Iwata Argues Against the Importance of Being First on the Console Market

Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata argues against the idea that being first next generation console to the market gives his system a competitive advantage. He explained his point of view on the Wii U’s approaching release in an interview with Gamasutra.

“Being the first in the next generation race is not important at all,” Iwata said. “One of the reasons we believe this is the time for Nintendo to launch the Wii U is it’s going to be important for the world.”

Iwata went on to argue that Nintendo would not approach the Wii U launch any differently than that of the Wii.

“We have not changed our strategy. In other words, we just do not care what kind of ‘more beef’ console Microsoft and Sony might produce in 2013. Our focus is on how we can make our new console different than [the others],” he said.

Nintendo aims at making their console different than the others on the market because they hope to provide an experience that deviates from the console gaming norm.

“The fact of the matter is I do not think Nintendo should compete against these companies with the same message and the same entertainment options,” Iwata said.

The release of the Wii U also has the potential to help restore profitability to Nintendo that was lost during the 3DS price drops.

“The [loss of the] past year is due to the 3DS hardware sales. We were selling hardware below the cost so this year we are already recovering and improving the profitability of the 3DS,” Iwata said.

The Wii U pricing seems to be Nintendo’s main concern right now. The console will hit shelves in time for the 2012 holiday season.