Swapnote has been very successful since its arrival on the eShop. In a four week period following its launch, over 10 million notes were exchanged.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata is hoping that the app will continue to be used in the future. He noted that the company is working on “some plans to encourage more people to use it, and you will find out what I am talking about when we reveal such plans in the future.”
Iwata said:
“I’m afraid I cannot show you anything quantitative as I have no data here. The only quantitative thing I can tell you is that more than 10 million handwritten notes have been exchanged in the four weeks after the launch of the service, which you can see in the Iwata Asks interview posted on our website (in Japan) just the other day. So I can say that users are using this software actively to some extent. And, I believe that the number of handwritten notes to be exchanged will increase at an accelerated pace if we can have users continue to enjoy the software for a long time. In fact, we have some plans to encourage more people to use it, and you will find out what I am talking about when we reveal such plans in the future. Therefore, we believe this software will gain more popularity going forward. From a qualitative standpoint, “Swapnote” is very popular among women. Watching the people around our employees and myself, I have the impression that a lot of women of all ages enjoy using it. Therefore, this software works really well to have women feel familiar with the Nintendo 3DS. I will be preparing some quantitative data for the next briefing.”
Going forward, third-parties will be able to take advantage of micro-transactions on 3DS (and eventually Wii U).
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said that the company will “ensure a relative level of flexibility for the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U software compatible with the Nintendo Network as long as the developer has built a trusting relationship with consumers, except for the cases that consumers will be too disadvantaged.”
His full response can be read below.
“As a hardware manufacturer, or platform holder, it would be better to present third-party developers with as much freedom as possible. Some say that the guidelines and regulations we previously established are too strict and behind the times, and others say that Nintendo should not put too many restrictions on the features of software targeting the consumers who are familiar with micro-transactions. Therefore, we plan to ensure a relative level of flexibility for the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U software compatible with the Nintendo Network as long as the developer has built a trusting relationship with consumers, except for the cases that consumers will be too disadvantaged.
“On the other hand, the reason I refer to Nintendo as a software developer is that we have a belief that our games should be a trusted brand for a very wide variety of consumers, including children and casual users who are not so familiar with the trends of video games. Therefore, we would like to have regulations with a certain degree of strictness so that consumers will get a sense of reassurance from our games. I am not saying that Nintendo is better than third-party developers. Each developer has its own customer base, and we should be more careful with this point for Nintendo consumers.”
Shinji Hatano, Senior Managing Director, General Manager of Marketing Division, also weighed in on micro-transactions:
“Third-party developers worldwide have recently been interested in micro-transactions and many of them are considering doing some business in this field. My team has exchanged information with domestic developers about what they would like to do. Each developer has its own desire, but basically, not only Nintendo but these developers share the same idea and have no objection that we need to establish the reliable system for the consumers on which they can feel safe and comfortable when they select the software. We will start organizing the various requests from developers and working with them to create new and interesting software. Please wait for some time for announcements from each developer.”
During Nintendo’s latest financial briefing, the company announced that the 3DS is currently able to download packaged software. The company will incorporate similar functionality for Wii U as well.
When Iwata was quizzed about the company’s plans during a Q&A session, Iwata said “We have prepared the structure because we anticipate that it will increase in importance in the future”.
Nintendo is mulling over their approach for the digital distribution of packaged software, as they need to balance pricing and consider retailers.
