In what we can understand by innovation, Nintendo is always at the forefront. And he does it in a very special way. I was quite surprised at how they used cardboard, literally, to design the WiiU Tablet Controller. A concept that defined what we know today as Nintendo Switch.
Of course, this is not the only example of how Nintendo has taken risks in concepts and designs. GameCube and its shape and format, Nintendo 64 and controls … as well as a long etcetera. Something that not only users praise, but also great industry leaders like Phil Spencer.
Nintendo Wii, ahead of its time
And did good old Phil take part in a recent Event linked to Nintendo where he gave his opinion on the Japanese company. Spencer says since Xbox they could never have designed anything like the Nintendo Wii. And it doesn’t do it in a derogatory sense, rather it’s a compliment to Japan’s ability to innovate.
The thoughtful head of the Xbox division thinks they’re just playing in a different league. No better, no worse, just different. And he expresses it with these words.
I remember seeing it and I’m going to tell you that I could never have designed the Wii… I don’t have that in me. I don’t know if I’m not brave enough or whatever to go and do something completely different, and for that matter be so all-in on a new paradigm; it was just amazing to watch. It really rocked us and the lesson that we can’t just be great at what other people do, we have to have unique things that are important to our platform, and the Wii was just a perfect example of that.
Although, control of the Nintendo 64 is already another matter. Spencer says he’s never been able to play well with this controller.
I still don’t understand the controller, I want to be honest. I guess it’s several controllers in one, but it took three hands to play this!
What do you think of the relationship between Nintendo and Xbox? It seems more than successful today.
