Following Nintendo's financial reports and Tatsumi Kimishima's President's Presentation this week, a relatively clear picture has emerged of what will be the core areas of focus for Nintendo for the rest of 2016. Mobile and the 3DS (and perhaps amiibo) are likely to be at the forefront in terms of major releases that'll drive revenues and interest in the company. The Wii U will have a role and has a handful of promising games to come, of course, but in terms of Nintendo's strategy the home console will have a relatively quiet presence, especially due to the projection that only 800,000 units of the system will be shipped over a 12 month period.
We'll come to 3DS another time, but now that the talk of NX, E3, Legend of Zelda and 2017 issues have been debated, we should switch gear and look at this year - so, we need to talk about mobile. Of course, for some fans of the big N this is an unpleasant topic, as the lukewarm reaction to Miitomo among some in this community demonstrates. A number of us would like to go back in time to a period when Nintendo was prosperous and making nothing but consoles, cool games and occasional accessories, after all.
Yet, whether we like it or not, those days are gone. Nintendo isn't going anywhere in terms of the console space, it will keep making a lot of games, but it's also adjusting to market realities. One of those truths is that mobile is huge, with iOS and Android being potential sources of substantial revenue. With Miitomo doing relatively well as the first Nintendo / DeNA app, the focus now shifts to the next games. What's intriguing is that, in actual fact, Nintendo is gunning for some of its biggest and most loyal fans with its next apps due in Autumn / Fall.
The Fire Emblem app is an interesting choice, as it's a series with very different histories in Japan and globally. As a brand it's established itself in Japan over the course of multiple generations, but it's fair to say it's had a more erratic history in the West. It's well known that Fire Emblem: Awakening was a last-gasp release to try and turn it from a Japan-only success into a global IP. The fact that it succeeded, and that Nintendo bet big and won with Fire Emblem Fates and its multiple campaigns (breaking franchise records in North America), has ensured that the series has rapidly become an important part of Nintendo's business.
It's evidence that a series is only as big as its last hit, with Fire Emblem being a hot property despite its muted overall history (in terms of global sales). What its smart device app may do is give fans a 'serious' game from Nintendo on iOS and Android, and the goal seems to be to make it attractive to consumers of all levels. It'll "offer a more accessible style of gameplay", but at the same time aim to "provide a fully engaging experience".
Of course, turn-based strategy and RPG experiences are popular on mobile all around the world, which has no doubt informed this decision by Nintendo. Basic games with gameplay similarities to Fire Emblem are all over the app stores and often generate substantial revenues, while fantasy settings are also big business. It's actually a bit of a no-brainer in hindsight - in picking money spinning genres and styles for mobile, this is a good fit.
Animal Crossing is another intriguing option and, again, is arguably well-suited to mobile devices. Part of the success of Animal Crossing: New Leaf, in particular, was Nintendo successfully getting players to share images and chat about the game on social media. That can be magnified to a significant degree on mobile.
What's fascinating about this one is that it'll supposedly tie into and interact with main-series games, presumably New Leaf and possibly Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer if that goal is applied to the current generation - Tatsumi Kimishima said the following.
As I mentioned before, the Animal Crossing series for dedicated video game systems is well-loved for its long-term playability, so we want to offer a connection between the smart device application and the world of Animal Crossing on dedicated video game systems. This will make it even more fun to play in both ways, while offering a new style of play for smart devices.
Kimishima-san also spoke of 'synergy', a goal for Nintendo's general approach to mobile. It's in this that Animal Crossing could be a rather clever app - for example aspects like the Turnip market, or fishing contests, could be played on phones and then synchronised with New Leaf (or a successor) for results. If the worlds connect in fun ways, the app could provide three minute diversions on a phone while commuting, for example, before the outcome of that activity is fully realised on the 3DS game.
These two franchises are interesting choices for mobile, and show that Nintendo and DeNA aren't simply going to throw a sloppy Mario game on phones for a quick buck. These are franchises that, traditionally, demand a certain level of depth in experience and appeal to broad, loyal Nintendo demographics. They're both IPs that are also, it must be said, well suited to mobile platforms in simplified, accessible forms.
With these games Nintendo is pitching not only to everyone with a smart device, but notably to those that own and spend a lot of money on its games and systems. If Miitomo is a quirky social experience that some fans have easily shunned, Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem could switch the tone. There's scope for experiences that honour their source material while working a little differently, and could convince naysayers of Nintendo's strategy that, in actual fact, mobile and the big N can be compatible.
Getting the core support (which itself is composed of broad demographics) on board with smart device games, in addition to legions of less committed consumers, is surely a priority for Nintendo and DeNA. Perhaps these are franchises that, if done right, can make a key breakthrough and convince more dedicated platform fans to experience some Nintendo goodness on their phones and tablets. We'll find out in the Autumn / Fall.
What do you think. Are you fascinated by Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem on smart devices, or planning to skip them? Let us know in the polls and comments below.
Comments 102
I have no idea what to expect from the Fire Emblem game but its Fire Emblem so no doubt I'll get it and if I like what they've done, I'll pay a little towards it too. Didn't enjoy Miitomo enough to pay cash but when I do think the qualities good, I like to pay a reasonable price for extras.
Animal Crossing should be a licence to print money on mobile phones!
I suspect that all these mobile games will have very different gameplay to their main series counterparts. Whether or not they'll be fun in their own right, it remains to be seen.
I'm just hoping the Animal Crossing mobile game means Nintendo is working on a new AC game, it would definitely allow for better integration rather than go backwards.
When it comes to if these games will be worthy of spending my time on, I'm not holding my breath. Miitomo only has my attention for the Platinum points, Pokémon Shuffle became worthless to play once folks started using jailbroken/rooted phones to play, and Pokémon Go! isn't looking that exciting.
There's a chance that they're putting a lot of work into this, and that's why the E3 showing this year is practically nonexistent.
That said, if they're free to start, I'll give them a shot.
I'd like advance wars for my commute. Fire Emblem isn't far off so I won't complain when it drops. I can't see how they could get FE wrong unless they made it a coin collecting pay to play game
Not really looking forward to either of these things. Miitomo is so boring, I hope they don't bring out more things identical to that
You can tell by the poll results 45% of people on this site are for mobile games, 45% are not, and 10% aren't sure yet.
Can't wait to play Fire Emblem with microtransactions. After bypassing region locks, that is.
yawn...wake me up when the new 3ds nx comes out
Becoming third party would be better for Nintendo and for players than developing games for mobile phones. It's that simple. Why can't they see it?
Nintendo would have more time and money for developing games, more platforms to sell the games for, a huge user base and higher quality software. Games would be better if released for dedicated gaming hardware, we all know that.
Nintendo has wasted a lot of money on hardware and marketing that are not profitable, because Nintendo is out of touch when it comes to hardware and it does not sell well any more. If they released their games on PS4, Xbox One and PC and save the money wasted on dated hardware like Wii U (and probably NX) they would do better and sell millions of software.
It doesn't sound like Nintendo's goal is to provide a great smartphone experience for fans though, it sounds like their goal is simplifying their IPs in at attempt to once again appeal to casuals.
They're both great choices. Their slow pace, stop-start nature and lack of need for buttons make them ideal mobile games.
Half of Nintendo Life readers can't wait or are looking forward to (which is basically the same by the way) these mobile games. Ask one year ago if they wanted Nintendo to develop mobile phone games and they would get mad!
