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[Saty]

Nothing here seems to tackle their root problems in the home console market. Perplexing. Why are they so stubborn about being a hardware-software company is beyond me, especially when they aren't excelling in it or doing something special to try to turn things around.
It's more logical for Iwata to try and build this long-shot 3rd pillar of health and QOL products instead to do something as simple as opening a digital store on PC to sell their games and see a bucketloads of money come in?

 

[AniHawk]

That was my favorite part. Hopefully they can implement something like that.

ah so that's what they meant. that is pretty nice- rewarding repeat/loyal customers.

 

[AniHawk]

Nothing here seems to tackle their root problems in the home console market. Perplexing. Why are they so stubborn about being a hardware-software company is beyond me, especially when they aren't excelling in it or doing something special to try to turn things around.
It's more logical for Iwata to try and build this long-shot 3rd pillar of health and QOL products instead to do something as simple as opening a digital store on PC to sell their games and see a bucketloads of money come in?

opening a digital store for the pc isn't simple when they don't have the talent prepped for that.

here are the things that stuck out to me:

-they're basically separating out all the 'blue ocean' games and creating a platform just for that. i'm expecting an inexpensive base device with similarly-priced peripherals/doodads to appeal to a wider audience
-on the console side they're going to try and ride the wii u out by pushing the gamepad and marketing it better. i personally think this ship has sailed and they'd be better off removing the thing from the system in an attempt to move more units and sell more games, but eh.
-online, they're looking to make a sort of digital platform, but to tie into their own hardware specifically. with this comes an account system and a more unified approach to...
-next-gen hardware that will be far closer in architecture than their past handhelds/consoles have been.

 

[Lucifon]

Really interesting read. Especially the bit about the rethinking on the way things are priced. If games can be cheaper for people like me, who buy many games a year, then this could be great. Would also be a great incentive to get the people that only buy a few games a year to buy more.

Agree, I'm surprised noone else has adapted this model yet. Hoping we see it introduced soon.

I'm also glad they mentioned about sticking with the gamepad, and not pandering to internet complaints. Removing the main unique selling point from a system is not the way to bring it back around. They can take a price drop in other ways if needs be.

And very happy to see them acknowledging the failure of both the system's identity and marketing - this is their biggest problem. They've had some great games, but a huge amount of people don't even realise the thing exists!

 

[Sandfox]

opening a digital store for the pc isn't simple when they don't have the talent prepped for that.

here are the things that stuck out to me:

-they're basically separating out all the 'blue ocean' games and creating a platform just for that. i'm expecting an inexpensive base device with similarly-priced peripherals/doodads to appeal to a wider audience
-on the console side they're going to try and ride the wii u out by pushing the gamepad and marketing it better. i personally think this ship has sailed and they'd be better off removing the thing from the system in an attempt to move more units and sell more games, but eh.
-online, they're looking to make a sort of digital platform, but to tie into their own hardware specifically. with this comes an account system and a more unified approach to...
-next-gen hardware that will be far closer in architecture than their past handhelds/consoles have been.

The way I read it is that the issue with the Wii U is that they don't want to lose even more money per unit than they already are.

 

[Mattias]

I like this part. Cheaper games for those that buy and play a lot of Nintendos games.

"For example, until now it has been taken for granted that software is offered to users at the same price regardless of how many titles they purchase in a year, be it one, five or even ten titles. Based on our account system, if we can offer flexible price points to consumers who meet certain conditions, we can create a situation where these consumers can enjoy our software at cheaper price points when they purchase more. Here, we do not need to limit the condition to the number of software titles they purchase. Inviting friends to start playing a particular software title is also an example of a possible condition. If we can achieve such a sales mechanism, we can expect to increase the number of players per title, and the players will play our games with more friends. This can help maintain the high usage ratio of a platform. When one platform maintains a high active use ratio, the software titles which run on it have a higher potential to be noticed by many, which leads to more people playing with more titles."

 

[Mpl90]

I was so close to having a public meltdown but now that I've had a good dose of sleep I came to realize that at the speed Nintendo operates, all of this won't matter to me since I'll be dead by then.

Sir, you're a much better poster than that, don't do this. Especially considering how there are many good parts in the Investor Briefing ;_;

 

[Metal B]

Sounds good enough, but the speed they will use to implement this might mean that when the changes are implemented the market might have changed again.

