Topic: Revolution taking 1st place in sales/marketshare? And what would that mean to us?

[JonLeung]

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Originally posted by: BigJim
What's interesting to me, which ties into Ian's #1, is that Nintendo odd-numbered consoles (NES, N64) have been the systems with what could be considered the paradigm-shift games. The even-numbers systems (SNES and Cube) were just maturizations of the same technology.

I've always said that.

NES = 2D
Super NES = better 2D
N64 = 3D
GameCube = better 3D

Now since we can't get into four dimensions, and virtual, immersive 3D failed with the Virtual Boy, I suppose you could see the Revolution as introducing a 3D controller.  As in, it allows easy movement in all three dimensions, not as in the previous controllers were thinner than a piece of paper.

I remember trying to calculate how many Nintendo consoles there would be in my lifetime.  Being born in 1980, and assuming I live to be an average age of 73, I'd live 'til 2053, at least.  Possibly higher thanks to health care advances, and I think the average age for Canadians is actually above 80 now.  Anyway, at a new Nintendo console/generation every five years, there could be 13 or 14 generations before I bite the dust.  I used to wonder how good the graphics would be.  Now that Nintendo reminds us that there's more to games than just better graphics, you'd wonder what kinds of other paradigm shifts would take place before we're SMASHing and karting each other in the old folks' home, however the heck we'll be doing it then.

We could already be wirelessly online against worldwide opponents in a new Super Smash Bros. game by this time next year, making full use of an intuitive one-handed wireless 3D controller that's supposedly simple enough for anyone to use.  It's kind of hard to imagine what could top that for a while.  Being psychically connected against people on other planets in a new Super Smash Bros. game making use of instictive brain device controls?
 

[eljefe]

“I see it less as getting people interested in gaming as much as changing gaming to accomodate those that currently aren't interested in it.”
” What I mean is that Nintendo makes something so different to attract non-gamers that they end up making a whole new past time different than gaming.”
“I think it would benefit us best if scenario 1 occured. In fact scenario 2 would be no different to me then Nintendo going out of business.”
“I like gaming. If someone else don't like gaming I don't care. I don't want gaming potentially turned into something I don't like so that those who don't like it can join in. I hate the idea that everything has to accomodate everybody. Screw that. If you don't like something the way it is but a lot of other people do then find something else to do.”

I’m curious of one thing Ian, if Nintendo only makes the EXACT type of games YOU like and stopped all production of so-called “non-games”, would you be happy with the games you bought?

If so, why can’t you just pretend as the games you don’t like don’t exist. Don’t buy them, just enjoy your type of games.

[Avinash_Tyagi]

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I see it this way.

Nintendo is like a buffet. There are people with trays offering small but deeply satisfying finger foods to a sea of potential buffet diners. Once these people actually try the food and acknowledge its rarety, the tray people point them to the buffet where they can help themselves to some more.

Now these people head over, and look! There's more just like that guy said, but they can't help but notice the other wonderful foods (that, although different, are just as tempting and even more satisfying.) So out of plain curiousity, the people take a couple of what they had already, but a variety of foods they've never seen.

Dammit, now I'm hungry

[wandering]

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I don't think that those who don't play game are intimidated. I think they're just not interested. Thus they'll never be "gamers" in the sense that they'll have the same tastes we do.

In much the same way that apple couldn't introduce new people to mp3 players with their ipods because everyone who could possibly be interested in mp3 players already used them before ipods, and that sony couldn't introduce new people to gaming with the playstation because everyone that could possibly be interested in videogames already owned a Sega or Nintendo system.

OH WAIT.

[Spak-Spang]

Ian I kinda see what you are saying about Revolution being forced...by a would challenge that perspective.

Games have been slowly moving towards trying to provide new more emmersive interaction since their creation.  One must only look at the constant and failed attempts at virtual Reality games in those helmets, and also the arcade game experiences where you can dance, play drums, box, shoot guns, sword fight or even play Tekken 3 by moving your body.

