Iwata explains why DSi released sooner than expected, doesn’t want consumers to think it’s a waste
This comes from the latest edition of Iwata Asks…
“Well, when we use a DS game system ourselves or when we see others using theirs, we always think about what might be done to allow more people to enjoy it. When we made the Wii console, our guiding motivation was finding a way to make it fun, and our actions seemed to hit home with users, so afterwards there was an intense interest in what would happen if we applied the same philosophy to the DS. So one factor for our timing was our desire as creators to try out our ideas. That’s why we made what we did when we did…We’re presenting this as the third iteration in the Nintendo DS platform series. It isn’t a next-generation game system. It is merely a minor change. Basically, we have just picked out those areas where users wish the DS were different and made improvements. We increased the size of the LCD slightly, improved the audio, and slimmed it down because there was a strong desire out there for such changes…At root, it is still a DS. It isn’t a completely new hardware. (laughs) I do think, however, that in order to ask our consumers to buy it, adding value they’ve never seen before, giving it newness, is necessary. If all we had done was change the design a little, it would be hard to bring out
…That’s why this time we added the cameras, SD memory card functionality and Nintendo DSi Shop feature, which allows users to download software. If those features stimulate the DS market and many people use their Nintendo DSi systems more often, and add packaged software, our business opportunities will expand, and chances for new customers to play our games will increase. Certainly, however, the choice we have made does stray from the traditional platform release cycle. However, even though the cycle to present—by which in a five year cycle, a piece of hardware is released, its price gradually falls, and its demand disappears—has been the standard, there is no need to say we must continue on with this cycle. In my personal opinion, when prices fall as time passes, it’s like manufacturers are saying to consumers that they should wait. I’ve always thought something was wrong with that. Of course, I don’t mean to rule out lowering prices no matter what happens, but I’ve always wanted to find a way to avoid disappointing those who try the hardest to support our newest products by purchasing them during the launch periods. I don’t want them to think it was a waste for them to do so.” – Iwata
Even though there had been rumors that a new DS would be on the way, it still was a little surprising when Iwata announced the DSi. The sales of the system didn’t seen to be slowing down too much – especially in North America.
