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PREDICTION LEAGUE NOVEMBER 2016

Predict how much these titles will sell in the month (from Oct 31 to Nov 27):

[3DS] Nintendo 3DS Hardware (28 days) - 154,000
[PS4 - PSV] Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey (26 days) - 95,000
[PS4] Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (24 days) - 195,000
[PS4] PlayStation 4 Pro Hardware (18 days) - 75,000
[3DS] Pokémon Sun / Moon (10 days) - 2,300,000
[PS4 - PSV] SD Gundam G Generation Genesis (6 days) - 75,000

 

[Chris1964]

 

[Nibel]

So what you are saying here Chris is that there is a chance for Monster Hunter to come to PS4 right

 

[Eolz]

So what you are saying here Chris is that there is a chance for Monster Hunter to come to PS4 right

It just makes sense.

 

[DriftingSpirit]

So what you are saying here Chris is that there is a chance for Monster Hunter to come to PS4 right

And what you're saying is that it makes sense for a western focused MH5 to be released on PS4?

I think I can make a thread out of this.

 

[MacTag]

It's been discussed in the past how slow third parties generally are to support new platforms in Japan. It wouldn't be surprising to see that continue.

Slower for some (PS4) but less so for others (3DS). Capcom and Level 5 at least came in strong on 3DS day one, and other publishers like Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Konami, Sega and Koei Tecmo were all also there at launch with established brands.

 

[Nirolak]

How long did it take japanese publishers to ditch DS in favor of 3DS? For instance, is it likely that the next mainline monster hunter/pokemon games are going to be Switch exclusives or 3DS/Switch games?

I would say the first major support for 3DS started arriving around Fall of the year it came out, especially for content outside of the launch month, though there was still another 12 months of slow rolling onto the platform from there.

This was actually one of the quickest and most aggressive support cycles for a modern platform in Japan. PS4, Vita, and Wii U were all notably slower.

We'll see if the Switch can break trends and improve upon that.

 

[duckroll]

I think it's still an open question as to whether the Switch will ever really replace the 3DS. We will find out in Jan when they actually give details that are worth a damn, like pricing.

 

[michaelius]

I think it's still an open question as to whether the Switch will ever really replace the 3DS. We will find out in Jan when they actually give details that are worth a damn, like pricing.

It shouldn't matter - if Nintendo played it's cards smart they will release 3DS replacement which shares games with "Switch" - after die shrink to 10nm it should be possible to have same power in smaller more portable form factor without any of that dock nonsense.

 

[duckroll]

It shouldn't matter - if Nintendo played it's cards smart they will release 3DS replacement which shares games with "Switch" - after die shrink to 10nm it should be possible to have same power in smaller more portable form factor without any of that dock nonsense.

It shouldn't matter? Of course it matters. If the Switch is intended to replace the 3DS right now, then we will see a natural transition of franchises towards the platform sooner rather than later. If there is a future 3DS replacement down the line which happens to share the same architecture as the Switch, but solely for portable gaming, then we won't see that natural transition until later. This discussion is about timing.

 

[Oregano]

I think it's still an open question as to whether the Switch will ever really replace the 3DS. We will find out in Jan when they actually give details that are worth a damn, like pricing.

The other lingering question is whether or not it's actually getting portable games. The assumption was that it obviously would but Nintendo has been very wishy washy about whether its meant to be the next portable too. Mainly it comes down to whether Switch actually gets mainline Pokémon.

If the 3DS isn't getting a successor then Switch kind of needs to succeed for traditional Japanese publishers. Obviously they could transition to western focused console games and mobile games only but that would be difficult and messy for a lot of publishers.

Spoiler

Will Koei Tecmo survive the next five years?

 

[Asd202]

So what you are saying here Chris is that there is a chance for Monster Hunter to come to PS4 right

Well if MH5 will be on Switch they have to do assets in HD, support 720p they might just as well bump the resolution and put it on PS4.

