An Evaluation of the Wii's Launch Strategy

[Talvish]

This is the first in a series of articles that evaluates how the console makers are brought their consoles to market and things they need to watch longer term.

The first article discusses the Wii. (http://blogs.spouting-tech.com/thepensivegamer/2007/03/the_nintendo_wi.html) A snippet from the article:


Prior to the release of the Nintendo Wii you would be hard pressed to have picked the success Nintendo is currently seeing. The GameCube was in a close but disappointing third place in the recent generation but the downward slide started with Nintendo 64, where it was overshadowed by Sony's introduction of the first PlayStation.

So what has Nintendo done right so far? They changed the game and opened up the market.

[Doctor Setebos]

I don't know if I trust the Pensive Gamer even for opinion articles. He's the guy who speculated that Microsoft and Nintendo were going to trade Banjo-Kazooie for Diddy Kong Racing based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever. But he spoke as if it were common knowledge fact. :rolleyes:

I'll give the article a read, though.

[KingGorilla]

I have an illustration of nintendo's ability to get the system to casual gamers.
http://files.samhart.net/humor/fail.jpg

[Talvish]

I don't know if I trust the Pensive Gamer even for opinion articles. He's the guy who speculated that Microsoft and Nintendo were going to trade Banjo-Kazooie for Diddy Kong Racing based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever. But he spoke as if it were common knowledge fact. :rolleyes:

I'll give the article a read, though.

Hey Doc,

I understand your comment regarding my news comment from March 5. I think people took the particulars (Diddy for Banjo) too literally. Here's the thing, Microsoft will try to offer what it can to get a Nintendo property. Reggie already said they get calls all the time. If it will happen is anyone's guess, but if there is any weakness that Microsoft will attempt to use to bargain with, they will, and Rare's comment on Diddy was interesting.

While I'm very familiar with development licensing deals, contracts and negotiations, I certainly agree it is speculation; I have no insider knowledge. I just hope you enjoy other articles and I appreciate the feedback. The point of why I write is to get people to chat. :o

[Yellowman]

What you talkin' bout fool. Wii is one of the fastest selling consoles ever. And the DS has made massive inroads in getting the casual gamer, in fact the only thing they failed at was keeping the hardcore gamer interested.

[AniAko]

I have an illustration of nintendo's ability to get the system to casual gamers....


You just need to make the baby smiling. Nintendo enjoys doing these things to itself :)

[Watership]

Although I do agree that the Wii has opened up new markets, those new market people are not going to be buying many games.

The wii is pretty much in the same position that the gamecube was. Selling very well for the first year with one or two games worth owning coming out in the next 8-12 months.

[Talvish]

Although I do agree that the Wii has opened up new markets, those new market people are not going to be buying many games.

The wii is pretty much in the same position that the gamecube was. Selling very well for the first year with one or two games worth owning coming out in the next 8-12 months.

Right, this is the concern that I mentioned in the article...what is the attach rate really going to be. So far looks okay, but when you look at the general game ratings and release schedule (of non-VC games), if Nintendo doesn't increase the quality and size of their portfolio they may not be able to keep the growth they are currently seeing. It will be interesting to see where Nintendo is in 6 months and again in 12 months.

That said, they are making money on the console, so the need for a high attach rate isnt' as critical as it is for Sony in particular and Microsoft to a lesser extent.