Topic: If You Had Control Of Nintendo From Today!

[cj723]

If You Had Control Of Nintendo From Today!

1. My first plan would be to increase awareness of the GAMECUBE. So many people don't know what it is, yet alone want to buy one. I would allocate at least 150million over the next twelve months to advertising and marketing in America and primarily Europe/Australia.

Promoting

New Games
METAL GEAR SOLID:TWIN SNAKES
FINAL FANTASY:CRYSTAL CHRONICLES
MARIO KARTOUBLE DASH
RESIDENT EVIL 4
1080 AVALANCHE
KILLER 7
REBEL STRIKE

Old Games
ONE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING THE MEMORIES, AT A CHEAPER PRICE
MARIO SUNSHINE
SSBM
LUGI MANSION
RESIDENT EVIL
RESIDENT EVIL 0
ETERNAL DARKNESS
METROID PRIME
WAVERACE
ROGUE LEADER

(OUTCOME)
With proper marketing, and the casual gamer in the slowest Gamecube regions knowing whats coming at such a cheap entry level, I'd expect the Cube to sell through at least three million units in Europe through 2004 and 5million in the US in 2004. A further two million would be sold in JAPAN. By this, the Cube would have a substantial user base of 20million by 2005. When the n5 would be approaching, and 3rd Parties and consumers need confidence that Nintendo can sell systems.

2. Secondly, I would purchase a majority shareholding in Namco. Namco would become a Nintendo Second Party, further, PS2 and XBOX games being developed would be transferred to the GAMECUBE and N5. PLAGUE OF DARKNESS, SRS, TALES OF SYMPHONIA, DEAD TO RIGHTS 2 and BREAKDOWN, of which only one was to be on Cube would all become GAMECUBE EXCLUSIVE.

(OUTCOME)
Nintendo will have improved it's MATURE RATING tenfold. Namco franchises such as TEKKEN, Soul Calibur, Ridge Racer, Ace Combat, Time Crisis and Xenosaga will be Nintendo Exclusive.
NAMCO would be put to work developing titles exclusively for the N5.

3. RETRO STUDIOS, SILICON KNIGHTS and FACTOR 5
RETRO, after proving itself with METROID PRIME, RETRO would continue the task of bringing METROID PRIME 2 to the Gamecube as it's final Swansong in 2005. Further, RETRO would be expanded and the talent distributed accross two new games for the N5. One, RAVEN BLADE which will be brought back from the shelves, and two, a Gran Turismo killer app. for the N5 launch.

SILICON KNIGHTS, would be tasked with further developing TOO HUMAN into a launch title for the N5. Further, they will develop a new Survival Horror franchise for the next generation, more akin to Resident Evil then to Eternal Darkness. Eternal Darkness has the depth to gameplay, but a resident evil clone would appeal much more to the casual gamer, who just wants a slasher.
ETERNAL DARKNESS:SANITIES REDEMPTION??? would begin development for an estimated 2006 release on the N5. Again, the studio would be expanded to accomodate these needs.

FACTOR 5 would be purchased and made into a 100% owned second party developer. Both PILOTWINGS and THORNADO would be developed for release on the N5. The studio would also work on combining all three ROGUE SQUADRON titles into one for a LAUNCH release on the N5. The title would also be fully multiplayer and one of the first to be on the N5's online network.

4. INTERNAL NINTENDO GAME DEVELOPMENT
GAMECUBE
A new Cel Shaded Zelda will be completed for the CUBE for 2004/05. PAPER MARIO, PIKMIN2, MARIO TENNIS, CUSTOM ROBO, STARFOX 2 and the Five aforementioned NAMCO titles would serve as the general final CUBE games, not including third parties that will be exclusive to the CUBE.

GBA
WILL CARRY ON AS NORMAL until the GBFUTURE is introduced, over which time the GBA games will be phased out over the 2005/06 timeframe.

GBFUTURE
Several key N64 titles will be reworked for re-release as launch titles for the GBFuture. These being MARIO64, GOLDENEYE, PILOTWINGS, MARIO KART64 and ZELDA OOT. Further to this, several other titles will be developed, generally brand new franchises of both a mature and family orrientated nature.

N5
Several GAMECUBE titles will be moved for launch on the N5, to ensure that the N5's first year is justly served with regular fresh new exclusive releases. The purchases of NAMCO will fill the lost spaces that would have otherwise been on the GAMECUBE release lists, with it's five or so upcoming titles exclusively released throughout 2004/05.