 

[Oregano]

Well if MH5 will be on Switch they have to do assets in HD, support 720p they might just as well bump the resolution and put it on PS4.

Capcom says no.

 

[Asd202]

Capcom says no.

Interesting either it means no MH on PS or RE on NS or both .

 

[duckroll]

I think people read what they want into that statement. What Capcom means clearly is that for most of their franchises on either platforms, the audience gap is too wide for it to be worth their while with multiplatform because it isn't as straightforward a business as PS4/XBO/PC releases. It's not a statement that says they find it too hard to port something.

 

[Nirolak]

If the Switch fails to replace the 3DS, Japan is going to have a very painful existence.

The 3DS is already in nowheresville in the West, and Nintendo's primary output moving off the system will absolutely cement that.

The system isn't doing spectacularly in Japan either, so there's years more of pain on that front.

On top of it all, we've then got the slow roll of Japanese publishers to contend with. If Nintendo launches a handheld successor in 2019, we most likely won't be seeing widespread support until 2020.

 

[DriftingSpirit]

I do look forward to MH getting technical improvements though.

 

[Asd202]

If the Switch fails to replace the 3DS, Japan is going to have a very painful existence.

The 3DS is already in nowheresville in the West, and Nintendo's primary output moving off the system will absolutely cement that.

The system isn't doing spectacularly in Japan either, so there's years more of pain on that front.

On top of it all, we've then got the slow roll of Japanese publishers to contend with. If Nintendo launches a handheld successor in 2019, we most likely won't be seeing widespread support until 2020.

I think it's pretty clear that Nintendo fears that NS won't replace 3DS that's why there keeping that door open by saying NS is primary a home console and insisting on continuing support for 3DS. If NS fails as handheld device they'll just come out with a lot smaller device to cater to that audience.

 

[Oregano]

Interesting either it means no MH on PS or RE on NS or both .

Who knows.

I think people read what they want into that statement. What Capcom means clearly is that for most of their franchises on either platforms, the audience gap is too wide for it to be worth their while with multiplatform because it isn't as straightforward a business as PS4/XBO/PC releases. It's not a statement that says they find it too hard to port something.

I think it's a much more significant statement now than it would have been five-or-more years ago when Capcom had a significantly bigger product slate.

If the Switch fails to replace the 3DS, Japan is going to have a very painful existence.

The 3DS is already in nowheresville in the West, and Nintendo's primary output moving off the system will absolutely cement that.

The system isn't doing spectacularly in Japan either, so there's years more of pain on that front.

On top of it all, we've then got the slow roll of Japanese publishers to contend with. If Nintendo launches a handheld successor in 2019, we most likely won't be seeing widespread support until 2020.

The 3DS has actually had a weird little second wind in the US thanks to Pokémon GO. The main issue with hypothetically trying to keep the 3DS alive for a few more years is that there's very little software that Nintendo could continue to produce for it. All their big hitters have been on the platform and some have multiple entries.

 

[zeromcd73]

Level 5 will be interesting. They supported the 3DS right out of the gate with a new Layton game. They have a lot of titles coming next year that pretty much haven't been followed up at all outside of their own events.

Even if other publishers are slow, I think at least Level 5 will jump on NX straight away with LadyLayton/SnackWorld/Inazuma/ThatRobotThing.

 

[duckroll]

I think the main thing puzzling me about the Switch so far is that Nintendo seems to not know what to do with it in Japan at all. The reveal was very much international-centic. The highlights of the device in the reveal also seems very alienating to Japan. You have young adults with lots of free time, large rooms, expensive TVs. You have people gaming in a car while on a trip, a guy hanging out at an airport, taking a plane, etc. You have an e-sports event. That's all aware and tapping well into the what older gamers might want in the west, but I was surprised at how it basically leaves a large part of NIntendo's audience out completely.

Where are the families who want to play together? What options are there for younger siblings who play portable games and have their own 3DS units? What about people who take trains and buses everyday - is the tablet too inconvenient for them? Are kids going to carry a tablet sized system to school to play with friends? Will they need to set it up on a table like in the basketball court segment of the video just to play together?

