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[Darryl]

even if the wii u bombs hard and the entire project ends up break even, it may overall have been a better move. we really can't tell this early. Iwata could be a total genius, yet again. for example, the wii. in hindsight, many people thought gamecube was a failure. the gamecube fully prepared Nintendo to enter into the Wii, though. it had all of their developers fully prepared to develop on that hardware and they blew the charts away with their games and steady releases. it was a highly profitable time for Nintendo and a space for growth. if you look at it like this, gamecube historically could've been a very big success. this could be exactly what they're doing with the Wii U for all we know. maybe the Wii U isn't about the Wii U, it's about a future that they see potential in. maybe they think the current console model is doomed. maybe the writing is already on the wall in Japan, where console sales are crumbling. maybe it's all about the next-generation portable device, and even if the wii u doesn't sell good they can directly use their experience with it onto their next-project.

i don't know, but i know it's way too fucking early to write them off. nintendo is the company you look at 10 years in the future and then you can see what they're doing. the last thing they need to be doing though is looking at what other people are doing, especially when everyone else is struggling just as bad or worse then they are even with shitty wii u sales.

 

[Aaron Strife]

Nope. They can have both but due to their 'least effort for maximum profit' mantra they adhere to just the basics which tends to mean lesser tech, slow eShop support, not really hoping after third parties etc. they rely almost solely on their main franchises and so long as people keep buying them(even when they are cash ins) they'll keep going what they do.

Shit, Look at them now. Completely failing with Wii U on all fronts and all we hear is 'Our first party will revive it' and 'we don't care what others do'. We have an anaemic eShop and shitty VC releases. No major third parties like GTA etc. Nintendo are by definition insane. They do the same thing over and over but expect different results.

When have 3rd parties ever stepped up to the plate for Nintendo? The Super Nintendo, probably. Nintendo asked Rockstar for an exclusive GTA and they got a DS game.

They can do publishing deals on big series, like Sonic or Dragon Quest, and that seems to be working out fine for them. But they shouldn't be chasing multiplats that are guaranteed Xbox One/PS4 versions before those consoles have even been released.

VC, eShop, third party stuff matters to us nerds. But once Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario 3D World are out, you're going to have a lot of Wii U owners who don't really care. Wii U's problem is a lack of games, and maybe a high price tag. Both of these can change easily.

Will it achieve Wii level success? Probably not, but neither may PS4 and certainly not Xbox One. That's an unfair standard to hold it to.

 

[linkofrs]

I for one honestly like Nintendo because they make gaming different, not many people on this forum will see this the same way.

Nintendo is not trying to appeal to solely the gamers or the casual market anymore, they are going for the entire market which can be a great idea or a terrible idea.

Iwata's comments are purely pr in this instance. They want people to know that they are going to keep doing things that they already do in regards to first party software, and that is to try and provide new experiences with older ips.

 

[ColonialRaptor]

I for one honestly like Nintendo because they make gaming different, not many people on this forum will see this the same way.

Nintendo is not trying to appeal to solely the gamers or the casual market anymore, they are going for the entire market which can be a great idea or a terrible idea.

Iwata's comments are purely pr in this instance. They want people to know that they are going to keep doing things that they already do in regards to first party software, and that is to try and provide new experiences with older ips.

Tell me how at all they've made gaming "different" with the Wii U so far please?

 

[ramine]

Iwata is right.

Following all the other companies got them a GameCube.

Ignoring all the other companies got them a Wii.

If Nintendo is to survive, they have to offer something completely different from others.

Absolutely. Shigeru Miyamoto gave an excellent talk at GDC 2007 where he covered their approach.

You can summarize it in two points:
1) Expand the audience of gamers: make sure a larger segment of players can play your game.
2) Take risks.

It's a great thing for consumers that they're shipping something different. If you want a box that runs Fifa and the latest Crytek, this is not for you. And that's fine!

 

[airmangataosenai]

How'd the Gamecube work out for them again?

Yep, the problem with the Gamecube was clearly that the hardware was too powerful.

I can't believe that this line keeps getting pushed. Xbox beat Gamecube on the back of it being more powerful. Halo played a part too but always having the best version of any multiplat title played as big if not a bigger one.

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

Absolutely. Shigeru Miyamoto gave an excellent talk at GDC 2007 where he covered their approach.

You can summarize it in two points:
1) Expand the audience of gamers: make sure a larger segment of players can play your game.
2) Take risks.