The games transferred will include GEIST, MARIO128, ROLL A RAMA, MARIONETTE, GIFTPIA and ANIMAL CROSSING 2. Further, Nintendo will concentrate 85% of development to that of FAMILY orientated games, as with only these it still manages to capture a good share of the market.
The company will establish a new internal studio, STUDIO M. This studio will have four teams devoted entirely to developing mature titles for the N5. There orders would be one GTA killer, two first person shooters and one mature RPG.

Apart from this, development of N5 games would be concentrated in the following ratios.
35% to new FRANCHISES, 50% to current franchise with 15% being give to STUDIOM.

5, THE TWO NEW SYSTEMS
GB FUTURE BEGINNING 2005

N5 MIDDLE 2005

This generation, Nintendo has tossed us two amazing systems that can operate together, and offer the gamer a unique gaming experience. They have spent countless amounts of money on marketing and technology for the idea, and i believe that it will continue into the next systems, only they will be much more integrated.

The N5 and GBFuture will be interlinked so that the GBFuture is in fact packaged with the N5 and is actually the N5's controller, with similar features to the current Gamecubes features(controller wise).

Benefits, TWO CONSOLES IN ONE, people with the new GBFUTURE already, will have two controllers when they purchase it, instant multiplayer.

Cons, more expensive manufacturing costs, but faith in software means that Nintendo could afford to lose money on the console.

The consoles will be backwards compatable with the Gamecube and GBA, with the GBA cartridges being the same size as the new memory cards.  

GBFuture will start with the back catalogue of N64 games being refined and ported. Portable Mario64 and Pilotwings etc.

Other features included in the new console is in-built motion sensors recognizing movement of the controller/GBFUTURE. Rollarama will be a launch game for the N5, displaying this technology, and the enhancement it will bring to gameplay. MARIONETTE will be released shortly after launch, also using this feature.

Releasing the GBFuture first, projected sales in six months of around 5million or more before N5's launch means Instant Multiplayer on N5 for people who already own a GBFuture. This will act as a trojan horse for the N5.

SOME SPECS
N5 will come ready to go online, with a hard disk. the GB FUTURE will be used on the N5 as a controller, with a wireless connection. However the option for cords will be available.
GB FUTURE multiplayer gaming will be Wireless. MEDIA, N5: DVD DISKS, GBFUTURE: DUAL LAYERED GC SIZED DISKS, PLASTIC CASED.

6. GBFUTURE vs. PSP

To counter the PSP and it's supposed 'walkman type' revolutionary characteristics, Nintendo will forge partnerships with 20th Century Fox, Disney and Time Warner to release new release movies on the GAMEBOY medium. As sony is planning this with their COLUMBIA TRISTAR and SONY PICTURES division. Nintendo will offer this deal to the studios at a low license rate, Nintendo does not need to make much from this, but needs to counter Sony however it can.

The first six months of GBFUTURE releases will be littered with N64 ports that have enhanced gameplay and graphics. With a splash of new franchises and titles here and there. This is to ensure an impressive launch line-up and library of games continually releasing to counter sony's initial efforts.

Further, the GBFUTURE will be able to run downloaded versions of NES and SNES titles from the online service through the N5. More on the online service later.

7. Nintendo and Third Parties
GAME DESIGNERS STUDIO/SQUARE-ENIX
Nintendo will endeavour to develop more exclusive Square games for N5 through there partnership studio with Square-Enix. However, The company will also endeavour to make it impossible for Square to refuse making the real FINAL FANTASY series multiplatform, by offering them licensing incentives.

CAPCOM
Nintendo will co-operate with Capcom in STUDIO NO 4 by injecting funds, and publishing the games for CAPCOM. Resident Evil will remain exclusive to N5 however other multiplatform franchises such as Megaman and Devil May Cry will also be published on Gamecube.

TAKE TWO/ROCKSTAR GAMES
By lowering their license fees for the company, Nintendo will entice Take Two to release it's mature content on the N5 most notably games such as GTA, Manhunt and Max Payne.

Apart from this, Nintendo will offer the most competitive licensing aggreements on any console, and also the most revolutionary and consumer friendly console/s.

8.GBFUTURE LAUNCH
Japan in early 2005, rest of world by mid 2005.

The System will launch with FIVE N64 Ports and two NEW TITLES,
The ports will be MARIO64, PILOTWINGS, MARIO KART64, ZELDA OOT and GOLDENEYE. The new games will be revolutionary and showcase the systems stellar specs. The price point for the new games will be $29US, the ported 64 games will be $19US.

