Why the Nintendo Wii is really the console in trouble… yes, really
The past two days have seen me argue the case for why first the PS3 and then the Xbox 360 is in trouble and needs saving. Now it’s the turn of the Nintendo Wii, by far the biggest selling console this generation. This should be fun.
The Wii is a huge success story. That will come as no surprise to anyone with even a passing interest in gaming. The little Nintendo console has sold over 40 million units worldwide in just two years, which is almost 50 percent market share this generation. But is the Wii actually in trouble?
In sales terms, the Wii clearly isn’t in trouble and I cannot argue the case that that’s the case. However, that situation could change and fast. I think the Wii has a shorter lifespan ahead of it than either the PS3 or the Xbox 360. In fact, Nintendo may already be preparing its successor.
The last generation saw the Playstation 2 sell 140 million consoles, a whole 100 million more than the total the Wii is currently sitting on. If the Wii’s potential user base dries up, which it could do as word of mouth starts to make people realize the faddy nature of the console, then both the PS3 and Xbox 360 could bypass it.
And the Wii is a faddy console. I have a few friends who had wanted a Wii ever since it was released. They loved the idea of it, the fun games such as Wii Sports, and the buzz surrounding it. Then they bought one and quickly realized how short-term the fun is. They own just two games and haven’t played it in months.
If this situation is repeated around the world and those lapsed Wii gamers tell their friends not to bother buying one then Nintendo could face dwindling sales.
There’s also the lack of triple-A titles being released on the Wii in recent months. Even the Nintendo-developed properties such as the Miyamoto-directed Wii Music have failed to sell in huge quantities and live up to the hype the Wii has so far generated. Instead, the console’s reputation is being continually sullied by shovelware.
The Wii clearly isn’t in trouble but it is possible to build a case for how that situation could rapidly arise. So please, no more articles arguing how this console or that console is doomed because the truth is none of them are. There will obviously be a first, second, and third placing but overall, I predict the games industry will end this generation in a very healthy state, whatever the pecking order.
The last console to properly die a premature death was the Sega Dreamcast and even that was killed off too early in my opinion. Neither the Wii, Xbox 360, or Playstation 3 are going to go out that way, so just enjoy your console of choice and play some games. Please.
Related Posts:
64 Responses to “Why the Nintendo Wii is really the console in trouble… yes, really”
Leave a Reply:
You must be logged in to post a comment. Don't have an account? Register today!
December 17th, 2008
2 million+ sales in Nov alone is the sort of ‘trouble’ Sony and to a lesser extend Microsoft would give their right arms for.
Don’t be silly.
Microsoft may begin to catch the Wii up some following their recent price drop which takes the entry-level XBox below the Wii price but that is some way off.
The Wii is making Ninty money and they are (still) selling way more than the other 2.
Some trouble.
December 17th, 2008
Wii music sold over 300000 units…
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3171916
they are not in trouble… I would buy one if I didnt have such a boner over Gears of war…
December 17th, 2008
http://www.destructoid.com/trailer-for-doritos-dash-of-destruction-is-haha-hahahaha-114998.phtml
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
kevin… oh dear kev… where are you??? look what your employees are doing… jaysus christ… I guess the direct x team also came up with this doritos game.. looks like its a titanic achievement…
also… it looks a lot like Calling all cars… the david jaffe game that no one liked… how bout this… on a particular day… we all get calling all cars and play together?? what do you guys say??? people say its a decent game… but more fun with multiplayer…
till then… grab a bag of doritos… and dont tell anyone that the guy in there was Major Nelson…
AHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA
December 17th, 2008
Worst…..article…..ever
December 17th, 2008
harry… did you play the doritos game???
December 17th, 2008
Not yet. It’s free right?
December 17th, 2008
yeah I think it is…
December 17th, 2008
Thanks Harry, I love you too.
It’s a shame when people don’t read an article in full or understand the point of it.
December 17th, 2008
reading is for chumps….
December 17th, 2008
I second Harry’s opinion. Geess Dave that was some try! I get your gist but you lazzed off at the end. You could have talked about how they are last in game sales. You could have talked about the poor graphics that will look terrible on HDTV purchases. You could have talked about how EA used 360 footage to advertise the Tiger Woods for the Wii. The fact that there is no media options like you find in the PS3 and 360 or Bluray player or movie download or the fact that more then just your two friends Wii’s are sitting collecting dust. The poor Online. You can add so much fluff when you talk about the 360 but you wimper and die talking about the Wii. It’s not that hard.
December 17th, 2008
Don’t know about Wii, but this story has just come out:
“Microsoft sued over Xbox disc-gashing flaw”
“Months before the Xbox 360 was launched, Microsoft knew that even a slight tilt of the machine when it was in operation could seriously damage discs, new documents unsealed in a US lawsuit have revealed.”
Wow Kev, your beloved ms is being sued AGAIN …. I can’t wait for your regurgitated retort about Sony ps2 being sued ….
ms knew it’s machine had significant flaws but still unleashed it on the “loyal” customer base. And you guys talk about how well ms looks after its customers ??
Lets just hope my new 360 pro doesn’t suffer the same fate !!
December 18th, 2008
I’m too busy to read the articles, I just read the headlines. That’s how I roll.
Merry Christmas DAVE PARRACK!
December 18th, 2008
HEY ME TOO HARRY!!!
well.. I come here for the intelligent conversation… dont worry Dave… harry likes to screw with everyone…
December 18th, 2008
Won’t Nintendo’s successor be called Nintendo Dump?