These games have always been overly expensive, but fun if they are designed well.  The home market has never been able to reproduce those games...until now with the Revolution.  Nintendo is moving the home market into more of an ARCADE experience.  

It may not appear like the people were clamoring for the Nintendo Revolution Controller, but the fact is, the industry has been moving this direction for some time.

Just like Nintendo DS wasn't the first system to provide touch screen games, it was the first system to do manage a touch screen decided system that was convenient to play, and capable of creating well designed touch screen content.  It wasn't being clamored for either, but now that we have it...its a create machine, and a great new interface for games.

The revolution will be the same.  

Second, Paladin:

You stated that those games listed above won't be out by launch why not?  Nintendo has been focused on shortening game development time for awhile.  

The have teams that just work on character models and art...They have a new system that will be very easy to design for, that uses the development tools ALL of Nintendo's staff are fluent in, and fimilar with.  There is no learning that needs to take place.  

Last, Nintendo isn't launching till November.  That alittle less than a year to get the games ready.

Mario Revolution is in testing and development phase...discovering how things should feel and play...I am willing to bet by January they will have that completed if not already.  Then they are designing the actual game.

Metroid Prime 3.  Retro has already experimented with the controls, and they are fast at work programming and tweaking the engine for the Revolution.  Then its character and creature designs, as well as level design.  I see no problem with that game launching.

Smash Brothers Revolution:  The basic game mechanics and designs are already in place.  (If they are basing the game after the originals and making it a 2D fighter.)  Now it is discovering a control layout that works, and designing levels.  Of all the games this one most likely will be delayed.

Now, that isn't even touching Nintendo's other development houses that could be fast at work at:

Wave Race Revolution
Ware Wario Revolution
Mario Party Revolution

and more.

The point is, Nintendo can have great launch lineup that proves the new controller as worthwhile.  Also, don't forget 3rd party developers had actual Nintendo support suggesting how to design their popular games around the controller, and I am sure that is helping them create new ideas themselves.  

3rd party support will be there this November...and if we buy their games they will be around for the entire generation.

[trip1eX]

They need great games for their controller.  And a low pricepoint.

I think they have a chance because of this state that we're in with hdtv and sdtv.  We're transitioning right now.  Sony and MS have said hdtv now despite the fact most folks don't have hdtv.  So I think Nintendo has a chance to sneak in and do well because most folks have regular tvs.  $400 console plus hdtv or $150 Rev with next-gen controller and games for a couple of years?  

I think about the 360 and/or PS3, but I'm not going to get one until I grab an hdtv and I don't really want a big ass 27"  cheap hdtv.  I want a nice slim 50" widescreen.    So I'm delaying the purchase so far.

The Revolution on the other hand no one has to think twice about especially if it's $150.  

The sad news is the Revolution should be launching sooner rather than later.  The longer it waits the more folks will buy hdtvs and thus the other consoles are more attractive perhaps.

Being a big pcgamer I really do think 1st person 3d games will rock with the controller.  And being that these are the games folks love in the US I think it's a big plus here.  They really need some 3rd party NA developers tho on board with their games.  

Nintendo themselves will always release great games and sell well but to attract current gamers you're going to need some hip stuff with blood and swearing and voicework.  

ON the other hand I can see lots of families buying the Rev because of it's new way to play games.    

[ThePerm]

1. The launch list will be very decent sized.
2. More variety than you could shake a stick at.
3. More third party support than I remember for Gamecube
4. A badass controller that everyone WILL fall in love with
5. If 40 percent of people on the other conmsoles buy it as a second console...and then you add the people who buy it as their first or only console it would in fact make it number one.
6. If its cheap as hell as everyone is proclaiming.
7 Mario, Zelda, Metroid
8 First Person Shooters
9 Music Games
10 the conversion factor

i dont think revolution will be an instant hit...but i think it will sneak up like playstation did.
i mean playstation had terrible popup, ugly textures, and horribly low resolution, lower polygons then the already low polygon n64 games...yeah it was plain ugly...yet because of the fmv it was still number 1.

