Nintendo: VC announcements are our turf

by JC Fletcher { Aug 5th 2008 at 10:00AM }

Seeking some kind of explanation or justification for the disparity between VC releases as announced by publishers -- which would have given us Mega Man, Samurai Shodown II, and Ys Book I & II -- and the actual releases (two games that aren't any of those), GoNintendo's RMC contacted Nintendo. Their response failed to shed any light on the motivation for the change, or anything other than that Nintendo is just not interested in explaining themselves:

"A number of variables can affect a game's release date," according to the statement. "Therefore, the Wii-kly Update is the only authority for confirmed release dates of Virtual Console games." So ... Hudson's website, SNK's press release, and Capcom's blog were all just wrong? Or was Nintendo teaching those publishers an important lesson about presuming to know when their games are coming out? We're sure they've learned their lesson by now.

Tags: mega-man, samurai-shodown-2, ys

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

adolson @ Aug 5th 2008 10:24AM

When you're this cocky, they call you dicks.

Sensai @ Aug 5th 2008 4:32PM

That's exactly what I was thinking.

I'm the first to step up that I'm an intelligent Nintendo fanman, but dammit if this was not upsetting. Nintendo basically giving 'em the finger and telling them to go to hell.

Nintendo, we understand it's your system, but you're being pretty prick-ish about it all.

Shorty @ Aug 5th 2008 10:50AM

I'm afraid of snakes...and carnies.

Shorty @ Aug 5th 2008 10:51AM

I'm afraid of snakes...and carnies.

kavorka @ Aug 5th 2008 10:54AM

Does anybody think it has something to do with the Dollar falling in value? I can't see any other reason why they would hold out, unless they really hate the US.

Yes, quite frustrating. I think that the Sonic master system deal is cool, but its not a must-download for me. I still have 2100 Wii-shop points waiting to be spent. The same 2100 points that's been in my account *all summer long*.

Relden @ Aug 5th 2008 11:06AM

I wonder if they are having some technical problems or bandwidth issues. The digest video for the Nintendo channel promises previews of EA's Football and Golf All-Play games, but neither of these show up in the video list (at least not here in Canada). Apparently Nintendo didn't send itself the memo about who determines what gets released either.

acefondu @ Aug 5th 2008 11:06AM

I've had 700 points since I bought Donkey Kong Country 3 and Ninja Gaiden 3. So whenever those came out, I haven't bought a thing since.

padgon @ Aug 5th 2008 7:19PM

Same here, Donkey Kong Country 3 was the last title I got; I’m even considering getting an emulator. C’mon Nintendo don’t make me do this, I want games the legal way.

Mr Khan @ Aug 5th 2008 11:07AM

I thought the whole idea of their online service was that publishers could handle most of their own stuff?

It was an interesting turnaround

theaggravatedjew @ Aug 5th 2008 12:50PM

Im afraid of Kidney Stones

theaggravatedjew @ Aug 5th 2008 12:50PM

Im afraid of kidney stones and balloons popping

il_duce620 @ Aug 5th 2008 11:38AM

I was looking forward to getting Mega Man, honestly...this kinda pissed me off.

On the other hand, I liked what Nintendo did with the Metroid Prime 3 release, having Metroid released, then a channel, Super Metroid and then the game all in one month. I figure it would make sense for them to hype up September as "Mega Man Month" by releasing Mega Man, then Mega Man 2 and then Mega Man 9 all in a stretch.

Either way, it's annoying and I want the games I expect on the day I expect them...

prateeko @ Aug 5th 2008 11:59AM

Damnit, Nintendo. Why you gotta be pricks about this? Why not just release the games?! Specifically Earthbound and Super Mario RPG...

Drew @ Aug 5th 2008 3:28PM

I am afraid of heights.

andrewpoe1 @ Aug 20th 2008 12:56PM

Wow, it's almost like in the 'bad old days' when Nintendo would limit the number of releases a publisher could put out....I almost wonder if Nintendo is planning on discontinuing the Virtual Console in the U.S. since, in their view, there's 'no interest' in it beyond Japan and Europe. I almost think those publishers (Hudson, Capcom, etc.) should 'vote with their feet' and go toward Microsoft & Sony since Nintendo apparently doesn't value their business and wants to dictate to them how their relationship is again.