Nintendo shareholder’s meeting news: third-parties, no more 3DS models, more
Last night in Japan, Nintendo held its annual shareholder’s meeting. While there wasn’t a ton of significant information about the Wii U and 3DS, president Satoru Iwata did share a few small tidbits.
We’ve posted details from the event below. Head past the break for information on third-parties, the possibility of additional 3DS models (not happening!), female staff at Nintendo, Iwata’s thoughts on a paid online service, and news about the creator of Seaman getting a fine (really!).
Iwata on third-parties
– Nintendo shared information with third-parties roughly at the same time as its internal teams
– Nintendo holds seminars for other companies
– It also dispatches employees to other companies
– As an example of third-party collaborations, Iwata pointed to Smash Bros.
Iwata on the possibility of additional 3DS models
– Iwata believes consumers will be confused if there are too many choices
– Concern about mass production efficiency as well
– No plans for new models in the near future
– 3DS XL was made due to the need for a larger screen
Iwata on lack of female board members at Nintendo
– Iwata realizes this is true
– Iwata, however, pointed to the many females occupying management positions
– Nintendo listens to its female employee opinions
– High female usership among Nintendo products
On Wii U online service cost
– Iwata doesn’t necessarily reject the idea of a paid service that allows not just Wii U but various other devices to connect to Nintendo Network
– Nintendo believes that a paid membership is not the best approach when considering Nintendo’s users
– World of mouth will more easily spread by having everyone use Miiverse
– This will lead to higher software sales
As a bonus, here’s something that’s completely random: Seaman creator Yoot Saito was fined 1,000 yen for smoking in Kyoto Station while traveling to the shareholder’s meeting.
Thanks to 4Him for the tip.
