PixlBit

Would the inclusion of online multiplayer and leaderboards compel you to buy some of them again?

This would work, too.  Kind of like the 3DS 3D remakes.  Just the 3D alone, with no HD, isa worthy upgrade, IMO.  I really liked the Bionic Commando remake, and SFII wasn't so bad, although I sucked more than usual at it ;/

@ caeser, my reply to Jesse is also to you, jointly.  

This is where sales data of VC games and other digital downloads would come in handy.  I understand the risk/reward argument, and would argue that some of Nintendo's previous risks (N64 cartridge, Gamecube minidisc) didn't reap the potential for their respective generations had they just went mainstream and used CD's/DVD's.  

I can't argue with the success of the Wii, and likewise of their spinoff niché games like Animal Crossing, Pikmin, WarioWare, etc.  They are great risks that paid off.  And, for the record, I believe Nintendo is quite professional with hard-working analysts weighing their options.

The basic vibe I get from Nintendo is that of minimilistic maximization, and when it works, it works.  I can't argue with their success, I really can't.  And I understand the argument about re-tooling cartridge games; each contain their own respective "emulation shell" from what I understand.  And about undercutting new releases by beefing up classics.  Great points, actually.  I just think it could be done, if focused.  

Who knows, Nintendo might actually be planning it, but for a time when the profit margin is there.  That's how Nintendo rolls.  As a Nintendo everything owner, though, I don't see myself spending another dime on VC releases, since I've already done so on the Wii, DS, 3DS and realized they are mostly the same experience I could get with rom hack.  If every VC release on Wii U implemented my ideas, which would solve self-competition of online vs offline price points of the same title, people would have no choice but to pay a little more, (as they now do), and it would be justified.

Considering how little classic games tax a cpu, I imagine a peer-based server could handle the task.  I know it's not the ideal way to go about online multiplayer, but I think it would suffice for classic games.

Anyhoo, great discussion.  Thanks for replying.

Nice analysis (I watch GoT), and thanks for the compliment.  I agree with most of what you say, except I don't see Nintendo completely failing as a console manufacturer (assuming that's what you meant by "die").  I think, instead, the console market will change drastically, perhaps reach top-end.  I think it will play out in the next 10 years.  We'll see.  I have a hard time envisioning the PS5 or Xbox 1440, or the next next generation, if you will.

Well, Nintendo's a publicly traded business, so, basically, their bottom line is cash.  If aligning their self as indirect competitors to Sony and Microsoft is what it takes to make people believe they're doing the right thing, then that's what they'll do.  The moment someone buys a 360 or PS3, or anything else vid-game-tainment related, that is money that is not going to Nintendo. 

The Zelda Anniversay edition wasn't set in aLttP, but the graphics style was.  Never played the original, either.

I'm glad you like the idea.  Maybe "Operation Multiplayer" should become a reality.

I'm in the same boat.  I play Wii more than Wii U.  It'll turn around, but these few months have sucked.

Enjoyable take on EA from someone who doesn't play their sports franchises.  That is where my bitterness roots, but is also where most of my EA experience lies.  

This had me thinking that maybe hardcore gaming's future can be invigorated by casual powerhouses willing to diversify.  Made if Rovio went wild and made Angry Birds 3d or something to that effect.  Seems silly, but those companies are doing well, and cross-partnerships are only a handshake and a contract away.