GamesIndustry recently ran an article claiming that the Wii U is struggling to build a buzz with gamers, and that week’s Wii U news was overshadowed by Apple’s iPhone 5 unveiling. A few weeks ago, the same publication ran a piece featuring public relations representatives, who believed that Nintendo hasn’t created enough anticipation for the Wii U.
This time, they analyze trends on Twitter and mainstream media coverage and conclude that the iPhone 5 has greatly overshadowed the Wii U — Apple and Nintendo held events that were less than 24 hours apart. As expected, media coverage for the new iPhone was much greater. Freelance games writer Chris Morris chips in with his thoughts on the Wii U, saying that Nintendo faces some challenges marketing the new console, and that reception so far has been “a collective shoulder shrug. Many people see it simply as a Wii HD”.
Two things that GameIndustry didn’t take into consideration: Apple’s iPhone fan base is much, much larger than Nintendo’s Wii and Wii U fan base. Not only that, the iPhone is a mainstream device, so it’s natural that it will garner much more buzz than a new console from Nintendo.
Secondly, Nintendo hasn’t started the Wii U marketing machine yet, and likely won’t until a month or so before launch. The majority of the mainstream crown still doesn’t know about the Wii U simply because Nintendo hasn’t begun promoting it. Yet.
The Wii U did get some coverage in the mainstream online and print media, and lots of coverage from gaming and tech sites. But it hasn’t all been good. The Wii U has also been met with some negative press, with a tabloid newspaper listing 5 reasons not to buy the Wii U, and a Slash Gear piece explaining why you shouldn’t pre-order the Wii U. Both articles are sensationalist in nature and don’t hold up to any scrutiny.