4 weeks ago

    My wallet is not ready. This gen has been so unkind to early adopters (overpriced consoles, reliability issues, games shipping with game-breaking bugs, with huge price drops 1 month after their release, etc), I'll just wait a couple years before jumping in.

  • irve77 #29 4 weeks ago

    I've got to say , in all honesty if WiiU comes out this year at under £200 i would buy it in an instant.

    However as it'll likely be more expensive than that and i've still got a stack of great games on all three consoles i will certainly be prepared to wait a while before i pick up anything new ( that includes the 3Ds and vita )

  • PixelEdged #30 4 weeks ago

    As great as the Wii was I ended up trading it back in soon after launch because of no real great game [Cough MARIO Caugh] Even though Gamecube was saved at launch with Melee, I really wanted something like Galaxy. I won't be going into anymore launches without key big games.

    Can't we go back to when a big game is meant to come with a console launch like Mario, Halo, Uncharted/Wipeout/GoW?, its almost as if the 3 publishers have stopped taking risks with big games unless they have sold hardware first.

  • MattEdWithCheese #31 4 weeks ago

    @Ranger101 Well, going from the 360 to the Steam version of Mass Effect was night and day to me.

    Better screen resolution, framerate, textures, character models, effects and post processing, not to mention controls and my machine isn't that powerful...

    But yeah, not quite as much as SNES>PS1...
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 10:11

  • kenichi-san #32 4 weeks ago

    Waiting for The Last Story and Pandora's Tower. :)

    I think those two will be my last Wii games. Nothing else has been revealed that would peak my interest sadly. :/

  • des #33 4 weeks ago

    Please buy WiiU,please.I don't want to cut my salary in half again.
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 13:19

  • MattEdWithCheese #34 4 weeks ago

    @kenichi-san Rhythm Paradise? Kiki Trick? Mario Party 9?

  • anthonypappa #35 4 weeks ago

    nintendo especially, don't need powerful graphics to make great games.

    i'm just waiting for a nintendo console that is gimmick-free, this doesn't look like it sadly.

  • Baihu1983 #36 4 weeks ago

    Nah i can still wait another year or so. This gen had its best year last year and i care little for the Wii U right now.

  • super_monty #37 4 weeks ago

    I am not sure if I am interested in next gen until it beams real life like graphics directly into my brain which I also use as an input device. Boom…...

  • TheEarlOfZinger #38 4 weeks ago

    Give it two years and I'm in.

    edit: Not for the WiiU I might add, lol.
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 10:27

  • Bangaioh #39 4 weeks ago

    I'm not really looking for new hardware, give us NEW (and great) IPs.

  • Kygzab #40 4 weeks ago

    I'm ready to upgrade my overclocked Gamecube, but if I had PS3 I'd be quite satisfied with it for fairly long time.

  • MattEdWithCheese #41 4 weeks ago

    If the re-announcement at E3 impresses me and the launch lineup justifies the price then yeah...

  • TonyHarrison #42 4 weeks ago

    I'm ready. I'm bored of my PS3 and there's obviously nothing much coming out on the Wii this year. It'd be silly to get a 360 so late in the gen so bring on the new consoles. I'll be there on Wii U launch day.

  • TooOldToGame #43 4 weeks ago

    Post deleted at 10:45:50 22-02-2012

  • Markusdragon #44 4 weeks ago

    I need it to be a year or two AFTER the release of a new console, already. The later they release, the later they'll actually be worth buying.

  • J.C #45 4 weeks ago

    mario zelda metroid etc will all look amazing on the wiiu. I do believe it will be underpowered compared to its rivals, But i dont think the difference will be massive this time around. Like the wii was to the 360/ps3

  • vizzini #46 4 weeks ago

    I imagine most of us were looking for a new console from Nintendo about 12-18 months after the Wii launch, so that their games looked acceptable on LCD/Plasma HD panels like they previously had on CRTs.

    But now that I've waited all this time for Nintendo, I've sort of lost interest in them as a platform holder. They don't act like a company who listens and learns fast enough, focusing too much on their new ideas to wow new customers. It is like finding out your mobile company is giving new customers better perks and price than existing customers; it starts to cause resentment.