Iwata said:
“What I told you today is that we already have the necessary infrastructure to digitally distribute the software on a scale as large as the packaged software. We can start it as soon as we decide to do so. We have prepared the structure because we anticipate that it will increase in importance in the future, and I wanted you to know as a part of my presentation today that the company is not denying the future possibility of doing such activities. As for the actual digital distribution method, we need to consider what kind of cooperation we can make with wholesalers and retailers, but we think that there must be various solutions other than just positioning digital distribution as an enemy to them. Upon close consultation with them, we would like to determine the details of our digital distribution. We therefore have nothing to tell you about the differences in prices or release dates. Some argue that a downloadable version to be sold at the same price as the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of a packaged version is not competitive because packaged software is often sold at a lower price than the MSRP. Downloadable versions that are too cheap will create a different problem, while no one will want to buy games online at a price that is too expensive. As the spread of speculation caused by our remarks on undetermined things might have a negative effect on our business, we would like to hold back from making more comments until when we can actually start such digital distribution. Please let me tell you one thing again: there must be a solution other than positioning digital distribution as an enemy to wholesalers and retailers. When we find one, we think that the solution will provide an interesting future in which both of us can benefit.”
Wii U’s NFC functionality was one of the biggest revelations from Nintendo’s latest financial briefing. President Satoru Iwata didn’t share many details about how they’ll be take advantage of it in the future, though he did elaborate a bit during the company’s Q&A session.
Iwata hinted at a system in which consumers use e-money to make payments. This would be faster than using a credit card or a Nintendo Prepaid Card.
In terms of charging consumers for their network services, Nintendo may “build a solid system in which consumers will make payments at their will and with a minimal amount of effort.”
“…I mentioned the NFC (Near Field Communication) function for the Wii U (in my presentation today). In Japan FeliCa-based e-money is used the most, but the NFC standard compatible with FeliCa has been very popular. If we can provide a system in which consumers can use such e-money, they will far more easily be able to make payments than by entering credit card numbers or purchasing the Nintendo Prepaid Cards at stores. ‘SpotPass,’ in which consumers unconsciously get connected online, is enjoyable, but a system in which they unconsciously make payments online is unacceptable, we believe. Therefore, one answer to your question could be to build a solid system in which consumers will make payments at their will and with a minimal amount of effort.”
For Iwata’s complete remarks, see the second Q/A here in which he speaks about the Nintendo Direct presentations, Swapnote, and more.
Nintendo has added the translated version of the latest financial briefing Q&A, and it’s filled with all sorts of interesting information.
Shigeru Miyamoto was first asked about what makes network functions an interesting avenue to explore. He responded by by noting that “Nintendo has been making its best efforts to raise the Internet-connection ratio for years”, once again made note of the 3DS’ 60% connection rate, and noted how “there are some who like the excitement of being together with a lot of people online.”
His full response can be found below.
“A big question from the beginning. Speaking as a developer, giving no comment is the typical answer. But let me try to tell you something. Nintendo has been making its best efforts to raise the Internet-connection ratio for years. In addition to our efforts, network connections have rapidly become widespread, like cell phones which are always connected to the network. The connection ratio for the Nintendo 3DS (as Mr. Iwata explained in his presentation today) has reached approximately 60%, and we feel that the network environment has improved significantly. We also put importance on safety and reliability of the network because many people use it. We have concentrated on developing packaged software, but there are some who like the excitement of being together with a lot of people online. Electronic mail and chat are typical examples. Although you might not know it well, ‘Flipnote’ has become a hidden hit among our products. Millions of children who do not communicate on the Internet use this software. We are taking on various challenges including how to operate the system of note exchanges by children freely in a safe manner. In short, we trust the great potential of the network, but we are still in pursuit of originality through trial and error.”
