Have you seen this, Malstrom?
Oct. 24 (Bloomberg) — Nintendo Co., the world’s largest maker of video-game machines, cut full-year profit and sales forecasts as free titles on smartphones and tablets dissuade consumers from buying separate gaming devices.
Annual sales of Nintendo’s flagship 3DS handheld player, introduced last year, will be 17.5 million units, 5.4 percent lower than previously estimated, the company said in a statement today. Nintendo also lowered its forecast for 3DS software sales 4.1 percent and said it will sell its new Wii U model at a loss.
http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-MCBLWB6K50XU01-1QKUHEJ2OQTT78PSTPU6MBCDE9
This is likely more due to the devaluation of the dollar than anything else.
Like with the handheld, Nintendo consoles today just have too much bloat. All I want it to do is to play games. I don’t need cameras, microphones, movies, and all this junk on it. Remember disruption? Remember devices like Flipnote, that very simple video camera? Why is Nintendo putting in all this operating stuff on a game console?
Imagine how cheap the 3DS would be without the 3d.
Now imagine how cheap the Wii U would be if the Game Pad was optional.
“Integrated hardware and software, Malstrom….” Yes, yes, I know, I know. But I liked the old Nintendo better. The problem with ‘integrated hardware and software’ is that it doesn’t integrate well with my wallet. Since most games won’t be playable by only using the Game Pad, why is it required to be part of the box?
And notice how NO ONE is talking about Nintendo Land. No one cares about these stupid mini-games.
“They’re not mini-games!” screams Nintendo. “They’re much more substantial.”
I know, I know…
What was great about the Wii was that it was designed to be $99 at the beginning and then they added on a few things after that (like a solid drive for space). I remember paying $90 for the Gameboy and around $150 for the NES. That is expensive. Now, Nintendo wants us to pay $300 for a console with NO GAMES included? Get out of here.