The Wii-U was a commercial flop, with only 13 million units shipped, yet everyone continues to love Nintendo and all of their franchises. With the Nintendo Switch coming out soon this could be Nintendo’s last chance at hardware if this console doesn’t succeed. If this console fails, will Nintendo become the next Sega and become focused just on software instead of hardware?
An interesting topic. I believe we already have an article exploring what the Nintendo Switch needs to do in order to succeed, but I do think it's at least important to address that. Perhaps one can give examples of Sega's own failures or trace their own history - can any other major comparisons be made between the two? Or will Nintendo simply bounce back from any potential failure of the Switch because they are so well-loved due to their brand or franchises? What would it even mean to become the "next Sega"? – karebear77 years ago
I haven't been into Nintendo products for awhile now, but I was surprised that the Wii-U flopped.The parallels with Sega are a little scary, though I would say Nintendo has much stronger legs to stand on than Sega did, This is a great topic. – MikeySheff7 years ago
Hi! I wrote an article about the Nintendo Switch and what factors might determine its success but I think there is plenty of room to discussion the idea of Nintendo getting out of the console making game in a new article. Maybe focusing on pros and cons of the move from making both software and hardware to just hardware would be a good fit for this topic. What is gained and lost by Nintendo no longer making hardware and focusing just on software. – SeanGadus7 years ago
Nintendo, the trailblazer for video games, has reported to be falling short in comparison to Sony and Microsoft. Most of Nintendo’s successes are derived from old franchises: Fire Emblem, Legend of Zelda, and Mario. Thus, their success is fueled by the nostalgia of older gamers. Notably, they’ve fallen short in the expansion of certain franchises, such as Metroid. However, Nintendo’s latest success, Splatoon, shows the company’s potential versatility. How can Nintendo generate interest in new crowds? How will the company’s transfer to mobile gaming and the new console, the NX, affect them? What steps should Nintendo take to expand their fanbase?
It does seem like a good topic. There is potential for Nintendo to make a comeback in the console industry. The Wii, for instance, is still notable for keeping Nintendo up and running but with the rise of the Virtual Reality sets of both Sony and Microsoft, there is also the aspect to consider of how Nintendo can adapt to the changing climate of the console industry. However, like SEGA, there is also potential for Nintendo as a software entity. SEGA's titles are up for grabs on both Sony and Microsoft, and although by saying this I am committing the single vilest heresy of 90s era retro gaming, I think that Nintendo's NX may even prove to be an interesting experiment for Nintendo to have an arsenal of SEGA Games. Either way, the potential for Nintendo can improve if they realize: 1) the current gaming generation wants graphics, and there isn't a significant majority who put importance to story or character development (With some notable and important exceptions. Onimusha, Gears of War, God of War, DMC (the original PS2 series), Ways of the Samurai, Shadow of the Colossus, and Halo for instance.) 2) the current gaming generation wants a game that is playable yet adaptable: it thinks outside the box rather than use tricks from that box. Citing some examples from my list: God of War had the approach of interactive cutscenes with a system of weapon improvement that was dynamic - a step up from the DMC or FF style of upgrading; likewise, Gears of War had the gameplay aspect (which was sufficiently difficult) combined with a good story that helped sell it. 3) the current gaming generation will need... if all else fails... pleasure for the pervs. :P I dare anyone to mention one game from 2014 onward on the consoles (PS4, PS3, XBox 360) THAT DIDN'T HAVE SEXUALISATION IN IT! This is why Nintendo is having a hard time as well - their games are for a generation which respected the importance of imagination as well as a blank slate approach to gaming - its fun, but its challenging as well, with a strong and resonant feeling once the game has been concluded. In this respect, the only games I can think off which fulfills these criteria are Onimusha, Shadow of the Colossus, Spartan: Total Warrior, Halo, and even Final Fantasy 7 and 8. I hope this note was helpful. :) – shehrozeameen8 years ago
Many childhoods involve classic Nintendo games that are still ongoing series, like Mario, Zelda, and Sonic. People still play their games when they are older but have different experiences, some of these games, like super smash and pokemon, are even used in game tournaments. Analyze how some of these games still hold entertainment for all ages, some fail in a certain age group, and maybe what these games should be doing to provide for both audiences. The evolution of certain game series should be taken into account for as well.
