Nintendo recently announced major reductions in its sales and financial projections for this financial year, prompting various calls for action throughout the media and from fans. Those calls have naturally included suggestions to jump into the smartphone and tablet markets, though Satoru Iwata has stated that it's not as simple as moving Mario to smart devices.
At various points in recent months, however, Nintendo has admitted that it's considering its smart device strategies, with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime referring to "little experiences you can have on your smartphone and tablet that will drive you back to your Nintendo hardware". It seems like a reality that could be close, according to a report from The Nikkei newspaper in Japan. It is stating that Nintendo will make active use of smart devices before the end of the year, citing mini-games and free video services; the intention will apparently be for these to be free services.
Sekantoto.com's translation of the article reinforces that activities will be designed to provide marketing for Nintendo's consoles; this site interprets the reference to mini-games to also include demos of retail games, which seems questionable though, in theory, experiences similar to full games could be possible. By making video and mini-game content free, the aim will be to utilise the extraordinary reach of smart devices to win over and attract consumers to buy Nintendo's hardware for the full products.
None of these ideas are particularly off-the-wall, especially in light of various comments from Nintendo that it will aim to capitalise on smart device platforms. The Nikkei has a solid track-record as a major business publication in Japan, correctly predicting the 3DS XL around three weeks before it was eventually announced in 2012. The suggestion is, as was made clear by Satoru Iwata when announcing those adjusted projections a little under two weeks ago, that these strategies will be revealed this week when Nintendo unveils its financial results and addresses investors on 31st January.
We don't have long to wait to see what Nintendo has up its sleeve for both Wii U and 3DS, in terms of the direct hardware and promotional efforts. In the meantime, what do you think of this potential Nintendo content on smart devices, presumably through dedicated app(s)? Let us know in the comments below.
[source nikkei.com, via serkantoto.com]
Comments 136
...interesting... I will be keeping a close watch, for sure.
I would buy a Nintendo phone.
I still think Nintendo's next home console should be a package console/handheld gaming system that can be both so customers will buy both.
This just sounds silly. FIX the Wii U situation Nintendo. Ignoring it, and instead trying to make up profits in unrelated areas in the realm of smartphones just to appease your investors is not the right call.
Guess all we can do is to wait and see, hopefully it's something good
just keep giving me great games for my wii u and 3ds.
as for my phone, a miiverse app is all i'm interested in...
It's good move because Nintendo has to go into the smartphone market in some capacity. This is a measured response to changes in the industry, and doesn't devalue any of their IP's or brands.
Marketing needs to evolve more than anything for Nintendo.
I... Think this is kinda good I gues??? If it's just apps, mini-games and silly stuff like that then it's all good and it could really attract more customers to their big consoles Wii U and 3DS.
That doesn't sound like a bad idea. Especially if it makes them $$$, which it probably will.
Sounds good to me.
It's about time Nintendo gets with the program and brings its advertising/marketing strategies into the 21st century (i.e. smart devices/social media). This is a good thing, imo. Nintendo isn't going to ditch making games for the WiiU or 3DS. It seems like this smart phone strategy will be a complete overhaul to its marketing. Imagine a Nintendo "app" that allows kids to play Mario minigames (like the ones on the old DS carts). At the same time, this app would tease upcoming Nintendo games and products. This article really isn't that far off...
I Wonder What Kind of Mini Games
That's good I guess...
I predict utterly useless marketing apps. Maybe something approaching Nintendo Zone.
"prompting various calls for action throughout the media and from fans."
I'm guessing it's calls from investors that make Iwata take notice, not the media or even fans.
I like the idea of a Nintendo video app similar to the Nintendo Channel on Wii. I know they are already on youtube but haivng a Nintnedo app that lets people find all the Nintnedo Directs and game trailers - an dMH4U onveil yesterday - in one place seems like one of those "why haven't they done this already" decisions. How many of the 4 minute long commercials that we see on NL do people actually see elsewhere? Pokemon has an app just for watching tv episodes.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pokemontv
Full Wii U games can't be demoed on phones or tablets, they just can't - but Captain Toad levels from SM3DW should work, and that F-Zero racing game from Nintendo Land.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrW8Q-Cf2l0
@adamical: Agreed. Maybe a Nintendo Video thing as well.
