Nintendo president Doug Bowser: Switch is ‘redefining what a console life cycle can look like’

The executive also explained Nintendo's mobile business, and how the company handles licensing issues.

[Acecalibur]

Is that so

[Jin_Sakai]

Sounds like no Switch Pro anytime soon. Unless this is just PR talk to assure sales don’t slide in anticipation for the Switch Pro.

[phoenixwing]

Nintendo has always lied in order to get more sales. So there's no way of knowing if they really mean it or not

[Bobertt]

There are listings popping up at online retailers and being removed so it's probably coming this year. Unless they have supply issues.

[Sitdown]

@phoenixwing
What was their lie for the NES and SNES?

[Vegamyster]

phoenixwing

All companies do this, they're not going to tell you about a new, better product if sales for the current one are doing great.

[fr0sty]

Translated: "Y'all keep buying it, and it's cheap AF for us to make, so we're gonna keep on milking this cow a few more years."

[Knushwood Butt]

The Wii U sure redefined what a console life cycle can look like.

[ToddlerBrain]

***The Virtual Boy Has Entered The Chat***

[RPGer]

Vita: Hold PSP games and my only 3 exclusives.

[Teflon02]

Vita didn't get a replacement announced like 2 or so years in and had more than 3 exclusives. Also outsold WiiU lol. Don't know the details behind virtual boy. Always hear random different things about it though so not sure how it goes

[northpaws]

I enjoyed my Wii U much more than my Switch though.

Both Botw and Mario Kart 8 are one of the best if not the absolute best in the whole series, had a lot of fun with the Nintendo Land party games, especially the Luigi Mansion one

I haven't both Botw and Mario Kart on my switch because I don't want to pay again for the same game

[King_Noctis]

The Vita sure redefined what a console life cycle can look like.

[MeteorPanda]

yeah l love no bluetooth or network infrastructure

[AnnaDea]

How about no.

If Nintendo would be the one that decides what things would be regarding console generations, they wouldn't update at all more than every 10 years.

Let's not forget that half of Nintendo's consoles were failures were the other half was succesful.

Sony is within their first year of success with their 5th console.

Nobody likes you holding back the industry Nintendo!

[Michiel1989]

since when is the Wii U half of their consoles? and if you add virtual boy or something then also add the gameboys to it. pretty sure its more like 15% that failed then still.

[AnnaDea]

Success: Nes, Snes, Wii

Failures: N64, GameCube, Wii U

I don't count handhelds because they were more or less having a monopoly until smartphones happened.

[Michiel1989]

n64 and gamecube were failures? youre the first person i ever heard saying that

they might not have been the dominant consoles that snes and nes were, but they werent failures at all.

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

The PS2 outsold the GameCube 7:1, and a newcomer (Xbox) also managed to outsell the GC by a few million units. It only sold around 20m units which was just 1/3 of NES sales. The N64 faired quite a bit better but getting outsold 3:1 by a newcomer (PlayStation) was still a poor result. They also sold terribly in Europe (the PS2 outsold the GC 12:1 there).

I live in Ireland and I remember being confused as a child when I discovered that the GameCube even existed. It was only allocated a very small portion of the space in game stores like GameStop and Xtra-vision so it was easy to miss. Second hand GC games were basically stored in a space the size of a large box.

They completely lost their stranglehold on the market and get much less console sales even as the market was rapidly expanding. The vast majority of console gamers preferred what the other consoles were offering and abandoned Nintendo, forcing them to bow out of making traditional consoles. Broadly speaking, they failed.

That doesn't mean that there weren't good games or anything, but from a financial perspective they did fail which is why they changed direction so drastically with the Wii and future systems.

[Michiel1989]

I think there is also something inbetween succes and failure, not being the smash hit they hoped for doesnt mean its an auto failure. Also a lot of the people that grew up with snes and nes were grown up by then, thus gravitated more towards the mature ps and xbox.

by your logic ps3 would be a failure then as well. nintendo who previous gen sold like 30% of ps2 with gamecube dominated ps3, they lost their dominant market position blablabla.

[AnnaDea]

"n64 and gamecube were failures? youre the first person i ever heard saying that

they might not have been the dominant consoles that snes and nes were, but they werent failures at all"

Just see at the statistics.

Sold units.

N64: 32.93 million
Saturn: 9.26 million
Playstation: 102.49 million

Gamecube: 21.75 million
Xbox: 24 million+
Playstation 2: 155 million

Nintendo got to sell 33 million n64 to a costumer base out of 150 million.

They sold 22 million Gamecubes to a costumer base out of 200 million.

