90°

Nintendo discusses why it returns to existing franchises

GS:GameSpot spoke with Nintendo director of product marketing Bill Trinen after the presentation about why the company continues to return to its existing franchises.

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gamespot.com
NYC_Gamer4457d ago

Nintendo would rather play it safe instead of taking the risk of creating new characters&franchises

LOL_WUT4457d ago

Yeah it's a vicious cycle one that Nintendo could possibly never get out of. ;)

PopRocks3594457d ago

Why are you singling out Nintendo? This is something a ton of publishers do. Outside of Journey, I dare you to name any recent media driven release that wasn't an adaptation, sequel or reboot.

Baka-akaB4456d ago

While they are milked now or will be if successful enough , we still had new ips and creation like Assassin creed , Watchdogs , dragon's dogma , once every while from likewise big publishers .

Big difference between taking few chances and taking none .

Even activision will be soon pushing Destiny and Capcom will release Remember me .

And amidst those both constructors and publishers , you got new blood once everywhile . This gen i can only think of Xenoblade and Last story for nintendo , wich is infuriating given how great they are .

Ron_Danger4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

@poprocks

Not sure if serious...

But just off the top of my head:

Most Kinnect only games
Most PS Move games
Guacamelee (which came out last week)
All of the Augmented Reality games on the Vita
Soul Sacrifice (later this month)
The Last of Us (June)

There are more, but I figured I put in as much effort in my comment as you did with yours comment.

@Baka
Exactly

miyamoto4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

Nintendo is the Peter Pan of gaming. heck Link was inspired by Peter Pan.

Thank goodness, Sega and PlayStation convinced the world that console gaming is not only young kids play things.

If Nintendo had their way until today

Fierce Musashi4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

lol With so many already under their belt that could use some attention, can't say I could blame them. Besides, there are many people who would actually like to see these familiar faces dusted off or get to see the light of day. Nintendo has seen this with Earthbound.

And anyway, that statement is not even entirely true. They've already made a few on the 3DS. =/

Hingle_Mcringleberry4456d ago

Also known as continuing to be profitable in the face of harsh economic times.

Let's look at the champion of risks and new ideas and see how their doing in the financial sphere.

*takes a look*

Yeah I don't see why Nintendo would want to emulate those guys, they aren't making alot of profit and they are putting people out of work.
Can't blame Nintendo for wanting to do what works for them so well. That's not how you run a business. When this current strategy begins to lose it's potency then you can start taking risks to remedy the situation.

Mounce4456d ago

Regarding the Title though especially...

Nintendo discusses why it RETURNS to existing franchises?!

That implies they ever left a franchise, they're ALWAYS using the same franchises....lol

It's like, maybe some could consider it for a return to Kirby or Donkey Kong or Starfox after a longer period of time in comparison to Zelda and Mario and Mario and Mario.

But still, it's always the same franchises in the end. I want Nintendo to make NEW franchises and compete with new ideas of the current generation, how many IP's Microsoft and Sony combined had made this generation completely blows Nintendo away in terms of variety and sustenance.

The only acceptable thing I'd take from Nintendo is if they bloody returned to the MOTHER series and gave it the respect it deserves instead of fumbling it under the table.

from the beach4456d ago

They've recently done a great job bringing back a number of long-dormant franchises - Donkey Kong Country, Punchout, Sin & Punishment, Kid Icarus, Excitebike.

Then people say where's F Zero? Where's Star Fox? Where's Metroid? Where's Wave Race?

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millzy1024456d ago

because people buy and play them so there's a market, when they sell 30m retail units of Mario kart (no other publisher has ever sold that many units of a single game on one platform and many many strugle to reach 5m on multiple platforms) you think there not going to make another one. like it or not all of Nintendo's main franchises are the highest selling and amoungst the highest rated games. they also make new IPs but everyone dismisses them because there not Mario or zelda. regardless if you don't like Nintendo franchises but millions and millions of people do. how many final fantasy games, metal gear games, cod, splinter cell, assassins creed, resident evil and silent hill games are there just to name a few, and uncharted has only been around 5 years and has 4 games already along with a board game. every company does it not just nintendo

Skips4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

"like it or not all of Nintendo's main franchises are the highest selling and amoungst the highest rated games."

Most of them are rated so high just because of nostalgia and it's name. lol

Say if the new Mario Kart game wasn't named Mario Kart and had COMPLETELY NEW and DIFFERENT characters. LIKE NEW NEW. But with the EXACT same gameplay. I doubt people would be rating it as high. Same with all their other franchises. Nostalgia can be one hell of a drug.

