Nintendo going mobile

ROAAAR

With Nintendo planning to go mobile in the near future do you think it's ever possible that they will be realeasing games on iOS, Android and... Windows 10.
I wonder if people will ever be able to download Nintendo games onto an Xbox One or how they would approach this.
Just literally a thought that popped into my head that I thought might be interesting.

Nollog

They're making dedicated games for android and ios only, so you won't get mario kart 8, super smash bros. 4, splatoon, etc.

You'll get clones of bejeweled like candy crush.

CiDeRmAn

Nothing's ever impossible but Nintendo would want to be in a terrible state for it to consider making games for other people's hardware and, I'm happy to say, they are making buckets of cash with the 3DS and is say they are turning a profit with the WiiU software as well, just not as much as they might like.
Nintendo games have always been tightly linked to the idiosyncratic nature of their hardware and, if they published for other formats, I can't help think that their games would lose something by being published on PS4 or XB1.
The future is hard to see but if say we will watch the NX and see what they are trying took achieve with it, may be pitched at PS4/XB1 level or above, it will certainly be picked apart to see if it has a hope of winning over consumers, and coming into the console battle so late may hurt it, especially against the PS4, whose lineup in 2015/16 looks pretty good.

ThisRegard

Mobile gaming is just, I dunno, a big meh for me.

Allyall

I may have misunderstood, but what I took from reading bits and pieces, is that they will still require you to own a nintendo console. With the excepetion maybe of a few old games and some that didn't sell too well.

You install a nintendo app on your phone and can play some levels or interact somehow with the games that you already will have on the e.g. NX.
The game will be far superior on the console, but will be playable on mobile device. Requiring codes/user ID/password combinations inside the app.

I am not sure where I read it, I think it was in a German or French forum, as I have a vague recollection of using Quick Translator to read it...

Now that I'm writing it, I realise it is very possible that was a theory.. Although I think it came from a 'source'..
My memory is too vague, but I've believed that since I read it. I'm going to look some more..

Star Lord

As far as I can tell, it'll be separate games for mobile, that are getting developed by the company they're partnered with, that may provide bonuses in the console games or their new loyalty program. But it will not be the same games on mobile, it'll be different, just leveraging Nintendo IPs.

CiDeRmAn

So expect the likes of Flappy Bird featuring Bullet Bill or Canabalt but with Samus instead.

Banjo

If it follows the standard Mobage pattern we'll either get a pay-to-play stat grinder gatcha-fest that masquerades as a collectable card game - think Puzzles and Dragons without the puzzle bit - or some sort of Mario Village thing where you perform repetitive tasks on long timers to get minor characters from the Nintendo Pantheon to move in, and pay if you want the big names.
(That's not to say that all of Mobage/DeNA's games are crap, but there's not a huge amount of variety and with the exception of the NimbleBits games from a few years ago most of them require you to either pay or play with psychotic dedication to get ahead).

Nollog

Allyall wrote: »

I may have misunderstood, but what I took from reading bits and pieces, is that they will still require you to own a nintendo console. With the excepetion maybe of a few old games and some that didn't sell too well.

You install a nintendo app on your phone and can play some levels or interact somehow with the games that you already will have on the e.g. NX.
The game will be far superior on the console, but will be playable on mobile device. Requiring codes/user ID/password combinations inside the app.

I am not sure where I read it, I think it was in a German or French forum, as I have a vague recollection of using Quick Translator to read it...

Now that I'm writing it, I realise it is very possible that was a theory.. Although I think it came from a 'source'..
My memory is too vague, but I've believed that since I read it. I'm going to look some more..

Sounds like you read something by IGN.

The official statement from Iwata and Nintendo is that mobile games are completely separate, and only exist to tap into that market, and get those consumers to buy real Nintendo games (and hardware).

RobbingBandit

Would love a pokemon mobile game, nes and gameboy games would be great too.

ROAAAR

/\/ollog wrote: »

Sounds like you read something by IGN.

The official statement from Iwata and Nintendo is that mobile games are completely separate, and only exist to tap into that market, and get those consumers to buy real Nintendo games (and hardware).

But they also the DS was going to be their 3rd pillar. I imagine if they're successful with their mobile games we'll see some more than flappy bird type games featuring Nintendo characters. Pokemon would be really great on mobile.

tinodz

Hideki Konno in charge of Nintendo’s mobile game development, so I expect something decent things...