That's why the don't want to follow any trends and try to create there own. They see them self as a creator of unique hardware, software and devices for children and adults. Make sense for the company to follow there roads as a toy-company and creating "toys" for children and adults. Yes this means becoming an "Gimmick"-Company, since Toys are play-tools with gimmicks.

I think, it is the right idea for the company. The market doesn't need another Multimedia-Console and it especially doesn't want an half-backed one (the problem of the WiiU). Nintendo simply hasn't the resources, the experience and the branches to go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony. So instead of walking behind them all the time, they take the route of new, specially created devices, a charming presentation and building a connection of them all (finally one Account-System).

 

[Comandr]

What Nintendo will try to achieve in the next 10 years is a platform business that improves people’s QOL in enjoyable ways. This definition includes, of course, dedicated video game platforms. While we will continue to devote our energy to dedicated video game platforms, what I see as our first step into a new business area in our endeavor to improve QOL is, the theme of “health.” Of course, defining a new entertainment business that seeks to improve QOL creates various possibilities for the future such as “learning” and “lifestyle,” but it is our intention to take “health” as our first step. Please note, however, that rather than simply setting health as our theme, Nintendo will also try to expand it in a new blue ocean.

As a core gamer I am mildly alarmed by the interest in pursuing health and lifestyle in another "blue ocean" strategy. To me this just screams "Expect a lot more brain training and wii fit crap that no one cares about any more."

Sony and Microsoft are selling truckloads of consoles almost as fast as they can be made. They are doing that because they have a lot of games now and in the near future that people are really excited to play, not to mention offering compelling online services that people genuinely enjoy. I'm looking at you PS+.

Wii was only a colossal success in the US, with the other major countries falling far short of US' numbers. The blue ocean strategy worked here because the console itself was 1) Radically cheaper than its competitors, and 2) Extremely different from its competitors. Over the course of its lifespan though, I can probably name the truly killer, must-have games on one hand.

Any time you reference Wii from this point forward, people are going to have a "been there done that" attitude towards it. "Oh Wii U? I got one of those years ago to play with my family/parties/horse riding enthusiasts."

Christ, Nintendo just launched spit-shined versions of Wii Sports and Wii Fit, and no one batted an eyelash. Those were fads. They passed. It's time to create something new. If you intend to capture non-gamers all over again, you need to do something COMPLETELY different that won't confuse them into thinking that your new thing is just your old thing.

I think Nintendo really needs to buck this nasty habit of pursuing innovation for the sake of innovation. Not everything needs to be innovated. I'm perfectly satisfied with someone taking a working formula and refining the experience.

I think we need to wipe away all of the crap, and ask ourselves "Why do people like Nintendo? How are they most successful?"

Let's look at a few notable success stories, platform-wise. The SNES. It had fantastic first party games, and a billion different 3rd party games from casual to hardcore. The SNES didn't innovate anything really above and beyond the NES. It didn't need to. A new controller with a couple more buttons that made sense, and better graphics/sound. That's it, moving on.

The 3/DS. On paper, the inferior system. Not the best control scheme, and the specs were far worse than the competition. But it did bring something unique to the table which was starting to get really big. Touch. Sure there were a handful of touch-based smart phones and other devices but they didn't spell it all out like Nintendo did, if they even supported games at all. Then a metric ton of third party support again. Everyone got on the 3/DS train. Aaaand guess what. When you have a lot of people making lots of diverse games for your system, it sells well because it appeals to a broad palate.

I see that Nintendo is hoping to capture some of the DS' appeal by allowing you to play them on Wii U... My favorite part of portable games is being forced to play them tethered to a console in the living room...Said no one ever.

Christ, its like Nintendo just dug around in a hat of suggestions and grabbed and ran with it.

I really, truly, madly, deeply hope that Nintendo is taking this whole experience to heart. I know we have heard the "We promise not to do X when we launch Y and there won't be a drought for Z months," a lot.

But seriously, I don't think the message could be any clearer. Developers are telling you what they need out of a console. Gamers are telling you what they want out of their software. What is the fucking problem.

