560°

It’s Time to Stop Making Excuses for Nintendo

AB: "Nintendo has accomplished much with the Switch but while we should, and do, applaud those successes we should also be able to have an honest discussion about the console’s deficiencies."

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seasonedgaming.com
PhoenixUp1734d ago

People have been making excuses for Nintendo ever since they got knocked from the top

nucky641734d ago

what's funny, is they kind of knocked themselves from the top when they backed out of deal with sony......... sony then had hardware which ended up being PS1 - and a giant was born.

DEEHULK881734d ago

They knocked themselves from the top when they decided to use cartridges instead of CD's and because of that FF7 which was announced for N64 64DD went to Sony. Sony has always been good at capitalizing on other's mistakes.

1734d ago
Sono4211734d ago

I think their biggest flaw lately is lack of innovation. Think back to N64 and Gamecube, Nintendo was CRAZY innovative, creating games such as Mario Party, Kirby Air Ride, Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros, Paper Mario, Pokemon Colosseum, Mario Sunshine, Banjo and Kazooie, all Zelda games, Pikmin, Animal Crossing, Mario Strikers, Mario Baseball games, Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, Metroid Prime, Fire Emblem, and i'm sure there's even more I am forgetting and that list is already HUGE.

I mean seriously just look at that list of games! Soooooo many new IP's and the ones that aren't are older franchises being completely reworked! Truly was Nintendo's golden age. Only things I can think of recently is splatoon and ARMS, with only one of those being any good. Now as much as I LOVE odyssey, and trust me I do, I think it is one of Nintendo's best games in a long time, it isn't the same as the list above, as it is more going back to the older formula of 64 and Sunshine, not quite the innovative burst like from that era, the only innovative rework we've gotten from them was BotW, which a lot of people loved so clearly the community wanted a change, even though I personally think the game is very flawed and people look over these flaws because well... it's Nintendo and they were suffering from Zelda fatigue, I can at the very least applaud them for trying to be innovative again.

I think this and Nintendo's terrible online are the two MAJOR problems with Nintendo right now, and the fact that they don't think their online is bad.. is enough to make my blood just boil, and to think there are even "fans" who defend it is even more infuriating.

Some people may say Nintendo is behind in hardware, but honestly their hybrid system is unique enough to where it doesn't really bother me, but if they release a Switch 2, then I definitely expect that to be much beefier and closer to what we expect from Sony and Microsoft, although I very much doubt they will take that route..

VTKC1734d ago (Edited 1734d ago )

I always thought it was Sony who decided to go it alone at the last minute so Nintendo went to cartridge as they werent familiar in compact disc tech at the time. Wow this explains the excuses. I thought it was just the overwhelming amount of fanboyism. This has really changed my perspective of the two companies. Must be alot of resentment harbouring there from nintendo. I remember seeing that console hybrid snes with the now what people recognise as the Playstation logo.

Edit: I just did some searching. After all these years i thought Sony were the bad guys abandoning Nintendo. The PlayStations birth is from revenge. That is awesome.

Fluttershy771734d ago

you are talking about ancient history...

DarXyde1734d ago

Sono421,

"I think their biggest flaw lately is lack of innovation."

What exactly is your metric for innovation? Software? Creating new IPs? Last I checked, after Gamecube, they took the greatest risks and introduced the greatest amount of innovation into the industry. Wii made gamers out of a lot of people instead of sticking to the traditional ways. In case it needs to be said, having a ton of titles from your portfolio to choose from also means you are less likely to see new titles when people ask for sequels.

"the only innovative rework we've gotten from them was BotW, which a lot of people loved so clearly the community wanted a change, even though I personally think the game is very flawed and people look over these flaws because well... it's Nintendo and they were suffering from Zelda fatigue, I can at the very least applaud them for trying to be innovative again."

So dissenting opinion regarding flaws is due to people just wanting to give Nintendo a pass? The arrogance on this guy...