It's a great thing for consumers that they're shipping something different. If you want a box that runs Fifa and the latest Crytek, this is not for you. And that's fine!

I hope he means hardware wise because Nintendo is the not the company I would say that takes risks software wise.

 

[michaelius]

Consumers seem to be sharing that sentiment toward Wii U...

 

[Darryl]

Tell me how at all they've made gaming "different" with the Wii U so far please?

they're doing huge work in local multiplayer. i don't even want to get into a list war, i'd just be listing all of nintendo's games. even the weird ones like pikmin 3 and bayonetta 2 look like they're gonna have strong local co-op segments. never has there ever been better built to game locally, not even the first Wii.

I hope he means hardware wise because Nintendo is the not the company I would say that takes risks software wise.

he's talking all around. nintendo takes software risks. xenoblade, the last story, pandora's tower, kid icarus, and nintendo land were all recent software risks that i can think up right off the top of my head. the wii and most of the software on it was a risk.

 

[MysticX]

Yep, the problem with the Gamecube was clearly that the hardware was too powerful.

I can't believe that this line keeps getting pushed. Xbox beat Gamecube on the back of it being more powerful. Halo played a part too but always having the best version of any multiplat title played as big if not a bigger one.

I believe Gamecube won Xbox by a small margin sales wise, but still won in the end. But as a newcomer, Xbox won that one. It was also way too expensive in the beginning.

 

[qchan]

A karting game, multiplayer 3d platformer, 2.5d platformer and Gamecube action adventure port are all completely suited to PS4 and Xbone's control systems and hardware.

Maybe not paying attention to the market you exist in is the reason you're gone in March, Mr Iwata.

People like you have said the same exact things about the Wii, and look at how fun No More Heroes turned out to be. Exactly.

 

[fabricated backlash]

Tell me how at all they've made gaming "different" with the Wii U so far please?

Miiverse, Off TV play, multitude of controller support out of the box, the only console with native backwards compatibility to both physical and digital libraries, focus on asynchronous local MP.

But feel free to dismiss all those changes that have really made a difference to me as worthless because they don't interest you.

 

[Pancakes R Us]

It's a great thing for consumers that they're shipping something different.

It's all well and good that they've shipped something different, but when they're shipping something different just for the sake of being different, it's a slippery slope. I'm waiting to be convinced why there was a need for this tablet controller. Off TV play is nice, but when you finally get Nintendo games in HD, I think I'd prefer to enjoy them in HD.

 

[qchan]

Miiverse, Off TV play, multitude of controller support out of the box, the only console with native backwards compatibility to both physical and digital libraries, focus on asynchronous local MP.

But feel free to dismiss all those changes that have really made a difference to me as worthless because they don't interest you.

Fabricated, what are you talking about?

Why are you letting your mind get clouded by logic and facts? Stop making so much sense! Just stop it!

 

[Water]

Miiverse, Off TV play, multitude of controller support out of the box, the only console with native backwards compatibility to both physical and digital libraries, focus on asynchronous local MP.

But feel free to dismiss all those changes that have really made a difference to me as worthless because they don't interest you.

Off TV play is a convenience feature that might save you from needing another TV (which most people for whom OTP could be relevant have anyway).
Backwards compatibility is likewise a convenience feature that allows you to have less hardware lying around.

ColonialRaptor, to whom you replied, was skeptical about Nintendo making gaming different. Convenience features do not do that, regardless of whether they prove useful, which is what "made a difference to me" means.

Focus on local MP has been a real distinguishing factor for Nintendo. But I'm guessing you mean asymmetric, not asynchronous, local MP?

 

[elektrixx]

Man i can't wait to play all those Nintendo in house games i saw on direct, they were awesome and makes the imagination go wild. This company knows how to make fun games.

I wanted more wild imagination than Super Mario 3D World. Much more. They're giving us a half-assed Mario in a half-ass "world" with a half-ass soundtrack. What a complete lack of ambition.

I can confidently say even this early that Super Mario Galaxy 2 running perfect on an emulator is a much better game with a lot more effort put into it than 3D World. 3D World is their cheapest method of bringing 3D Mario to the Wii U; by copying their cheap ideas from the New Super Mario Bros. series. Levels that look the same and use the same assets all over the place. A new recognisable soundtrack to be the new equivalent of the Wah Wah bullshit. They already gave us cheap Mario twice last year. I didn't want more of this.

Even their game titles are uninspired now. Yoshi's New Island? What the hell?