I really feel like Nintendo screwed the pooch on this one. I don't see how they can possibly interest third parties to develop on their home consoles moving forward. A new handheld, sure, because it's nearly a guaranteed success. Console? I think you'd have to be something really remarkable.

I give up.

 

[Roshin]

Yes, let's spend time and resources on the least appreciated component of the Wii U system, the gamepad. I'm sure that will work out fine. Also, proper accounts at some point in the future.

 

[Mattias]

Yes, let's spend time and resources on the least appreciated component of the Wii U system, the gamepad. I'm sure that will work out fine. Also, proper accounts at some point in the future.

I have to disagree on that one. The gamepad is the best part of the Wii U.

 

[Anteater]

Just read up to the NNID Stuff, that's a really a step towards the right direction, especially with the inviting friend for discount stuff, there are a lot they could do in that aspect in digital distribution. Having a good account management and prices were reasons steam becomes popular even if it's just a service that runs on different hardwares and specs, and it will be great in the long term since Nintendo devices also offer backwards compatibility.

As for the tablet controller and wii u, I guess we will have to see what they do with future titles, outside of improving those features they've already mentioned.

 

[Roshin]

I have to disagree on that one. The gamepad is the best part of the Wii U.

I guess that's why so many games use it.

 

[3bdelilah]

I think Nintendo really needs to buck this nasty habit of pursuing innovation for the sake of innovation. Not everything needs to be innovated. I'm perfectly satisfied with someone taking a working formula and refining the experience.

Even though I agree with every single thing you said, this specific part really stands out. Why are they so obsessed with "innovation"? That really baffles me, especially since the Wii U has been out for almost two years and they still don't know what to do with the gamepad. Just stick with a Pro Controller and pump those games everybody is waiting for. And now this health shit I don't really know what to think of it? I.. I don't know anymore. I'll just let them ride it out and see what happens.

 

[Sendou]

I guess that's why so many games use it.

Every game uses it.

 

[3bdelilah]

I have to disagree on that one. The gamepad is the best part of the Wii U.

A lot of people who have the gamepad say that, and I respect that. But is a $100 non-essential feature really that important? Sales are lacking because people apparantly aren't ready to buy that shit if they don't plan to use it. They should've just sticked with the Pro Controller and sell the Pad as an accessoire.

 

[Opus Angelorum]

There is some hope and genuinely good ideas coming out of this but it all seems a bit...too little too late.

 

[3bdelilah]

Every game uses it.

And the majority just displays a little map and even less an inventory/item list. Come on, does the +/- $100 really justify that? If there are people that think it has additional value, by all means, sell it as an accessoire to those interested. But a lot of people just want to play with an old fashioned controller.

 

[Roshin]

Every game uses it.

Please. In the Wii U's second year they have to put Miyamoto himself on special assignment to figure out what to do with it.

 

[Chindogg]

A lot of people who have the gamepad say that, and I respect that. But is a $100 non-essential feature really that important? Sales are lacking because people apparantly aren't ready to buy that shit if they don't plan to use it. They should've just sticked with the Pro Controller and sell the Pad as an accessoire.

Sadly this has been Nintendo's main problem. People who have Wii Us and play with the Gamepad know why its the best feature of the Wii U, but not so much for people who haven't purchased the console. Nintendo failed to show why people need the Gamepad through marketing and outside of Nintendoland/Wario what the Gamepad can do.

Perhaps this is what Iwata meant by refocusing on the Gamepad, but its clear that it would be a really dumb idea to remove it. It's a core feature of the system, Nintendo just sucked at explaining to potential customers why it is.

 

[Comandr]

Every game uses it.

I think part of the tongue-in-cheek humor here is that yes, literally every game does use it. As a standard controller. Very few games actually use the gigantic screen on it for more than a map or inventory view or a god damn horn.

Spoiler

I'm upset, I apologize.

 

[Sendou]

And the majority just displays a little map and even less an inventory/item list. Come on, does the +/- $100 really justify that? If there are people that think it has additional value, by all means, sell it as an accessoire to those interested. But a lot of people just want to play with an old fashioned controller.

It's pretty great yeah. I think even ($100- cost of including a regular controller like Pro = $60~ or whatever) great. Some games use it well and some don't. That's okay though. No use in forcing a gimmick where it doesn't fit. If you want to play with an old fashioned controller you can always buy a Pro Controller. If you don't think Wii U is worth it then that's a separate issue.

