14 DAY TRIAL // Nintendo is preparing to launch the new 3DS handheld in late February, but it seems that the company might have some problems this year in the home console space, where there's no sign that it is working to launch a new version of the Wii.
Speaking to IndustryGamers, Michael Pachter, who is the best known analyst watching the video game industry, has said, “With as much respect for Nintendo management as I can muster, I think Nintendo’s completely blown it with their second generation Wii strategy.”
He explained, “I think they have the mentality that to launch a new they have to retire the old, and I think that’s wrong. I think the right strategy would have been to get a second generation Wii out and keep the old Wii at the same time, and have the second generation be the natural progression upgrade model.”
The analyst then threw in a comparison with the car industry, talking about how Mercedes introduces new models, saying that Nintendo should learn something from those who offer a lot of versions of their products, allowing some customers to get to know a stripped down product and then get an advanced version.
Michael Pachter also noticed that both Sony and Microsoft had managed to successfully launch motion tracking systems, the Move and the Kinect, which take away the unique selling point that the Wii had.
This means that the console will find it even harder to attract gamers who are looking for a well-rounded gaming platform.
There have been rumors that Nintendo is working on a new version of the Wii, which could allow gamers to experience High Definition graphics and will have more computing power, while also incorporating all the functionality offered by the Motion Plus technology.
With the 3DS coming to all territories before the end of March, an announcement could be made at the E3 trade show.