Executive dismisses other mobile platforms

Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata has reportedly reiterated the gaming company's stance regarding development for smartphone platforms. In an interview (sub. required) with the Japanese outlet Nikkei, the executive claimed the thought of releasing games for smartphones is "absolutely not under consideration."

"If we [developed games for smartphones], Nintendo would cease to be Nintendo," Iwata added. "Having a hardware development team in-house is a major strength. It's the duty of management to make use of those strengths. It's probably the correct decision in the sense that the moment we started to release games on smartphones we'd make profits. However, I believe my responsibility is not to short-term profits, but to Nintendo's mid- and long-term competitive strength."

Iwata earlier this year criticized smartphone platforms for devaluing games, as the majority of iOS and Android titles are either free or significantly cheaper than games for Nintendo's handhelds. Many investors, observing a negative impact on Nintendo sales as a result of smartphone popularity, have pushed the gaming company to change its position and engage the new markets.

Despite early struggles with the 3DS launch, Iwata argues that Nintendo still has a positive outlook for the traditional business model ahead of the holiday shopping season. The executive admits, however, that such a model may not maintain its current market share in the long run. [via Andriasang]

By Electronista Staff

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