December 18th, 2008
@Spidey – That one is a few days old. MS knew about it before the 360 was released BUT it affects only a teeeeeny tiny %’age of consoles.
@Lock down – The advertising practically writes itself there
December 18th, 2008
All three console makers are “already” preparing their “successor’s,” it is a given considering R&D times and business plans in general.
At this point I see the Virtual Console as one of the Wii’s clear strengths, considering it’s library of past and potential future releases.
If Nintendo can succeed in bringing the majority of it and other consoles past hits to VC, with hard disk (sd or optical) options for those who are not wired, they will lock their lead position in for at least another two-five years as the affordable console with the “history of gaming” available, sans XBox and Playstation titles.
Family, fitness, educational, language, cooking, etc. are all title areas that will continue to differentiate the Wii above the other two consoles to the generally non-gaming masses.
The Wii has been and will continue to be the “family, kid-friendly” console of choice, when compared to the other two. ♠
December 18th, 2008
Developers just need to start seeing how much can be made on the Wii.
Sega is starting to put their muscle behind it now, and my bet is that they will make a small fortune on their hardcore titles they’re developing for it.
Various other developers seem to be testing the waters, and when even mediocre titles can sell like mad on the Wii, its not out of the realm of possibility that many developers really put their resources on the Wii.
It’s as easy to imagine even more explosive success as it is to imagine a sudden fall, except the Wii is already so far ahead, a sudden fall would mean very little (selling 0 units, it would take half of the rest of the generation for MS or Sony to catch up), but a sudden explosion would make it even more of the PS2 this generation.
December 18th, 2008
Dave we all know Wii is pure garbage for poor people not for gamers Wii is a toy with a bag design. PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 PSP and PS2 can destroy the Wii even the OG Xbox. Wii is a gimmick for old people real gamers do buy that. Read the article bitches LoL stop being so childish act like an adult if you are one.
December 18th, 2008
Spidey
That’s why there was a disk replacement program. See they do look after their customers.
December 18th, 2008
The Wii’s secret to success:
-Last Gen hardware.
-Rehash every IP with barely any improvements over the last gen’s series (Animal crossing, Mario Cart, etc, etc)
-Thrown in a gimmick control scheme for good measure (it worked for the DS).
-And have no triple A titles in the works.
-Mountains of shovelware.
I hate to play the jaded fan card, but I have been a fan of Nintendo since the NES up through the Game Cube. It’s sad to watch them coast by with these shenanigans and end up solidly in first place.
Unless they seriously get there act together, they have lost me as a fan. I am not alone either, they have alienated themselves from most serious gamers. It will come back to bite them in the ass eventually.
December 18th, 2008
Ivan_PSP,
While we both may know that our PSP’s are the real winner of this console generation (in another dimension perhaps), a few real gamers that predated even your divine wisdom may still enjoy an assortment of 8 different formerly owned consoles games encompassed on one system.
“Teh graphics” are becoming less of a factor with each generation, not more. Childish communication is the sign of a child.
December 18th, 2008
Barnabe Jones,
I would be hard pressed to say they are doing worse than they did with 64 and Game Cube, which you were a fan of.
The Wii outnumbers the PS3’s top rated titles this year by three. Now that I am an adult, I would prefer PS3’s titles, but kids and parents dig Mario and Zelda instead. I will grant you the shovelware, but there are some diamonds as well, if you take the time to look.
Nintendo has learned that incremental improvement and longevity with a wide array of releases that appeal to non-gamers as well as some gamers is better than competing as a powerhouse hardware showcase and a trojan horse entertainment system.
They are not competing to win best graphics or most hard core game of the year, and they have already clearly stated they are not competing with PS3 or 360. “Serious” gamers like yourself or I are not the primary target, the majority of the consumer population is.
December 18th, 2008
CAD – didn’t they charge $20 a disc for a replacement you needed because thier console broke it (which they knew about)?
I know you love to defend MS, but call a spade a spade. They fucked up.
December 18th, 2008
What a load of crap.
Ever think that the causal gamers aren’t getting board of the wii? Just because games get tired of it doesn’t mean everyone will.
You have been spewing this crap from your mouth since the wii came out.
The Wii is the only choice this gen. The 360 is to unstable and the PS3 is heading the way of the dream cast.
And Ivan go back in hiding. It was nice without you.
December 18th, 2008
Carl – The deference between every past Nintendo console and the Wii is simple – While I will admit Mario, Zelda, and a few other franchises have seen fantastic sequels this generation, most have not. The whole Nintendo machine is on cruise control, and with good reason. Why would they worry about providing quality games if the console will sell regardless?
Nintendo just released the games scheduled for Q1 of 2009. It’s really pretty pathetic. The most disappointing aspect of the list is the lack of Nintendo-published titles. The Wii will see remakes of GameCube titles Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis in March, while the rest of the list is made up entirely of third-party games, which isn’t the Wii’s strong suit.
December 18th, 2008
NCassie – My comment was in context to the article. You know the thing at the top of the page which no one bothers to read? The Wii is the only choice for what exactly? Online play? Solid well built games? Responsive controls? New Original IPs? I can go on all day….. So am I wrong? No.
Most people who are buying Wii’s are the type to hope on the next big fad. The Wii was lucky enough to become a fad this gen. I can almost guarantee it will not happen next gen.
December 18th, 2008
The wii is the only choice this gen…. HA.
I would buy a 360 before I bought a wii.
Enjoy tennis.
December 18th, 2008
Nintendo has sold over 470 million hardware units; Sony over 300 million; MS has yet to reach 50 million.
MS have the hardest job moving forward.
Nintendo has enough franchises (Pokemon, Mario) to sell, whether it appeals to the fad/casual crowd or not.