"what will be the core areas of focus for Nintendo for the rest of 2016"
both games are great choices and would work perfectly on mobile so while not really excited for AC i can't wait for some gameplay of the FE mobile game
They're both great choices. Animal Crossing is already perfectly suited to mobile and free to play gaming. It's going to make them a ton of cash, although personally I have zero interest.
Fire Emblem is the opposite. Personally, I can't wait to try it, as I know this genre can work on mobile just as well as a handheld. There's no sacrifices needed. It will still probably make money, quite a lot of money, just nowhere near as much as AC.
I agree with people above, Miitomo is boring. I go days without even getting my daily. But I am most excited for this. I hope none of you hold a grudge because of Miitomo. Miitomo is like a social network, these are full on games. You shouldn't have a bias on the upcoming apps because of this one. It would be like comparing Facebook to Final Fantasy 7 on AppStore.
I've got a Windows phone, so no go if I was interested. I'm too busy enjoying seeing games in colourful glory on my N3ds, anyway.
Saw FE and AC coming from a mile away, tbh. I was worried both would go mobile because it probably spells the end of each series on Nintendo devices. There, I said it.
Very smart choice of IPs. I feel Nintendo hasn't been taking very many good decisisons lately, like NX skipping E3 and what not.
I'm not a big fan of Fire Emblem, so I'll have to see how it'll will work. I'll still probably download it though. I feel like Animal Crossing would work great on mobile, especially if it works with the actual games. Hopefully these will come out soon, since Miitomo won't hold everyone's interest forever.
Core Animal Crossing would work extremely well on smart devices. The only problem I have is that the only way we have to gain Platinum Points for the next six months (besides weekly bonuses) is Miitomo. D:
If both are great to this i agree with nintendo next game plan, if nintendo failed with this next game mobile devices.... i'm sure nintendo to rethink again before launching any game to those IPs... and i don't think i'm hyped to this..... if turned something like miitomo i guess i will disagree with nintendo mobile devices and stop develop games... if that next plan is failed.
I'm very excited for Fire Emblem (as always) but a bit worried too. What they will do with our beloved series?
Both good choices for the mobile market......I could see a version of Advance Wars with a words with friends type gameplay where you make your moves and send it off for friend to take their turn.
Probably wont play either unless FE is on par with the console versions.....but AC seems like a money making machine as a mobile title
Fire Emblem on my phone makes me happy. If it is very successful will they put more resources in mobile apps and leave there other consoles in the dust? Fire Emblem was the the only game that I thought of that would be great for mobile.
As long as there is petting then it will sell.
I'm surprised to not see more people interested in AC on iDroid. Animal Crossing literally IS a smartphone game in the way it works.
Even if they simplified some of the complexities of FE to make it a little easier for smartphone gamers to adapt, it could still provide a satisfying experience if the maps and strategy are done well. Difficulty options should solve the issue of skill level.
I'm stoked.
Finally getting a chance to try an Animal Crossing game without shelling out $40 will be an interesting experience. I'm hesitant with FE since I'm so bad at it but we'll see.
I've never played Fire Emblem nor Animal Crossing - this may be my first chance to experience a game from their respective series. Furthermore, if Animal Crossing NX is a thing, it's even more incentive to purchase it, in my eyes.
I'll be sure to pick these up the day they arrive.
In the end it will prob end up being a grind fest never ending game with micro-transaction for Fire Emblem.
Most of the mobile games are pretty much never ending and has a timer tied to them with energy, to bypass the energy you can always pay your way.
Not sure if I'll be excited to see these games come to mobile. I didn't like Miitomo, the only good/ nice mobile game was Pokemon shuffle. And a game like shuffle is a mobile game in the first place. I hope Animal crossing is a step up like Shuffle mobile.
I would try Fire Emblem in mobile.... But most likely Nintendo will be backwards and release it in Japan, North America, and parts of Europe.
@VanillaLake
That's true that people were afraid of Nintendo going mobile but for good reason- mobile represented Nintendo leaving the console gaming industry.
Now that it's happened and people were forced to swallow that pill they realize hey, Nintendo is still here. They are still making games and consoles. So you shouldn't really mock people for this fear, even if it was a bit naïve.
Also, gotta disagree on the 3rd party bit. It would be bad for you, bad for me and bad for Nintendo. There are some benefits, yes, but there are a great deal of disadvantages as well. One only need look at Sega to see what would happen to Nintendo (maybe some secretly know this and hope to see their demise under the pretense of offering a "better solution"?).
Going third-party would pit them against some of the fiercest competition in the entire video games industry. Say goodbye to virtually every creative and innovative franchise Nintendo has. Games like Pushmo, or Mario vs DK... gone. No way those games could survive against that type of competition. Games like Star Fox Guard, or Kirby Rainbow Curse... those games wouldn't even be possible on a straightlaced vanilla system.
And even games that did survive would be lesser for it. Say goodbye to second screens, forever. No handy maps for Monster Hunter, inventory management for Zelda, no Wiimote for Pikmin, none of that. The Wii U gamepad may have been clunky but the integration is invaluable (it's a Nintendo staple- virtually all their games use two screens now, even if for minor things). And I'm fully confident the NX will finally nail the 2nd screen integration the way 3DS has matured from the DS touchscreen gimmicks. We are about to enter an age of maturity for dual screen gameplay. I don't want to give that up.
There just isn't any advantage to me for Nintendo to stop making hardware. So I save $300 every 5 years? That's one paycheck's leftover pocket change. And that isn't worth seeing Nintendo's portfolio whittled down to a half dozen of their top-selling franchises (the only ones that could compete against an entire army of 3rd party AAA games on a single platform), and even those that do stick around being gimped down to straight-laced, vanilla versions. Graphics might be better (or not- once NX releases graphics will be close to, maybe even surpass that of X1/PS4) but even that just doesn't outweigh the extremes.
I think Nintendo has plenty of franchises that should move or have a strong presence on mobile. Big Brain Academy, Brain Age, Nintendogs, WarioWare, Art Style, Flash Focus, Picross, Puzzle League/Panel de Pon, Dr. Mario, Rhythm Heaven, Pushmo... all the franchises that had a great success on DS and Wii because they struck a chord with casual gamers. Now that those gamers migrated to mobile phones, it's just natural to bring these games over. The latest Nintendogs or Brain Age did'nt have the same impact on 3DS but on mobile they can still find their audience.
Animal Crossing is a bold and very key move for Nintendo. That series (whether you like it or not) is a major seller on most consoles it has come to. New Leaf alone, despite being 3+ years old, will still pop up in the Top 20 over in Japan every now and then! That is absolutely insane considering how much the game has already sold. Happy Home Designer (Which despite some drawbacks, I myself rather enjoyed it!) sold major numbers over in Japan, look at the recent financial report, that game really out did any and all expectations! I think...if Nintendo plays their cards right on AC Mobile, they could have a major, major hit on their hands. Even if it isn't a massive hit stateside (which it really should and most likely will be) Japan will eat it up!
Fire Emblem...I'm not quite sure on that one yet...it too us a rather bold and gutsy move. It shows that Nintendo isn't just focusing on "casual" franchises for mobile, but is willing to go more "hardcore" games. Fire Emblem Mobile, I'll keep an eye on it...
