[Dennis]

But what do Google Jones and Yahoo Jackson think of Nintendo?

:|

[Nibel]

:|

[Earendil]

As an Amazon board member, he should be more concerned that the Nexus 7 is going to make the Kindle Fire irrelevant.

[Easy_D]

Sony is the one having troubles these past few years, yet its Nintendo that needs to go 3rd party and make apps on iPhone and such? Why? Because their new consoles have "gimmicks" as their main features rather than better graphics compared to the competition?

Well, Sony has many other profitable ventures that they can fall bac--nevermind..

[massoluk]

Sega didn't have the best selling hardwares, platformer, rpg, racing games and etc.

[Veezy]

Sony is the one having troubles these past few years, yet its Nintendo that needs to go 3rd party and make apps on iPhone and such? Why? Because their new consoles have "gimmicks" as their main features rather than better graphics compared to the competition?

No.

Because Nintendo has a fantastic library of portable, profitable, first party games. Sony has great developing partners, but doesn't have a treasure trove of first party titles it could just throw out on the iPhone, charge $15.00 for, and make millions.

[Shadow Hog]

"Nintendo's situation reminds me of Sega's, except for how it's nothing like Sega's."

[runningjoke]

Nintendo is a stubborn Japanese company with a big war chest and a working business model. They will not change anything in a hurry.

[tuffy]

I always thought Sony will bow out first. I mean Nintendo's hardware and software market is stronger than Sony's. Sony Mobile is an even bigger loser.

Indeed. There's no way Nintendo bows out before Sony. And even though Sony's in a lot of trouble, I don't see them bailing out of gaming hardware in the near future.

[Heavy]

I wouldn't be surprised if Wii U is their last console and 3DS their last 'traditional' handheld. This next-generation could very well be the last traditional gen with home consoles going the way of the Dodo and some other new tech or platform taking their place, especially if next-gen lasts as long as this one.

[chris3116]

It doesn't make any sense. Nintendo makes money every generations. It's just last year when Nintendo lost money that people say they should make smartphone/tablets games. People want to play Nintendo games but not on Nintendo platforms and it's another reason why their franchises are still strong. Nintendo is going to make some apps on smartphones/tablets very soon anyway with the Nintendo Network and it was announced before E3 2012.

SCE has more chances to go 3rd party than Nintendo with all the financial problems of Sony.

The day that Nintendo will quit making hardware and go 3rd party, I'll quit.

[BlackJace]

Then next year it's "OH NO 3 BILLION IN SURPLUS? DOOOOOOMED"

Hey man, billions is billions. I'm not the strongest person on economics, but that seems pretty solid for a while.

[Utako]

Nintendo software + Apple hardware = $$$$!

[Easy_D]

I wouldn't be surprised if Wii U is their last console and 3DS their last 'traditional' handheld. This next-generation could very well be the last traditional gen with home consoles going the way of the Dodo and some other new tech or platform taking their place, especially if next-gen lasts as long as this one.

I'd totally buy a Nintendo computer that plays PC Windows and Nintendo games. Best of both sides.

[Aostia]

great

[Sir_Crocodile]

He sounds like one of those crazy nintendo shareholders who has no understanding of the gaming industry that iwata always has to deal with

[bigtroyjon]

The new cycle of Nintendo is doomed articles is just beginning.

Nintendo's quarterly earnings that are coming out in a few days are going to end up being really ugly due to current exchange rates and the trouble in Europe. Not only will the losses be bigger than expected, they will have to cut their future revenue and profit projections by a significant amount.

[Veezy]

"Nintendo's situation reminds me of Sega's, except for how it's nothing like Sega's."

I believe the comparison is due to how they both had strong first party titles.

While Sega had to take a jump out of the console market, Dreamcast RIP, they still transitioned, quite easily, into a company that just made software due to their first party publishing abilities.

If the Wii U completely and utterly failed to sell a single box, Nintendo still would have an out should they feel the need to bail out of the hardware business and still make great profits on their first party titles.. Microsoft and Sony don't have the type of games, or first party only rights (I don't believe), that would easily transition into the tablet/mobile market (PC would work, but could they last forever on that)?

[Nerfgun]

No. Because Nintendo has a fantastic library of portable, profitable, first party games. Sony has great developing partners, but doesn't have a treasure trove of first party titles it could just throw out on the iPhone, charge $15.00 for, and make millions.

Are you kidding? They absolutely do. Dozens of properties. Ones that would work really well on touchscreens, even. Lemmings, Vib Ribbon/Parappa, Patapon, just about any turn-based thing (Jeanne d'arc for example), Flow/Flower... there's a bunch. Don't forget they've picked up many studios over the years.

Of course they don't want to do that, they want to sell their own solutions (like Nintendo) for now, but they could.

[Marche90]

Nintendo doomed? Nintendo d00med!!