Nice try though Dave.
December 18th, 2008
ncaissie,
The Wii is an alternative choice, not the only one.
The 360 and PS3 have enough sales so far and as long as they continue their pace they will last for their intended lifetimes.
The Dreamcast only sold 10.6 million and lasted 2 years.
Barnabe Jones,
The Wii is tentatively scheduled to release 150+ titles next year, with the majority of them geared toward kids, families, and casual gamers.
If I owned a Wii, which I do not (the PSP and DS keep me satisfied now, and I am looking forward to going back home to my 360), I would be interested in playing (I always rent) the following titles next year (I give you the lack of Nintendo titles):
1. January 2009 Evasive Space Yuke’s Media Creations Shooter
2. January 2009 Saint UFO Interactive Action
3. January 19, 2009 Ultimate Shooting Collection UFO Interactive Shooter
4. January 20, 2009 Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop Capcom Action
5. February 2009 Cradle of Rome D3 Publisher Strategy
6. February 2009 Deadly Creatures THQ Action
7. February 2009 House of the Dead: Overkill, The SEGA Shooter
8. February 3, 2009 Rygar: The Battle of Argus Tecmo Action
9. February 4, 2009 Tenchu: Shadow Assassins Ubisoft Action
10. February 10, 2009 Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers D3 Publisher Action
11. February 17, 2009 Brave: A Warrior’s Tale SouthPeak Games Action
Adventure
12. March 2009 Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templar (Director’s Cut) Ubisoft Adventure
13. March 2009 Cardio Boxing Ubisoft Sports
14. March 2009 MadWorld SEGA Action
15. March 2009 Play the World DreamCatcher Interactive Action
16. March 2009 Rune Factory: Frontier Marvelous Interactive RPG
17. March 2009 Sonic & The Black Knight SEGA Action
18. Q1 2009 Cave Story Adventure
19. Q1 2009 Dragonology Codemasters Adventure
20. Q1 2009 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 Fusion Activision Action
RPG
21. Q1 2009 Ocean Commander Valcon Games Shooter
22. Q1 2009 Wizardology Codemasters Action
23. May 2009 X-Men Origins: Wolverine Activision Action
24. May 27, 2009 Up THQ Adventure
25. June 2009 Ghostbusters: The Video Game Atari Action
26. Q2 2009 Conduit, The SEGA Shooter
27. Q2 2009 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time Square Enix Action
RPG
28. Q2 2009 Martian Panic Empire Interactive Action
Adventure
29. Q2 2009 Matchman Lexicon Entertainment Shooter
30. Q2 2009 Terminator Salvation – The Videogame Equity Games Productions (EGI) Action
31. Q2 2009 Trivial Pursuit Electronic Arts Trivia
32. Q3 2009 Marvel Super Hero Squad THQ Action
33. TBA 2009 100 Bullets D3 Publisher Action
34. TBA 2009 1701 A.D. Ubisoft Simulation
35. TBA 2009 Alien — RPG Project [untitled] SEGA RPG
36. TBA 2009 Arc Rise Fantasia Marvelous Interactive RPG
37. TBA 2009 Black Next [untitled] Electronic Arts Shooter
38. TBA 2009 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Activision Shooter
39. TBA 2009 Diabolik: The Original Sin Black Bean Adventure
40. TBA 2009 Factor 5 Wii Project [untitled] TBA Other
41. TBA 2009 Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse Nintendo Adventure
42. TBA 2009 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers Square Enix Action
RPG
43. TBA 2009 Merscom Project 2008 [untitled] Merscom Other
44. TBA 2009 Mind Games TBA Productivity
45. TBA 2009 Muramasa: The Demon Blade Xseed Games Simulation
46. TBA 2009 New Beginning, A Daedalic Adventure
47. TBA 2009 No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle Action
48. TBA 2009 Sin and Punishment 2 Nintendo Shooter
December 18th, 2008
phranctoast – Metroid prime 3, mario galaxy, ssbm, resi 4 (yes a remake i know, but its SOOO much better on wii) and a few others make the wii worth it man.
Nintendo greatness *sniffle*
December 18th, 2008
Carl – Quite a few of those are Q2 and TBA. A fair amount of the games are also multiplatform games developed for 360 or PS3. They usually port an inferior version over to the Wii (See: Madden, COD, etc, etc). We will have to wait and see if any of the new third part games will be any decent.
Actually I think SEGA’s Wii support is better then Nintendo’s at this point.
Also I thought I heard that they were porting over all of the Resident Evils to the Wii at some point? I havn’t seen or heard anything about that in a while.
December 18th, 2008
It makes me cry a little that resi 5 isn’t on wii
I would gladly take the graphical hit to play it on wii
December 18th, 2008
@SW. don’t forget okami. I picked that up for a friend for x-mas for only $10. insane. Amazon has great deals sometimes.
I know the good ones, I just needed to knock ncaissie a peg or two down.
December 18th, 2008
I heard RE4 wasn’t all that good as you needed to use the top buttons for triggers and couldn’t use the actual trigger itself.
December 18th, 2008
Hmm I can’t remember what the fire button was…
I’m really referring more to the aiming tho. It was cool how you flicked the wiimote to reload too.
I wish I could erase the experience of that game from my brain so i could play it all over again
(I’ve simply played it too many times now to play it again)
Phranc – I’ve never played it for wii, only ps2, may have to give it a try tho.
December 18th, 2008
I picked up Okami also. I’ve heard so much about it, but haven’t played it. I’ll have to wait until Christmas before I have a chance to give it a try.
