New Nintendo hardware coming when the company finds a 'very interesting idea'

by Ben Gilbert 

At least, that's according to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, speaking to a sharp-tongued investor during the company's quarterly financial results briefing question and answer session. When asked about the longevity of the current Nintendo hardware on the market, Iwata said, "As soon as a new hardware is completed and introduced to the market, a team is established within the company which starts reviewing what the next hardware will be."

He claims entire hardware pieces have been scrapped in favor of finding a "very interesting idea that can make people all over the world to feel like purchasing [it]," rather than releasing products all willy nilly -- like a few items from Nintendo's past. Interestingly, the man also admits to lacking Japanese third-party support for Wii, saying, "Nintendo thought that the situation would change in about two years after launch [for the Wii and third party software support] ... While our assumption turned out to be correct with the portable system, it did not progress as we anticipated for the domestic home console market." Considering the considerable Monster Hunter support Capcom has thrown into the proverbial ring, we imagine that next year's third-party support for the Wii in Japan has been bolstered just a bit.

[Via Eurogamer]

Nintendon't what others don't, what what?? amirite?
I think Wii2 2011

Woah, imagine Wii gaming... in HD!!!

Seriously, it has to be done.

Nintendo said HD was likely, but this makes it clear they are not just doing a Wii at the level of the other systems.

Well yeah. The expanded audience would demand something better than just a Wii+. They're going to include the obvious stuff (HD, hopefully a revamped online interface, HDD, etc.), but there has to be something there to really hook people in.

Agreed.