Seriously, though, it's always the same whenever nintendo is going to release new hardware, you would think that it's time to give it a rest to these predictions. Sheesh...

[Loghorn150]

It doesn't make any sense. Nintendo makes money every generations. It's just last year when Nintendo lost money that people say they should make smartphone/tablets games. People want to play Nintendo games but not on Nintendo platforms and it's another reason why their franchises are still strong. Nintendo is going to make some apps on smartphones/tablets very soon anyway with the Nintendo Network and it was announced before E3 2012. SCE has more chances to go 3rd party than Nintendo with all the financial problems of Sony. The day that Nintendo will quit making hardware and go 3rd party, I'll quit.

I agree with all of this. Not to mention that most of Sony's other divisions are crumbling financially, & they can't depend on those divisions to keep the gaming division afloat anymore like they used to during this entire generation with the PS3.

[vareon]

I wouldn't say he's wrong. I'd say he's looking incredibly ahead. Nintendo, right now, has no reason to become a software developer only. They have software that sells their hardware, both profitable. However, the smartphone and tablet market are exploding, accessories for both are only going to be more available and better designed in the future, and a legit reason to own an at home console (with entertainment apps being integrated into TVs/Cable provider boxes), much less a portable gaming device, are going to be hard to find. If Nintendo's smart, and they've shown that they are very smart, they're setting up their portfolio where in the next decade or so they can seamlessly jump into the mobile/pc/tablet market and reap the financial benefits. They're not doomed, not even close, but one must ask how many more generations do we have of 100-300$ portable gaming machines and 300-500$ gaming consoles do we have left?

But it is the easiest thing to predict. "Smartphone/tablet is exploding, so everyone jump to making softwares for it ASAP."

I do believe Nintendo recognizes this (this information is not exclusive to the internet/forum goers as many believe), they just acted differently. It might be baffling, but it's not necessarily being a software company.

[Bisnic]

No. Because Nintendo has a fantastic library of portable, profitable, first party games. Sony has great developing partners, but doesn't have a treasure trove of first party titles it could just throw out on the iPhone, charge $15.00 for, and make millions.

If people really want to play Nintendo games, they can just buy a Nintendo console. Nintendo isnt going to stop making hardware just to please people who won't buy a 3DS or Wii for their games. They're not even expensive, so what's their excuse?

[Penguin]

Then next year it's "OH NO 3 BILLION IN SURPLUS? DOOOOOOMED"

I mean, it's possible
But even when they lost money last FY, it was about half a billion.
And the 3DS seems to be selling decently now so even if the Wii U comes out of the gate cold, I imagine the losses would be a bit similar.

[ElTopo]

This is the journalistic equivalent of port begging.

[Risk Breaker]

tablets like the Nexus 7 for $199 that are pretty good game devices

Stopped reading right there.

[Veezy]

Are you kidding? They absolutely do. Dozens of properties. Ones that would work really well on touchscreens, even. Lemmings, Vib Ribbon/Parappa, Patapon, just about any turn-based thing (Jeanne d'arc for example), Flow/Flower... there's a bunch. Don't forget they've picked up many studios over the years. Of course they don't want to do that, they want to sell their own solutions (like Nintendo) for now, but they could.

Think about it this way, and I'm trying to be dickish. Just trying to see it from this CEO's perspective.

You can't put portable Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, etc. in the same category, profitability wise, versus Sony's stuff on portable. Besides, how many of those titles does Sony solely own? Nintendo owns their top end games. Nintendo could live off that, Sony could not.

Side note, thatgamecompany is no longer first party.

[vagabondarts]

I'm so glad Nintendo stubbornly continues to do their own thing, which make people like this guy look like idiots.

Stories like this one have been repeated like a mantra in the media ever since the iphone was released. The messaging and agenda is getting so very tired

[Disorientator]

[mclem]

To be fair, it doesn't read like he's *actually* saying 'doomed', so much as "Maybe one day they'll decide they'll make more profit on a system where they don't have responsibility for the hardware side".

I still don't agree with him, but let's not oversimplify his point. There's nothing in there about Nintendo doing it because they're failing.

[redcrayon]

Then next year it's "OH NO 3 BILLION IN SURPLUS? DOOOOOOMED"

When did one data point become a trend?

If you can't use some of your war chest on developing your major new console launch (which is going to be one of the cornerstones of your finances for the next 6 years) I'm not sure what else it's there for.

I reckon a healthy chunk of it has gone towards online infrastructure.

[Chû Totoro]

I will NEVER beg for any game to be on iOS.
NEVER !!!!

iOS is trying to make gaming to please everyone... I'd rather buy 3 or 4 different systems (including handhelds) but having different experiences on each one even if I can be disapointed.

iOS is the "meh" of the gaming. Ok for everyone but excellent for no one.

[blazeuk]

The media has a downright unhealthy obsession with the iphone/ipad.