The presentation is very interesting because it looks like a modern device made for the adult with spending power rather than an all ages electronic toy.

 

[MacTag]

I think it's still an open question as to whether the Switch will ever really replace the 3DS. We will find out in Jan when they actually give details that are worth a damn, like pricing.

I think we'll find out in spring 2017 when the sales figures start rolling in. It's less about the positioning and more about the results. DS also wasn't supposed to replace GBA until suddenly one day it was and had.

 

[Principate]

If the Switch fails to replace the 3DS, Japan is going to have a very painful existence.

The 3DS is already in nowheresville in the West, and Nintendo's primary output moving off the system will absolutely cement that.

The system isn't doing spectacularly in Japan either, so there's years more of pain on that front.

On top of it all, we've then got the slow roll of Japanese publishers to contend with. If Nintendo launches a handheld successor in 2019, we most likely won't be seeing widespread support until 2020.

That's why I don't understand why a domestic Japanese publisher that has a sizeable interest in the domestic market wouldn't want to support the switch. This is an existential crisis for the domestic industry. PS4 sure as hell can't sustain it by itself, and the 3DS is dying a slow death which will be even quicker without sizeable first party support. So it would be in most Japanese publishers interest if the care even remotely about the domestic market to support the switch and hope for it to do well. Sorta like how they did with the PS4 with mixed results.

I think the main thing puzzling me about the Switch so far is that Nintendo seems to not know what to do with it in Japan at all. The reveal was very much international-centic. The highlights of the device in the reveal also seems very alienating to Japan. You have young adults with lots of free time, large rooms, expensive TVs. You have people gaming in a car while on a trip, a guy hanging out at an airport, taking a plane, etc. You have an e-sports event. That's all aware and tapping well into the what older gamers might want in the west, but I was surprised at how it basically leaves a large part of NIntendo's audience out completely.

Where are the families who want to play together? What options are there for younger siblings who play portable games and have their own 3DS units? What about people who take trains and buses everyday - is the tablet too inconvenient for them? Are kids going to carry a tablet sized system to school to play with friends? Will they need to set it up on a table like in the basketball court segment of the video just to play together?

The presentation is very interesting because it looks like a modern device made for the adult with spending power rather than an all ages electronic toy.

Kirishima mentioned this. Basically the advert was targeted at core gamers that would understand what the console is about quickly and are the most likely to have a backlash if something alienating sticks out (e.g family and multimedia focus), I imagine at the event and closly afterwards the demographic push in marketing will expand and the the regional target marketing will roll out. The event itself will be in Japan anyway likely with many major Japanese publishers announcing games so it should be too difficult to affirm that focus there in Japanese consumers minds.

 

[noshten]

I think the main thing puzzling me about the Switch so far is that Nintendo seems to not know what to do with it in Japan at all. The reveal was very much international-centic. The highlights of the device in the reveal also seems very alienating to Japan. You have young adults with lots of free time, large rooms, expensive TVs. You have people gaming in a car while on a trip, a guy hanging out at an airport, taking a plane, etc. You have an e-sports event. That's all aware and tapping well into the what older gamers might want in the west, but I was surprised at how it basically leaves a large part of NIntendo's audience out completely.

Where are the families who want to play together? What options are there for younger siblings who play portable games and have their own 3DS units? What about people who take trains and buses everyday - is the tablet too inconvenient for them? Are kids going to carry a tablet sized system to school to play with friends? Will they need to set it up on a table like in the basketball court segment of the video just to play together?

The presentation is very interesting because it looks like a modern device made for the adult with spending power rather than an all ages electronic toy.

I think the device is very Japan-centric myself. I also think that it would be cheaper than the PS4/Slim. The 3 minute marketing was clearly aimed at markets where Pokemon GO actually spurred interest in the Pokemon franchise and 3DS. I think they simply used a lot of things to display what type of experiences you might get on the go, with less focus on the home console aspect. Basically the marketing was this hybrid Tablet has Nintendo games and it's a lot easier to play on than your regular tablet with far more complex games. I don't see a problem people buying the device I just don't know if a lot of those people are also willing to spend $60 on Splatoon or MK8.

