If you were Nintendo, what would you do?

[Andromeda Stardust]

So?

 

We're talking about Nintendo. They earn nothing off that homebrew creation that scavenges parts from systems that Nintendo manufactured decades ago.

 

All new manufactured parts. No stock hardware destroyed. Also got a new controller too. Here's some pics of the prototype...

 

Edited November 23, 2014 by stardust4ever

[Atariboy]

Ugly...

 

Did they change plans mid-stream? Perhaps I'm mistaking it for another project. I believe that several HDMI NES projects are underway at the moment. At least one of which utilizes original components for maximum accuracy.

 

Either way, I don't think that low end clones or high end hobbyiest creations like this would deter the market for a new run of official NES hardware. Many would be customers of something like you linked to would be buying the Nintendo version just to keep sealed and on a shelf, if nothing else.

Edited November 23, 2014 by Atariboy

[toptenmaterial]

Locking downloads to one specific system at a time is killing them. I don't know why they don't abandon this archaic policy.

[Andromeda Stardust]

Ugly...

 

Did they change plans mid-stream? Perhaps I'm mistaking it for another project. I believe that several HDMI NES projects are underway at the moment. At least one of which utilizes original components for maximum accuracy.

 

Either way, I don't think that low end clones or high end hobbyiest creations like this would deter the market for a new run of official NES hardware. Many would be customers of something like you linked to would be buying the Nintendo version just to keep sealed and on a shelf, if nothing else.

The prototype is clear plastic but the production model will use the same colors as the mockup.

 

You're probably confusing the HDMI NES (now called AVS) with the overpriced Analogue NES which is made from canablized hardware and sells for $500 with optional HDMI scaler. Brian's AVS is 100% digital/FPGA, updatable firmware, selectable aspect ratio and scanlines, built in Game Genie and Scoreboard support, comes with digital turbo controller (that can also be used with original NES), much cheaper, and will basically knock the Analogue out of the ballpark.

[Nebulon]

So?

 

We're talking about Nintendo. They earn nothing off that homebrew creation that scavenges parts from systems that Nintendo manufactured decades ago.

 

People would want one because it's a brand new official Nintendo Entertainment System in 201X. I have no doubt that there would be a lot of money to be made there.

 

But again, compared to just a single hit game if you have a successful piece of hardware, it's still small potatoes and is likely why Nintendo doesn't bother with it. Would take too much capital and offer too small of a return for Nintendo.

 

And most of all, no longevity. They sell you a new NES and then where are they? With a modern system, they can count on a stream of continuing sales from a customer. A replica NES would be one and done unless they had the foolish idea to turn the clocks back 30 years.

I know it may sound kind of crazy with all the multi-platform Retron-type consoles out there, but the real key to it is new releases. And on those grounds (and price) I still think a re-release of the NES would actually be profitable. You'd have a Nintendo-branded machine with constant new releases that also had the Nintendo stamp of approval. Brand power is worth quite a bit (and I'm not even a huge Nintendo fan).

 

The new releases would keep the demand up for the console. It would also give studios another avenue for lower-cost (and possibly more avant-garde) projects.

 

I'm also quite sure they could sell the thing for under $59.00 U.S. and still make a descent profit.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Nebulon

[+wood_jl]

It would help Nintendo to go back to a similar formula to what worked for them the last time in the past, namely, the Super Nintendo. That system had superior graphics, superior sound, superior controller, and exclusive games. Since then, we've had lots of gimmicky things that attempted to "buck" industry trends, rather than conquer those trends as the Super Nintendo did.

 

- The N64 using cartridges, where N64 CD (like Playstation, Saturn, 3DO, whatever else) would have been badass and like a "Super PSX"

- The N64 using the oversized and heavy 3-tit controller that forced a choice between analog stick and the L1 shoulder button. What were they thinking?

- The Gamecube not being able to play DVDs (because of tiny discs) at a time when DVD playback was of monumental importance

- The Gamecube looking like a purple child's toy with a little lunch pail handle

- The Wii being little more than modified Gamecube, rather than true technical competition for 360/PS3 as SNES was to Genesis, although Wii had success it didn't last

- The stupid names like "Wii" and then "Wii U" which were meant to be intriguing but ended up being confusing. Once they went with "Wii" should have been "Super Wii" followup

- The overpriced/under-utilized Wii U controller - when just re-using the Wii controllers would have worked

 

However, in light of all this negativity, I am happy to own all of these Nintendo systems, because the games are so good. They are, but Nintendo could do better with the hardware, marketing strategy, and game release schedule. As imperfect as their strategies have been and as critical as I've been above, I still really enjoy the Nintendo systems and I wish them future success because the fewer companies there are in this business, the worse it will become in the future.

