Nintendo started its operations in 1889. The Japanese multinational video gaming company experienced a fair share of hits and misses with its console products. One major bump that the Kyoto-based giant suffered from was its Wii U console; but because of continuous efforts made by the company’s developers, Nintendo was able to get back on its feet.
Taking Notes and Moving Forward
Nintendo expected consumers to embrace Wii U. Creators say it was a promising successor to Wii that has marketed a record-breaking 100 million units throughout its whole existence. However, unlike the original console, Wii U had a different story. It failed to impress the crowd when it debuted in 2012. Wii U only sold less than 15 million units around the globe.
According to experts, Wii U does not have a clear description of what it is and what it wants. From the moment it was presented at the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Wii U already confused the spectators because of how it was designed. The follow-up device is a GamePad controller that has an exceptional motion-sensitive screen pad.
Rhodri Broadbent, a veteran developer at Dakko Dakko, said, “The fact that Wii U did not come bundled with a Wii Remote was really disappointing to me. I felt that the identity of the Wii Remote was worth continuing and that combining the jump to HD visuals with the jump to ‘HD motion control’ of the ‘Wii Remote Plus’ would have been a smart play. In terms of marketing, the Wii Remote was iconic from the get-go, whereas the GamePad sadly did not really get to find its identity in either software or marketing. There were some truly excellent, best in class games released for Wii U, but very few of them gave life or character to the GamePad.”
The market revenue of Nintendo has then plummeted into the ground. The downfall forced the Japanese company to cease the production of the Wii U in late 2016. However, instead of giving up, Nintendo pulled it together and came up with a fresh new start.
The Kyoto-based company rose from the ashes and revived its image. In March of 2017, Nintendo was able to launch a new console called Switch, which aims to bring Nintendo back to its days of glory.
Despite being in its second year, the new hybrid gaming console is already generating more revenue and has defeated some of its predecessors. Switch made it possible for Nintendo to achieve an estimated revenue of $9.5 billion and its operating profit increased to $1.6 billion. Now, reports are suggesting that by March 2019, Nintendo could market more than 20 million units of Switch.
The following are the reasons why Switch became the fastest-selling console in the history of the United States:
- Switch is cheaper and has a simpler hardware compared to Wii U and other competing consoles. It only costs $299, which is more affordable than PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that cost $399 and $499 respectively.
- Switch is a flexible console suited for everyone. Gamers can play the hybrid device on a television and can be set into a dock.
- Popular Nintendo games such as Super Mario: Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 2, and Mario Kart 8 are all included in Switch.
- Switch has reputable video game developers like Ubisoft, EA, and Bethesda.
Sony And Microsoft Giving Nintendo a Run For Its Money
In an action video game, it is normal to have opponents – and for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are two of its top competitors. The Kyoto-based company cannot afford to pull another Wii U stunt if it does not want either Microsoft or Sony to steal the number one position.
Sony is a well-known multinational business from Tokyo, Japan that focuses on gaming, electronics, entertainment, and financial services sectors. CEO Kenichiro Yoshida founded the company in 1946. Sony was able to achieve more because of its projected revenue of $119.2 billion. The Tokyo-based company sold more than 60 million PlayStation 4 consoles since it started producing them.
It entices consumers to purchase the consoles through their exclusive games such as Persona 5, Gravity Rush 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, Nioh, and Nier: Automata. This year, Sony promises to release other iconic video games like Spider-Man, Shadow of the Colossus, Days Gone, Detroit: Become Human, and the famous, God of War.
The Tokyo-based conglomerate also highlighted its incorporation of virtual reality in its consoles. People expect great things from Sony, especially because top investors like AirMap, Cogitai, and DigiLens are backing it.
Another strong player in the video game scene is Microsoft. Since 1975, the Washington-based company has been creating innovative products, and one of which is a gaming console.
Satya Nadella is the CEO of Microsoft. He said developing consumer electronics, laptops, personal computers, and software is not an easy task. Now, the global firm is trying to prove that it could make a bold impact in the video game industry.
Microsoft recently introduced the Xbox One X at the 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo and it impressed many consumers. To-date, the 4K-capable home device is the most dominant console on the market. Although Xbox One X has a hefty price, it promises a great deal of experience for the players. Xbox One X offers top of the chart video games like the following:
- Crackdown 3
- State of Decay 2
- Forza Motorsport 7
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Sea of Thieves.
The video game industry is not all fun and games. Behind the well-made graphics and heart-pounding background music, a stiff competition is taking place.
As Nintendo struggled, it opened doors for Sony and Microsoft to take place. However, the determination to push through became its ticket to success. Many people consider the video game industry as an underrated market. Showcasing the growing market to the larger audience is clearly creating a bold impact on the society. The video game industry is employing thousands of people around the world.