Please. In the Wii U's second year they have to put Miyamoto himself on special assignment to figure out what to do with it.

So? Sounds like a good plan to me. Besides it wasn't a special assignment to Miyamoto himself. In general to their internal development teams.

I think part of the tongue-in-cheek humor here is that yes, literally every game does use it. As a standard controller. Very few games actually use the gigantic screen on it for more than a map or inventory view or a god damn horn.

Spoiler

I'm upset, I apologize.

Woah calm yourself.

 

[StreetsAhead]

Please. In the Wii U's second year they have to put Miyamoto himself on special assignment to figure out what to do with it.

Miyamoto is head of software, he touches everything that goes through EAD at least. What was said was basically the equivalent of Nintendo is working on GP focused games.

 

[ant1532]

stoked for change in the industry from such a big player. this is big news right heuh

 

[Gambit]

Sorry, posted this in the wrong thread, the one about to be closed.

Since the Meeting happened in the middle of the night for me, I've only now caught up and read the slides.

All in all, I think Nintendo did really well. I say that as a gamer, and minor stock-holder.

-third pillar QoL: Sounds like a great idea. It undocks the Wii Fit, Brain Training stuff from the gaming hardware. This way they can continue trageting the costumers, without forcing them to buy a new console regularly. A console that never offers enough of an improvement for them. Wii Fit doesn't need to be HD, it makes no difference to product's audience. Same goes for Devilish Brain Training in 3D.

-it is an attempt to transform Nintendo into a lifestyle product, like Apple.

-gaming remains their focus. The next hardware can be entirely focuses on gaming.

-increased lincesing efforts means they will leverage their vast IP better. This excites me in two ways. More "third party" games using characters Nintendo has all but abandoned, and possibly films/tv-shows. Wonderful 101 OVA? Disney's Mushroom Kingdom? Studio Ghibli's the Legend of Zelda? Yes, please.

-rewarding costumers for buying more games and for recommending games to friends? Great!

-proving the gamepad's worth? Much better than abandoning the pad and still failing with their system. The Wii U is beyond saving anyway, but this way it will remain this quirky little device that offers a special brand of games.

-DS games on Wii U? WTF? Well, that is strange indeed, but why not.

-finally, a hint at a proper account system we can take with us from system to system.

All in all, this makes me more hopeful for Nintendo's future.

Ok, now I will go back and read the other gaf comments, which will, undoubtedly, prove to me that it was an awful presentation and all is lost.

Will post here again.

 

[Glass Rebel]

Sir, you're a much better poster than that, don't do this. Especially considering how there are many good parts in the Investor Briefing ;_;

I don't think the few (really) good parts of the briefing can make up for how unfocused they are when it comes to their core business.

I'm just not exactly sure what they are doing or planning to do with the Wii U. We keep hearing about how software will come and how third parties will follow eventually. And their third party woes extend to the 3DS, at least in the West. Still no concrete plans on how they will fix this.

I am also very doubtful that they will manage to justify the GamePad beyond off-screen play this year. They can't even get their traditional titles out in a timely manner and at least two of their biggest titles (Donkey Kong, Mario Kart and possibly Smash Bros.) won't use it in a meaningful way.

DS Virtual Console is just so dumb I can't even find the words.

Creating a third pillar with their QOL platform instead of focusing on actually stabilizing their core business also reeks of insanity. Whether this health/learning thing will be successful is for another discussion but they're currently in the process of losing their place in the home console space forever and they're doing practically nothing to prevent that. I am not sure if this is typical Iwata naivety or if they're being intentionally vague but they should realize that they can't afford to have secrets right now. Also, what the hell does non-wearable even mean.

The NNID stuff and merging of the platforms is admittedly pretty nice, so is the idea for the loyalty program. But that's it.

 

[Comandr]

Studio Ghibli's the Legend of Zelda?

 

[gofreak]

Pretty unexciting stuff.

The health business is a big question mark. Could work out well for them or not. No idea.

Regarding the core games business, though, I'm just seeing either the same lines as before, or pretty rudimentary catch-up (account system, promotional game pricing - and then the usual 'must try harder' lines around the gamepad/differentiation).

