Nintendo's Iwata Talks European Neglect, DS Origins

Thanks to Kikizo for its transcript of an interview with Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata, also available in video form on the site. When asked, Iwata "apologise[s] to the fans of Nintendo products in Europe" over repeated delays, presumably including games such as Animal Crossing, finally out this September in Europe, mentioning "we are now putting our energies so that the European version of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes will be launched in Europe by the end of this year, at the sacrifice of the Japanese launch by the end of this year." He also discusses the origin of the Nintendo DS, "Talking specifically about the DS, [legendary 76-year old Nintendo president Hiroshi] Yamauchi specifically hit upon the idea, and proposed, 'Why not have the two screens?'"

Comments

Re:Processing power is harmful?

[KDR_11k]

The game didn't sell well, that's true, but the initial shipments in both Japan and North America seem to suggest Capcom expected this to happen (VJ sold out in both markets, apparently Capcom was too pessimistic). From what I understood, P.N. 03, Viewtiful Joe and Killer 7 were produced on relatively small budgets, which is why they went with styles that would require less work (i.e. money). Joe probably was profitable, or at least Capcom saw enough potential in the game to warrant a re-release (new eatures: one additional difficulty level under "kids") in Japan and a sequel.