@Falkor "Imagine a Nintendo "app" that allows kids to play Mario minigames (like the ones on the old DS carts). At the same time, this app would tease upcoming Nintendo games and products"
Please explain to me how something like that is going to equate to higher 3DS/Wii U sales.
All I'm saying is, this better not be ALL they're doing in light of their poor financials.
This is all well and good AS LONG AS there are massive changes/announcements coming for the Wii U too. You know, that console I banked my entire next gen on back in November 2012?
I wouldn't mind companion apps to go along with wiiU and 3DS games. A bit like the Animal Crossing app on the wiiU. Or... If they released mini game apps that are a different experience from the game it is supporting but rewards you for playing the mini game within the retail game if you link it to your NNID. The next Bravely Default could do with something like this instead of the street pass village.
Nintendo I really don't want you to go and put your games on the smartphones or tablets for a couple of reasons.
A great idea would be mini games like the nes remix where they get a taste of Nintendo but need to buy a system if they want to play these games.
Wait... will this be announced directry to us?
:/
Now that doesn't sound too bad. They wouldn't be devaluing their franchises in any way. Just simple minigames and demos of retail games to advertise their hardware would be good for them. I don't think Iwata would be stupid enough to put full games on smartphones and tablets as that would devalue their franchises and would MAJORLY hurt their handheld sales, possibly destroying the handheld market.
@gatorboi352 There's nothing Nintendo can do for the Wii U other than make great games for it and improve their advertising. They should take the strategy they have been using for 3DS - advertise the games. Have a Wii U commercial that advertises how the console is the only place you can play great games like Super Mario 3D World, Pikmin 3, Zelda Wind Waker HD, and Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze.
And this means....NINTENDO DIRECT!!!
They could do that, or, wait for it, stop being stupid. Make game that we want, release your VC game, advertise your stuff, and fix your online offerings. I'm sick of platformers, I want F-Zero, Metroid, Crashmo 2, Advance Wars, anything that is not a platformer is okay with me at this point.
Also, there has been no Direct This month, I hope they have one this week. They need it now more than ever. They did have one every month last year.
@gatorboi352 I agree but the board may not be giving them a choice in the matter
A StreetPass Relay app would be cool.
I want a Miiverse and club nintendo app!
I lovey 3DS and Wii U but if fusion is real im all ready for it now.
I remember when they brought out the internet browser Nintendo used to have Flash demos of some of their games like "zoo keeper" "Mario vs Donkey Kong" and that Zelda/Tingle game and probably a dozen or so other small games... And they were playable in the Wii browser. They were basic games but wet your appitite... Some were completely different from the game it was advertising like a hungry hungry hippo style Kirby minigame.
Nintendo Ngage anyone?
You used to access them from Nintendo's website so they will be long gone now.
@adamical A Nintendo Zone/Channel type app was my first thought as well. I hope it's something more than that though as I rarely used either of those.
I do not appose the concept of Nintendo expanding into mobile gaming on phones. My fear is the consequences not only in the quality of the games and the resources (primarily money) reallocated to make them. The resources used on mobile gaming could be more effectively used be make and F-Zero or Star Fox game of the WiiU. To reiterate, I fear another Wii Music quality mobile game.
@gatorboi352
"Please explain to me how something like that is going to equate to higher 3DS/Wii U sales."
I think it's safe to say that there's a whole market of untapped Nintendo customers with the younger generation of kids playing games on mom and dad's smart phone. What if Nintendo did a tie-in with Angry Birds? (I know, it's out there, but it's just an example) If Nintendo can release a quality, addictive, yet simple game on a smart phone, lots of kids would play it and be begging mom and dad for the bigger, better Mario game on the Wii U.
Nintendo teaser touch mini games (and videos) are ok… but leave the Real Nintendo games for the real Nintendo consoles!!
That said… being able to browse eShop and purchase games via my smartphone and then have them waiting for me when I get home would be awesome!
An official Nintendo app is more or less long overdue. Integrating it with Nintendo Zone, Miiverse, and the eShop would be nice and the right thing to do.
