Summary
The things that need to be included in Nintendo's next console are all mostly obvious. Better graphics, HD output, backwards compatibility, more internal storage, better online features, etc; it's all pretty basic stuff. I don't expect Nintendo to make a powerhouse console like the competition is no doubt planning, but it still needs to be a major leap forward from the Wii, which is going to look very dated by the end of the console cycle. I'm sure that Nintendo will continue the motion control route with a more refined evolution of the current Wii controller. I would expect even fewer buttons (I can hear you all groan) and a more accurate motion and pointer system. Nintendo also needs to consider newer media choices, which would probably involve a proprietary high-capacity disc, since Nintendo is unlikely to ever embrace Blu-ray. I really expect to see an extension of the Wii concept overall, just with more refinement and power, all wrapped up in a slick little package.
Analysis
On the other side of the coin, there are certain outside factors that need to fall into place to ensure Nintendo's success. There are rumors now of Microsoft unveiling a Wii Remote-like device for the Xbox 360. While many are crying foul, this is actually a very good thing for Nintendo. It is proof that their concept is sound and profitable. If motion control is to be the future of gaming, all companies must get on board with it. The fact is, the Wii Remote knock-offs from other companies are unlikely to hurt Nintendo's bottom line or cannibalize their customer base. Most people recognize a johnny-come-lately, and Wii's brand power is extremely strong. The more the competition emulates the Wii, the more people will be converted to the philosophy of gaming that matches Nintendo's.Standardized input devices will be a great boon to the market overall. Right now, we see a lot of problems with multi-platform games because of the disparity between the Wii and the other consoles. Fans love to point out that certain games would "never be possible on Wii" because of its lack of processing power. While this is certainly true, what many fail to realize is that many Wii games would also never be possible on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, and that is because of the Wii's one unique strength: the controller. Wii Sports could be rendered with HD Graphics, looking 10 times better, but without motion control the game wouldn't be nearly as engaging or sell as well. Of course, this isn't a problem for a first party game, but for third parties, the control disparity can cause as many headaches as the processing power shortfall. That's why games often get "tacked on" motion controls that almost never work nearly as well as the games that were designed with it in mind. If all the systems had similar controls, even with a horsepower difference, multiplatform games would be easier to make, much to the benefit of Nintendo.
One of the more interesting announcements is that of a Nintendo DS "network function card" which will turn the DS into something of a portable email and communications device. With the current propagation of free-to-use DS hotspots, the special DS cartridge, which will retail for "about half the price of a DS Lite," will no doubt be another step in superstardom's shoes for Nintendo's gorgeous little console.Iwata claimed to be proudest to present Pokemon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS. Now that the DS has reached a fever pitch of popularity and online games like Animal Crossing and Mario Kart are out there, now that the network has proven stable and safe, it has been deemed time to release a Pokemon online RPG. Iwata comes across as having much faith in the project and the network. He has every right; the simple, deep gameplay of Pokemon is ripe for an online RPG. The series has had ten years and many iterations to iron out the kinks in its turn-based, Dragon-Quest-like battle formula, and to establish its characters as Japanese pop-culture icons. Though many gamers claim to have grown out of the series after their first experience (which probably lasted a few dozen hours), packaged with the newfound savvy that allowed Nintendo to sell nearly 3 million copies of Animal Crossing on DS in a country where hardcore gamers complain about that game having "no sense of immediacy," a Pokemon online RPG on a handheld system, with gentle use of the touch screen, can and will consume millions worldwide. It's a big name, and it's a solid game.