In terms of Japan do we really think that much marketing is needed for a device that could potentially be launching with some of the biggest console/handheld franchises in Japan.

As long as the device isn't above 30,000 it should do very well in Japan, like I said in a different thread I'm actually convinced this type of device could be close to 10 million in Japan alone by the end of 2017 if priced correctly and bundled with Splatoon. Just announced the Enhanced Sun/Moon Ports for the Holiday and bundle them with an HD Remaster of RED/BLUE.

 

[Fdkn]

10 million in 9 months...only in Japan?

this thread is going places

 

[Oregano]

Level 5 will be interesting. They supported the 3DS right out of the gate with a new Layton game. They have a lot of titles coming next year that pretty much haven't been followed up at all outside of their own events.

Even if other publishers are slow, I think at least Level 5 will jump on NX straight away with LadyLayton/SnackWorld/Inazuma/ThatRobotThing.

Layton 5(was it 5?) should have been DS/3DS instead of 3DS exclusive anyway.

That's why I don't understand why a domestic Japanese publisher that has a sizeable interest in the domestic market wouldn't want to support the switch. This is an existential crisis for the domestic industry. PS4 sure as hell can't sustain it by itself, and the 3DS is dying a slow death which will be even quicker without sizeable first party support. So it would be in most Japanese publishers interest if the care even remotely about the domestic market to support the switch and hope for it to do well. Sorta like how they did with the PS4 with mixed results.

It's already an existential crisis for a lot of them though because Nintendo platforms have never been an option for their games. Nippon Ichi for instance is going to face massive difficulties going forward trying to replace their fading Vita audience.

Kirishima mentioned this. Basically the advert was targeted at core gamers that would understand what the console is about quickly and are the most likely to have a backlash if something alienating sticks out (e.g family and multimedia focus), I imagine at the event and closly afterwards the demographic push in marketing will expand and the the regional target marketing will roll out. The event itself will be in Japan anyway likely with many major Japanese publishers announcing games so it should be too difficult to affirm that focus there in Japanese consumers minds.

Yeah, it's important that enthusiasts don't hate your product.

It will be interesting to see what third parties appear on stage at Nintendo's event.

I think the device is very Japan-centric myself. I also think that it would be cheaper than the PS4/Slim. The 3 minute marketing was clearly aimed at markets where Pokemon GO actually spurred interest in the Pokemon franchise and 3DS. I think they simply used a lot of things to display what type of experiences you might get on the go, with less focus on the home console aspect. Basically the marketing was this hybrid Tablet has Nintendo games and it's a lot easier to play on than your regular tablet with far more complex games. I don't see a problem people buying the device I just don't know if a lot of those people are also willing to spend $60 on Splatoon or MK8.

In terms of Japan do we really think that much marketing is needed for a device that could potentially be launching with some of the biggest console/handheld franchises in Japan.

As long as the device isn't above 30,000 it should do very well in Japan, like I said in a different thread I'm actually convinced this type of device could be close to 10 million in Japan alone by the end of 2017 if priced correctly and bundled with Splatoon. Just announced the Enhanced Sun/Moon Ports for the Holiday and bundle them with an HD Remaster of RED/BLUE.

Even half of that would be amazing, it would match the 3DS' best year(IIRC).

 

[Orgen]

As long as the device isn't above 30,000 it should do very well in Japan, like I said in a different thread I'm actually convinced this type of device could be close to 10 million in Japan alone by the end of 2017 if priced correctly and bundled with Splatoon. Just announced the Enhanced Sun/Moon Ports for the Holiday and bundle them with an HD Remaster of RED/BLUE.

Hahaha lol. Only being free can the switch get 10 million in Japan in 9 months...