I'm not sure what one could have realistically expected at this point - it's still relatively early in Wii U's life - but I didn't get the sense that there was anything really big on the brew for the medium/long term. Seems like a lot of crossed fingers that Miyamoto will deliver something or that the marketing dept will break through on messaging, but I think it's too late on both fronts. Even though Wii U is only a year or so old at this point, a lot has changed since its release, and market perception might be irretrievable.

They don't seem too concerned about 3DS performance. The smart device stuff seems, again, very rudimentary, stuff any platform holder is/should be doing.

 

[Starwolf_UK]

The message I kind of got was we're in a hole and instead of trying to dig our way out we're doing to throw mud at the wall in the hope enough of it sticks so we can climb out.

For instance, DS Virtual console is not going to save the Wii U.

I do give props for the health idea though. Nintendo sticking with videogames will stagnate like Hanufuda card Nintendo did. But the health and edutainment industry have strong veterans.

They tested some of the online ideas in Europe:

Based on our account system, if we can offer flexible price points to consumers who meet certain conditions, we can create a situation where these consumers can enjoy our software at cheaper price points when they purchase more.

So many games on 3DS and that 30% off W101 when you buy Pikmin 3 (minus the whole "GAME gave you a download code before release date and you used it, no W101 discount for you" fiasco).

The Digital Deluxe programme on the Wii U is another more obvious example.

Inviting friends to start playing a particular software title is also an example of a possible condition

Free MH3 or Animal crossing for friend who just registered a system.

But I'm not convinced by the online stuff just yet given how the current implementation of NNID is so poor. If we share balance and history why not games being the almost too obvious Iwata wants investors to ask this so he can answer that question at the Q&Q rather than a difficult one.

Also the above promotions were not done using NNID at all in fact but Club Nintendo (I wonder if it will stay that way or if the two services will eventually fuse, I'm hoping for the former as being a 3DS owner who does not care for Miiverse, NNID offers me no advantages).

 

[LeleSocho]

I don't think the few (really) good parts of the briefing can make up for how unfocused they are when it comes to their core business.

I'm just not exactly sure what they are doing or planning to do with the Wii U. We keep hearing about how software will come and how third parties will follow eventually. And their third party woes extend to the 3DS, at least in the West. Still no concrete plans on how they will fix this.

I am also very doubtful that they will manage to justify the GamePad beyond off-screen play this year. They can't even get their traditional titles out in a timely manner and at least two of their biggest titles (Donkey Kong, Mario Kart and possibly Smash Bros.) won't use it in a meaningful way.

DS Virtual Console is just so dumb I can't even find the words.

Creating a third pillar with their QOL platform instead of focusing on actually stabilizing their core business also reeks of insanity. Whether this health/learning thing will be successful is for another discussion but they're currently in the process of losing their place in the home console space forever and they're doing practically nothing to prevent that. I am not sure if this is typical Iwata naivety or if they're being intentionally vague but they should realize that they can't afford to have secrets right now. Also, what the hell does non-wearable even mean.

The NNID stuff and merging of the platforms is admittedly pretty nice, so is the idea for the loyalty program. But that's it.

I feel you Glass... people say "look at those good things", but those good things are either incognitos that we won't know if they'll actually lead to good things or something that should've be don either 7-8 years ago or at the very very worst at the launch of the new console, it's like being happy of having a fire detector after your home already burned down.
For all the other things you already said everything necessary. Really sad all around.

 

[Duxxy3]

Still looks like a bunch of nothing. Nothing concrete. No answer to the Wii U problems.

 

[disap.ed]

This is what I want. Excellent.

I fear this means less Off-TV games which would turn me off :/

 

[AngryMoth]

So if these QoL products they're working on for 2015 are presumably taking up a lot of their resources, and with their renewed commitment to the gamepad, I'd say there is no way they release another home console before 2016. In which case they could be in for some dark fucking times with the Wii U. I mean, I sort of agree that the only thing that can save the system is a mainstream hit in the vein of brain age/nintendogs/wii sports, and exploiting the system's unique features is probably the best way to create such a hit. But if that game doesn't come (which honestly I think it probably won't) and they try to ride this thing out for another 2-3 years...it's going to get very ugly.

