We already knew we weren’t going to hear anything about Nintendo’s upcoming project until next year, but now, we finally know why. During a recent shareholder’s meeting, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata explained that the Japanese giant is remaining tight-lipped on the NX because they’re afraid competitors will steal ideas.
Check out his full statement below:
“We can’t talk about the NX. If we do, competitors may take our ideas and customers won’t be surprised. 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.”
This comment was in response to an investor who was worried about the split between the NX and the Wii U. Twitter user @NStyles tweeted the remark and @Cheesemeister3k translated it.
.@NStyles Q7: As a game fan, I’m worried about the split between the NX and Wii U.
— Cheesemeister (@Cheesemeister3k) June 26, 2015
Bear in mind, this is an unofficial translation, so until the official transcript is available, we’ll have to wait to hear more for confirmation on Iwata’s comments.
In all honesty, Iwata’s point sounds like a valid one to bring up. Remember what happened when Nintendo released the Wii? It wasn’t long after the launch that Sony and Microsoft threw their respective hats into the motion controlled ring. So, protecting themselves from copycats does make sense.
Now, considering the fact that they are planning on revealing the system next year, and Iwata’s comments, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they end up launching it relatively soon (as in Holiday 2016 or 2017 Q1). I could be wrong, but if they’re staying silent on the matter because they don’t want Sony and Microsoft to steal their ideas, it’s highly likely that they will unveil the system close to its release.
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What do you think of Nintendo’s decision to hold back information? Let us know in the comments below.