9.N5 LAUNCH
Japan Mid 2005, Rest of world by end 2005

LAUNCH TITLES, EXPECTED 1st and 2nd Party releases in US over the first 12 months of System release

LAUNCH(1st month)
ROGUE SQUADRON COLLECTORS EDITION* factor5
TOO HUMAN silicon knights
RACER* retro studios
ROLLARAMA nintendo
MARIO 128 nintendo

2nd
XENOSAGA 2 namco
MARIONETTE nintendo
PILOTWINGS* factor 5

3rd
GEIST nintendo
TEKKEN 5* namco

4th
ANIMAL CROSSING 2* nintendo
STUDIO M TITLE* nintendo
RIDGE RACER* namco

5th
MARIO PARTY* nintendo
ORIGINAL NAMCO TITLE namco

6th
N5 GOES ONLINE
GIFTPIA* nintendo
NEW ONLINE NINTENDO TITLE* nintendo
MOTOGP4* namco

7th
POKEMON UNIVERSE ONLINE* nintendo
SOUL CALIBUR ONLINE* namco

8th
RAVEN BLADE retro studios
STUDIO M TITLE nintendo
SILICON KNIGHTS SLASHER* silicon knights

9th
STARFOX* nintendo
NEW ORIGINAL TITLE nintendo
THORNADO factor 5

10th
MARIO TENNIS* nintendo
ORIGINAL NAMCO TITLE namco

11th
LEGEND OF ZELDA nintendo
TIME CRISIS 4* namco

12th
STUDIO M TITLE nintendo
EXTREME SPORTS WAVERACE/1080 PACK ONLINE* nintendo
KLANOA namco

33 first and second party titles released in first twelve months.
achievable because 12 of said title have been in development for GAMECUBE or other systems, or are remakes.

Add to this the third party titles, and wow.

*denotes an online game.

10. N5 and GBFUTURE ONLINE the WARPZONE

The primary concept of WARPZONE will be an online gaming community where retro NINTENDO games can be admired and enjoyed, new nintendo games can be played with friends and foe alike across the world, where new content and levels, special features and news can be accessed. Where gaming demos and entertainment can be found and enjoyed.

WARPZONE will have a monthly membership fee of $20. With this membership one receives.

Unlimited access to play online against thousands of people

Opportunities to download any NES and SNES games from their back libraries to the N5 harddisk, and GBFUTURE internal memory, and enjoy the retro fun.

Unlock new levels and Special features in selected games.

Experience new game demos, and news on what to look forward too.

ONLINE competitions and sweepstakes.

If just 100,000 people connect, thats 2million in subscriptions a month.
If 1million people connect, thats 20million a month, or revenue of $240m per year.

GAMES ONLINE FROM DAY ONE WILL BE
Rogue Squadron, Mario Party, Ridge Racer, Animal Crossing 2, Tekken 5, Pilotwings, Retro's Racer and STUDIO M's TITLE.

AND THUS, Nintendo would take the LIONS share of the HOME CONSOLE AND HANDHELD MARKET by
ONE making them inseparable
TWO packaging them together
THREE offering an amazing range of 1st and 2nd party titles
FOUR making good use of it's back catalogue of games
and FIVE being aggressive with 3rd parties, getting movie studio support for GBFUTURE buying Factor 5 outright and into Namco and concentrating on a much broader market then that of just a FAMILY orientated existence. Nintendo must now realise that there are more profits in BROADNESS then NICHENESS!




HAHAHAHA
Just a little fun, reckon it would work though, how would you run your Nintendo from today?

[Guitar Smasher]

Actually, I find most of what you say feasible.  I think you've got the just the right amount of spending, although I think Nintendo should seriously invest in Square/Enix to get FF.  But why do people keep thinking that Nintendo can release a new game each month?  What, do you want crap?  And StudioM couldn't release a new game every month.   The number of games you've mentioned should last the system's entire lifespan, let alone one year.  Would you want all those games coming out in the same year?  I doubt that Nintendo will seriously consider online gaming, but your WarpZone idea is quite intriguing.  I think the whole Nintendo community element is a great idea.  Furthermore, the name "Warp Zone" is the perfect example of the nostalgia Nintendo should aim for.  If Nintendo ever tries an xbox live concept, they should definitely call it Warp Zone.  Nice ideas!

[The Omen]

I'll just say this-my first commercial would be about the best Xbox and PS2 games [mostly XBoX] being available on your PC already.  I've already presented my nostalgia advertising campaign ad nauseum, but maybe i'll type it again later....when i drink

[Guitar Smasher]

I've been thinking about your idea for your first commercial for a while, and I finally figured out why I felt it was weak.  You can say that those PS2 and Xbox games are also on PC, but then they can just say that they're not on Gamecube!  That commercial would be counter-productive.

