130°

Are Multiplatform Games the Way to Go for Nintendo?

Over the past few months we’ve seen plenty of speculation about Nintendo, stemming mainly from the relatively poor performance of the Wii U since its launch in November of 2012. With the system yet to reach the 6 million units sold mark, a figure the PlayStation 4 managed in just three months, questions have been raised as to whether home hardware is really the best place for Nintendo in the years ahead. Of some of the suggestions made by commentators, one that seems to be gathering momentum among the public is that perhaps Nintendo should start making moves to port its titles over to other, more commercially successful, consoles – but is this really something that’s in the best interests of the Japanese powerhouse?

Read Full Story >>
playmagazine.ca
iamnsuperman4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

This is a problem. Nintendo could make tons more money going third party (imagine pokemon being available on smart phones) but Nintendo wants to be relevant and by going third party they wouldn't really be relevant anymore since they are not/have not for some time created a broad range of different games for different people. They have very much played things safe which does not fly in the third party market.

Nintendo needs to think about making systems that have appeal not only to consumers but other publishers. They are still in this mind set of we will make a system and people will make games for it. They should be asking the developers/publishers what they want to see in a new console.

SpiralTear4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

While putting any of their games on smartphones is a stupid idea that would damage the cultural identity that Nintendo has, I do agree that being more accommodating for other developers and working with them more closely is a smart idea and is likely to gather more confidence in making games for their consoles.

darthv724113d ago

When I hear the words Nintendo and Multiplatform I can only think of Mario jumping from platform to platform in a game like SMB.

I know thats not the same as what is implied but hey...it is multi-platform, just within the same game.

zerocrossing4113d ago

Industry trends aren't on Nintendo's side right now. The vast majority want better looking games, but sadly that often comes at the expense of gameplay and innovation (Note "innovation" not "gimmicks").

Now, I'm not saying Nintendo are the most innovative when it comes to all of their titles, but from a gameplay innovation standpoint, they have had the biggest effect on the industry in the last decade with the Wii.

3rd party devs are turning away from Nintendo due primarily to the consoles hardware limitations. However, I have no doubt that had the Wii U been on par with the Xbone and PS4, then things would certainly be looking brighter for the big N.

NightStalker334113d ago

I hope you realize that with that argument, you could also say that Sony and Microsoft should both go multiplatform? Literally EVERY company would have no reason not to go multi then.

iamnsuperman4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

I know. That isn't really my point at all. But Nintendo could make the most out of going multiplatform with some of their franchises. That was a side comment. I said Nintendo wants to stay relevant and I feel if they did go multiplatform they wouldn't be any more and I don't think they will do well, overall, going multiplatform. There is a handful of their series that will sell bucket loads but the rest I don't think will do well enough to warrant going multiplatform. I think those games are only doing well because they are exclusive to a Nintendo platform (while the bigger series move the actual system)

SteamPowered4113d ago

I think you hit it there Nightstalker. Why doesnt the theory apply to all platforms? Because they are building a brand and sticking with it. Thats the difference between first party and 3rd party.

Reeze4113d ago

"They have very much played things safe which does not fly in the third party market. "

Nintendo: Motion controls, tablet controller for flawless off-TV play, double screen gaming, making health and education games mainstream, a unique social media platform...

Most 3rd party devs: COD, COD, COD, COD, COD, COD, COD, wow, a cool new game!, COD, COD.

Tell me which one "has played things safe."

iamnsuperman4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

You have just compared making a system to making games. I will give you that the Wii was a major risk. Its their biggest risk to date. It worked very well. The Wii U is not a risk. It is an attempt of trying to catch a ride on the exploding tablet market. Everything about the Wii U screams this.

Now 3rd parties. True we get a lot of COD COD COD and its, generally awful, clones. But at the start of a generation we always get new ips. Now look at Nintendo who hasn't really made gone away from its established series in years (its competitions is doing far more). COD and it clones are far younger/newer than what Nintendo releases. They recently unveiled that dynasty warriors Zelda skin game. It is like they are either not trying or stuck in the past where those kind of release were acceptable (Sony used to do this too). COD also sells. But these publishers also release other different games

If they went multiplatform (which is where this discussion originally started from; see my comment) they could not survive (to reiterate if they went multiplatform) because they keep doing this. This is why they need to stay making consoles (stay relevant) and here the advice of seeing what developers want not what Nintendo thinks is great). See comment

Reeze4113d ago

I do agree that Nintendo should really test their capabilities in new genres, and I would love that, but I honestly do think that third parties are just as guilty as Nintendo for using the same franchise.

DanManDantheMan4113d ago

Nintendo and playing it safe doesn't go together.