Can't say I'm interested in either game, tbh. I just hope they don't tie it in too much with My Nintendo, because I want the Plat Coins, but don't want to play games on my phone if I can help it. That's what my 3DS is for.
@zet Fire Emblem Awakening and Fates both already have a lot of paid DLC, which is a bummer - but I don't mind shelling out the cash if it means they can continue the franchise. It terrifies me to think Awakening was going to be the final game in the series!
Not sure how i feel about these titles yet, i need to see the reveal for both of them to make a judge,
it funny though, before the Animal Crossing one, i sad to my brother that maybe they well do a Mobile version of Animal Crossing, and all sudden on that day they announced it xD
but still, i want to wait and see there full reveal.
What concerns me the most about putting IPs like this on smartphones is that I feel it might dilute the excellence of them. Basically, that it'll cheapen them and water it all down for mass appeal. That's already started to happen to a point with some franchises, thanks to spin-off games like Tri-force Heroes and so forth muddying the waters of established and much loved series, all in the name of producing filler titles or aiming for new audiences that won't value them anyway. I mean, I get that it's necessary to bring in more revenue, but it just feels like selling out. Maybe that's just the jaded thinking of an older player wishing for the past, I don't know... It just feels everything is taken for granted nowadays. :/
@rjejr I know that's your cynicism coming through there, but it's pretty accurate.
There are still a few things to look forward to - Zelda U/NX, Fates (next month here), Pokemon Sun and Moon (for poke fans), a few Nindies, but the overall climate is one of apprehensive disappointment. A few recent games have been watered down - amiibo festival, Ultra Smash, Happy Home Designer to a degree, etc. If that reflects a new development strategy focused on short-burst, lackluster mobile-type experiences, then I don't hold out much hope. If Nintendo is doing mobile, then IMO they need to do that well and also continue to make traditional console games to survive. Miitomo is fine for what it is, but it isn't much; it's an app, not a game and it's a 5 minute a day thing. Not time to write anything off yet, but feeling that something epic is needed for reassurance. Come on Zelda U/NX!
@Sakura A Star Fox game with less content, amiibo festival, and Ultra smash are a direct result of preparing for NX. Now that we know the probable target for NX launch was end of 2016 you can look back at the adjustments to Wii U development with confidence. Splatoon and Mario Maker were smartly placed to have extended interest, but you can see multiple projects getting wrapped up early for teams to move to NX projects.
So, there's hope that resources are going towards some great stuff.
@Sakura You have a good point though. It's almost May. 2015 and early 2016 have kept the (slow) momentum going on Wii U. Add 3DS and mobile and there are some Nintendo experiences to tide us over a few months until NX starts getting revealed.
My problem is I'm just not a fan of the 3DS and game like Federation Force that I really want to try out with co-op would require me to drop quite a bit of money on a couple more 3DSs near the end of their lifespan. By Holiday 2016 my Wii U backlog may even dry up.
Nope, not interested in these. They won't convince me to buy any mobile games.
@XCWarrior Crazy how time changes things. This poll would have been 180 degrees the opposite 5 years ago. It doesn't feel that long ago that people couldn't stand mobile games on this site. Now it's gained widespread acceptance. I guess most people just gave up...
@Sakura "There are still a few things to look forward to"
Yeah, I'm still digesting all the news. And I need to remove my personal feelings from the facts. Fact number 1 being that I don't care abut handhelds, so from my point of view Ntineod is saying - well, Starfox is out, so come back next year for Zelda U. Iknw there iss till Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE and Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, and maybe Paper Mario ColorSplash - but can we really believe PM is coming out this year after they said Zelda U was coming out in 2015, then they said Zelda U is coming out in 2016, then Zelda U is coming out in 2017. At some point I have to stop taking the word of people who repeatedly lie to me year after year.
Though Monster Hunter Generations, Pokemon mean its a good year for 3DS - if you like those games. But the home console division is in a holding pattern for 11 months - March 2017 - and that's too frikken long for me.
I have a bad feeling that these games will either be awful, or worse, we won't have the option to buy a perpetual licence to use the software outright. It's bad enough that $60-$80 software is filled with microtransactions, but at least the base experience can be enjoyed for a one-time fee. That is scarcely the case with mobile apps.
I would have been happy to pay for a "full version", non-microtransaction version of Miitomo, but Nintendo are more interested in profiteering from compulsive morons than they are in fostering goodwill with their established $40-$90 paying audience.
I'm excited as long as I'm able to pay upfront, and not through some microtransaction system.
Not gonna buy any mobile games - hope they will still bring out fully fledged console games of Fire Emblem
@DarkKirby I never looked at it that way. Gosh, I hope you're wrong - I really do. (And part of me thinks you could possibly be right or at least partially.) If that truly is their intent, this is going to be the Wii and Wii U all over again...
@PlywoodStick Yeah, most people like convience. They like NIntendo, but want to play their games on their phone rather than a seperate device, even if that game is just an endless runner or a match 3 game. Standards are pretty low for most gamers right now. Look what populates most of the NPD top 10 - annual games which basiclaly just reskin, repackage and resell.
VR was released and I feel like the fanfare has been minimal. People certainly don't talk about it on my twitter timeline, and I Follow a lot video game people.
NX MIGHT actually be Nintendo's last console, unless of course it's a big success.
I want a real Animal Crossing game. Not this free smart app and definitely not Happy Home Designer or that Noob Festival game on Wii U.
Is this too difficult??? Bloody hell!
@rjejr @aaronsullivan Ah, you're both right. Thinking Wii U only and there really isn't much hype for 2016 at all. A Zelda reveal will be about it unless some titles surprise us all or there are a couple more Humble Bundles with super value and quality games we might not have tried already.
Personally, things are fine for me; I have a massive backlog and 3DS is my preferred system. Looking at Nintendo as a brand produces different feelings, though. Whether justified or not, social media has been discussing disappointment after disappointment and delay after delay since E3 last year. The "new directions" strategy hasn't worked well, at least in the minds of the market. Thanks @aaronsullivan for the point that It could mean that NX has pulled resources so titles are polished. That must have some effect on other teams. I remember something about development being passed to younger teams too, so maybe the spin-offs have been training grounds. All might be forgiven if NX is perceived positively, but until there's a reveal there is just uneasy apprehension and a justified questionning with, "What are they doing?" No NX at E3 seems madness. But, this is Nintendo and Nintendo has a history of doing things their own way. It could be an interesting ride.
It's certainly two of their current series with most mainstream appeal.
I'm really torn. On the one hand, I view gamers who game only on mobile devices (tablets/phones) as the low-birth dregs of gaming society, and don't want to enable their behavior. On the other, I think having mobile games designed to funnel or channel such gamers to dedicated gaming devices, which it appears Nintendo is trying to do, is a great way to elevate them into legit gaming society.
@Sakura "A Zelda reveal"
Well here's the thing, they already had a "reveal" for Zelda 2 years ago at E3. And when they revealed it they said it was coming out in 2015, which ended 4 months ago. So this E3 it's less of a reveal, more like - "Hey, remember that game which we revealed 2 years ago and we told you was going to release last year, well here it is, only it's not coming out THIS year either, you have to wait until 2017 to play the game we showed in 2014."
""What are they doing?" No NX at E3 seems madness. But, this is Nintendo and Nintendo has a history of doing things their own way. It could be an interesting ride."
