In a recent Q&A with GamePro, Reggie Fils-Aime pointed to the DS, and not the GameCube, as the real inspiration as most of Nintendo's strategy with the Wii. That doesn't mean that multicolored units are around the corner (unfortunately), but it does mean that we can expect a lot of aggressive marketing to people that aren't usually considered gamers. Considering the incredible sales numbers, that's certainly worked well for the DS! As the core group responsible for the DS and its success, it's like that others will, in the future, try to mimic that. So, DS gamers -- do you think that what's working for Nintendo may work for others in the future?
Wii takes its cue from the DS
In a recent Q&A with GamePro, Reggie Fils-Aime pointed to the DS, and not the GameCube, as the real inspiration as most of Nintendo's strategy with the Wii. That doesn't mean that multicolored units are around the corner (unfortunately), but it does mean that we can expect a lot of aggressive marketing to people that aren't usually considered gamers. Considering the incredible sales numbers, that's certainly worked well for the DS! As the core group responsible for the DS and its success, it's like that others will, in the future, try to mimic that. So, DS gamers -- do you think that what's working for Nintendo may work for others in the future?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-23-2007 @ 6:08PM
eight said...
I think the formula for the DS worked out really well, but i'm not sure if that formula will make the transition from pocket-sized-on-the-go to sitting in the house. People see purchasing a game console, something that sits in your livingroom, as a completely different animal than something you can tuck away in a pocket or pruse. I'm not sure if casuel gamers will buy Wii's like they buy the DS.
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1-24-2007 @ 12:28AM
imaginatix said...
I hope they don't forget about the more serious gamers. I'm all for Wii sports type games every now and then but I'd prefer a majority of the games I play to be more like Twilight Princess or Metroid Prime.
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1-24-2007 @ 9:00AM
andyr said...
Nintendo's open seas policy of pursuing the wide open and untapped market of non-hardcore gamers has worked very well for them. I really expect the Wii to continue in the footsteps of the DS, and maybe even surpass it with older gamers.
However, once one company and brand has entered the wider arena in a market it is hard for other players to have the same success. Anyone launching an lifestyle focused mp3 player after the success of the iPod will struggle to make the same impact. The Zune for example is trying to emulate Apple's success but really has its work cut out.
It will be interesting to see how Nintendo's success will affect the approach of the other players in the games market. I suggest that they are better off finding their own distinctive USP (unique selling point), as Microsoft have done with XBox live. Only time will tell, but either way it is us gamers who really benefit.
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