The last week has raised a ton of questions about the vitality of Nintendo’s platform once Sony and Microsoft invade the casual market with their new motion control bundles. Nintendo has taken the calm and calculating approach to the whole thing. But we know that behind closed doors tons of Wii’s are being thrown against the wall as executives combat a cold sweat.
Just to give this context, let’s take a look at how Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime responded to IndustryGamers at GDC. There he answered the charge that Sony may syphon Wii gamers to the PS3 due to their new Move controller. Good old Reggie put on his poker face and played it cool by undercutting the question:
“And why would they say that? That’s the piece that to me is very interesting…So I’m a consumer and I’m having a great experience with my Wii. And we know that’s the case - we look at the software that’s being purchased. Consumers love the Wii. What’s going to motivate them to spend minimally $300 for a new [PS3] system, plus minimally $100 for the Move motion bundle? So [as a consumer] now I’m into this for $400 and I still have to spend money on software. What’s going to motivate me to do that?”
I don’t know Reggie, maybe High Def graphics (which look great with a new TV purchase), the ability to play blu ray, more mature games and a better online gaming model?
That that said, Nintendo does have a hit with their little console that could. I personally have a Wii and an Xbox 360 and find it a best of both worlds scenario. I can play most of the games I want, with the exception of God of War 3 and MAG (luckily my friend has a PS3).
I think the PlayStation Move isn’t very compelling, from a Wii gamer standpoint, as it’s very similar. If anything it can be good news as it will cause the production of more cross-console games as PS3 games will now make the trip to the Wii (albeit in ugly form), and vice versa.
I think gamers will gravitate to keeping their Wii and coupling it with Natal on the Xbox 360. It’s a smarter move and gives a greater depth of gameplay schemes. Natal is also a one time purchase and 4 players can share one device. The PS Move is quite expensive as each player needs a wand and nun-chuck, plus the motion eye camera is needed as well.
All in all, I think the reason Nintendo isn’t worried is because they have many beloved Mascots, and still serve younger gamers with a family focus that isn’t as possible on the other platforms….yet…
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