    Now I'd be just as happy, to hear them say that current consoles in the market have features and performance that is similar enough to their new gaming ideas, and they are going to publish their games on them until something really new becomes feasible.

  • Brutal_Zen #47 4 weeks ago

    Actually, can't be bothered with the Wii U (or whatever it is going to be named) but I am totally hyped for the follow-up to Xbox 360 and PS3. So, please serve me a dose of the next gaming systems.

    But to get something of my chest (again)
    Like I have stated elsewhere... Wii U is 'too little, too late' it should've been a console running next to the Wii instead of a follow-up to the Wii. The controller seems gimmicky at best and the power under the bonnet is underwhelming.

    Also, I couldn't be bothered with the Wii. Never bought into it. The lack of quality (and original) games is mind boggling. The foundation of Nintendo gaming rests almost solely on Mario and Zelda franchises with the occasional Metroid game. Wii U will be no different. And, sadly, this has been the case since the N64... SNES was the last investment worthy Nintendo GAMING console.

    I hope that I will be wrong and Nintendo will deliver great innovative GAMES but please do not call it innovating when the game itself is just like everything else apart from what can be seen on a tablet. More whiping, scratching, Oooh a map, etc. stuff... Wooptidoo...

    I just want a plain old controller...

  • danhese007 #48 4 weeks ago

    Nintendo loves catching the competition with their pants down. I just don't want Sony or Microsoft playing catch up, just take your time and release on your schedule.

  • CatWeazle #49 4 weeks ago

    The Wii is a *last* generation console compared to xbox360 & ps3 anyway, so yeah about time for you to catchup Nintendo. I'm quite happy with another 2 years of my 360, the current gen games have just started to get really good.

  • Laythe_AD #50 4 weeks ago

    I'm really not fussed about a new console yet. And if anything, I think a new console hurts the chances of getting some more interesting games, rather than boosts them. The latter stages of a consoles life cycle always seem to produce the most interesting ideas.

  • memeroot #51 4 weeks ago

    Looking forward to it

  • Cobalt_Jackal #52 4 weeks ago

    As i said on a previous Wii U related article, Im not interested in Wii U (what a stupid name that is). The last Nintendo console i owned was the Gamecube and excluding a few great games (Windwaker, Metroid Prime1/2, luigi's mansion etc), i tired of the long droughts and just seeming lack of interest from Nintendo. So as a result i wasn't swept up in the hype and didn't buy/wasn't interested in the Wii... i knew from past experience how it would ultimately turn out and i didn't want to put myself through that again.

    And Wii U in the end will be know different, there will be no games (or not many of high quality), there will be long droughts and a lack of interest from Nintendo mark my words. So again im not interested. Goodbye Nintendo we shared somne fantastic memories together... but were no longer compatible so im affraid im gonna have to turn my back, part ways and let you go.

    P.S. Also being a Six Form student, i can't afford Wii U or any next-gen console anytime soon. So even though Next-Gen fascinates me, i'll be on the sidelines for a while before i join in properly. And anyway none the less im still happy with my PS3 for the time being, and honestly i don't think we need (and I personally don't feel like) a Next-Gen is really nessecary anytime soon.
    Edited by 2 at 27/01/12 @ 12:06

  • madeinbeats #53 4 weeks ago

    @MaxFN Troll alert

  • UKwoods #54 4 weeks ago

    Whether I buy a WiiU depends largely on one factor: That Nintendo treat it's loyal European customers with a little respect for once and give us 60hz versions of its classics. I know it sounds trivial, but your reading something written by a man who, as a teenager, used to work multiple paper rounds just to afford the superior import versions of SNES games. I bought a Wii 'for my wife' *cough* not knowing that we were only deemed worthy of the crappy 50hz versions that we avoided as kids. What made Nintendo think we would settle for this after years of being spoiled baffles me.

  • madeinbeats #55 4 weeks ago

    I'm ready. Come on Nintendo show the rest of them the meaning of innovation .. .. AGAIN.. ..!

