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October 10, 2009 by The News Team
Filed Under: Wii, Nintendo in general
Reggie Fils-Aime had a few things to say to the Washington Post in an interview, and we've grabbed the most interesting bits for you.
(Reggie says that launching the Wii at a price higher than $250 wouldn't have made sense) "Absolutely not. We wouldn't do it any other way."
(Reggie on the PSPgo) "I have the utmost respect for all our competitors, but it's interesting to try and answer the consumer question of 'What's in it for me?' in that product."
(Reggie on Nintendo creating a phone) "We don't have a desire to get into the phone space. We think the game business is competitive enough."
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@WesFX
I think he just did. I'm amazed at how smart the line was and didn't outright say it will fail.
Anyway on Nintendo and Phones I dunno but its like opposite day for them every day. Oh gee no price cuts planned not going to happen any time soon....3 months later and we have one. So for me I would honestly ponder if they do have a plan for a DS-Phone. I would buy it if they were to do it only because I would love to say to people "one minute talking to my friends on the Nintnedo Phone". And the phone business isn't that competitive. Actually the phone business is bullshit but only for America where the I-Phone is considered the God Phone and nothing else can beat it. Come to Europe and the I-Phone is rare with an abundance of SE and Nokia. Nintendo can obviously pull of an extraordinary phone if they wanted to not to mention it would have the funkiest design. I'm currently working on a mock-up of a Nintendo phone so yeah.
I think he just did. I'm amazed at how smart the line was and didn't outright say it will fail.
Anyway on Nintendo and Phones I dunno but its like opposite day for them every day. Oh gee no price cuts planned not going to happen any time soon....3 months later and we have one. So for me I would honestly ponder if they do have a plan for a DS-Phone. I would buy it if they were to do it only because I would love to say to people "one minute talking to my friends on the Nintnedo Phone". And the phone business isn't that competitive. Actually the phone business is bullshit but only for America where the I-Phone is considered the God Phone and nothing else can beat it. Come to Europe and the I-Phone is rare with an abundance of SE and Nokia. Nintendo can obviously pull of an extraordinary phone if they wanted to not to mention it would have the funkiest design. I'm currently working on a mock-up of a Nintendo phone so yeah.
The PSPGo is the only piece of hardware I've liked from SCE this generation (I'm a big digital distribution fan). The problem is that the PSP library still doesn't have much that I'm interested in.
The idea of a Nintendo-phone-gamestation-thingaling isn't even that ridiculous, if you think about it. If one listened to Iwata, he voiced more than once how Nintendo envisions people "to get more out of their DS/Gameboy-something" and use it everyday/in everyday life. This is obviously something they tried to enforce with the DSi redesign. Additionally, even though Nintendo won't loose their monopoly in the handheld market too soon and still fares well against every competition, the concept of handheld devices that are more than just phones or more than just organizers or more than just gaming machines has become more popular over the last years. I daresay at least Japan would be pretty open by now for some sort of hybrid device, even though Nintendo bothering with the mobile phone branch indeed seems pretty unlikely (main reason being that they aren't able to pioneer there). Too this day though I'm a little puzzled how after two redesigns the DSi still doesn't feature rudimentary organizer-functions from the get-go.
As for the PSPGo, good question indeed. Sanest argument in favor of the Go probably is the ability to store many games on the system at once without the need of flipping UMDs and in result shorter loading times. Still not really worth killing the physical medium and the option of sales, cheap imports, etc. Especially when the PSN library doesn't match up with the retail one. I'll keep my 2000, thanks Sony.
As for the PSPGo, good question indeed. Sanest argument in favor of the Go probably is the ability to store many games on the system at once without the need of flipping UMDs and in result shorter loading times. Still not really worth killing the physical medium and the option of sales, cheap imports, etc. Especially when the PSN library doesn't match up with the retail one. I'll keep my 2000, thanks Sony.
@Necrochild313
Do you really think it is worth it to pay the same price, sometimes more expensive as it takes longer to have price cuts if at all, for a digitally distributed game as a retail game with boxart, manuals and sometimes preorder bonuses? Oh, and that you can't sell to help buy a new one.
Digitally distributed games are nice, but not when you don't have any advantage, besides not having to go to a store/wait it to be shipped.
