This was a great podcast full of great analysis and discussion representing both positive and negative opinions. It has thus far been the best single podcast about Nintendo at E3 that I've listened to and felt like a mature conversation without the hur dur fanboyism that always seems to infect talk about Nintendo during E3 from a lot of other outlets.
A couple points:
- I don't think it was the format of the announcements that made Nintendo's "conference" just good, but ultimately lacking in oomph. I think it is, as you guys alluded to throughout the discussion, that there was simply nothing exciting or "new" to announce. The Direct was good and has made me excited for the rest of the years line up. I am interested in picking up every single one of the 1st party titles shown (as well as W101). But there was nothing to convert anyone who isn't necessarily wowed over by nintendo franchises or are big fans of whimsical games. I would garner that if the footage of X from earlier in the year was combined with what was shown during the E3 direct as well as Bayo 2 first unveiling, this would have made massive waves with non nintendo gamers and what Nintendo showed of it's first party would have just augmented the presentation with a very strong showing. But I think them revealing X and Bayo 2 (truly their only unique trump cards this year for WiiU) earlier this year was needed.
-I don't think they should ever go back to doing a big press conference. Nintendo's biggest mistake presenting the E3 Direct was not handling bandwidth properly, something they will not let happen again. Whereas Microsoft and Sony dealt with the same embarrassments of bad demos, forced banter, awkward devs on stage, and at the mercy of a cheerful or silent audience (who are suppose to be professionals). I think you guys were right about Nintendo needing to make this more of a spectacle. Next year, they should double down on bringing E3 to the people with more demo kiosks and limited eShop releases of E3 demos. This, combined with how they did the developer roundtables this year (where I think should be the only place devs should talk about their game in-depth at E3 instead of on-stage where a million and one things can go wrong) and more game specific directs would be a really exciting thing to look forward to.
-You guys also hit the nail on the head with the fact that if you are currently a WiiU owner, there is a lot to look forward to over the next 6-12 months. But Nintendo, nor 3rd parties, have shown any system sellers to the non-nintendo crowd or anything that showcases the Game pad in a "gee whiz, I gotta buy this system to try this out" way. I think, much like with the 3DS, more people (ie. nintendo fence sitters and non-nintendo fans) will buy the system as the quality software library builds up over time instead of everyone buying the system right away for the "it" game. I foresee a lot of "I wouldn't buy a WiiU for SM3DW, Bayo2, WWHD, Pikman3, or W101. But when X (or SSB4) comes out, I'm definitely picking up a system along with a host of those other games."
Again, fabulous job guys. James did a great job hosting and it was soooo good hearing Greg's sane voice once again.