Making consoles out of cheap materials is unfortunate. Now their software and ideas are just as cheap.

 

[TAS]

Tell me how at all they've made gaming "different" with the Wii U so far please?

Their controller interface. Notice how every console generation, they bring a new controller into the mix? That takes serious balls. And even if you don't like it, you should respect it.

 

[royalan]

Their controller interface. Notice how every console generation, they bring a new controller into the mix? That takes serious balls. And even if you don't like it, you should respect it.

It doesn't take balls at all. Especially if they're going to put out this incredibly expensive controller with a touch screen/gyro/NFC/etc. and then not justify its inclusion with their own software.

I feel the need to quote EatChildren's post from pages ago:

Nobody needs to listen to anybody, on anything. But that won't stop you being a target for criticism, and rightly so, when you offer services and features on an almost identical wavelength to "other companies" yet littered with failings and problems that "other companies" have long since extinguished and improved thanks to their own experiences and through learning through the mistakes of others.

Just because you're a free spirit doing whatever you want doesn't mean what you're doing is working, or even good. Sometimes it pays to realise you don't exist in an exclusive little bubble, and instead be humble to the successes and failings of the many.

I know Iwata is more specifically referring to their software output here, and general company direction. But it's hard to look at something like, say, the lack of an account system, and find any redeeming or unique quality. You've basically got something that everybody else is doing, only you're doing it considerably worse with no rational argument as to why.

 

[metalslimer]

People like you have said the same exact things about the Wii, and look at how fun No More Heroes turned out to be. Exactly.

Yes, I'm so glad No More Heroes proved everyone wrong that the Wiimote would only be good for a few games and a waste with most. The Wiimote justified its existence with IR not motion control.

 

[fuzzy.dunlop]

Their controller interface. Notice how every console generation, they bring a new controller into the mix? That takes serious balls. And even if you don't like it, you should respect it.

I'll respect it when games are made that feature it. Nintendo Land and Zombi U are not enough.

 

[nordique]

On one hand I agree with the concencus that the Nintendo systems should follow a different path

But on the other hand, why does that need to be different? Why can a Nintendo console not use the momentum it had from a previous generation and be the one box most gamers need to own? Not since the Super Nintendo generation have we had, in my opinion, a console where your average enthusiast gamers could find their favourite franchises essentially on one console.

Had Nintendo put functions on par with other home consoles, with a system more comparable spec-wise, with a higher effort on developing new IPs in addition to their own which cater to those demographics you're trying to attract, and courted third parties to a stronger level given the aforementioned, then many gamers would not need to buy another console.

How many people would have purchased a 360 or ps3 early last gen had the Wii been powerful enough to get good enough ports? I know I sure as heck wouldn't have.

There is merit to Nintendo "doing Nintendo" but there is also merit for those core Nintendo fans who want majority of their experiences on one box.

 

[fuzzy.dunlop]

How many people would have purchased a 360 or ps3 early last gen had the Wii been powerful enough to get good enough ports? I know I sure as heck wouldn't have.

There is merit to Nintendo "doing Nintendo" but there is also merit for those core Nintendo fans who want majority of their experiences on one box.

I think the major barrier is Nintendo's resistance toward making that financial commitment.

 

[Spieler Eins]

Tell me how at all they've made gaming "different" with the Wii U so far please?

Yeah, that's the problem. I loved the Wii and now the 3DS, but clearly they have no idea what to do with the WiiU, obviously struggling with HD development and now it's pretty much the most uninspired and least ambitious console they've made. EAD Tokyo doing some generic, quick rehash/straight sequel is the lowest Nintendo has ever gotten.

 

[Morthas]

It's strange: I like Iwata. I really do. I love the idea of the Nintendo Directs. I like that he - as the president - is often "visible" (E3, ND) and does things himself. And I think it was an absolutely exemplary move to reduce his own salary.

But the other side of the coin is that I haven't really enjoyed many Nintendo games like I have in the past since his presidentship. And I think Nintendo has lost itself somehow.

 

[ypo]

Iwata: "We just don't care."

 

[RobertC]

Iwata: "We just don't care."

Yeah... That is exactly what he meant.

 

[PhantomR]

I'll respect it when games are made that feature it. Nintendo Land and Zombi U are not enough.

Have you PLAYED Arkham City? Mass Effect 3? FIFA 13?

Those games are pretty badass with the GamePad functionality as well, and they're even third party games. I'd say that games are being made just fine with the GamePad being a key feature.