[Hostile Creation]

If I were in charge of Nintendo, I'd embezzle all of their money, go buy several tons of licorice, and feed the world.  Yes, I would feed everyone.  And then we would all die of nasty, because licorice is nasty.  OH NO!

[Polemistis]

Err..."WarpZone" would probably be seen as a riped off name from "Warp Pipe".
(Warp Pipe--> The online gamecube gaming service)

Anyway, thats pretty good man. One mistake you made it that Goldeneye was made by Rare who is now with Microsoft. Thus, there won't be an other one on a Nintendo system.

[Guitar Smasher]

Yeah, but Warp Pipe is just a rip off of Nintendo, so...    Maybe if Nintendo hired them to do the online it would be ok.  But seriously, Nintendo could just claim ownership of the name anyways.

And about Goldeneye, the team who made the game is no longer with Rare, if I remember correctly.  I'm pretty sure that team went on to make TS2, which IS on Gamecube.  So you never know.  That, and Goldeneye is a movie!  Any team could go up to MGM and ask for the rights to make a sequel.

[The Omen]

EA owns the rights Bond.

Quote
I've been thinking about your idea for your first commercial for a while, and I finally figured out why I felt it was weak. You can say that those PS2 and Xbox games are also on PC, but then they can just say that they're not on Gamecube! That commercial would be counter-productive.

The point is all of Nintendos exclusives are NOT on PC, or anywhere but GC.  Assuming you have a PC, then the console to go with is GC.  That was the angle of my ad.

[KDR_11k]

You're pushing back too much. Giftpia, Geist and Starfox 2 are developed pretty far already and you have to fill the timespan until the N5 comes out. You have enough time left to let those devs finish the three named games and make new ones for the N5.

[Ian Sane]

If I had control over Nintendo well the company would probably be in pretty big trouble since I have no experience with running a company and don't really know anymore about the videogame industry beyond that of a die hard fan.  However since this is a fantasy and it's fun here's what I would do.  I don't really feel like working with the Cube so I'll just start with planning for the N5 launch.  Since the GBA is doing alright let's assume that my job is solely to make the N5 a huge success in North America.

Here are some basic rules/guidelines I would make regarding the N5:
1. Original content is key.
2. Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and Pokemon are the only franchises that REQUIRE an N5 sequel.  All other franchises can be put on hold if the designers wish to work on something new instead.
3. Any new F-Zero, Mario Kart, 1080, Super Smash Bros or Wave Race game must support online play.
4. Kids are more willing to buy "mature" game than adults are willing to buy "kiddy" games.

Rule 4 is the most important.  This not only means creating more T rated games that appeal to virtually all demographics (like Metroid) but holding back on extra cute elements that are not needed to make a game kid-friendly.  That means that Zelda is not cel-shaded and looks more like Ocarina of Time and Mario doesn't talk as much and his next game has a more neutral name like Super Mario Adventure.

Online play:
As mentioned in rule 2 virtually any Nintendo game that is designed with multiplayer in mind will have at the very least a barebones online multiplayer mode.  The online setup is similar to the Cube's in that all we provide is a broadband adapter and third parties can do whatever they want.  Iā€™m hoping that since we will be including online support with some of our games that will be enough to convince others to follow.  The broadband adapter will be built in with the console ensuring that 100% of N5 owners can potentially go online.  Iā€™m assuming that broadband support will be widespread enough by then to be the only standard to use.

Hardware design:
- neutral colour (black, white, grey, silver) at launch with other colours to follow
- wireless controllers standard but can plug in to the console to preserve battery life
- DVD player included if competition includs one, may be nixed if it can result in a significantly cheaper price
- backwards GC compatibility
- GB player of some sort available as an add-on
- hard drive
-usual ports and such for add-ons, Iā€™m thinking a mouse would be worth adding for RTS or sim games

What each developer would work on for release within the first year of the consoleā€™s life:
EAD: Mario (MUST be available on launch), Zelda

Intelligent Systems: N5 Wars or Fire Emblem

HAL: SSB Online or something else if online isnā€™t possible so soon

NST: Wave Race or 1080 Online

SK: Too Human and then something original

Retro: Metroid and then something original

Camelot: Exclusive N5 RPG.  Could be a spinoff of Golden Sun or something unique.  My only request is that the battles are not random.

Factor 5: If they stay with Lucasarts they can make a new Star Wars game.  If they want weā€™ll offer to publish their titles or buy them outright in which case they can make whatever they want.

