What and When is NX?

The internet has been in an uproar ever since Satoru Iwata casually mentioned the NX. This has resulted in a huge chunk of the gaming community assuming it is a new console and that it will launch in 2016. Some sources even point towards a July 2016 launch. (yes, it sounds just as ridiculous to me as it does to you) Well, I'm here to discuss just what the NX is and When can we expect to see it.

First thing first, we have to define just what the NX is. Both Iwata and Kimishima have stated that it is not a replacement for the Wii U or the 3DS, and its also worth noting that it was first mentioned when talking about the deal between Nintendo and DeNA. So, If it is indeed a third pillar and not at all a replacement, then I could see a 2016 release being feasible. However, If it is a console, a portable, or a hybrid, 2016 (especially July) seems highly unlikely. Nintendo has already announced some of their flagship titles for Wii U coming 2016, and there are even games like Lost Reavers, which have already had a beta in Japan, and not even released yet in the US. Also, Nintendo at the moment seems to be riding a wave of success lead by amiibos, Splatoon, and Mario Maker. It just does not seem like a wise business decision to abruptly end it all right when they're hitting their stride. A new system launch almost always ends in reporting a loss until it catches on or sells enough software to offset the cost. One source even claims Nintendo expects to sell 20 million in the first year. That is a bit ambitious, and does not sound like a console estimate.

So then what is the NX? To be honest, we have no clue. This is Nintendo we're talking about. They aren't exactly easy to predict. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say its the gaming world's equivalent to a smart device (i.e. tablet, ipod, smartphone), as it was announced during a meeting about their mobile games strategy. As far as the rumors for the console goes, maybe those are actually for the next console, but people are combining all the information they find and thinking it all referes to one thing, instead of multiple device. I honestly believe most of this is people mixing together all the news when in reality, some refers to NX, some refers to the next portable, and some refers to the next console. With a stellar line up already for 2016, and a Nintendo Direct still incoming, I expect the next actual comsole to launch in 2018. yes, 2018, not even 2017, because Nintendo has always launched their portable first, and also seem to launch the console 2 years after announcements of developer kits going out. So, Lets just see just how good I am at guessing.

Until next time: Be you. Be true. Be human.

The Wii U's Secret Weapons

  The Wii U has been getting a lot of flak lately, but it seems that the gamers on the interwebz have forgotten almost everything that Nintendo said at E3 2012. The Wii U has a few secret weapons ready to use that will create unique, innovative ways to play games, and boost its appeal to the hardcore crowd, as well as the casuals.

  Did everyone just forget about the Gamepad's NFC features? Seriously! This alone can lend to some pretty awesome game ideas. This could be used with figurines, trading cards, and all sorts of other trinkets. Imagine a Yu-Gi-Oh! game or a Baten Kaitos game that actually uses cards. The possibilities are endless with this one.

  Another Secret weapon is the mic thats built into every Wii U Gamepad. Nintendo Land has already shown that the mic can be used for gameplay by having you blow into it to activate certain parts on DK's Crash Course. The Nintendo DS made use of a mic as well, albeit limited. With the power of the Wii U, this feature should be able to be put to great use.

  The Camera in another weapon in the Wii U's arsenal. We know it has some level of face recognition, because we all used it to make a mii or two. So Imagine a horror game that takes your face and puts it in game, or a game that uses the camera to place a picture of you on the TV screen with some creepy effects like making a zombie appear behind you. Yes we know its fake, but that would certainly cause some of us to look behind us or even scream like a coward.

  Multiple Gamepads is another of it's war horses. Did everyone forget that Reggie Fils-aime got on stage and proclaimed that future games will make use of multiple Gamepads. I could see that going to use in RPG. Maybe even have the two players with the Gamepad go through different dungeons at the same time, and meet up in the middle some how, or even have it where both players are in the same room, but see different things on their Gamepads. sort of like a parallel world where player 1 affects player 2's world  through his actions and player 2 does the same.

  Last but certainly not least is the Wii remote plus. Reggie also said that their may be Wii U games that use the Wii remote. Sword play in games such as Red Steel 2 and Skyward Sword showcased how the Wii remote could make swashbuckling all the more engaging. Also, If i do play a shooter, I prefer the accuracy of a Wii remote over analog sticks. The Wii remote isn't dead just yet, so don't count it out.

  With these secret weapons in its arsenal, I can see a future full of varied games and unique and creative ideas coming from the Wii U. If Nintendo and 3rd party developers can make use of all of these features, the Wii U could end up with a library of games more unique and varied than any console before it. Is your body ready?

Miiverse trolls are pathetic

There's just something sad about a Miiverse troll. I mean its comical even. If you hate the Wii U so much, why are you on the Miiverse whining about it? Oh wait! Let me rewind a bit. The Miiverse is a social network of sorts built into the Wii U. It can be accessed on the web, but get this, you have to have a Wii U to even create an account.  let that soak in for a minute.  mmmmhmmm. See why I say they are pathetic? You're level of hate has to be pretty strong to go buy an atleast $300 machine just to hate on the Wii U, or actively find someone with a Wii U and make an account on their's just to hate.

It's truly pointless. What's the purpose? Do they not realize they are on the Miiverse, which is about 80% Nintendo gamers, 20% newbie gamers, neither of those crowds care about what they have to say. The Nintendo fans love their Wii U, and a few words from a troll won't change that. The Newcomers are just checking out the scene and getting advice and tips on what to try from the Nintendo fans. So what are the trolls doing, other than wasting space and getting shut down by a throng of fans with facts to back up their claims. Well, trolls, enjoy your pathetic existence on the Miiverse, just know that for each troll that joins Miiverse, thats another sell for the console that you loathe. Happy Gaming!