The following are statements, or summaries of statements from Satoru Iwata at a financial briefing...
NOTE: The full English transcript will become available soon.
On the 3DS Target Audience
"We definitely do not feel that 3D targets heavy users. However, we have a feeling that, until you've seen something that makes you say 'Of course, when used like that, it's clearly a 3D game that anyone can play,' you can't be convinced, so we hope that you'll make the decision in the future when you've seen something solid."
On 3DS Development Costs
"If a game is originally made as a true 3D space, you make the 3D image by drawing two lines, one matching the left eye and one matching the right eye, so converting a game that already takes place in a 3D world into 3D is not all that difficult. If you try to make something that's not in a 3D world into 3D, you'll probably have some cost. However, I don't really feel that there's any substance to that. Naturally, you won't make a game interesting by just making the visuals 3D. It's when you offer an interactive experience in the 3D visuals as part of a set with something that is interesting that you first have value as entertainment. Regarding this, there's still no foundation, and it's an area that requires trial and error. It is that trial and error alone that could see an increase in development cost. However, the trial and error is there for any development where you try to make new entertainment experiences, and not just 3D."
Iwata would not comment on software space or pricing
Will Nintendo have more surprises for E3 other than the 3DS?
"I can't say if there will or will not be surprises. If, for example, I said, 'there will be a surprise,' there wouldn't be any meaning, as everyone would be disappointed because of anticipation being exceedingly high."
On Rumors of needing high-end hardware to produce 3D games on the 3DS without dropping framerate
"When we made the 3DS, we wanted to make it into a platform that would attract a wide variety of things, from high end games to extremely casual games."
On Falling Wii Sales
"The target of 18 million units that we gave for this term is itself a high target when you consider that four years have passed since the system's release. If, in the games that we release this year, one were to make it big -- explode like we hadn't expected, it is, of course, possible that we'd exceed last year. However, making announcements of earnings forecasts on the basis of the assumption of such an explosion would be irresponsible for the management of a public company. We are in no way thinking 'the Wii is near the end of its platform cycle so we will limit our investments."
On the 3DS Name
"We've said that it will be released during this term, so the announcement of the formal name will not be too far off."
On the 3DS Announcement
Iwata mentions that when Nintendo decided that they wanted to show the 3DS at E3, they also wanted to have third party games to show off. In order to make this happen, they had to expand the knowledge of the system to people outside of Nintendo. Unfortunately, this leads to leaks and other bits of information getting around. Nintendo bit the bullet and let the info out to third parties, because having those games to show was important to them.
On consumers not purchasing a DSi XL due to the 3DS coming soon
Iwata doesn't feel that there's going to be a large amount of people that won't buy a DSi XL due to the 3DS coming out. While he did admit that there are some consumers that would approach things that way, he felt overall the effect wouldn't be one to worry about.
http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/05/11/iwata_qa_summary/
