Post by: Smash_Brother on October 26, 2006, 07:20:01 PM
Most people seem to base their predictions for the Wii on the past performance of the GC, so readily ignoring the immense success that the DS has brought to the table (and piles of $$$ to boot). However, somewhere along the lines, Nintendo figured out the mainstream.
This is only an example of how they've recently reached out to broader audiences. They've also been running DS "Touch Generations" ads which show adults in common situations: waiting to pick up your kid at school, waiting for your spouse to finish shopping. Then, these people pull out a DS running one of the TG games, and the slogan "Do something with your nothing." is proudly shown as people pet their Nintendogs or improve their brains.
Seriously, Nintendo was like a lost child last gen, but I firmly believe they've evolved into something big and scary, something with teeth and claws, something Sony and MS should be afraid of.
I don't know if they hired a new ad agency or what, but it's like something suddenly clicked in them. It's like they get it now. It's like, out of the blue, they figured out how to understand their audience and capture them.
And I think the DS was only the beginning. It was their training, their test of competence, and they passed with flying colors. They now know what it takes to reach out to people, people beyond the standard gaming audience, and capture their hearts and minds with virtual puppies and improved brain function.
Now the Wii looms on the horizon. Same game plan as the DS: nail down the hardcores with the tried and tested franchises, then introduce the non-gamer franchises guaranteed to bring in the casual or non-game: Brain Age, Wii Dogs and I guarantee it, Wii Aerobics.
Nintendo went from being a bumbling idiot to a renaissance man. To this day, I wonder what inspired the change.
Regardless, one thing is quite clear: the once laughing stock of the gaming industry, the sea turtle, now cruises these waters as the shark.
Thoughts?
Post by: Kairon on October 26, 2006, 07:23:26 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: decoyman on October 26, 2006, 07:30:22 PM
Edit: Forgot my point
Nice analogy and points SB. But I'm waiting for this theory to be proved/disproved in retail.
Post by: zakkiel on October 26, 2006, 07:34:07 PM
Post by: bustin98 on October 26, 2006, 07:40:04 PM
I really want to believe that Nintendo is turning around and making strides where they've stumbled in the past, but I'm not seeing it. Prelaunch parties have been done before, launch games getting pushed back has happened before, media getting hyped on a Nintendo system, its all like 2001 again.
Granted, the DS is making money for them, but how well was the Game Boy doing 5 years ago? All it took was a pokemon game to push sales through the roof.
Look, I think the pudding with the proof in it will arrive next summer and whether it shows up with a glut or a drought of games on the Wii. There needs to be at least one AAA title anounced each month, with releases staggered to appear like there is always something new to play. And popular titles need to have at least one follow up title that improves on the last. Sure, we had two Metroid titles, but what about Smash Bros? Mario? Zelda? How about an actual Pokemon RPG on a home console and not a lame stadium game? And pull in top tier 3rd party franchises. No rehashes. What if RE4 would have been created instead of REmake? Or a new Metal Gear instead of Twin Snakes?
Now we get Gamecube ports with slapped on controls. We all know the Wii can do better, and any publisher that tries to pull the wool should suffer for it. I hope that its just a stunt to pad the launch titles and it won't continue to happen, but I seriously doubt it. And thus begins my (our) love/hate relationship with Ubisoft. I'll support innovation, but I'll never support crap.
Post by: Nick DiMola on October 26, 2006, 08:00:08 PM
Post by: Kairon on October 26, 2006, 08:03:01 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Kairon on October 26, 2006, 08:06:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: bustin98
Maybe a whale shark. Certainly not a Great White.
White sharks merely swim through the blue ocean nabbing the occasional fish.
Whale sharks filter huge volumes of that BLUE OCEAN for food. Whale sharks also have LONGer TAILs.
Hence, Nintendo == Whale Shark.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Arbok on October 26, 2006, 08:10:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: bustin98
Granted, the DS is making money for them, but how well was the Game Boy doing 5 years ago? All it took was a pokemon game to push sales through the roof.
I agree. It's far too early to start patting Nintendo on the back for the hypothetical performance of the Wii due to the DS' success. The system could break out, could be a huge hit, and then it could also make marginal gains over the Gamecube's total hardware numbers when all is said and done. Considering we are before launch, it's still too early to say.
