Satoru Iwata
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Nintendo's Iwata muses about Kindle-like business model for future handheld
You may simply be able to chalk this one up to some freewheeling speculation and rumination, but Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata went pretty far out on a limb in talking about the future of the company during a recent sit-down with the Financial Times, and indicated that Nintendo may just be looking outside the gaming industry for a little inspiration. Apparently, Iwata is intrigued by the Kindle "because it's a new business model in which the user doesn't bear the communications cost," which he says wouldn't "fit Nintendo customers because we make amusement products." He did go on to note though, that "in reality, if we did this it would increase the cost of the hardware, and customers would complain about Nintendo putting prices up," but said that "it is one option for the future." At the same time, however, Iwata also seemingly downplayed the short-term potential for download-only games, saying that he thinks "it will take quite a long time" for the industry to shift to them -- although he did hedge his bets somewhat by pointing out how unpredictable the games business is. [Via Electronista]
Nintendo's Iwata says Vitality Sensor is coming "not too late" in 2010
We know, it's been tough waiting for word of a release date for Nintendo's Wii Vitality Sensor. Almost as tough as figuring out what it actually does. Nintendo's Satoru Iwata now looks to be clearing up a few details on both fronts, however, telling investors that the company "would like to deliver the actual product not too late in the year next year," and adding that the first game for it will have a "theme of relaxation, which is completely opposite from traditional ones, to enrich the users' lives." He also again mentioned the idea of using it to measure "how horrified a player is in a horror title" as another possibility, and compared the device to Wii Fit, which he says also initially caused people to doubt how well it would sell.[Via Joystiq]
Iwata: Vitality Sensor coming 'not too late' in 2010
In the same investor Q&A in which president Satoru Iwata declared the ten-million-copy sales potential of Wii Fit Plus, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and Wii Sports Resort and dismissed the idea of a price drop, Iwata also discussed the ... less than guaranteed hit, the Wii Vitality Sensor. Iwata said that Nintendo "would like to deliver the actual product not too late in the year next year." As for software, the first game will have a "theme of relaxation, which is completely opposite from traditional ones, to enrich the users' lives," but he casually mentioned the idea of "measuring how horrified a player is in a horror title" as an example of the application of the thing. One other interesting point: Iwata explained why Professor Layton's European box art is so ugly: it was designed to look more like a Brain Age title in an effort to appeal to new, Brain Age-only gamers. Whatever Nintendo did, it worked!
Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop
Following its quarterly financial report, Nintendo released an investor Q&A with president Satoru Iwata. It has yet to be released in English, but Andriasang translated a few key excerpts. Most notably, Iwata's continued denial of any plans for a Wii price drop. "At present, we're not thinking of doing anything with the price," he said. Not that he'd announce it beforehand. Iwata didn't mention it, but we suspect the black Wii will reinvigorate sales in Japan, even at the original price.Iwata also admitted that last holiday's Wii lineup, specifically Wii Music and Animal Crossing: City Folk, didn't have the long-term sales Nintendo expects from its big titles. He has high hopes for this year's big three games: Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In fact, he expects all three of these to break ten million sold by March 2010, the end of Nintendo's fiscal year.
Iwata says Nintendo tried and rejected camera-based motion control
It wasn't all that hard to see a bit of a brouhaha erupting now that all three console makers are more or less firmly committed to motion-control technology, but it's still always notable when one of the big three throws a shot across the bow, and Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata did just that in a recent interview with the Financial Times. According to Iwata, Nintendo actually tried out camera-based motion control technology similar to what both MIcrosoft and Sony have now adopted, but found that it got better results with the accelerometer-based tech that ultimately wound up in the Wii remote. Iwata did also say, however, that "until they say when they're releasing it, how much it costs and what software it comes with, we won't know whether that is the route we should have taken," although he added that he thought "they couldn't choose to release exactly the same thing" that Nintendo did.[Via Joystiq]
Nintendo admits to scrapping new handheld plans in the past three years
Nintendo's talkative global president Satoru Iwata turned a few heads when he told CNBC that the company had another handheld gaming system completed and ready for production sometime in the past three years, but that it ultimately decided not to release it. Though he didn't give any details on the handheld, he did say that, "in the history of Nintendo cnbc_comboQuoteMove('popup_ntdoy_ID0EGF15839609'); there are several such examples." We can only hope that some kind of wild, awesome Gameboy prototype hits our desk one day. Nintendo's most recent handheld, the DSi, has moved over a million units, including around 435,000 during its first week of sale in the U.S. [Via Joystiq]
Nintendo's Iwata: Wii could be around for three, five, or eight more years
He's still not firmly committing to quite as long a console lifespan as Microsoft and Sony have, but Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has now dropped word that the Wii could be around in its current state for longer than some may have suspected. In a wide ranging interview with VentureBeat, Iwata responded to a question about console life cycles by saying that when it comes to timing for a new Nintendo console launch, "it may be three years from now, five years from now or eight years from now." Iwata further went on to say that, "if we have an opportunity to make a new console, it will probably support HD," although he disappointingly added that Nintendo has "not found a significant reason" to make the current Wii HD-compatible "at this time."[Via MCV]
New Nintendo hardware coming when the company finds a 'very interesting idea'
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]
Nintendo president squashes talk of Wii price cuts
Incredible as it sounds, it looks like Nintendo isn't planning on slashing the price of the console it can still barely keep on store shelves. That word comes straight from Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who's attempting to clamp down on recent speculation that a Wii price cut could be in the offing, which seemed at least a tad more plausible considering that the manufacturing costs for the console have supposedly dropped significantly since its launch. According to Iwata, rather than trying to drive up sales numbers even further with a price cut, Nintendo will instead be putting "more energy and time into making better entertainment so that our products are going to remain in the top position in our customer's wish lists" -- and now with Disc Dog, in the top position in our hearts.
