Newsmaker: Nintendo's New Year's resolutions

Sometime later this year, both Sony and Nintendo will release their next-generation video game consoles, the PlayStation 3 and the Revolution, respectively.

The new machines offer the promise of state-of-the-art graphics and could leave their predecessors, Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube, in the dust.

But the two consoles will be launched into a video game atmosphere in which software sales are slowing, and many worry that innovation has been forgotten in lieu of a never-ending flow of sequels. And while franchises like Electronic Arts' "Madden" and Nintendo's "Super Mario Bros." are reliable best sellers, some fear that the industry has lost its enthusiasm for creating brand new titles.

This industry is about entertainment, and in the end, he with the best games wins.

Thus, though the November launch of Microsoft's next-generation console, the Xbox 360 was considered a success, and it's still hard to find one of the machines, there's been a notable lack of excitement over any of the Xbox launch titles. And that's because, though there were a couple of brand-new games for the Microsoft console, most of the 18 that were available for launch were sequels.

For its part, though, Nintendo said it plans to bring a new level of innovation to the table with Revolution. And with that in mind, CNET News.com recently caught up with Reggie Fils-Aime, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Nintendo America, and asked him about the company's plans going forward.

Q: We understand you have some New Year's resolutions for Nintendo. Let's start there.
Fils-Aime: Sure. From my perspective, I have five resolutions for the industry heading into 2006. The first is keeping our eyes on the prize. This industry is about entertainment, and in the end, he with the best games wins. So at Nintendo, we're focused on putting the most entertaining products into the marketplace.

The second resolution is keeping the mass in the mass audience. The world is fragmenting all around us, and many companies are making their products too exclusive and expensive for the general consumer.

For example, for American consumers to get into the Xbox 360 franchise, with games and extra contollers, they had to spend more than $700, not including an HD TV, which is really the only way to positively experience 360. We resolve at Nintendo to remain within reach for the vast majority of our consumers.

How?
Fils-Aime: By first creating gaming-centric systems and consoles, whether it's handhelds or home consoles. That will ensure that for gamers, our products are totally focused on their needs versus products that try to integrate music or other things that, frankly, aren't what great gaming experiences are all about.

Since you mentioned pricing, I assume the Revolution will be accessible to gamers for substantially less than $700?
Fils-Aime: That's correct. The next-generation console from Nintendo, code-named Revolution, will cost less than $300. Our third resolution is to stop turning away new players.

The buzz for the DS is huge and growing, and the most anticipated handheld titles are on our platform, not on Sony's.

This industry has become more and more focused on the niche, and at Nintendo, we've opened our systems to a wide range of consumers. Whether it's consumers older than 35 or female gamers, we've attracted them with "Nintendogs" and "Animal Crossing," so we've resolved to bring as many new consumers into this industry as possible.

And the fourth resolution?
Fils-Aime: It is to turn game development into a democracy of great ideas. Just as the cost of systems seems to be getting out of reach for everyday consumers, the cost of game development is getting out of reach for game publishers. The Revolution will be more affordable for game developers to create for, and that will result in fantastically innovative content.

Let's talk handhelds. Obviously, the Nintendo DS is doing well, with 13 million sold so far. But Sony's PSP seems to have more buzz.
Fils-Aime: I disagree. The DS is outselling PSP across the world. The DS is also generating huge buzz in the blogosphere. The fact is, we have a number of not only worldwide but even U.S.-centric million-unit selling games, and Sony doesn't.

We have games that are successfully expanding the audience for gaming for DS, and that's not true for Sony. The buzz for the DS is huge and growing, and the most anticipated handheld titles are on our platform, not on Sony's.

OK, so what about the fifth resolution?
Fils-Aime: The mythical performance vector for this industry is more processing power and prettier pictures, but what's really driven growth is actually improving the way consumers play and get into the game. It's what we've successfully done with the Nintendo DS and what we're committed to doing with the Revolution and the controller we've unveiled for Revolution.

Tell me about the controller. What makes it noteworthy?
Fils-Aime: It allows you to essentially manipulate the game by pointing at it. The activity that happens in the game is quite responsive with the controller, and we've shown that sports games can be brought to a new level of immersion with the controller.