His CV is...

• Mario Kart 7 (3DS, 2011) - Producer
• Nintendogs + Cats (3DS, 2011) - Producer
• Nintendo 3DS (3DS, 2011) - Producer
• DSi Sound (DSi, 2008) - Producer
• Mario Kart Wii (Wii, 2008) - Producer
• Mario Kart DS (NDS, 2005) - Producer
• Nintendogs (NDS, 2005) - Producer
• Geist (GCN, 2005) - Producer
• Luigi's Mansion (GCN, 2001) - Director
• Yoshi's Story (N64, 1997) - Director
• Mario Kart 64 (N64, 1996) - Director
• Yoshi's Island (SNES, 1995) - Director
• Super Mario Kart (SNES, 1992) - Director
• SimCity (SNES, 1991) - Director
• Super Mario World (SNES, 1990) - Map Director
• Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1988) - Map Design
• Ice Hockey (NES, 1988) - Director
• Super Mario Bros. 2 USA (NES, 1988) - Assistant Director
• Dream Factory: Heart-Pounding Panic (FDS, 1987) - Assistant Director

Mr E

It's almost time.... the first mobile game is Pokemon Shuffle on iOS and Android.

http://www.wired.com/2015/06/pokemon-shuffle-ios-android/

An obvious choice, to be fair. The 3DS version is pretty good, and Pokemon is a big draw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3DWwQmUxQ

OwaynOTT

I really think Nintnendo can do well by supplementing their console business by going into mobile domain.
I haven't downloaded a mobile game in ages but I will likely download that Pokemon game because it's pokemon.
People who haven't bought a WiiU or any recent nintendo software but had an affection for their IPs might get drawn back in by downloading these mini Nintendo bites.

CiDeRmAn

I think that's it.
This a way to gain exposure for Nintendo's IP and draw consumers to whatever the company has lined up.
A non Pokémon player plays the shuffle game on their phone and then is drawn to give Ruby Red or Sapphire Blue a shot, buying a console into the deal.
Given that the phone typically costs a multiple of the handheld the game is to be played on it seems like a clever idea.
As is keeping the real treasures for the consoles, not mobile, who would buy a Nintendo branded machine if people think they can gain a similar experience from their handset.

The_B_Man

Do you think there's that much to it?

Or is it a simple case that there is a lot of money to be made from these mobile games, and as a games company, they just want in on it?

Maybe there's some grand plan to entice users over. But maybe there's not.

CiDeRmAn

Well, as a business they are in it to make money but, they are also out to find ways to make their brand and IP's relevant and the best way to do that is to put a flavour of Nintendo into the hands of people who haven't thought about Nintendo that much in years.
People who enjoy videogames look at home consoles and see Nintendo games as specifically for kids. But the same people are playing Candy Crush Saga and similar cute handset based titles without a question, certainly they are not aimed at kids, despite the styling of the games, in fact the game is usually quite simple and just an engine to generate revenue from enthusiastic credit card holders. So, exposing this market to Puyo Puyo or Pang, with Nintendo IP branding, is a great way to get them to see the brand as meaning games for all.
Or so it might be.
There isn't any guarantee of money from games on mobile platforms but there is a guarantee of publicity and brand exposure.
A massive game on phones may not make a ton of money but can be the biggest title in the world, I think this is what Nintendo are aiming at, essentially an interactive advertising campaign.... here's Mario, Luigi, Pikachu, Samus, see what fun you can have with this little pinball game, now go and try Super Smash Bros

cherryghost

This turns me on

Allyall

cherryghost wrote: »

This turns me on

Gizmodo.com wrote:

I might actually cry because this beautiful phone will probably never be made.

That is me and most concepts...


Kickstarter!!!! :rolleyes:

CiDeRmAn

Christ on a bike no!
I don't want Nintendo to become another crappy handset, a handset that'll be replaced 12 months later.
A Nintendo handheld has a life span of at least 7 years, what phone were you using 7 years ago?

Allyall

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

Christ on a bike no!
I don't want Nintendo to become another crappy handset, a handset that'll be replaced 12 months later.
A Nintendo handheld has a life span of at least 7 years, what phone were you using 7 years ago?

Worst buy ever - It black screened all the time. Never repaired it properly.


But that smart boy looks gorgeous, except for Android.

