We’ll be getting the final details about the Wii U later this week, and a launch is just two or so months away. While there is considerable hype for the new console among gamers and especially Nintendo fans, the Wii U isn’t known by the general gaming public. That’s according to a number of video game PR representatives that GamesIndustry spoke to. One PR rep said that the biggest problem Nintendo has is “the lack of anticipation or confidence” regarding the Wii U. The PR rep, speaking anonymously, added that Nintendo hasn’t created enough excitement among consumers, nor enough confidence among game developers for the Wii U. Another issue that Nintendo has this week is that its event on September 13 could be overshadowed by Apple’s event on September 12, where a new iPhone is expected to be unveiled.
The criticism is worse from some of the other PR reps. Martin Sadat, PR director at A-list Games, says that Nintendo has “introduced a piece of hardware that’s only raised questions since it was announced”, adding that key info about the Wii U — price and launch date — is still missing. All of them tend to agree that this week’s Nintendo event is very important for the company.
The PR reps do have a valid point — Nintendo hasn’t advertised or promoted the Wii U to the general public in the regular media outlets (TV, online, etc). But that’s because they’re still keeping their cards close to their chest. Had they announced a price and launch date earlier than this, it would have given Sony and Microsoft ample time to counter the Wii U with early price cuts on their current hardware. This seems pretty obvious enough for veteran video game PR folks to understand.
Nintendo is expected to launch the Wii U on November 18, 2012, according to the latest launch rumors. In just 3 days, we’ll know a lot more.
