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Topic: Why can't Nintendo make their own mobile phone instead of releasing games on IOS & Android?

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Socar

I'm asking this because of three simple reasons.

1. The competition for mobile games is extremely hard. Simply porting games on either IOS or Android aren't going to make a huge sum for Nintendo. I mean if the likes of Capcom and SEGA are struggling in the Mobile Market, how is Nintendo going to do any better unless they take the Square Enix route where the only games they can release are RPG ones and give a full price game instead of a free to play game?

2. Making a dedicated mobile platform increases game development opportunities. Think about this for a second, each mobile and I product have their own spec instead of a dedicated game system which means that potential sales of the game can be lost because not everyone is going to afford an Ipad and not everyone is interested in the idea of buying particular mobile phones that can work on games. Sure, Nexus is a dedicated phone for Google play but that leads to another reason why Nintendo needs to make a dedicated phone....

3. Phones don't have buttons. Even if you get third party controls for the game, the game is designed with the touch screen in mind. If Nintendo can make a dedicated phone with controls, we can get dedicated games on a phone and not having to force ourselves only playing games that can only work on touch screens or have inferior versions of the game on phones. For example, Batman on phone ends up being a poor version of the actual game when comparing the IOS version and the PC version.

Now if the problem is that Nintendo needs to partner a Sim card brand to make phone calls, I don't think that will be a problem seeing as how those brands can easily make money by partnering with Nintendo. And the best part is that the life cycle will increase because its a phone and it doesn't necessarily have to have only one year support since it has dedicated buttons.

So yeah, I'd like to know why Nintendo just can't do this instead of doing the opposite which is releasing games on IOS and Android.

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Sisilly_G

It's not that simple. Nobody's going to buy a mobile phone just so that they can play Nintendo games (you and I would, but we need to think of the bigger picture). The benefit of iOS and Android devices is that they offer countless apps that can perform all sorts of functions, not just gaming. As much as I'd love a Nintendo phone (or a future handheld console with phone capabilities) in addition to a non-phone alternative, it's simply not realistic, as Nintendo will need to build, or source a library of apps for release at launch or else their phone will flop catastrophically in the marketplace, and I doubt that many app developers would have the resources to develop for all of these various platforms simultaneously.

Nintendo are doing the most sensible thing (for the time being) and I look forward to see what they have to offer to the mobile marketplace.

Edited on by Sisilly_G

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skywake

The argument you've presented is a good argument for why Nintendo should continue to make portable systems. It isn't an argument against the idea of releasing mobile games. These are two entirely different things, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Why not take advantage of the huge install base on mobile for "mobile games" and continue to make portable hardware for the more "core" games that require buttons?

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Socar

@sillygostly: Funny because the Dsi, 3DS and Wii U have apps that have nothing to do with games at all. I don't think that its not possible for Nintendo to release those huge number of apps. As the late Iwata-san once said, there is only one way to program apps on the phones and if Nintendo uses this method and simplifies it, they can easily beat the hell out of Google and Apple.

@skywake: Because the majority of the casual market is now on mobile. Nintendo was the one that introduced the DS and Wii for all players around the world and its because of that reason that they ended up doing well. Now thanks to some idiot who thought of an idea of making games on phones, whether the 3DS is not selling enough because of the lack of software or because of the phone market doesn't matter now because the mobile market is huge compared to the dedicated game portables.

Also, business wise, Nintendo is a first party developer and them acting like a third party for mobile games just isn't clinging to me. Nintendo would have to pay royalties to both Google and Apple if at all their games end up doing well which in the end is going to be expensive so they would have to pick which one of them is best to release their mobile games on which is Android as them releasing IOS games is doubtful seeing how expensive Apple products are..

I don't see how Nintendo can make the people who play their games on mobile just buy their game consoles because these people most likely won't know what a game console is or simply can't afford one even though its a bit laughable considering that Nintendo consoles are affordable at best.

Just think, how the hell is releasing the main pokemon games on mobile gonna motivate those people to move over to the portable systems to get the ultimate versions of pokemon if they are just fine with the free to start models?