Not even the DS in its best year could get to that numbers. My god!

 

[Nirolak]

That's why I don't understand why a domestic Japanese publisher that has a sizeable interest in the domestic market wouldn't want to support the switch. This is an existential crisis for the domestic industry. PS4 sure as hell can't sustain it by itself, and the 3DS is dying a slow death which will be even quicker without sizeable first party support. So it would be in most Japanese publishers interest if the care even remotely about the domestic market to support the switch and hope for it to do well. Sorta like how they did with the PS4 with mixed results.


Kirishima mentioned this. Basically the advert was targeted at core gamers that would understand what the console is about quickly and are the most likely to have a backlash if something alienating sticks out (e.g family and multimedia focus), I imagine at the event and closly afterwards the demographic push in marketing will expand and the the regional target marketing will roll out. The event itself will be in Japan anyway likely with many major Japanese publishers announcing games so it should be too difficult to affirm that focus there in Japanese consumers minds.

It would essentially be a vote of low confidence.

The PS4's support was both sluggish and very hedged in multiplatform releases. While Square Enix really went in, a lot of other publishers took a much more cautious approach as well.

The main arguments to holding out would either be short term risk aversion over everything else (and unfortunately a lot of Japanese publishers live by this) or a strategic decision to focus on different markets like we've seen with Konami and to a lesser extent Sega.

 

[Hellraider]

As long as the device isn't above 30,000 it should do very well in Japan, like I said in a different thread I'm actually convinced this type of device could be close to 10 million in Japan alone by the end of 2017 if priced correctly and bundled with Splatoon. Just announced the Enhanced Sun/Moon Ports for the Holiday and bundle them with an HD Remaster of RED/BLUE.

Pack it up doom and gloom guys. The age of Nintendo is upon us. Only 3 games already available in other platforms and boom, 10m in the first year, just like that. Can't even imagine what will happen with a couple of new games as well. Probably gonna outsell 3DS' LTD by early '18!

 

[duckroll]

I'm not seeing what makes the Switch Japan-centric at all. I think that would make a great talking point for viability of success in Japan. What am I not seering?

 

[Oregano]

It would essentially be a vote of low confidence.

The PS4's support was both sluggish and very hedged in multiplatform releases. While Square Enix really went in, a lot of other publishers took a much more cautious approach as well.

The main arguments to holding out would either be short term risk aversion over everything else (and unfortunately a lot of Japanese publishers live by this) or a strategic decision to focus on different markets like we've seen with Konami and to a lesser extent Sega.

But Konami was right there on the list of Switch partners!

On a serious note if Switch could even get multiplatform/cross-gen releases like the PS4 did that would be a big improvement from Wii U. It could even be an improvement from 3DS depending on the breadth of it.

EDIT:

I'm not seeing what makes the Switch Japan-centric at all. I think that would make a great talking point for viability of success in Japan. What am I not seering?

Whilst I don't disagree with your general point I think the inclusion of Splatoon(even with a eSports element) is relatively Japan-centric. Of course that's more than counterbalanced by Skyrim and NBA.

 

[Nirolak]

I'd like to point out that both third party titles in the video were Western.

 

[duckroll]

I'm talking about the hardware itself. What features and form factors suggest a Japan centric approach here?

 

[ArkhamFantasy]

I'm not seeing what makes the Switch Japan-centric at all. I think that would make a great talking point for viability of success in Japan. What am I not seering?

I see two things that it has going for it in Japan.

1.Portability

2.Publishers are probably much more likely to get away reusing old SD assets on the Switch (because its a handheld and weaker than the other consoles), rather than having to build expensive HD assets for their games.

And of course powerful Nintendo IP. I think the success of the switch is directly tied to how quickly publishers let go of the 3DS. If the next 2 or 3 Pokemon/Monster Hunter games are on 3DS then the Switch is probably going to struggle at least a little bit.

