| Soundwave said: But I think Nintendo would have focused on online much moreso with the GameCube successor if MS wasn't around. The whole "we don't care about online" thing was really galvanized at Nintendo IMO because Microsoft was focusing on it so much that it led Nintendo to focus more on a casual approach. Nintendo was actually experimenting with an online network in the 64DD in Japan before Sony or MS, but they abruptly nixed that completely. Maybe that's just coincidence but I find it interesting that they go from experimenting with a network service to doing a 180 on it as the XBox/GameCube/PS2 battle began. Sony would've made their online network either way, with or without XBox Live to push them. |
Yeah, but PSN is only anywhere near as good as it is because they had to try and be competitive with Live. It was a hot mess when it launched and would never have improved nearly as much or as quickly as it has if it didn't have to keep up with XBL.
Nintendo has experimented with a lot of stuff over the years that never panned out. If it's true that Microsoft's entry forced them into an anti-online mode out of sheer obstinance their refusal to do the right and obvious things is because they don't want to be a "follower", I still wouldn't want to depend on such an incredibly stubborn and insular company as Nintendo to make a consumer friendly experience in the online space.