 

[gamergirly]

There are some insane individuals in this thread. Nintendo didn't get to the success they got to listening to everyone else. They not gonna get out of their current mess listening to everyone else either. For better or for worse, Nintendo will be Nintendo

Accept their ways or move on. There comes a point when you have to realize whether you are more of a Microsoft or Sony fan these days. Stop blaming the company or wishing they catered to your changed gaming tastes.

 

[fuzzy.dunlop]

Have you PLAYED Arkham City? Mass Effect 3? FIFA 13?

Those games are pretty badass with the GamePad functionality as well, and they're even third party games. I'd say that games are being made just fine with the GamePad being a key feature.

No, they are not on the same level as Nintendo Land or Zombi U.

Nintendo had some balls introducing a $100 peripheral called the Wii Balance Board. That add-on accessory sold a whole lot better than the standard system controller called the Wii U Gamepad.

The Gamepad does not have ENOUGH specialized games. Nintendo brand Sim City, please...

 

[Father_Brain]

And if Iwata leaves/fired, I don't think Nintendo is going to hire an outsider and shake up the company like you hope. Its going to be the next insider and while they're going to have different ideas on how to run a company, they're still going to be Nintendo. People who are expecting a drastic change are going to be disappointed in that regard.

You're more likely than not correct, but it would be hard for Nintendo to do a worse job of adapting to the increasingly global, increasingly Internet-connected, increasingly smartphone/tablet-centric gaming market than they've done under Iwata's leadership.

 

[WrenchNinja]

Well you should follow PSN and Have a unified account system, at least. You can be different in every thing else.

 

[Snakeyes]

On one hand I agree with the concencus that the Nintendo systems should follow a different path

But on the other hand, why does that need to be different? Why can a Nintendo console not use the momentum it had from a previous generation and be the one box most gamers need to own? Not since the Super Nintendo generation have we had, in my opinion, a console where your average enthusiast gamers could find their favourite franchises essentially on one console.

Had Nintendo put functions on par with other home consoles, with a system more comparable spec-wise, with a higher effort on developing new IPs in addition to their own which cater to those demographics you're trying to attract, and courted third parties to a stronger level given the aforementioned, then many gamers would not need to buy another console.

How many people would have purchased a 360 or ps3 early last gen had the Wii been powerful enough to get good enough ports? I know I sure as heck wouldn't have.

There is merit to Nintendo "doing Nintendo" but there is also merit for those core Nintendo fans who want majority of their experiences on one box.

Well said.

 

[djtiesto]

I for one am thankful for the diversity Nintendo provides, especially as the current western trends in gaming are faaaaar from ones I particularly enjoy. While nothing at Nintendo's E3 direct was mindblowing (aside from X and Mega Man in Smash), they also showed me games I know I will buy and love considering I was fond of their prequels (Bayonetta, Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and DKC)

 

[Doc Holliday]

Following others did not result in the GameCube failing. Other consoles had DVD playback which was huge at the time. It was purple, had a handle and long software droughts.

 

[airmangataosenai]

I believe Gamecube won Xbox by a small margin sales wise, but still won in the end. But as a newcomer, Xbox won that one. It was also way too expensive in the beginning.

Xbox: 24 million

Gamecube: Just under 22 million.

And that was with Microsoft halting all production of Xbox around the time of the 360 launch. It was almost impossible to find a new OG Xbox after holiday 2005. The number might seem small at a glance but it includes a full year extra in sales.

 

[Tamerlane]

Their controller interface. Notice how every console generation, they bring a new controller into the mix? That takes serious balls. And even if you don't like it, you should respect it.

The issue is Nintendo's only innovations the last few gens have been in interface alone (and the gamepad isn't really all that innovative). It's questionable whether these innovations are even all that valuable. In terms of content, online, and other standard features they are lagging behind significantly.

 

[C.T.]

I agree, WiiU has a Tablet Gamepad slighty because tablets are popular, and Nintendo knows it~

Sure you can see it that way. But you can't argue that the DS was developed a lot earlier, before smartphones became popular. I actually see the Wii U as a natural transition to a even more merged handheld and and portable console. I mean they even merged their handheld and console hardware devision, everything points in that direction. Maybe the future handheld will share the Wii U Gamepad streaming technology ontop of it's handheld hardware. That would be kind of awesome actually.

 

[ColonialRaptor]

Their controller interface. Notice how every console generation, they bring a new controller into the mix? That takes serious balls. And even if you don't like it, you should respect it.