You can go read my post #63 here to see what I think about Ntineods "madness". And madness it surely is.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/04/launching_nx_next_year_is_the_proper_thing_to_do_says_nintendo_boss_tatsumi_kimishima
I can't think of another two Nintendo franchises that could fit as well on mobile. Neither require a huge degree of input precision and both franchises have a strong legacy on handhelds so work well in short bursts. I'll be watching for news of these in the coming weeks and months.
AC is truly that kind of game that gets played in small bursts for me, especially since I've been there, done that, but I definitely see that IP being a good fit. Considering how social it truly is, mobile is the greatest way to reach the most people for this game. As for FE, the whole game play design can be lifted and dropped right onto the mobile platform. Excellent choices by Nintendo and I look forward to seeing how well both these games do.
@rjejr Wow, that's a very good point! Zelda has been revealed already, but it was so long ago and so little has been added to our knowledge of what Zelda U will be like, that it will feel like a new reveal. That says quite a lot about Nintendo's strategies and impact on the userbase. Zelda had better be epic.
As for the madness, at least the movie reference made me smile! There's a dark message to that film, though. "Fonz" tries to save his mates, but they go on to fail anyway. Will sacrificing Wii U (and that argument could be made given the lack of development for that platform), not help the NX in the long run because the NX is destined to fail because of inherent faults? Bleak, very bleak. I don't think we're there quite yet (even if the possibility is lurking on the periphery). I feel the need for an NX reveal.
I have no interest in Animal Crossing and I'd rather not see Fire Emblem head to mobile.
@Sakura "I feel the need for an NX reveal."
I'm just sick of all the rumours. And by saying the NX won't be at E3, well that just opens the way for even more people to come up with more rumours and leak more things. When Reggie said 10 minutes into that NDE at E3 last year that NX was coming and "We'll tell you more about in 2016" I don't think anybody really thought he meant "after" E3 this year, but that NX would be revealed either before E3 or at E3, not after E3.
It's at the 10 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C73f618-3pk
Here's a funny take.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw-MGL6UC_M
I don't see how you mention NX at last E3 but not at this E3? How does that even work?
@Syrek24 Excuse Mr Right, probably you are the short-sighted and ignorant here, if you insist on using those adjectives while lacking any argument for replying coherently. Nintendo is already developing for smartphones and the Wii U has flopped. So they are already developing games for other platforms (the worst possible platform: mobile phones) and they have troubles selling hardware. I am a Nintendo fan, probably for a longer time than you, but I'm not blind.
@JaxonH "So you shouldn't really mock people for this fear even if it was a bit naïve."
No. I don't mock it, it just surprises that one year ago this was the worst thing that could happen and now more than half of Nintendo Life readers "can't wait" for it to come true. Why can't I express my surprise? Oh boy.
@JaxonH "maybe some secretly know this and hope to see their demise under the pretense of offering a "better solution"?)."
No, it's just the opposite. I think some people are seeing the comments like evil intentions when they are not. Why would Nintendo be like Sega? Sega created hardware when there was little competition and they made the mistake of being overconfident and released a bunch of hardware models one after another: Mega CD, Mega 32X, Neptune, Saturn, Dreamcast... Even though Sega made lots of mistakes and annoyed their fans time after time, they recovered after that and avoided bankrupt. Nintendo is much wiser than that. And they are richer.
I am sure that the people who get enraged are the people who are seeing an evil intention in the idea of becoming third party, but Nintendo is a third party already, because they are developing software for Android and iOS. You say that developing mobile phone games still make Nintendo be there. Would they disappear if those games were for PS4 or Xbox One?
Nintendo is struggling to sell hardware, but the best solution is not developing for mobile phone games, and people who think it is are just being sympathetic to Nintendo's current business decisions. Those people did not think the same one year ago. I am pretty sure that if Nintendo went third party, not like Sega but like Ubisoft or Activision, Nintendo fans would agree once again with whatever Nintendo thinks is right in that particular time.
Becoming third party would mean forgetting about wasting millions of yens on dated hardware, gimmicks and marketing that don't put Nintendo in the best scenario for spending time and resources into high quality games that could benefit of a huge user base, a better reception and higher sales.Those games would benefit of more dedication from the developer and also would benefit of powerful gaming hardware and physical controllers.
Because of this, my friend, I believe it would be the best thing for Nintendo and for us, specially compared to the scenario of mobile phone apps and exclusive but dated Nintendo hardware.
Last but not least, and one of the reasons I agree with @ThomasBW84's opinion about this particular thing, we have to admit that most gamers and even Nintendo fans have turned their backs on Nintendo, and that we can not deny. So, what does it mean? It's common sense that it can't mean that Nintendo is doing what is the best for them or for the gamers. This admits no discussion.
@rjejr The crushing of hopes and dreams video is brutal.
Lack of information on NX, I think, means it is much more difficult to trust in the future. I agree that the NX rumours are being fuelled by that lack. It's not just the Nintendo crowd that is waiting though; there seems to be general consensus that most people are eager for Nintendo to achieve and want to see what they bring out next. In that case, there is still some hope that a great NX could get people back on board with Nintendo in positive numbers. But, we need to know what it is.
Wii U has been sidelined and that stinks for owners, even though there are still a few games to be released - Zelda in particular. It might make sense as a business decision, I suppose. If the NX delivers higher power (and it really should), then I could see that being a draw to purchase a Zelda NX bundle to get the best possible Zelda experience. Launching at the same time as the Wii U version has the potential to encourage upgrading. There's also the rumour of a Smash Bros all-content port. For those who perceive the Wii U as tainted, offering those games on NX might just be enough to bring them back into the Nintendo fold. If the NX is good enough. At the moment that "if" is what I feel is holding Nintendo back.
As for mobile, I do think that is a great business decision. I might not buy into it personally (though I'll give it a good try at least), but I can see the potential to bring in the moolah and build brand awareness. Whatever the shortcomings of Miitomo (I think it's fine for what it is - an app), it certainly delivers a Nintendo experience.
@Sakura "Zelda in particular."
It's possible that my breaking point w/ Ntineod this week wasn't no NX at E3, that's just insane Nintnedo logic, but that the only playable game at E3 would be Zelda U.
Think about that.
Don't think about it being the "only" playable game, that part can kind of make sense. If Naughty Dog had a display at E3 last year Uncharted 4 would have been the "only playable game".
But here's the problem.
Imagine if Naughty Dog said a month before E3: "We're porting Uncharted 4 to PS5 were it will be a much better experience, you won't want to miss it, but at E3 you can only play the inferior PS4 version that you won't want to bother getting now b/c the PS5 version will be so much better."
That's what Ntinod did. In the same breath that they said Zelda U - which was due out in 2015, then 2016, now 2017 - is being ported to their new NX hardware, they said the Wii U version would be the only playable game at E3. The only playable game at E3 is the older version of a game nobody is going to want to play on the older system. How does that make any sense?
Last year at E3 they should have only had a playable version of Starfox 64 to promote Starfox Zero.
@VanillaLake
No, they would still be around of course.
I'm a fan of Nintendo because of their games, and so many of them are games that simply could never be experienced without having unique hardware to facilitate them. I shudder to think of an industry where games like that could not exist. Where 3D games on handhelds do not exist. Two screens on handhelds do not exist.