Do you really think it is worth it to pay the same price, sometimes more expensive as it takes longer to have price cuts if at all, for a digitally distributed game as a retail game with boxart, manuals and sometimes preorder bonuses? Oh, and that you can't sell to help buy a new one.
Digitally distributed games are nice, but not when you don't have any advantage, besides not having to go to a store/wait it to be shipped.
I really don't feel like re buying games I already in UMD format so yeah I'll stick with my regular PSP.
Interestingly diplomatic answer. But the Sony fanboys will definitely chastise him for this line.
The problem with the Go has already been adressed. No, wait, the problemS have already been adressed.
So yeah, Reggie's got a point there.
So yeah, Reggie's got a point there.
@dandancc
Let's not forget that for many people, it would probably be quicker to go pick up the game on the high street than wait for the download to complete...
Let's not forget that for many people, it would probably be quicker to go pick up the game on the high street than wait for the download to complete...
What he said about the PSPgo can aslo be said about the PSP. Its game library is not exactly overflowing with games... Very likely why the DS has a much more bigger user base.
But there's plenty of people who buy it for its multimedia functions.
But there's plenty of people who buy it for its multimedia functions.
well, like most people already said, the PSP doesnt have that great of a lineup. or at the very least, no where as superb as the DS. yeah MGS looks great, Dissidia seems pretty good (and I dont care for FF and I'm saying that), and Resident Evil is coming on the system, but the DS has way too many superb games for me to consider having a second system. oh and Golden Sun is on its way.... sorry sony.
Wow, the Reggie of old popping up for a fraction of a second maybe? He is absolutely right though, the PSPgo is just an attempt to stamp out piracy from Sony.
We all know that the PSP isn't a good handheld when it comes to legitimate gaming, but the PSPgo removes the ability to use homebrew too which the system excels at running.
We all know that the PSP isn't a good handheld when it comes to legitimate gaming, but the PSPgo removes the ability to use homebrew too which the system excels at running.
@Dr_Peace
The PSPGo is an attempt at making everything digital so the customer doesn't have to lug around physical media when they're on the go.
Only temporarily. Give it a few months and someone will have cracked it.
The PSPGo is an attempt at making everything digital so the customer doesn't have to lug around physical media when they're on the go.
Only temporarily. Give it a few months and someone will have cracked it.
I don't get the PSP go either. I love my PSP (not as much as I love my DS, but I do love it nonetheless) and I just don't see the point of the Go.
I don't see "what's in it for me" nor do I see "what's in it for new psp adopters"
I know some people are going "well you don't need umd's" or "I'm a fan of digital distribution", but those arguments are senseless - you don't need umd's for regular psp's either. Nothing's stopping you from only using downloads on regular psp's. A 16gb pro duo is 70%, (and only about 40-50 if you do a dualSD-produo combo), so price wise it's stil cheaper to just get some memory sticks.
The only benefits are the size, and the bluetooth (assuming you care about either of those)...
I don't see "what's in it for me" nor do I see "what's in it for new psp adopters"
I know some people are going "well you don't need umd's" or "I'm a fan of digital distribution", but those arguments are senseless - you don't need umd's for regular psp's either. Nothing's stopping you from only using downloads on regular psp's. A 16gb pro duo is 70%, (and only about 40-50 if you do a dualSD-produo combo), so price wise it's stil cheaper to just get some memory sticks.
The only benefits are the size, and the bluetooth (assuming you care about either of those)...
@NeroSuferoth
I've heard from many people that the redesign is incredibly uncomfortable to use. I have yet to hear anyone who actually likes the feel of it. I think that's its main problem.
I've heard from many people that the redesign is incredibly uncomfortable to use. I have yet to hear anyone who actually likes the feel of it. I think that's its main problem.
@Okari
It's actually to cut costs and still make the same amount of money. There's no middle man, you can't sell the game back, and you can't buy used games.
@NeroSuferoth
Yeah, but there are Wii owners who bought it solely for less than 10 games and literally have no desire for anything else. Or those who only buy the Wii Series or just buy something or other, limiting their games.
And there are a lot of people out there who bought a Wii and have it collecting dust due to not finding anything of interest to them.
