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11 Things Nintendo Can Do To Thrive Again
Nintendo crafts fantastic games and is absolutely integral to the history of the video game industry, but it is struggling this console generation. The Wii U has a good library of first-party Nintendo games and is a solid piece of hardware, but it is falling behind in the console wars. It is making some progress, especially with its announcements last night and its partnership with DeNA among others, but we have some additional suggestions for Nintendo that could help it thrive as it did during previous console generations.
It’s Time For A New Name
After the confusion surrounding Wii U it’s time to start with a new naming convention. Many assumed the Wii U’s gamepad was an accessory for the Wii, unaware it was a whole new console. The new console, if it’s not called NX, should have a completely original name – like the transition from Nintendo 64 to the GameCube. Also, do not under any circumstances use the word “New” as a prefix. It is, and always will be, confusing. When we talk about the New 3DS years from now, we will still be following up with a qualifier about which piece of hardware we’re talking about.
Come Out Of The Gate With A Game, Not A Social Network
Miitomo was announced this morning, and from a distance, it seems like a mobile version of the Miiverse with Mii functionality. It’s a social network, which is a dangerous competitive world to enter into in the world of Internet, and has the potential to make Nintendo’s first entry into mobile a misstep. Nintendo should come out to of the gate with a brand-new game for its first mobile experiment, and Miitomo should launch alongside it with featured functionality, even if it means we have to wait longer for Nintendo on mobile. Miitomo might be a fun, interesting social experience, but without an accompanying game, we’re not sure it will make a splash.
Keep Making Amiibos And Make More Of Them
Amiibos are cute, we like them, and they sell well. Nintendo just needs to keep up with demand, and hopefully keep creating figures for more obscure characters, like Chibi-Robo.
Don’t Be Afraid To Create Something Big And New
Splatoon is a hit, proving Nintendo doesn’t necessarily need to rely on its valuable IP for big new ideas. Nintendo excels at making innovative games that are pure fun, and players want big new experiences from the folks behind games like Zelda and Mario. Smaller, experimental games have been successful for Nintendo, but we miss seeing frequent core console entries for its biggest franchises. On that topic, it’s time for a new, big Metroid title.
Don’t Go Overboard With Your Valuable IP
It’s a little unnerving to see Mario show up in car commercials. Nintendo has stated it has plans to heavily leverage its characters and properties in new ways along new avenues, but we hope it doesn’t overdo it. These characters are sacred to gamers, and while we enjoy seeing them show up more often, they shouldn’t be spread thin.
Take Zelda To The New Console
Wii U early adopters might feel slighted, but they will feel a whole lot better when they’re playing a new core console Zelda on a new console. The Wii U has had its successes, and it’s a good console with great games, but it is undeniably floundering, and Nintendo’s console needs to land on the market with a bang.
Implement Universal Crossbuy And Login Sooner Rather Than Later
It’s unclear exactly how Miitomo and My Nintendo will work in regards to a universal login, but it’s something Nintendo should have integrated years ago. Nintendo ties your digital purchases to your hardware instead of your account, and it is consistently frustrating. Nintendo loves to release updated hardware in assorted colors hoping we will we rebuy the consoles and handhelds we already own and it shouldn’t be as hard as it is to keep the games we already bought. Nintendo is great about backwards compatibility. It has always been a priority for new consoles, but its account management is archaic. Also, I have bought Super Mario 64 a number of times, and I don’t want to have to buy it again.
Nintendo Should Probably Let Famous People Play Its Games On YouTube
Nintendo is slowly embracing the idea of letting people play its games one YouTube for fun and profit, but it is still restricting itself unnecessarily. The kids are really into it, and Nintendo should recognize and embrace that.
Keep Doing A Good Job With DLC And Updates
Smash Bros. DLC has been overpriced, but it’s coming at a good pace, and it’s high quality. The same can be said for Mario Kart 8 – a little pricey, but very good. Nintendo’s free updates for its games have also been excellent. Splatoon has gotten all kinds of new content, and Super Mario Maker is getting the feature most requested by fans (checkpoints) very soon. Nintendo may want to re-examine its pricing on certain DLC, but overall it is doing a good job in this regard.
Pick Up The Pace
Nintendo is always late to the party and they usually bring a weird side dish. Whether it’s online connectivity, HD, or mobile integration, Nintendo has consistently ignored modern standards in favor of doing its own thing. Of course, this has fantastic results on occasion. Nintendo is undeniably an innovator in many things, but it often ignores solutions to problems competing companies were able to figure out early on. Friend codes are a great example of just simply ignoring something that works well. I would never want to see Nintendo not experimenting and trying to be different, but there’s no reason it can’t quickly adopt what works well.
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