200°

Satoru Iwata Takes Responsibility for Nintendo’s Slashed Sales Forecasts, but Will Not Resign

During a press conference held in Kyoto this morning, Nintendo's President Satoru Iwata expressed his regret for the sizable reduction of income and sales forecast for this fiscal year but communicated that he'll stay at the helm.

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dualshockers.com
Chrono4177d ago

He was lucky last gen but Nintendo needs a new president with fresh ideas and better ways of dealing with the rapidly changing industry.

cleft54177d ago

Iwata is doing a solid job. The Wii's success is unlikely to be replicated anytime soon unless Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft makes a game console that is directly aimed at the casual market again. That's what the Wii was, a game for the casual market with some hardcore games on it. That's why I didn't buy one.

The WiiU is a console for the core market, that relies on the legacy of the Wii which appealed primarily to the casual market. That right there is Nintendo's problem. They banked on third party support to the point of not having 1st party titles ready, the end result was EA screwing them over and Ubisoft pulling their support for the console. That isn't Iwata's fault.

The WiiU is a solid console, but it is like the Vita. A great console with far to few games. I brought a Vita and I love it. People who own a WiiU and play games on it love that experience. The major mistake Nintendo made was making a core console that wasn't cutting edge. Even so, the WiiU is far from dead.

2014 is going to bring an incredible amount of excellent games for the WiiU, I know I will buy a WiiU when X comes out. A lot of other core gamers are in a similar waiting situation. On top of that the 3DS is a huge success and it original was considered a disaster. Iwata is doing a good job, so lets not be so quick to say he should resign when he is behind one of the most successful handheld's in a long time.

abzdine4177d ago

In my opinion the reason Wii U has no success is calling it Wii one more time.
There are lots of confusion about that console. Is it a Wii successor, is it an add-on to the Wii? Nintendo PR has been very bad. Even for myself it took me a long time before i understood that it's a new console completely independant from Wii.

I think they need to rebrand this console and make it clear so everyone knows what it is. I don't think games are lacking on it, it has continuous releases of quality software but it's more the console itself that is the problem.

I also have a problem with the fact it only supports one Gamepad. Why only one? PR people have to be replaced asap.

MrSwankSinatra4177d ago

I don't get it where you find the wii was a huge success? It may have sold a lot of consoles but it sold absolutely no software. The PS2 & DS are the definition of huge success. They both sold huge amounts of hardware and software which the wii didn't and the wii u isn't doing in either categories.

Bobby Kotex4177d ago

You either work for Nintendo or live on a different planet from the rest of us.

AsimLeonheart4177d ago

Ummm... the 3DS's hardware forecast was slashed from 18 million to 13.5 million and 3Ds software forecast was slashed from 80 million to 66 million. I do not think it counts as a huge success when you are missing sales targets with huge margins and disappointing shareholders. Yeah it has turned around from its disastrous launch but it is still under-performing and missing sales targets.
As far as X is concerned there hasn't been a single JRPG that has proven to be a system seller since FF7 (maybe FF10). Xenoblade Chronicles sold abysmal (850,000 lifetime sales according to VGChartz) on the Wii despite its huge installed base (100 million). I do not think X will make any difference despite possibly turning out to be a great game. The Xeno series has never sold great or sold systems even when it was on Playstation. Nintendo had plenty of exclusive high quality games this year but they did not make a difference. The masses are just not interested in Nintendo games as it is evident from the financial results. Nintendo games appeal to only Nintendo fans and they are a handful when compared to the number of mainstream gamers.

Eyeco4177d ago

^^^

I kinda agree with everything you said up and till this

"The masses are just not interested in Nintendo games as it is evident from the financial results."

I think it's too early to make a statement like that considering neither Mario Kart or Smash has released just yet, really the to heavy hitters they have under their belt I think it'll give the Wii-U a huge sales boost despite that I don't think it's enough to sustain the the Wii-U for a lifetime, once those games release.... then what ?

The problem with the Wii-U isn't the "lack" of exclusives because as a Nintendo console you know it's going to have the Mario, Metroid, Zelda's, Smash etc; It's the lack of 3rd parties, Nintendo isn't big enough to substitute for an entire industry, you need 3rd parties to sustain a console.

mewhy324177d ago

this guy really needs to resign. He is sinking Nintendo.

darthv724177d ago

@chrono, thing is you can have new ideas and new direction without having to change the management. he just need to be more receptive to the new ideas and take the risks in getting them to work.

He is a decent guy and while the wii was a success in one sense it really didnt help things with the wii-u being marketed the way it was. It just needs the games that have the appeal of that mass market.

those games are coming but many just wont give it a fair chance and are quick to simply write it off in favor of the other two. Changing the management isnt always the best course of action. sometimes a ship's heading can be corrected with the same captain at the helm, he just needs to listen to the crew instead of saying he's the captain and they do what he says.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4177d ago
TheLyonKing4177d ago

It's basically a family run business. Don't expect change anytime soon.

MEsoJD4177d ago (Edited 4177d ago )

Iwata is poison and they need to get him out. Nintendo can bring out some interesting ideas, but they need to adapt with the modern world. Maybe they need to fail even more to wake up like Sony. Sony owned up and they have been making so many right moves with gamers as of late. As for the WiiU, they need to make a severe price cut by making the gamepad optional and pack the new mario kart with a pro controller that's at least 50% cheaper than the competition. They need to focus on getting consoles into as many homes as possible and make the losses up through software sales/network. MS/Sony realized this and still have last gen consoles with support unlike the wii which is now dead. I really hope Nintendo brings in new blood.

Kennytaur4177d ago

The gamepad IS the Wii U, scrapping it makes no sense. If the system could go against the XO and Ps4 in power, then maybe it could do without, but it needs to show itself as something unique and not just an Xbox 360 with Nintendo games.