01/01. [Wii] Dragon Quest X: Rise of the Five Tribes Online (Square Enix) – 827 votes
02/02. [PS3] Dragon’s Dogma (Capcom) – 607 votes
03/04. [PS3] One Piece: Kaizoku Musou (Namco Bandai) – 543 votes
04/03. [PSV] Persona 4: The Golden (Atlus) – 493 votes
05/05. [3DS] Monster Hunter 4 (Capcom) – 489 votes
06/06. [PSP] Fotokano (Konami) – 378 votes
07/13. [PSP] Shining Blade (Konami) – 297 votes
08/10. [PS3] Binary Domain (Sega) – 289 votes
09/09. [3DS] Animal Crossing 3DS (Nintendo) – 282 votes
10/12. [PS3] Asura’s Wrath (Capcom) – 254 votes
11/11. [3DS] New Love Plus (Konami) – 247 votes
12/08. [PS3] Final Fantasy Versus XIII (Square Enix) – 217 votes
13/18. [PS3] 2nd Super Robot Wars OG (Namco Bandai) – 204 votes
14/14. [3DS] Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Square Enix) – 200 votes
15/15. [PS3] The Last Remnant (Square Enix) – 196 votes
16/21. [PSP] God Eater 2 (Namco Bandai) – 178 votes
17/25. [PS3] The Last Guardian (SCEJ) – 168 votes
18/29. [PSP] Yakuza: Black Panter 2 (Sega) – 164 votes
19/28. [3DS] Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry’s Wonderland 3D (Square Enix) – 161 votes
20/19. [3DS] Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (Square Enix) – 158 votes
21/NA. [3DS] Hatsune Miku & Future Stars Project Mirai (Sega) – 154 votes
22/24. [3DS] Fantasy Life (Level-5) – 151 votes
23/NA. [3DS] Fire Emblem: Kakusei (Nintendo) – 145 votes
24/27. [PSP] Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave (Namco Bandai) – 127 votes
25/16. [PS3] Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Konami) – 126 votes
26/17. [PS3] Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (Capcom) – 122 votes
27/NA. [3DS] Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo) – 119 votes
28/NA. [PSV] Ragnarok Odyssey (GungHo Online Entertainment) – 110 votes
29/22. [PS3] Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena (Atlus) – 106 votes
30/NA. [PS3] Soulcalibur V (Namco Bandai) – 94 votes
Individual formats
– 1 RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS 3DS CAPCOM CAPCOM
1 2 JUST DANCE 3 WII UBISOFT UBISOFT
6 3 CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 XB360 ACTIVISION ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
3 4 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM XB360 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
4 5 FIFA 12 XB360 EA SPORTS ELECTRONIC ARTS
2 6 ZUMBA FITNESS 2 WII 505 GAMES 505 GAMES
5 7 ZUMBA FITNESS WII 505 GAMES 505 GAMES
9 8 BATTLEFIELD 3 XB360 EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
8 9 FIFA 12 PS3 EA SPORTS ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 10 CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 PS3 ACTIVISION ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
7 11 SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD XB360 THQ THQ
10 12 MARIO KART 7 3DS NINTENDO NINTENDO
13 13 SUPER MARIO 3D LAND 3DS NINTENDO NINTENDO
15 14 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2012 PC SEGA SEGA
25 15 YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED 2012 XB360 UBISOFT UBISOFT
12 16 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM PS3 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
32 17 ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS XB360 UBISOFT UBISOFT
22 18 KINECT SPORTS: SEASON TWO XB360 MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
16 19 BATTLEFIELD 3 PS3 EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
– 20 THE SIMS 3: MASTER SUITE STUFF PC EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
33 21 ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS PS3 UBISOFT UBISOFT
23 22 MOSHI MONSTERS: MOSHLING ZOO DS MIND CANDY MIND CANDY
21 23 RAGE XB360 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
20 24 SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD PS3 THQ THQ
14 25 WII FIT PLUS WII NINTENDO NINTENDO
18 26 FORZA MOTORSPORT 4 XB360 MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
17 27 MARIO & SONIC LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES WII SEGA SEGA
24 28 MARIO KART WII WII NINTENDO NINTENDO
31 29 UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION PS3 SONY COMPUTER ENT. SONY COMPUTER ENT.
29 30 ABBA: YOU CAN DANCE WII UBISOFT UBISOFT
26 31 HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY XB360 MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
35 32 JUST DANCE 2 WII UBISOFT UBISOFT
30 33 STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC PC EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
36 34 GRAN TURISMO 5 PS3 PLATINUM SONY COMPUTER ENT.