DSi sells 600k over US and EU release weekend
Earlier today, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata and childhood memory manufacturer Shigeru Miyamoto delivered a presentation about Wii Sports Resort and Wii/DS price cuts (or lack thereof). However, neatly tucked within the folds of their discourse was a fascinating figure for the hardware salesophiles among us -- in its launch weekend in the US and Europe, the DSi sold 300,000 units in each territory. Our on-call mathematician is currently visiting his grandkids in Des Moines, but we're pretty sure that equals 600,000 units.The two went on to discuss some of the miscellaneous features Nintendo hopes to implement in the shutterbug handheld, such as museum maps, schoolroom applications, and tour guide programs. Those sound intriguing, though ultimately not compelling enough to steal us away from our tireless all-catching endeavors.
Iwata: Nintendo considering Wii to DS video-on-demand
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal (registration required), Nintendo president Satoru Iwata hinted that the company's Wii no Ma Channel, intended to bring video-on-demand to its latest console, may be extended to allow video content transfers to Nintendo DS for viewing on-the-go. "If the Wii and the DS are connected, it should be possible to download video through the Wii and take it with you on the DS," Iwata told the Journal, explaining that, "When the service begins, you'll see how we're going to do it differently in a Nintendo-like way. There are a lot of on-demand video services, so there's no reason to do the same thing, so we're going to do something different."Iwata also indicated an overseas version of the service could happen, saying, "We'll start the service in Japan, and if it does well, we'd like to take it overseas."[Via Nintendo Everything]
Original DSi design had two DS slots, disliked by Nintendo EAD
In the most recent (and arguably most forthright) installment of Iwata Asks, the Nintendo head honcho sat down to bounce a few questions off of a few members of the company's Development Engineering Department regarding the recently released Nintendo DSi. The devs outlined an interesting history of the shutterbugged handheld, one characterized on their end with "some frustration" -- apparently, sticking to the technological standard of an extremely popular device while simultaneously increasing its desirable features is a difficult compromise to make twice in two years.One of the interesting features that fell by the wayside during this compromise was an additional DS cart slot, allowing the handheld to house two titles simultaneously. This feature was apparently included in the DSi's initial design, but lent itself to a slightly bulkier frame for the handheld, much to the chagrin of Nintendo's Entertainment Analysis and Development division. They shot the design down, leading to the single-cart, slimmed-down design that's currently taking Japan by storm. Man, where were those guys when the Virtual Boy was designed?
Nintendo: Wii Music needs to 'clear the hurdle'
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has no problem admitting Wii Music didn't live up to the company's expectations, but he doesn't want you to consider it a failure, either. During a recent Q&A session, he spoke about the company's hopes regarding Wii Music, as well as the difficulty Nintendo has had with consumer reception."There are people who highly appreciate it and those who do not appreciate it at all," Iwata said, adding that perceptions can be changed. It's all about word of mouth to him, as he said, "A cycle is born where people who have hands-on experience can immediately understand its appeal, easily explain the positive experience they had to those around them, who then spread that information to the others." That works, unless you're a blog who pretty unanimously hated it and told everyone how you felt. With Wii Music, the company was never able to achieve this "positive cycle," and Iwata says Nintendo now needs to "reevaluate" why it hasn't been able to "clear that hurdle." Nintendo, here's a protip from us: Emphasize that it has a dog suit and beatboxing. You might sell a few extra copies if you push that.
Satoru Iwata to deliver GDC 2009 keynote
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata will be putting his oratorical skills to the test, delivering a keynote entitled "Discovering New Development Opportunities" at this year's Game Developers Conference. There are no other details provided, and trying to discern any surprise announcements based on that speech title is pretty much a fruitless endeavor.Iwata last gave a GDC keynote in 2006, when he showed Brain Age and Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Company man Miyamoto gave the 2007 speech and revealed ... the Everybody Votes Channel. As for last year, the House of Mario's presence was limited to a handful of sessions. Get your bingo cards ready, Iwata's keynote is set for Monday, March 25 at 9 a.m. PST (that's noon, Joystiq Standard Time).