[IceCold]

"You stated that those games listed above won't be out by launch why not? Nintendo has been focused on shortening game development time for awhile. "

But see the problem is that Mario 128 has been in the "experimenting" stage since Sunshine, and I really don't want to see SSBR or MP3 rushed - even if they're easy to develop, I want them polished and the best they can be whenever they launch.  

[Spak-Spang]

I think you can have both.  A game with a shorter development time, that isn't rushed, and IS complete.

[PaLaDiN]

Twilight Princess says you can't.

[ShyGuy]

I'm of the opinion that Twilight Princess was delayed for other reasons than not being ready for release on the gamecube

[TerribleOne]

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Originally posted by: ShyGuy
I'm of the opinion that Twilight Princess was delayed for other reasons than not being ready for release on the gamecube

I agree... I think it was a big ploy (and gamble) just to shorten the wait for the Rev cuz the game looked very well for the footage we saw ages ago.

This wait is slowly gettin to me... specially with a hdtv in my room beggin to be used properly...

we're like addicts and right now we need our rev hit!!!

[ThePerm]

its a ploy to get us to buy their lower quality titles this christmas because they know we'll buy zelda anyways

[IceCold]

Those bastards! How could they force us to buy such low-quality titles like Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, and Animal Crossing?

[zakkiel]

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Those bastards! How could they force us to buy such low-quality titles like Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, and Animal Crossing?

Ahem. Not all of us have the DS, because not all of us have much need for portable gaming. Just thought I'd point that out.

[IceCold]

Haha yeah, I knew that someone would point that out . But Perm could be talking about Nintendo products in general in his post

Nevertheless, throw Strikers in there too.

[KDR_11k]

You aren't forced to use the DS on the go, the system has good games and shouldn't be considered a lower quality system that you'll use only because you can't take the others with you. Sure, it doesn't have the graphics or screen size of e.g. the GC but the GC has no Dawn of Sorrow and a much weaker Mario Kart.

[IceCold]

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Originally posted by: Don'tHate742
I see it this way.

Nintendo is like a buffet. There are people with trays offering small but deeply satisfying finger foods to a sea of potential buffet diners. Once these people actually try the food and acknowledge its rarety, the tray people point them to the buffet where they can help themselves to some more.

And the atmosphere and service are not necessarily as good as Sony or MS's restaurants, since they have spent a ridiculous amount of money to make everything artificially seem good. However, in the end, what's more important; the food or the presentation?  

[TheYoungerPlumber]

Do these sound like the actions of a man who has had ALL he could eat?  

[PaLaDiN]

Are you guys just really hungry or something?

[kirby_killer_dedede]

I realize Nintendo doesn't see Microsoft as competition (or so they claim) but their focus this gen should be forcing MS to pull a Sega (did anyone else know that stands for SErvice GAming?  I learned that just recently.  Anyway...).  If they can get more marketshare than 360 this gen then I'm not sure what Microsoft's planning to do, seeing as they are losing over one hundred dollars on every system.  Then again it's not like they have any shortage of money...

EDIT: Focus isn't a good word...their goal should be to force MS to pull a Sega.

[Kairon]

Sega pulled a Sega because they ran out of money.

Microsoft will NEVER run out of money.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[ThePerm]

if the keep doing xbox..maybe they will..their worth 266 billion? 12 billion every year! It would take them 22 years to lose all their money

i wish the government had broken them up

[KDR_11k]

Kairon: MS doesn't have infinite funds, either. If that division doesn't start bringing in profits by 2007 as MS promised they might be forced to cut it due to shareholder pressure.

[JonLeung]

Yeah, why keep throwing money into something that's just going to make them lose money?  Sony and Microsoft have other divisions to keep funding their electronic entertainment divisions.  They want to keep at it because they think they can oust the competition and then hopefully turn a profit.

Nintendo's come this far with practically just games (playing cards, toys, and Yamauchi's love hotel and other past things aside) and so just looking at the competition's game departments only, supposedly Nintendo is very much the winner.

The Nintendo fan in me wants Nintendo to be the winner in the hearts and minds of gamers besides just the investors, though.