Treasure: I would do whatever it takes to buy these guys and then Iā€™d let them make whatever they want because theyā€™re so talented I know it would rule.  In order to get the average N5 owner to know who they are I would include a special pack-in title with the N5 at launch that would include a collection of some of Treasureā€™s greatest games and a promotional video for their new title.  This compilation (if possible) would include Gunstar Heroes, Guardian Heroes, Ikaruga, Sin & Punishment, and RADIANT SILVERGUN.  Radiant Silvergun would be key because than every hardcore videogame nut on the internet would consider buying an N5 just to get this super rare title thus creating a positive buzz over the internet.  This would also help sites like Gamespot and IGN and mags like EGM start praising the N5 as the hardcore console of choice which would do wonders for marketing.  I think the fact that even the hardcore are down on the Cube has hurt its appeal.

Other third parties: Third parties like Sega, Square Enix and Capcom would be offered to chance to work on any game they want with Nintendo publishing with the only requirement being that itā€™s N5 exclusive.  They also would be given the option of choosing a Nintendo franchise to work with if desired.  I think that if provided with creative freedom and someone else publishing most of these third parties would be very enthusiastic about making an N5 title.  The ability to use a Nintendo franchise is an extra incentive.

Nintendo Sports: This would be a new company I would create to make exclusive sports games.

Pokemon:
Since I have no clue who would work on Pokemon Iā€™m giving it itā€™s own category.  This game would be designed as the ultimate Pokemon game.  It would be a full 3D RPG with exclusive Pokemon that require trading with the GB Pokemon games to ā€œcatch ā€˜em allā€.  It would also have online battling and trading.  Finally it would include extra modes like Pokemon photography.  Basically if you want it in a Pokemon game it would be in this game.

As for advertising Iā€™ve already discussed it more in other threads but it comes down to showing more game footage and less goofs in costumes.  Other ideas include making an independent Official Nintendo Magazine which is more designed for teens and adults and includes demos.  I have a lot of ideas but this is long enough already.

Youā€™ll notice that I mention original content and allowing developers to make whatever they want a lot.  I think that the key to making the N5 a success is to make new franchises for the new gaming generation to grow up with and remove the stigma that Nintendo is all rehashes.  People still want Mario, they just want more as well.

[Guitar Smasher]

Ian Sane:  I agree 100% with you, on everything.  Seriously.

I too dream of a full 3D pokemon rpg game.  It should be that you have to actually find the pokemon in the wild, by actually looking at it (rather than just going to the area).  You should definitely be able to trade online, but you could go further.  Imagine the whole pokemon world online, where you actually walk up to any trainer you see (which would be another 'human' player) and challenge them.  My only concern is that you'd likely have to pay a monthly fee, something I'm completely against.  You paid for the game, you shouldn't have to pay to play it.  That's why there should be an offline mode, similar to PSO on GC, if I'm not mistaken, but online trading has to be at least free.  If this game existed, but was not necessarily made kiddy, but neither mature (brutality-style mature), then I guarantee you that it would sell insanely.  In my opinion this one game could bring Nintendo back to market leader.

About Nintendo Sports:  A few months ago I was playing my SNES game, Stanley Cup Hockey, where a host/broadcaster talked in between periods, and after the game.  Well after one game, he said something like "we at the Nintendo Sports Network..."  Well that got me dreaming of an online sports network of Nintendo-quality sports games.  Not necessarily Nintendo made, but Nintendo has to give the creator incentive to enhance the game for this.  I guess it's like XSN, but I really don't know much about that.  

As for third parties, all I demand is that Nintendo spend some of its supposed loads of money, and buy Final Fantasy on to the N5, hopefully exclusively.  The beauty of that series is that each title is unique (to a decent extent), and it won't get old like GTA will.  I'll admit, I'm not the biggest FF fan in the world, but I do know its power to sell systems.  Other good ideas would be to further invest in Capcom and Sega, as Ian Sane mentioned.

A note on a future SSB: Another one could be made, that isn't 'old' at all.  But you have to put a lot into the game, and I mean a lot!  I dream of being able to play as every single Nintendo character and enemy.  Well maybe not every one, but over 100 characters.  That way it could be a real nostaligic game, sort of like playing through video game history.  There would have to be many game-inspired levels and items, one from each Nintendo game ever.  New modes are also a good idea, but I'll leave Nintendo to think of them.  Online is a must for this game.  No question, it is necessary.

And for a little comic relief:  I have an idea for a GTA killer.  I call it "Wario 'Hood: Bling Bling King"  This game isnpired from an ad for WarioWorld, that I saw on the back of a Blockbuster flyer/ad.  Simply put, it was a fat mulatto man, wearing a fur coat with with tons and tons of gold chains hanging over his chest.  Well as the screwed up person I am, I started thinking about a game wear Wario is super "mature" and is a pimp in some crime-city.  He looks like a real man, who's pretty fat and wears flashy "pimp" outfits.  He only drives the fanicest cars, with appropriate gold and silver accessories.  He does something related to crime, either pimping, or money laundering (sp?) or whatever would appeal to retarded "mature" gamers.  And he has to have realistic 'hot hoes' who worship him.

