Nintendo's last chance?

[SkyFinch]

Nintendo's last chance?

Gamecube isn't the success story as the SNES or N64 was, but it's far from being a failure. However, if they are to get back to SNES/ N64 status, their new console needs to not only match Microsoft and Sony's technology, but they also need to follow in their footsteps when it comes to format.

Microsoft will probably use HD DVD, while Sony more or less has confirmed Blueray. If Nintendo goes their own way, I think this will completely confuse developers. That would be three totaly different formats that developers have to look into. I don't care how good their first party games are, they need third party support. Look at the trend. SNES had incredible support, and that was probably their best console. N64, had less, and because of this, Nintendo had to rely on first party (like Rare) more than anything. With the gamecube, they're all but alone, and gamecube has sold less than their two past consoles. If the trend stays the same, their new console will probably be their last.
This is why it is so important for them to support a format that either Microsoft of Sony will be using. If HD DVD or Blueray becomes the norn, people will get Xbox2 or PS3, just for this reason alone.

 

[Vicman]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

Pretty much what everyone's been saying. Nintendo needs to get with the program already because their current stance is killing them.

 

[Smiley]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

I believe that the Gameboy is the only console turning a decent profit. Other than that, being third in the console with the Cube, is not helping them.

I have actually heard a rumor that I reported on back at my old forum, that Nintendo may leave consoles, and become a third party publisher, like Sega. About half the members nearly had a shit fit with that rumor and statement. Saying, and I quote, "Nintendo has about a quarter of a billion dollars in the bank.."

Not to mention idiots stating that "Nintendo can still make a decent profit dead last in the console wars against Sony and Micro. I doubt that, especialluy since Nintendo has very little on-line games, and very few gamecube exclusive titles.

The snes was marketed well, and heild its' own against the genesis, depsite having a slower processor and early games having "flickering problems>"

 

[Shaggy]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

Well...I don't think Nintendo will ever quit the console section of there biz. They will always be the thrid inline unless they come ot with some so unique, that it blows everyone away, but I doubt they will. I have a feeling that the don't mind be the last in line, as long as they make money, they don't care.

 

[Smiley]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

Agreed. Except that I believe that Nintendo is attempting to kill the Gameboy by bringing out the DS, and allowing it to be backwards compatible with the Boy. Essentially, the ds will be a competitor to the Ds. And we all know that sega did this once with the Saturn and the 32x for the Genesis. How well did that end up?
It just seems to me that Nintendo is making alot of the mistakes that befell Sega. And I don't want to see another of my fav companies killed because of dumb mistakes....

 

[Shaggy]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

It just seems that they want to go their own route, and not follow anyone elses, just like Finchy said. Where that route will take them, we will see...but they want to keep tripping on the way....I don't get it?

 

[Smiley]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

I have heard they are trying some new shit. They are planning some kind of gyroscope controller, or something. I read about some revolution Nintendo is planning. They are hoping to regain some of the thunder they lost during the 64 and what not....

 

[Shaggy]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

Well....if you see any news on it..post it up here..

 

[SkyFinch]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

The thing with Nintendo is, when they come out with a big time title, it's usually a massive hit. They have a big fan base, even though it's mostly diehard fans who keep coming back. And because it is first party, all profits go to them. Their DS will be their money maker, and I'm certain that it will somehow hook up to their new console. Sony's PSP really doesn't have a chance, due to it's price, and rumored battery life. However, it doesn't seem like Nintendo really wants to stand toe to toe with Sony or Microsoft when it comes to consoles. They seem happy the way they are, so we can expect something totally bizarre on their behalf. For me it's simple. I like Racing, and Fighting games. SNES was the only nintendo console that had a good amount of these genres, and I actually bought an SNES for Street Fighter. But I have not even looked at a nintendo product ever since. I'm not a Nintendo hater. I loved that fact that they're all about "quality over quantity". They just don't have enough games that I like.

 

[Vicman]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

"Sony's PSP really doesn't have a chance, due to it's price, and rumored battery life." I don't believe that AT ALL. This is Sony, their Playstation brand name and money backing it will MAKE the PSP sell and sell well.

 

[Smiley]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

The psp's battery life has nothing to do with whether or not it will have killer games. Although, I have heard rumors supporting this. And imagine playing the rumored Metal Gear game for psp with short battery life. You probably wouldn't make it through the first cinema without needing to change them.....

I am not interested in the PSP anyway. I am anxiously awaiting to see what the general public will make of the Ds...

For me, I don't know too many gamers that will be willing to shell out the proposed $179 for the DS. Sure it has nice features, but the price will surely hurt sales...

 

[Nastyman!]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

The DS's new design has made me think twice about it. I know it sounds corny but the design they showed at E3 made me not want to play it no matter how good the features where. Keep in mind though they are not ditching the GBA, this will run along with it as a diffrent option for handheld gamers.

 

[Smiley]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

The design of the DS looks like those old game and watch things with the dual screens that Nintendo used to sell back in the early 80's.
So I am guessing that Nintendo is attempting to make it look nostalgic to appeal to more older gamers....

I like the desing myself. Much nicer than the old one...

 

[Vicman]

Re: Nintendo's last chance?

Yeah the design looks better but it's still a gimmick. Not enough 3rd parties are gonna make games that take advantage of the touch screen and it'll be a waste. So really it'll come down to ppl who want a PS2 portable, because that's what the PSP pretty much is. Or a portable N64 with backwards compatability with the GBA.

As for the battery life of the PSP that hasn't even been settled yet so forcasting the doom of it based on battery life is pretty premature IMO. Sony will have to find a way to make sure the PSP can last or risk losing out, and I'm pretty positive Sony has done their homework and realize battery life can be a death knell for the portable console.

They way they are going about it is reminicent of the Playstation and I bet they come out with a competetive price and aggresive tactics. Because IMO the PSP vs. DS will be the PS vs. N64 all over again. When Sony's hungry, like they are to capture and dominate the handheld industry, few can stop them.