Personally, I'd love to see them create an iTunes-type store and have it be part of their rumored app. All of their back catalog, plus other systems they own the rights to, available for digital download. Just like how movies and music are sold (and rented). How could that not make money?
Whatever Nintendo needs to stay profitable is okay with me. Keep the games coming Nintendo!
Sure I'll buy an interactive app for the new Zelda game or such, but if they release Super Mario Bros. 3 on my phone before I can get it on my 3ds, I quit.
@gatorboi352 there trying to advertise throughout smart phones for the consoles not make profit. "the intention will apparently be for these to be free services."
Hm....Sounds Fine. It's not that bad of a strategy.
Google won't care what Nintendo does with its Android apps but isn't Apple extremely defensive about its territory? I think if Nintendo tries to promote its own hardware and software platform in iOS apps, Apple is going to boot them out of the app store. That's just my prediction.
@Zaphod_Beeblebrox I really don't think Nintendo and Apple are competitors at this point, though...
I think a direct will be incoming either this week or next week to clarify what's going on. I think an app on smart phones to showcase games or a miiverse app would be great but putting actual games on phones wouldn't work. I'll admit i tried a few GBA games using an emulator (just wanted to see if pokemon was for me as i don't know anyone who plays it and turns out it's not) and the touch controls are downright awful. It doesn't work at all. I've since got rid of it as it now has adware attached to it (thanks to my mobile anti-virus for that) plus most of my games would just delete themselves so it was a waste of time and honestly wouldn't recommend it at all. Anyway, point is that Nintendo games, bar the rhythm games, were meant to be used with buttons. Unless of course they release an attachment for different phones so games can be played. They wouldn't do that, would they?!
marketing is always good if done right I doubt they'll make all out releases, though I do see a possible sad end for the Warioware series....
I keep imagining the execs at Nintendo discussing this:
Guy 1 - Our hardware isn't selling as much as we wanted to. What do we do?
Guy 2 - Bring more software to our platforms?
Guy 1 - No, that's horrible! Why would that work?
Guy 3 - So let's release our software on other devices and give people even less reason to buy our hardware.
Guy 1 - Genius! Yes, that's it! Software on other devices! That will fix all of our hardware problems!
@hosokawasamurai except I don't see demos and simple repetitive minigames as a reason to not get the superior games in the 3DS and WiiU
they're trying to spread the word if the dumb casuals can't see the WiiU isn't just a controller slap that in their faces when they look up their shallow freemium mobile games
Is there a Nintendo Direct on the Horizon ?
@SilentHunter382 They can support their own Wii U Pro Controller just fine if they want to. (Tatio made a joystick for just one game and Apple was fine with it). What they do I think will be badly executed but make lots of money and so get more and resources. (Konami released Contra 4 for mobile it is basically unplayable whereas the DS one is one of the best DS games. When it came to releasing the next one they released a remake of the first Contra just on mobile so it must have done better.) It cannot be well planned after this little time. (Unless they planned to do it anyway).
B-MO "Who wants to play video games?"
I'm fine with this concept as long as its simple, phone centric concepts. I really don't wanna hear about full games coming to phones. I hate that-- because in my opinion the whole smartphone iphone fad is like anything else in gaming, a temporary fad. It comes in, dominates the market, then dries up in about six-seven years. Same happened to guitar hero, motion controls, and such.
@benjamines I would buy a Nintendohone. .
They have to do something!! I think this would be a start, but they then have to show how they plan on monetizing these free apps or games.
Fix the Wii U situation first.
I'm fine with Nintendo doing some advertising via mobile devices as long as the games themselves don't start coming to those devices; the occasional demo wouldn't be too bad either, though I still want to see demos on the 3DS and Wii U E shops as well.
@vamkar I just think it has a pretty big chance of backfiring...
What if all those casuals think "I already got Super Mario on my phone. No need to put $170,00 on a 3DS.".
And the worst part is, if this actually happens, it's their handheld (their hardware that is doing well) that will suffer the most.
Nintendo should be trying to bring software to its platforms, not deliver software to someone else's.
Lest we forget, as far as I know, there isn't a single Sony or Microsoft game on iOS/Android.