How so?
Fils-Aime: It allows you to manipulate not only a puck or a football, but also to manipulate the player in a way that's never been done before. So if I'm developing a football game, I can move across

More Newsmakers

[arzynik]

Industrys Inovation

The software industries lack of inivation to great new, experimental concepts is almost soley based on consumer sales. Look, for example, at PSP sales. There are some realy interesting new RPGs styles for it, and many new version fo older games. Even some of the older games' sequals got a makeover. Armored Core Fomula Front added an AI system into the game instead of its earlier every-button-used controls. Same with Metal Gear Acid. It became card based instead of the blood rushing intense taticlal controls of before. But one of the best selling games for PSP, is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. No inovation, no imagination; just a copy of a copy game. But that is what most american, and many foreign consumers want. They want to play the game over and over but with a slight difference. There are dozens of great games and new ideas, just no need for them in a world lacking in ideas itself.

[ackmondual]

true, but where does one draw the "innovation" line?

Some ppl would say games like GTA and Armored Core (the originals) were considered innovative. Does innovation constantly require radically unique concepts every generation or can you just copy innovation itself? IMO, the latter doesn't constitute as innovation, but still a good game that'll sell, which is more important to any dev I bet.

Nintendo has done this and it's worked for them. When they released rehashes of NES, GB, and SNES games for GBA, I thought there was no way ppl would pay for games they alr owned and played bef on older systems. I appear to stand corrected as I hear they're doing quite well. I seemed to have overlooked 3 things:

1) extra features
like going from VHS to DVD. Even if u alr have the movie on the VHS, DVD can still be great. The media is more compact, but also, DVDs look better, offer features like subtitles/languages, chapter skipping and even bonus features. Even if not any of these features, the saying "A good book has no ending" would be enough to compel ppl to expand their library on DVD as well.

Remakes like Super Mario Advance can offer extra features, no matter how large (better controls, graphics overhaul) or trivial (some bonus games, a different ending) that make the game still enjoyable. Some of these games are classics or great to begin with which also certainly helps. With SMA, they put 5 dragon/yoshi/'A' coins on each level. Collecting all 5 per level gives ya a 1-up, but also a fun challenge for veterans who've master Super Mario Bros. 2. The Yoshi's Egg challenge is an even more elite challenge. Combining SMB Arcade on that cartridge also gives multiplayer option fun more replayability.

2) play on the road
Since many adults also play vid games, while kids play on the way to school, adults can play during their lunch breaks or during their commute. Having these games on the go makes all the diff in the world to those with busy schedules

3) they ain't old schoolers
I grew up with Atari 2600, NES, and Genesis. Today's gen can't even picture a controller having less than 4 buttons or B&W games. They definately never cherished the old school classics, so low and behold, here's their chance to do so.

[techguy83]

hopefully

Nintendo will be better with the revolution than with the gamecube. I'm sorry, but to me the gamecube was for little kids mainly, and more mature gamers an afterthought.

Viva la Revolution!

[Thorax232]

Revolution = 360

I don't like the price of the 360 or PS3 either but if you think about it it's all worth it. A stand alone Blu-Ray player costs $1,200 which the PS3 uses and the 360 I think will eventually. Nintendo's little "innovations" aren't everything. Power, better pictures, more memory, everything lets designer be more innovative with games. Not a little motion sensitive controller. The Revolution is going to end up just like the 360, they won't do near as good as they think they will, I gurantee it. The PS3 on the other hand, well, start saving your money cause although it won't get close to $1,200 it will be expenisive, but it will be worth it. Stupid innovations limited by a controller and crappy graphics don't immerse you into a game, it's the realistic graphics, great sound, the power for great AI, THAT is innovative NOT Mario in a baseball game.

[techguy83]

Not just graphics

Sure, the PS3 has more hardware and will cost more. Oh, and its not just graphics that turn gamers on. It doesn't for me, and I own a PS2.

No, what turns on gamers is if the game can hook them into it. Like Halo hooked millions with its new plotline. Like Dragonquest VIII, with its cartoonish graphics and replay value.

Oh, and just because you don't understand the thoughts behind the controller innovation, don't knock it. I can see plenty of possibilities with it, and I'm not even a game programmer.

[JibbyJam]

You = Uncreative

Wow. Saying that the revolution controller is just a "little motion sensitive controller" without being excited is freaking lame. That's like saying that the analog stick is stupid cause it only detects how far your pushing it. No one thought that that would be a useful addition to the controller, but look, Nintendo started it, and everyone copied it. There are SO many ways that this controller could blow videogame playing out of the water if you just. use. your. imagination. Don't think about all the old, crappy ways of playing games. This is full range of 3d motion control. Nothing's ever done that before, competently.