Evilsnuggle4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Nintendo Is a zombie company sorry Nintendo fanBoys. Nintendo is a children's brand . Yes they are successful at selling handheld devices to children but smartphones and tablets will continue To eating Nintendo market share. Nintendo needs to get out of the consoles. They Have Lost THE Core GAMES with there horrible hardware the need much more superior hardware That Sony next-gen to win back core gamers. This will be the last xbox . Xbox has billions in losses over the last 12 years. Multiplayer and powerful hardware are the two best thing that can help Nintendo. Also if PS4 doesn't improve their multiplayer exclusives it Will let x1 back in the console race. The only thing Microsoft do understand That 13-25 year old love online multiplayer games and it sales games and consoles . Why is it not selling consoles now the next gen consoles are still to expensive For The mass market. Nintendo could be as big as Activision Or EA if they got out of the consoles hardware business and focus on software thing they do best. Let the Nintendo fanBoys start with the disagrees but never challenge your opinion what to tell you why you are wrong That's whatFanBoys do they think with their heart not their heads or logic. I offered to buy my 9,10,15 Olds son a wiiU for Christmas they turned it down for new tablets they have a wii have played it since the got a 360. They don't want x1 they want PS4 and so do all their friends.

OtakuDJK1NG-Rory4113d ago

oh you stop it...
no seriously
stop

lilbroRx4113d ago

You do know that Nintendo does and always has made most of its money off its hardware, right?

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 4113d ago
mikel10154113d ago

Are multiplatform games the way to go for Microsoft?

ClydeRadcliffe4113d ago

They'd have to make games worth publishing on other platforms first

Benjaminkno4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

Should Nintendo destroy its hardware business when its on the downturn?

Summons754113d ago

No, Never, Not in this world's lifetime, ummm NO.

They said countless times that if they stop making consoles they stop making games, and they even just recently proved what a moronic idea putting a CONTROLLER built game on a cellphone.

Sorry you have no life or love in your life but don't take it out on everyone else you angry little blogger.

ClydeRadcliffe4113d ago

Did you actually read the article? Any of it at all? Or did you assume the article is saying Nintendo SHOULD publish third party? Because it doesn't

OtakuDJK1NG-Rory4113d ago

Doesn't matter. If the author ask himself or the reader about Nintendo going third arty means the author is for it.

zerocrossing4113d ago (Edited 4113d ago )

If Nintendo went 3rd party then they may as well quite the console market all together. People buy Nintendo consoles specifically for their exclusive 1st party games.

It's a difficult topic for discussion, but personally I don't feel Nintendo are hurting enough for them to even consider going 3rd party. At least not for now anyway.

mcstorm4113d ago

I agree. Ok the Wiiu is not selling at the numbers the Wii did but the 3ds is selling very well and the exclusive Nintendo IP's are selling well on the console too. for me seeing Mario on a Sony or Microsoft console would not work half as well as a Nintendo built console as they show off there own consoles best with there own IP's a little bit like Sega did. For me Nintendo will be fine this gen. the Wiiu sales are starting to pickup and they have some big name games on the way too.

Also for me I'm getting less and less interested in 3rd party games and can't wait for a lot of exclusives on all 3 new gen home consoles

OtakuDJK1NG-Rory4113d ago

Nintendo already stated they would. They dont want to be like Sega or Rare quality dismiss.

Show all comments (31)
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.

Read Full Story >>
tweaktown.com
Jin_Sakai7d ago

Crazy. Switch 2 is going to do very well.

darthv727d ago (Edited 7d 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.

GenoPurpel7d ago (Edited 7d 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.

OtterX7d 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!

Killer2020UK7d 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.

raWfodog7d 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 7d ago
1Victor6d 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 👍👍

victorMaje7d ago

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

DankSinatra7d ago

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

victorMaje7d 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 :)

1nsomniac7d 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.

franwex7d ago

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

victorMaje7d ago

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

Sgt_Slaughter5d 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 5d ago
gold_drake7d ago

cool
wasnt expecting it not to sell well

Profchaos7d 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

Ashunderfire867d 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.

Profchaos7d 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

Ashunderfire867d 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.

Neonridr6d ago

the PS5 also released during a global pandemic.

Ashunderfire866d 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 6d ago
hiawa237d ago

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

Profchaos7d ago

Yeah it's nice to see they prepped for it

adamwparker7d 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.

jznrpg7d ago

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

gold_drake7d ago

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

repsahj6d ago (Edited 6d 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.

Neonridr6d ago

kudos to Nintendo for ensuring a healthy amount of stock.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
Terry_B7d ago

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

7d ago
Show all comments (77)
80°

Nintendo Has Confirmed It Will Be Attending GamesCom 2025

Company skipped last year's event.

Read Full Story >>
nintendolife.com
Obscure_Observer27d ago

Not surprising at all.

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

repsahj25d 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.

Read Full Story >>
simulationdaily.com
gold_drake38d 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

Abriael38d ago

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

Si-Fly38d 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-AK38d ago

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

darthv7238d ago (Edited 38d 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_drake37d ago

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

GotGame81837d ago (Edited 37d ago )

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas Holiday.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 37d ago
38d ago
Agent7538d 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.

Rancegamerx38d 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.

PRIMORDUS38d ago

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

Show all comments (21)