@Superstick
How to fix something that ain't broken? There's so many good games coming to Wii U this year, that the sales are guaranteed to go up. Advertising their products through smart phones could bring more customers too... if these news are true.
@hosokawasamurai
Did you actually read the article?
Idk, looks like a very small step to be a third party. I fear 'demos' might give people a wrong idea. Begging, that, Nintendo will give 'clear' messages.
@vamkar
The beginning of the end would be doing nothing & expecting different results. I dont think there's anything wrong with some cell phone content. I just look at my ten year old brother, who used to game with Nintendo only. Now, Nintendo is third in line behind Clash of clans & Minecraft, which he chooses to play on an iPad over his Wii U or 3DS. And apparently, that also most of his friends, as they all meet up on servers to play vs each other online. He's gone from Wii obsessed to barely playing the Wii U. It's an anecdotal evidence, but it matches up exactly with what the market tells us is going on.
People seem to read "smart phone" and immediately think that Nintendo is going to start releasing their catalogue on these devices. This isn't the case, nor do I think it ever will be.
im not sure what they could do on that territory to get people to buy their hardwares. advertising is something they need EVERYWHERE, not only on smatphones, so that would be an already late step for them (one they better do now than never).
demos wouldnt work, since the controls for both mobile and consoles are totally diferent. maybe a video thing.
what they need besides add, is to fix what they DO offer today. just fill the wiiu with unique games and that will bring people, who will bring third party support, who will bring more people. and link the wiiu and 3ds properly, so A LOT of 3ds owners will como too. they already like nintendo stuff.
@GalacticMario28
They should have two different versions of each game...a shallow version for cells to get your into the full retail game & then, something like beating levels x&y on the full retail version unlocks the full cell version. Nintendo needs an ecosystem to keep gamers engaged & away from the competition. Even on cell phones. All hands on deck!!!
@Falkor
Which is beyond stupid, considering all the fakes available, making money, in cell phones already. If NES games don't scream to be transferred to cell phones, then nothing does. If Rockstar can rerelease Grand Theft Auto San Andreas on iPhones & I pads, a PS2 game, surely Nintendo can do the same with its NES & SNES games. It would add money to the coffers & increase all its brands awareness, while introducing a new generation to the rich history of NES games.
@Agent721
Maybe you're right. I'm honestly on the fence when it comes to this issue. It could help Nintendo, or it could harm them in the long run. I can't say. However, I really think Nintendo is too stubborn to make this leap anytime soon...
Microsoft's phone stuff is somewhat decent for what it is. (2D Shmup based on Crimson Dragon / The Harvest and some Halo spinoff).
If they deliberately release garbage they are dead to me.
Hmm playing a demo of a 3ds game on my beautiful ipad screen then going back to my 3DS screen.... :/
Don't know why, but this topic reminds me of this song:
Nine Inch Nails - "The Beginning of the End"
[youtube:Ce5vC_fBasE]
I don't know why old games aren't on iphone and droids. People will play them on there legally or not, so you might as well make money.
@Falkor
It's funny how that stubborness can work for & against them! The way I see it is my GF has had Dr.Mario in a cell phone for years now, before the Wii even came out. Despite this, she's bought the game on the Wii & again on the Wii U recently via Dr. Luigi. Despite having it as well on our SNES at home.!! I own SMB probably four times over & if it went on sale tomorrow at the Android App store, Id still buy it. Nintendo can use the old games to drive sales of new ones, via introduction of their classics. My little bro is ten, yet borrowed Super Mario All Stars from me for nearly two months on the Wii when it came out. Despite their old look, true gamers, young or old, will still appreciate them. Nintendo needs to monetize its rich legacy, or it may fade in importance. I don't believe it will take away from the demand of a 3DS or Wii U, as long as they remain old school or short experience games. NES Remix is a perfect example....not the whole thing, but perhaps sold as separate games for each franchise remix.
@hosokawasamurai
Microsoft has a couple of decent xbox spinoff android games like Kinectimals. Also they have the smartglass app and the xbox live app. The apps support rather than replace. If Nintendo manage to go down this route it shouldnt affect hardware sales and may make them more apealing instead.