The diversity in Ninty's games comes from the diversity in hardware and it's capabilities. That's one of the things that keeps me interested in gaming. But discussing such things is futile- I doubt such a thing would ever happen in my lifetime anyways.
@rjejr
The game is going to look virtually the same on both platforms. You see it running on one, you've seen it running on both. And, there may be a method to their madness here. We all know they develop games year-round and that never stops. Pretty sure they're going ham on NX titles atm. Our E3 will be at the NX reveal- that's when we get to see the goods.
@JaxonH "The game is going to look virtually the same on both platforms."
Looks aren't everything. I'm sure Ntineod will find a way to make NX different, like the controls in TP. I'd say resolution and frame rate are a given 30/720 vs 60/180 too.
And lets say you are right, same game, could happen, PS3/4 have had several of the same games - GTAV, TLOU, MGSV - with almost no differences (even more in Japan that are still getting plenty of PS3 games) then what sells NX? Nintendo keeps saying NX has some great mystical secret, which is why they can't reveal it at E3 or MS and Sony will steal it, so shouldn't we expect something different about the NX version? If NX is our oft talked about 2 piece Wii U 2 fusion hybrid w/ on the go capabilities, wouldn't it be better to play Zelda NX both on your home tv in your comfy chair as well as in your truck during your lunch break with the same save point? Doesn't that make the NX version better for you than the U version?
But we don't know, and making us wait until after E3 is unnecessary arrogance. Or something.
"Our E3 will be at the NX reveal- that's when we get to see the goods."
I may be spending all of my time on Pushsquare by then. Once I get a PS4 or PS4k - which is now a given real soon - NX will be years out, as I always stagger my Sony and Ntinedo consoles every other year. So probably holiday 2018 for NX.
@rjejr
I think what sells NX is the whole package. Better graphics (and thus performance- not as if Nintendo games aren't already top-shelf performance-wise though). Smaller controller, much better 3rd party support, better system functionality, better online, remote play via wireless, NX controller that functions as an app for certain games, etc. The whole package.
Zelda doesn't have to be different to help sell NX, it just has to be present. A lot of people who didn't buy a Wii U are going to be targeted by Nintendo fo NX. Zelda needs to be on the system in order to make a compelling argument. It doesn't have to be different because these people didn't on the last Nintendo console.
As for when you buy NX, that's up to you. But I still have a swarm of Nintendo games to look forward to. Speaking of which, are you getting Tokyo Mirage Sessions? You love RPG's and this looks like one of Atlus' finest. #FE and Star Ocean V the same week, with Monster Hunter Generations soon after.
@JaxonH I like what Nintendo has done. Nintendo invented many things like the D-pad. Nintendo was the first to use L and R, analogue sticks and rumble in a controller. They created games that defined or re-defined genres. Nintendo is a big part of video games history. 1990 Super Mario World is still considered one of the best games ever made and it hasn't aged a bit.
Not until Wii did Nintendo change classic controllers for Wii Remotes, and not until Wii U did they use a hybrid tablet as a controller. Do you think that NES, SNES, N64 and GameCube games that Nintendo developed should be ignored in your reflection, when it is considered the golden age of video games, the 16-bit generation particularly? Do you think Nintendo needs a Wii Remote or a GamePad to create good games? What are those NES, SNES, N64 and GameCube games then? Are they plain and boring because they use a classic controller? What are considered the best Nintendo games ever, are most of them tied to 3D screens and gimmick controllers?
My point is, Nintendo does not need unique hardware or a drastically original controller to make good video games. Sure, the Wii Remote was very important and created specific gameplay that was fun, but Nintendo discarded it after Wii, probably because it is detrimental to a deeper gaming experience that most traditional players are after. Now the casual market is the mobile phone market, because everybody has a smartphone and can get games for little money. The controls are touch only, and the games are more limited, that's the truth. I won't be playing there but on dedicated gaming hardware, so I prefer Nintendo developing for those rather than focusing on the casual mobile market. It won't change if it is called PlayStation, Xbox or Next, as long as the kind of games I want and support are there. The games I want Nintendo to make can be possible on any of them, but not on smartphones.
@JaxonH I will get Star Ocean at some point, but I still need to play Kingdom of Amular Reckoning first, probably after the 2 Bayonetta games. And w/ FFXV coming I'll probably wait and pick up SO5 next year for $20. It will fall in price fast after FFXV launches.
I don't get those Atlus JRPGs. They've just never appealed to me. I like anime, but those just seem too weird. If I wanted to play games w/ modern day Japanese high school girls I'd play the Senran Kagura series.
Oh, I am thinking about purchasing Advance Wars 2. I'd forgotten all about it, it hasn't been on the eShop front screen in awhile. I spent about 120 hours on the first.
"Zelda doesn't have to be different to help sell NX, it just has to be present."
I can't argue w/ that, makes too much sense. Though I'm not sure anything can sell NX after 13.5m Wii U, since, ya know, I have no idea what it is, or what price it will be, or what games it will have, b/c Nitneod won't tell us anything. Well they did tell us Zelda NX, but that's it. Do we even believe March 2017 as a launch date? I'm thinking June myself.
So yeah, Zelda NX could simply be Zelda U like so many other mutliplats. Or it could be something very different. We just don't know. Which is where we always end up, me half empty, you half full. Just wish we didn't have to wait so long to find out. Actually I wish we didn't have to wait to find out how long we have to wait to find out, that's too much waiting for me. Saying - "No NX at E3, too many distractions, we want our own thing, we'll be unveiling NX in August" - I guess would have been too much too ask. All we get is "No E3". I hate them.
@VanillaLake
Oh of course older games are fantastic. Ones that use a normal controller- I love those! As I love many PS4 and X1 games that use a normal controller!
But, I place high value on games that provide a different experience. And don't want that to ever go away. I don't see 3D as a gimmick. I see it as one of the most delightful features ever invented for a handheld. I don't see the Wii remote as a gimmick. I see it as a viable tool in their belt to use in rare instances when warranted (like Pikmin 3, which is one of my favorite games on the system and is absolutely frustrating using an analog).
I'm not discounting the value of straightlaced games, I'm simply saying that I value more than just that alone. And I don't ever want to go back to the Stone Age of gaming where games only offered one way to play. Many games today couldn't have existed back then. Or they would be inferior experiences if they did.
So no Nintendo does not require unique hardware, but I value what it brings to the table and don't want to give it up. The Vita is an excellent example as well. Look at Severed which just released. Absolute gem! But that game could never exist on a platform without unique features
@JaxonH I did not say that 3D is a gimmick. Read again.
@rjejr
Honest truth is this: an NX reveal at E3, when the system won't be ready until March of next year, would kill any remaining Wii U sales and even possibly impact 3DS sales, and Nintendo cannot afford that. The minute they tell people a price cut is coming people stop buying the system. Which is why price cuts are not announced that far in advance. Likewise, a new system will have the same effect. Only to a far greater extent. Speculation alone has hampered sales- A confirmation and reveal would kill them off entirely. And they can't afford to go an entire fiscal year without sales. You have to think like a businessman to understand where they're coming from.
I really think you should give TMS#FE a try. Persona 4 Golden was amazing. Truly, truly amazing. And this game seems to follow the same blueprint. It's not a Senran Kagura game, AT ALL. And it's not high school girls. It's one guy and one girl. And of course you'll acquire party members as you progress.
