How Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony can win the console war (page 2/3)

Nintendo, Wii

Nintendo really pulled off a doozy since the GameCube, moving from forgettable purple kiddie consoles to unforgettable white motion-sensing ones. And let's not forget that the company fathered the best-selling system on the planet over the last two years, the swanky DS. Superb motion controls aside, the Wii's dated graphics and processor technology put the console's sustainability in doubt. Let's look at what Nintendo must do to keep their moxie in the spotlight.

1. Keep things fresh. Wii Sports changed gaming. It also helped Wii achieve massive sales for the better part of the year. The man behind the success: Shigeru Miyamoto, the same man that created Mario and Zelda some 20 years ago. In time, however, Wii Sports can't carry the system forever. To counter the decrease in interest and continue to captivate both gamers and casual players alike, Nintendo needs to deliver experiences that can only be found on Wii. Games like Wii Fit, Wii Music, and even Metroid Prime 3. Titles that turn the heads of even the most jaded gamers, if only for a while. You can never have too much fresh fruit. Just remember: it rots quickly.

2. Indulge the hardcore gamer. If Nintendo really wants to go the distance, they need to give core gamers what they want: deep, mature games, often with online modes (and sans frustrating friend codes). And don't confuse mature with repurposed ports; We're talking about cultivated and meaningful games built from the ground up for Wii that inspire and imagine. Games that take the action, adventure, RPG and newly invented genres a step further. Not just motion controls, but original gameplay with engaging stories. Nintendo need only look to their already dependable DS handheld for inspiration, a system that features an assorted platter of both casual and mature games for all ages. If Nintendo follows suit with Wii, they'll likely have the entire gaming community in the palm of their hand.

3. Upgrade the system to HD with forward compatibility. HD is slowly on the rise, and it looks splendid. No one doubts Wii's visual ability over the next two years; second generation games are already looking sharp in enhanced 480p definition. But at some point, users are going to want the complete graphical entree. Why not give it to them? Tech prices are already coming down for HD-ready components, and soon Nintendo will be able to integrate those abilities into the Wii for a still-attractive price. Nintendo could also work some magic with "forward compatibility" so those wanting to stick with original Wii hardware won't get left behind. Incidentally, a hard dive or regular use of multi-gigabyte SD cards for playable demos would further maximize the console's much-debated life expectancy.

Given the changing dynamics of video games, the unproven longevity, and the the growing interest in high-definition video, uncertainty in the Wii's long-term chances is justified. However, it won't take much for Nintendo to maintain their current momentum provided they abide by what their most loyal fans desire: to be heard. Again, the DS is an excellent example of the company's potential.

Likely outcome: If we had to put money on it (fortunately we don't), we'd say Nintendo won't indulge the hardcore gamer as much as some would hope, though core gamers won't be completely left behind. Recommendation one is (almost) a sure bet. Recommendation two will partially come to pass. And recommendation three is a long-shot at best. Nintendo is still very much the wild card in the console race.


On to Sony's PS3 (page 3/3)

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment