Nintendo is always working on the next new hardware. In fact, once a system launches, Nintendo starts work on the next one. President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata explains to investors at the recent financial briefing:
“I can certainly assure you that we are not at a dead end of any kind in which we are out of ideas for developing new hardware…in fact, we already have a clear idea to some extent about the direction our next hardware is going to take.”
“We already have a clear idea to some extent about the direction our next hardware is going to take.”
However, according to Iwata, in order to achieve success with future systems, consumer satisfaction with current platforms is key. In the briefing he explains:
“I of course believe that launching new hardware will not produce good results unless we first make sure that those who have already purchased our platforms are satisfied. We will continue to work hard to ensure that consumers who already own our platforms are satisfied, and make sure that people will continue to see great value in our software.”
“our strategy of focusing on software has not changed.”
Focusing on the software continues to be Nintendo’s strategy. Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. 4 are two major titles set to hit the Wii U in the coming fiscal year. The introduction of these two games, plus announcements at this summer’s E3, has the potential to dramatically increase Wii U sales, as explained by Iwata:
“Our internal software development teams directed by Shigeru Miyamoto (Senior Managing Director and General Manager of Entertainment Analysis & Development Division) are committed to developing several titles that focus on offering unique experiences only made possible with the Wii U GamePad in order for a large number of people to understand the Wii U GamePad’s significance. The titles we are preparing to show you at E3 vary from being nearly complete to still in the early phases of development but with the core of its appeal noticeable. Therefore, our strategy of focusing on software has not changed.”
“The Pokemon game singlehandedly changed the landscape of the system.”
Iwata reminds us that a single title can completely alter the course for a gaming system. Several years ago, the Game Boy was experiencing a major decrease in sales. Suddenly, Pokemon came along and the Game Boy became more successful than ever. He states:
“The Pokemon game singlehandedly changed the landscape of the system, which then started to show the strongest sales in the lifecycle of the system.”
Iwata acknowledges the Wii U’s poor sales, assuring investors that Nintendo plans to “work hard to make sure that we give sufficient momentum to the system so that we can expect good results in and after the next fiscal year.”