@VanillaLake
Well regardless, I still wanted to share my thoughts on how much I value it
@rjejr It's certainly going to be hard to argue that Wii U owners haven't been shafted concerning Zelda U. I'm guessing that Nintendo is thinking that supporting the NX will bring in more revenue and "new" adopters than it would without Zelda. So, possibly a judicious business decision with profits, investors and shareholders in mind rather than consumers. I miss Iwata's focus on gameplay. I do think the Wii U library stands up fairly well as it is without Zelda (if the great Nindies are included), but having promised and not really delivered is definitely annoying. Perhaps, also, something that won't be forgotten easily and may well cause some transient brand damage.
@JaxonH "would kill any remaining Wii U sales"
Well, Ninteod announced a projected 800,000 over the next 12 months, so they arne't expecting any more Wii U sales anyway.
And they already announced NX last March.
Then they talked about it at E3 2015.
Then this week they talked about it some more, even so far asa telling everybody it will release March 2017.
So, its not exactly a secret at this point. The only real difference between announcing at E3 and announcing it in August is that's 2 less months of rumours and leaks I have to read about. And I've been reading about leak sand rumours since last E3, so enough already, 1 year of this nonsense is enough.
@rjejr
800,000 Wii U sales, plus the millions in software sales, plus the hamper it would bring to 3DS sales, and the millions of software sales from that... it adds up.
They talked about it originally to dissuade fears circulating in the press that they would abandon the console business. Like their Jan 2013 Direct, they were forced into showing their hand early to mitigate the damage of speculation. Once the cat was let out of the bag they have seen no harm in acknowledging its existence here and there.
But an official reveal is different. As soon as they show the system those pictures are going to circulate like wildfire and perhaps even make news in the mainstream media- Fox, CNN, MSNBC, etc. letting the cat out of the bag has definitely hurt sales (800k down from 3m) but a full out reveal would kill them off entirely.
There is simply no advantage in doing so a year out from release. Only disadvantage. The longer they wait to make an official reveal the better their bottom line in the meantime.
EDIT
An E3 reveal would have made sense, IF it were releasing November. But because it is not releasing until March, an E3 reveal would be a damaging below. Expect a September reveal. But don't worry. Knowing what it is is not going to speed up it's release in any way, shape or fashion. Before March 2017 we will know what it is.
@Sakura "It's certainly going to be hard to argue that Wii U owners haven't been shafted concerning Zelda U."
Don't let @JaxonH read that, he beat me to death over it.
I'm OK w/ NX getting Zelda, PS3 and PS4 have about an 80% similar library. Some are dual releases, some remasters, but it seems there is little on PS4 that wasn't available on PS3, at least in Japan. The real problem for me is the nearly 2 year Zelda U delay, and it sort of looks like they are holding it back on U for a simultaneous NX release. I argued w/ Jaxon Wii U should get it 3 months before NX for the Wii U fans who purchased a Wii U 2 holidays ago and have been waiting and listening to all the lies. Of ocurse we dont' know, as I haven't sen Zelda U and Zelda NX release dates, only 2017, so one or both could be 2018. It's Ntinedo, who knows? But I ope Wii U gets it first, and it's the same game. But we dont' know that either. We dont know anything.
@JaxonH 800,000 Wii U
Nintneod sold 100.000 Wii last year, That's 3 years after Wii U, plus 2 years of PS4, X1 and PS3 still going strong. I think they could do 800k Wii U even with an NX unvieling. Heck if you're right and Zelda U is as good on Wii U as NX shouldnt that sell 1 mil Wii U alone?
E3 would have been too late fo rNov, early May to get things started, E3 to bring the games. E3 is fine for hardware, then 9 months of games in NDs.
Well I guess there's no point arguing about it now, what's done is done. I'll buy a PS4 and forget all about NX, probably like a lot of other people as well. Only NX sales will tell.
@rjejr
Zelda is a system seller. But it can't sell very many systems if people know the Wii U is dead the day Zelda releases on it. There are many complexities that play into sales. And yes, Zelda should be every bit as good. But that's not enough to sell a dead console as opposed to a brand new one for a similar price.
800k Wii U sales. You... do realize that's 240 *million dollars in hardware sales, right? That's a quarter billion dollars. Their entire bank account is only 10-15 billion. Think about that. Not to mention the additional $150 million in software sales (and that's a conservative estimate- that's just 3 games purchased total for each console). No, that's nothing to dismiss.
And that's saying nothing of the impact on 3DS sales and software. Which it will also affect.
@rjejr
And people go where the games they like to play are. Most Nintendo fans like Nintendo games, so they'll buy an NX just for that reason alone. A good many of them will buy a PS4 also, but I don't see it as an either or proposition. When PS4 released 1 year after Wii U, Sony fans didn't rush out to buy a Wii U out of impatience for PS4. Likewise, Nintendo fans like Nintendo games, so whenever a new console releases with Nintendo games, they'll be the first to support it.
The question is whether others will support it. You say you'll buy a PS4 instead, but I'm surprised you haven't bought one already. You're a self professed Sony fan. And even I couldn't talk you into getting one yet.
Ultimately though, I just play games. And I will never miss a single Nintendo home console. Pikmin 4... I need me some of that (wish it came to Wii U with Wiimote controls but whatever). Whatever Nintendo has in store, I need me some of that. Sony too, I need me some of that Star Ocean. And Final Fantasy. I need it all. And will always, til I hang up the controller for good, own (at the very least) both Nintendo's console/handheld and whatever PS console is out.
@rjejr Well, the reason I say shafted is that long delay. Pledged for last year and now it's next year? Also, resources going to the NX or mobile or whatever; it certainly hasn't been to Wii U in sufficient quantity and lack of third party means nothing much from Nintendo themselves makes that all the more apparent. I also think that NX was mentioned too early. I know there is always a console in development, but as soon as a successor is mentioned publicly, current hardware momentum takes a dive, especially if it is thought of as underpowered and tainted.
Having said that, I still think there are enough games already to justify ownership. At least for me, personally. It will be different for those who bought with a Zelda release in mind and I still feel some disappointment. They promised Zelda "U" and didn't deliver as they promised. They will eventually release Zelda, but it will no longer be necessary to own a Wii U specifically. New tech has a strong pull.
Like @Jason H, I'll most likely go for the NX because I want as much Nintendo experience as possible and I'll take the rough with the smooth. I can forgive Nintendo over Zelda because I can see the business decision and I can't be bothered to get annoyed. Zelda is still coming, though I don't know which platform I'll be playing it on. There are a few things I'd like on other systems, but I don't want them enough to warrant purchase. I don't think I've got the time!
@Sakura They probably did mention NX too early, but Iwata perhaps rightly thought he needed to address it at the time before everybody started with the "DeNA = 3rd party" stuff. Then they constantly talked about not talking about it at E3, even having Reggie mention it in the NDE. Reggie shoudln't have said "NX" in the NDE if he didn't want to keep answering questions about it. And they are releasing it in March, which is either 5 months late or 6 months early, take your pick. And they are skipping E3 w/ info. So, for me, the entire thing is being handled poorly.