  • -cerberus- #56 4 weeks ago

    No next-gen hardware for me. I'm done with gaming. This gen was quite bad with all the greedy bullshit tactics publishers unleashed but next-gen is going to be hell. Count me out.
    Edited by 3 at 27/01/12 @ 12:30

  • Pwnsweet #57 4 weeks ago

    What're Nintendo talking about? I was ready for their next gen console about 1 day after I bought my Wii...

  • Bartacus #58 4 weeks ago

    @menage Well said menage The shit is ready & the fan is spinning. Games are far too expensive.
    I cant wait for Apple to release a home console with more realistic game prices.

  • Anciegher #59 4 weeks ago

    @teabagger That is exactly what they are saying... Gosh! These stupid people.

  • Bartacus #60 4 weeks ago

    @SteveHolt Good idea, I will never adopt early again I will wait for the suckers first & buy when the games are cheaper classics & budget re issues.

  • Yuroko #61 4 weeks ago

    I was born ready, baby. Just give me a date and a price so I can start saving.

  • kassmageant #62 4 weeks ago

    more than anything, i'm eager to see what this clusterfuck of functions that this system appears to be will bring to the table.

  • makeamazing #63 4 weeks ago

    For me its about two things, games and tech (probably like a lot of people). Unfortuntatly getting a Wii on day1 was a massive mistake for me, as the games just werent for me, and the tech was poor. At the moment i dont see what a slightly improved HD console with the same games coming out that i already will have/get for my Xbox or PS3, will make me want a Wii-U.

    I really think this is one of the Wii-U's biggest problems, many people who purchased a wii will not be going straight out to buy this.. UNLESS - they show off something that is future tech/impressive.

  • Hieronymus #64 4 weeks ago

    Give me a Zelda with HD graphics and on par with Ocarina of Time and you will have me buying one

  • Bartacus #65 4 weeks ago

    @Bartacus When people neg you for trying to suggest fairer prices are these people rich, stupid or making money from the high prices?

  • _LarZen_ #66 4 weeks ago

    Im ready Nintendo, bring it!

  • weebl #67 4 weeks ago

    The market may be smaller than you think Nintendo.

  • kosigan #68 4 weeks ago

    So, a hardware manufacturer about to release a new console reckons that the public want to buy a new console. In other news, it's been discovered that the sky is blue and grass is green.

  • JumpinJackFlash #69 4 weeks ago

    I've got a next gen system in the PC. Most games that come out for the PS4/NextBox will inevitably come out on the PC, with the exception of a few exclusives.

  • Mister-Wario #70 4 weeks ago

    Will these consoles offer compelling new experiences? Will the hardware be used to do astonishing things that the other consoles couldn't do? Or will the games just be a little prettier? If the next generation of consoles is just going to offer Mario HD and more shooters I'll be staying with my PS3 for a while.

    I don't want to sound like a spoilsport, but at the end of the day I want us to be willing to push games: not just graphically, but in terms of gameplay as well. If we focus on graphics then we're missing the point of the medium. Unless something is heavily stylised then to be frank how good are they going to look in ten, twenty years time? More importantly, how will they play?

  • Collymilad #71 4 weeks ago

    Too true.

    Well done Nintendo.

  • Miths #72 4 weeks ago

    I've been ready for a couple of years. I don't really need "better" graphics, I just need 1080p, 4xAA in 3D at 60 fps.
    I'm fed up with 720p (or less) with occasional AA at sorta 30ish fps, or 20-25 and/or graphical trade-offs in 3D.

    Or perhaps I should just go entirely back to PC gaming, but as much as people like to say it's easy to hook a PC up to a TV (and it is), it doesn't quite account for trying to fit a keyboard and mouse into a recliner and coffee table living room setup. And not all PC games are suitable for or even playable with gamepads.

  • 32768Colours #73 4 weeks ago

    I think I'll be ready for a new console by the end of this year. From what I already own and need to get through I think 12 months should cover it nicely.