I bought my PSP and only have 5 games, but there are about 3 others out that I want (technically two, one is just an expansion) and at least 2-3 that aren't out that I want. For having it only 2 years, that's not that bad for me (I got more than that this first year for my 360 and it took 3 years to get that many titles for my Wii).
It's actually to cut costs and still make the same amount of money. There's no middle man, you can't sell the game back, and you can't buy used games.
@NeroSuferoth
Yeah, but there are Wii owners who bought it solely for less than 10 games and literally have no desire for anything else. Or those who only buy the Wii Series or just buy something or other, limiting their games.
And there are a lot of people out there who bought a Wii and have it collecting dust due to not finding anything of interest to them.
I bought my PSP and only have 5 games, but there are about 3 others out that I want (technically two, one is just an expansion) and at least 2-3 that aren't out that I want. For having it only 2 years, that's not that bad for me (I got more than that this first year for my 360 and it took 3 years to get that many titles for my Wii).
In this instance I'd say Reggie is spot-on on all accounts.
I don't think I've heard any seriously positive impressions of the PSPGo. Digital distribution abuse can go jump off a cliff. And I'm fairly confident customers will make sure it does.
I don't think I've heard any seriously positive impressions of the PSPGo. Digital distribution abuse can go jump off a cliff. And I'm fairly confident customers will make sure it does.
The PSP Go was created for a lot of things (anti-piracy being one of them), but if any one of them has to be the main reason for its existence, I would have to say forcing Digital Distribution on the consumers. Making it so people have no control of the software they purchase is a very enticing thing for Sony, who has a long history of forcing DRM down our throats (rootkit fiasco will never be forgotten, nor forgiven).
Well gee, Reggie. I carry my phone around with me almost everywhere I go.
Wouldn't it be nice and convenient to be able to play my super-fun Nintendo games on it instead of carrying around a bag with my DS, games, and charger along with my phone?
Nevermind, I'm sure I'm the only American who thinks this way.
Wouldn't it be nice and convenient to be able to play my super-fun Nintendo games on it instead of carrying around a bag with my DS, games, and charger along with my phone?
Nevermind, I'm sure I'm the only American who thinks this way.
@Dr_Peace
"We all know that the PSP isn't a good handheld when it comes to legitimate gaming"
Since when?
See, I was under the impression that all five game systems this generation had plenty to offer. I know I've been having fun with my PSP.
"We all know that the PSP isn't a good handheld when it comes to legitimate gaming"
Since when?
See, I was under the impression that all five game systems this generation had plenty to offer. I know I've been having fun with my PSP.
I plan to pick up a PSPgo because there's a select few games for the PSP that I've never got to play that I would like to enjoy. It helps that I can get it for free with rewards points as opposed to money. I likely wouldn't buy it if I had to spend real cash on it. 
Having said that, my DSi has been (and will continue to be) my primary portable gaming system. That won't change. The library is just too big to compete with.
Having said that, my DSi has been (and will continue to be) my primary portable gaming system. That won't change. The library is just too big to compete with.
I won't get a Go if I ever do get a PSP. I'd like to have physical UMDs in my possession rather than downloaded games that might go "bye bye" should my system break (unless the games can be linked to a single account like Wiiware and VC games can be linked to Club Nintendo).
@Inneverate
Indeed. This is why I'm damning game developers, Sony & Microsoft [separated from the former because well, no duh] and consumers who are forcing this horrible future on the rest of us with, like, brains. By the time the latter realise their suckery it'll be too late.
Pardon me if I want a physical copy of my game [for keeps], to see continued creative box arts [which a DD era would cease], no extra hidden BB install devices [DRM], and to not let the developers have the perfect opportunity to hike prices at their will [imagine if every game was priced akin to the GH/RB games, wouldn't that be swell?!]. Save the PC vision for PCs console makers!
Indeed. This is why I'm damning game developers, Sony & Microsoft [separated from the former because well, no duh] and consumers who are forcing this horrible future on the rest of us with, like, brains. By the time the latter realise their suckery it'll be too late.
Pardon me if I want a physical copy of my game [for keeps], to see continued creative box arts [which a DD era would cease], no extra hidden BB install devices [DRM], and to not let the developers have the perfect opportunity to hike prices at their will [imagine if every game was priced akin to the GH/RB games, wouldn't that be swell?!]. Save the PC vision for PCs console makers!