That's the issue here, there are far too many of these people saying Nintendo is doomed simply because they are jealous of it's success. They want their games to be available on multi-platforms so they can play them on their device of choice, without having to admit Nintendo have a very successful business that can compete with the best of them.

There appears to be no sane reason behind thinking Nintendo is doomed when you look at their business, a lot of these so called analysts are far too emotional about this.

[AkimbO_Arcana]

Love my Iphone, love my Nintendo systems. Would rather slaughter a kitten than play Mario on my Iphone. You hear me "journalists"/"The end is Nigh - Prophets", a kitten.

[Veezy]

To be fair, it doesn't read like he's *actually* saying 'doomed', so much as "Maybe one day they'll decide they'll make more profit on a system where they don't have responsibility for the hardware side". I still don't agree with him, but let's not oversimplify his point. There's nothing in there about Nintendo doing it because they're failing.

Thank you.

Guy's point is "if they wanted to, in a generation, dump hardware completely and become a software only company, they have the titles to make it happen and make it profitable."

[Meisadragon]

Nintendo has plenty of challenges ahead. You saw with the 3DS that the market didn't respond until they dropped the price significantly. How much money they have shouldn't be taken for granted as it can deplete rapidly as it is such a volatile market with cheaper alternatives existing elsewhere. Considering they're a gaming only company they need to replicate the Wii and DS level success to build significant reserves again, and if the Wii U manages to falter, it's going to be a big problem for them.

That's why they can never take a lot of risks with hardware and usually create things that is profitable from day 1. I don't agree that they should put their games on iOS and other platforms because it will dilute their powerful IPs, which is the last thing they need.

[Disorientator]

To be fair, it doesn't read like he's *actually* saying 'doomed', so much as "Maybe one day they'll decide they'll make more profit on a system where they don't have responsibility for the hardware side."

Not saying "doomed", agreed, but that doesn't sound the same as:

Bing Gordon: I think Nintendo's already on track to become primarily a software company.

"Maybe" and "already on track" mean different things , no?

[Kusagari]

That entire interview is him basically saying how stupid such a statement is, even though he made it.

[Holy Order Sol]

Then next year it's "OH NO 3 BILLION IN SURPLUS? DOOOOOOMED"

Really now?

[Hindle]

I'd be fine with this, I always want to play Mario and Zelda but I cant justify spending a lot of money on a new console. I cant see it happening though.

[sakipon]

The media has a downright unhealthy obsession with the iphone/ipad.

Seriously! Tablets and other mobile devices are a great thing, no doubt about it. But I'm so sick of the media treating them as some allmighty Christ and an answer to everything. What happened to objectivity, fair competition and things like that?

[mclem]

"Maybe" and "already on track" mean different things , no?

My reading is that he believes that day is inevitable, which is where I disagree with him. My point is that his argument is not built on the foundation that Nintendo is failing or will be doing so in the future.

[ShinUltramanJ]

So he wants Mario and Zelda to become $0.99 apps? I don't think we're anyplace near that.

$0.99 apps that are pirated more often than purchased. Man, what's Nintendo waiting for?!!

[Disorientator]

My reading is that he believes that day is inevitable, which is where I disagree with him. My point is that his argument is not built on the foundation that Nintendo is failing or will be doing so in the future.

Cool

[SmokyDave]

$0.99 apps that are pirated more often than purchased. Man, what's Nintendo waiting for?!!

I don't think anyone mentioned Android.

[StevieP]

I don't think anyone mentioned Android.

Jailbreaking - how does it work?

[Souldriver]

Oh for crying out loud...

[SmokyDave]

Jailbreaking - how does it work?

Tongues in cheeks, are they sincere?

Seriously though, "pirated more often than purchased" sounds like the sort of thing that one completely makes up, rather than an actual fact. I might buy it for Android but I'm sceptical that it's the case on iOS.

[Effect]

I believe the comparison is due to how they both had strong first party titles. While Sega had to take a jump out of the console market, Dreamcast RIP, they still transitioned, quite easily, into a company that just made software due to their first party publishing abilities. If the Wii U completely and utterly failed to sell a single box, Nintendo still would have an out should they feel the need to bail out of the hardware business and still make great profits on their first party titles.. Microsoft and Sony don't have the type of games, or first party only rights (I don't believe), that would easily transition into the tablet/mobile market (PC would work, but could they last forever on that)?

That's only looking at a fraction of the companies though. It's wrong to try and compare Nintendo and Sega by only looking at one aspect. Also it can be argued Sega did not make that transition well. Look at where they are now and the steady decline they've constantly been on. Where are all of those IPs now?

[Bulzeeb]

So they live in Canada?

I thought that was supposed to be Australia with all the crazy wildlife they have

Seriously! Tablets and other mobile devices are a great thing, no doubt about it. But I'm so sick of the media treating them as some allmighty Christ and an answer to everything. What happened to objectivity, fair competition and things like that?

they aren't cool enough