Nintendo has always been a familiar and friendly name in the video games arena. They seem to have immortalized their characters more than any other system. Mario for example, is known to almost anyone who has ever played video games. Things were hard fought with the Gamecube this time around, and they finished third behind Microsoft and Sony in the console market. They did however dominate the handheld market, but the Gamecube itself took a beating. Prices had to be dropped quite early for Nintendo to make a push towards keeping it close with the Xbox.
What will happen this time around? Will it be the same old story, or will they come out with a system that truly will be a Revolution to the console market? It's a bit early to say, but we'll take an early look, and see what Nintendo has to offer.
Revolution Strengths:
Price:There is very little doubt that the Revolution will be the lowest priced console when it released in fall of 2006. Sony looks to release it's PS3 anywhere from $300 to $400 US (depending on what rumors you believe), The Xbox 360 should at the $300 US mark. Expect the Revolution to be $250 max, and potentially hovering around $200 US. This should give Nintendo some sort of edge for us consumers that don't want to spend an arm and a leg for a system.
Size:This will easily be the smallest of all systems. The company says the machine will be no thicker than three DVD cases
stacked flatly on top of each other. This makes for a nice sleek footprint. especially when it is stacked like shown below.
Simplicity:Sony and Microsoft are pushing an all in one entertainment hub on the masses with their next gen consoles. Nintendo has purposefully taken a different route. They are actually 100% dedicated to making a games machine. What a concept! Nintendo is hoping that focusing entirely on games will produce a machine that is strictly geared for fun. Not Online services, photo editing, playing music. It's a move that probably makes the most sense for their position. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo can't lose money on a maxed out "do it all" machine. This way they keep costs down, and can get get a console into our hands for cheaper.
The design and look of the console itself is also a plus in my mind. Black shows less grime and dirt after extended play. A very simple design, but to the point. I like it!
Controller:Will this controller that Nintendo speaks of truly bring a revolution to the gaming world? Little is known, but expect it to make you think different about gaming. But will it be effective for all types of games? The controller should be innovative, but not so much so that it takes a long time to learn. Or make some games harder to play than others because of the control scheme.
This could be what digs Nintendo out of the depths, or it could be a nail in the coffin. Expect something cool though. It's encouraging that at least one company is doing something different with game play. Sony has done this a bit with Eye Toy, but Nintendo could really set themselves apart. If it catches on, expect Microsoft to once again rip off someone else's idea in the Xbox 3. ; )
Game Franchises:Expect to see a lot of fun coming again out of the Mario franchise. Many point to games like these as kiddies games, but there is no doubt that they are a load of fun to play for many millions of people. Zelda is one to watch, as well as other family friendly games. Parents can feel a bit more secure in buying a system that isn't all about fps and crime.
Nintendo is also being quite smart in allowing people to play almost any game that has ever been released on the Nintendo system. They will be able to download these games online. What not is known is whether Nintendo will charge for this service. Expect some sort of price tag to be placed on this service. Which is too bad. Nintendo will need any kind of edge they can get, and free games would be a nice advantage.
Revolution Weaknesses:
Not Nearly as Many Developers Besides a handful of tier one developers working on some of the Nintendo staples, there is very little in the way of game developers for the system. Of course for a company to release the console that is dedicated 100% towards games, it kind of hurts not to have as many developers on board. This has hurt Nintendo before, and it should hurt them once again.
Release Date: Considering that they finished last in the market with it's Gamecube, Nintendo really needed a quick start with their new system. It looks like that won't be happening. Expect the Revolution to be released last out of the three consoles, around Christmas of 2006. Without offering something that will grab the attention of gamers who will probably already own either a PS3 or Xbox 360, Nintendo could really big in a world of hurt.
Power: They're not exactly bragging about the power of the Revolution. When Nintendo doesn't show any demos at E3, says power is not important, and mentions a controller instead, they are either excited about who they are approaching gaming this time around, or they are worried that the Revolution won't stack up against the others.
No High Def and Other Cut Down Features: With an attempt to cut costs, the Revolution will be lacking some features that are present on the PS3 and Xbox 360. The first thing that stands out is the lack of high definition output. Both Sony and Microsoft are embracing this higher res format, which will add extra punch to games if you have a TV that supports HD. Also expect less ports and expandability, which many won't care about mind you.
Up in the Air:
Will the Revolution change the way we play games? Is this the way people will want to play games? The controller really will have to offer an exciting way to play and make things a lot more fun.
Bottom Line:
Nintendo is losing market share on the console market. With a late release, lack of power under the hood, and more and more developers jumping ship to either Sony or Microsoft, expect a hard ride this time around with the Revolution. And some thought last round was a hard kick in the teeth for Nintendo.
This could be the knockout blow for Nintendo that sends the company into a strictly software company much like Sega. Gameboy has saved their butts before, but it's unclear whether the DS will dominate with the PSP starting to pick up some of the hand held market.
