I see a problem here. Next gen Nintendo is likely to present a machine with hardware at least competitve in specs with X720\PS4 or whatever their names will be, competitive in terms of appeal to those "core", i.e. moving upmarket. In that case a lot of 3rd parties is likely to capitalize on Wii 2 if it'll get biggest userbase just like it predecessor did (or at least it's likely they'll bet their money on that as opposed to what happened to Wii), i.e. they'll make quick ports of previous gen titles (just like they did on Wii in 2007-2008) + finally announce a lot of multiplatform games for Wii 2, instead of trying to be competitive to Nintendo Wii games in quality in sales, since the former is much easier path to follow. This might be good for Nintendo, but it's kinda devaluates all their struggle in pushing new values instead of mere horse power. Well, I guess, every revolution ends up with counter-revolution ^_^

I do like the attitude of EA Montreal. However, the execution of their recent Wii games has been far from stellar.

HA VGC references! WRDABEST!

anyway, the article was great and follows all the things about Malstrom that I agree with.

One question I had is that on one of the last slides it shows a picture of the market movement, and ps360 and wii both move down along the Y axis (features) and it says "Wii UPSCALING"

what does that mean?

I mean, I understand the part about how wiimotion+ represents moving upstream in the same context of the Japanese steel industry, but what is this "upscaling" besides that? Or is it actually that? Because in terms of the move and natal, sony and MS are moving downstream, which impedes disruption according to Christensen. Sustained disruption comes from moving up the market with the demand, but the move upwards cannot continue where there is red ocean strategy, right?
Christensen said himself that no company is capable of sustained disruption, so I'm trying to figure out why this guy predicts them to upscale. He is correct in the aspect though that ps360 are now much nearer to the normal demand and so will start outselling the wii pretty consistently.
ANyone care to help me figure this out?

I think most attempts to move downstream from upstream are doomed to failure

Or something

I don't know

I agree Nintendo can't sustain disruption, it's literally impossible. I think it's why they keep such a big war chest: they're saving up for the next time they get ousted.

I am sure we will get ports again from this gen to Nintendos next gen. But, I also think they will be more willing to embrace it form the start, Which was a huge problem for most of them this gen and they are for the most part strung out to dry. Missing out on the huge money they could have made off of the Wii. I am not so sure they will up it to = Sony or xbox next console as that raises price tags for all involved. Not to mention might go right back to thier games at least looking intemidating and complex? I will say I think it will be a big leap though, but still a good one cost wise at least by that time. If Sony and others want to keep there cost down their leap (why still higher up power wise) will not be near as big.

I am pretty sure Nintendo wants to start moving more back upmarket again, but if they do it to fast they will once again lose some of thier base. I do not really think of myself as Casual or Hardcore. I myself have played games since I was 3? maybe sooner. And I must say thier have been times where I just walked away from my favorite pass time before. Towards the middle of the PS2 days and during the start of the N64 and PS1 days. It is also partly why I walked away from Sony completely this gen.When I think about why it is because some of the games became to complex for my taste and I had problems getting into the the whole 3D thing, Not to mention time I have to spend on them. I still do find many games to be to complex for my taste and I still have problems getting into many 3d style games (zelda being one of the biggest ones off the top of my head yes more than that has changed about them too.) Funny enough teh simple Crash Bandicoot ,Mario Kart N64, and the JRPGS is what got me out of the N64 gen rut. This Gen I got my Wii for Wii sports Resort and Mario Kart Wii and have yet to look back as I actually enjoyed Mario Galaxy, Wii Sport Resort and loved NSMB Wii. I guess I have went back Up market some in my taste once I lookd at my game list and the ones I want that are upcoming like The last Story Metroid and Xeno.

In the context since he said "upscaling to PS3 and 360", he presumably means processing power etc. Which will happen eventually, with the normal progression of technology. Disruption isn't individual products, it could happen over many console generations. This one has started off as a very fast disruption but it slowed down in 2009, pretty much due to Nintendo's own fuck ups.

Blue Ocean Strategy is not necessary for disruption. Wii happens to be both, right now, but if they compete over motion controls they can continue to disrupt even in a red ocean. The asymmetries of skill and motivation will help them achieve this.

I think what you're thinking of is that disruption happens in cycles, it can't be sustained permanently unless they disrupt themselves continually, in a "wheel of disruption".

Id rather some of them move on honestly. I like a decent amount of the third party games, but really they are not up to what theyshould be. Getting prepared for next gen now, so at the start they are on board and do it correctly sounds like the best plan for them and us.

that's what it seemed like to me too, although he did mention that wii is going to continue to expand the market. (through vitality sensor and other hardware improvements.)

Unfortunately, this

But at least they are apparently getting their act together for the next generation.

I'm not going to hold my breath on that.