@Chosenoneknuckles
You are basically asking for developers to hand over their rights to release games that publishers don't think will sell or don't like and some of those games *coughshantaecough* actually deserve to be released.
You are basically asking for developers to hand over their rights to release games that publishers don't think will sell or don't like and some of those games *coughshantaecough* actually deserve to be released.
Me an my girlfriend were just talking about the PSPgo a few days ago. I was explaining to her what's different with it and she had a hard time wrapping her head around the idea of a DLC only system in the PSP family. I have to agree. While the idea isn't bad, we are still in an age of physical product being complemented by digital product. We're not even close to digital only yet and it makes current PSP owners less likely to upgrade since they will still need their older PSP to play their UMD based media.
"We don't have a desire to get into the phone space. We think the game business is competitive enough."
An out right denial? In Nintendo-speak, that means that we can expect to see one in about a year. That anyalyist RMC posted about a few days ago must be right, there WILL be a new DS coming out soon, the DSfone!
An out right denial? In Nintendo-speak, that means that we can expect to see one in about a year. That anyalyist RMC posted about a few days ago must be right, there WILL be a new DS coming out soon, the DSfone!
@WhatCD
In terms of actual design (that being the vulnerable screen, poor controls and battery life), and the games library it has (the best of which are available on the PS2 in some form) I don't think it is a good handheld system.
Plenty of people may complain about the Wii, but the PSP has already been written off.
In terms of actual design (that being the vulnerable screen, poor controls and battery life), and the games library it has (the best of which are available on the PS2 in some form) I don't think it is a good handheld system.
Plenty of people may complain about the Wii, but the PSP has already been written off.
@dandancc
See Steam.
Then again PC games generally have no resell value. Also, I hate disc swapping, and carrying little game holders for my DS, I've lost one sadly and now I can't find some of the games to repurchase!
See Steam.
Then again PC games generally have no resell value. Also, I hate disc swapping, and carrying little game holders for my DS, I've lost one sadly and now I can't find some of the games to repurchase!
Actually, I agree with Dr_Peace
I actually have more Wii games than PSP games, and that's . . . not such a good for the PSP.
Has the PSP contributed to gaming? Definitely. But just barely.
I actually have more Wii games than PSP games, and that's . . . not such a good for the PSP.
Has the PSP contributed to gaming? Definitely. But just barely.
@nintycool
Phone business in America is insane, because anyone over the age of 13 is by popular consensus made to have a phone. Nintendo making a phone is costly, and requires a lot of work with providers- which one to go with in each country for example.
It's a very competitive business in America, with every phone company copying one another on deals and what not or buying each other out. It's ridiculous to think Nintendo would even waste money to get into the phone business- because there's no reason to. It'd be like Apple going into gaming.
Though, I wouldn't mind if they teamed up with someone to bring Internet to your DS no matter where you are.....for free.
Phone business in America is insane, because anyone over the age of 13 is by popular consensus made to have a phone. Nintendo making a phone is costly, and requires a lot of work with providers- which one to go with in each country for example.
It's a very competitive business in America, with every phone company copying one another on deals and what not or buying each other out. It's ridiculous to think Nintendo would even waste money to get into the phone business- because there's no reason to. It'd be like Apple going into gaming.
Though, I wouldn't mind if they teamed up with someone to bring Internet to your DS no matter where you are.....for free.
This isn't a joke by the way; Nintendo doesn't want to get into the phone business because Iwata loves his iPhone a lot and doesn't want to have to not be seen with it.
Me, I could care less about a Nintendo phone or phones in general.
PSPgo, I like the concept, as being better than the PSP's. Still prefer my cartridges for now.
PSPgo, I like the concept, as being better than the PSP's. Still prefer my cartridges for now.
Why the hell would the Washington Post ask about Nintendo going into the phone market? What a dumbass question.
Might as well have asked if Nintendo was going to start making ramen or cars.
Might as well have asked if Nintendo was going to start making ramen or cars.
If I didn't get an N-Gage I'm part of the problem?? Because I didn't want to side-talk on a taco phone and play crappy games?
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Did Reggie just get philosophical in this b****?