I’ve heard some mixed things about the Wii version of Resident Evil 4. I’ve seen it for about $20 or so… I guess you can’t go wrong with it.
My girlfriend has a Wii, so by default I kind of have one. Right now I’m about half way through Mario Galaxy and loving every second of it. I don’t hate the Wii, I just have some issues with the way Nintendo and most third party publishers are utilizing it.
December 18th, 2008
Barnaby,
True, I was just thinking more than enough to go throughout a year for the guy/gal that only had a Wii. Between that and what has already been released (esp. w/VC) they would be happily gaming for a long time.
Ports are problematic, but it is interesting how they wound up with three more higher rated (non-VC) games than PS3. I haven’t heard about the RE deal, but it makes sense.
December 18th, 2008
“My girlfriend has a Wii, so by default I kind of have one.”
December 18th, 2008
Carl – Just out of curiosity which game scores list are you referring to? I wouldn’t mind taking a glance at it.
December 18th, 2008
“CAD – didn’t they charge $20 a disc for a replacement you needed because thier console broke it (which they knew about)?
I know you love to defend MS, but call a spade a spade. They fucked up.”
You beat me to it SW. And that $20 replacement was only for ms developed games too.
December 18th, 2008
Wait, what, the Wii is in trouble because a couple of your friends brought it and got bored of wii sports and/or a couple of games they got with it?
For a first time Wii buyer, there are nearly limitless games to choose from.
Assuming that a lot of Wii buyers are returning to gaming after years of either no console or perhaps an old PS2, the Nintendo machine should blow their mind.
From day one, they have access to (and this is assuming they didn’t own a cube, and lets be honest, not many people did)
The entire library of cube games, including metroid, windwaker, etc.
The VC gives them Ocarina of time, a link to the past, super metroid, paper mario, and newer games like lost wind and world of goo.
They get 2 years of Wii releases with things like Galaxy, Okami, smash bros, mario kart, boom blox
And those are all pretty core games, there are a ton of casual games on the system as we all know (and probably don’t care about) but if you are buying a Wii right now, the potential A+++ games you have access to, over multiple generations, is staggering.
The problem is if you have owned your Wii for the last 2 years, and have played galaxy, and smash, and are up to date with your VC gaming, then sure, it’s a bit dry at the moment. Go buy a 360 as well. That’s what I did, but seriously, if you just brought the Wii today, you have access to almost limitless A++ games from the last 20 years, which the Wii;s new “rebooted” audience would surely appreciate, if they even knew they existed, or that the Wii was even capable of playing.
December 19th, 2008
OK Sw
I’ll give you that. Even I did it in the begining. But if you do it again your just a fool. They even tell you not to move it form Horizontal to vertical when a disk is playing. But I guess people don’t read.
December 19th, 2008
Barnabe Jones,
MetaCritic rated 80 or above total console exclusives.
This isn’t really saying much though, considering there are a few titles that have been downconverted with a slightly different title and put through a different control system, or the titles that are not PS3 exclusive because they are on 360 but not on Wii. I did not count RE4, Okami, etc.
Reviews are great and all, but in the end I go by how much I enjoyed playing the game. I have enjoyed low-rated movies just as well as I have some low-rated games. But I do start with reviews usually.
Critics are a mixed bunch, but I am grateful for the insight they can bring to an investment I will be making in my time. The money is a flat rate for rentals, so that doesn’t concern me as much when I am back home.
CAD:
I didn’t read it either, and I also made sure I didn’t do it again.
December 19th, 2008
Like I said The 360 is so unstable I wouldn’t spend more than $50 on one.
The PS3 is going south like the dream cast.
So what other choice do I have? The trusty and Fun Wii.
December 19th, 2008
ncaissie,
How do you see the 360 as “unstable” at this time?
How is the PS3 going south like the Dreamcast when it has almost twice the numbers, many times the games, and a continuing lifespan at least until the next console generation?
You have several other choices than the Wii (which is not necessarily a bad one), i.e. the 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, DS, and or PC.
In another 2-3 years you will have 720, PS3, PS4, PSP2, DS2, and or PC.
Stick with your “trusty and fun” Wii, but realize their is a lot of other fun games you will also be missing if you limit yourself to it, along with ways of playing those games.
December 19th, 2008
Let me put it this way – If you only own a Wii, you are missing/going to miss out on amazing multi-platform and exclusive (PS3 & 360) releases. I don’t think the small handful of games that you get in return make up for it. If Nintendo were to get there act together and start developing good games, then the Wii could be a great system. Nintendo will not however, because the system will fly off of the shelf regardless. That is my main issue with the console.
I also think the fact that they cater to every other demographic except for gamers will come back to haunt them. For example – Senior Citizens might have bought a Wii this generation, but will they run out and buy a Wii2? No. A gamer will be buying a Wii2. If they continue to ignore gamers, gamers will loose interest completely.
December 19th, 2008
As long as they continue to put the classics on the VC, I will continue to be interested in it as a gamer.
December 19th, 2008
I will too… but there not even really doing that.
