Not sure if this has already been posted!
When it comes to the Nintendo GameCube, many in the gaming industry believe a lack of third-party software support played a pivotal role in the console’s failure against the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. And, while the Nintendo Wii is the leading home console of this generation, its makers appear keen to avoid losing traction through poor third-party selection.
More pointedly, with a mere 55 percent of all Wii software offered by outside videogame publishers, Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has recently spoken of Nintendo’s desire to further increase that third-party coverage and add more genre variety to the overall Wii portfolio.
Offering up his comments in a Wall Street Journal interview, Fils-Aime said Nintendo is working to see the Wii’s third-party software percentage rise as high as 70 percent, which would bring the innovative motion-sensing console in line with Nintendo’s portable system, the dual-screened DS.
Beyond its drive to increase third-party population alongside its own Nintendo-led titles, the Japanese gaming giant has also repeated its pledge to integrate more software titles for ‘core’ Wii owners in order to help maintain consumer attraction for the system.
“In order to achieve high levels of sales of hardware, we need all genres in the market,” said Fils-Aime in the Journal report.
While more third-party and hardcore titles can only benefit the Wii and should help its sales remain robust in testing economic times, Nintendo continues to resist the most obvious solution to the prospect of waning sales – a price cut.
According to Fils-Aime, better software variety will be enough to lure prospective hardware buyers and the Wii’s long-established price point of $250 USD isn’t about to be lowered any time soon.
“Price cuts are a short-term incentive,” insisted Fils-Aime. “In the long run, you need software to excite people.”
Seems like a pretty good goal for me, probably a good idea for TP's as well!