 

[noshten]

Ok humor me guys?
How much do you think a 20,000 yen, 25,000 yen or 30,000 yen portable console hybrid that looks like a Tablet is going to sell in Japan. Splatoon was a game that basically sold 1 million Wii Us in Japan alone. Wii U is about as attractive in Japan as having a 5 person family. It basically was a product which was not an attractive proposition for the core Japanese gamer or the mobile Japanese gamer. There is also a pretty big gulf in quality between what the 3DS offers and what the Switch can provide.

To me the Switch is a device that is specifically made for one last attempt to lure back those people spending millions on the mobile market back into the Nintendo Ecosystem. There will be mobile games/apps on there, so even if you aren't playing a $60 game there would be a lot of other options.
I think it would be LAN focused with big LAN games coming out first such as Splatoon, MK, SSB since the Switch is launching in spring - Nintendo probably wants the free press about people gathering in parks playing massive lans. With clearer focus on eSports bigger events could be organized by Nintendo and sponsors outdoors. There is going to be a lot of partnering apps or games that would be available outside the Nintendo ecosystem so they lure people into buying the Switch.

I think people underestimate the amount of free marketing Switch is going to get

 

[Datschge]

I get the feeling Nintendo tries very hard to not destroy the 3DS market in Japan, thus positioning the Switch purely as a home console successor. This explains the lack of 3DS/Switch simultaneous announcements. For Japan Nintendo may hope to cover enough bases for Switch by targeting the developers that focused on Vita/PS3/PS4 cross-platform releases (aside the non-existing Wii U ones) so far, keeping confidential the degree of how thoroughly Switch will technically replace 3DS (any form of BC, even if digital only) until a later point where the 3DS market shrinks further and Switch already proved itself in the market.

In any case Nintendo's big challenge is getting decent 3rd party support for Switch in the West, while not losing the 3DS based one in Japan.

 

[Oregano]

I'm talking about the hardware itself. What features and form factors suggest a Japan centric approach here?

Whilst the device is big I'd say the fact that it's portable at all is something that means a lot more in Japan than in the west. I guess we'll see how it goes down, I did ask if anyone knows what the reaction was in Japan...

I get the feeling Nintendo tries very hard to not destroy the 3DS market in Japan, thus positioning the Switch purely as a home console successor. This explains the lack of 3DS/Switch simultaneous announcements. For Japan Nintendo may hope to cover enough bases for Switch by targeting the developers that focused on Vita/PS3/PS4 cross-platform releases (aside the non-existing Wii U ones) so far, keeping confidential the degree of how thoroughly Switch will technically replace 3DS (any form of BC, even if digital only) until a later point where the 3DS market shrinks further and Switch already proved itself in the market.

In any case Nintendo's big challenge is getting decent 3rd party support for Switch in the West, while not losing the 3DS based one in Japan.

I think it would be a mistake to hold Switch back to not damage 3DS. As much as they might like to third pillar it it's probably better to make it clear that people who like the 3DS should probably buy a Switch.

 

[Principate]

Whilst the device is big I'd say the fact that it's portable at all is something that means a lot more in Japan than in the west. I guess we'll see how it goes down, I did ask if anyone knows what the reaction was in Japan...



I think it would be a mistake to hold Switch back to not damage 3DS. As much as they might like to third pillar it it's probably better to make it clear that people who like the 3DS should probably buy a Switch.

Pretty much the 3DS has been completely milked dry they've released 5 different sku's under this brand and they're unlikely to release another. Whether they want to destroy the 3DS or not it will provide competition to the switch by the very fact it has a massive user base and software ecosystem and the system is not backward compatible with it. Even 2 to 3 years down the line that could pose a problem to the struggling Switch. There's no need to make any concessions at all. The faster they can move over the active part of the 3DS userbase the better if this is the base they want to move forward with..

 

[Chris1964]

Slower for some (PS4) but less so for others (3DS). Capcom and Level 5 at least came in strong on 3DS day one, and other publishers like Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Konami, Sega and Koei Tecmo were all also there at launch with established brands.

