Nintendo's "Secrecy" in Regards to NX Revealed
Nintendo is a lot of things, but rarely are they too secretive. They’ll hold back information for a better time, but usually we get an inkling of what to expect from them. In regards to their upcoming new console, codenamed NX, we don’t have much at all. We do know that it’s intended to be a “dedicated gaming platform with a brand-new concept”, and that it will more than likely integrate with the new membership system Nintendo is making along with DeNA. However, the question still remains, why all the secrecy? Nintendo President Satoru Iwata spoke today at an investors meeting about the secrecy, why not only they won’t speak on it, but why it’s important they don’t.
Iwata said, “We can’t talk about the NX. If we do, competitors may take our ideas and customers won’t be surprised.”
That’s very interesting, as Nintendo of all people does know what happens when a company (or companies) sees an idea that might make them money, they copy it. That’s what Xbox 360 and PS3 did in regards to motion controls during the last generation. Then, there’s the concern that the focus on NX is a detractor from the Wii U, Mr. Iwata shot that down:
“This would not be beneficial for the company or its shareholders. The NX is new hardware, and will start from 0. However, the 3DS and Wii U have install bases. Immediately cutting off software for previous hardware upon the release of a new machine is inefficient. We will continue making 3DS and Wii software while preparing for the NX. We are prioritizing satisfying customers who purchased the Wii U.”
So according to Iwata, Nintendo is focused on giving us a good console for the next console war, but also will remain focused on this generation and giving gamers the best possible games for the Wii U and 3DS.