@Raptor78 Oh, they have Kinectimals there? That's cool. Gonna check it out later this week.
As for Xbox Smartglass, I know what it is, and it's not a game, but a quite useful app instead. It can use the device's screen to display extra info, maps, GPS... Basically most of the things the Wii U gamepad does, but with something you already have at home.
@hosokawasamurai
I think if Nintendo have supporting apps and games on smart devices like Microsoft it could work. But I don't think they should sell out and release full titles that would be suicidal. I Know that Smartglass is just an app that acts as a crappier version of the wiiu gamepad but it was just an example of Microsoft using smart devices. Nintendo could release other use full apps relating to their systems, most Obvious being the miiverse app... And mabey an app to allow you to conect to the wiiu chat from devices other than wiiu so it can be a bit more accessible.... By the way Kinektimals works really well on a tablet and unlocks additional content within the Game. My kids play it from time to time.
Could a phone replace a handheld console and some how links up to the next Nintendo home console? the last thing should do is rush out a phone, the Wii-U is a good platform and for a while the 3DS struggled. The 3DS is doing well now? Wii-U seems to be on the back foot at the moment, I can't help but think Nintendo need new games for that to sell not just Mario and Zelda. Going back to Nintendo 'doing' phones maybe they should have bought Nokia? Also if Nintendo get the design right, the deals good with phone networks they could just make it work. We have to wait for the announcements, I still think Nintendo could still tap into other ideas like they could sell NES, N64 controllers that plug into wii controllers. I know they wont make millions but it could and should happen.
Nintendo VC going mobile.
It begins.
While not exactly risky, not sure there's much credibility to be found here. I have a smart phone n tablet n don't mind the odd hidden object adventure or endless runner but have no desire to see ninty characters on it.... I've got a 3ds for that! Playing games on a touch screen is rotten, although android has great SNES,Nes emulators which play great with the dual shock app.... That's not really what ninty would be aiming at! Stick to your guns... If the Big 2014 games don't make a dent in the market... Maybe revise your approach next year!
@hosokawasamurai this is not the beginning of the end. But it may be the end of the beginning for Nintendo.
This isn't a bad idea, but like what others have said, some people will only play the "demo" and not buy the full experience.
@Doma Getting Mario 3/ SNES MK/ ALttP before the official console/handheld releases since 2014.
This isn't a bad idea, but like what others have said, some people will only play the "demo" and not buy the full experience.
@Doma Getting Mario 3/ SNES MK/ ALttP before the official console/handheld releases since 2014.
I want to play Nintendo games on Nintendo consoles. But Mario is a household name. There is no reason why when you search for top selling games or new games on smartphones you have to find rip off Mario titles using Mario names. They may be taken off later but still earning money, money not going to Nintendo.
Millions of people will prefer to pay Nintendo for a Mario Run App than a Rayman Run App. It is stupid for Nintendo not to do that in addition to its consoles.
finally
@gatorboi352 Of course it wouldn't be ”all” that they're going to do. What, you think nintendo will just leave games like Mario kart 8, super smash bros, and Zelda u unfinished so they can make simple smart phone mini games?
Nintendo is like your grandparents. once they find out something is cool, nobody likes it anymore. Smartphones are cool in all, but no, the tablet gaming revolution is there, but it is essentially over
sounds like a desperate move and I don't like it
@Superstick They are. What they intend to do is ADVERTISE the Wii U/3DS on these free smartphone apps that contain minigames like the baseball minigame in a TLOZ:ALBW and maybe even Princess Peach's Secret Slide from SM64 with motion controls and then put in an ad like, get more of the Nintendo experience with Wii U/3DS!
Nintendo should release a Nphone and make games for it!
@benjamines A Nintendo phone would be an excellent Idea but I think they are going to just bring software to current phones.
Its a brilliant way to actually advertise current hardware and make money doing it. A lot of people think its a bad idea and marks the beginning of the end. Truth of the matter is that its basically advertising for its current consoles through selling of smartphone software. People with nice smart phones will absolutely love having Nintendo software.