[Atariboy]

The problem with that is their reputation. You'd follow them and I'd follow them (I'd be there either way ), but many wouldn't. They've gone their own way for so long now that changing course wouldn't be easy. So it will take more than providing the most powerful hardware to make a dent in retaking that lost ground.

 

Can they afford perhaps multiple generations of fighting just to again be competitive on a direct basis to the competition? Took them 20 years to get in this position, so it won't be a quick climb out of it.

 

While I'd love it if I could easily just stick with Nintendo for my console gaming, I also really don't mind the thought of Nintendo hardware just having Nintendo games with just the occasional exception.

 

So I'm hoping the handheld/console deal is how they go. Their software resources are spread a bit too thinly across two completely separate lines, but consolidate and I think that not only reinvigorates their console ambitions, but will at the same time save the handheld business that seems to be just a step behind the console at the moment.

 

I think that could pay immediate dividends.

Edited November 25, 2014 by Atariboy

[Andromeda Stardust]

Between Retro and modern, my backlog is big enough that I don't need all those third party games. Maybe I'm just blind to the times, but 1st and 2nd party Nintendo games had that magic back in the day, and unlike most developers, they still got it today. With the Sony/MS consoles, the magic is mostly lost, albeit with an occasional spark of brilliance that's an exception to the rule, like say Little Big Planet. That one game made me buy a PS3. And BluRay. Still I only own a half dozen or so games for PS3, and tons for Wii/Wii-U...

[Asaki]

- The stupid names like "Wii" and then "Wii U" which were meant to be intriguing but ended up being confusing.

I don't think the name is any more confusing than something like "XBox One", but they certainly got a little too excited over the gamepad. Most people thought the gamepad was a new controller for the old Wii, and they never put too much effort into re-explaining it.

 

My friend, who is certainly not ignorant, even thought this was true. He grabbed the gamepad and turned on the power on our old Wii, I had to explain to him that he was doing it wrong.

[Andromeda Stardust]

My friend, who is certainly not ignorant, even thought this was true. He grabbed the gamepad and turned on the power on our old Wii, I had to explain to him that he was doing it wrong.

:rolling:

[thegamezmaster]

All new manufactured parts. No stock hardware destroyed. Also got a new controller too. Here's some pics of the prototype...

 

 

Saw this and wondered what is it? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

[Andromeda Stardust]

 

Saw this and wondered what is it? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

A 100% compatable FPGA NES that plays all Famicom and NES games, accessories and outputs 720p over HDMI. Built in Game Genie and Scoreboard (connect live to PC and upload high scores to a special server hosted by Nintendo Age).

 

Unlike the Retron5 which is a glorified ROM dumper that uses stolen emulators, the AVS fully emulates the cart bus in real time, meaning all games will run flawlessly as they would on original hardware, even flash carts.

Edited November 27, 2014 by stardust4ever

[Jinks]

The retron5 looks awesome..

[BydoEmpire]

Fix their interfaces. Stop with the stuff that gets in the way of turning on a console and playing a game: namely, the Wii's seizure warning screen every boot, and having to click on the game from the main menu, then click 'play'. Not the end of the world, but annoying. Just boot the the darn game, already, or give me an option to do that automatically and turn it off if I wish. The Wii U's user interface is even worse. Looks like it was built in three weeks by an intern.

[Jinks]

Wii u has a quick start menu? U no like?

[Andromeda Stardust]

Fix their interfaces. Stop with the stuff that gets in the way of turning on a console and playing a game: namely, the Wii's seizure warning screen every boot, and having to click on the game from the main menu, then click 'play'. Not the end of the world, but annoying. Just boot the the darn game, already, or give me an option to do that automatically and turn it off if I wish. The Wii U's user interface is even worse. Looks like it was built in three weeks by an intern.

I'm happy with the Wii-U interface. While it would be nice to add Wiiware and Wii VC titles to the Wii-U menu like how you can run DS and DSi games from the native 3DS interface, it's not a deal breaker to spend an extra 10 seconds booting into Wii mode if I wanna access my transferred games. Checking online guides on the web browser while suspending gameplay is a very useful bonus.

