… and the Future is Nintendo.
It may just be me (or the fanboy in me), but it sure seems like there is a lot of good press for Nintendo lately. Where to start? First the DS is going like gang-busters. The games and units are flying off the shelves. There’s a lot of reasons why, and Tim Rogers at Next Gen looks at some of those reasons. It’s quite simple why the DS is burying the competition – it’s the games, stupid! Sure, the PSP has that sa-wheet looking screen, flashy looks and sleek design, but there’s no games! If I wanted a portable video player (which the PSP does great) I’ll get a new iPod. For games, it’s the DS. I haven’t booted up my Xbox or Gamecube in almost a month because I’ve been DS’ing. It’s great stuff.
The Revolution is gaining momentum, as well. A lot of sites are already discussing the possible interface for the online component of the Revolution. There also seems to be a lot of buy-in and excitement from game developers for the new controller. I’ll say it again – if the new Zelda game can be enhanced with the new controller, I can wait. Release Twilight Princess with the Revolution. Even if they say they’re not going to do it, I would be an instant system seller. The Revolution seems to be on the cusp of something big. The Big N is aiming for a Thanksgiving release. It’s imperative that they have tons of units available. None of this “supply shortage” shell game. Just get systems into gamers hands.
I think the best stuff I’ve read lately was CNet’s interview with Nintendo’s Reggie Fils-Aime. Read the whole thing. Reggie doesn’t pull any punches and talks some serious smack. Observer the name taking:
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.
And
We will sell more units than Xbox 360 did here in the United States in our launch window. I mean, in December, we sold more GameCubes in the United States than Microsoft sold 360s, and Revolution will do better than that.
I believe the kids say, “Oh snap!”
Finally, the guys at FiringSquad (for hardcore gamers!) seem the most optimistic about the future of the Revolution, going as far as saying:
Nintendo is poised for a coup. As someone who not so long ago was dismissive of what the company can accomplish, I today firmly believe that they’re capable of taking the #1 position from Sony.
Nintendo for the win? I sure hope so.
(links from all over – Joystiq, Slashdot Games, Evil Avatar)
Jeremiah says
3 words……..Mario Super Strikers.
Maybe the best game out there right now…..it is a super sweet good time!!!!
Joseph Valencia says
I think the DS has a bright future ahead of it; as long as Nintendo and other publishers don’t drop the ball, it’ll dominate 2006. What Sony’s people need to do is seriously tap into the potential of the PSP as a 2D gaming device, like Capcom is doing with Mega Man Powered Up and Maverick Hunter X; without a second analog stick, the PSP can only deliver a half-assed 3D experience at best.
I am not as optimistic with the Revolution, but I will wait and see how the games look. My biggest worry is that Nintendo will skimp on the hardware and alienate a lot of the developers who want to continue honing their psychics engines and all that.
Chris says
While I’m not entirely certain that Nintendo can retake their former position in an industry that for the most part that is more interested in graphical prowess and horsepower than new takes on gameplay, I’d certainly like it to happen.
One can hope that industry leaders (outside of Nintendo) take a liking to what the Revolution can offer and do some real amazing stuff on it. Stranger things have happened I suppose.