A reader highlights how console makers often struggle to replicate their achievements after a major triumph and proposes Nintendo might end up falling for the same pitfalls as companies like Atari did Xbox .
I've been browsing through various parts of it randomly. Switch 2 ; hearing opinions on YouTube , among others, from various individuals. I'm not particularly interested in the console; I had no intention of purchasing it anyway. To my view, it seems they are simply being cautious by retaining the same design and appearance for this new version. However, I must admit I am somewhat puzzled by Their approach to setting prices for games .
Certain titles that appear as though they're merely updated versions of older games are being priced at full retail value. And why charge extra for certain updates when we've never heard of Smart Delivery? Something similar occurred previously with Nintendo, where the price of the 3DS was increased following the successful release of the DS, only to later reduce the pricing. GameCube . Maybe they could ultimately do the same with the Switch 2. What I hope doesn’t happen is setting a precedent for higher game prices; publishers might latch onto that trend. Additionally, Nintendo needs to tread carefully so as not to fuel negative sentiment that could undermine their release, particularly in today’s digital era where information spreads quickly.
Let me put this out there as a cautionary tale from history. For many years, gaming companies have sabotaged their own success following the launch of a popular product. The Xbox One immediately comes to mind. Microsoft All I had to do was introduce a strong follow-up for the Xbox 360 along with all the additional features, and everything else would have fallen into place. They could've named it the Xbox 360-2, which might have outsold the original console. However, they ended up pushing away many gamers due to constant internet connectivity requirements, digital rights management disputes, as well as technical shortcomings, among others. The reveal event retrospectively remains one of those moments that still make me wince.
The unveiling of the Xbox One remains something I believe Microsoft didn’t really have to do. They essentially copied Sony, which ultimately benefited PlayStation at the expense of the Xbox One. Additionally, their swift about-face on used game policies and Kinect further complicated matters. Ironically, many of the points they dismissed initially have since become realities.
Following the massive success of the PlayStation 2, Sony nearly spoiled the launch of the PlayStation 3 due to pricing and various problems. Similarly, after the Wii’s triumph, Nintendo underestimated the loyalty of its casual gamer base with the release of the underperforming Wii U. Delve deeper into history, and we find Sega struggling post-Mega Drive era. Despite people having warm memories of the Dreamcast today, its sales were hampered as it struggled against the dominant force of the original PlayStation during that period.
Delving deeper into the past: After Atari’s decline due to unsuccessful consoles, they attempted to make a comeback with the Jaguar, marketed as a 64-bit system. However, this led to accusations of misleading marketing from those who argued it didn't truly qualify as such. Moreover, their library consisted mostly of poor-quality titles, coupled with an unconventional controller design. This setback effectively relegated Atari to obscurity within the gaming hardware industry. Additionally, consider the case of Commodore; they launched a C64 console hoping to capitalize on the popularity of their iconic home computer. Unfortunately, this product faded rapidly from memory.
Heaven only knows how many other game systems have vanished because of poor choices and steep costs that eroded much of their consumer base. Occasionally, it appears as though businesses consistently miscalculate the preferences of the gaming audience and the desires of gamers themselves.
I've often been astounded by what happens in the gaming hardware sector; once a company has released a hit product, they sometimes go on to make bizarre decisions that can nearly destroy their reputation.
I'm confident that Switch 2 will perform exceptionally well in sales, but questions remain about its game attachment rate and how many units might ultimately become pre-owned inventory. Given that it targets the more occasional gamers, Nintendo must recognize the potential instability of such a customer base. Both Sony and Microsoft, reportedly developing portable systems themselves, will likely observe the reception of the Switch 2 before finalising their strategies. Furthermore, considering trends from recent years where player communities have generally decreased in size across platforms, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo can defy these odds; after all, they've managed quite impressively so far with the original Switch—unlike GameCube days.
Sony has consistently excelled in gaming hardware. However, like all others, they've occasionally made puzzling moves that detracted from the PlayStation brand. Throughout the years, numerous companies in the gaming sector have squandered their achievements with a series of poor judgments. Therefore, consider this as a cautionary note: no gaming firm can take continued success for granted, even with a substantial user base, since the gaming industry is unpredictable.
By reader Stephen
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