This past week was historic but not in a good way for Nintendo. Nintendo announced a loss for the first time and this could be attributed to the effect that smart phones and tablets have on the console gaming industry. Nintendo has been facing decaying sales numbers for their consoles (Wii and 3DS) over the last few quarters. The fact that they made their first ever loss would definitely put more pressure on them to deliver something big and I mean BIG.
Regular readers will be aware that Sony and Microsoft are also facing similar issues and it may continue. The problem is quite simple, not one of Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo had any per-warning to the effect that the iPad and iPhone would have on their gaming divisions. There have been millions of iDevices sold. At the rate which Apple sales are growing, it is a matter of time before Apple joins Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo in the console gaming ecosystem.
Microsoft has made no public comment when the Xbox 720 will be launched. Sony has been tight lipped over the Sony PlayStation 4 but both companies are increasingly in need of a product that will re-energize their sales. The one company that has not even been mentioned is Nintendo. What is launching after the Nintendo Wii? Is the Nintendo 3DS going to be updated with a new product?
Nintendo has been put on notice by competitors… How Nintendo responds in the coming months will provide clues as to their future.