I'm mostly spared Zelda anger b/c I don't care. I look at what little we've seen over the past 2 years and think I'll just go play Witcher 3 on PS4 and not care about Wii U anymore. Having no NX at E3 means I may not care about that console either. No way no how I spend that much money in March on anything leisure related. I brought my car in for a $30 oil change last week and it needs $650 worth of new tires and a $350 front brake repair. I'lll get my PS4 this year, then NX holiday 2018. Zelda will still be $60 but that's Nintnedo. Had NX been unveiled at E3 and out this holiday I may have waited on PS4 until the PS4K dropped in price. But not now, I'm sick of playing this waiting game. No E3 is one thing, but Nintnedo never told us when. How do you have a huge investors meeting w/ so much bad news and so little good? Just say August, or PAX, or Tokyo Game Show or new Space World in Sept. Positive spin to go w/ "no NX at E3, no Zelda in 2016, delayed yet another year" after so many launch guarantees. They guaranteed that game in both 2015 and 2016 and it still doesn't have a name or a date. I'm just so sick of waiting on them.
@rjejr I definitely understand your position. There's only so much time and so much money to spend; you have to go with what is best for you, with the system that has the games you're after, etc. Wii U has some great games, but it does lack third party games, first party has given some "meh" titles and the buzz is certainly stronger around other consoles. That is Nintendo's fault/responsibility. Delays, cancellations and the traditional "Nintendo logic" have cost them, at least in the short term. They have to re-appeal to consumers that they have lost. Staying silent on NX at this stage is bonkers unless there is a different reveal planned soon. "Some time later in the year" isn't really cutting it. Wait too long and people will just migrate to PS4 with VR and NX won't get a look in. They may still get my money, but they need broader appeal; If there's any lesson from the Wii U it has to be that.
@Sakura "Nintendo logic"
I never thought I would say this, but I really miss Iwata saying "Please understand" all the time. He didn't just say it, he seemed like he meant it. Reggie is just an arrogant scrotum, somewhere in that neighborhood. All of these delays, and when was the last time anybody at Ntinod has apologized for anything? And I don't mean the NX delay, if it comes out in March it ins't delayed, they never said otherwise, but Zelda, and Starfox. I am starting to feel like they are a very arrogant group who doesn't care about their fans. All the censorship controversies, that woman being fired. It doesn't seem like they care enough to address anything. And when they do address it all they do is try to say how right they are, that's bullheadedness, not apologies. They should send Trinnen on an apology tour, or hire Bill Clinton to get the message out. Throw the peasants some crumbs down from their ivory tower.
@JaxonH "No, that's nothing to dismiss."
I'm not dismissing all the money, I'm just saying whether they unveil NX at E3 or Sept barely changes that 800k number. Most of those 800k will be sold over the holidays anyway, probably for $199 which they'll drop the Wii U price to after the NX announcement. (It was already $249 last holiday, so $199 is likely.) So whether they unveil NX at E3 or Sept, as long as it is before the holiday period, well it's still before the holiday shopping period, now isn't it? TMS#FE and Mario Olympics just are not going to sell that many Wii U over the summer b/c nobody buys consoles over the summer anyway. Well maybe Zelda U in June would have sold some, people have been waiting 2 years for that game.
So I'll give you this - unveil at E3, 750k Wii U sold, unveil in Sept, 800k sold
But unveil NX at E3, maybe 3 mil NX sold from all the hype, unveil in Sept after everybody buys a PS4 or X1 for FFXV, sell maybe only 2.5m NX in March.
The longer you hold back NX news the more you are sacrificing potential NX sales for a few more Wii U Sales. So yes, I agree w/ you, the sooner you announce NX the less Wii U you sell, but the 800k number is so small to begin with lowering that number should be offset by NX sales. You sacrifice Wii U for a big NX launch. Dont' kill NX chances for a dead Wii U.
NX launching in March is already bad, don't make it worse by holding off the unveil until it's too late. Wii U is dead, bury it already. People will mop up the remaining stock at clearance prices and pick up some Selects games while their at it. Nintnedo needs a huge NX more than a few extra Wii U $.
@rjejr
Fair point. There are other factors to consider though. It's never cut and dry when dealing with the intricacies of macroeconomics and the free market.
Such as the impact on 3DS, the impact on upcoming rival consoles that could potentially react to any key selling points given a 1-year in advance announcement.
And, the buzz they could get by not revealing at e3- yes E3 makes headlines but NX will make headlines regardless. Gamers pay attention no matter what, and casuals see headlines as headlines. Doesn't matter if it comes in June or Sept.
So yes, there are advantages, yet many disadvantages. But trust that any multi-billion dollar company pays top-economists to study the market and come up with the most profitable tactics. If they're holding off, there's a legit reason for it. You may not understand, but we don't have to. Trust that there are smart people with multiple degrees whose job is to determine the best market strategy. It may not make any sense to you or me but we don't have the full picture. They do.
@JaxonH "Most Nintendo fans like Nintendo games, so they'll buy an NX just for that reason alone."
But that number is shrinking so badly, there aren't even enough left to justify a home console. Something I've been saying for about 3 years now. And something Iwata said in 2006 when Wii launched:
Satoru Iwata said, "I do not intend to declare how many Wii we will be selling today, but Wii will be a failure if it cannot sell far more than GameCube did. In fact, we shouldn't continue this business if our only target is to outsell GameCube. Naturally, we are making efforts so that Wii will show a far greater result than GameCube."
NES 62m
SNES 49m
N64 33m
Gamecube 22m
Wii 101m
Wii U 13.5m
Wii was sold as "Sports", the system everybody wanted, it's an obvious statistical outlier. Take that out and you are looking at about a steady 50% decline every system. Putting NX at 8-9m lifetime. That is not "far more" than Gamecube.
NX needs a whole lot of something, but I'm not sure they could do that cheaply enough to sell. Wii U is more likely Saturn, NX is the Dreamcast. I hope for the sake of all the kids in the world they keep making handhelds, or at least mobile games. I just don't see how they turn around that 50% sales decline in home consoles. You are as much the outlier as the Wii. Not that you are gimmicky, just that you'll buy every console to play the games you want. The great recession downturn still lingers, and mobile devices are everywhere.
I like Nintneod as the cheap 2nd console, thought Wii was a perfect fit, but I don't know if they'll go back to cheap and no 3rd parties or try to be an equal.
PS4 power + Nintendo exclusives + 3rd party + right price
That could be a hit, but it's hard to make those numbers work. Maybe too hard. And the longer time they have to sell that, I think the better chance they have. I'm not so much of a hater that I want to see them fail, kids need Nintendo, but I see the numbers and it looks futile.
@JaxonH "Trust that there are smart people with multiple degrees whose job is to determine the best market strategy."
You mean all the same people who created, launched and marketed the Wii U? Those same people haven't earned my trust, getting lucky w/ Wii isn't the same as being smart.
The Titanic had a certified Captain too, but I'm not trusting him to steer my boat.
Not sure if it's a cliche, moral or fable, but too many chefs can spoil the broth. I've worried since Iwata's pasing that it was all going to heck over there at Nintneod HQ. Iwata had the long term established cult of personality going on over there. But his sudden passing left a power vacuum, filled by Himishima, but are the rest all falling in line? Did you see the new corporate structure w/ Reggie way down at the bottom? That's not the sign of a smooth sailing ship. Miyamoto, Anouma, Reggie, the EU guy. All people w/ their own ideas about how to proceed. Not saying it's complete chaos, you and I hardly ever agree but we are both smart guys who view things differently and are able to have productive sane conversations. But if we launched a company together how would we proceed? Is NX a cheap portable w/ TV out or expensive home console?