Well that's just my thoughts on that.  I hope someone listens... to my good ideas at least.

[Mario]

If i had control over Nintendo, i would try and merge advertising for GameCube and Gameboy into one "Nintendo" brand advertisement. "who are you?" is a great start of advertising the Nintendo brand.

I would show more and better game footage in commercials. I would show the parts in the game that look the most impressive and not focus on showing what the gameplay is actually like in game commercials. The commercials have to be funny and/or eye catching (like Nintendos recent ones *thumbs up*), or not exist at all. I would not try to drop Nintendo's "kiddie" image by getting darker and more "mature" games, i would simply do it by making better games and advertising them as excellent games (why they didnt put "Game of the Year" in a Metroid Prime advert is beyond me).

I would pay popular review sites to give every Nintendo game a really high review, if possible.

I would launch the next Nintendo console with a Super Mario game and/or Super Mario Party (all the minigames, boards etc. of Mario Party 1 to 6 brilliantly put together into one game, with updated graphics) and/or SSB3, a new Wave Race (emphasis on it's realistic awe-inspiring graphics), a Nintendo developed game starring NEW characters (if no Super Mario game makes it to launch, then this can be the game Nintendo focuses most of their development on), Soul Calibur 3 (it's got to be EXCLUSIVE this time), and whatever else is possible at the time. N5 will have the entire NES, SNES and N64 library built into it, and a slot for Gameboy games. GC games will also be playable on it somehow.

I would fire everyone at Nintendo Australia and let Nintendo of America take over, release 1080 Avalanche and Zelda Collection, and launch Nintendo Power there.

I would see if it's financially acceptable to outright purchase Sega, and if it is, then i will.

Produce a commercial that shows clips of Madden, licensed movie games, Tony Hawk, True Crime, and every other mature game that people buy PS2s and Xbox's for (even though they are available on GC too), then say "We have all this, plus MORE!". Then show clips of Metroid Prime, The Legend of Zelda, VJ etc. etc. I would also pimp the WaveBird and the Gameboy player in this commercial, and then say "what DOESNT the GameCube have?". The commercial could end here, OR it could show a kid saying "ummm... madden?", then a bupbow sound, then he says "uuhhhh... online games?", then another bupbow sound and show people playing PSO etc. Or something else with a similar message...

Lastly, i would take everything people say on a forum with a huge grain of salt, and not do things because someone in a forum said so.

[Majexto]

I didnt read all of these but mario i see some major problems in your ideas, I hate when commercials dont show the gameplay because then i have to get online and download videos to see what its like.  Wouldnt it be better to just put it in the commercial?  And "funny" commercials can be made out kiddy pretty easily.  Also firing everyone at nintendo australia is horrible your putting tons of people out of jobs.  Thats running a bad company right there.

[Ian Sane]

"N5 will have the entire NES, SNES and N64 library built into it"

Do you mean the ENTIRE libraries of those consoles or just the Nintendo titles?  I like the idea of having access to all the classics on one console but since I'm more greedy I would make compilations and make people buy those.  And of course these compilations would not include titles ported to the GBA.  I would encourage third parties to make compilations as well.  A Dragon Warrior compilation for example would make the N5 a must own for RPG fans if it had the first ever American releases of Dragon Warrior V and VI.

[KDR_11k]

Hm, that Wario-thing sounds intriguing... However, it shouldn't be just a crime game like GTA, but a complete freelancing game. Freelance as in X, Privateer, Elite, ... You are in a city. You have 100 coins in your pocket. The Mafia wants your ass because you couldn't pay off some debt. You need to get money from somewhere. You are free to do jobs (real jobs, not criminal activity), trade goods, rob citizens, smuggle illegal goods, buy and manage buildings... Your goal is complete control, be it by becoming mayor, by gaining media control, by building up an army... Like a space tradesim, just in a city. And, very important, it should be possible to win the game without becoming a criminal at all. Crime should play a minor role.
Sorry, I'm going off topic with that, eh?

[Guitar Smasher]

Finally, someone who understands what a MATURE game IS!  No need to be violent, just something that older players can appreciate.

[Retroyoshi]

Mature= Mario Kart

Juvenile= Manhunter

[Mario]

Quote
I hate when commercials dont show the gameplay because then i have to get online and download videos to see what its like.