    Also, aside from one or two big hitters (Bioshock Infinite: yes please!), there's not that many games tempting me just yet.

    That being said, I hardly need to buy a new console this year as there's plenty of games I have with loads of replay value left. I guess it'll depend on how much the Wii-U is, what games are on offer, and what the annoucements Microsoft and Sony make at E3.

    So, a bit up in the air then!
    Edited by 1 at 27/01/12 @ 19:13

  • Lucodeath #74 4 weeks ago

    I couldnt wait so I got myself a decent pc. Im sure I will buy the new next gen consoles though cos Im a sucker.

  • Retro_ #75 4 weeks ago

    Won't be contemplating the New Wii U at all, It looks all 'Wrong' somehow. Roll on PS4/720.

  • alexbulluk #76 4 weeks ago

    I think it's the right time for Wii U, but not PS4/720 - the current gen versions of those consoles are fine for at least another year.

  • solidSnake04 #77 4 weeks ago

    for people who like 1 or 2 videogame series then yeah let them move on. I still have piles of great games to play.

  • TooOldToGame #78 4 weeks ago

    Post deleted at 10:45:50 22-02-2012

  • Boshtron Verified Graphics Programmer, Blitz Games Studios #79 4 weeks ago

    I personally wouldn't mind jumping to next-gen; keeps me busy...I'm ready for it Nintendo\Sony\Microsoft show me what you got!

  • smilernick #80 4 weeks ago

    I wish people would get off their high horse! I think it's clear that people are ready from all the speculation recently, aswell as declining sales. Are you saying if a shiny new ps4 or Xbox 720 was there, you wouldn't take it? BRING IT ON I say, I'm ready!!! I want my face melted by ridiculous graphics and groundbreaking new games!!

  • ps3juggalo #81 4 weeks ago

    I'm a long time gamer - since the Atari 2600! I got the wii, but the novelty of the motion controls didnt take long to wear off. Our wii hasn't been played for years after we got the PS3. Usually, companies show off the amazing things their "next gen" system can do. Wow, Nintinto color me Under-impressed!!!

    A tag game, a catch the suction dart game, yeah that's way cooler then Uncharted 3...

  • NewbieZilla #82 4 weeks ago

    "the market is now waiting for a new proposal for home consoles".

    Debatable.

  • smelly #83 4 weeks ago

    >on screen not CHASE MII.

    That was a demo showcasing the controller, not the games on the machine


    >Its a few months to launch yet I don't know what I am spending my cash on appart from the controller.

    Which we'll see at e3... We dont know what ANY of them have planned properly yet...

    >Nintendo has always focused on making ground braking new control schemes,

    Always?!?


    >but it didn't stop them making a deacent console where game devs had enough power

    Who's saying the wii-u doesnt have power?

  • KrazyFace #84 4 weeks ago

    I love the end-days of a consoles life. Since it's going to die anyway they just let the devs run loose with ideas! Which is great because then you see things like SotC from PS2, not only that but nearly every dev has had enough time to have learned how to squeeze every iota of power from the machines. Just compare GTA3 to San Andreas and you'll see what I mean.

    I've still to buy a 360, but there's no doubt I will when it becomes dirt cheap, I usually buy one console and go with it till its death. Did that with the NES, SNES and N64, then PS1, PS2.

    I'd say most people here claiming dismay at Nintendo's handling of the last few years is spot on, I'm not sure when Nintendo shifted their focus from games to controlling schemes, but it marked the end of an era for me. Sorry Nintendo, just the laments of another lost fans voice I guess...
    Edited by 1 at 29/01/12 @ 13:22

  • Reedo #85 4 weeks ago

    @md99 you must live your life in a state of constant surprise...

  • Ryze #86 3 weeks ago

    "we were not able to propose new Nintendo titles to our broad audience"

    Try hiring some people, and making some more decent and varied Wii games, then.

    There are nearly 100 million consoles out there, and the thing is in the same ballpark of capability of the original Xbox.

    Ridiculous that there aren't still huge titles being released and promoted on Wii.
    Edited by 1 at 31/01/12 @ 09:32