Maybe discuss the distinct need and benefits (and potential harms) of having games with these extremes, those which equally appeal to all ages, but also those which exclude either adults or children from finding enjoyment. Perhaps ask whether there should be a widening or narrowing of appeal, and I would suggest not just focusing on Nintendo. I don't think this needs to just be focused on old games which have been accepted by an adult audience. – Matthew Sims8 years ago
The lifespans of demographics are fascinating. – Ian Boucher8 years ago
Nintendo’s place in the history of the video games industry is undeniable. However, this gaming generation they have stumbled. The Wii U has failed to successfully succeed it’s predecessor the Wii. The quality of it’s games have never wavered. This remains Nintendo’s saving grace. They have always maintain that they are a game company and hardware is secondary. Nintendo has received much criticism for their business strategies, many suggesting they abandoned their hardware altogether.
Many have defended Nintendo’s strategy, as being paramount to maintaining the quality of their games. Is the coupling of their games with hardware essential? Would Nintendo be better served by becoming a software maker only? Some have argued that the handheld gaming market has been taken over by mobile games. At first Nintendo felt no need to go mobile. However, they have changed course and have already begun releasing mobile games. Nintendo will not be porting their most popular games, but will utilize their vast roster of characters. Is it too late? How will this change affect their dominance in the handheld market?
Recently Nintendo has released software development kits for the NX, their next console. Rumors have been circulating that it’s a hybrid of a home console and handheld. Would this solve the issue? Another rumor out on the internet is that Nintendo has finally embraced focusing on power. Can this change in strategy finally get the elusive third parties on board? Overall, Nintendo has failed to recapture the success of the Wii. Their games have continued to sell and receive critical acclaim. However, this alone cannot help them return to the top of the gaming industry they help save in the 80’s. Will their next console pick up where the Wii left off? Is the gaming industry overreacting to the underwhelming reaction to the Wii U?
Even if Nintendo is struggling after the failure of the Wii-U they still will always be in the top 3 consoles. The console war between Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft I believe will always hold the top sections unless Steam or another company can get a large enough audience to begin putting their foot into the arena. Nintendo has had its ups and downs but I believe with their next line up of titles (Zelda Wii-U especially) will help drive sales. If the rumors and a few other topics I have seen are true about the NX and its power and place in the next generation of consoles I expect great things from Nintendo and the new foothold they will have and what they will be able to work with if they have a powerhouse of a system. – GiovanniZeko8 years ago
Great topic! I think it will always be in the big 3. I think what is most notable about them is that they pioneer new ways to play. Systems tend to follow suit. Nintendo has a consistent recipe that they don't let go of, which may make it feel like a stagnant console, with party games and well known repeated characters and titles. However, GameBoy and Wii changed the game and systems followed in that direction. I believe Pokemon Go will be a huge victory for them based on the buzz on the internet about it. It's basically a re-imagination of Pokemon Snap, so I believe Nintendo learns from it's mistakes and then does infinitely better. To only wait 3-4 years to announce the next console, it sounds as though something good is coming to replace a weaker investment. As whole Nintendo may be safe. – Aurianna Mansell8 years ago
Although it is still making its way in the market, I would say that Nintendo is failing at capturing audiences like it used to. It seems like most games are for parties and kids, which is fun and all but it falls short when it comes to older gamers that are looking for addicting story-lines and-game play. I know many people who sold their Wii because they got board with it. That saying Nintendo can't hold its place if it can't sustain its legendary image. – LaRose8 years ago