Well Sony's latest commercial for the PS2 actually shows NO gameplay footage at all, and well, PS2 sales speak for themself. And not showing any gameplay isnt what i said, i said not focus on showing the gameplay, show the most impressive and fun looking parts of the game, instead of showing all the items Mario can use or all the environments Link can explore. Nintendo doesn't do this for spoiler reasons, and really only hardcore gamers care about spoilers, so i respect Nintendo for doing that, but if they want to reach a broader audience they need to do what im saying. If anyone understands what i mean...

Quote
And "funny" commercials can be made out kiddy pretty easily

So?

Quote
Also firing everyone at nintendo australia is horrible your putting tons of people out of jobs.

That was a lame joke. If you lived in Australia you would understand.

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Do you mean the ENTIRE libraries of those consoles or just the Nintendo titles? I like the idea of having access to all the classics on one console but since I'm more greedy I would make compilations and make people buy those. And of course these compilations would not include titles ported to the GBA. I would encourage third parties to make compilations as well. A Dragon Warrior compilation for example would make the N5 a must own for RPG fans if it had the first ever American releases of Dragon Warrior V and VI.

Whatever is feasable, it might not be possible to have the entire library if not every third party agrees to let their game be on it, so if its not possible then just Nintendo titles. This could be a huge selling point for N5 and give it an immediate advantage over the competition. And this is something only Nintendo can do, a reason to own N5 over the other consoles. It could either be built into the console on a "hard drive" or something similar, or just be a seperate game.

[Edisim]

I'd make a GBFuture Player for the Gamecube, rather than the N5, and sell off remaining Gamecubes real cheap. Or make new Gamecubes and sell them (maybe packaged with the GBFuture player) since they should be REALLY cheap to produce by the time N5/GBfuture are out.

Then I'd start listening to the gamers and designers and stop thinking I know what's best for everyone. (As in a more versatile controller.) I know Nintendo has already done a pretty good job of this what with releasing the GBplayer, teaming back up with squaresoft to get Final Fantashit back on Nintendo systems, and giving us mature titles... and the front-lit Gameboy SP... but they're still a little arrogant when it comes to game design (and control schemes, and by association, controllers).. I mean, besides the new look and feel of Zelda, what game innovations has Nintendo really produced this time around on the GCN? All we've gotten are visually enhanced sequels with tiny bits of gameplay improvement.. Sure, there's Pikmin, but that's just 3D lemmings given the Nintendo kiddie-fy-ing treatment.. Metroid Prime was good, and really immersive, but there's not much new there. (or maybe there was... haven't played it in a long while.. bad memory, too..) But I still love you, Nintendo.

[Gets ready for the flames]

[the whatz that?]

Personally, i love all of guitarsmashers ideas.  He/She presented all them very well and yes i actually read all of your ideas .  Seriosly i like your online concept and would definently pay maybe 15 dollars.  Demos, and playing online, but the most appealing would be downloading the classics(thats really the only reason i got my GBA in the first place).  In fact if that service got popular i would release a retro SNES controller so i play them, BUT i wouldn't make it so flat, more or less same layout same buttons, but more ERGONOMICALLY CONFORTABLE.  And the GBA future should play movies, but i think there ought to be a "light version" that just plays games.  And MORE ADVERTISING.  Like i said somewhere else, i don't know where that 20 million in adv. is being spent cuz 2 things: i know it's good to play together and i would like live in my world and play in theirs, but other than a few magazine ads i really don't know WHO I AM?  I think more teens and girls in their ads might help lose their "kiddie image" theyv'e been dealt, but again as i have said before thats really not their fault.  oh well enough from me.

[Guitar Smasher]

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Originally posted by: the whatz that?
Personally, i love all of guitarsmashers ideas.  He/She

I am most definitely a 'he'.   Or at least I think...

[KDR_11k]

You never know... MUAHAHAAHAAAA!

[bmfrosty]

I wouldn't want to be in control.  I'd just want to be listened to.