Concept = Good

Implementation = Bad (Terrible actually).

 

[Lupin the Third]

It's strange: I like Iwata. I really do. I love the idea of the Nintendo Directs. I like that he - as the president - is often "visible" (E3, ND) and does things himself. And I think it was an absolutely exemplary move to reduce his own salary.

But the other side of the coin is that I haven't really enjoyed many Nintendo games like I have in the past since his presidentship. And I think Nintendo has lost itself somehow.

I mean, I'm getting older, so that's something to take into consideration, but to a point, I agree with you.

Even though I still enjoy Nintendo games quite a bit more than other companies' on average, I have a few issues. For example: New SMB series feels less "original" than the classics (despite great level design), recent Zeldas are still compelling but not enough for me to complete them (TP, WW, and Minish Cap were the last ones I completed), and this last console/handheld transition has left me wanting (3D was cool, but not long-lasting, and the Wii U GamePad is a fun idea that still needs some killer apps, but graphics need some "tightening up" compared to this holidays' lineup on the other next-gens).

Also, I feel like their North American focus is completely gone. Why are they having their premier Western studio, Retro, making a game they could easily pull off at NCL? Iwata, Miyamoto, Tanabe: trust your teams to make a good game for their region. Please. You find new successes by branching out and taking risks. (And, no, making $20-or-less experimental eShop games is not exactly that much of a risk, but we DO appreciate the extra variety.) Don't just make Retro copycat Rare's best sellers, please.

I know these are sentiments that have been repeated in some fashion here on GAF by various users, but I just needed to get some steam out before bedtime.

 

[Unregistered007]

Thanks Iwata, now that I am back after serving yet another immature remark related ban I can say that neither do I as a gamer care what Nintendo Does. My Wii U Deluxe has been packed and placed on shelf.

Well you know what give me the satisfaction? The THIRD PARTY DEVELOPERs ALSO DON'T CARE... suck on that !

 

[zoukka]

If only more publishers thought like this, games wouldn't be as homogenous as they are.

 

[mrklaw]

This. He's trying to emphasize that they don't play catch up with the competition or "copy" them, but rather try to set themselves apart by "gaming experiences that can only be available on Nintendo platforms". It's classic PR.

They're a billion-dollar company, of course they're observing the competition.

I get that, and if he is simply talking about Nintendo first party exclusive software that's great. But then you don't need a gamepad gimmick.

If he is talking about experiences only possible due to the gamepad, then Nintendo themselves are failing to demonstrate its worth - it's a fucking horn button in mario kart for gods sake.

 

[Ikael]

- I never got why people complains about lack of industry diversity, and then gets upset that Nintendo doesn't listen to "the market", as in, the AAA generic spacemarine shooter market. Variety and different approaches are good and healthy for the industry, as it is that there's at least one big developer that catters to things other than young males.

- While Nintendo is slow to adapt to certain trends such as online and while it could be outright bonehaded at times, It is not that Nintendo wants to be different just because, as if were France and its "exception culturelle". It is rather than Nintendo HAS to be different if it wants to survive in the market, since its model of business is remarkably different from Microsoft and Sony's, being a game developer first and foremost (which is going to put them on a collision course with third parties whetever they want it or not) and lacking the financial firepower of the other two.

- If anything, the WiiU is failing for being too derivative and not bold and different enough. The WiiU is just an expensive, low spec tablet, and unlike the Wii, you will be hard pressed to find a single game experience that couldn't be replicated elsewhere, with the probable exception of ZombiU. Like any marketing expert would tell you, you need to differenciate from the competence in order to create a "unique proposition selling" that makes your product stand out. Double down on the weirdness, I say, and disregard the voices claiming about how you should do "what everyone is doing", Nintendo.

 

[troushers]

What makes some of you so sure that 3rd party developers would support a Nintendo system, if it was technologically on par with other companies? I feel there is a substantial proportion of developers who would never even consider doing so - if it wasn't technology any more, it would be a lack of an account system, a slightly different architecture, a non-standard feature on a controller, an assumption about an audience, or a perception about competition from 1st party games. Whatever the reason, we would see more 'tests' from B teams at major developers, late releases with high expectations, cut features and no patch support.

Nintendo face a perception issue. Irregardless of the specs, player base or anything else, 3rd parties are pushing at an open door on Sony/MS systems, and a locked and barred one on a Nintendo system. A sales failure on one is a mistake with the game, it's timing, or it's appeal - on the other it's the fault of the audience, the platform holder or the platform. This is a prejudice, and it will not change until the current encumbants are superseded by new companies with different philosophies, which is a multigenerational, slow process.

