When Microsoft revealed Smart Glass, many thought it was an attempt to copy the Wii U’s innovative tablet controller. But now it’s starting to look like Nintendo is copying Microsoft.
According to The Japan Times (Via Polygon), Nintendo is looking into smartphone connectivity for the Wii U. This would allow gamers to control Wii U games via third party apps on their phone and tablet devices. Additionally, Nintendo is planning to provide developers with conversion software that will integrate mobile devices. So get ready for a gigantic wave of Wii U Angry Birds players.
Obviously, the Wii U hasn’t been doing very well and Nintendo’s President, Satoru Iwata, has said that their current marketing strategy is at least partially to blame. The Wii largely appealed to casual gamers and these gamers don’t really understand that the Wii U is a whole new console. Instead, they are mistakenly under the impression that it’s just a Wii peripheral. As a result, Nintendo is getting a very low attach rate from their previous fanbase.
“Some have the misunderstanding that Wii U is just Wii with a pad for games, and others even consider Wii U GamePad as a peripheral device connectable to Wii,” Iwata said. “We feel deeply responsible for not having tried hard enough to have consumers understand the product.”
Source: Polygon