December 19th, 2008
Total games as of December 16, 2008
JP -395
NA-271
EU-268
AU-249
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Donkey Kong Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Legend of ZeldaThe Legend of Zelda Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Mario Bros. Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Pinball Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Soccer Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Solomon’s Key Tecmo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Wario’s Woods Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Donkey Kong Jr. Nintendo 02006-12-04 December 4, 2006 E
Ice Hockey Nintendo 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006 E
Tennis Nintendo 02006-12-18 December 18, 2006 E
Super Mario Bros. Nintendo 02006-12-25 December 25, 2006 E
Baseball Nintendo 02007-01-01 January 1, 2007 E
Urban Champion Nintendo 02007-01-01 January 1, 2007 E
Gradius Konami 02007-01-08 January 8, 2007 E
Xevious Namco Bandai 02007-01-15 January 15, 2007 E
Ice Climber Nintendo 02007-02-12 February 12, 2007 E
Kid Icarus Nintendo 02007-02-12 February 12, 2007 E
Kirby’s Adventure Nintendo 02007-02-12 February 12, 2007 E
Legend of KageThe Legend of Kage Taito 02007-02-19 February 19, 2007 E
Elevator Action Taito 02007-03-05 March 5, 2007 E
Tecmo Bowl Tecmo 02007-03-12 March 12, 2007 E
Excitebike Nintendo 02007-03-19 March 19, 2007 E
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (600 Wii Points) Konami 02007-04-02 April 2, 2007 E
Galaga Namco Bandai 02007-04-09 April 9, 2007 E
Punch-Out!! Nintendo 02007-04-16 April 16, 2007 E
Castlevania Konami 02007-04-30 April 30, 2007 E
Mighty Bomb Jack Tecmo 02007-05-07 May 7, 2007 E
Ninja Gaiden Tecmo 02007-05-14 May 14, 2007 E
Pac-Man Namco Bandai 02007-05-14 May 14, 2007 E
Milon’s Secret Castle Hudson Soft 02007-06-04 June 4, 2007 E
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Nintendo 02007-06-04 June 4, 2007 E
Lode Runner Hudson Soft 02007-06-11 June 11, 2007 E
NES Open Tournament Golf Nintendo 02007-06-18 June 18, 2007 E
Super Mario Bros. 2 Nintendo 02007-07-02 July 2, 2007 E
Mach Rider Nintendo 02007-07-09 July 9, 2007 E
Yoshi Nintendo 02007-07-09 July 9, 2007 E
Balloon Fight Nintendo 02007-07-16 July 16, 2007 E
Star Soldier Hudson Soft 02007-07-30 July 30, 2007 E
Adventures of Lolo HAL Laboratory 02007-08-06 August 6, 2007 E
Metroid Nintendo 02007-08-13 August 13, 2007 E
Super C Konami 02007-08-27 August 27, 2007 E
Adventure Island Hudson Soft 02007-09-03 September 3, 2007 E
Donkey Kong Jr. Math Nintendo 02007-09-03 September 3, 2007 E
NES Play Action Football Nintendo 02007-09-10 September 10, 2007 E
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (600 Wii Points) Nintendo 02007-10-01 October 1, 2007 E
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos Tecmo 02007-10-15 October 15, 2007 E
Lunar Pool D4 Enterprise 02007-10-22 October 22, 2007 E
Ninja JaJaMaru-kun (600 Wii Points) Jaleco 02007-10-22 October 22, 2007 E
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest Konami 02007-10-29 October 29, 2007 E
Super Mario Bros. 3 Nintendo 02007-11-05 November 5, 2007 E
Volleyball Nintendo 02007-11-12 November 12, 2007 E
Wrecking Crew Nintendo 02007-11-19 November 19, 2007 E
Double Dribble Konami 02007-11-26 November 26, 2007 E
Zanac D4 Enterprise 02007-12-03 December 3, 2007 E
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Capcom 02007-12-10 December 10, 2007 E
Blades of Steel Konami 02007-12-24 December 24, 2007 E
Bubble Bobble Taito 02007-12-31 December 31, 2007 E
StarTropics Nintendo 02008-01-07 January 7, 2008 E
Adventures of Lolo 2 HAL Laboratory 02008-01-21 January 21, 2008 E
Operation Wolf Taito 02008-02-04 February 4, 2008 E10+
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom Tecmo 02008-02-18 February 18, 2008 E
Spelunker Tozai 02008-03-17 March 17, 2008 E
King’s Knight Square Enix 02008-03-24 March 24, 2008 E
Bases Loaded Jaleco 02008-04-07 April 7, 2008 E
Yoshi’s Cookie Nintendo 02008-04-07 April 7, 2008 E
River City Ransom Aksys Games 02008-04-21 April 21, 2008 E10+
Double Dragon Aksys Games 02008-04-28 April 28, 2008 E10+
Renegade Aksys Games 02008-05-05 May 5, 2008 E10+
Sky Kid Namco Bandai 02008-05-19 May 19, 2008 E
City Connection Jaleco 02008-05-26 May 26, 2008 E
Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa (600 Wii Points) Konami 02008-06-09 June 9, 2008 E
Dig Dug (600 Wii Points) Namco Bandai 02008-06-09 June 9, 2008 E
Donkey Kong 3 Nintendo 02008-07-14 July 14, 2008 E
Mega Man Capcom 02008-08-18 August 18, 2008 E
Clu Clu Land Nintendo 02008-09-01 September 1, 2008 E
Mega Man 2 Capcom 02008-09-15 September 15, 2008 E
Super Dodge Ball Aksys Games 02008-09-22 September 22, 2008 E
Mega Man 3 Capcom 02008-11-10 November 10, 2008 E
[edit] Super Nintendo Entertainment System
There are currently 36 titles, set at 800 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
F-Zero Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
