Firebrand Games, developers of Need For Speed and Trackmania, and now a multi-platform title releasing on Wii U, spoke to The Guardian on the console's prospects. The developer said to not expect "astonishing" games from Nintendo, and not to underestimate the company.

"As with all new consoles it's too early to say just how far people will be able to push it once they get to grips with hardware and work out the best way to make things for it, so it's unlikely you'll see any astonishing titles in the first year or so -- but they will come," said Firebrand Games director Peter Shea.

He added that graphics and fidelity will reach greater parity over the coming years, resulting in a "great focus on gameplay and experience," a strength of Nintendo's.

Shea described Wii U's GamePad as "intriguing," saying it offers interesting possibilities. The controller offers a second screen alongside TVs. The controller itself is light to hold; the controller itself look to some large and unwieldy from photos.

The Guardian asked Shea how Wii U can be marketed and he averred that "The first is getting the message across that this is more than "just" a Wii with better graphics and HD output." Additionally, Shea thinks that Nintendo risks creating a confusing message and acknowledged that it will be difficult for the company to repeat its success story. Wii U is closing in on 100 million units sold, hovering currently around 96 million as of June 30.

Apple and Android are competitors, but not Nintendo's chief rivals. Consoles "under the telly" can still succeed for at least one more generation, the director thinks. Tablets are quickly become a dominant form factor, with games available for under a dollar. Compared to $60 Wii U games, consumers may ask why Nintendo's pricing is high.

"Nintendo is still among the best game developers in the world, and you can only play Nintendo games on Nintendo consoles -- as much as the market changes these facts remain," Shea stated. Importantly Nintendo delivered success by Wii and DS being criticized.

Wii U launches Nov. 18 in the U.S., and Nov. 30 in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.