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Forums - Nintendo - Former Nintendo Employees/Former NOA VP Kaplan Discuss Modern Nintendo. Reggie Talks 3rd Parties.

zorg1000 on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:
zorg1000 said:
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

That wouldn't be a bad device, it shouldnt replace their handhelds but could easily coexist with their next-gen hardware. Also what do u think of some of the suggestions from my other post?


I agree with the gist of your post. Though I think something happened with the edutainment stuff, at one point I think they were looking at getting DS systems into Japanese classrooms because of Brain Training, but the Japanese school board or something came down harshly on the idea saying the DS is not an edutainment device. I'm not sure if it's like a Japanese thing, but Nintendo seemed to accept this 'dishonor' and stopped pursuing the idea. 

My guess about QoL is it will be different from even the Wii Fit stuff we saw. The sleep sensor thing caught everyone off guard. I'm thinking the other QoL devices will also be fairly removed from gaming. Like I think there probably will be a QoL device designed for senior citizens designed to keep them engaged. 

Well the DS also had a ton of non-educational software available for it so that probably had a huge impact on why they couldn't implement it into schools. Software for the device I'm suggesting is strictly educational so it could very well fare better in that regard. Also the main focus I think would simply be to get 3-7 year old kids familiar with Nintendo's characters/ip. Having educational software featuring characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Pikachu, Toon Link could make these kids later move onto Nintendo's handheld or console.

There are many possible directions Nintendo could go with QoL, I was just spit balling an idea I had. An inexpensive Wii Fit like device that isn't tied down to gaming hardware would be much more successful than Wii Fit U. They probably have a bunch of other unexpected ideas for it like the sleep tracking device.



When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.

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zorg1000 on 09 December 2014
FarleyMcFirefly said:
zorg1000 said:
Pretty decent article, it's not crying out that Nintendo is doomed but still acknowledge that Nintendo is in a rough spot compared to the WiiDS era.

While I do not believe we will ever see Nintendo release a 100 million selling console alongside a 150 million selling handheld again, I do still believe Nintendo can stay relevant in the hardware business.

Despite losing a ton of ground to smart devices, Nintendo has shown that their ip are still very valuable and beloved, by the end of this year Nintendo will have sold close to 60 million units of hardware between 3DS & Wii U with lifetime sales over 75 million and games like 2D Mario selling over 10 million, 3D Mario over 10 million, Mario Kart over 10 million, Pokemon over 10 million, Smash Bros will be over 10 million, Animal Crossing will be over 10 million and they have a whole bunch of games selling 1-3 million units.

I feel that Nintendo should unify their hardware so that both devices share a library. This will lower hardware R&D costs and increase software output. The argument against this is that it defeats the purpose of buying both devices but we currently don't really see that now considering that Wii U has only sold about 1/6 of 3DS. But even if Fusion handheld+console sales are lower than Wii U+3DS, it's still worthwhile due to lower R&D costs and increased software revenue.

Outside of simply unifying the hardware, I also believe Nintendo needs to continue to find new ways to incorporate and push Amiibo. The recent statements about branching out to Amiibo cards alongside figurines is a good start. Games like Animal Crossing & Pokemon are good fits for this.

The article also suggests that Nintendo is losing the child crowd to smart devices and I agree with this. One way to potentially make Nintendo popular among young children is to release a children's educational tablet based around their big ip. I'm thinking of something similar to LeapPad or InnoTab which are both successful educational tablets. If Nintendo can introduce their ip to 3-6 year old kids then it's possible when they're in the 7-12 year old range they will want to own one of Nintendo's handhelds/consoles. These tablets would also allow Amiibo support.

Another thing is to continue with the health/fitness Quality of Life products. We still don't know much about them but I think a good idea would be to target the Wii Fit demographic. Now u may say that Wii Fit is dead and it would appear so based on the most recent versions sales but I think there is still a market for such games just not when it requires $300 hardware to play. They should instead release some type of standalone, rebranded Wii Fit device for $99.99 with simple, fun workout plans and diet tips. I also think they could release a companion app on smart devices.

Another thing I think that could pull in a strong profit is an optional Virtual Console subscription service. Nintendo's future devices should have a more robust VC, even better than the one on Wii. Let's say for $50/year u can get unlimited access to the VC. This is good for consumers because it allows for 100's of games at a low yearly fee and it's good for Nintendo because most people aren't spending that much on the VC currently.

Also Nintendo should continue to build relationships with indie developers in an attempt to strengthen the eShop to be comparable to the App Store or Google Play. Maybe Nintendo could even release a $99.99 tablet that just plays VC titles and indie eShop titles.

So even though Nintendo likely won't replicate the sales of Wii/DS, they still have a ton of options to pull in strong profits.

Nintendo Fusion handheld & console for gamers, priced at $199.99 each with a shared library, should sell 50-75 million with a bunch of strong ip capable of pushing 10 million units.

QoL directed at the former Wii Fit audience, various health/fitness products priced at $49.99-99.99

Children's educational tablets aimed at the 3-7 year old demographic to familiarize children with Nintendo's major ip. Range of tablets in the $49.99-99.99 price range.

Virtual Console subscription fee that provides consumers with great value and Nintendo with a strong source of revenue. $49.99/year

Continue to build relations with indies to build up the eShop. Virtual Console+eShop exclusive tablet priced at $99.99

Continue to push and expand Amiibo. Cards and figurines priced in the $4.99-14.99 price range. Allow functionality with multiple devices.

With all these products/services Nintendo should be able to make healthy profits and remain relevant in the hardware business.

I don't think that any other company could do that ever. That was a feat that will only happen once in our lifetime anyway.

Ya it's absolutely crazy how successful Nintendo was from 2006-2010. Some of the things I mentioned are ways I think they could become as successful without having such high hardware sales.



