The Philosophy Behind Nintendo’s DS and Wii Revealed by Satoru Iwata
All of Nintendo's creations will be incredibly diverse and innovative
An old interview with Satoru Iwata reveals how the DS influenced Nintendo for 20 years We’re pretty much experts in entertainment.
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was the mastermind behind the iconic DS and Wii consoles. In a recently discovered 2004 interview, Iwata provided insights into the philosophy that shaped these two systems and ultimately influenced Nintendo’s success over the past two decades.
The Importance of Gameplay over Graphics
Back in 2004, the DS faced fierce competition from the graphically superior PSP. Despite the odds, Iwata downplayed the significance of graphical advancements in gaming. He emphasized that Nintendo’s expertise lies in entertainment and that no matter how impressive visuals may be, people will eventually grow tired of them.
“We have come to understand that we are reaching limits in this direction,” Iwata explained. “Whatever gorgeous or wonderful thing we may be able to come up with in the future, people are going to get tired of it.”
This realization led Nintendo to seek a paradigm shift in the industry. They aimed to expand the gaming audience by introducing new control schemes, a strategy that was successfully implemented with the DS and would later be amplified with the innovative Wii.
Hiroshi Yamauchi’s Impact on the DS
Hiroshi Yamauchi, Iwata’s predecessor, played a pivotal role in shaping the DS. After the completion of the Game Boy Advance SP, Yamauchi proposed the idea of a dynamic change for its successor, including the possibility of incorporating dual screens.
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It was during discussions with Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary designer behind Super Mario and Legend of Zelda, that Iwata became convinced of the dual screen concept. The inclusion of a touch panel, in particular, solidified the decision.
“If you’re interested in seeing more, you should definitely follow the link above for some additional quotes,” advises Iwata. The interview reveals fascinating details about Nintendo’s strategic decisions that have shaped the gaming landscape. Considering that Nintendo is expected to release its next console this year, these insights hold great significance.
A Leap Into the Future
Looking ahead, Iwata expressed his vision for Nintendo’s future products. In 2024, he anticipated that the company would continue to innovate and introduce revolutionary changes. He believed that small iterative improvements would not be enough to captivate consumers in the long run.
“Come to think about it, whatever future product Nintendo might make, it’s not the small changes we are going to be introducing,” Iwata emphasized. “Everything Nintendo is going to create shall be very varied and revolutionary. If we cannot come up with that kind of great change, I’m afraid people are going to get tired of it pretty soon.”
Q&A Corner: Addressing Reader Concerns
Q: What were some of the best games for the DS and Wii?
A: The DS and Wii had an incredible library of games. Some all-time favorites for the DS include “The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass,” “Mario Kart DS,” and “Animal Crossing: Wild World.” For the Wii, classics like “Super Mario Galaxy,” “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,” and “Wii Sports” were game-changers.
Q: Are there any rumors or hints about Nintendo’s next console?
A: While concrete details are scarce, rumors suggest that Nintendo’s next console might have upgraded hardware capabilities and improved online features. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
Q: How can I stay updated with the latest news and releases from Nintendo?
A: To stay in the loop, be sure to follow Nintendo’s official website and social media accounts. Additionally, reputable gaming news websites like IGN and GameSpot provide regular updates on all things Nintendo.
References
- New York Times – Taking the Game War to a Second Front
- Game File Newsletter – Satoru Iwata Interview Tape
- The Best DS Games Ever Made
- The Best Wii Games Ever Made
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If you found this article both informative and entertaining, make sure to share it with your fellow gamers on social media! Let’s spread the Nintendo love and anticipation for their future innovations.
