Wii's 'not yet' a success says Nintendo president

September 13, 2007 - In a continuing 11-part interview series with Hobonichi, a Japanese developer formed by Earthbound / Mother creator Shigesato Itoi, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has described everything from his management talents to Shigeru Miyamoto's over-the-shoulder approach to game development, and most recently, the success of Wii - or lack of thus far.

"What Nintendo has been doing since they came out with DS is to keep bringing something new to the kings," noted Itoi, in reference to Iwata's analogy that kings are like customers.

"[Customers were becoming] tired of games that were a mere extension of traditional and conventional ones," Itoi continued. "Plus, Nintendo made it so that the kings understood it. It's just amazing, what you did.

"Everyone thinks Wii is such a success, but Nintendo hasn't become overproud of it," Itoi added. "Actually, I don't think I ever heard you say 'Wii is a success.'"

"Not yet," Iwata replied. "It's a good start. It's been a good start, but it's only the beginning. "We want to have the customers continue playing. We want to continue coming up with new proposals to them, and have them keep playing. Only then can we say that we've accomplished our goals. We've been preparing to make things happen."

And Iwata concluded, "We need to see if our new approaches will grab the customer's hearts, if they will keep on playing our games. The answer's not out yet, but I believe we're getting there."

Head over to the Hobonichi website for a thought-provoking collection of interviews, not only centred around game development philosophies, but those relating to life in general.

http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=17199

I have no idea what the hell he was talking about kings for.

At least he admits Nintendo has only stood on its first party titles and will continue to do so with the Wii.

Some good honesty there, its only a succes in the sales. It gets old REAL fast, no lasting appeal in the quality. Its not any better than last gen its just different.tomarlyn

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

What makes any of the new systems so much better then last gen?Jandurin

Go play Bioshock

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

Ontain

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

"It's only the beginning"

Well, that's....ominous....if not downright scary.

That's certainly not cockiness. :)

[QUOTE="Ontain"]

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

tomarlyn

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

yes there's preference involved but you made a board statement. only time will tell if the different controls are the better ones worth keeping. much like it did with the mouse and touch screen.

but i'll tell you this. I believe like most reviewers(and most ppl that have played them) that the wii method of controls blows away the old way for RE4 and Metriod.

Folks, we had best HOPE this is mere arrogance, because if it isn't...total and utter domination on an unprecedented scale will ensue.Verge_6

I'm guessing all you can see when you hear Nintendo and dominace together you can see Yamauchi? :P

[QUOTE="Jandurin"]What makes any of the new systems so much better then last gen?tomarlyn

Go play Bioshock

:lol: system shock > bioshock

[QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

[QUOTE="Ontain"]

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

Ontain

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

yes there's preference involved but you made a board statement. only time will tell if the different controls are the better ones worth keeping. much like it did with the mouse and touch screen.

but i'll tell you this. I believe like most reviewers(and most ppl that have played them) that the wii method of controls blows away the old way for RE4 and Metriod.

[QUOTE="Ontain"][QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

[QUOTE="Ontain"]

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

arinya

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

yes there's preference involved but you made a board statement. only time will tell if the different controls are the better ones worth keeping. much like it did with the mouse and touch screen.

but i'll tell you this. I believe like most reviewers(and most ppl that have played them) that the wii method of controls blows away the old way for RE4 and Metriod.

No no no no nooooo

I have no problems using the controller. If anything Resi 4 is easier, too easy in fact. Its just not what some make it out to be once the buzz wears off, its not all that and doesn't make up for the other crippling limitations. When thats all it has going for it thats pretty sad, which is why it gets old fast and possibly why the attache rate is so small.

Although I do agree its causing a huge love/hate divide.

Some good honesty there, its only a succes in the sales. It gets old REAL fast, no lasting appeal in the quality. Its not any better than last gen its just different.tomarlyn

Come on now! It doesn't get any older than any of the current gen systems. Explain how it gets old REAL fast.

[QUOTE="Jandurin"]What makes any of the new systems so much better then last gen?tomarlyn

Go play Bioshock

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

Ontain

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

it must be personal preference becuase i have played and beat bioshock and it is no different to me than system shock 2... and i prefer the wiis res 4 controls. i like that i am the one actually knifing those bastard los gratos!!!

[QUOTE="arinya"][QUOTE="Ontain"][QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

[QUOTE="Ontain"]

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

tomarlyn

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

yes there's preference involved but you made a board statement. only time will tell if the different controls are the better ones worth keeping. much like it did with the mouse and touch screen.

but i'll tell you this. I believe like most reviewers(and most ppl that have played them) that the wii method of controls blows away the old way for RE4 and Metriod.

No no no no nooooo

I have no problems using the controller. If anything Resi 4 is easier, too easy in fact. Its just not what some make it out to be once the buzz wears off, its not all that and doesn't make up for the other crippling limitations. When thats all it has going for it thats pretty sad, which is why it gets old fast and possibly why the attache rate is so small.

Although I do agree its causing a huge love/hate divide.

And what are these other "crippling" limitations? You honestly sound like a fanboy in disguise. Having HD graphics as it's only pillar is pretty sad too if we go by your logic. Every system has its own strength and weaknesses. Take them as they are. There is fun to be had with each.

[QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

[QUOTE="Jandurin"]What makes any of the new systems so much better then last gen?big_boi_gamer

Go play Bioshock

:lol: system shock > bioshock

Thats an OPINION. Have you ever herd of that?

And what are these other "crippling" limitations? You honestly sound like a fanboy in disguise. Having HD graphics as it's only pillar is pretty sad too if we go by your logic. Every system has its own strength and weaknesses. Take them as they are. There is fun to be had with each.

Cypher_187

Nope, why can't you people get it around your heads even some Wii owners don't like it (I did to begin with). By the way there's no such thing as HD graphics, and if I have to explain the Wii's limitations to you then its your integrity I'd have to question.

... and i prefer the wiis res 4 controls. i like that i am the one actually knifing those bastard los gratos!!!frankeyser

:|... :?

Keep this guy away from Manhunt 2! :(

[QUOTE="arinya"][QUOTE="Ontain"][QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

[QUOTE="Ontain"]

I'll have to disagree with that. the wii hasn't gotten old to me and i've had it since launch. as for not any better than last gen. i think the reviews for RE4 and metriod showed that it's difference is also what makes it better.

tomarlyn

I prefer playing RE4 with a Gamecube controller, its still the same great game but the gameplay isn't any better just different. Seriously, RE is my number one franchise if it was any better I'd be all over it. I suppose its just preference.

yes there's preference involved but you made a board statement. only time will tell if the different controls are the better ones worth keeping. much like it did with the mouse and touch screen.

but i'll tell you this. I believe like most reviewers(and most ppl that have played them) that the wii method of controls blows away the old way for RE4 and Metriod.

No no no no nooooo

I have no problems using the controller. If anything Resi 4 is easier, too easy in fact. Its just not what some make it out to be once the buzz wears off, its not all that and doesn't make up for the other crippling limitations. When thats all it has going for it thats pretty sad, which is why it gets old fast and possibly why the attache rate is so small.

Although I do agree its causing a huge love/hate divide.

For the last time, the Wii's attach rate is as big as the Xbox 360's, and BIGGER than what the Xbox 360's attach rate was at this same time last year.

[QUOTE="Cypher_187"]

And what are these other "crippling" limitations? You honestly sound like a fanboy in disguise. Having HD graphics as it's only pillar is pretty sad too if we go by your logic. Every system has its own strength and weaknesses. Take them as they are. There is fun to be had with each.

tomarlyn

Nope, why can't you people get it around your heads even some Wii owners don't like it (I did to begin with). By the way there's no such thing as HD graphics, and if I have to explain the Wii's limitations to you then its your integrity I'd have to question.

No no no no nooooo

I have no problems using the controller. If anything Resi 4 is easier, too easy in fact. Its just not what some make it out to be once the buzz wears off, its not all that and doesn't make up for the other crippling limitations. When thats all it has going for it thats pretty sad, which is why it gets old fast and possibly why the attache rate is so small.

Although I do agree its causing a huge love/hate divide.

tomarlyn

well 2 points i'd like to tackle

1. attache rates for the wii aren't small. it's around 4 something the last i saw and for a console that is selling this fast that's very impressive. remember that the ps2's attach rates were around 2.

2. this love/hate divide was around back when the mouse and windows came out. noobs and the general public loved it. The minority of power users just thought the keyboard was better.

[QUOTE="tomarlyn"]

No no no no nooooo

I have no problems using the controller. If anything Resi 4 is easier, too easy in fact. Its just not what some make it out to be once the buzz wears off, its not all that and doesn't make up for the other crippling limitations. When thats all it has going for it thats pretty sad, which is why it gets old fast and possibly why the attache rate is so small.

Although I do agree its causing a huge love/hate divide.

Ontain

well 2 points i'd like to tackle

1. attache rates for the wii aren't small. it's around 4 something the last i saw and for a console that is selling this fast that's very impressive. remember that the ps2's attach rates were around 2.

2. this love/hate divide was around back when the mouse and windows came out. noobs and the general public loved it. The minority of power users just thought the keyboard was better.

Actually, the Wii's attach rates hover around 5 for worldwide, but reach as high as 6 and 7 in Europe and America respectively. In Japan, the Wii's attach rate is actually lowest at around 3.

What makes any of the new systems so much better then last gen?Jandurin

Some good honesty there, its only a succes in the sales. It gets old REAL fast, no lasting appeal in the quality. Its not any better than last gen its just different.tomarlyn

Well lets be fair.. The other two consoles are much better then the last gen consoles either..

I like their attitude. Im really glad this guy is leading Nintendo (or part of it).

Has Microsoft ever said that the 360 is a success? How about the ps3? Well, besides the ps3, you would normally think yes, the wii and 360 are a success. But apparently...this is only the beginning?

Well, if Metroid and RE4, and SPM are only the beginning, I really like the Wii

At Least hes being honest, unlike fanboys here. Many claiming the gen is over and nintendo has won :lol:Haziqonfire

In terms of numbers, it probably IS over. I don't remember a single console generation that wasn't decided in the first year. Especially when one console is so clearly outselling the others.