CiDeRmAn

I really wanted one of those but was locked into a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc instead.
A nice android phone but, ultimately, pants for games.
Even the Nexus 6 I'm using now can't hold a candle to the content on a Gameboy Pocket or a PSP.
And emulation doesn't count...
Screen controls are a pain in the hole anyway, give me a genuine d pad any day

Allyall

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I really wanted one of those but was locked into a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc instead.
A nice android phone but, ultimately, pants for games.
Even the Nexus 6 I'm using now can't hold a candle to the content on a Gameboy Pocket or a PSP.
And emulation doesn't count...
Screen controls are a pain in the hole anyway, give me a genuine d pad any day

You were lucky. I stil have mine.
It's in a drawer, waiting for me to one day fix it myself.
It went back to Sony twice after initially being replaced. I knew it was something to do with the ribbon cable attaching the screen to the D-pad, but as it was under warranty...

Anyway..
bad memories.

Android is a terrible (realistically) os. very unstable, updates will be coming for so log we'll have all moved on.
That smart boy would be complete if it was nintendos OS with a phone/text app.

Warawara Plaza on it (with all of your contacts) :eek: *drooolss*

Feck it, lash the whole Wii U OS on to it...

OwaynOTT

CiDeRmAn wrote: »

I really wanted one of those but was locked into a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc instead.
A nice android phone but, ultimately, pants for games.
Even the Nexus 6 I'm using now can't hold a candle to the content on a Gameboy Pocket or a PSP.
And emulation doesn't count...
Screen controls are a pain in the hole anyway, give me a genuine d pad any day

Jesus, the Arc! Poor you.

CiDeRmAn

OwaynOTT wrote: »

Jesus, the Arc! Poor you.

Well, it was the slightly buffed Arc S, slightly mind you.
Moved on to the Samsung S4.... before dropping it

sligeach

Discover Pokémon in the Real World with Pokémon GO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sj2iQyBTQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sj2iQyBTQs

TOKYO, JAPAN -- September 10, 2015 -- The Pokémon Company, Niantic, Inc., and Nintendo Co., Ltd. today announced their collaboration on a new project for mobile devices called Pokémon GO. This ground breaking mobile game will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Pokémon GO will be available for download at no charge on the App Store and Google Play in 2016.

In the past, the Pokémon video game series has used real world locations like the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, as well as New York and Paris, as inspiration for its fantasy settings. In Pokémon GO, players will be able to catch, trade, and battle in the real world by utilizing location information. Pokémon GO's gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen as players explore their neighborhoods, communities and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players. Junichi Masuda, game director of the Pokémon video game series at GAME FREAK inc. will be contributing to the project. His involvement will ensure that the fun of Pokémon makes its way into Pokémon GO, while developing new types of gameplay and thinking of ways to connect this project with the main series of Pokémon video games. In-app purchases will be available in Pokémon GO.

"Our challenge was to develop a great game for smart phone devices that expressed the core values of Pokémon," said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. "Pokémon GO is the answer to that challenge."

"Pokémon GO is a wonderful combination of Niantic's real world gaming platform and one of the most beloved franchises in popular culture," said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, Inc. "Our partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo is an exciting step forward in real-world gaming and using technology to help players discover the world and people around them."

Here’s what we know thus far:

– For smartphones
– Out next year
– Niantic Labs (startup from Google, now independent) is making the game
– Nintendo is also on board for the project, along with The Pokemon Company
– Started out 2 years ago
– Satoru Iwata was pretty involved
– Meet up in the real world to play together, go on adventures
– Vision shared by Pokemon president Tsunekazu Ishihara and Iwata
– Capture Pokemon
– They will inhabit parks, countryside, places around the world
– One of the original creators of Pokemon, Junichi Masuda (Game Freak), is working on the game
– Seek out Pokemon, capture them, use them to battle other players
– Will have a lot of depth so it can be enjoyed by players of various ages
– Will use real location information
– Masuda is thinking about how it will connect with future Pokemon games
– Alongside Nintendo, they’ve come up with a device to perform certain actions without having to put down your screen: Pokemon Go Plus (Bluetooth enabled)
– This uses a LED and vibration to notify players of things happening in-game
– Game can be enjoyed without the accessory
– Focused on how players would look when making Pokemon Go Plus
– Nintendo still trying to expand the gaming population

Pokémon GO will be available for download at no charge on the App Store and Google Play. In-app purchases will be available.

