Not impressed
Image: Bob Riha Jr. / Nintendo of America

Nintendo head honcho Satoru Iwata has stated he is unimpressed by the recently revealed (and much hyped) Apple iPad - the tablet computing device that Steve Jobs showed the world for the first time on Wednesday.

Speaking about the iPad, Iwata stated: “There were no surprises for me,” and remarked that the device was simply a bigger version of the iPod Touch. According to reports he made no pretence at hiding that he was unimpressed with Apple's efforts.

Iwata also denied speculation that Nintendo were working on a high-definition console, or that the DS was soon to receive its own motion-wand, but confirmed that they would continue on their existing path of making games easier to play for a wider audience.

At a hotel in Tokyo the Nintendo leader went on to bash 3D-gaming, saying:

I have doubts whether people will be wearing glasses to play games at home. How is that going to look to other people?

He went on to say that Nintendo would have to take a serious look at the long-term health risks of prolonged 3D gaming sessions.

Iwata's dislike for the iPad isn't a feeling shared by the development community - the iPhone and iPod touch have allowed developers to produce cheap downloadable games for a mass market. Nintendo will need to work hard to keep platforms like WiiWare and DSiWare appealing for third-parties, otherwise we could see the healthy stream of games drying up before too long.

What are your thoughts? Is Iwata right to be cautious of new technology, or is he leading Nintendo down a dangerous path by ignoring new technology that has most gamers excited?

[source nytimes.com]