Last night, we posted some comments from Satoru Iwata regarding the Wii’s successor. Fortunately, it looks like the translation was pretty much accurate! We now have a direct quote from Iwata about Nintendo’s next home console, as well as information about the 3DS.
Iwata was first asked about 3DS sales targets…
“We don’t have a specific sales target, but we’d like to increase the number of people who experience it to beyond the DS. We’ve equipped it with a 3D camera and so-forth, which can also bring in those who aren’t interested in games.”
Iwata was then asked about video downloads for the 3DS…
“The 3DS will be the first 3D video playback device to reach major penetration. We’ve had many proposals from the film, music and such industries. We’re looking into distributing Hollywood trailers and movies, along with things like 3D reference software.”
Last but not least, here’s the direct quote from Iwata about the Wii’s successor…
“It’s just four years since release. It’s selling over 7 million units a year in North America, so we don’t think it’s at the limit. We’ll make decisions about a successor system at the time when software developers cannot offer surprises (on the Wii).”
According to a tip that was released yesterday via Twitter, the famed F1 racing series will make its way onto the Nintendo 3DS at some point in the console’s lifetime. I assume that, since the information was from a reliable source, that we’ll see a reveal of the game pretty soon, but there really is no telling if that’ll be part of GDC or another announcement after that.
The game that will be coming is, in fact F1 2011, and it can be assumed that it won’t be too long after the game’s release that the 3DS version will make its way onto the handheld for all of us to play.
Keep posted here for more info!
Nintendo of America announces the hiring of a new vice president of Corporate Affairs. Cynthia Gordon, a PR expert with more than 20 years of experience in consumer brands, joins the company on March 14. Gordon comes to Nintendo from her position as a vice president at 360 PUBLIC RELATIONS in Boston, where she developed and executed consumer public relations campaigns and contributed to the advancement of the firm’s social media and digital efforts.
Gordon will work from Nintendo’s office in Redwood City, Calif, and will report to the executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, a vacant position that is currently being managed by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime.
HUDSON SOFT enters 3D realm
Puzzle game compilation leads HUDSON’s Nintendo 3DS™ lineKonami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that HUDSON SOFT’s first title for Nintendo 3DS will be Sudoku: The Puzzle Game Collection, a compilation of popular puzzle styles due for release in May.
Sudoku: The Puzzle Game Collection is a test of mental acuity for the Nintendo 3DS, offering a choice of four puzzle game styles, including the numerical test that is Sudoku. Based on puzzles devised by world-famous puzzle maker Nikoli, the quartet is completed with versions of Hashi (Bridges) , Shikaku (Boxes) and Akari (Museum) – some of Japan’s most taxing puzzle styles.
Satoru Iwata sat down with the Asahi Shimbun newspaper to answer a few questions recently. Iwata commented on sales targets for the 3DS, provided a brief Mario 3DS tidbit, and commented on the competition.
– DS has sold over 140 million units worldwide
– System has been used by over 300 million people
– Iwata said, “We’d like to increase this even further with the 3DS” regarding the success the DS has had (see two points above)
– Nintendo is experimenting with gameplay where Mario will run into the screen and hit blocks floating in the air
– Iwata: “We’re making software that is packed with the kinds of surprises and enjoyment that the 3DS can deliver.”
– Iwata told the newspaper that he believes monthly fees from 3G usage will decrease NGP’s customer base
– Iwata on developer success with the iOS platform: “We’re at a period where it will be difficult to keep the value of our content if we are unable to offer experiences that can’t be had on Smartphones.”
Thanks to Thomas N for the tip!
