Nintendo Revolution... More Like Retrolution

[Neo]

Originally Posted by The Strangler

I keep on having high hopes for Nintendo, and they continue to dash them all to Hell. The more I hear about the Revolution, the more I am reminded that Nintendo is just blind to the direction videogames are going, or even basic marketing sense.

Nintendo is in a different camp from Microsoft and Sony. Their products might not appeal to the masses but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

1) After Nintendo screwed up their launch of the Gamecube, and before everyone starts flaming me please remember that even they admitted they did, Nintendo said they would not allow themselves to be caught in the rear of the gaming bus again. Yet as we see at E3, they are once again behind both MS and Sony. So little to show for the Revolution when MS and Sony are showing so much.

That is certainly true.

2) Dance Dance Revolution... with MARIO. Is there any franchise that Nintendo won't pimp out their most beloved characters to?

It would appear not.

you don't go forward by looking to the past.

Nice

Oh yeah, and everyone loves how "sexy" the Revolution looks, like anyone ever bought a console because it matched their home decor.

I've heard Xbox fans state they bought their console because it matches their home entertainment rig.

I want Nintendo to succeed. I didn't buy a Gamecube so that it would sit in the back of my entertainment center gathering dust, yet there it remains. Nintendo's refusal to create new and exciting properties, and instead concentrate on gimmicky, perpheral driven enterprise (Donkey Konga and the DS Scribble Pad) has done more to alienate casual and even long time gamers than to recruit new ones.

Bongos may not make long-term business sense but I'm glad we have a company willing to try new things.

[Typhoid]

For once, Strangler, I agree with you.

[Perfect Stu]

You make a lot of good points, Strangler.

I basically have 2 problems with Nintendo right now...

a) they love to make people look into the past...and it's almost depressing in a way because I remember how much better Nintendo WAS in the past, as if it's a constant reminder as to how they've lost a step (or two, or three etc.)

b) they're not hitting me on the same wavelength, regarding market type. that's not THEIR problem, they've chosen who they want to target...but it has prevented me from buying any of their systems since N64...and I think a LOT of people are in the same boat as me there

also, I keep thinking that as a first year marketing student I would be able to improve their marketing strategy big time. and that's just sad...

[DarrenMcLeod]

Strangler, you made some great points, but they came off a little rushed because you brought up DK Bongos and DS as bad things, when I think it's great that a company is willing to take risks. Nintendo could've made a 3D portable like PSP (albeit not as sexily designed), and it would've sold. They're trying new things. I like it, many people also like it. Especially the bongos part... how does that affect your outlook on Nintendo? Sony has tons of dance pads and drum sets and stuff... it's great to see that stuff. Also, Nintendo's been doing this for a coon's age anyways.

[KillerGremlin]

I'm fine with Nintendo right now. The way I see, what comes around goes around. I've said it a few times here already, I really don't think Nintendo will survive the long haul. In two or three generations Nintendo will be calling up Sega asking for pointers, and as far as I'm concerned, that's fine. 3 consoles is frickin' ridiculous. I don't have a bottomless budget, and I'm getting tired of this "they each have their strengths" crap. They also have their weaknesses, and that's why I am opting to not get a new console this generation.

Regardless, I love the discussion. And, if I find a compelling enough of a rant, I'll jump in and throw my 2 cents at you. I like were you are going with all this, but, understand that people have been complaining for a while about Nintendo, and it's just a simple process of seeing hardcore fans lose faith in their beloved company.

In terms of this year's E3, Nintendo might pull a surprise out of their ass that blows everyone away. Yeah, I'm skeptical. I'm a cynical asshole though, so I'd advise you to not listen to or quote me.

All in all, I've been gaming for a really long time. And, the days of sitting in my friends basement playing Doom on his PC are over. I can't bring back those memories. I've had good memories over the years, and they don't involve pitching near 1000 dollars towards 3 companies just to play games because every console "has it's own advantage." So, if it were up to me, I'd like to see Nintendo anounce that they are going 3rd party for their big E3 surprise. It won't happen.