 

My Wii nearly died after several years running hot from sitting in standby mode. Luckily I was able to complete a system transfer to Wii-U despite it developing a problem with memory corruption. I'm not taking that chance with Wii-U, hence I have standby mode disabled. I fear Wii-U may be the last Nintendo home console running on Power architecture (potentially meaning no more b/c with future consoles), so I want to preserve mine as long as possible. Knowing that "off" really means "off" will help.

 

As a result, quick-boot is lost on me. My 3DS, on the other hand, stays in Standby 24/7 for Streetpass and pedometer.

Edited December 27, 2014 by stardust4ever

[Video]

A 100% compatable FPGA NES that plays all Famicom and NES games, accessories and outputs 720p over HDMI. Built in Game Genie and Scoreboard (connect live to PC and upload high scores to a special server hosted by Nintendo Age).

 

Unlike the Retron5 which is a glorified ROM dumper that uses stolen emulators, the AVS fully emulates the cart bus in real time, meaning all games will run flawlessly as they would on original hardware, even flash carts.

Neat, I take it from the photos that it's planned to use up to four controllers? That would be an awesome built in feature if it did. Would it work with CRT (love some shooters) or original controllers?

 

I will say (while lack of experience, due to not having one in hand) that that controller looks HELLA uncomfortable to hold. Could be wrong. The console, if that's a final or even close to it, case design looks cool IMO though.

[Andromeda Stardust]

Neat, I take it from the photos that it's planned to use up to four controllers? That would be an awesome built in feature if it did. Would it work with CRT (love some shooters) or original controllers?

 

I will say (while lack of experience, due to not having one in hand) that that controller looks HELLA uncomfortable to hold. Could be wrong. The console, if that's a final or even close to it, case design looks cool IMO though.

The controller has some advanced turbo features but you can use original controllers as well, or the new controllers on retro systems. Light Guns will theoretically work with the system (for instance the system can detect light and trigger pulls), however because the zapper light gun relies on a scanning electron beam strobing at 15khz, it is not compatible with any existing HD displays. Due to fact the console outputs 720p to an HD display instead of 240p to a CRT, existing zapper games simply won't work. You will be proud to know that the HDMI NES works with Arkanoid / Vaus, PowerPad, and any other accessory controllers which utilize D3 and D4 on the controller ports.

[AtticGamer]

I would start by developing a system like Android where the games scale to more or less powerful hardware, but with only two variables (handheld and home console). Make the handheld as powerful as possible so the console can aim for its graphics in 1080p with better assets and be comparable to PS4/XBO.

 

Clear marketing. Call the systems Nintendo 7 and Nintendo 7 Go. Both run the same games. They could go either way on this: optical media + download code for handheld and console, or cartridges, which would be less ideal. The first method would require Nintendo to have an account based online system that is modern.

 

Make 3D Zelda and 3D Metroid not boring, and new 2D entries in the series.

 

Expand dev teams and make some new games like Metroid that don't have a completely kid-friendly image.

 

Finally, not expiring stars/coins on Club Nintendo. Bastards.

[Asaki]

They could go either way on this: optical media + download code for handheld and console, or cartridges, which would be less ideal.

Optical media uses up too much battery (something Sony learned the hard way).

[Atariboy]

He's not suggesting optical for handheld use.

 

The problem with his idea is what prevents someone from using their download code on their Nintendo handheld, and trading in the disc?

 

The fate of physical media in a hybrid handheld/console world is my sole concern with the idea since I fear that they'd go all digital instead. Optical media simply isn't a good match for handhelds, yet nothing else offers the capacity and low cost of optical media.

[AtticGamer]

Optical media uses up too much battery (something Sony learned the hard way).

 

When I said handheld and console I meant the download code only.

 

As for using the disc somewhere else, it's just like everything else. Disc is free, digital is for the user only. The issue would be having both in the same case and people buying one game and giving the code and keeping the disc.

 

Cartridges would be feasible only if they decreased their royalty costs, and even then a 32GB or 64GB would be expensive, even if based on flash media.

Edited January 8, 2015 by AtticGamer

[Andromeda Stardust]

He's not suggesting optical for handheld use.

 

The problem with his idea is what prevents someone from using their download code on their Nintendo handheld, and trading in the disc?

 

The fate of physical media in a hybrid handheld/console world is my sole concern with the idea since I fear that they'd go all digital instead. Optical media simply isn't a good match for handhelds, yet nothing else offers the capacity and low cost of optical media.