From being in the top of the industry to crashing totally. They managed to win with the Wii when that happened, but that was a real close victory. Then they tanked so hard with the Wii U xD

You by anyone should update yourself in a couple of areas.

"by your logic ps3 would be a failure then as well. nintendo who previous gen sold like 30% of ps2 with gamecube dominated ps3, they lost their dominant market position blablabla."

What the f*ck are you talking about?

Wii: 101.63 million
Xbox 360: 84 million
Playstation 3: 87.4 million

I don't know why you are even comparing gamecube with ps3 when they aren't even in the same console generation...

[Michiel1989]

that comment was directed at lucas, he made the comparison and if something failed or not compared to previous gens. also i didnt compare the ps3 and gamecube, i compared how apparently failure is measured for nintendo but not for playstation, compared to the previous gen and if they sold more or less and market share.

[Teflon02]

Sales wise yes they were failures.
Just because people got fond memories doesn't mean they did well.

OG Xbox outsold GameCube. Think it was GC with 24M and XB with 28M then PS4 with like 150M or something that was a complete failure and thinking otherwise is crazy. I liked GameCube quite a bit but no way it wasn't a failure.
N64 was a party game monster but it was a failure sales wise when the new boy PlayStation which only existed because Nintendo screwed Sony had 70% of the sales atleast lol. Sony's only non first finish was PS3 and it didn't sell to far behind Wii in the end. So it is quite correct. Switch is realistically a handheld so it really has lived up to where it is suppose to be lol. But Nintendo handhelds generally always sold good not home consoles after SNES outside of Wii which sold great

[Nebaku]

Sony bias at its finest.

If the n64 and Gamecube were failures because they didn't outsell their competitors in that generation, then the PS3 is also a failure. Not to mention any of Sony's handhelds.

[Chriswheeler22]

Not outselling competitors isn't what made it a failure. It was being outside by the competitor 7 to 1 and 3 to 1.

Ps360 era weren't too far behind the wii. Like 106 million vs 86 million.

[AnnaDea]

No, it's just stating facts.

Not that Nintendo fanboys has ever been grounded in reality. What Chris more or less said.

[King_Noctis]

“If Nintendo would be the one that decides what things would be regarding console generations, they wouldn't update at all more than every 10 years.”

That is why having more competition is great, isn’t it?

“ Sony is within their first year of success with their 5th console.
Nobody likes you holding back the industry Nintendo!”

How can Nintendo hold back the industry if, in your opinion, it seems that Sony is the market leader and never fail?

[Chevalier]

What? Maybe if you're talking about portables, but, home consoles it would be hard to argue that Sony 'fails'. Their lowest selling system sold almost 90 million and 3 out of 4 consoles previously sold over 100 million each. Which console maker has had more consistent console sales? Xbox and Nintendo COMBINED have 1 home console between them sell over 100 million. Plus Sony game sales are more than both Xbox and Nintendo COMBINED.

[AnnaDea]

"That is why having more competition is great, isn’t it?"

When it's pushing forward and not backwards.

Switch isn't pushing anything forward and Nintendo's unwillingness to stay updated hurts their 3rd party support. Nintendo was 1 generation behind to go into the world of HD.

"How can Nintendo hold back the industry if, in your opinion, it seems that Sony is the market leader and never fail?"

Because if you haven't noticed they do have a large percentage of the market sales. We went from Switch vs PS4 to Switch vs PS5 now.

Developers would sing in union if they could make the same game for 3 different platforms, but now they need to develop one next-gen version for PS5/Series X and if the CEO is a dick, another different version for Switch.

I thought Cyberpunk 2077 was a good lesson in what happens when you have different versions of the same game for multiple platforms of uneven strength.

[King_Noctis]

“ Switch isn't pushing anything forward”

Really? Before the Switch was released, how did you play games like The Witcher 3, Outer World, Kingdom Come, and Doom Eternal, and in a portable console at $300? Before BOTW, where were Immortals Fenyx Rising, Genshin Impact, and Decay of Logos? Did Aloy suddenly decide to use a Batman cape in Horizon 2?

“ Because if you haven't noticed they do have a large percentage of the market sales.”

How can Nintendo have the larger market share if it seem that in your opinion, the Switch fail as a console?

[AnnaDea]

"Really? Before the Switch was released, how did you play games like The Witcher 3, Outer World, Kingdom Come, and Doom Eternal, and in a portable console at $300? Before BOTW, where were Immortals Fenyx Rising, Genshin Impact, and Decay of Logos? Did Aloy suddenly decide to use a Batman cape in Horizon 2?"