– 35 SONIC GENERATIONS PS3 SEGA SEGA
19 36 KINECT SPORTS XB360 MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
27 37 RAYMAN ORIGINS XB360 UBISOFT UBISOFT
– 38 DIRT 3 PS3 CODEMASTERS CODEMASTERS
– 39 DEAD ISLAND XB360 DEEP SILVER KOCH MEDIA
38 40 RAGE PS3 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
All formats
1 1 FIFA 12 EA CANADA EA SPORTS ELECTRONIC ARTS
4 2 CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3 INFINITY WARD/SLEDGEHAMMER ACTIVISION ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
2 3 THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM BETHESDA BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
3 4 JUST DANCE 3 UBISOFT (FRANCE) UBISOFT UBISOFT
5 5 BATTLEFIELD 3 DIGITAL ILLUSIONS EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
– 6 RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS CAPCOM CAPCOM CAPCOM
6 7 ZUMBA FITNESS PIPEWORKS 505 GAMES 505 GAMES
7 8 SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD VOLITION THQ THQ
12 9 ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS UBISOFT (MONTREAL) UBISOFT UBISOFT
8 10 ZUMBA FITNESS 2 ZOË MODE 505 GAMES 505 GAMES
10 11 RAGE ID SOFTWARE BETHESDA SOFTWORKS BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
9 12 RAYMAN ORIGINS UBISOFT (FRANCE) UBISOFT UBISOFT
11 13 MARIO KART 7 RETRO STUDIOS / NINTENDO NINTENDO NINTENDO
16 14 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2012 SPORTS INTERACTIVE SEGA SEGA
24 15 SONIC GENERATIONS SONIC TEAM SEGA SEGA
13 16 SUPER MARIO 3D LAND NINTENDO NINTENDO NINTENDO
29 17 YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED 2012 UBISOFT (MONTREAL) UBISOFT UBISOFT
25 18 KINECT SPORTS: SEASON TWO BIGPARK MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
20 19 CARS 2 AVALANCHE SOFTWARE DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
18 20 WWE ’12 YUKE’S THQ THQ
22 21 LEGO PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN TRAVELLER’S TALES DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
19 22 SKYLANDERS: SPYRO’S ADVENTURE TOYS FOR BOB SKYLANDERS ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
– 23 THE SIMS 3: MASTER SUITE STUFF THE SIMS STUDIO EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
26 24 MOSHI MONSTERS: MOSHLING ZOO BLACK LANTERN MIND CANDY MIND CANDY
14 25 NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN EA BLACK BOX EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
27 26 DEAD ISLAND TECHLAND DEEP SILVER KOCH MEDIA
15 27 WII FIT PLUS NINTENDO NINTENDO NINTENDO
21 28 FORZA MOTORSPORT 4 TURN 10 STUDIOS MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
17 29 MARIO & SONIC LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA SEGA SEGA
31 30 LEGO HARRY POTTER: YEARS 5-7 TRAVELLER’S TALES WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
32 31 BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY ROCKSTEADY STUDIOS WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
28 32 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO NINTENDO NINTENDO
39 33 UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION NAUGHTY DOG SONY COMPUTER ENT. SONY COMPUTER ENT.
34 34 SKATE 3 EA BLACK BOX EA SPORTS ELECTRONIC ARTS
– 35 DIRT 3 CODEMASTERS CODEMASTERS CODEMASTERS
36 36 ABBA: YOU CAN DANCE UBISOFT (FRANCE) UBISOFT UBISOFT
30 37 HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY 343 INDUSTRIES MICROSOFT MICROSOFT
38 38 THE SIMS 3 THE SIMS STUDIO EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
– 39 JUST DANCE 2 UBISOFT (FRANCE) UBISOFT UBISOFT
37 40 STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC BIOWARE EA GAMES ELECTRONIC ARTS
