14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo, is the main executive inside the company responsible for the decision to not launch versions of major franchises like Mario and Zelda for mobile phones, which has been generating a lot of tension inside the company.
NintendoEverything quotes information from a Japanese newspaper which has a source at the hardware maker and video game publisher, who reportedly explains that no other leader is able to impose his opinion on the matter.
Satoru Iwata is seen by many as too focused on gaming consoles, like the Wii U and the 3DS, and unable to understand how important mobile devices and always-connected experiences are for the modern video game world.
The source also claims that some are aiming to relieve the president of Nintendo from his position, although it's unclear how they would be able to accomplish this goal.
The company recently announced that it would allow a limited number of apps to be launched on smartphones, serving as companions to the full games that would continue to appear exclusively on its own hardware.
Satoru Iwata says that the Wii U home console still has the potential to deliver major sales for Nintendo in the coming years, as long as the company can deliver major video games launches which can attract gamers, like the recently launched Mario Kart 8.
Later this year, players will get access to Super Smash Bros., although the date is not yet confirmed, which is expected to significantly boost sales of the platform and of the 3DS.
Next year, the Wii U will also get access to the newly revealed The Legend of Zelda title, which is designed to use an open world structure and will deliver a re-imagined set of mechanics that will appeal to modern gamers and to long-term fans at the same time.
Nintendo is also getting ready to launch its new line of Amiibo figurines in the fall, with Mario leading the way, giving players an experience that can compete with both Disney Infinity and Skylanders.
The company will create toys that can store info and will act like virtual characters that can be upgraded as they evolve, creating a complex new set of experiences.
Nintendo is also working on a new line of Quality of Life experiences, which have been trademarked in many territories and might be officially unveiled before the end of the year.