MEsoJD4176d ago

Because the gamepad has been so great for sales....

wls10124177d ago

and take bigfoot pizza boy with ya

Bennibop4177d ago

They should have named it Wii2 then they could have mitigated some of these issues. Parents have no idea that the WiiU is the Wii replacement and its them that buy them, similar to how there is confusion between DS, DSXL, DSi, 3DS and 2DS.

chinlu4177d ago

I agree with this. Alot of people ive talked to about it initially believed that the Wii U was some sort of add on like kinect and had no idea it was a new console.

donman14177d ago

He did not take responsibility then. He needs to step down.

Kennytaur4177d ago

To be fair, it's not like he's the sole person involved with the Wii U.

donman14176d ago

He needs to go. Even share holders know this. As soon as he said we would stay, Nintendo stocks took a major hit.

mcstorm4177d ago

I think Nintendo will turn the WiiU around as it is a great console. The biggest issue with the WiiU has been its name. the 3DS had the same issue but once Nintendo started saying it was a new console sales started to pickup and the WiiU sales are starting to pickup. The other issue is Nintendo need to start adtivsing there games and get 3rd party to say the game is on there console too. COD, Splinter cell are 2 games that come to mind that I never saw an advert to say it was on the WiiU just showed the PS3 and 360 boxes.

But I have also not seen many of there exclusives pushed here in the uk any way. I saw a few Mario World 3D adverts and Windwaker ones but nothing for Sonic Lost World, Pikmin 3, Wonderful101, Wii Party U, Wii fit U ect.

I do think the WiiU will do well for Nintendo in the end but they do need to push it more as they now have a good line up of games and some very big ones down the line too.

Vanna4177d ago

I believe they will as well but just probably not nearly the numbers they enjoyed with Wii.

That console seemed right console, right time and was very innovative to the competition as well as clever marketing designed to bring people together through, dance, exercise, singing games and software.

Would not like to see Nintendo go out of consoles have always enjoyed their handhelds more though.

mcstorm4177d ago

I agree the Wii came out at the right time as it hit the market Sony and MS were not looking to get into at that time in the None core. It was also different enough from the other two as well.

Nintendo will not leave the Gaming market the 3DS is doing well enough on its own to keep them going but the one thing Nintendo have is there own IP's tend to sell well and hold there values throughout the gen. Look at Mario Kart for example the price for that on the wii is still more than GT5 FM5, LBP Karting, Sonic All star Racing, MNR ect. The same with Mario games are still more than LBP, Banjo ect.

Nintendo will be fine and they also don't need to sell wii numbers to be successful and make money.

Show all comments (43)
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_Sakai17d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv7216d ago (Edited 16d 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.

GenoPurpel16d ago (Edited 16d 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.

OtterX16d 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!

Killer2020UK16d 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.

raWfodog16d 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 16d ago
1Victor16d 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 👍👍

victorMaje17d ago

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

DankSinatra17d ago

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

victorMaje16d 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 :)

1nsomniac16d 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.

franwex16d ago

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

victorMaje16d ago

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

Sgt_Slaughter15d 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 15d ago
gold_drake17d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos17d 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

Ashunderfire8617d 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.

Profchaos17d 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

Ashunderfire8616d 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.

Neonridr16d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire8615d 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 15d ago
hiawa2317d ago

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

Profchaos17d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker16d 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.

jznrpg16d ago

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

gold_drake17d ago

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

repsahj16d ago (Edited 16d 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.

Neonridr16d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 15d ago
Terry_B17d ago

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

16d 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_Observer36d ago

Not surprising at all.

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

repsahj35d ago

I hope they show new Switch 2 exclusive games.

130°

Nintendo Predicts to Sell 15 Million Switch 2 by March 2026; Switch Has Sold 152.12 Million Units

Nintendo has announced its financial results for the full fiscal year, alongside an update to Nintendo Switch shipments and more data, including a prediction for Switch 2 hardware and software.

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simulationdaily.com
gold_drake48d ago

well, the switch 2 has two holidays in the us, thanksgiving and Christmas.

so id say its fairly possible. the rest of the world will also grab them

Abriael48d ago

Yeah doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility as long as they have enough supply.

Si-Fly47d ago

Do people buy each other games consoles for Thanksgiving? I’m in Europe and always assumed it was just Christmas where gifts were exchanged.

Skate-AK47d ago

I don't think it's so much Thanksgiving, but that Black Friday is the day after.

darthv7247d ago (Edited 47d ago )

That time is often referred to as the start of the Xmas shopping season. For the last few years, retailers would do 'black Friday' deals at various times throughout the year. While many still prefer to start their shopping in the mid to late November, others will just buy when they feel the time (and prices) are right for them.

gold_drake47d ago

i guess its more black friday, should have been more clear ha

GotGame81847d ago (Edited 47d ago )

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas Holiday.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 47d ago
47d ago
Agent7547d ago

Switch and Switch are a different kettle of fish. A sell out at launch by the diehards, strong sales, then the non diehards will be put off by the £75 ($99) games, including the stupid download cards which are topping £65 ($85). Not rocket science to work out how the Switch 2 is going to pan out. The PS5 has sold well, but games at £70, sales have been low. As game sales drop, prices will rise. Sony could knock out all their games for £40 and still make a killing selling more games. There's no denying that a gaming crash is looming.

Rancegamerx47d ago

I agree, I don't see the Switch 2 selling anywhere near the numbers that these predictions suggest or what the general buzz is implying. While the initial sales will likely be strong, driven by diehard fans, I anticipate a gradual decline. It may not drop off immediately, but over time, sales will inevitably taper.

PRIMORDUS47d ago

Not paying for something that's not worth more than the price it was advertised, which is $449 - $499.

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