Arc and Natal are a good opportunity for Nintendo?

[Asriel]

Nintendo may very well learn something from Microsoft and Sony, just as Microsoft and Sony have learnt from Nintendo. When it comes to changing or advancing gaming interfaces though, Nintendo have experimented with several different forms of motion control already, with the Wiimote, Balance Board and Motion Plus all coming about through the Wii's life span.

If you compare that with their latest interface-the Vitality Sensor-it's clear Nintendo are attempting to find a way to essentially avoid direct competition with Microsoft and Sony again, as they did with DS and Wii. Nintendo are moving onto what they believe will be the next expansion product for the Wii, just as Sony and Microsoft are attempting to fight Nintendo in motion control/interface terms. I expect the interface for their next machine will be based on what Nintendo believe will reach the widest market possible, and particularly an interface that will attract new customers without alienating too much of the Wii's massive userbase.

Nintendo won't want a technological arms race that revolves around interfaces and control methods-it would be too similar to the graphics arms race console manufacturers were previously involved in. Nintendo could very well bring out a "Super Wii", with 1:1 motion control from the start, and some kind of camera system if Natal is a big success. They may even bring in more of the online and network based components Microsoft and Sony emphasise in their consoles. But it would go against the philosophy that has allowed Wii to become such a large success and wouldn't achieve Nintendo's goals of market expansion.

I expect they will follow through on attempts to widen the games market rather than pursuit a motion control arms race.