SimCity Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Capcom 02006-12-25 December 25, 2006 T
Super Castlevania IV Konami 02006-12-25 December 25, 2006 E10+
R·Type III: The Third Lightning Jaleco 02007-01-15 January 15, 2007 E
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the PastThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Nintendo 02007-01-22 January 22, 2007 E
Contra III: The Alien Wars Konami 02007-01-29 January 29, 2007 E10+
Super Mario World Nintendo 02007-02-05 February 5, 2007 E
Donkey Kong Country Nintendo 02007-02-19 February 19, 2007 E
Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Capcom 02007-03-05 March 5, 2007 E
Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire Koei 02007-03-26 March 26, 2007 E
Gradius III Konami 02007-04-23 April 23, 2007 E
Legend of the Mystical NinjaThe Legend of the Mystical Ninja Konami 02007-04-30 April 30, 2007 E
Final Fight Capcom 02007-05-07 May 7, 2007 E
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest Nintendo 02007-05-21 May 21, 2007 E
ActRaiser Square Enix 02007-05-28 May 28, 2007 E10+
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting Capcom 02007-06-25 June 25, 2007 T
Kirby’s Dream Course Nintendo 02007-07-23 July 23, 2007 E
Super Metroid Nintendo 02007-08-20 August 20, 2007 E
Breath of Fire II Capcom 02007-08-27 August 27, 2007 E
Kirby’s Avalanche Nintendo 02007-09-24 September 24, 2007 E
Metal Marines Namco Bandai 02007-10-15 October 15, 2007 E
Axelay Konami 02007-11-12 November 12, 2007 E
Vegas Stakes Nintendo 02007-11-26 November 26, 2007 E
Cybernator Hudson Soft 02007-12-17 December 17, 2007 E10+
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! Nintendo 02007-12-24 December 24, 2007 E
Pac-Attack Namco Bandai 02008-01-14 January 14, 2008 E
Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers Capcom 02008-01-21 January 21, 2008 T
Harvest Moon Natsume 02008-02-11 February 11, 2008 E
Super Turrican Factor 5 02008-03-03 March 3, 2008 E10+
DoReMi Fantasy: Milon’s DokiDoki Adventure (900 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-03-10 March 10, 2008 E
Super R-Type Irem 02008-03-17 March 17, 2008 E
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Nintendo 02008-09-01 September 1, 2008 E
Super Turrican 2 Factor 5 02008-09-29 September 29, 2008 E
Secret of Mana Square Enix 02008-10-13 October 13, 2008 E10+
Space Invaders: The Original Game Taito 02008-11-17 November 17, 2008 E
[edit] Nintendo 64
There are currently 15 titles, set at 1000 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Super Mario 64 Nintendo 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Mario Kart 64 Nintendo 02007-01-29 January 29, 2007 E
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TimeThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Nintendo 02007-02-26 February 26, 2007 E
Star Fox 64 Nintendo 02007-04-02 April 2, 2007 E
F-Zero X Nintendo 02007-06-25 June 25, 2007 E
Paper Mario Nintendo 02007-07-16 July 16, 2007 E
Wave Race 64 Nintendo 02007-08-06 August 6, 2007 E
Yoshi’s Story Nintendo 02007-09-17 September 17, 2007 E
Sin & Punishment (1200 Wii Points) Nintendo 02007-10-01 October 1, 2007 T
Pokémon Snap Nintendo 02007-12-10 December 10, 2007 E
1080° Snowboarding Nintendo 02008-01-28 January 28, 2008 E
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Nintendo 02008-02-25 February 25, 2008 E
Cruis’n USA Nintendo 02008-03-31 March 31, 2008 E
Pokémon Puzzle League Nintendo 02008-05-05 May 5, 2008 E
Mario Golf Nintendo 02008-10-06 October 6, 2008 E
[edit] Sega Master System
There are currently 7 titles, set at 500 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Wonder Boy Sega 02008-03-31 March 31, 2008 E
Fantasy Zone Sega 02008-04-14 April 14, 2008 E
Alex Kidd in Miracle World Sega 02008-06-23 June 23, 2008 E
Sonic the Hedgehog Sega 02008-08-04 August 4, 2008 E
Space Harrier Sega 02008-11-03 November 3, 2008 E
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Sega 02008-12-08 December 8, 2008 E
Enduro Racer Sega 02008-12-15 December 15, 2008 E
[edit] Sega Genesis
There are currently 59 titles, set at 800 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Altered Beast Sega 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Sonic the Hedgehog Sega 02006-11-19 November 19, 2006 E
Ecco the Dolphin Sega 02006-11-28 November 28, 2006 E
Golden Axe Sega 02006-11-28 November 28, 2006 E
Columns Sega 02006-12-04 December 4, 2006 E
Ristar Sega 02006-12-04 December 4, 2006 E
Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine Sega 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006 E
Gunstar Heroes Sega 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006 E10+
Space Harrier II Sega 02006-12-18 December 18, 2006 E
ToeJam & Earl Sega 02006-12-25 December 25, 2006 E
Bonanza Bros. Sega 02007-01-29 January 29, 2007 E
Comix Zone Sega 02007-01-29 January 29, 2007 E
Gain Ground Sega 02007-02-05 February 5, 2007 E
Streets of Rage Sega 02007-02-19 February 19, 2007 E10+