There are some people at Ntinedo who make some really great games, Sakuria is my new go to guy, but that's not the same as running a company. So no, trust I do not. (Yoda voice.)
@rjejr
Pretty sure they can afford to hire a person who specializes in key strategy. Pretty sure it's not Miamoto and Aonuma flipping coins to determine release dates.
You may not trust the captain of the Titanic, but I'd trust him a lot more than I'd trust you or me to steer that ship. And that's my point. We are not qualified to say whether the decision is good or bad strategy. We didn't spend 12 years in college studying this and even if we did, we don't have all the information to come to an informed conclusion.
As for NX and the home console decline- it's not going to be strictly linear- not sure if you studied Calculus but there are limits to be approached and I'm pretty sure the Wii U is right at that limit. I don't think they'll ever do this bad again. They may hover around 15-20 for several generations til they figure out a way to break through, but I do believe Nintendo's games are enough to guarantee at least that.
As for Iwata and "doing more than just GC" I agree. However, if you can't you can't. They either A) need to figure out a long term plan to remain profitable around the 20 million console mark, or B) get out of home consoles and strengthen their handheld business, perhaps adding that streaming dongle with HDMI so people can at least still play games on TV (and would basically combine install bases into one fold).
And honestly, that is my best answer. Abandon home consoles. Put all software teams on doubling output for an HD handheld which is as powerful as a PS3/Wii U, and include a wireless dongle which streams HDMI for those who wish to continue playing Nintendo games on TV.
This would further cement their stronghold in the industry via handhelds and still offer HD gaming on a TV for the fans.
@rjejr
Also, that would solve the media slander which strives to kill Nintendo consoles before they even launch. Their handhelds still receive good press and are still popular, and no one really ridicules their handhelds like they do their consoles.
It would serve not only as a solution, but a Trojan Horse to quietly slip back into the home console business in a few generations. Those AAA fans mock their consoles BUT many would probably buy a good HD handheld, especially if it's Nintendo's only platform.
Then, once they've got a lot of core gamers buying their handhelds a few generations later- handhelds which plays games on a TV, make a new console all of a sudden. And this time they'll have gotten people back into their games again.
@rjejr Yeah! It's all very well to play out of left field as long as you have the trust of consumers. Nintendo logic without the classic Nintendo experience that can be relied upon doesn't quite cut the mustard.
Overall, most people want Nintendo to succeed. But, they need to handle things better. Of course, that's only my opinion and that's based on little actual knowledge - it's just a reflection of what I see, think and feel when I read about Nintendo.
@JasonH I wouldn't mind an HD handheld. If that's the route Nintendo takes, I'd be okay with it, especially if it were upgradable somehow to keep up with evolving tech.
@JaxonH "And honestly, that is my best answer. Abandon home consoles. Put all software teams on doubling output for an HD handheld which is as powerful as a PS3/Wii U, and include a wireless dongle which streams HDMI for those who wish to continue playing Nintendo games on TV."
Finally you are making some sense. And I'd be ok w/ you on the Nintnedo board, you are a gamer w/o boundaries or prejudices, you could tell them what's what. And I have 8 years of grad school, ABD in sociology, taught soc 101 and social problems, organizational theory was a big emphasis of mine, so I don't consider myself to be a typical man on the street either.
"15-20 for several generations"
I think they can go lower than that, X1 may barley gets past that and they have all of Bill Gates money to spend. and I don't think they have "generations" to figure it out. TVs will have built in gaming in a few years. PS5, XX (Xbox Ten) is probably the last gen, then it's all Fire TVs and computing in the clouds. No more $400 home consoles that focus on gaming. If you have a phone in your pocket capable of powering a VR headset why do you need a TV or home console? Still about 10 years from now, but technology never stops.
NX will be a home console, it may hit 25m b/c all the people who skipped Wii U will buy if for all the ports of SSB and MK8 and spl2oon. And no Gamepad so Ntineod can keep it under $300 w/ a game. After that though it is NXDS w/ TV out. Some parents will still want to buy gaming consoles for their kids w/o $50/m cell phone contracts attached. And Pokemon is forever.
@JaxonH @Sakura
NXDS, I doubt will be a HD handheld. 3DS is 400x240, so double that to 800x480 (which is 4x pixels, 96k - 384k) for easy forward compatibility. Still ok for a kids toy w/ a screen that size. (Amazon Fire 7" is only 1024x600) Vita is only 960x544 and everybody raved about how great looking that OLED screen was. I just don't think they can power a dual screen handheld to do HD on top and SD on the bottom. Didn't work out too well w/ SFZ on Wii U. If it's a 1 screen tablet handheld then it can do HD, but not on the TV and handheld dual screen at the same time. And I don't see Ntineod going back to 1 screen only, that ship has sailed. 800x480 top, 640x480 bottom will have to suffice.
The good news could be it works like the Gamepad on the Wii U for the NX. No 99c app to work w/ SSB. (seriously, fire whoever came up/ charging 99c to use the 3DS as a controller for their home console.) No 3D, that gimmick died when 2DS launched, even though the new screen works great. So sell the $299 NX in March comparable w/ PS4 and X1, then sell the $199 NXDS at the holidays, and let is work seamlessly like the Gamepad for Wii U ports of SFZ and Splatoon and SMM. Wii U and 3DS would have sold better if Wii U played 3DS games on the TV thru the Wii U from the 3DS, like Android and Apple products work. Surely they'll get it right this time. NXDS games don't have to be in HD on the handheld, but if NX could stream them and up-res for TV that would be a nice selling point. And an excuse for Ntinedo to sell both systems, NXDS needs the NX Home horsepower to up-res to HD on a TV.
@rjejr That's a good point. Some technical limitations to overcome still. Could a second screen not be emulated on a tablet? I don't know. They could maybe get around the need for a second physical screen that way. Battery life needs to improve though as it's not great even with high-end devices. TV out would be good or connectivity to the home console. I just keep going back to "Why don't they tell us already?"
@rjejr
They will not do less than Vita. Even Wii U was able to match the generation prior' competition. And so will the next handheld. A Vita like handheld will be the minimum. It has to be. Because if it's not, people will say "why should I buy a handheld that's less powerful than the last generation.
No, it's gotta at least match Vita. Hopefully surpass. There is not one instance Nintendo has ever done less than the prior generation. Maybe match, but never less.
@Sakura "Could a second screen not be emulated on a tablet?"
Well, 2DS is only 1 screen, but it's still showing 2 pics, so that's still 2x as much work the CPU and GPU have to do.
I've often wondered if Nintneod could make a tablet like device that could be held horizontally for 1 screen so it can be a 2nd screen for a TV or vertically for dual screen. Imagine buttons at the bottom.
@rjejr Ah, I see. Maybe when processors are all quantum like IBM's latest, then.
@JaxonH Apologies for consistently getting your name wrong.
@JaxonH "They will not do less than Vita."
A compromise then. 1280x720p if used as 1 screen landscape like Vita, 720x640 (probably black barred to 720x480 DVD quality) when used as 2 screens portrait top and bottom. They won't put enough CPU/GPU power in a handheld to run 2 HD screens at once.
Tap here to load 102 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...