One thing I do know is that the mindshare is still not great for them. It's less than one month away, and my local radio station, even during the week of promoting the local Nintendo Fusion concert, still off the cuff this morning asked the question of "PS3 or Xbox360?" as if the Wii didn't exist. Time will tell though.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on October 26, 2006, 08:19:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: ArbokQuote
Originally posted by: bustin98
Granted, the DS is making money for them, but how well was the Game Boy doing 5 years ago? All it took was a pokemon game to push sales through the roof.
I agree. It's far too early to start patting Nintendo on the back for the hypothetical performance of the Wii due to the DS' success. The system could break out, could be a huge hit, and then it could also make marginal gains over the Gamecube's total hardware numbers when all is said and done. Considering we are before launch, it's still too early to say.
One thing I do know is that the mindshare is still not great for them. It's less than one month away, and my local radio station, even during the week of promoting the local Nintendo Fusion concert, still off the cuff this morning asked the question of "PS3 or Xbox360?" as if the Wii didn't exist. Time will tell though.
I think it is fair to use DS since it had STIFF competition from the leading hardware developer in the world with lots of brand recognition. In regards to the PS3 and Xbox 360 being mentioned with Wii being left out, I think that will all change at launch. Nintendo is taking a different approach this time around and that is playing is believing instead of watching ad after ad.
Post by: Strell on October 26, 2006, 08:28:16 PM
2. Is the sea turtle and/or shark equipped with anything. Frickin lazers, perhaps?
Post by: bustin98 on October 26, 2006, 08:58:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KaironQuote
Originally posted by: bustin98
Maybe a whale shark. Certainly not a Great White.
White sharks merely swim through the blue ocean nabbing the occasional fish.
Whale sharks filter huge volumes of that BLUE OCEAN for food. Whale sharks also have LONGer TAILs.
Hence, Nintendo == Whale Shark.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Say, thats pretty interesting. At least its in line with Nintendo's goals. While I was thinking about the White shark's ability to smell blood in the water from miles away and how Nintendo totally has a lack of taste for blood, they certainly want to gooble up any little thing that happens to get in the way. Nothing very aggresive, but still grows to be a monster.
Geesh, I'm a genius.
Good job Kairon for making the connection for me. I'm in agreement.
Post by: Kairon on October 26, 2006, 09:07:22 PM
/bow
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: WuTangTurtle on October 26, 2006, 09:09:02 PM
You know i remeber hearing Yamauchi saying "if the DS fails we will be in big trouble" I wonder at that point if Nintendo Wii was already in concept stage?
I think Nintendo has been changing little by little if not by alot. I think what they have done best so far is loose the SNES and N64 attitude towards 3rd parties, and in some cases Sony has unfortunately reinvented the role...
Post by: Ceric on October 26, 2006, 09:18:36 PM
Reggie's Sea-Turtle right?
(You can't see it but the antennas shoot electricity.)
Post by: couchmonkey on October 27, 2006, 07:35:22 AM
Now Nintendo has a new audience, and real features that it can advertise to that audience. How do you advertise Blu-ray? It's hardly more than a bullet point. Graphics? It's the same old thing. Controlling games by moving your body? Now THERE'S an angle.
Yes, it's amazing how Nintendo is pulling this off. If the company follows through with the right games and strong third party support (14 games from Ubisoft?) I feel Wii will win the generation.
Post by: lastexit on October 27, 2006, 09:37:41 AM
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 27, 2006, 09:44:59 AM
Reggie was always Nintendo's biggest PR gun, and having him on staff as "vice _____" automatically diminished what he could be doing for Nintendo.
When the PRESIDENT of Nintendo goes to talk about Nintendo and their plans on a show, news, etc., you can tell he and Nintendo mean business because they sent the f*cking president.
Post by: Strell on October 27, 2006, 09:49:44 AM
Which would never happen. His laser eyes would have taken care of bidness.
Post by: couchmonkey on October 27, 2006, 10:39:07 AM
Not to diminish the amazing contributions Reggie's made to Nintendo PR and marketing. Heck, maybe he even introduced the idea of disruptive business. But my point is, Wii's marketing benefits most from the fact that the product is unique and fresh. If the system was just another boring console, Reggie could run naked through the streets shouting "Wii!!" and it wouldn't make any diference.
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 27, 2006, 11:01:42 AM
Post by: Ceric on October 27, 2006, 11:30:40 AM
Post by: NWR_pap64 on October 27, 2006, 11:39:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ceric
I'm sorry but I haven't been impressed with Reggie since he received the Presidency of NOA. In fact I feel like we are starting to be the last Nintendo area. Europe is getting some sense. Japan is strong. Canada is making smart decisions. Then here we are in the States and all the other Nintendo branches are making improvement and there just giving us slop from a cafeteria and we are suppose to be thankful when chicken strip day comes early.
Uuuuuuhhh...what exactly are you talking about?
What made you think this way about Nintendo of america? Frankly, I don't see that much of a difference between America, Japan, Canada and Europe. The one thing I see being wrong in the US is the price of the Wii (which applies to both Europe and Canada) and some of the launch games. Other than that, I don't see what you are talking about...
As for the Reggie issue, deny or agree all you want, but we can ALL agree that things have been different at Nintendo ever since Reggie and Iwata entered Nintendo.
Seriously, in the Hamauchi days the DS and the Wii would've been considered too crazy to work. Hell, Yamauchi himself said that if the DS failed Nintendo would take severe damage.
Both Iwata and Reggie are taking Nintendo in a whole different route and its been working.
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 27, 2006, 12:10:16 PM
Australia was formerly ignored terribly by Nintendo. Now they're endorsing free games.
The US will still get the Wii weeks in advance and will have a solid million Wiis just for US and Canada at launch so I don't think we're going to do all that badly, as far as respect goes.
But yeah, Reggie is intrinsic to Nintendo's success. Nintendo needed a big American who clearly didn't take sh*t from anyone to be their front man, and now that he truly has something to boast, as far as Nintendo's success goes, the man has done wonders for the Nintendo image.
Just look at his CBS interview...
Post by: Kairon on October 27, 2006, 01:40:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: couchmonkey
Reggie could run naked through the streets shouting "Wii!!" and it wouldn't make any diference.
What makes you think that Reggie running naked through the streets wouldn't make a BIG difference for the WII?
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: IceCold on October 27, 2006, 03:38:13 PM
QuoteIn the case of Nintendogs, we got both!
without a focus on a creating new types of systems with DS and Wii, the fundamental shift from culturally "cool" marketing to unique feature-driven marketing couldn't have occurred.
Play on playas!
Post by: couchmonkey on October 30, 2006, 06:01:39 AM
I think he's been a good influence overall though. Hopefully one day we'll get a decent retrospective on his work at Nintendo.
Post by: Ian Sane on October 30, 2006, 10:16:57 AM
Actually in Canada the Wii is cheaper than the Cube was when it launched. That's do to the Canadian dollar being stronger against the American dollar though.
I've noticed a very improved opinion of Nintendo on the interent. The gaming media and gaming forums and stuff like that seem to have a much more positive opinion of Nintendo right now, especially compared to Sony that seems to be pissing more and more people off each day. But in my personal experience, the general public doesn't know the Wii exists. No one at my work for example is talking about it at all. I hear lots about the PS3 and Xbox 360 and nothing about the Wii unless it's coming out of my mouth and no one seems to react at all to me mentioning it. I'll say "yeah the PS3 and Wii are taking pre-orders now" and the response will be "yeah that PS3 is going to be something else, eh?" like the Wii part of the sentence wasn't even said. That's just a personal example but I honestly can't think of any incredibly popular product that hasn't been discussed at work at some point. The people here either don't know or don't care. And I haven't seen any Wii advertising at all so that is expected.
The online interest is an improvement, no doubt. But this isn't the next iPod yet. I just see interest from the hardcores which isn't really supposed to be the target demographic here.
Post by: Ceric on October 30, 2006, 10:34:17 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: pap64Quote
Originally posted by: Ceric
I'm sorry but I haven't been impressed with Reggie since he received the Presidency of NOA. In fact I feel like we are starting to be the last Nintendo area. Europe is getting some sense. Japan is strong. Canada is making smart decisions. Then here we are in the States and all the other Nintendo branches are making improvement and there just giving us slop from a cafeteria and we are suppose to be thankful when chicken strip day comes early.
Uuuuuuhhh...what exactly are you talking about?