Bio-Hazard Battle Sega 02007-02-26 February 26, 2007 E
Sword of Vermilion Sega 02007-03-05 March 5, 2007 E
Sonic Spinball Sega 02007-03-12 March 12, 2007 E
Beyond Oasis Sega 02007-03-19 March 19, 2007 E
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle Sega 02007-04-09 April 9, 2007 E
Virtua Fighter 2 Sega 02007-04-16 April 16, 2007 T
Wonder Boy in Monster World Sega 02007-04-23 April 23, 2007 E
Streets of Rage 2 Sega 02007-05-21 May 21, 2007 E
Kid Chameleon Sega 02007-05-28 May 28, 2007 E
ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron Sega 02007-06-04 June 4, 2007 E
Golden Axe II Sega 02007-06-11 June 11, 2007 E10+
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sega 02007-06-11 June 11, 2007 E
Ecco: The Tides of Time Sega 02007-07-02 July 2, 2007 E
Shining Force Sega 02007-07-23 July 23, 2007 E
Dynamite Headdy Sega 02007-07-30 July 30, 2007 E
Shining in the Darkness Sega 02007-08-13 August 13, 2007 E
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Sega 02007-08-20 August 20, 2007 E10+
Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Capcom 02007-08-27 August 27, 2007 E
Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole Sega 02007-09-03 September 3, 2007 E
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Sega 02007-09-10 September 10, 2007 E
Super Thunder Blade Sega 02007-09-17 September 17, 2007 E
Streets of Rage 3 Sega 02007-09-24 September 24, 2007 E10+
Golden Axe III Sega 02007-10-22 October 22, 2007 E10+
Alien Soldier (900 Wii Points) Sega 02007-11-05 November 5, 2007 E10+
Sonic 3D Blast Sega 02007-11-19 November 19, 2007 E
Ecco Jr. Sega 02007-11-26 November 26, 2007 E
Eternal Champions Sega 02007-12-03 December 3, 2007 T
Alien Storm Sega 02007-12-17 December 17, 2007 E10+
Rolling Thunder 2 Namco Bandai 02007-12-24 December 24, 2007 E
Light Crusader Sega 02007-12-31 December 31, 2007 E
Columns III: Revenge of Columns Sega 02008-02-04 February 4, 2008 E
Phantasy Star II Sega 02008-02-18 February 18, 2008 E
Puyo Puyo 2 (900 Wii Points) Sega 02008-03-10 March 10, 2008 E
Powerball Namco Bandai 02008-03-24 March 24, 2008 E
Mega Turrican Factor 5 02008-04-14 April 14, 2008 E10+
Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom Sega 02008-04-21 April 21, 2008 E
Gley Lancer (900 Wii Points) NCS 02008-07-21 July 21, 2008 E10+
Super Fantasy Zone (900 Wii Points) Sunsoft 02008-07-21 July 21, 2008 E
Splatterhouse 2 Namco Bandai 02008-08-04 August 4, 2008 M
Vectorman Sega 02008-09-22 September 22, 2008 E
Shining Force II: Ancient Sealing Sega 02008-10-06 October 6, 2008 E
Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition Capcom 02008-10-13 October 13, 2008 T
Earthworm Jim Interplay 02008-10-27 October 27, 2008 E
Forgotten Worlds Capcom 02008-11-17 November 17, 2008 E
Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure Interplay 02008-11-24 November 24, 2008 E
[edit] TurboGrafx-16/TurboGrafx-CD
There are currently 57 titles, set at 600 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Bomberman ‘93 Hudson Soft 02006-11-21 November 21, 2006 E
Bonk1Bonk’s Adventure Hudson Soft 02006-11-21 November 21, 2006 E
Super Star Soldier Hudson Soft 02006-11-27 November 27, 2006 E
Victory Run Hudson Soft 02006-12-04 December 4, 2006 E
Alien Crush Hudson Soft 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006 E
Military Madness Hudson Soft 02006-12-18 December 18, 2006 E
R-Type (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02006-12-25 December 25, 2006 E
Dungeon Explorer Hudson Soft 02007-01-08 January 8, 2007 E
Soldier Blade Hudson Soft 02007-01-08 January 8, 2007 E
Moto Roader Hudson Soft 02007-01-15 January 15, 2007 E
Vigilante Irem 02007-02-05 February 5, 2007 E
New Adventure Island Hudson Soft 02007-02-19 February 19, 2007 E
Chew Man Fu Hudson Soft 02007-02-26 February 26, 2007 E
Double Dungeons Hudson Soft 02007-03-12 March 12, 2007 E
Splatterhouse Namco Bandai 02007-03-19 March 19, 2007 T
Dragon’s Curse Hudson Soft 02007-04-02 April 2, 2007 E
Bravoman Namco Bandai 02007-04-09 April 9, 2007 E
Bonk2Bonk’s Revenge Hudson Soft 02007-04-16 April 16, 2007 E
Battle Lode Runner Hudson Soft 02007-04-23 April 23, 2007 E
Shockman Hudson Soft 02007-04-30 April 30, 2007 E
Ordyne Namco Bandai 02007-05-07 May 7, 2007 E
Ninja Spirit Irem 02007-05-14 May 14, 2007 E
Blazing Lazers Hudson Soft 02007-05-21 May 21, 2007 E
J.J. & Jeff Hudson Soft 02007-05-28 May 28, 2007 E10+
Dead Moon Natsume 02007-06-04 June 4, 2007 E
Bloody Wolf G-mode 02007-06-18 June 18, 2007 E10+
World Sports Competition Hudson Soft 02007-06-18 June 18, 2007 E
China Warrior Hudson Soft 02007-06-25 June 25, 2007 E10+
Dragon Spirit Namco Bandai 02007-07-02 July 2, 2007 E
Air Zonk Hudson Soft 02007-07-09 July 9, 2007 E
Silent Debuggers G-mode 02007-07-16 July 16, 2007 E
Devil’s Crush Hudson Soft 02007-07-23 July 23, 2007 E
Drop Off G-mode 02007-07-30 July 30, 2007 E
Galaga ‘90 Namco Bandai 02007-08-06 August 6, 2007 E
Cratermaze Hudson Soft 02007-08-13 August 13, 2007 E
Neutopia Hudson Soft 02007-08-20 August 20, 2007 E