Mr E

Great concept and great trailer. The kids are going to love it.

The kids.... just the kids....

That'll be absolutely HUGE in Japan.

sligeach

That trailer was great marketing BS.

CiDeRmAn

It's going to be huge here!
Though I have never enjoyed Pokémon so

OwaynOTT

Great idea. Get people out exploring, part of quality of life?

smokingman

I've played Ingress, what this is based on, from the same developer and it was pretty amazing. I didn't get into it as crazily as a few others in my office but they organised the "taking" of an area somewhere in Dublin every weekend and all drove somewhere to do the deed and then go drinking.
They'd stop off on their commutes in the morning to make sure their areas were secure and there was plenty of banter about how some weirdos had taken exit 13 of the M50 overnight...

This, with Pokemon, might drive my diesel bills up....

Banjo

considering the fun we had when google integrated Pokemon into googlemaps for a day (hey, wasn't that 2 years ago, around the time Pokemon GO! is said to have started development?) this is going to be great. As long as they haven't partnered with Ryanair, and a load of shiny legendaries start popping up in small airfields about 40 miles from major capital cities.

Hope the game doesn't have high demands or require a lot of data use- it would be great to get a couple of cheap phones, share out my data connection and go on an Ursaring hunt with the kids.

Mr E

You'd have to wonder what the in app purchases are going to be. I suspect pokeballs.

"Holy crap, I just found a Mewtwo in the mens room in Copperface Jacks, but I'm all out of Pokeballs". *Buy*

Heh... or you're standing outside the ladies and the GPS says there is a rare pokemon in there. Do you? Do you?

CastorTroy

"What are you doing in here?!?"
"I'm looking for a Poke-"*Slap*

Surely it'd be dangerous hunting for water Pokemon. "A 34 year old man drowned today while looking at his phone when walking into a lake"

Then there's the cost of replacement mobiles from people throwing their pones as Pokeballs.

CiDeRmAn

It could be a clever way to mainstream geo caching.

CastorTroy

They have to make sure it's something that's universally available. Like someone in Donegal doesn't have to travel to Dublin.

Myrddin

I'll expose my complete ignorance of all things Pokemon, and state how the marketing video looked to my eye:

1) Your phone directs you where to go to collect these pokemon characters.
2) You use the wristband thing to capture them?
3) You can play & trade with other players via your phone
4) You can co-operatively play with many others against the game?

Is that the basic jist of it? Even while I know nothing of Pokemon, this kind of thing will be massive in Japan I reckon

cherryghost

Sounds cool, would be really interested if certain pokemon only appear in certain regions. No doubt we'll have Pidgeys -_-

smokingman

cherryghost wrote: »

Sounds cool, would be really interested if certain pokemon only appear in certain regions. No doubt we'll have Pidgeys -_-

Nah, they'll be mostly in Roscommon ...

Allyall

If Nintendo came out with something like the hololens and released pokemon on that.. :eek::eek:

Myrddin

Allyall wrote: »

If Nintendo came out with something like the hololens and released pokemon on that.. :eek::eek:

I had the same thought!

K.O.Kiki

I can't be the only one who thinks everyone in that promo video looked like an utter twat, right?

Mr E

Update on DeNA games due today in Japan earnings call.

http://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-sharing-first-details-about-debut-mobile-game-later-tonight/

sligeach

Nintendo's investor meeting starts in Japan in less than half an hour. We should get first details on at least one of their mobile games. I don't care about that myself personally. I want to hear news on new Nintendo Wii U games or more news about Zelda U.

sligeach

The new smartphone game will be “Miitomo”. It will be free to play, with attractive add-ons that people can pay for. Other smartphone games will be pay-to-download. Miitomo is the first of five smartphone apps that Nintendo plans to release by March 2017. Looks like Miis go ahead and communicate with other Miis without your knowledge. This will help people who are hesitant to talk about themselves to communicate with others, and reveal a side of your friends you never knew.

Star Lord

It seems to be essentially a mobile adaptation and expansion of Tamodachi Life, or at least similar to that in some regards.

CliCliW

One fellow I saw comment on it said it sounded more like a miiverse for your phone than a Nintendo social network

Star Lord

It's neither, it's a game akin to Tamodachi Life according to pretty much everything I've read. And it'll have microtransactions for new clothes, etc...

CliCliW

Hmm.. well I'll probably end up downloading it cause Nintendo