“Of course, I have heard commentary that people feel that Nintendo’s online functionality is behind the others or is lacking in some ways. And I can say that we are not currently satisfied with the online efforts that we have made so far, and we are working at ways to improve those. On the other hand, I do not think that online functionality is something that we should be devoting resources to for every single product. Instead, I think that Nintendo’s ability to create an offline experience that feels incredibly unique and compelling is a particular strength that we have.
Going forward, what we will continue to do is to evaluate the individual products and experience that we’re creating on a product-by-product basis, and make a decision as to whether or not it’s more important to devote resources to making that offline experience more fun and compelling for products where that is going to be the most important element of the game play; and then for products where it is going to be more important, to add online functionality and make that online functionality robust and compelling. We will continue to focus our efforts there when it’s appropriate, but it’s going to be a product-by-product decision.”
And just in case you were wondering why New Super Mario Bros. Wii lacked online functionality, Iwata touched on that topic as well…
“When Shigeru Miyamoto created New Super Mario Bros. Wii, he ultimately made the decision as to whether or not it would have an online functionality. So I’d like to talk about why he chose not to include online functionality in that game.
Anytime you’re developing a game, there are limits to elements of development, like time, manpower and resources. What we’re always considering is what we can do with limited resources to maximize the appeal and entertainment value of a particular product. And this is something that Mr. Miyamoto is of course also constantly thinking about. I think that his decision on whether or not to include online functionality with New Super Mario Bros. Wii was based on the idea that the true value of that product was going to be determined not by online functionality, but on how compelling and unique the experience would be for two, three or four people to be able to play that game together in the same room.”
There’s a few old shots mixed in, but new screens are also included.
“… I can’t go into detail on what the plans are today, but of course, with a device like Nintendo 3DS, we do intend to offer some type of digital distribution. What I can say is that if that type of digital distribution is not something that is very new and fresh compared to what we have done with Nintendo DSi, then I think we’re going to have a hard time reaching out beyond the audience that actively seeks out that type of digital content. So up until now, much of the digital distribution focus has been on more of a “pull type” where the consumer goes out, gets the content and pulls it to themselves. With Nintendo 3DS, we’re looking at a model that would be more focused around the “push type,” where we’re able to push information or content out to the device. And with a model like that, what it means is that because the consumer doesn’t have to actively seek out the information themselves, it gives us a venue for creative new ideas of our company or of our developers to reach consumers much more easily. And ideally, if it is possible, we would like to try and find ways to customize that functionality as much as possible to meet our consumers’ tastes. Unfortunately, we can’t go into detail on that today because there’s still a number of questions about the degree to which we’ll be able to do that. But I would like to say that we are thinking seriously about strengthening digital distribution.” – Satoru Iwata
Based on all of those Japanese trademarks we saw recently, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Now I just want Iwata to confirm a complete Virtual Console for the 3DS!
“Nintendo has made no announcement about bundling Wii MotionPlus with The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.” – Nintendo PR rep
Since Skyward Sword is such a significant title for Nintendo, so it seems logical that they’ll evaluate a possible bundle closer to release. A non-bundled version will also be necessary since many Wii owners already have at least one MotionPlus.
For one reason or another, a few images were missing when we posted about the screenshots last week. I’ve attached the complete set of pictures from Nintendo’s press site to this post, and you can check them out below.
This information comes from a Capcom Europe press email…
“Following last week’s announcement that Capcom currently has two titles, Resident Evil: Revelations and Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (tentative title), in development for the Nintendo 3DS the first trailer for Resident Evil: Revelations has just been released and is now available for download from our press extranet. Featuring appearances from Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine the trailer is rendered in real time using the game engine.”
A new Wii update, Menu version 4.3, is now available for download. Wondering what it does? Well, not much…
“Because unauthorized channels or firmware may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.3 will check for and automatically remove such unauthorized files. In addition, there are some behind the scenes enhancements that do not affect any prominently-used features or menus but will improve system performance.”
Yeah…Definitely on the lame-side. Unless Nintendo releases an update such as 5.0 or 6.0, it’s usually a minimal update.
WiiWare
Art Style: Rotozoa – 62 blocks
The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Chaotic Conflicts – 202 blocks
The Tales of Bearsworth Manor: Puzzling Pages – 202 blocks
DSiWare
Spin Six – 101 blocks
Puffins: Let’s Fish! – 90 blocks
Mega Words – 66 blocks
Super Swap – 78 blocks
Legendary Wars: T-Rex Rumble – 122 blocks
