Many attribute the unparallel success of the Dreamcast due to the time it was launched. I think it’s safe to say, after all these years, that such excellence would have been noticed by the vast majority no matter when it was released but I will concede; it could have been a factor. The Dreamcast launched in 1998 and was the first console of the sixth generation. Sony quickly threw together the PS2 to compete but couldn’t manage to get it out until the year 2000. This rushed design showed as the system aged and a new Slim version was made to account for its failings, however the Dreamcast needed no such revamp.

 

The Wii U likewise is being released later this year before Sony or Microsoft have even announced their follow up consoles. This Gives the Wii U at least a year head start on the competition, possibly longer as both Sony and Microsoft say that their motion controls expanded the lives of their current consoles. So far the only other eighth generation console to be announced is the EVO 2, however without Sega third-party backing I doubt it’ll provide much challenge.

 

 

Think about it, both Nintendo and Sega are Japanese companies. Coincidence? I think not. We’ll leave Sony out of this because it was Nintendo’s fault they got mixed up in this business in the first place. Legally I can’t say anything conclusive but let’s just say headhunting and corporate espionage is common practice for certain companies.

 

 

 

How I can hardly fault Nintendo for coping this, everybody else has. Sega paved the way for internet multiplayer with the game Phantasy Star Online, it was a life changing experience and more than one couple actually got married in the game. The services where admittedly a small affair, as the game could only support four people in the campaign, but the thought was there. Sega also provided downloadable content for games, the difference being that they offered it for free.

 

 

 

That they do. Both also use a modified disk format unique to their company too.

 

 

 

Yes the Dreamcast cannot play Gamecube games, despite the fact the Gamecube can play Dreamcast games…thought ports admittedly, but the principle is the same. The Dreamcast can however play PS1 games if certain modifications are made. The Wii U also can’t play Gamecube games, and it can’t play PS1 games. However it is possible that the Wii U might allow you to play Dreamcast games via downloadable content. Really that’s just blatant, I shouldn’t even need to point that out to you.

 

 

So there you have it, 6.1 solid reasons why the Wii U is like the Dreamcast. Now I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, far from it, I’m just pointing it out so you’ll in full possession of the facts.