 

[watershed]

I like this part. Cheaper games for those that buy and play a lot of Nintendos games.

"For example, until now it has been taken for granted that software is offered to users at the same price regardless of how many titles they purchase in a year, be it one, five or even ten titles. Based on our account system, if we can offer flexible price points to consumers who meet certain conditions, we can create a situation where these consumers can enjoy our software at cheaper price points when they purchase more. Here, we do not need to limit the condition to the number of software titles they purchase. Inviting friends to start playing a particular software title is also an example of a possible condition. If we can achieve such a sales mechanism, we can expect to increase the number of players per title, and the players will play our games with more friends. This can help maintain the high usage ratio of a platform. When one platform maintains a high active use ratio, the software titles which run on it have a higher potential to be noticed by many, which leads to more people playing with more titles."

Yes this is a good idea. It will definitely help hardcore Nintendo fans and provide motivation for people to buy more software. But everything else sounds so bad/vague/uncertain that it doesn't really make me feel confident about Nintendo's future.

 

[Mattias]

I guess that's why so many games use it.

Yeah Nintendo has failed in showing what it could be used for.

Im still waiting for a RPG game where you have a game master with the game pad and other players with other controllers.

 

[RoombaDance]

I'm pretty pleased with the briefing. Exciting stuff, and sounds like Nintendo is taking the necessary steps to improve their future. The meeting was much more long-term oriented than I expected and it seems Nintendo has plenty of potential paths. I think their next consoles have the potential to be successful.

Only question is what to do about that Wii U? It sounds like they are planning to keep burning money on it at least until the QOL platform comes out. That's great for me as an owner but it's gotta be expensive for them to keep the support up. I suppose it could all just be a charade since they still need to sell their inventory, but it's fairly convincing so far.

I guess there's no chance of a profit next year, but I don't think Nintendo is doooomed anymore.

 

[Maxrunner]

Where are the new western core studios?

 

[zsidane]

I fear this means less Off-TV games which would turn me off :/

I remember reading Reggie soon after launch, saying that they totally did not anticipate gamer's (positive) reaction toward off-tv play. It seems to me that they tried then to "ride" on that and it made them lose focus as they started following what people "want" and not showing what they have.
And that led us to discuss how they should completely drop the gamepad...

Hope they realized that they need to showcase why the had a gamepad with a screen in the first place! I personaly love the gamepad and I'm happy to see Nintendo not getting away from it anytime. I already said that in a previous thread (and it seems that Iwata acknowledges that in the briefing), local multiplayer games "forced" them to not use the gamepad to the full extent of its possibilities because you simply only have ONE gamepad per console. Only single player or online multiplayer games can use the gamepad unique feautres. Or Multiplayer games à la NintendoLand!

 

[SweetDonuts]

Pleased with everything that was said. There are interesting times ahead of Nintendo, can't wait to see what they have in store.

 

[Palette Swap]

So basically they're:

- riding out WiiU and trying to not take too much of a hit with it. Pretty much staying the course, hoping it somehow catches fire with the new releases.

- expanding business in a new direction with the whole QOL thing.

- progressively catching up to the last 5/10 years with user accounts, non-console tied digital stores and more fluid pricing.

- half assing mobile with apps that will preach to the choir?

This doesn't exactly inspire confidence for 2014 TBH.

 

[Mpl90]

Answering to all the points bolded

I don't think the few (really) good parts of the briefing can make up for how unfocused they are when it comes to their core business.

I'm just not exactly sure what they are doing or planning to do with the Wii U. We keep hearing about how software will come and how third parties will follow eventually. And their third party woes extend to the 3DS, at least in the West. Still no concrete plans on how they will fix this.

I think they are well aware of how Wii U will never become as big as they expected, so they'll try to release the games in development, and to lower the losses as much as they can. About 3DS...they said that P&DZ results have made developers far more confortable in proposing mobile-like games / brands on the platform

I am also very doubtful that they will manage to justify the GamePad beyond off-screen play this year. They can't even get their traditional titles out in a timely manner and at least two of their biggest titles (Donkey Kong, Mario Kart and possibly Smash Bros.) won't use it in a meaningful way.

I fear that as well, but I still want to see Miyamoto's title. And the NFC, if implemented well, can be a good thing for Wii U, after all.

