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Things I’d Like To See From Nintendo In 2015
Before we even get started, I want to preface things with the fact this isn’t a “doomsayer” Nintendo piece or anything like that – Nintendo continually puts out some of the best games, draws from its stable of incredible IPs, and had an amazing 2014 with titles like Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros., Bayonetta 2, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, and more. So while I’m appreciative of all of the great things Nintendo does and continues to do, there are a few things I’d love to see on the horizon.
Powerful Hardware Without The Gimmicks
Let’s get the Nintendo console up to speed in terms of power. While it doesn’t need 1:1 parity with the other consoles of the day, being able to compete in terms of power would be a big thing and allow Nintendo to really go the extra mile with its well-known IPs. Things like the Wii U gamepad might be cool to give some games additional options, but it has always felt like a forced feature to me that the system would probably be better off without.
Online Options And Services
While Nintendo can hold its own with the best of them for couch gameplay, its online services and functionality are woefully behind the times. This is great if all the gaming you’re planning to do is on the couch, but we’re looking at 2015 here, where mobile devices have better online functionality than Nintendo’s core console. An increased focus and dedication to offering modern online services brings us to the next point…
Tapping Into New Nintendo Genre Territory
With online systems being brought up to speed, we could see some really exciting new opportunities for Nintendo’s brands. We’re always talking about how insanely awesome a Pokemon MMORPG of some kind could be, but there are other opportunities as well – How cool would a MOBA or something tapping into the Nintendo roster be?
While I readily acknowledge MOBA’s aren’t for everyone, I’m sure Nintendo’s take on the genre would be accessible, fun, frantic, and full of the friendly faces we all know and love at this point, and obviously I’m not suggesting that this title be developed at the sacrifice of any of their core semi-annual offerings.
Obviously, I’m not in any position to tell Nintendo how to do things here, I’m merely providing some perspective from my current specialization (PC Gaming) to one of my favorite video game companies. Nintendo can probably just keep doing what it’s doing and enjoy success, but I’d love to see things taken just a bit outside the comfort zone into bold new territory.
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