DS->3DS transition from third parties was fast, mainly because most of them had already abandoned DS in favor of PSP first and secondly PS3.

It's the same this time with 3DS vs PS4 and PSV with the difference they never went big on 3DS, meaning whatever support they want to give to NS will be shown even faster.

 

[Eolz]

I'm talking about the hardware itself. What features and form factors suggest a Japan centric approach here?

Portability and the dock being relatively small, seems (if we follow Kimishima's hints) to have a big focus on accessories, so could work well with the used market, and other features seem pretty interesting for a different lifestyle (of course, it's more something for this era in general rather than japan only for this one).
At least that's how I perceive it.

 

[Vena]

While the commercial itself focused on super-rich millennials, there are segments that are quietly aimed at things like local co-op per or between multiple systems which is and has been a big part of what makes portables popular (and that section, of course, came with Splatoon imagery).

But a 3 min commercial is too small a slice, we'll need to see how Nintendo prices, positions, and supports the Switch and what occurs with the 3DS. The same, of course, applies to third parties.

 

[LordRaptor]

I'm talking about the hardware itself. What features and form factors suggest a Japan centric approach here?

You dock your controllers onto the console, just like the famicom....?

 

[Datschge]

I think it would be a mistake to hold Switch back to not damage 3DS.

It's not about holding the Switch back, it's not even out yet. It's about not destroying the traditionally huge Christmas/New Year sales that Switch is missing (and the Wii U won't really feature in anymore) anyway.

 

[Jon Carter]

Still no word on how Japan reacted to the Switch reveal? No comment from retailers etc.? I did find it strange that the preview video focused so heavily on rich white people and relegated Japanese gamers to Splatoon addicts.

 

[Chris1964]

If the Switch fails to replace the 3DS, Japan is going to have a very painful existence.

That's the only sure thing with Switch. If it fails current downward trend will be nothing comparing to the collapse that is coming.

 

[Graphics Horse]

Nintendo need to learn from the Greatness: http://youtu.be/f-iMXHEMS6o

 

[Oregano]

It's not about holding the Switch back, it's not even out yet. It's about not destroying the traditionally huge Christmas/New Year sales that Switch is missing (and the Wii U won't really feature in anymore) anyway.

Well I guess it depends how/if they switch gears in January but the next five years is obviously more important than this holiday season. Especially when they'll have Super Mario Run too.

Nintendo need to learn from the Greatness: http://youtu.be/f-iMXHEMS6o

WTF did I just watch?

 

[Jon Carter]

Nintendo need to learn from the Greatness: http://youtu.be/f-iMXHEMS6o

Someone must have lost their job over this.

 

[Sandfox]

Nintendo need to learn from the Greatness: http://youtu.be/f-iMXHEMS6o

When did Hirohiko Araki start making trailers.

 

[horuhe]

Still no word on how Japan reacted to the Switch reveal? No comment from retailers etc.? I did find it strange that the preview video focused so heavily on rich white people and relegated Japanese gamers to Splatoon addicts.

It seems Forbes Japan made some big news lately commenting on Switch. Specially regarding if it could function as a moble device, because as it has been stated here, it's too western-focused, so to attract Japan they need some kind of mobile approach.

Nintendo Switch, five important questions.
任天堂スイッチ、5つの重大疑問　モバイルは本当に需要ある？

1. Mobile is really demanded? (Translated as if it will have mobile funcionalities)
2. How much is the battery life?
3. How much it will cost?
4. How good will be the software?
5. Is the controller easy to use?

Even though, all these questions are perfectly applicable worlwide, the answers given regarding Japan should mark a way to look forward.

Retailers seem to be quite disappointed with Nintendo this year, and the fears of Switch release being delayed were kinda worrying. Buyers seem to care on how Nintendo will treat the situation in Japan, they see the machine as a portable gaming device, from now, but there are some questions to be answered before making the decision, and I do think retailers will look very deeply on the presentation to make sure if they will jump or not regarding high requests of units.