Rumor: Wii U to host more non-game apps

by Alexander Sliwinski on Dec 30th 2011 10:00AM

The Wii U's online store will have a more diverse selection of apps available, The Daily reports citing "a person familiar with the matter." The outlet suggests non-game programs like MLB.TV will run on the console and independently through the Wii U's tablet-like controller. The site speculates the tablet apps could allow for email, web and social network browsing, but doesn't know whether the Wii U's store will use real currency (like the 3DS eShop) or Wii Points.

As interesting as all this sounds, it still feels out of step with today's Nintendo, which hasn't been able to match the online marketplaces found on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and other digital distribution networks. And there's a bigger question: Will the Wii U tie apps to the system instead of a widespread Nintendo account?

A singular account through which purchased apps can be accessed, both through Wii U and Nintendo handhelds, would be an expected step toward parity, more so than TV apps.

Source: The Daily

Tags: nintendo, wii-u

Reader Comments (39)

it damn well better, just being a "Gaming console" isn't enough anymore. The fact that the Wii U has a "tablet" controller should open it up to a world of apps. If they miss out on that they will be extremely dumb. Its bad enough the controller isn't ACTUALLY a tablet, the least they could do is have an app store with mini games for cheap, twitter, facebook, netflix , etc. All of which should work on the controller without a need for the TV at all.

@Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi

The way it's going HDTV/Bluray players need a touchscreen controller or qwerty keypad.

I'd be surprised if Microsoft doesnt intergrate the chatpad as part of the next xbox's default controller

@(Unverified)

I hope MS doesnt do that. Integrated chatpad would be horrible. I can't stand playing with that. thing on there...my hands are too big to play with that on there. As for NEEDING touch screens or keyboards. The PS3 supports keyboards, not sure if the 360 does but I can't imagine why it wouldn't. Touchscreen controls would be the PS Vita for the PS4, and Windows Phone for Xbox 3.

@Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi
Obviously the controller would be redesigned to incorporate a chat pad so it offers comfortable gaming with the practicality of social networking. One that slides out from underneath maybe?

@Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi

I think ebooks are an another area of content consumption that makes a lot of sense for the WiiU tablet.

@Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi How so? The Chatpad isn't even in the way. My pad Stays on my controller. In fact, I find it more comfortable. Now would I want a Permanent one on my controller? -No, I like having options, but as of now, it doesn't come off and it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if it came attached next gen..

The concept of apps on consoles is interesting to me. I'm sure they are making good money from Netflix, Hulu, and MLB, but ultimately these companies are all competing for the customers time and money.

By putting apps in consoles they are trying to sway us with more features but at the same time they are sort of driving us away from our hobby.

I bought a PS3 to play games, but then they gave me the option to watch netflix. Now I watch more more movies than ever and my gaming purchases have dropped to an all time low. Also I'm not in a rush to adopt the next generation of systems because, well, I'll just watch netflix more and play a handful of games.

Was that their goal?

@eat it

It is no longer just about games. Both MS and Sony stated this when they released their new consoles and both have been pushing in that direction ever since. Nintendo was late to the game, but that's because in a lot of ways Nintendo thought it could define what the game was and people would agree, much like Sony did at one time. I still think they believe that to some degree, but how they execute on that with the WiiU will really make or break them. The days of a games console that only plays games is dead and gone, as it should be. I want my console to do as much as it can do and in the grand scheme of things they all simply want you to use their console. Whether it's for games, movies or apps, they want you on their system. The more you're on it, the more likely you are to push money their way for "something" that they're offering.

They would definitely be missing out on a massive market by not having some iPad'ish apps and features on the controller.

It can club baby seals for all I care.

Give me Wind Waker HD and I'm there.

@Sam406

Wind Waker's style is such that it's actually one game that wouldn't really benefit a whole lot from a HD remake. Certainly not the first Zelda game I'd list for a HD remake anyway.

Considering OoT got a 3D remake recently, Majoras Mask is probably the one who would most benefit, as Twilight Princess already looks decent, and they'd never release a Skyward Sword remake this soon.

@mrmobius

That's exactly my point.
It doesn't need to be remade at all, I just want Widescreen support like all those HD collections. Just look:

http://www.canadiangamer.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/wwhd.jpg

http://www.mediavida.com/img/f/juegos/2009/9/98149_emulador_gamecube_hace_posible_wii_hd_0_full.jpg

http://api.ning.com/files/8qbJhb03ag-4K9BRP5tIeymeLBNORviIDxHf4-IS1jjjQbRVrb2xtSi1eILEzS0l4tUy-V*z-AWYogbhwwj3PZkEoaY9Davo/windwakerhd.jpg

@mrmobius
Majora's Mask plz. 8D

@Sam406 Wind Waker HD, you say?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nc4nTeCzfA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRSqFdxWhqw

@Sam406 I'm tired of HD remakes. How about some new and interesting games that are built on clever level-design as opposed to forced tutorials for basic actions? Maybe work on solid controls instead of focusing on motion control gimmicks too?

@Sam406

Release WW as a DD game, remove the grid from the map (or give the option to) and have a mirror mode available at the beginning of the game and Id consider paying full price.

@Calatia how you could be downvoted for that i'll never know. asking for tight controls and original games ?? god maybe people want the same formula these days

if it can be used as a handheld independently of the system to play apps/eshop virtual console games then i'm sold.

I think you might see some social apps, but I doubt you will see minigames, unless they are nintendo made ones sold via the store for 3-5 a pop.