Personally I hate playing games on my smartphone. Touchscreen controls stink even though its really gotten much better in the past couple years it still doesn't feel comfortable. I hope this works out for Nintendo but I think it might be to little to late for Wii-U. They really should have jumped out of the gate with NintendoLand online but they didn't do that and blew it. They had a perfect chance right there to solidify how dedicated they were to having a decent online gaming service but once again left us scratching our heads.
I do not want to see any existing titles go to mobile phone. I would be happy to see some brand new, 99 cent titles hit the mobile phone from Nintendo. That would be a nice low-cost quick-cash solution IMO. I do not want to see any ports though, such as Fire Emblem Awakening or any major Mario and Zelda hit iOS/Android. Those titles should stay on the superior handheld IMO. I also would not mind seeing a Nintendo Phone, although I don't know how well it would do compared to Apple and Android phone vendors. We will see.
Plot twist.
I could see Nintendo making an "Official Nintendo App" on iPhone and Android phones also, as more of a marketing tool, etc.
I don't see what there is to worry about tbh, upon reading the article it's clear they're only using smartphones as a means of advertising their own hardware.
Plus apparantly the services will be completely free, so they're not going to be porting or developing full games for smartphones.
my current Straight Talk phone would go flying out the window faster than you can say "Nintendo"
Uuuh... Let's be careful. This topic is a can of worms.
I can be sure of one thing: a Nintendo phone wouldn't be feasible because Nintendo would not only have Microsoft and Sony as competitors... But also phone manufacturers such as Asus (Google Nexus phones), Samsung, Sony again, Apple... And then they will be again playing catch-up with higher specs. Another spec game in which they lose is what they need least. Heck, in this day and age, with phones having eight core processors, 1080p displays, LTE connectivity, and whatnot... (As far as freaking IP57 rating, water and dust proof) and with flagship phones aiming to break the ultra HD barrier this year or the next... In the console department Nintendo is struggling and they have the creativity muscle. In the phone department Nintendo would meet a harsh entry point in an extremely overcrowded market.
Let's not forget that just in GSM several frequencies are used worldwide, and Nintendo would have to seek licenses for using the tech in each one. Next up is the fact that there would need to be GSM and CDMA versions. And don't get me started on the subject of CARRIERS.
No.
Just... no.
But let's see what they have to announce. I highly doubt they will devaluate their intelectual properties by releasing their games on other platforms, as adamant as they are (not only that, but Nintendo wouldn't get 100% of the sales the software gets, at least with the draconian Apple store policies). A better bet would be creating new ones, as that would be fresh air for the company's portfolio and short and mid-term sales projections.
Would having mini games that have Nintendo Characters really push smartphone owners to buy a gaming device? I have a hard time picturing sensible people to do that. Don't most people who play games on their smartphones play games on short bursts or when bored? Not many games on a console really have that, and lots of games on the Nintendo consoles take larger chunks of play time than smartphone games, right? But okay, maybe there are games that do take a lot of time to play in a smartphone. At least those type of games is probably, and most likely, cheaper than the average game (even e-shop games) on the 3DS.
If Nintendo made a smart phone I would buy it in a heart beat. I would love to ditch Android, but I don't like any of the alternatives at the moment.
Am I the only one who sees this as a bad thing?
Seriously Nintendo, just stick with your consoles, that's the best you can do.
NO NINTENDO!!!! DON'T FALL TO THE DARK SIDE!!! I don't get it don't they see that the 3DS is a complete success why make new hardware if the 3DS is literally printing MONEY and the Wii U will too after the releases of Mario Kart 8, Smash, X, Zelda, etc. I bet those will sell millions! They don't need a crappy smart phone! Yay 101 comment :3
Of course Nintendo should use mobile apps to market gaming. Xbox and PS are doing it, so it's a step in the right direction.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galápagos_syndrome
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/technology/20cell.html?_r=0
An overview of the curious japanese mobile phone market. Nintendo would have to compete against that in their own homeland if they were to release a mobile phone. (Yes, i'm aware the second article is a bit old... 2009)
EDIT: I'll make sure to not stray from the topic at hand. But i also found this: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/technology/09paper.html
@sdcazares1980 lol I saw that same comment from you on IGN for the same article what a small world.