Maybe, just maybe, BotW was just such a good game that the positive qualities far outweighed the negatives - much like the way From Software games are rough around the edges but people enjoy the games that much. You may think people hold Nintendo to a different standard, and there may be some truth to that. But I think you would be a hypocrite to not ask for more unique IPs from Microsoft or more variety from over the shoulder narratives with Sony. Granted, I like Forza and I think Sony studios are great, but you're the one complaining about the lack of innovation, not me.

"
I think this and Nintendo's terrible online are the two MAJOR problems with Nintendo right now, and the fact that they don't think their online is bad.. is enough to make my blood just boil, and to think there are even "fans" who defend it is even more infuriating. "

Who is defending Nintendo's online? I like Nintendo a lot and love their games, but no, the online is indefensible and has somehow gotten worse when the pay period kicked in. Most Nintendo gamers, I imagine, are Smash fans, and the online experience is pretty unpleasant.

"I definitely expect that to be much beefier and closer to what we expect from Sony and Microsoft, although I very much doubt they will take that route.."

So... you want them to be more like the competition? Doesn't that argue against the innovation you were preaching about before?

nucky641733d ago

DEEHULK - N deciding to use cartridges is WHY they didn't end up partnering with sony.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 1733d ago
-Foxtrot1734d ago

I think we know how many people on here alone this applies to

rainslacker1734d ago

I dunno. They took a beating during the N64 and GameCube days. Was a different time though, and the internet wasn't as prolific as it is now.

Orionsangel1734d ago

Nintendo fanboys are the worst.

Cobra9511733d ago

After frequenting this site for years, I beg to differ.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1733d ago
Neonridr1734d ago

Nobody is perfect, I adore Nintendo products but I still have plenty to gripe about. While I can appreciate their most recent strategy with the Switch as it appeals and relates to me greatly, I still do wish I could have something more powerful at my disposal. That being said, I am a level headed person who actually understands the limitations that accompany using such a device. Anyone who complains and says they expect PS4 level performance in a device that is a fraction of the size while coming in at the same or cheaper price is clearly just making problems for the sake of it. I am fine with the hardware and know what I am getting with the games that appear on it.

That being said, I really wish Nintendo would bring in some different people to handle the online side of things. It really is a mess and they should not be making such a simple thing like voice chat or having friends such a chore to achieve. The eshop is quickly becoming bloated and it is making it hard to find things. So many great indie games are being lost in the shuffle because Nintendo isn't making a better way to highlight these games.

Here's hoping Nintendo is at least open to adapting and changing as time goes on. We shall see I guess.

UltraNova1734d ago (Edited 1734d ago )

Nuh, they could've released a proper competitive console, power wise, and keep doing what they do best (handhelds with the power of the switch - Switch Lite anyone?) + they could have demanded all games must work both on console and handheld (same as OG ps4/xb1 and Pro/X versions). But then they'd had to really compete in all areas, online included...

I agree with the author.

Neonridr1734d ago

Nintendo has opted to go this hybrid route, makes more sense as it allows all studios to focus on one piece of hardware instead of spreading themselves too thin. Using that mentality, there was no way we were going to get a device that rivaled the PS4 in that small of a form factor along with a screen and respectable battery life for anything close to the price we paid.

UltraNova1734d ago (Edited 1734d ago )

@Neon

"Opted"... Convinient...

We are fast approaching the day were devs will have to make their games work on 8 systems (xb1+ ps4 + pro + X + ps5 + Scarlett + PC and switch if they choose) without hearing so much of a complaint and you're talking about stretching themselves thin and whatnot ? Forgive me but you are making excuses for Nintendo.

Mr_Writer851733d ago (Edited 1733d ago )

@ultranova

Neonridr has a point

The WiiU failed due to the fact Nintendo couldn't support the 3DS and WiiU.

They focus on one platform and they're able to get games out of higher quality.

And this doesn't just apply to Nintendo.

The PSP and Vita lacked 1st party support, and it's because Sony studios were being spread thin.

Now they focus just on PS4 and we get some of the best games this gen.

For a console to appeal to gamers it needs games. First party games not only help it stand out, but encourage 3rd party to develop as well.

Again let's look at the Switch, it's 3rd party support has been amazing compared to the WiiU and even the Wii.