Also reason why their first party titles sell so well is because people USUALLY ONLY play first party games on Nintendo consoles.

Notice how third party games usually don't appear on Nintendo consoles, and the ones that do, usually tend to flop?

" they also make new IPs but everyone dismisses them because there not Mario or zelda."

Or maybe they just aren't good?

"uncharted has only been around 5 years and has 4 games already along with a board game."

Do you honestly believe Sony will keep making Uncharted games 10 years from now? lmao.

RFornillos44456d ago

Do you honestly believe Sony will keep making Uncharted games 10 years from now?

- if there's still a big market for Uncharted games 10 years from now, then it's not a far-fetched idea. some time along, they may "re-boot" the game, just coz they can.

as with my response to millzy, big game companies are driven by sales. if something sells well, they will continue to make something out of it.

i agree that nostalgia contributes a lot to this. but undeniably, nostalgia or not, the figures will speak for themselves. now, let's say theoretically, people stops buying any Mario game, do you really think Nintendo will still make them? i'm saying theoretically because the odds of that happening isn't anytime soon. while some people get tired of mario games, more are born by parents who are fond of them and introduce their kids to Mario.

Skips4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

^^^

I get your point.

All I'm saying is it wouldn't hurt if Nintendo tried creating some new IP's THAT THEY ACTUALLY PUSH HARD FOR. Like same budget, development time, and marketing, etc. etc. as some of their MAIN IP's.

Look, I'm all for giving fans what they expect and love from past franchises.

But the reason I play video games is not to just "re-live" or "re-imagine" past experiences. But to also take part in new ones.

: /

RFornillos44456d ago

exactly what i was thinking. a lot of people hate nintendo for supposedly "milking" the same characters, when in fact 10-20 years from now, assuming Sony, Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft or any of the big game publishers are still in business and their IP's still popular, we'll most likely be seeing more Halos, Uncharted, GOW, BF, COD, Assassin's Creed, etc.

these companies unfortunately are headed by business people. and not all of 'em are into "creative" things. first priority will always be the income they can get from an IP. if it sells, make a sequel/prequel/etc. strike while the iron is hot. when popularity starts waning, then that's the time they find another IP to "milk".

undeniably, while a lot here is saying that they're tired of Mario this and Mario that (or Zelda this and that); when you look at figures, Mario and Zelda games are some of bestselling games out there.

mcstorm4456d ago

That was well said. The one thing Nintendo do is not release many numbers of one type of game to. FZero, Star Fox to name a few has not been on every console and then games like Mario Kart, Mario Football, Tennis ect only have one game each gen.

Also Nintendo make different types of games with Mario to. We have Racing, RPG, Puzzle's, 3D, 2D, fighting ect. No people may complain bout this but Sony are now looking at doing this with SackBoy. We have has LBP 1 2, Vita as well as a Karting and sackboy being in PS all stars.

Nintendo have a lot of IP's and they have new ways at making there games look and feel. Look at Zelda for example.

Ide rather Nintendo do this then seeing a new COD that plays and feel the same every year.

RTheRebel4456d ago

Keep Em coming Nintendo the best IP's in the business along with Valve =)

whamlollypop74456d ago

Nintendo is going to ride the nostalgia train until it derails. Been saying this for years they have a lot in common with Activision same thing every year but they sell millions.

daclynk4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

And now all the Haters started crying and bitching coz all these games are going to sell millions and Fans,Fan-boys are happy coz games like Starfox,f-zero,Wave race and more will be coming back. LOL.
NINTENDOMINATION!!!

Sanquine904456d ago

Tell me when? I want to play them... My wii U is slowly dying because it is getting no games... NintendoFAIL If they only release games for 3ds i never bought that thing

daclynk4456d ago

Nobody forced you to buy it. The 3ds had the same problem last year when everyone was saying its doomed coz it wasnt getting games but look at it now. Same will go for the Wii U. Lol

Sanquine904456d ago

You better be right;) and yeah The 3DS is amazing now

MasterCornholio4456d ago

If we fail to learn from history than we are doomed to repeat it.

If you analyze Nintendos history they had several systems fail on the market. And if Nintendo isn't careful the Wii U could become the next GameCube.

Just because Nintendo managed to turn around the 3DS doesn't mean that they will be able to do the same with the Wii U.

I hope for Nintendo's sake that the Wii U turns out to be a successful console however I would hate it if the tablet controller becomes the standard in the gaming industry so in other words I don't want them to succeed too much. There has to be some consoles on the market that cater to the core and at the moment Sony are the only ones focused on that. Maybe Microsoft will surprise us with the 720 but I have my doubts ever since they created the Kinectbox360.