What made you think this way about Nintendo of america? Frankly, I don't see that much of a difference between America, Japan, Canada and Europe. The one thing I see being wrong in the US is the price of the Wii (which applies to both Europe and Canada) and some of the launch games. Other than that, I don't see what you are talking about...
As for the Reggie issue, deny or agree all you want, but we can ALL agree that things have been different at Nintendo ever since Reggie and Iwata entered Nintendo.
Seriously, in the Hamauchi days the DS and the Wii would've been considered too crazy to work. Hell, Yamauchi himself said that if the DS failed Nintendo would take severe damage.
Both Iwata and Reggie are taking Nintendo in a whole different route and its been working.
Please fully read before responding. I said nothing about Nintendo in general except that all the other branches where improving and the Japan branch is as Strong as ever, read the parent business. I just said that here Reggie has yet to impress with his new position.
The things that everyone site as the strengths of Reggie he did before becoming president. In fact I think he did them better and I think it's because he had more time to devote to those sort of marketing activities because he didn't have as many behind doors responsibilities. Frankly from my consumer point of view I haven't seen anything that distinguish Reggie as a President yet.
Now at Nintendo itself he could have gotten everyone a raise and better health benefits etc. I don't know. I won't pretend to know. Right now I believe Reggie is coasting on the Cred that he had accumulated in his previous post in the public. I've heard much more from Iwata and even Miyamoto since Reggie took Presidency.
He is a good public figure and has a good presence. Why aren't we seeing more of him coming to launch? Wouldn't a Reggie DS or Wii commercial line be awesome. He just have to wonder around and share the joy in funny situations. It be awesome.
I'll hopefully have a big opinion switch by February after the launch and some time passes where there are less secrets.
Post by: Requiem on October 30, 2006, 10:47:46 AM
Very few people in my dorm have Xbox 360s, and the ones that do have an HDTV. Everybody else either has something from the old generation (ps2 for the most part), or vintage Nintendo consoles (nes, snes, N64).
Now, I like to get high and play videogames (MaryJane back me up). The other day after getting high, my friends and I started talking about the PS3 and Wii. Now these dudes don't look up Nintendo info on a weekly basis, in fact, they are as casual as you can get (except for the fact that they LOVE bomberman 64). To my surprise, a couple of them are already planning to buy it. One of my friends shocked me by saying that he's done extensive research on the Wii, saying that it is the next level of gameplay.
They even got into a little roundtable talking about how graphics don't mean a damn thing anymore; it's all about gameplay. I just idly watched as they debated how well received the Wii is going to be and how much fun their going to have once they buy it (stating tennis as one of the best titles to own).
It just goes to show that no matter what, Nintendo Wii is going to have the greatest mindshare. People who don't even own a console are floored by the mere explanation of it, and as soon as people get it into there homes and dorm rooms, noone is going to NOT know what the hell the Wii is.
Seriously....I've been showing people a demo, the Wii drums demo, and people are undoubtably impress by it. Girls, guys, it doesn't matter; all of them can't wait for to play the Wii (especailly if Guitar Hero came out for it).
Wii is going to have the best word-of-mouth, that's for damn sure, now it depends if it's good or bad word-of-mouth. And it's a different story if the Wii succeeds or not.
I'm just telling you, from a Nintendo fan point of view, I am shocked at how many people know what the system is.
Post by: NWR_pap64 on October 30, 2006, 10:48:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: CericQuote
Originally posted by: pap64Quote
Originally posted by: Ceric
I'm sorry but I haven't been impressed with Reggie since he received the Presidency of NOA. In fact I feel like we are starting to be the last Nintendo area. Europe is getting some sense. Japan is strong. Canada is making smart decisions. Then here we are in the States and all the other Nintendo branches are making improvement and there just giving us slop from a cafeteria and we are suppose to be thankful when chicken strip day comes early.
Uuuuuuhhh...what exactly are you talking about?
What made you think this way about Nintendo of america? Frankly, I don't see that much of a difference between America, Japan, Canada and Europe. The one thing I see being wrong in the US is the price of the Wii (which applies to both Europe and Canada) and some of the launch games. Other than that, I don't see what you are talking about...
As for the Reggie issue, deny or agree all you want, but we can ALL agree that things have been different at Nintendo ever since Reggie and Iwata entered Nintendo.