There are many things to bash Nintendo on (joycons, online, stupidly high game prices, lack of decent sales) but Nintendo wouldn't of gotten anywhere trying to match Sony and MS.

Price and games. That's what sells consoles, and its why the Switch is catching up rapidly and will over take the X1 before the next Xbox arrives.

They cornered the 2nd console market as not only is it cheaper and has more games people want, its also differernt to the others.

UltraNova1733d ago (Edited 1733d ago )

@Mr_Writer85

No, no, no You've missed my point. I agree spreading their teams thin supporting two platforms is not ideal. What I'm saying is, again, is that if they had plans to make a portable with the power of the Switch (last gen power) they could have easily entered the fray again with a current gen and competitive console. Their devs would only have to make one version of the game and just port it to their handheld. The exact same way all games work from xb1 all the way up to the PC. This is not a hypothetical statement - Switch Lite is the very proof of that.

Lets be honest here, it all comes down to Nintendo being afraid to compete against Sony and MS, this is why they "opted" out of the "hardcore" race. They do not wish to spend a dime more to build the infrastructure required to support a modern day console platform with all the features we've come to expect. They are in to profit from day one with overpriced systems, accessories and games that are never discounted.

You guys can make all the excuses you want for Nintendo. I wont judge you, I respect all opinions, but I wont be pretending anymore, no more free passes for Nintendo afaic.

Mr_Writer851733d ago

"Lets be honest here, it all comes down to Nintendo being afraid to compete against Sony and MS, this is why they "opted" out of the "hardcore" race. "

I wouldn't say afraid, but they know they can't compete. But I don't see how that is a bad thing?

Or how I'm making excuses. Nintendo can't compete, Sony and MS are too strong, this isn't a new problem. They went head to head with the N64 and GC and got left behind.

They went for the casual market with the Wii and whilst came out on top the revival was short lived.

So they tried to go back to hardcore with the WiiU, but couldn't support it, and couldn't get the 3rd parties on board.

So now they've gone for the 2nd console approach. And no matter what your opinion is, it's been a huge success.

Nintendo have many issues, but the Switch as an idea, isn't one of them. The Switch isn't a home console, or a main console, and that's why it's been successful.

However again I 100% agree Nintendo have a lot they need to be called out on.

UltraNova1733d ago

"I wouldn't say afraid, but they know they can't compete. But I don't see how that is a bad thing? "

I dont see it as a bad thing. I see it as dissapointing. My all time favorite console/period was the N64. Maybe its my nostalgia of a competitive Nintendo leads to that. Well thars that.

"Or how I'm making excuses. Nintendo can't compete, Sony and MS are too strong, this isn't a new problem. They went head to head with the N64 and GC and got left behind. "

No argument there.

"They went for the casual market with the Wii and whilst came out on top the revival was short lived. "

Coming on top in the Wii's case is subjective when you target the casuals as you put it. They did not compete with the big boys. Pure sales in that regard are therefore subjective.

"So they tried to go back to hardcore with the WiiU, but couldn't support it, and couldn't get the 3rd parties on board. "

How on Earth was the Wii U a hardcore effort as confusing and underpowered as it was? No no no.

"So now they've gone for the 2nd console approach. And no matter what your opinion is, it's been a huge success. "

My opinion is that the switch is big success.

"Nintendo have many issues, but the Switch as an idea, isn't one of them. The Switch isn't a home console, or a main console, and that's why it's been successful."

Never disagreed with that. What my "issue" is with N is that I still believe they can put up a serious fight in the hardcore console space if they wanted, they have the super talented studios and certainly the money needed to do so but simply choose the easy way out. They way of the casuals. Overpriced, underpowered hardware, with expensive accessories and games targeted to a group that doesn't care enough to criticize them.

You can blame "old timers" like me who had the luck of knowing a "serious" Nintendo way back when and who are unlucky enough to experience their modern version.

"However again I 100% agree Nintendo have a lot they need to be called out on."