Iwata still sees vast market for current DS hardware
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has dispelled rumblings that the global games market has become over saturated with the DS Lite, hence the roll-out of the DSi. In an interview with Japanese paper Daily Yumiuri, Iwata pointed out that, for example, only 18% of people in Japan own a DS. "Some say the market for the DS is saturated, but I disagree. In Japan, a country with a population of 127 million, we've sold 23 million DS units," he told the paper. "The United States is inhabited by over 300 million people, and there are more than 490 million people in the European Union. Sales of the product could grow further in foreign countries considering their populations." That's a big blue ocean.So then, DS won't die until every last man, woman, and child on Earth owns one. Or something like that. Oh, and a DSi. Iwata's dream is of a world where "each family member will have his or her own DSi with their favorite software installed." That's a big dream.[Via Edge Online]
Miyamoto and Iwata top 'Persons of the Year' list
Sure, we know how amazingly awesome these two dudes are, but unless you're as obsessed with Nintendo as we are, there's a possibility you don't know who they are. Well, if we could sum these two up in a brief statement, it would be this: they're bad enough to save the president. Also, they make some products we enjoy on a regular basis.We're not the least bit surprised the Nintendo duo of Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata topped GameDaily BIZ's "Persons of the Year 2008" list. They've managed to make a ridiculous amount of money on gaming during a very uncertain economic time, as well as expand the market and bring more players into gaming.Source - 2008 Persons of the Year: Part 1 (GameDaily)Source - 2008 Persons of the Year: Part 2 (GameDaily)
Iwata and Miyamoto top GameDaily 'Persons of the Year' list
Topping the list of GameDaily BIZ's "Persons of the Year 2008" were Nintendo power couple Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto. President Satoru Iwata received it for his vision in expanding to "non-traditional" audiences, while Miyamoto got the nod for continually innovating on whatever gets thrown his way. Nintendo has been on a money-making rampage the last couple years, and even during the recent economic crisis, has filled its coffers with bagiggles of cash. Taking the #2 spot were Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime, while Tim Sweeney and Mike Capps of Epic Games took the bronze. Kotick and Morhaime took their rightful place for being part of The Merger which eclipsed Electronic Arts. Sweeney and Capps received the honor for having the Unreal Engine 3, the little piece of tech that seems to be what makes this generation's games run. Check out the full list of winners by following the links below.Source - Persons of the Year 2008: Part 1 (GameDaily)Source - Persons of the Year 2008: Part 2 (GameDaily)
Top 5: Say What?
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Top_5_Nintendo_Corporation_Quotes'; Ahh, the quote. Whether used to end an essay or defame a political opponent, the quote is a very versatile tool. Particularly in the era of blogging, every word that escapes a well-known figure's mouth has the potential to be immediately flung back at them. It's quite scary to look back on conversations I've had and consider the possibility of quotes of mine being used to define my character as a whole. In fact, judgement of character based on a quote can even usurp the validity of the quote itself. Conventional wisdom asserts that singer Lauryn Hill once made a statement to the effect of "I'd rather have my children starve than have a white person buy my album." While this is simply not true, the false statement has been cited by those who would define Hill as a racist. Even Eminem supported the fallacy in a song whose title I won't mention. Being over a century old, Nintendo is bound to have a few interesting quotes attributed to them. Coupled with a philosophy that is undoubtedly unique and perhaps offbeat, the Big N is not lacking in the department of ear-catching statements. Two weeks ago, I made a Top 5 in which I tried to downplay any tension between Nintendo and its fans. This week, I'm providing cheap ammunition. Enjoy. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Iwata asks Development Folk about Animal Crossing
"Iwata Asks" articles are almost as old as the Wii itself, coinciding as they do with any notable first-party release, and the latest round of questioning stars four of the Animal Crossing: City Folk team: Aya Kyougoku (who forgot to wear her regulation beige Nintendo jacket for this), Ryuji Kobayashi, Isao Moro and Kou Nogami (not pictured here).Most of the discussion focuses on fairly obscure minutiae. So Nogami discusses how WiiConnect24 allows for the exchange of village data without you knowing it, which means people can visit a friend's village while their Wii is off, as can NPCs from other villages, who may then spread rumors from their hometown. The team estimates the game's appeal becomes "two or three times" as great when played online, a statement we look forward to testing.We're also told that City Folk will let players create "trails" on the landscape. Apparently, the ground in your village consists of a top layer of grass which slowly wears thin the more you walk on it. A little grass grows back at the end of each day, but if you walk over a certain area enough (say, from your house to Tom Nook's), a trail will begin to form. Kobayashi says that it takes about a fortnight before a faint path becomes visible, and Moro adds that a clear trail will have appeared after two months, but that grass grows back more speedily if surrounded by grass and trees. Nifty![Via andriasang.com]
No kidding: Iwata doesn't like price drops
It's one of the game industry's strangest quirks: as any console ages, it becomes both more worthy (as it gains a wider library of games) and cheaper. But not the Wii, by the sounds of it. In case you still didn't know after two years of Nintendo hardware holding its price, Nintendo overlord Satoru Iwata doesn't like price drops. Cutting prices, argues Iwata, is the same as telling potential customers to wait and save some cash, something he "always thought was a mistake."It's nothing to do with money, though, oh no. It's about treating consumers equally and fairly. Further on in the interview, Iwata explains that early adopters shouldn't feel like they've bought something at a loss. There's definitely a PS3 joke to be cracked here, but we ain't going there.[Via Kotaku]