DS Virtual Console is just so dumb I can't even find the words.

I admit that's probably the less sensical thing said by Nintendo today, but it's possible it fits their brand new push for the GamePad. Since they want to have as much titles using the GamePad as possible, DS titles help in that regard

Creating a third pillar with their QOL platform instead of focusing on actually stabilizing their core business also reeks of insanity. Whether this health/learning thing will be successful is for another discussion but they're currently in the process of losing their place in the home console space forever and they're doing practically nothing to prevent that. I am not sure if this is typical Iwata naivety or if they're being intentionally vague but they should realize that they can't afford to have secrets right now. Also, what the hell does non-wearable even mean.

The fact is that this meeting dealt much more with mid-to-long term than with short term. That's why you've not seen so much talk about present consoles. So: NNID, licensing, emerging markets, more hints as the family of devices, and the QOL thing. They know Wii U can't be saved, so they're thinking about the future, while trying to extract as much as possible by the Wii U. And the QOL thing, if executed well, can be huge, and something that we as gamers could love as well, since it'd mean a brand new revenue source for ALSO traditional titles

The NNID stuff and merging of the platforms is admittedly pretty nice, so is the idea for the loyalty program. But that's it.

Licensing is also great: so many possibilities, even by just following the Pokémon model. Emerging markets being considered is good as well.

However, I wanted to make you notice how people like vinnygambini and, above all, tehrik, who were quite (if not very) pessimist recently, have been quite thrilled by what said in the Meeting (especially after, you know, the English transcript came out XD )

 

[Foshy]

I know I've asked already, but aren't we getting the hardware market share slides this time?

Would've been really interesting with PS4 and XB1 :<

 

[zsidane]

I know I've asked already, but aren't we getting the hardware market share slides this time?

Would've been really interesting with PS4 and XB1 :<

It's pretty obvious that they are not in a situation where they can proudly show market share in Europe, where France seems to be the exception with not bad/ok numbers. The UK would be catastrophic levels.
Even US numbers are really bad. 2013 is definitely a year to forget for them.

 

[Boy Wander]

And the majority just displays a little map and even less an inventory/item list. Come on, does the +/- $100 really justify that? If there are people that think it has additional value, by all means, sell it as an accessoire to those interested. But a lot of people just want to play with an old fashioned controller.

Why are so many people happy to part with $500/£400 for a console with Kinect. Which in my eyes is more useless than the gamepad, and certainly shouldn't be forced on people.

 

[watershed]

I really don't know how Nintendo is going to be able to support the 3ds, the Wii U, and the QoL platform with enough software. And I say this already assuming Nintendo intends to keep the Wii U support to a minimum until it dies/they are ready to replace it.

 

[Sendou]

I really don't know how Nintendo is going to be able to support the 3ds, the Wii U, and the QoL platform with enough software. And I say this already assuming Nintendo intends to keep the Wii U support to a minimum until it dies/they are ready to replace it.

QOL hardly overlaps with 3DS and Wii U but it's a fair point still regarding QOL and the future platforms. The answer is by expanding their development teams like they have been doing.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

Considering the gamepad's basically WiiU's main feature that sets it apart, they really should have been focusing on making games that truly highlight it from the get-go. They've seriously let shit hit the fan, but I'm glad they're apparently focusing on showing what the gamepad can do finally.

 

[NotLiquid]

The important bullet points to take from these slides sound a lot less haphazard than in the tweets but it's by no means a game changer when it comes to Nintendo as a whole. Playing catch up with user accounts and user perks is a good thing even if overdue, so there's always that. The QoL stuff will be harder to grasp though, since as a gamer I have no interest in this. But then again, that's probably not the target audience to begin with so I might not be qualified to judge how well that'll pan out.

 

[Fredrik]

I see some people are angry after seeing the slides but I for one am hopeful. I like the things mentioned about that they'll keep doing dedicated game consoles, using a unified account system, cheaper games the more you buy(!!!) moving the health and learning stuff away from regular gaming, bringing DS to WiiU VC (Pokémon, Castlevania, Yay!) and they'll already started looking into future consoles.

 

[Kokonoe]

So what about right now? It's like he's just saying "The next console will be better, enjoy your Wii U."