300 million isn't much of a bump and is astonishingly similar to the year prior... I would guess the money goes into various smaller technologies such as motion plus but it is clear, at least through fiscal 2K8, Nintendo isn't doing a ton of work on their next generation or any any revolutionary stuff.

@bumidan,

Just out of curiosity, what were Nintendo's R&D expenses the 2 years prior to the launch of the Wii?

@kn

They are forecasting about the same R&D and marketing expenses for FY end Mar 2009.

So yeah, it seems like there is no big R&D spending, as compared to MSFT (and maybe Sony - though we don't have Sony R&D numbers).

No, your previous answer is what I was looking for, thanks! Now that you mention it, I do remember seeing something about marketing budget in the reports, I hadn't noticed the R&D ones though.

@NJ5

Can you answer kn's question?
I'm too lazy to dig up 2006 and 2005 financials to find R&D expenses

Is that possible?

What are MS's R&D spending?

Keep in mind that the Devices and Entertainment division covers a whole lot more than just X360.

Yes, MS does include other stuff that needs R&D.

For FY Mar 2008 - R&D spending by EDD was $1,256 million or about 15.4% of revenue (8,140)

In contrast, Nintendo - about 2% of revenue.

Granted, as mentioned, EDD business segments for sure needs more R&D than just gaming stuff.

Are there any other comments regarding Nintendo's numbers?

Does the gross margins for each product make sense?
ie. Does DS gross margins make sense in comparison to the Wii margins?

Comments please.

If not, I will use those numbers for now.

It doesn't get a lot of views or posts for 2 reasons.  One a lot of the things you say are over the majority of the reader's head.  Yes I've been just as surprised my time here considering this is a sales site. 

And secondly people here don't respond to smart or well put together posts.  They like the stupid fanboyish ones so they can get into silly flamewars.  THe good posts and topics always go unnoticed because of it.  Unfortunate eh. 

But I like this kinda topic so keep it up.

@zucas

Haha. Maybe so. I am surprised too as you mentioned, seeing this is a SALES site.

But it is true. If I just post something crazy with backup, it would definitely get more replies.

Something like Sony loses $11Billion on PS3.. :)

Yes just like mainstream media the more fantastical and awful it is the more views you get. Fox News is a testament to that.

Personally I like the more analytical and theoretical posts tied in with the factual ones as well. Kinda like these. Only reason I ever get involved with the flame wars is because I like messing with people who do them. It's just fun to mess with such primitive ideals haha.