When the herd loses its way, the shepard must kill the bull that leads them astray.

ICStats on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

That kind of device wouldn't sell more than a few million units.  No point.



My 8th gen collection

Mystro-Sama on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

 

*vomits*



BraveNewWorld on 09 December 2014

Nintendo releases a system on-par with PS5 and Xbox One-Two a year early. Uses a standard controller. System comes bundled with a code for Super Mario Bros. free off the VC.

Nintendo exclusives + major third party support = success

If Wii U did this they'd have Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Dragon Age, Shadow of Mordor, Arkham Knight, Madden, FIFA, Metal Gear Solid, etc.! Along with Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, Bayonetta, Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Xenoblade, Star Fox, etc.!



"On my business card I am a corporate president. In my mind I am a game developer. But in my heart I am a gamer." - Satoru Iwata

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Soundwave on 09 December 2014
ICStats said:
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

That kind of device wouldn't sell more than a few million units.  No point.


It would outsell any 3DS model right now IMO. 

Give kids a choice between a tablet and a 3DS and they lean towards the tablet overwhelmingly. 

It would still play 3DS games too, so what's the problem. 

It would be like Kindle, where Nintendo has their own propietary store and they can control games. 

Physical controls too, I'd see it basically like this:

But perhaps with the ability to detach the d-pad/button "wings" of the unit and reconfigure them in a vertical position to allow for DS/3DS games to play on it without a problem. 



generic-user-1 on 09 December 2014
BraveNewWorld said:
Nintendo releases a system on-par with PS5 and Xbox One-Two a year early. Uses a standard controller. System comes bundled with a code for Super Mario Bros. free off the VC.

Nintendo exclusives + major third party support = success

If Wii U did this they'd have Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Dragon Age, Shadow of Mordor, Arkham Knight, Madden, FIFA, Metal Gear Solid, etc.! Along with Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, Bayonetta, Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Xenoblade, Star Fox, etc.!


3rd partys arnt on nintendo systems because they are underpowered, nintendo consoles are underpowered because their are no 3rd partys.

and i dont wanna have cod, asscreed and madden guys in my ecosystem.  uhh we call it football, its no ball an we carry it in the hand...



ICStats on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:
ICStats said:
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

That kind of device wouldn't sell more than a few million units.  No point.


It would outsell any 3DS model right now IMO. 

Give kids a choice between a tablet and a 3DS and they lean towards the tablet overwhelmingly. 

It would still play 3DS games too, so what's the problem. 

It would be like Kindle, where Nintendo has their own propietary store and they can control games. 

Physical controls too, I'd see it basically like this:

But perhaps with the ability to detach the d-pad/button "wings" of the unit and reconfigure them in a vertical position to allow for DS/3DS games to play on it without a problem. 

The Amazon model might be the only way yeah, but IMO people aren't going to buy more just because it's a tablet.  They buy for the ecosystem.  Amazon has a big ecosystem of content, and had to make a push for getting people and games on their system for years, including giving away tons of free games.  And Amazon Fire devices are small potatoes compared to 3DS numbers IMO.



My 8th gen collection

burninmylight on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:
ICStats said:
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

That kind of device wouldn't sell more than a few million units.  No point.


It would outsell any 3DS model right now IMO. 

Give kids a choice between a tablet and a 3DS and they lean towards the tablet overwhelmingly. 

It would still play 3DS games too, so what's the problem. 

It would be like Kindle, where Nintendo has their own propietary store and they can control games. 

Physical controls too, I'd see it basically like this:

But perhaps with the ability to detach the d-pad/button "wings" of the unit and reconfigure them in a vertical position to allow for DS/3DS games to play on it without a problem. 


I'm not shitting all over your idea like others are. I agree that a tablet would outsell a N3DS. But the N3DS makes more sense for Nintendo right now because it's essentially an overclocked 3DS, whereas a tablet would require a lot more work, resources and most especially, money. It would have to outsell whatever N's goals are for the N3DS exponentially to justify its existence.



Dusk on 09 December 2014
Soundwave said:
Dusk said:
Soundwave said:

Yeah I do have to wonder if the following wouldn't have been a much smarter idea than the "New" 3DS:

$189.99 Nintendo Android Tablet

- 6.7-inch 1280x720 (single) multitouch screen
- Plays Virtual Console games.
- Plays DS/3DS cartridges.
- Plays Android games, but only ones sold through the eShop, so Nintendo can prevent a flood of like 1000 games and also make a surcharge on each download (so they make money off even app sales).
- Android apps (non-gaming) are available per Nintendo's discretion, so it has a web browser, Facebook, Twitter, video player, music player, etc.
- Built-in NFC reader for Amiibos.
- Comes bundled with Nintendo edutainment software. 

You are on crack.

I would bet money this would outsell the "New 3DS". By a large margin at that. 

An analog nub versus significantly better functionality + hundreds of more games + actual decent web browsing/video playback/music playback etc. functionality. 

Nintendo would clean up the budget tablet portion of the market. 

It might, but it probably wouldn't run Android. The apps would become available on any android device then and would probably be unlocked in no time. There is also the issue with the single screen, the screen real estate would have to be cut up, it might be more trouble that it would initially seem and would leave screens similar to the 3DS as it at 3.35 inches each. Also the lack of actual buttons and controls would be a hugh consideration because if the screens are a similar size, hell even on a full size tablet, touch controls are combersome and have issues, on small screens there would be very little real estate to actually see the screen. 

If anything it would make more sense to try to emulate or get the android API (since it is mostly free, similar to what Blackberry has done) and put it on the 3DS to have all the capabilities you speak of in their own machine running their own OS. 



Gotta figure out how to set these up lol.