Iwata on smartphone apps, reviving home console business, not thinking about successor for the near future, more
Japanese publication Nikkei recently posted an interview with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. Iwata commented on the company’s plans for smartphone apps, reviving the home console business, and a successor for Nintendo’s CEO position – of which he’s not thinking about in the near term.
Read on below for some paraphrases of Iwata’s quotes.
On the smartphones apps:
Apps that broadcast the quality of Nintendo products. They can be games and they can use Nintendo characters. Ideally, something that is used everyday. There are no plans to release existing Nintendo games on smartphones. Doesn’t think only porting games would help the company.
Even if they are free, it doesn’t mean there’s no value to them. However, in the future, if there’s an opportunity to make money from them, they won’t necessarily ignore it.
How to revive the home console business:
During the period we launched the DS and Wii, many also thought we had little future in video games. Wii U is not doing well now, but one game can change everything. For example, Pokemon for the Gameboy.
On using the “warchest”:
No plans to acquire business that are not in the entertainment industry. But not limited to only the video game business.
Nikkei: Before, you said “Nintendo profits” are those over 100 billion yen. Do you still think like that?
Iwata: I still do, but because of the Wii U shortcomings, we cannot achieve these figures in one year. If you ask me how long do you have to wait, within one year is not possible, but if in 3 years we’re still not there, then something is wrong.
QOL:
Nintendo has always changed, etc., it’s time again for a new change.
About finding a successor:
Says he’s 54 years-old, which isn’t that old among CEOs, and still has time left. It’s not something he thinks for the near future. Nintendo can’t find someone suited for the job overnight. When will that happen and who will he be, he couldn’t tell you right now.
What does he think about the legalization of casinos in Japan?
No comments. It’s not Nintendo’s business. It’s not what he would call entertainment.