Man, I would love a Japanese phone particularly a Nintendo one. With a Peach phone case. ;^;
But yeah, this is likely just be an App. Personally, I wouldn't see the harm in opening their own store and having another platform to re-sell their NES/SNES titles. People buy their consoles and handhelds for new games not just their old ones and most of those people would still prefer to play with controllers. They'd really just be expanding their market in the cheapest way possible and possibly even reminding some of that market they lost at the end of the Wii's lifespan "Hey we're still here, we even have a new console!".
@FilmerNgameR LOL! Yeah, I just basically just cut and paste my comments. ;D
WOW Nintendo you failed me and especially yourself. I love you Nintendo but your a completely failed. So thats it you want to use the easy way out. I thought you guys can handle anything???
This whole thing better just be an all inclusive Nintendo app of sorts, with Miiverse, eShop, demos, videos all built in.
Advertising on smartphones? Wow what a concept. Welcome to 2009 and something your competitors have been doing for years.
I see PlayStation and Xbox ads everywhere, all the time.
So they're dabbling in smartphones, but all the content will be free, they won't even be making any money off of it. I swear to god, Nintendo..
This clueless old bat I work with is playing Candy Crush on her phone every chance she gets. I'm thinking she would be interested in a Mario-themed slot machine game or something for 99 cents.
Do they have their own network? If they do then I'd be hesitant because it's new waters for them and likely to be expensive against the competitors. If we can use networks we're currently with then I'd almost definitely get one! I trust their quality in technology and although they've had some minor hiccups before, their general record is pretty good!
NINTENDO DIRECT INCOMING!
Glad I just got a new iPad mini! Can't wait to see which games get connected apps. Being able to write Animal Crossing letters on my tablet...or some connectivity with Wii U. Nintendo's art assets will look glorious on a retina display.
Anyway, I'm not interested in normal games on my iPad, just try controlling GTA3 with your touchscreen...
Maybe some Little Big Planet-like creative game on Wii U with the ability to also create stuff for it when not at home on 3DS and smart devices?
Or some interactivity with Smash, planning battles and comparing stats? Not that interesting, I know. Just trying to think of ways Nintendo will be able to leverage smart devices without hurting 3DS and Wii U.
I'm scared
I hope Nintendo never stops making hardware, the world is in need for their charming devices no other (can) make(s).
People love free apps & games on their phones and tablets. Nintendo can use that to really advertise the Wii U and 3DS.
This all sounds pretty sensible. If you read the article.
This isn't terribly radical and makes sense. This isn't targeting the faithful, it's part of a broader marketing campaign. If it doesn't work they'll be out a few grand and have justification for not bringing more software to mobile platforms.
Iwata is right: selling classic Nintendo games for 99p isn't going to make any difference to Nintendo's bottom line - that's not worth it, but spending a bit to see if you can lure fence-sitters, sure why not?
As a Wii U owner what I want to see is the ability to buy eShop content remotely which will then auto-download on my machine at home and a full-featured Miiverse app. This needs to get some priority as well - give us the full Monty Nintendo!
The sad thing is that the 3DS has the potential to be a complete communication device, but keeps getting nerfed for stupid reasons.
KittenKoder:
I don't want a "complete communication device", I already have a smartphone and a computer. What I want is a portable gaming console. Plain and simple. No Nintenphone, no Skype, no Facebook, no multimedia, no apps but a video game console, with excellent titles. That's it.
@gatorboi352 i think that nintendo is working on both situations
I doubt they'll announce this in a direct. Directs are for hardcore Nintendo fans, and the reason they need to consider looking at mobile is because hardcore Nintendo fans are not enough. It's the same reason why it won't just be a mii verse and eShop app, because that will only attract Wii U fans. There needs to be something to play to hook people.
I really don't get the opposition to VC games on mobile. Who cares if they control bad? We don't have to play them, but Nintendo will make hundreds of millions with absolutely no development cost needed. It's just extra income they can plough into their real games. They can even include trailers of the newest iterations of the old games.
@Peach64
If it would make hundreds of millions without development costs, what would be the catch for Nintendo to invest in "real games", if that's not where their money's at? And what would be the catch for people to buy a Nintendo console if they can play Nintendo games on their mobile phone?