Motorola RAZR i

daclynk4456d ago (Edited 4456d ago )

why not if you play games like Zombi U and NintendoLand is brings something new and fresh to the gaming industry. We cant have the same thing over and over again. That what was said when they brought the D pad,shoulder buttons,joystick,wireless controller, motion control and touch screen. People dont understand it so they say its a gimmick. Nintendo always brings new and fresh and will always be emulated years later.

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190°

While Layoffs Hit the Industry, Nintendo Retains 98% of Staff Including 78 With Disabilities

TNS: Based on its most recent ESG data, Nintendo boasts a remarkably low staff turnover rate of just 1.9%, with virtually no reported layoffs.

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thenerdstash.com
Jin_Sakai2d ago

Because Nintendo makes great games.

Yesyes1d 22h ago

It’s unreal that people are downvoting this when they consistently have the best scoring games on metacritic.

2d ago
rlow12d ago

Well it doesn’t surprise me. As much money as they make and how they value their employees. It’s a great company in that regard.

2d ago Replies(1)
drivxr2d ago

Well, when your games remain full price many years after release.

And you make profit off of outdated hardware.

I would be shocked if they couldn't afford to retain their staff.

lodossrage2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

I didn't want to say anything but drivxr is right.

Nintendo always sells at a profit because they purposely use tech that's always 5 or more years behind. And it's also true their games hardly ever get price decreases.

Don't get me wrong, it's great they kept most of their workforce, but making a point to have your tech specs behind everyone else affords that luxury.

Darkegg2d ago

I don’t think it’s their purpose to use old tech. It’s their purpose to make value of software and know their value. Nobody makes games like them that’s for sure. I just don’t appreciate their customer unfriendly policy.

It’s not impossible to take their status. Companies need to have a selection of 8-bit and 16-bit. Now imagine a split screen for 8 player game for SNES Mario kart and selling at $9.99. The problem is that it doesn’t make profit. So many companies won’t invest in “old” technology. Everyone guns for triple AAA modern technology software but honestly we can enjoy modernized 16-bit creative ideas that allows 8-player mayhem. It’s a pipe dream, possible but impossible.

Shane Kim2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

If they ended up kicking people out after all of that stated above, it would be truly shameful.

DivineHand1252d ago

Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Tesla and Meta are all trillion dollar companies yet they are laying people off in large numbers.

I believe the reason Nintendo layoffs off less workers may be a result of their culture. It seems Japanese companies believe in giving their workers long term or life long employment opportunities and will exhaust all options before laying off workers. This is something we don't see much of in the west unfortunately.

Rdeal2d ago

might be something to do with the fact all those companies hire more than 20x the employees than Nintendo

LoveSpuds2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

What the hell are you talking about? It has nothing to do with how profitable they are. Its completely cultural, MS and Sony make stacks of cash and still lay folks off. Nintendo chose not to lay off staff for the same reason their execs took pay cuts to increase staff pay instead; because they value their staff and view them as colleagues, and respect them as such.

If Sony weren't so US centric I fancy they'd fare better too, they should get shot of US and European leadership and go back to when Japanese execs were running the show if you ask me!

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470°

Nintendo Switch 2 sales shatters records, most-sold console in 24-hour period

The Nintendo Switch 2 has set a new record by selling over 3 million units within 24 hours, tripling the PlayStation 4’s previous launch day sales.

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tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai23d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7223d ago (Edited 23d ago )

No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.

The number of SW2 specific titles pales in comparison to the variety of SW1 games that get a performance boost right out of the box on this. And like the SX and PS5 before it, you can bet the majority are going to be using it as a means to better enjoy their existing titles that can benefit.

This may have been quick out of the gate... so was the WiiU. I quite enjoy it for what it is, but am keeping my expectations in check.

GenoPurpel23d ago (Edited 23d ago )

The Switch 2’s price point is great and fine and it’s still cheaper than the current gen of consoles aside from the Series S.

The only place I think they will fall short is their software sales, which also in turn may affect the hardware sales but not significantly. Parents will be fine paying for the system for their kids, but one look at an $80-$90 price tag for a single video game, that is where a lot of people will draw the line. Maybe not so much the people who are in the “willing to pay because I buy deluxe editions anyway” crowd, but for parents specifically, more sacrifices are gonna need to be made in their choices of gifts for their kids.

OtterX23d ago

As a parent of 3 with a very modest income, it was very affordable bc I already had an immense library of games, and the Mario Kart bundle came out to only about €50 more than a standard bundle. Both Zeldas were upgraded w Family Expansion Pass that I already had. Many games were upgraded for free. The only additional game I bought was Fast Fusion for 14.99 which was a great purchase!

