Topic: What if Nintendo started a Steam-like digital platform on PC?

Fine. I'll answer the question...

Nintendo games wouldn't be exclusive anymore, so their hardware would be basically pointless since it's built around that.

Seeing that Nintendo aims at younger kids and parents who don't really have a knowledge of computers beyond Facebook, Youtube and Amazon, I think it's unlikely, and totally in the other direction of where Nintendo are going. Even he hassle of getting the console online bothers some people.

Take my Sister and Nephew, if you explained to them you'd need Graphics card X and an internet connection speed of Y to play Lego City they'd have a nervous breakdown. Plus not everyone understands how to get their computer screen appearing on their big telly. There is a beautiful simplicity of connect black box to wire, other end of wire to TV.

I think it doesn't make sense at all. They would not use Steam's business model because they would exclusively host their games. So don't expect low prices and generous sales

NOOOO it would be EA origin all over again

It helps to read the original post rather than jumping down someone's throat. He asked "What if this happens" not "Do you think this will happen?" He implies that it may or may not happen.

Also he worded the post so that Nintendo could make their games on the PC if they no longer made the hardware

Why not start a Steam like service for the 3DS and Wii U?

I am guessing you mean something more than a digital store front? Can you elaborate on what you mean?

You know, the PC can technically host more varied controllers and input devices than any console. If you weren't aware, for example, the Kinect is available for the PC. The Wii controller can work on the PC. The Oculus Rift was developed pretty much for the PC.

The controller wouldn't be the problem. The problem would be releasing Nintendo games into the "wild." PC gaming is an entirely different beast. Even if you did use a "Steam-like" system of encryption and DRM, you know that someone somewhere will crack it and have it available on bootleg sites 24 hours later. That's just the PC world. Upstanding citizens like myself want nothing to do with that stuff, but piracy remains enough of a problem in the PC realm to dissuade some publishers from taking their games there.

There are so many things that could go wrong with this, and I would elaborate, but we all know Nintendo, so I don't really feel like I need to.

One point that I will raise though, is that all of Nintendo's consoles are pretty much equal. It's very easy to regulate since the audience will pretty much have the same hardware. I don't think they would know how to handle the PC crowd.

Also, consoles = more money. Nintendo wouldn't be selling the PCs and therefore would lose a lot of money.

What is Sony made individual portables for every game ala Tiger budget portables. Stupid thread is stupid.

Thanks everyone for your input!
PCs are everywhere, and although not all people know how to put together a ''gaming PC'', Nintendo wouldn't go for the high-end hardware demanding graphics. If Nintendo went for PC, they would make sure their games played on a basic $500 machine. People who have the money for a dedicated gaming console usually have a PC of some kind in their homes. Most every PC owner would become a potential Nintendo customer! And who buys a computer just for games?
PC gaming is a different boulevard to be sure, so there would be a host of problems Nintendo would have to tackle. I'm with the critics on that it wouldn't be easy and it is very unlikely at the moment.
I haven't considered the possible micro-console future for Nintendo.

I'd say going the way of a single-platform console-portable hybrid is far more likely.

What if they made it to where you didn't have to have a strong PC to play and did some sort of OnLive style service? But you are right microconsoles will probably be future of console gaming as everything shifts more over to digital. I really don't look forward to that too much though as I like having the physical copies for collecting.

I don't mind digital, I just don't like streaming services. If I buy a game, why shouldn't I be able to play it while not connected to their servers? Isn't that the argument for most of the bad DRM stuff out there lol

Well one thing that is overlooked is that 3rd party games on consoles make the manufacturers money directly through royalties. If Nintendo had a steam service, they'd lose this income

I think he is talking about a Steam like service for Nintendo only games

They'd probably do just as badly now as they did before, if not worse. It'd be stuck in a niche, competing with the bigboys but never quite reaching relevence. Not to mention Nintendo kind of sucks with digital distribution right now, and Japanese gamers don't play that many PC games. I just don't see where the benefits would be...

What I mean is to turn the eShop into a Steam knockoff/rival.

And do what with it Skyward?

I just had a dream that $60 games were eventually $10 on the eShop. Xbox Live has some pretty good deals, BTW.

PC would be a horrible venture for Nintendo. Their games would be piled with a bunch of torrent files and be sold for $1 which isn't as much money as they make now.
People would still buy Xbox and PS, while Nintendo went to PC for no apparent reason. It would destroy their fanbase and potential customers(because people look at Nintendo as Wii, DS, etc. hardware).

The definition of Nintendo on PC would be setting themselves on fire, hating the pain, asking for help, then getting shot in the face, somehow still being alive to scream in pain, and living an eternity of torture with various elements.

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