Nintendo Is Hurting :(

[Gunstar Green]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-1 ... -flop.html

Pretty harsh stock analysis on Bloomberg.

[samsonlonghair]

Bloomberg

I find this analysis short sighted. Considering that the 3DS is clobbering the Vita, it would be foolish for Nintendo to offer its IP on mobile devices.

[Retrogamer0001]

Bloomberg

I find this analysis short sighted. Considering that the 3DS is clobbering the Vita, it would be foolish for Nintendo to offer its IP on mobile devices.

The entire argument is short-sighted - once some quality software is released, the big first-party IPs, the consoles will start moving. It's going to happen, just like it always does. The Wii-U will probably not beat out Sony or Microsoft at the end of the generation (and even that's a ridiculous statement, considering how early into we are) but it will be solid - the N64 and Gamecube are perfect examples of this exact situation. Smartphones are obviously a factor, but consoles offer a lot more in terms of a quality gaming experience than a smartphone probably ever will, considering it's a dedicated device. Nintendo isn't going anywhere.

[wyatt]

When people point to cash reserves and say N can hold out for 50 years, they are ignoring the fact it's a publicly traded company. People don't own stock to watch it decline in value, which is exactly what's happening. The company has to continue generating profit no matter how successful they may have been last console generation. At best, previous success gives them a small window of failing to figure shit out before revamping. This isn't a perception problem, it's a facts problem. There is nothing "safe" about continuing this failure. This doesn't "make sense". I don't get people with their fingers in their ears swearing nothing is wrong here.

[MyNameIsVince]

Bloomberg

I find this analysis short sighted. Considering that the 3DS is clobbering the Vita, it would be foolish for Nintendo to offer its IP on mobile devices.

I find the analysis to be full of sensationalist bullshit if you ask me.

[EvilRyu2099]

I think it's the simple fact that Nintendo needs more innovation.. The Wii struck a cord with casuals and that was obviously the reason for its success.. They tried to appeal to a tablet market and got burned for it.. I think it would have worked out more if they just developed a dedicated tablet console rather than a tablet controller.. That or just make a Wii with similar specs to that of a ps4 or Xbone if you wanted to appeal to more core gamers..

[EvilRyu2099]

The Go had many problems, ninja, but the Vita has a great ecosystem that proves a traditional style handheld console can work with digital integration. It may not be selling like Nintendo-hot cakes but it's my most-played handheld... And 95% of my titles for it are downloads.

The Vita is flopping as bad as the Wii U. It's a very nice piece of hardware but it still needs some more games, and cheaper memory cards.. I'm not sure why they just didn't roll with SD or Micro SD slots.. That was the biggest mistake IMO..

[Zing]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-1 ... -flop.html

Pretty harsh stock analysis on Bloomberg.

"said Michael Pachter" about sums this up. Absolutely nothing to see here folks.

[Gunstar Green]

Full disclosure: I don't really agree with that Bloomberg story either.

Except I do kind of agree with one thing, I think it may be time for Nintendo to be a little less defensive of their IPs, at least in the area of smart devices.

I'm not saying they should release the same games available on the 3DS or Wii U, but perhaps offer something on the Android and iOS platforms. A lot of Nintendo's audience is supposed to be younger gamers but they're really losing that battle to smart devices.

Get more people hooked with little Mario games or something while promising more on your native hardware.

Even if the 3DS is doing fine and they're kicking the Vita's ass they're still operating at a loss right now. The Vita is by no means their main competition in the handheld gaming market as that overwhelmingly belongs to tablets and smart phones.

[CavZee]

Some of these analysts really don't seem to see the whole picture. Wouldn't dumping old games as well making new software for mobile devices just hurt dedicated handheld sales even more? That's the one area where they're doing well even if it's a decline from previous handhelds.

It's the home console market and the Wii U's swing-and-miss where the problem lies. I think they need to focus on making the next console with competitive hardware, a reasonable price, and keep the "gimmicks" optional. Work on western third party relations some more and voila.

I also think the hybrid system architecture is the answer as well. What I mean by this is 2 platforms, but the library of software is compatible with both. You could have a cheap handheld with a 540p screen where the games are relatively cheaper than what they're priced at now. Then you have a home console with full 1080p capabilities and PS4 competitive hardware. The games are made with both in mind and it just depends on what version you want to buy. This essentially doubles the software library for either system. Sell the handheld versions for $19.99-$29.99 and the console versions are the full $59.99 but come with a download code for the handheld version. Save files and VC games are cross compatible. If you happen to own both systems then you can get your "gimmicky" dual screen support for certain games as well. And throw in a yearly VC pass for $50 for unlimited access while you're at it.

Put this hardware family out at the end of 2016 and I think they would do well with it. Probably all a pipedream but whatever.