Since when did those games become some sort of measurement of pushing the industry forward? And while you are at it have you even seen the comparison between the switch version of the games to the high-end pc versions?

You are just name dropping random games that has no influence at all.

And what has aloy gliding to do with anything? Gliding in a video game has been a function ever since the dawn of c64 games that are soon 40 years old wtf xD

"How can Nintendo have the larger market share if it seem that in your opinion, the Switch fail as a console?"

Because Nintendo fanboys buys anything that is Nintendo as the same as Apple sells Iphones to the same customer based market.

You need to learn there is a difference between quality and popularity.

I can understand if you'rein your 20's and think everything in the world is based on your opinion, but sorry, no.

[AnnaDea]

"We are talking about the hardware and how it could allow you to play those demanding game anywhere you want to. Does anything like that exist before the Switch and cost the same to the Switch?"

Demanding games?

The Witcher 3 runs in 540p 30fps on the Switch and 4k unlocked framerate on the PC. That's nothing to brag about, and only an idiot would want to experience a super degraded and inferior port of a game because they can take the game to the toilet.

"Genshin Impact alone made 1 billion dollar in revenue in just six month. Yeah the game is totally random and has no impact at all."

No, it doesn't because that Revenue came from other platforms, but please point how much it made on Switch. You can't be that retarded so you take up a game that is making the most money from the platforms that are rivals to the one you are praising xD

What an idiot!

"If they have such rabid “fanboy”, you’d think they have at least done something right to gain said fanboy, right? How did they gain those fanboy to begin with anyway?"

Yes, seeing no fault or wrong in their favorite system, buys anything for the brand, excepts whatever because they love the brand. Jim Sterling gave Breath of the Wild a 7/10 and the fans started to send him death threats, Ddosed his website and so on.

You're so out of touch from reality which is what I expect from a 20-something millennials that has been curled from the cradle.

But no, sorry.

Your favorite console and company is not the best.

Sorry if that hurts.

[King_Noctis]

“ Since when did those games become some sort of measurement of pushing the industry forward? ”

We are talking about the hardware and how it could allow you to play those demanding game anywhere you want to. Does anything like that exist before the Switch and cost the same to the Switch?

“ And while you are at it have you even seen the comparison between the switch version of the games to the high-end pc versions?”

Where can I get a high end pc that I can pull apart and put into my pocket that cost $300?

“ You are just name dropping random games that has no influence at all.”

Genshin Impact alone made 1 billion dollar in revenue in just six month. Yeah the game is totally random and has no impact at all.
https://www.nme.com/en_asia...

“ Because Nintendo fanboys buys anything that is Nintendo as the same as Apple sells Iphones to the same customer based market.”

If they have such rabid “fanboy”, you’d think they have at least done something right to gain said fanboy, right? How did they gain those fanboy to begin with anyway?

“ I can understand if you'rein your 20's and think everything in the world is based on your opinion, but sorry, no.”

Kindda ironic isn’t it?

[ScootaKuH]

In other words they're going to stretch out the lifespan of the Switch for as long as possible because they don't have another system in the pipeline.

Also, the irony of a Nintendo president called Bowser. I think he has ulterior motives 😂😂

[gamer7804]

Probably 2022 when botw2 releases on two consoles…

[northpaws]

Totally, underpowered the day it releases, never before seen.

Can't even run botw at 1080p docked.

[Adnanilyas21]

And its second best selling Nintendo console of all time :)

[northpaws]

Yes, that's even sadder.

I got the switch, but most games are port, I played botw, Mario Kart 8, Pikmin 3, Mario 3d world on Wii U.

Before a proper new Zelda is out, switch pro is already rumored to release, I only bought the switch because their controllers are smaller so they fit my son's hands better

Not to mention after paying $399 CAD for the console, I have to pay for the gamepad pro to play the games comfortably on the couch, or pay for a grip case for the switch to play comfortably on the go, and then additional grip for each joycon to play comfortably for multiplayer game... The machine barely functional without another like $200 on accessories, not to mention "32gb" storage so you need to buy SD card too... sigh

It is the worst designed Nintendo consoles ever.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

Playing games like Doom, BioShock, The Outer Worlds and Wolfenstein on the Switch Lite is hella fun though. This is the first Nintendo system I've owned and enjoyed since the N64.

[northpaws]

It is only good if you NEED to play it on the go, all those games I could have played on other consoles/PC much more comfortably with higher resolution, frame rate, and more comfortable controller (unless you spend extra on gamepad pro)

For me, I don't need the mobility at all, so I am basically paying extra to have my switch underpowered for no reason.