Killer2020UK23d ago

People seem to forget that the Switch was $299 at launch which in today's money is roughly $400. That makes the Switch 2 a $50 increase when inflation is taken into account compared to the original.

Yes, people have less spending power on average compared to 2017 (Switch launch year) but this is not the MASSIVE price hike that people are making out Nintendo to be doing.

raWfodog22d ago

“No doubt, but.... the current price is out of the realm of the average parent / kid to buy like the SW1 was. So this launch achievement is from those of us with more disposable income.”

It could also be many people rushing to buy to avoid any possible tariff hikes in the future, but I think it’s still a good sign that many people still want physical consoles. Congrats to Nintendo! I’m not getting one at this time though (unless I get it for a Xmas present for one of my kids).

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
1Victor22d ago

Congratulations Nintendo on finding the happy medium between their weak console and their invincible handheld plus learning from Sony and clearly defining the new console from the old unlike their Wii and Wii U just add a higher number simple yet effective 👍👍

victorMaje23d ago

Are people that keen on $90 games?
Is it true some remasters will also be $90?

DankSinatra23d ago

Tell me you don't research without telling me you don't research.

victorMaje22d ago

Nope. I didn’t research, I don’t own any Nintendo consoles and I had read on here something about $90 games on switch 2, so I guess it’s good now, people can calm down. Have a nice day :)

1nsomniac23d ago

I bought the Switch 2 I won’t be buying games at MK prices. I don’t ever pay over £45 for my games. Even my Nintendo switch exclusives I never paid more than £33 for.

franwex23d ago

I think the typo you put was meant to be $80.
Anyway, the answer to those questions seem to be yes.

victorMaje22d ago

Looks like I’ve been enlightened about the amount. Happy to see it’s not $90.

Sgt_Slaughter21d ago

Don't get your news from clickbait TikTokers/YouTubers, only go to the source (Nintendo) or reliable new outlets like IGN.

No game is $90 on the Switch 2, and they will never go there. Most games will be under $80, too.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 21d ago
gold_drake23d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos23d ago

Its crazy that it's both the highest selling console on day 1 and people can walk into a store and buy it with no pre order

Ashunderfire8623d ago

Yup while I was waiting in line from Best Buy for Switch 2, like I did for Switch 1 back in 2017, every waiting 12am was going to get a Switch 2! I was in the no preorder line too!

My friend manage to get 4 Switch 2s at his GameStop store, that was lowkey not busy at all. Got them all for himself and his family. Super easy to get a Switch 2 over PS5.

Profchaos23d ago

The struggle to get a ps5 was real had mates wait over 2 years for stock i got lucky and got it day 1 but still

Ashunderfire8623d ago

I know and I also struggled getting a preorder for the PS5, when Walmart, Best Buy among other retailers open their preorders a day early before most of us realize it. I got my PS5 launch day thanks to YouTube Live Streamer Jake Randell. He helps people get preorders and launch consoles.

Neonridr22d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8622d ago

It’s funny how I got disagrees for speaking the truth for what I experienced getting the Switch 2. Nintendo had more copies of Switch 2 than Sony for the PS5.

Don’t be butthurt about this very fact. People on here disagreeing with crazy reasons lol

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 22d ago
hiawa2323d ago

Doesn't that mean Nintendo made sure they had plenty of stock available at retail.

Profchaos23d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker23d ago

Yeah, I remember reading an article over two years ago with Nintendo stating that they were going to do all that they could to make sure their next console didn't have the PS5/XBox reseller swiping /no stock fiasco happen to them.

Looks like they made sure production met demand. Refreshing to see that the reseller thing didn't trend and I hope a lot of people who bought multiple units for the sole reason to resell then at $1000 are now stuck with them.

jznrpg22d ago

It also means there isn’t a chip shortage when PS5/Xbox came out during pandemic

gold_drake23d ago

to be where fair, we had a current gen come out during covid ha

repsahj22d ago (Edited 22d ago )

I remembered I tried 7 pre-order events during the PS5 launch. I gave up and ended up buying 1 from a scalper. But now, I already secured 1 pre-order Switch 2 unit in my country very easy and without problems.

Neonridr22d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 22d ago
Terry_B23d ago

Unlike the Switch 2 , the Playstation 4 was not sold on the same day in most regions.

23d ago
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80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer43d ago

Not surprising at all.

I mean, they´ll be releasing a new console in a few weeks.

repsahj41d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.