Yes, I read that. You can also go back to '99 and read how committed Sega was to never drop out of the console hardware business.
What I really want to see Nintendo do is release a controller for iOS. :awe:
Apple has yet to launch one themselves, so they could step in and be the big player in that space. That way, they're not completely abandoning gaming hardware, and can maintain a close link between it and their games.
An alternative could be an interface between a Wii U GamePad and an iPad. This could make even more sense with an iPad Pro's larger screen.
However, this is probably a bridge too far for Nintendo at this point.
That's a horrible thing to reference and for one reason: $$$. Sega was launching a new console so obviously they're going to say that in '99. The problem was they didn't have money so they simply had no choice. Guess what will almost assuredly make money? Typical horrible mobile games with Nintendo branding. And Nintendo isn't exactly hurting right now either (and keep in mind they're not hurting even though the 3DS stumbled out of the gate and then the Wii U has been their biggest hardware failure since the Virtual Boy). I'd say there's a higher chance of Nintendo moving to mostly making those type of games than there is of them making typical Nintendo games on mobile platforms. Especially games like Pokemon and then tying in Amiibos. They've basically been transitioning in that direction for years.
I've been saying for years that Nintendo should come up with a plastic clamshell like the DS/3DS style controller that is actually a case for iPhones. They love doing that for their own hardware already, and this way they'd have a huge install base, they could sell it for less money (imagine someone going, I could buy a separate Nintendo handheld for $200, or I could buy a Nintendo controller case for my iPhone for $100, it'd be a no brainer, and there'd be more profit in that case, plus they wouldn't have to worry about all the hardware stuff that seems to cause them such grief).
The only way that happens though is if Apple buys or sets up some blockbuster deal with Nintendo. I think it'd be a great fit for both companies (and they could turn the iPod Touch into a hefty gaming device for those that can't or don't want to pony up for the iPhone), but Nintendo seems so set in doing their own thing. But then they're still making money so why shouldn't they? Maybe we'll see things change in the future, but it'll be years and years, and I also think if they do change it is going to be in a way that gamers don't like (meaning they transition to making their own mobile games).
But again, people expecting typical Nintendo type games on mobile any time soon (at least directly from Nintendo) are going to be disappointed. The NX won't be out until next year or possibly 2017 even, and then it'll almost certainly be a few years and it to be an unmitigated failure that makes the Wii U look like a rousing success for it to even be considered.
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