Indeed they have.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1733d ago
SegaSaturn6691734d ago

I love how easy and simple piracy is on the switch. Good on Ninty.

badz1491734d ago

it's even running Android now...like a mid-range smartphone that it was supposed to be LOL

Sirk7x1734d ago

Good on NVIDIA. Security on the Switch is actually pretty good. Flaw with the chip, can be done on any device using it, such as Shield TV.

Platformgamer1734d ago ShowReplies(4)
Immagaiden1734d ago

Nintendo continues making boneheaded decisions that consumers on other consoles would rightfully criticize but many a Nintendo fan would defend

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80°

Behind The Dangerous Stunts Of Nintendo’s Iconic Mario Commercials

Two married costume designers share stories from a decade of traveling the globe with Nintendo.

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gameinformer.com
264d ago
110°

Bowser Is Canonically 34 Years Old

In a YouTube video showing Nintendo Switch owners how to create a Nintendo Account, Nintendo of America revealed that Bowser is canonically 34 years old.

jznrpg325d ago

I saw Bowser when I was a kid and now I’m older than him , sigh.

Brazz325d ago

Wow, i'm as old as Bowser!!

Stanjara325d ago (Edited 325d ago )

He looks 55 to me.

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100°

Nintendo Is A Bad Company, But We Can't Help Loving Them Anyway

TG: “Most of us also grew up with Nintendo, likely forming a nostalgic connection with games that have long been crowned as our personal favourites. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker was an experience that shaped my view on open world fantasy, and Super Mario 64 changed my life like it did for millions of others. These titles have earned their place in history, and remain loved to this day for so many worthwhile reasons. We replay them and beg for remasters all while delving into their worlds time and time again because they mean that much to us. It’s a shame then that the company behind them often kicks its own sweet darlings to the curb.”

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thegamer.com
Magog334d ago

I never got the love for Nintendo games personally. The annoying vocalizations and ugly character designs do nothing for me.

Kosic332d ago

Don't forget the constant hand holding with tutorials. Learn this new ability by pressing Y, now prove that you can press Y 8 times before you can move on....

Tapani333d ago (Edited 333d ago )

Another very weird article.

Nintendo is a great company by almost all possible normal measures. The biggest one being: their own staff is happy, and they seem to be very happy, well compensated and retain rate is solid. They are also financially very stable, profitable, and cash rich, so shareholders love them.

Overall it is an extremely creative group of people, and their mission statement is fantastic as well "to put smiles on the faces of everyone we touch. We do so by creating new surprises for people across the world to enjoy together." The social impact is also massive, not to speak culturally. Additionally, they have a really strong core business, high customer retention rate and loyalty. Nintendo's reputation is extremely good, I think in the US alone they are 9th most reputable company, their customer service is better than the average company. Plus, the press gives them a pass, because they are Nintendo. But there's a reason why they do that, it's not "because they are Nintendo", there are more layers to the argument.

Then, then there's the random negative gamers online...and their "reputation" which is inside their heads. And their western ideas of how a Japanese company should behave or what they should do. But they have no right to ask a company to do anything for them, because they can vote with their wallets.

There's a small vocal community online who dislikes Nintendo for what they are, but then again, there's always a small vocal community that dislikes something.

Nintendo also disagrees with the Western world about IP, but most people call Westerners "hidoi!" when they emulate Tears of the Kingdom and do not experience it the way Nintendo wanted them (even if it is not the best visual way), because it is a matter of principle to them (Japanese are very much against anything close to plagiarism, and there are laws that are tight about creative works copying etc.)

The Western Braveheart "freedoom!" shouters need to understand that it is not an American company, nor they need to behave like one. They can have their own fights based on their principles (against emulation). And they very well may lose the battle with that and change, or find a new audience.

In the end, it is so very simple. Don't buy the products if you don't like a company, but there's no need to paint a picture that is unrealistic about Nintendo either.

MadLad333d ago

I hate virtually everything about their business practices, actually. Suing everybody for virtually anything, shooting down fan projects, games they never let devalue, their online infrastructure and how they handle BC.

They're lucky they make great games, because that's the only thing I feel they do right.

gold_drake333d ago

my issue with them, is the complete refusal to have decent tech for us.

and their odd censorship and lawsuits for modders.