Well, rumor mill has it that Nintendo may create a unified console/portable hybrid platform next generation. Another experimental console in the works. Will it be a hit or a dud? Who knows...

 

And with the availability of cheap storage per Gb, all generation 9 consoles will likely ditch the disc drive and go digital download only. Knock about 50-70 bucks off the console price by removing the drive. They will sell download code cards at retail outlets like Gamestop and Amazon, much like Nintendo is already doing now, to cater to the brick & mortar stores who stock their merchandise, and also allow people to purchase games with cash if they don't have a credit card (most minors fit this category).

 

Sony and Microsoft will probably have x86-64 CPUs with 12 or 16 cores, and a GPU sporting an ungodly amount of threads and Gazillions or RAM. PS4 and Xbone user accounts with digital downloaded games will be backwards compatible but discs will not work. Way to stick it to disc lovers! As a bonus, their exhaust vents will double as an expensive hair dryer substitute.

 

Once again, Nintendo will screw the pooch by choosing a different CPU architecture to the rest. Nintendo will likely abandon the aging Power architecture in favor of a beefy ARM. Everyone will decry Nintendo's choice of tech. They will also laugh at Nintendo's "unified" console, dubbed "Nintablet" which consists of a revised Gamepad without the need for a separate console, and an auxillary display port output for big screen gaming solo or with friends. Display Port -> HDMI adapter required for older sets.

 

The new hybrid console will use the Wii-U Pro controllers for multiplayer, but Wiimotes will be retired as incompatible. Take the Nintablet on the go for gaming anywhere, or plug it into the 4k HDTV for a more immersive experience. As per usual, 1st party titles will be amazing, but expect 3rd party games to be limited to Android/iOS ports with alternate control schemes. The Nintablet will be backwards compatible with 2DS but not Wii-U. A legacy 3DS card slot will be made available on early models to support legacy physical media, only to be removed in a later revision. It also comes in 3 sizes: Lite, XL, and Grande Deluxe.

 

And yes, for the first time, it supports seamless account transfer between Nintablets and automatic daily cloud backups for account info and save data. Users can specify a Primary Nintablet, and up to three secondary Nintablets, for use by family or children. Families with multiple Nintablets can play offscreen multiplayer using online or offline local wireless connection.

 

No need to call Nintendo support if your Nintablet is broken, lost, or stolen. Login to a new Nintablet with your account, set it as primary device, download the most recent cloud backup, and should your old device ever connect to the server it will be reset to factory default for a potential new user, unless it was reported stolen in which case it will be deactivated to prevent resale of stolen goods. Units marked as "stolen" can only be reactivated by the original owner, should it happen to be returned, or by Nintendo. Resale stores like Gamestop will scan the serial upon receiving the Nintablet to initiate a factory reset and verify it was not stolen. Users who sell their current Nintablet are free to use the cloud backup to seamlessly restore it to a new device. Unbelievable that Nintendo got it right this time!

 

Also to keep initial costs low, a 5G mobile communications add-on will be made available post launch but will not be included by default, except in select Grande models sold at participating authorized dealers. Data contract with a supported carrier required to use 5G dongle. Check your cellular provider for details.

 

This is the future, my friends, for I have seen it.

 

PS - Marty McFly, if you're still around to read this, I crashed your DeLorian...

Edited January 9, 2015 by stardust4ever

[Clint Thompson]

Short and simple: I would work on a console that surpasses the PS4/One spec-wise with a few years into the cycle of the others for a mid-range 1UP and then really develop the hell out of some serious adult titles.

 

After all, isn't it about time Nintendo grows up?

[Inky]

Create a console that can use the DS as a controller, or somehow integrate the two devices. I think N should have done that with the Wii U instead of using the giant tablet.

Probably not a good idea, but one I've tossed around in my rapidly deteriorating mind, develop a cell phone. Heck, the DS is almost there the way it is . It would have to be able to run Android so that users can still use the play store, but make it to where there are exclusive titles that can only run on these devices. Put out a killer Zelda or Metroid game, market it to the younger set, and the world's their oyster.

 

One thing I keep thinking that holds Nintendo back is their over-reliance on Mario titles. They need to develop a new killer franchise instead of beating older ones into the ground.Perhaps something more for older players that aren't into Mario. They do kinda have that with Metroid, but it is nowhere near the saturation point that Mario or even Zelda are at.