Nintendo has, in the past, been very hostile to $1 ios style games and apps.

@mrantimatter

Why do you think any of this?

Nintendo's eshop on the DSi and 3DS has lots of mini games, 1st and 3rd party. Why would they stop selling those on the WiiU?

They sell $1.99 games and apps on their handhelds, is that extra buck so extreme that Nintendo's attitude can be described as hostile to cheap games?

I really hope they come out this next generation with more of a handle on online aspects of gaming and general entertainment. I really couldn't get into using the Wii because of its failures on the network side of things. It would be great to see them recognize their mistakes and come out swinging. Otherwise, I will resist the urge to buy another Nintendo console to gather dust.

Well, imo, it has to if it wants to live

Soooooooo, we'll know more about this system by E3 2012, right? RIGHT? Like... concrete facts, specs, features and all that jazz?

To me the biggest mistake they're making right now is that the touchscreen isn't capacitive. I hope they revamp a lot of stuff we saw. Nubbin analogs FTL!

@xFenixKnightx
I doubt we will ever have full specs, nintendo doesn't tend to release those anymore. the fanbase doesn't seem to care, even when the same fanbase bashes other companies for not releasing theirs.

@xFenixKnightx
You can find the specs in the Nintendo website.
But a disclaimer says those specs are or could be subject to change.

@Aanx

Those are worthless. Theres a bunch of rumors saying they're gonna beef the specs up more now. Which is good.

@xFenixKnightx

Wait, did you say the screen is not capacitive?? Really?

@343 Guilty Fart

Its resistive. Aka, will not be able to play all those iOS/Android games aka FAIL.

@xFenixKnightx

That has nothing to do with being resistive as opposed to capacitive. Being single touch instead of multi touch does.

If they are going this route I could see them having "lifestyle" apps for the home. Practical things that mesh with or "improve" peoples lives. Things that non gamers would find appealing.

Do you people ever do any research? They have already stated that there will be an online id and purchases will be tied to that id, not the console. They have already also confirmed most of what you "speculate"... Now, as to whether that will tie into the 3ds is a different story. I would guess no, but it will for the NEXT nintendo handheld. For the record, you can do "email, web and social network browsing" on the Wii, much less the Wii U...

what is the point in having a app store on the wiiu? the touch screen is not even multi touch so not a lot of games would not be playable.

i think the app store nintendo are talking about will just be a nintendo eshop that will contain more non gaming apps, and thats it.

I don't think you really understand what "app store" means.

Am I the only one who finds these types of apps worthless? I mean, why would I have a facebook or twitter app on my home console, when I could just go on these sites on my computer which is literally 10 feet away from my TV and consoles. The only apps that are actually useful are stuff like Hulu and Netflix.

@JMC611 Probably not, but there are plenty of people who can't see past their own feet when it comes to what and how other people choose to use the things they buy. Many people prefer to have as many options they can get when it comes to using something that they pay a few hundred dollars for. Nobody will probably buy a console just for facebook, but few people are going to find having it as an option on a console to be worthless. To the contrary, if the UI is good and it works well, many will find value in it and use it when needed.

Claiming the 3DS eShop uses "real currency" is a bit disingenuous. It's no more real than Wii points beyond the fact that it's displayed in figures that are more recognizable in real-world terms. But you still have to pre-pay in the same volumes as before, and since apps are prices in .99-cent endings, you end up with unusable change sitting in your account. I think my account has a balance of something like $3.02 right now. So it's not in any way an improvement over the points system.

Skype, Twitter, and Facebook would be nice to do from the tablet controller.

I know Nintendo said the controller wouldn't work away from the console, but if it did, I think they'd have a home run-- or at least an intriguing idea... a console AND a portable system in one.

Who gives a flying **** about apps on a game console. They were pretty much a mistake on 360 and (youtube was) only useful to people with no computer at home. Apps should be left on smartphones, where they fit best and even then, nearly 99.99999% won't live past th first 3 minutes of their novelty. I'd rather see MS, Nintendo, and Sony focus on gaming rather than shit they're just going to half-ass anyhow because there are already enough everyday devices that do "everything" and much better to boot

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Rumor: Wii U to host more non-game apps

Reader Comments (39)

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:10AM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:17AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:35AM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:24PM ScruffyTheJanitor said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 3:12PM Johnnynumber5 is powered by cell said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 4:14PM StarcasM said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:11AM eat it said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:29PM SokakuTakeda said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:16AM DekuTree said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:17AM Sam406 said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:21AM mrmobius said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:30AM Sam406 said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:42AM pluupy said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:56AM NeoZeroo said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:01PM Calatia said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:04PM TwEE said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 8:03PM 3DLink said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:19AM (Unverified) said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:29AM mrantimatter said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:02PM TwEE said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:56AM Duke said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 11:00AM heroftime said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 11:16AM xFenixKnightx said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 11:22AM mrantimatter said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:53PM Aanx said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:59PM xFenixKnightx said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:53PM 343 Guilty Fart said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:58PM xFenixKnightx said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 10:49PM BrandSilven said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 11:56AM TwEE said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:16PM Tiradyn said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 12:59PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:38PM KaBob799 said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:00PM JMC611 said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 1:41PM SokakuTakeda said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 4:54PM TurboFool said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 5:23PM motang said

Posted: Dec 30th 2011 7:25PM Starcade said

Posted: Dec 31st 2011 2:08PM ftank1 said

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