I much prefer to have a full power console, and then a much weaker device to last long battery wise for my mobile gaming needs

[waverider]

yeah, because great graphics arent something that switch users expect.

[badz149]

The are calling Mario Golf's graphics as "looking amazing". Nintendo has their crowd in the pocket.

[King_Noctis]

You’re right, great gameplay is what we expect, and we got that in spades.

[northpaws]

You almost sound like gameplay and graphic are mutually exclusive, I prefer both. I miss N64, GameCube when they were excellent on both aspects.

And then Wii came along, every console since then are just selling us different gimmick.

Wii - Motion Control was fun, the motion plus add on helped too, but which games support it? I think I only had two games that use the motion plus, skyward sword and Wii sports resort, they try to sell us an idea, but they didn't do enough to justify it

Wii U - the additional screen is a cool idea, some party games are super fun with it, it is actually a lot more practical than motion control, but other than a few games, again, the screen aren't being utilized that we'll

Switch - underpowered because they need to shove the "mobility" down everyone's throat, can't even do BotW in 1080p docked, continue uncomfortable controllers three generations straight, give you 32gb Harddrive, doesn't even support Bluetooth headphone, need you to use your phone's app for voice chat, all these costs saving they needed to do to make it work for mobile, makes their hardware extremely crappy, my joycons disconnect regularly, and drifting issues are a pain as well, I can go on and on

[masterfox]

hmm lets see:

Next consoles : With our game consoles imagination is your only limit for developing a games.

Nintendo "Coonsoles": With our devices our hardware will make game devs cry cause is very spec limited and we don't care.

So yeah sure redefining my ars@#$%ee :D

[Fntastic]

It would be nice if they started giving us games we actually want instead of rehashing the same stuff all the time, but at least there were a couple of fun games like Warioware and Mario Party shown recently, where's Pilotwings and Starfox?

Switch 2 needs to be released next year.

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

The Switch is selling too well for Nintendo to began heavily investing in a successor. Nintendo doesn’t rely on advanced hardware. And the Switch has basically no competitors as a portable console.

[Shadowsteal]

I think the Switch can stay for as long as it needs to. The Switch effectively combined the fanbases of Nintendo home consoles, the 3ds, and surprisingly Vita. All the niche games that will never push the XSX or PS5 feel right at home on the Switch.

[TheColbertinator]

The Switch is cool but that online network is garbage.

[BrainSyphoned]

Defining forced scarcity. Defining broken controls. Defining monetized power ups as scalped toys. Going to snap my fingers and point up so I can get out of here now.

[Einhander1971]

Damn right longer the better!! Look at it this way. With Covid PS5 and Series consoles will have a longer life span, with all delays on hardware and software.

[Inverno]

I'm still 100% sure that next year alongside Zelda they will release a new Switch.

[jjb1981]

The DS, the 3DS, 3DSXL, The NEW 3DS and the 2DS. They are good at blurring the lines

[XxINFERNUSxX]

I have a Switch and a pretty high end PC, I want to upgrade to the Switch Pro or whatever it will be called, come on Nintendo stop downplaying technology and release it already. I'm ready to trade mine in or just mod it to play ROMs, and buy the new Switch. 😁

[Elronza]

I share your same thoughts. I will add also that the Switch Pro needs a web browser and multimedia capabilities.

[XxINFERNUSxX]

Browser would be good to have, and also a glass screen not the cheap plastic crap now lol. Yeah we have a glass screen protector on it now but it needs to have it already there.

[Emartini1222]

Loved Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild , Luigi's Mansion 2, Splatoon 2, Super Smash, Mario Maker 2 but within 6 years all we got was that plus a bunch of Wii U Ports that were full price. Where's FZero , a New Wave Race, a New Mario Kart, a new Mario Strikers , Mario Baseball, etc????? Basically within 6 yrs we got about 10 new games. I know I left some out but to be honest this system should have more games. Wii U Ports and 10 new titles maybe 12 or 13 within 6 years doesn't cut it. Take out all the Wii U Ports this system is lacking . Just my opinion. I know I probably didn't mention another 4 or 5 games but within 6 yrs that doesn't cut it. Nintendo always gets a pass from us fanboys due to nostalgia. Why not have a 10 dollar a month subscription that gives us access to hundreds of Nes, Snes, 64, gamecube, wii and wii u games?????

[Nacho_Z]

Doug...Bowser?

[anast]

Sure. Make a cheap plastic thing and over-charge for it...

[Elronza]

Look I own a Switch and have been keeping Nintendo consoles and handhelds since the Nes and Gameboy. But come now Nintendo, the Switch Pro; is needed asap, and both models need a web browser and multimedia capabilities.