Photo: Zion Grassl / Nintendo LifeDuring the Q&A session after Nintendo’s quarterly financial report, company president Shuntaro Furukawa discussed the challenges of transitioning between platforms and emphasized Nintendo’s commitment to providing “unique ideas” going forward (via VGC). When asked about the risks anticipated in the future while building on the success of the Switch, Furukawa acknowledged the difficulties associated with platform transitions but affirmed the company’s dedication to innovation and not taking success for granted. The following text was translated from VGC by Robert Sephazon, and it is important to note that some words may differ from Nintendo’s official translation that is anticipated soon. Furukawa asserted that the gaming industry’s transition between different platform types is not simple and highlighted past struggles following successful platforms, indicating that they do not consider their content to be entirely secure. Indeed, the Switch has achieved remarkable success, selling over 139 million units since its launch in 2017. However, Nintendo has faced challenging times in the past, transitioning from the popular Wii (101.63 million units sold) to the less successful Wii U (13.56 million units). Nevertheless, Nintendo remains prepared to confront these challenges, with Furukawa emphasizing the necessity to continue offering “unique ideas” in the fiercely competitive entertainment market. Reflecting on today’s crowded entertainment space, Furukawa stressed the importance of continuously presenting distinct concepts to establish their brand as the preferred choice among consumers. The specifics of these ideas are yet to be revealed, but there are strong indications of new Nintendo hardware expected in 2024 following reports of a successor to the Switch being disclosed to select manufacturers at Gamescom last year. Numerous rumors have surfaced, suggesting that the new console will support games like Breath of the Wild at 4K 60fps or feature an eight-inch LCD screen. While Furukawa did not disclose any details about the company’s plans, he cautioned against trusting all the information circulating online. He reiterated that the company is consistently researching and developing new hardware and software but refrained from providing further details. Furthermore, he warned against believing unofficial information that could mislead customers and investors, encouraging them to rely on the company’s official communications for accurate information. In summary, Nintendo is evaluating future developments, but no official announcements have been made, so rumors should be treated with caution. What “unique ideas” would you like to see from Nintendo in the future? An additional gamepad? 3D screen? A dedicated scratch-and-sniff button? Share your thoughts in the comments.
[source nintendo.co.jp, via videogameschronicle.com]
Whether he’s immersed in a movie or engrossed in a superhero story, Jim wears his enthusiasm on his sleeve. He often finds himself revisiting a Zelda title instead of focusing on his ever-growing resume, being a great admirer of all things fantasy and enjoying engaging conversations the most.
