Nintendo financial results briefing Q&A bits – QOL department, New 3DS launch timing, more
Nintendo posted a Japanese transcript of its latest financial results briefing Q&A today. There isn’t anything too earth-shattering, but some interesting tidbits were shared.
Here’s a brief summary:
– Some talk about amiibo in Japan selling differently to the US, since the toys-to-life category isn’t really a thing in Japan yet (Skylanders and Infinity are both niche)
– Some talk of them doing experiments with amiibo that aren’t plastic figures or cards in the future
– Iwata says there is a lot Nintendo has to change
– This includes making better use of smart devices and character IP to drive their core hardware/software business
– QOL department is separate from others
– QOL department is comprised of staff from the hardware division, both software divisions, and the systems department
– QOL, using smartphones, and character IP licensing will be the big focus at the next meeting
– Nintendo’s ability to produce New 3DS units last year was low
– Nintendo couldn’t guarantee high shipments for all regions during the holidays so made a decision to focus on Japan (and a low-population region AU)
– There’s a question on marketing and Iwata’s answer makes it clear he knows it’s no longer an age where you can just do a ton of TV ads and guarantee something will sell