In every sense imaginable Nintendo games on a smart phone would be a really bad move and a really cheap strategy from Nintendo. Gladly it doesn't sound like it's going to happen.
I'm expecting a Feb Nintendo Direct on Sunday or early next week, seems as though there have been a couple of indie dev's saying they will be making announcements soon and this just adds to the possibility of a 2014 whats coming from Nintendo Direct (which they did last year and it was incredible). Please don't disappoint Ninty x
I could see Miiverse and eShop apps, alongside Mii minigames (I hope)
@electrolite77 come on, you expect people here to read the article?
@xevious they are not releasing full games on smart devices. The point isn't to make money on the apps but to drive eyeballs to their software on their own hardware.
Think about minis on the move being ported to smart devices that advertises the 3DS and Wii U after every level completed. Or Pushmo. They don't need something with a lot of depth, just small bite sized games to drag in people's attention so they can sell them hardware.
@xevious The motivation for Nintendo to keep making games in their own hardware is that it's all they know. They know every in and out of their own devices so can program software to run as efficiently as possible. They wouldn't be reprogramming games for mobile, they'd just be emulating. Seeing how they struggle to get their heads around online and HD, I'm sure they wouldn't have a clue how to make games for someone else's hardware.
As for why would people buy Nintendo hardware? For the new Nintendo games. I'd make a complete guess that less than 1% of 3DS owners bought one to play VC games. Having NES, SNES and N64 games on mobile won't stop anyone buying a 3DS. They buy a 3DS for 3DS games.
Well, I guess I don't mind some of Nintendo's content on smartphones and tablets. As long as it isn't full new games. VC games would be okay for me, but for a price of course.
If Nintendo made a smartphone, I don't think I would buy it. I have my iPhone, and don't use it for gaming... If they made a tablet on the other hand, I might. Though it seems that the chances are slim for either of them right now.
VC is a huge selling point for Nintendo hardware. Shifting that to mobile phones would make Nintendo hardware less attractive. What Nintendo needs to do at the moment is to make Nintendo hardware MORE attractive.
@thomasbw84 I am here to announce that Nikkei report has been shot down by Nintendo. Article from Gamespot:
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-looking-to-bring-mini-games-to-smartphones-report/1100-6417388/
@Azooooz
PHEW
@xevious While I do not think Virtual Console is a selling point, the rest is correct. The whole point of producing hardware is to get as many software as possible to drive sales. Nintendo should be thinking about "importing" games, not "exporting" them.
Releasing games on Android/iOS will just make Nintendo hardware less attractive. Every casula is going to think "Why buy a 3DS whem my phone can already play Mario?".
And, once again, I insist, Microsoft and Sony aren't doinng this. Want to play Gran Turismo? Buy a PlayStation. Want to play Halo? Buy an Xbox. It's simple as that.
And, to close the package, it doesn't resolve the Wii U's problem of having little to no support. Putting games on mobile won't bring Metal Gear, Castlevania,Silent Hill, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, Grand Theft Auto, Bioshock, Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Dead or Alive, Dynasty Warriors, Need for Speed, Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, Destiny, Borderlands, Soul Calibur, Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts... All these games aren't on Wii U, but I'm 100% sure that the majorly hated Xbox One will be getting them all.
@hosokawasamurai FINALLY SOMEONE AGREES WITH ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The suspense is killing me! It's like when your girlfriend tells you she needs some time to think and you just sit there waiting for her to call...come on Ninty let us know something! Don't keep your fans in the dark!
If it works as close as good as those dumb games made to advertise animated movies that kids always download, this should be a very solid marketing push.
Gosh dangit Nintendo don't you understand!? BRING NINTENDO TO IPHONES ALREADY!!!
I'm thinking quick experiences, almost like G&W-ish Nintendo games of any of their beloved mascots and universes is in order-- games more complex than the old G&W mind you, but nothing as complex as a full on Nintendo game.
@kereke12 I AGREEE WITH YOU 2!
Mario sucks because he is super slow and fat XD. I like better SONIC!!!!!! Who agrees with me?
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