Seriously, in the Hamauchi days the DS and the Wii would've been considered too crazy to work. Hell, Yamauchi himself said that if the DS failed Nintendo would take severe damage.
Both Iwata and Reggie are taking Nintendo in a whole different route and its been working.
Please fully read before responding. I said nothing about Nintendo in general except that all the other branches where improving and the Japan branch is as Strong as ever, read the parent business. I just said that here Reggie has yet to impress with his new position.
I'm sorry dude, but you clearly stated...
"I'm sorry but I haven't been impressed with Reggie since he received the Presidency of NOA. In fact I feel like we are starting to be the last Nintendo area. Europe is getting some sense. Japan is strong. Canada is making smart decisions. Then here we are in the States and all the other Nintendo branches are making improvement and there just giving us slop from a cafeteria and we are suppose to be thankful when chicken strip day comes early.
You were clearly stating that the US was receiving the WORST treatment from the company, not that Reggie has yet to do anything that will truly impress you. If this is what you wanted to say, you wouldn't have said "Then here we are in the States and all the other Nintendo branches are making improvement and there just giving us slop from a cafeteria and we are suppose to be thankful when chicken strip day comes early.".
A comment like that indicates that you are bitter about the way Nintendo handles the US when the reality is that the US has been doing better than before, whether because of Reggie's influences or not. True, they can do BETTER, but what we have now is far better than what we had back in the day ("Who are you?" comes to mind...).
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 30, 2006, 10:55:18 AM
/stab
Post by: Smash_Brother on October 30, 2006, 10:56:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Professional 666
Ceric hates all other regions and wishes them to receive Wii in 2008
And to think, I gave him my Gamefly virginity...I mean, referral...
Post by: Ceric on October 30, 2006, 11:22:20 AM
Maybe I should clarify more. Now on the whole Nintendo thing. I believe that Nintendo has made immense strides in all regions in general. I believe they have raised the baseline bar in all of them. That NoA, in particular there US portion(I've heard of some very good decisions Canada wise), is at that bar making no effort to surpass it like the other regions. We are getting the Wii early. That is something and is partially in correlation to getting the most PS3, the 360 actually being fairly viable here, and Black Friday. A lot to do with Black Friday. Thats a little unique to here. I just don't feel that being average is enough.
Quote
Seriously, in the Hamauchi days the DS and the Wii would've been considered too crazy to work. Hell, Yamauchi himself said that if the DS failed Nintendo would take severe damage.
This part is the one I'm taking issue in on that post. Thats has nothing to really do with NoA they have no real effect on those type of decisions.
Quote
What made you think this way about Nintendo of america?
Mostly its been the customer relations for lack of a better word. Lately we have been demanding things to see all the other regions receive them and us to get ignored,ex Black DS, or, like with WiiPlay, be the last to be confirmed, if that is even getting confirmed. Then are Horrid excuse for a customer benefits program. Woopy a Wallpaper. Japan games, shells, and wiimote TV controllers. I'm not sure what Europe does. We are providing them Marketing data and statistic pretty much for naught. Also how some games have just disappeared that were popular. Lots of little things making a whole.
I shouldn't be as mad at them as I am though. I mean we are getting the Wii early. We do have the Fusion tour event. Thats all something. I'm especially grateful for the Wii coming early. Thats why I said that come February they might have got me to turn again. Also for some reason I don't like Perrin Kaplan. She always irks me.
Post by: IceCold on October 30, 2006, 08:20:38 PM
QuoteThat's nearly exactly the situation that I found myself in with a few friends. Except for the getting high thing. And the Bomberman 64 thing.
Now, I like to get high and play videogames (MaryJane back me up). The other day after getting high, my friends and I started talking about the PS3 and Wii. Now these dudes don't look up Nintendo info on a weekly basis, in fact, they are as casual as you can get (except for the fact that they LOVE bomberman 64). To my surprise, a couple of them are already planning to buy it. One of my friends shocked me by saying that he's done extensive research on the Wii, saying that it is the next level of gameplay.
They even got into a little roundtable talking about how graphics don't mean a damn thing anymore; it's all about gameplay. I just idly watched as they debated how well received the Wii is going to be and how much fun their going to have once they buy it (stating tennis as one of the best titles to own)