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Octane

Socar wrote:

Just think, how the hell is releasing the main pokemon games on mobile gonna motivate those people to move over to the portable systems to get the ultimate versions of pokemon if they are just fine with the free to start models?

Hence why they're not going to do that.

The people that occasionally play mobile games aren't going to buy a dedicated portable system in the first place, some might've 10 years ago, but when they can play a handful of games for a couple of bucks, they're not going to spend $500+ to get a handheld and some games. There's still a big handheld market, and it's not going to disappear anytime soon, contrary to what some people think. Mobile games allows them to make more profit by catering to the market that wouldn't buy their hardware in the first place.

Octane

skywake

Socar wrote:

Just think, how the hell is releasing the main pokemon games on mobile gonna motivate those people to move over to the portable systems to get the ultimate versions of pokemon if they are just fine with the free to start models?

I'll answer this bit because I think it summarises your misunderstanding here. I agree with your point. If they were to make free to play versions of full games on mobile then nobody is going to care about the portable versions. Doing that would be stupid. That's why they're not doing that.

Their mobile games will be things like Pokemon Shuffle, Badge Arcade, AR Games, Everybody Votes, Brain Training and so on. Or those mini-games they bundled in with the original New SMB. They won't be watered down versions of full games. They've said as much. If you think otherwise then I don't know any other way to respond other than suggesting that you've misunderstood them.

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Socar

Octane wrote:

Socar wrote:

Just think, how the hell is releasing the main pokemon games on mobile gonna motivate those people to move over to the portable systems to get the ultimate versions of pokemon if they are just fine with the free to start models?

Hence why they're not going to do that.

The people that occasionally play mobile games aren't going to buy a dedicated portable system in the first place, some might've 10 years ago, but when they can play a handful of games for a couple of bucks, they're not going to spend $500+ to get a handheld and some games. There's still a big handheld market, and it's not going to disappear anytime soon, contrary to what some people think. Mobile games allows them to make more profit by catering to the market that wouldn't buy their hardware in the first place.

They clearly said that they want those mobile gamers move over to their dedicated gaming systems. I remember that it was Shigeru Miyamoto that said that the aim of them bringing the IP to mobile is to push the mobile users to their consoles. I can't find the source that Nintendolife posted unfortunately.

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crimsontadpoles

Mobile phones is a very competitive market. It would be extremely hard for a company to come in and take on Android and Apple (and windows phones I guess). They'll need something truly special to convince customers away from the phone brands they currently use.

When I'm choosing a new phone, the games available is very low on my list of priorities. Instead, I'm looking at things like 3rd party apps, running basic tasks like browsing the internet or listening to music, battery life, appearance, processing power and the screen. I'm a Nintendo fan, but I wouldn't swap my current phone just to to play Mario on a phone.

Besides, Nintendo are clearly trying to target as many people as possible. They're aiming for 100 million Nintendo Account members. This will not happen if you need to buy a new phone to play smartphone Nintendo games instead of being able to play on your current phone.

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skywake

Socar wrote:

They clearly said that they want those mobile gamers move over to their dedicated gaming systems. I remember that it was Shigeru Miyamoto that said that the aim of them bringing the IP to mobile is to push the mobile users to their consoles. I can't find the source that Nintendolife posted unfortunately.

Well here are some of the direct quotes

Iwata wrote:

Please also note that, even if we use the same IP on our dedicated video game systems and smart devices, we will not port the titles for the former to the latter just as they are. There are significant differences in the controls, strengths and weaknesses between the controllers for dedicated game systems and the touchscreens of smart devices. We have no intention at all to port existing game titles for dedicated game platforms to smart devices because if we cannot provide our consumers with the best possible play experiences, it would just ruin the value of Nintendo’s IP.

And, if I can talk a bit further about our game development plan, we will continue doing our best to develop dedicated game titles for our dedicated game hardware platforms just as we have been doing. For smart devices, even in the case where we utilize the same IP, we will create completely new game software that will perfectly match the play styles of smart devices.

[...]