"Stupid" innovations?! STUPID?! INNOVATIONS DRIVE THE VIDEOGAME INDUSTRY!! Without the innovations that have been made in the past, we wouldn't have the games we have today, that you know and love. This controller "LIMITS" nothing. It opens up a can of worms the size of Manhattan.

GAH! People like you really, really frustrate me. I had to make an account on this thing just to reply to you. That's how incredibly ignorant your post was. There's so much I could tell you but I don't think it would do any good.

[standupjack]

Yeah... how about no.

Graphics do not make a great game or system.

For one, Gamecube's graphics blow PS2's out of the water... I don't know how people haven't noticed that, I've played the same games for both systems and the Cube just looks so much cleaner. The graphics won't be "crappy" - Resident Evil 4 is still one of the best looking video games ever made for any system, 360 included, and that was on the little old Gamecube. Multiplying the Gamecube's power still creates a powerful system. More powerful than you think. Sony and MS throw out all these numbers but they probably won't tap half of that technology. I don't plan on having the money to buy a high-def TV, so the high-def graphics don't faze me one bit. I don't care about a Blu-Ray DVD player, either. I think regular DVDs are perfect as they are. Who on earth would pay 1200 bucks for something to play movies? I own both the DS and the PSP and I mainly use the PSP as a PDA/video player/backup to my iPod... the games bore me, honestly. They're just half-cooked versions of their PS2 counterparts. The DS might not be as pretty but it is innovative and has infite replay value on many of its titles - at least those with imaginative developers. I am excited for the Revolution and it will probably be my lone next-gen system until one of the other two giants comes down in price. A LOT. The prices of video game systems nowadays is ridiculous.

[Bob_Barker]

Lets hope for the best.

The Revolution is to the PS3 as the DS is to the PSP. (For those that don't know the DS is outselling the PSP worldwide in software and hardware units) A platform where unique and innovative titles prove that all the techno-muscle in the world can't outdo a creative mind. Well. this is what would happen in a utopian world...

Unfortunately, we live in America. And the average American barely has enough intelligence to tie their shoe. So they will naturally assume bigger is better. Hell, a bigger stick will smash better than a small one, right? So, Nintendo has their work cut out to win over the mindless masses that are the typical gamer. Let's watch and find out what happens; shall we?

[techguy83]

Hey Bob

Not all of us Americans are mindless. I knew about the DS and the PSP sales before this article. Perhaps one of the reasons the PSP is lagging is that the game developers are doing stupid things, such as in the ape escape game leaving it as ifyou had 2 analogs instead of only one, which makes that game much harder. Also, Sony's rush to get it out resulted in the square button/lcd conflict that was reported.

No, as Bob says, its not always techo power that shows who is better, its the games that count.

Don't forget the nostalgia factor of all the old games available for download and the gamecube games being able to run on the revolution.

[Dachi]

Revolution question

It seems that revolution works kind of like a remote control.

I know when I play games with a "regular" paddle I am often moving the paddle about and aiming it every which way while I play. If the revolution requires I aim the remote exactly at where I am going or want ot go on the screen with percision all the time I could see thier paddle being an annoyance really. I don't think I could hold it still long enough to play games.

So, is that how it works? Like a laser pointer?

[standupjack]

Hm

Think of it more like if you used the Nintendo DS stylus without the touchpad, and the stylus had buttons on it. You can pick exactly what you want on the TV without it feeling awkward or anything... if you're playing a shooting game, you can shoot the guy on TV, literally. If you're playing baseball, you can swing the controller like a baseball bat, etc.

Sort of

The controller isn't an exact pointing device. It uses what you could call "relative positioning". Move the controller up, and something on the screen moves up. It won't have to point directly at the TV. Think of it as a computer mouse. With slight wrist movements, you can move your mouse cursor in all directions. With Revolution the controller does that, as well as detect tilt and distance. You won't have to make dramatic "swing" motions. Just wrist movements for the most part.

[UntoldDreams]

Two winners but not 3

Basically, I think the PS3 and Revolution will win out with 360 in 3rd place. A simple reason is game differetiation.

