Episode 97: Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems
More money, more problems, more solutions. In this episode of the Random Nintendo Podcast, we analyze all the news out of Nintendo’s annual financial report, breaking down what went well for the company, what went wrong, and what’s next. From slowing 3DS sales and continuing Amiibo woes to a new theme park deal with Universal Studios and updated details on Nintendo’s smartphone plans with DeNA, there’s certainly a lot to cover. We also weigh in on the recent Splatoon Direct, giving our takes on Nintendo’s unusual rollout strategy for the game’s many modes and hands-on impressions of last weekend’s Splatoon Global Testfire. Plus, we share impressions of the one-of-a-kind Affordable Space Adventures for Wii U.
We want to hear what you think, too! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on any of the news discussed or even the show itself. If you liked what you heard, consider leaving a review (and subscribing!) on iTunes. You’ll also want to follow us on Twitter @RandomNintendo as we just might be hosting a giveaway for all our followers in the coming weeks.
As always, we’ve included links below for more information on all the news and games discussed in this episode. Each link also lists a time stamp to easily locate the segments that most interest you. Enjoy!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:17:56 — 63.6MB)
News
- [0:02] Splatoon Direct – 5.07.15 (Nintendo.com)
- [0:34] Splatoon Global Testfire (Nintendo.co.jp)
- [0:45] Splatoon Lighting Up Amazon Sales Charts Around The World (GoNintendo)
- [0:49 – 1:56] Nintendo Records First Annual Profit in Years, Narrowly Misses Wii U Sales Target (IGN)
- [0:57 – 1:56] Nintendo Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2015 + Q&A (Nintendo Investor Relations)
- [1:05] April 2015 NPD: Xbox One outsells PS4; Mortal Kombat X tops software chart (VentureBeat)
- [1:22] Nintendo Admits They Screwed Up Amiibo, Promises To Do Better (Kotaku)
- [1:26] Nintendo talks restocks of Marth, Ike, and Meta Knight amiibo, but again, it’s ‘limited’ (Destructoid)
- [1:35] Nintendo characters, games coming to Universal parks (USA Today)
- [1:48] Nintendo will release five smartphone games by 2017 (The Verge)
- [1:50] Mario Kart producer in charge of Nintendo’s mobile game development (Nintendo Everything)
- [1:53] Iwata: NX is not a replacement for Wii U or 3DS (MCV)
- [1:57] Nintendo World Championships headline Nintendo’s expanded lineup at E3 2015 (Nintendo.com)
- [2:02] Random Nintendo Mailbag – Send us your questions!
Games
- [0:02] Splatoon (Official Site)
- [1:20] Amiibo (Official Site)
- [2:07] Affordable Space Adventures (Official Site)
From The Archives
Episode 190: Kanto Stop, Won’t Stop
Hey Jason and Angel.
Thank you for such a great show as always! I really love the show and appreciate all the time and effort you both put into it.
Yes, I was really surprised that GameStop had called me about the Amiibo. I always hear horror stories about GameStop but I feel like they’ve treated me very well. Even if the whole Amiibo-debacle makes both GameStop and Nintendo look bad.
I really think Splatoon’s a cool-concept, but very much like you Angel, I do have some concerns. Particularly the lack of voice chat does seem like a major flaw, even if it was the much discussed opt-in voice feature, the ability to coordinate with team mates would make all the difference in a match. Particularly if the other team is using Skype, FaceTime, or some other real-time communication. My other major concern is the long term viability of the game, a multi-player Nintendo game without a true local multi-player, seems like a major oversight. And if the game which absolutely relies on a player base loses one over time the game becomes near unplayable. Do you by any chance remember the PS3 multi-player shooter MAG? The game lived and died based on a dwindling player base. Okay, beyond that, I don’t want to sound overly negative, I hope the best for the game. I just want Nintendo to be the company will all want them to be. (I want them to go back to releasing 100% finished games and the Splatoon content patch(s) are indicative of Nintendo games going forward.) I am looking forward to playing the Test Fire again later today.
I’m really excited for Nintendo’s E3 Digital Event more than any other company E3 press conference. I just really hope they show some great stuff, since Zelda’s not going to be there I still worry they won’t have the show-stopping moment that will get them the positive buzz like last year.
Well anyways, thank you so much again for a great podcast! Can’t wait for the next show!
I completely agree that a lot of Splatoon’s success is going to hinge on whether or not the player base stays engaged. Right now it seems quite active, but once the ‘honeymoon period’ is over, there is a risk, like you said, of Splatoon becoming MAG all over again. As I mentioned on the podcast, I’m hoping that Nintendo’s roll out of new content will help to at least keep activity up over the summer (and it let Nintendo get the game out faster, albeit with less content), but the real test in my mind will be Fall and beyond.
As for E3, I suspect that we won’t see quite as big of a show-stopper as Smash Bros., but it won’t be for lack of trying on Nintendo’s part. I’m starting to think they may try to make this year an Animal Crossing onslaught. We already known Happy Home Designer is coming to 3DS and it seems likely that a Wii U Animal Crossing will be announced as well. Of course, that’s not on the same level as Smash Bros., but it’s probably as close as they can get.
Thanks as always for listening and commenting!