Nintendo has decided to deploy its video game business on smart devices but it is not because we have lost passion or vision for the business of dedicated video game systems. On the contrary, now that we have decided how we will make use of smart devices, we have come to hold an even stronger passion and vision for the dedicated video game system business than ever before. Nintendo has made this decision because we have concluded that the approach of making use of smart devices is a rational way for us to encourage even more people around the world to recognize the great value of the wonderful game software available on our dedicated game systems.

As proof that Nintendo maintains strong enthusiasm for the dedicated game system business, let me confirm that Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated game platform with a brand-new concept under the development codename “NX.” It is too early to elaborate on the details of this project, but we hope to share more information with you next year.

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Octane

@Socar: See skywake's post. They're using their IP, but that doesn't mean we're getting a main Pokémon game on mobile, that means we're getting Pokémon Shuffle on mobile. Nobody thinks ''I want to play Pokémon, but since I can play Pokémon Shuffle for free, I'm not going to buy their new handheld and game''.

Octane

LzWinky

Socar wrote:

@sillygostly: Funny because the Dsi, 3DS and Wii U have apps that have nothing to do with games at all. I don't think that its not possible for Nintendo to release those huge number of apps. As the late Iwata-san once said, there is only one way to program apps on the phones and if Nintendo uses this method and simplifies it, they can easily beat the hell out of Google and Apple.

Do you realize that Google and Apple could buy out Nintendo? They are too big for that.

@skywake: Because the majority of the casual market is now on mobile. Nintendo was the one that introduced the DS and Wii for all players around the world and its because of that reason that they ended up doing well. Now thanks to some idiot who thought of an idea of making games on phones, whether the 3DS is not selling enough because of the lack of software or because of the phone market doesn't matter now because the mobile market is huge compared to the dedicated game portables.

It may be huge, but it is also saturated with too many games. I know there are success stories on mobile, but relatively speaking they are actually very rare.

Also, business wise, Nintendo is a first party developer and them acting like a third party for mobile games just isn't clinging to me.

They were third party before...

Nintendo would have to pay royalties to both Google and Apple if at all their games end up doing well which in the end is going to be expensive

As opposed to paying for partners to design the phone, manufacture and market it?

so they would have to pick which one of them is best to release their mobile games on which is Android as them releasing IOS games is doubtful seeing how expensive Apple products are..

Ok, you are spouting out personal beliefs and ignoring the facts. Apple is huge and has a lot of customers despite them being "expensive".

I don't see how Nintendo can make the people who play their games on mobile just buy their game consoles because these people most likely won't know what a game console is or simply can't afford one even though its a bit laughable considering that Nintendo consoles are affordable at best.

So you want to convince them to buy a Nintendo phone instead? How is this much different?

Just think, how the hell is releasing the main pokemon games on mobile gonna motivate those people to move over to the portable systems to get the ultimate versions of pokemon if they are just fine with the free to start models?

It worked for millions of kids and Japanese folks.

But here you stated no reason why anyone would switch to a Nintendo phone. Heck, some of your points are against this statement.

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DefHalan

Mocrosoft, with tons more of disposable money and not needing profits as quickly as Nintendo, tried to break into the mobile market and still hasn't had much success. Nintendo would probably be worst off

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Nicolai

No one would buy a Nintendo phone that doesn't run Android. It's that simple.

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Socar

@TingLz: Neither Google nor Apple have any interest in games. The only reason why games are allowed in their services is because they saw it as opportunities to make use of their OS.

And does it make those kids want to get the dedicated Nintendo systems? Again, What I'm trying to say here is that how on earth will Nintendo ever make their mobile consumers move over to their portable systems knowing that its more expensive than an average mobile?

Again, how can Google and Apple have any interest buying Nintendo? Nintendo would most likely say no.

@DefHalan: The reason Microsoft failed wasn't because of the OS but because of how they took the MSX route only that they ended up doing it badly where they don't provide many apps like what IOS and Android provide.

Look, I get it, it might not be that possible to do. But honestly, I feel that Nintendo really can't do much on a phone. It only has one input which is touching and yes, the phones have senors and other features, but the problem is that it requires movement....something which doesn't suit well for the 3DS unless done right. If they make their own dedicated phone, its good for development and its also good for us because we have dedicated and a casual gaming system.

