E3 2012: Nintendo's 'comeback' gets mixed reviews

“The Wii was so definitely something – but the Wii U just isn’t branded in the same way,” Forbes says. “Nintendo should be stealing the show as the only company with anything truly new to show off. And yet they’re almost more boring for the presence of that new hardware…it doesn’t bode well for its chances with the world at large.”

Nintendo isn’t doing its job of “keep[ing] our industry young,” especially since Sony and Microsoft have been mute on whether they’ll be releasing new consoles anytime soon, according to another Forbes article.

“Instead of fighting like a champion against the toughest of competitors, and instead of reminding consumers why console gaming is and should always be a cherished form of entertainment, Nintendo has done nothing to ensure the success of its next game machine,” Louis Bedigian writes in Forbes. 

Mr. Bedigian argues that none of the games that will be released for Wii U – which features a controller with a touchscreen, allowing users to play games on a television, on the controller itself, or both – are “system-sellers.” This may be the key to the continued success of consoles like the PlayStation 3, which boasts the “Uncharted” games, and Xbox 360, which has the “Halo” series.

Nintendo’s focus on releasing third-party games like “Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition” could also prove problematic. “Arkham City” was released in October 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Likewise, “Arkham City” and Ubisoft’s “ZombiU” were the only gritty titles demoed in the presentation, as opposed to the other eight that had a distinctly G-rated feel (“Lego City: Undercover,” “Nintendoland”).

But this is part of the problem. The Wii beat Sony and Microsoft by letting them fight each other over gritty games. Wii was something else altogether – charming, welcoming, and equally enticing to kids and grandma. At this point, Wii U is trying to be everything, but isn't yet succeeding at anything.

Still, others are optimistic about Nintendo’s ability to impress, despite potential problems including the timing of the Wii U’s release.

“There still is a lot to like about the Wii U,” Entertainment Weekly says. “But in this economy, Nintendo’s got some serious work to do if they hope to maintain their place atop the videogame market-share mountain.”

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