gaming Nintendo going software only.

[CastletonSnob 3,078]

Let's say the NX fails. Do they go software only? And would they do better?

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,684]

That would probably be their only option if the NX would cause them to lose mass amounts of money. Honestly, I could see them doing better being a software company instead. I mean, people will still buy Nintendo games. They have a fantastic track record with first party games. It is just how they have been handling hardware and third parties that has put a lot of people off. I don't want the NX to fail despite that. I hope Nintendo pulls something good off with it.

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,673]

Actually, they could also stand to revolve around their IP as franchises. Given the popularity of their characters, they could merchandise them in all sorts of ways. As an example, Hasbro has MLP as one of their IP which they merchandise and market in the form of toys, comics, TV, cinema and other merchandise. Nintendo could go a similar route with their IPs such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and pokemon. The reason I emphasized "could" is to make clear that I'm only saying they can consider going there but whether or not they do remains to be seen.

[Jeric 46,854]

Software only? I assume you are not factoring in the portable market share and talking about consoles. No. The US is not the only market Nintendo exists in, and they are not doing poorly in all markets. Worst case scenario is that Nintendo limits manufacturing and hardware shipments to markets that they don't struggle in. I do not suspect that worst case scenario to play out with the NX. 

[Guest]

If the NX bombs, Nintendo will fall under the $11 billion in assets mark, making manufacturing hardware from then on very risky. So they would have no choice but to either drop out entirely, or to focus on software only. In which case, it would basically be sealing Microsoft's fate because no doubt their IPs would go to Sony before Microsoft due to Sony having a bigger presence in the Japanese market. 

[El Duderino 879]

When it comes to consoles, I think they would make more money if they created games for other more popular consoles, rather than trying to make thier own consoles. I think at this point, trying to develop their own consoles is a waste of time. The glory days of the N64 and GameCube are over. Most people would rather buy an Xbox, Playstation, or PC because those platforms have more games available. Those are the platforms most developers make games for. It's not worth it for many people to buy a separate console just to play Nitendo games. 

[Celli 4,338]

I really hope that doesn't happen. Nintendo is still my favorite console maker, and their first parties are some of my favorites. I really want them to succeed, but, and if I sound like a pessimist, sorry, but if the NX bombs, I have to agree that they will have to go the way of Sega.

I really want them to do good. 

[Fluttere 71]

Well SEGA left a legacy when it stopped so i hope Nintendo don't go the same way.

[Steve Piranha 29,429]

Let's say the NX fails. Do they go software only? And would they do better?

Yeah sure, let's suddenly forget the portable marked right ? While mobile games have taken away a piece of it, a nintendo portable is the best source for quality games at the palm of your hand. 

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

Considering Nintendo currently has a near monopoly on thehandheld market, i highly doubt they will go Software only, even if the NX fails.

[Scrubbed user 3,416]

If Nintendo doesn't learn from their many, many past mistakes, they'll become the next Sega.

[Guest]

Considering Nintendo currently has a near monopoly on thehandheld market, i highly doubt they will go Software only, even if the NX fails.

Handheld sales can't make up for the research and development of two failed consoles in a row. Nintendo is at a point where if the fail on another console their assets will fall below $10 billion, which pretty much means game over. At that point, hardware creation becomes too risky.

[ShyPie 164]

I think eventually Nintendo will become software only, or rather I hope they will. The only reason I, and many others, have bought Nintendo consoles/handhelds over the last few years is purely for the Nintendo title games such as Mario, Pokemon, etc. I'm quite tired out putting out the money for an entire device just so I can play a couple of games, I really just wish they would license their titles out. If they're serious about staying in the console biz then they really need to up their game, they need to put out a system that's got the same measure of power and graphics capability as the other 2 and something that 3rd party companies can easily get versions of their games made for. Any game that's widely available on PS4 and XB1 should also be available on the NX and be the same game, not something hugely changed or scaled back. And they need to just cut out the gimmicks already and get some god damn simple, comfortable controllers.