Until then, Nintendo will have to set their stall out in the middle space. They will support their own hardware very profitably - I feel that if much of the software they planned to release had followed schedule, the conversation about WiiU would be markedly different. They will nurture young developers with programs such as the Unity engine license, and attempt to kindle an acceptable level of lower level support. They will continue to woo predominantly Japanese developers with life-support franchises like Dragon Quest.

Eventually, either Sony or Microsoft may falter, and economic reasons will force better support. Maybe they will R&D another Wii phenomenon, or another player will join the console race like Samsung or Apple, and change the market dynamic. But they are in a holding pattern, both short term and long term. Following MS and Sony as they bankrupt themselves, chasing the illusory pot of gold of living room dominance doesn't make sense to me.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

Thanks Iwata, now that I am back after serving yet another immature remark related ban I can say that neither do I as a gamer care what Nintendo Does. My Wii U Deluxe has been packed and placed on shelf.

Well you know what give me the satisfaction? The THIRD PARTY DEVELOPERs ALSO DON'T CARE... suck on that !

I have no idea why you were banned.

 

[Freezie KO]

The issue is Nintendo's only innovations the last few gens have been in interface alone (and the gamepad isn't really all that innovative). It's questionable whether these innovations are even all that valuable. In terms of content, online, and other standard features they are lagging behind significantly.

Nintendo had lots of ground-breaking software during the Wii and DS eras. It wasn't just the interface at all. It's primarily with Wii U that the content isn't innovating.

Also, their online is better than both PS4 and Xbone since, y'know, you can actually play for free. And Miiverse is a pretty innovative feature, regardless of whether it interests you.

 

[Teletraan1]

It's still new IP. And I guess Wonderful 101 and X don't interest you, either?

X is not really a new IP. Its a Xeno game. It would be like calling Dark Souls a new IP after Demon Souls came out. It has a different name for legal reasons only and I think that is pretty disingenuous to call it a new IP.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

X is not really a new IP. Its a Xeno game. It would be like calling Dark Souls a new IP after Demon Souls came out. It has a different name for legal reasons only and I think that is pretty disingenuous to call it a new IP.

That's reaaaaaaally splitting hairs. Like, how many companies could you then apply that to? Guess Destiny isn't a new IP either. It's a Halo game! Guess Quake wasn't either. It's pretty much Doom.

"There are some really good new IPs on the eShop"

"Doesn't count, they're just eShop games."

"There are some new IPs from Platinum and Monolith Soft"

"They're too much like their old new IPs, doesn't count"

"Iwata sacrificed his firstborn, did a voodoo ritual, and single-handedly swam to the USA and took the CEO of Rockstar hostage to make a new GTA game exclusively for the Wii U"

"It'll come to the PS4/XBOne eventually, doesn't count"

 

[tassletine]

Nope. They can have both but due to their 'least effort for maximum profit' mantra they adhere to just the basics which tends to mean lesser tech, slow eShop support, not really hoping after third parties etc. they rely almost solely on their main franchises and so long as people keep buying them(even when they are cash ins) they'll keep going what they do.

Shit, Look at them now. Completely failing with Wii U on all fronts and all we hear is 'Our first party will revive it' and 'we don't care what others do'. We have an anaemic eShop and shitty VC releases. No major third parties like GTA etc. Nintendo are by definition insane. They do the same thing over and over but expect different results.

"Least effort" -- I don't think you understand what Nintendo are doing. They are the only console manufacturer that has multiple, and successful IP's to manage. IP's that go back years and can be counted on for delivering a solid product.

When you're not tied down to those restrictions, life becomes a whole lot easier, but to say that there's little effort involved is just daft. The reason Nintendo don't care about what other companies do is that they see they see themselves as a toy company, not a console company. Nintendo will most likely ditch consoles altogether in the future and move onto something else like they have done in the past.

Also, Nintendo are not doing the same thing over and over again (except on a superficial level) as they constantly innovate and change tactics. This should be obvious as almost every major tech innovation is spearheaded by Nintendo (except of course graphics).

People forget quite how varied and different Nintendo games are, even though they superficially look similar. And as somebody pointed out if The Last Of Us can be seen as a 'sony' game. Bayonetta and Wonderful 101 can certainly been seen as Nintendo ones.

 

[SamuelSupreme]

That Kyle Bosman elephant analogy is just spot on