Revolution can't advertise and position itself with Mario games and simultaneously create Grand Theft Auto where Mario shoots hookers. It's just plain UNPOSSIBLE to do such a thing.

Nintendo is pretty much the undisputed champion of cutesy gaming so I would say that's a lock... Which leaves the more adult themed games up for grabs between 360 and PS3...

My money is on PS3.

[pentium4forever]

Not Zelda though?

Yeah but the other systems don't have Zelda. It's one of Nintendo's biggest and best selling franchises. When Twilight Princess comes around later this year, it will give Nintendo a boost.

[djemerson]

Nothing says "cutesy"...

Like blowing the head off of a zombie and watching some giant
mutant bug grow out of the neck stump!

[jzsaxpc]

The real winner is....

THE PC!! Thats right! I say consoles are slowly killing each other, you are fourced to spend $300 (OK, now, with like the 360 its closer to $500) every few years for just the console, not to mention the expencive games!

Guess what? For $400 I built my own computer, it has much better graphics then the PS2, Gamecube or Xbox (though I will admit, the 360 has me beat, for now). See, the thing with Computers is that you can buy $100 for a new graphics card, and upgrade your system, without buying a new box, with the extra **** you already have. Plus, the number of games for PC destroys ANY console system.

Not only that, gameplay for computers will be skyrocketing soon. Windows Vista, yes, I will admit Windows, not a big fan, but Vista will change things. By putting graphic and vector calculations ON the graphic's card itself, instead of the CPU, you are going to free up a TON of CPU power, and things will go much faster. Also, while the console research is missmashed, I mean, please, if all the money spent on developement were all put together (like it is in the PC market), they would be good, but they are trying to cut each others necks.

Of course tech. on computers is just better. You can do SO much more things, plus, online gameplay is free for 98% of the games! You don't need to shell out cash for Xbox Live, whats even better? I watch DVD's on my computer, a DVD drive costs $30, and its even backwards compatable, with every single game I have ever bought! Wow, check that **** out!

Plus, some say, oh, I don't like keybord gameplay, so? You can buy a freeken Xbox controller that hooks right up to a USB port, no problem! My graphics card can even hook up to a TV if I want, two TV's if I want! I can play duel screen!

Oh, AND, you can get a Gig of storage for about 60 cents a gig now, its fast, and you will never run out of room. Lol, I love how you still need to buy memory cards for the PS2, look at the PSP, thats silly, like a trillion dollars for one gig of memory.

Computers are advancing much faster then the consoles, no matter how many millions of dollars Sony thows at it. They are easy to update, easier to maintain, do a host of applications that consoles CANNOT do, and in the end are much cheeper then the console that you buy, and goes out of date in about 2 years. So stop arguing about which console is the best, PC wins baby.

Oh, P.S, you will be able to buy a Blue Ray player for your Computer for about half of what the PS3 costs, so I don't see what all the hubub is about...

[zaznet]

The Market

While the PC continues to attract new game titles, the market is really at the console. There was a while where a lot of the console makers were worried about the PC as a gaming platform. This was before the launch of X-Box and the PS2.

These new systems from all three major console makers are pushing the upper limits in performance and features. The price is cheaper than the PC, the size is smaller and it's easier to use. There is no installation of software, updates for security patches, or hardware upgrades to worry about.

The PC Market tends to aim at the average gaming system sold 1 to 2 years ago. Otherwise there are not enough systems available to play the latest title and it won't sell. The Console market is geared a bit the other way, the console comes out at the upper end and all games are built for a set performance level.

There are advantages and disadvantages in both consoles vs. PCs. The console makers will seek to exploit that or eliminate some of it. PS3 should come with a hard drive (it's been promised and rumored) as long as they don't follow Microsoft to making the units cheaper. Interfacing with the new systems will be easier with much more USB support.

[FisherKingKQJ]

agree to disagree

Some points missed here. Wireless transfer between PC games and the 360, harddrives that can store half a dozen HDTV movies manufactured by the hard done by hard drive people. Nintendo is #3 and there is no comeback. They didn't complain when they were tops on behalf of anyone. :) :) :)

[zaznet]

Revolutions Limits.

Revolution is aiming at a select group, while they tout the new customer advantage, they are missing many in that market by limiting the capabilities of their console.