Bonk3Bonk III: Bonk’s Big Adventure Hudson Soft 02007-09-03 September 3, 2007 E
Neutopia II Hudson Soft 02007-09-10 September 10, 2007 E
World Class Baseball Hudson Soft 02007-09-17 September 17, 2007 E
Legend of Hero Tonma Irem 02007-09-24 September 24, 2007 E
Gate of Thunder (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02007-10-15 October 15, 2007 E
Samurai Ghost Namco Bandai 02007-10-29 October 29, 2007 E10+
Power Golf Hudson Soft 02007-11-05 November 5, 2007 E
Super Air Zonk: Rockabilly-Paradise (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02007-11-19 November 19, 2007 E
Dynastic HeroThe Dynastic Hero (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02007-12-03 December 3, 2007 E
Monster Lair (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02007-12-17 December 17, 2007 E
Riot Zone (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-01-14 January 14, 2008 E10+
Lords of Thunder (800 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-02-11 February 11, 2008 E
Psychosis Naxat Soft 02008-02-25 February 25, 2008 E
Chase H.Q. Taito 02008-07-28 July 28, 2008 E10+
Break In (700 Wii Points) Naxat Soft 02008-08-11 August 11, 2008 E
Star Parodier (900 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-08-11 August 11, 2008 E
Ys: Book I & II (800 Wii Points) Nihon Falcom 02008-08-25 August 25, 2008 E
Cho Aniki (900 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-09-08 September 8, 2008 E10+
Final Soldier (700 Wii Points) Hudson Soft 02008-09-08 September 8, 2008 E
Digital Champ Battle Boxing (700 Wii Points) Naxat Soft 02008-10-20 October 20, 2008 E10+
Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou (900 Wii Points) Konami 02008-10-20 October 20, 2008 E
[edit] Neo Geo
There are currently 19 titles, set at 900 Wii Points each unless otherwise noted.
Title and Source Publisher(s) Release Date ESRB
Art of Fighting D4 Enterprise 02007-10-08 October 8, 2007 T
Fatal Fury: King of Fighters D4 Enterprise 02007-10-08 October 8, 2007 T
World Heroes D4 Enterprise 02007-10-08 October 8, 2007 T
Magician Lord D4 Enterprise 02007-10-29 October 29, 2007 T
Blue’s Journey D4 Enterprise 02007-11-12 November 12, 2007 E
Baseball Stars 2 D4 Enterprise 02007-12-10 December 10, 2007 E
Top Hunter: Roddy & Cathy D4 Enterprise 02007-12-31 December 31, 2007 E10+
King of Fighters ‘94The King of Fighters ‘94 D4 Enterprise 02008-01-07 January 7, 2008 T
Metal SlugMetal Slug D4 Enterprise 02008-05-26 May 26, 2008 T
Ninja CombatNinja Combat D4 Enterprise 02008-06-02 June 2, 2008 E10+
Samurai ShodownSamurai Shodown D4 Enterprise 02008-06-16 June 16, 2008 T
Burning Fight D4 Enterprise 02008-06-23 June 23, 2008 E10+
Fatal Fury 2 D4 Enterprise 02008-06-30 June 30, 2008 T
King of the Monsters D4 Enterprise 02008-07-07 July 7, 2008 E10+
Ninja Commando D4 Enterprise 02008-07-14 July 14, 2008 E10+
Art of Fighting 2 D4 Enterprise 02008-07-28 July 28, 2008 T
Neo Turf Masters D4 Enterprise 02008-08-18 August 18, 2008 E
Samurai Shodown II D4 Enterprise 02008-08-25 August 25, 2008 T
Metal Slug 2 D4 Enterprise 02008-12-01 December 1, 2008 T
December 19th, 2008
Ocarina of time baby
December 19th, 2008
And the winner for the 2008 longest post as well as longest list goes to………………………
CarlB. !!!!!!!!
I’d like to thank all the nominees that were considered for this years award, unfortunately not everyone can win. Better luck next year!
December 19th, 2008
(crying… so happy) I’d like to thank all the little people who made this list possible on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virtual_Console_games_(North_America)
December 19th, 2008
(crying… happy) I’d like to thank all the little people at wikipedia…
December 19th, 2008
sorry. Is there an accidental double post award too?
December 19th, 2008
yeah.but I get that one.
December 19th, 2008
No stealing my awards….
December 19th, 2008
Not to incite another long post, but aren’t all of these re-releases?
December 19th, 2008
Ninja Gaiden 3?? what the fuck???
I need a fucking subway sytem to go through all the games on this list… thanks a lot assface…
December 19th, 2008
NOOOO I meant “subway syStem”… damn my joke is ruined….
December 19th, 2008
Subway sandwich?
December 21st, 2008
Barnabe Jones,
I thought that was the point when we said:
“As long as they continue to put the classics on the VC, I will continue to be interested in it as a gamer.
Barnabe Jones:
December 19th, 2008
I will too… but there not even really doing that.” ?
December 22nd, 2008
Carl B… That was my misunderstanding. I think I misread your comment. What ever I was reading… I interpreted it as something like “As long as they release new games with classic IPs…”. My bad.
DWH: I said the same thing at first… but it’s the old original Ninja Gaiden series from the NES. I had them when I was a kid. There great games.
Mmmm Subway sandwich. Arghhh *drools*
December 22nd, 2008
Chicken & Bacon Ranch baby
With extra bacon *drools*
December 22nd, 2008
Great… now I’m hungry again.