N5 - Extra beefy gamecube.  Backwards compatible.  Programming for it would be just like programming for the GCN, but with access to more memory and higher clock speeds.  
Controls are the same but with 3 more buttons.  Select, r2, and l2.  Wire plugs into both the console and the control.  Cool bit is that regular controls convert to wavebird with a battery and tranciever pack.
Developers are encouraged to make games dual-system (gamecube disc, but takes advantage of higher clock speeds if detected).  The only caveat is that if it's targeted at the N5, it must do progressive scan, and it must support both 4:3 and 16:9.  
Same 4 Controller ports (same protocols too), same 2 memory card slots, plus 2 usb 2.0 ports.  One on the side (usb HID keyboard and usb HID mouse), and one on the bottom (usb Mass Storage for optional hard drive - cool caveat is that nintendo only has to specify this, it can let 3rd parties manufacture the parts as they will, but nintendo give certain interface chips the stamp of approval (yes, bring back the gold seal)).
System now based around 120mm disc.  Same underlying technology as current GC disc unless piracy becomes a problem between now and then.  
Online - Contract with Gamespy, add an IM client for game invites and buddy lists.  Net adaptor is standard, but swappable for new lan technologies.  Cheaper than XBOX live.
Iwata is right.  N5 will not be a big jump from the GCN.  Anything that can be done with a TV and a controller can be done on the GC.  For all 3 manufacturers this is just a incremental step.
Form factor - 2 versions - The console, think nintendo nexus or okama gamesphere.  The component - shape it like the ps2 or xbox or a dvd player.  Manufacture in equal numbers at first, and then readjust numbers based on sales.
DVD - Like the X-Box.  $30 add on.
Other controls specified (but not nesescarrily manufactured) - the Super (snes with a n5 interface), the Fighter (fighting stick), and the Zapper.  Everything can be done with the default controller(but zapper), but some games are just better with the right control (Viewtiful Joe screams for a snes pad).


Gameboy 3 - Extra beefy GBA SP.  Four Face buttons for full full snes compat.  
Soft controlled speed stepping processor.  lightweight 3d processor, easy PS1 conversion.  
288x216 screen (4:3, full screen NTSC subtract overscan, should make snes/nes/genesis/tg16 conversion easy without scrolling).  Expansion port on the bottom.  Only supported add on is a optical drive.  GC disc tech, but smaller.  Maybe 500mb.  Enough horsepower for divx decode (about 2.5 hours worth at this res and 500 meg).  Optical drive memory card is a gba game.  Games for the Optical Drive can be booted by N5, and in the presence of a GB3 player will play on N5.  Games can even have N5 code paths for enhanced graphics, and network play (advance wars 3 anyone?).
Killer App will be Final Fantasy 7 (more on this later)

Acquisitions
Take Sony's ownership of Square Enix,  Multiply by 1.1,  Make that Nintendo's ownership of square enix.  Lots of ports.  All square games for PS3 are day and date released for N5 as well.

Absolute secret deal with Rockstar and Take 2.  Next three GTA games will be nintendo exclusive for 1 year.  There is no nintendo press release, but there is a rockstar press release.  Rockstar officially makes decision based on better graphics and ease of development.
Nintendo sends reps to PTA meetings, and advertises that it's been requesting retailers to check ID before selling M rated games for it's systems.  Shows concern for concerned parents, but watch their own bottom line.

We do not need to buy out other companies, we just need to make sure the killer apps are on Nintendo systems.  The other companies will follow.  Look at 2002 and 2003 sales charts.

Release date for both is 2 months prior to PS3.  
N5 release titles includes a Rockstar title, a squareenix title (these can be ports with beefier graphics), and a new mario game, a waverace, luigi's mansion 2, and too human if possible.

Monthly compilation packs of old titles will be released for the GB3.  (smb 1+2, Lost Levels + smb3, Metal Gear 1+2, zelda 1+2, parodius and gradius, wario land games, mario land games, metroid packs, chrono trigger+cross)

-bmfrosty  

[KDR_11k]

Hm, N5 spec-making sounds fun... Let's see what I can do.

CPU: Single IBM PPC-based device, full 64 or 128-bit, focus on floating point operations.
GPU: Two GPUs spliting the workload (cheaper than one big chip), can be made to handle specific parts each (think splitscreen)
RAM: 32MB high-performance RAM for CPU, 64MB fast RAM (texture&geometry) for GPUs, 128 or 256MB "slow" RAM (i.e. standard DDR-RAM speed), additional video and sound buffers.
Read-Media: If available, mini-BRD or other blue laser based tech, slightly larger than standard DVD disks, written from outside to inside, if blue laser tech is too expensive.
Write-Media: Either proprietary construct with flash-rom or SecureDigital cards with custom formatting.
Other:
SPDIF-output for sound if not too epensive
4 Controller ports, incompatible with previous devices (come on, we know Nintendo), wireless controller available.
RJ45 Ethernet connector, 10/100MBit
Connectors for GBA and Secret Third Pillar
BIOS handles online connection setup, games cannot access this information (for security reasons)
Audio chip with built-in Ogg Vorbis decoding (if not too expensive to make)
Controller with trackball instead of C-stick

Casing should be white and paintable at launch, advertise this "paint your own shell" feature.

[Bill Aurion]

Hmph...The only thing I would do is get them to work on a full-fledged 3d Pokemon RPG and also to get Camelot to work on a console version of Golden Sun... ^_^