No movies
No online play
No Hi-Def

The only reason I would consider getting a revolution is because of their promise to offer NES games. Now I am waiting to see how much access to those titles will cost as well as which titles will be made available. If it's only Nintendo titles then it will lose all interest with me.

I also love the irony of pointing to sequals as what everyone else is doing wrong. Later they point to their own sequals with Mario Brothers and Metroid as if they are immune to the problem of too many sequals.

[JibbyJam]

You're wrong. That's it.

Hey. You're being unintelligent.

First of all, a "videogame" console does not need to run movies to be successful. All Nintendo consoles have only run games.

"No movies." Seriously, bud, do you actually know anyone who uses their videogame console as their primary video-player? I buy my videogame console to play videogames. That's not limiting anything. Video-players can be purchased for very little money. With the money you saved buying the Revolution go buy one, if that's what floats your boat. If it's Blu-ray/HD-DVD that you want, wait a year and they'll be 100$, and there'll actually be a library of movies you can play with them.

"No online." You are uninformed. There is online play. Lots of it. Done well. At least that's what the president of Nintendo told us. But what would he know, he's just the president. The system is promised to launch with a Super Smash Bros. game ONLINE.. and that's just the start.

"No Hi-Def." You gave this as a LIMIT of the Revolution. Not relying on Hi-Def actually does the precise opposite. It doesn't force people to buy an expensive Hi-Def TV for $1000 to enjoy the games they buy to their full potential. It opens up the demographic MUCH more by allowing even people with smaller budgets to buy the console and enjoy great-looking games.

I could go on and on and junk, but I lost my train of thought. Uhm, don't buy the Revolution for NES games. Ever heard of emulation?

And Nintendo is immune to the problem of too many sequels because every sequel they make is pretty much a classic. Yea, now you all know I'm a fanboy. Guess the cat's outta the bag.

[the mysteron]

Fan Boys Ahoy!!

It's really funny and heart warming to see how vocal and passionate Nintendo fans are.
In contrast, Sony and Microsoft's Fan Boys seem agressive and sceptical of anything 'different'.
Like the kid who hangs out with the playground bully or the in-crowd just to fit in. This industry will never have Nintendo on top ever again because most people who play games just wanna kill stuff or blow stuff up. Nintendo makes games for those who just wanna have fun.
VIVE LA REVOLUTION!!!

[ackmondual]

That's really _NOT_ what Nin is doing

The Revolution, or now called the Wii (I acknowledge this post has almost 6 months of time over yours) is far from being aimed at a select group. Nin researched and announced that the idea of the motion/gyroscope controller is that it resembled the most common household object, the TV remote. The fact that it uses motions for input would draw in ppl who normally have no interest in playing with buttons on a traditional control. Case in point, many among non-gaming community got PS2's and GC's just for the games that used the bongo drums, DDR pad, and the eye toy. In effect, Nin is reaching out and attempting to draw in the non-gaming gamers. A whole new untapped market.

.

[i]No movies
No online play
No Hi-Def[/i]

Most ppl already have VHS/DVD players. As for HD content, many still either don't have HDTV, don't have the $$ for an HDTV and/or HD player (whether stand alone or integrated like with the PS3) or aren't enough of early adaptors to buy the first batch of HD players. As for everything else, that's covered by the PC.

Nin said wii will have online play so there, that ends that comment.

Nin's reasoning is that they determined by the time wii is released and for much its lifecycle, most gamers still will not have HDTV. As of 7/2006, I'm not sure what the stats are. Some say only 3% of the TV population have HDTV of at least 720p. Others say it's as high as 20%. If I were to guess, I'd say it's around 10 to 20%. Luckily the PS3 and 360 also support non HD resolutions. Else, they'd only have a small market to work with. It's like making PC games for dual monitor setups.

I have heard no solid declarations, but I'm sure 3rd party NES games will also be available for the wii. After all Konami, Capcom, and all those other companies stand to make a lot royalties and fees from their old games that will be in DL format instead.

I also love the irony of pointing to sequals as what everyone else is doing wrong. Later they point to their own sequals with Mario Brothers and Metroid as if they are immune to the problem of too many sequals.

As for sequels, that is good point you make. However, I can only speak for Nin and will say that most of their sequels for their popular franchises (Zelda, Mario, Metroid, Starfox, etc.) have been made without them being a rehash of its predecessor. Some of those sequels are even considered. I'm sure PS and XB has its truly great sequels, but I'm not as well versed there.