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the_shpydar

I want to respond about all the 12 million reasons why this would be an incredibly stupid idea, but i just don't have the patience to deal with Artwark-logic.

Simply put — Nintendo should not even think about releasing a "Nintendo phone". It would be a horrible business decision in every possible respect. Insert Zoidberg meme here.

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skywake

Socar wrote:

But honestly, I feel that Nintendo really can't do much on a phone.

Says the person who made a thread advocating for Nintendo to go all in on mobile and effectively abandon their portable line. Really, you're the only one here arguing in favour of Nintendo putting full games on mobile. Everyone else is simply supporting Nintendo's current strategy.

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Nicolai

@Socar, I'm sorry, but you don't understand the situation.

Socar wrote:

@TingLz: Neither Google nor Apple have any interest in games. The only reason why games are allowed in their services is because they saw it as opportunities to make use of their OS.

They have games in their devices because people want them. It's a convenient and usually-free way to kill boredom and waste time. Business decisions aren't "might as well," they're made based on demand.

Socar wrote:

...their portable systems knowing that its more expensive than an average mobile?

At face value, most mobile devices are more expensive due to their higher-res screens, cameras, and other features. If you see a cheaper price, it's usually either an old model, or it's discounted in conjunction with a provider's plan. But you do have a point. Most people already have their phone for a multitude of other reasons; after the fact, buying a new console is more expensive then starting to buy games on devices you already own.

Socar wrote:

Again, how can Google and Apple have any interest buying Nintendo? Nintendo would most likely say no.

Nintendo is a corporation, which means they're in control of whoever buys their ownership. If a company manages to buy out majority ownership of Nintendo, they can't exactly say no. It wouldn't be that simple, anyway.

If it seems like no one here is taking you seriously, it's because some of the things you've said display a lack of understanding. You're right about how Nintendo games would suffer on 3rd party software with only a touch screen and gyro-sensors, but a Nintendo phone that doesn't run Android would never make it; it just can't hope to compete with the two giants.

If there was a Nintendo phone, it would have to run a similar version of Android that accommodates button input. Nintendo games would probably be bought from a specialized app that you download from Google Play.

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Socar

Look I want to be clear here. I don't still to this day like the idea of Nintendo going mobile for just one reason that could make Nintendo stop exploring mobile which is marketing.

Honestly, it doesn't matter how big of a company Nintendo is, mobile is more of a gamble than Nintendo's own slogan and its all because of marketing.

Thousands of devs simply go bankrupt more than the ones making console/pc games because of the mobile marketing being extremely difficult.

How is Nintendo going to market their games on phone when the likes of Capcom is struggling on mobile? EA's Bejeweled can't beat the hell out of King's candy crush despite the former being the better game than the latter. King being lower than EA and yet beating EA in mobile is just laughable but for wrong reasons.

I just don't see how Nintendo can dominate mobile gaming. I feel that they are better off competing against the mobile manufactures out there instead which can be either good or bad depending on how Nintendo does it.

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Dave24

On the mobile phone market they would die faster than NGage and Gizmondo combined.
The risk is much smaller with only releasing games.

Dave24

skywake

@Socar
Again, I don't think you've actually read what they've said they're doing

Iwata wrote:

Please also note that, even if we use the same IP on our dedicated video game systems and smart devices, we will not port the titles for the former to the latter just as they are. There are significant differences in the controls, strengths and weaknesses between the controllers for dedicated game systems and the touchscreens of smart devices. We have no intention at all to port existing game titles for dedicated game platforms to smart devices because if we cannot provide our consumers with the best possible play experiences, it would just ruin the value of Nintendo’s IP. [...]

As proof that Nintendo maintains strong enthusiasm for the dedicated game system business, let me confirm that Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated game platform with a brand-new concept under the development codename “NX.” It is too early to elaborate on the details of this project, but we hope to share more information with you next year.

They're not putting console games on mobile, they're not watering down games for free to play. They're not abandoning the dedicated game platform business, they're not stopping production of hardware or going third party. So what's the problem?

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