Iwata:
Years ago, Nintendo released a video game console called "Virtual Boy" (launched in 1995), when people were discussing "virtual reality," a buzz word of those days which have become nearly a dead word today. I understand that the company challenged to release this product, thinking that a 3D environment can deliver immersive and valuable video game experiences. As for the reason of its bad sales result, some people blame its graphical ability which could only display red during the days full-colored gameplay was common-sense. Or other people might say that for people surrounding the player he or she can hardly look favorably.
Personally, I am really excited to see more and more movies getting 3D functionality, and feel no hurdle in using 3D glasses for two hours in order to watch a movie. But when we consider the possibility of 3D video game for a household, we also have to consider if everyone needs eyeglasses in order to start playing, or how would the graphic and players look like to spectators without 3D glasses? If it is played by one person or without any family member on the spot, I think 3D technology will be suitable for a video game experience. As Nintendo has been and is going to be focusing upon the number of users per household, I have some doubt that current 3D technology which requires eyeglasses will be suitable for our products. In fact there have already been discussions for a possibility of a 3D video game for a long time. To tell you the truth, GameCube is secretly designed to load graphical circuits which display graphics for right and left eyes respectively, for a future possibility of realizing 3D gaming experience. So actually we have had interest on this technology, but I have some doubt about everyone needing glasses to play. Also, we would have to consider the impact on a human body if we develop 3D games as full-scaled as current video games, which takes much longer than 2-hours movies. If we design games that the players can enjoy only for two hours, that would mean less value for the price. To wrap up, we have interests but are also aware that there are so many hurdles to overcome, thus we don't believe every kind of game will become 3D environment in no time.