The new Nintendo Wii U may be a super game console, but probably not super enough. The problems the product faces go well beyond the success of competitive products from Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE).
The Wii U will be available in the United States on November 18, so it will just catch the start of heavy holiday shopping. That may favor its success, but its lack of original features will hurt it. Owners of the new hardware will be able to make their own TV program lists and record programs through TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) and other time-shift machines. But many American homes already have set-tops that do these things. So, Nintendo has the disadvantage of a lack of originality.
The other hurdle that Nintendo probably will not clear is the same one that Microsoft, Sony and most PC companies have. People have rapidly adopted portable smart devices as their preferred platforms for a number of daily functions — game playing among them. The likely rapid sales of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone 5 and the success of the Samsung Galaxy S III make the challenge worse.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)
Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.