Nintendo has done amazingly well this generation. Both the Wii and the DS sold like hotcakes. Innovation was key this generation and that’s what Nintendo had a lot of.
Senses
Have you noticed that the DS incorporates two of the human senses? Touch (touch-screen) and Hearing (mic.) The DSi brought one more, sight (camera). These senses when brought
My DSi!
together result in an innovative experience. The touch-screen works well because it is something that we as humans already “know“ how to do. It`s a natural experience. The control method is easy as every human-being knows “to touch“. Touch-control is becoming more prominent. The iPod Touch utilizes it, Windows 7 supports multi-touch and tablet-PCs. When the DS first came out the touch-screen was touted by critics as a gimmick, but look where it is now. The microphone is another factor in the DSs success. It`s easy to speak into a microphone, even fun! It`s a natural experience just like the touch-screen. Nintendo obviously put in a lot of R&D (Research and development) in the making of the DS.
Less Focus on Graphics
One main difference with the DS and Wii compared to other systems is the graphical power. The Xbox 360 and the PS3 have high-definition graphic capabilities. They can display up to 1080p while the Wii can only display up to 480p. Obviously the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are more powerful then the Wii. One may be wondering why the Wii has better sales despite the terrible graphics. The Wii innovates unlike the PS3 and 360. The PS3 and Xbox 360 may have more `power“ but the Wii has motion control. Very few devices of this day and age use motion control so it`s more of a new concept. People are fascinated by how it works in videogames. Motion-control makes it easier for elderly people to play videogames. Most of them wouldn`t even bother trying an Xbox 360 or a PS3 as it isn`t as inviting as the Wii. The Wii literally tells you to `join in“ and play. The other consoles have focused on other things in addition to gaming such as movie-playing and music. The Wii on the other hand primarily focuses on gaming. The Wii isn’t perfect. It still has its flaws but it’s ‘pros’ outweigh the ‘cons’.
Focus on everyone
Bowling - Wii Sports - scchiang (Flickr)
The Wii/DS has games that can appeal to everyone not just to core gamers. The vast majority of games in other systems don’t appeal to casual gamers because they are ‘hard’. Too hard for their ’skill’ level or their attention span. Not everybody is a fan of this, me included. It feels like Nintendo is making the games suprisingly easy, removing all/any challenge. Hopefully ‘Super Guide’ will help prevent that from happening more often. Elderly people play the Wii because it’s simple and easy. Bowling in Wii Sports requires a simple flick of the wrist as do other in-game sports. Children love the Wii because “it is easy to use”. Iconic characters such as Mario and Sonic combined with simple gameplay results in a great experience.
In Summary
These three factors are the key to Nintendo’s success this generation. Hopefully Microsoft and Sony will get their consoles /handheld done right next generation so we can get a proper console/handheld “war”. Nintendo had it won this generation with their easy to use, fun systems. I look forward to what Nintendo will do in the next generation!
