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[IbizaPocholo]

Reggie not surprised that Switch has become a huge success, made his retirement decision easier

Switch couldn’t be doing much better at the moment. With the device just about to hit its fourth anniversary, it recently outsold the 3DS and is now Nintendo’s fifth best-selling platform of all time. Total sales are at about 80 million units worldwide, and there are no signs of things slowing...

nintendoeverything.com

Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, who played a big role in getting Switch off the ground, isn’t surprised by the console’s big success up to this point. In a Gamertag Radio interview, he mentioned how he believed “it was going to be magical” after seeing a prototype version many years ago, and also noted how the ability to take the gaming experience everywhere addresses a player complaint.

Additionally, Reggie said that Switch’s performance made his retirement decision easier since he knew Nintendo “was going to be in great shape for at least a few years.”

Reggie’s full words:

“No, it was not a surprise to me. And I say this because the first time I saw the Nintendo DS, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. The team was demoing an early, early prototype of what would become Nintendogs. Immediately I saw the potential. The first time I picked up a Wii Remote and played, again, a rudimentary experience that would become Wii Sports, I knew it was gonna be magical. The day that I sat with Mr. Iwata and held a prototype Switch and we talked about the concept, I knew it was going to be magical.
And I say this because the system was solving for a key player complaint, and that complaint is, I’m having fun, I’m playing my game, and now I need to stop because I got to go to work, or I gotta go to school, and I can’t take my game with me. I can’t continue playing that game. So Switch, with the opportunity to play on that big screen TV, then take it out of the dock and go play in handheld mode, it met a fundamental consumer desire. That was the triggering moment. There were so many other smart things the company did – the support for Unity and Unreal, which allowed all of the great independent content to come. A number of other key decisions.
But no, it’s not a surprise, and candidly, knowing that it was going to be successful is what helped make my retirement decision easy because I knew the company was going to be in great shape for at least a few years.”

 

[kiphalfton]

Yeah, well what do you think about Gamestop Reggie?

 

[HE1NZ]

I wonder how long his NDA is.

 

[carlosrox]

I find it sincerely heart warming that Reggie is still active in the gaming community.

He could have easily just totally fucked off but the guy has been involved pretty much since he left Nintendo and it's really great to see.

He obviously has an actual interest in gaming at some level, even if he's not what many would consider a "hardcore gamer".

Happy that he's still around and involved at some level.

 

[Party McHardy]

I like how he didn’t have anything nice to say about Wii U.

 

[Mmnow]

I think in hindsight, Nintendo were very clever with the Switch. One of the advantages of doing your own thing is you can take risks on growing trends.

One of the disadvantages is you occasionally make the Wii U.

In our little bubble here, it's easy not to see the woods for the trees and we're constantly surprised when anything that isn't exactly what Sony and Microsoft have done (and always done) is a success.

I still think Nintendo is in the weakest position of the three. Their success fluctuates wildly. They can't really offer much to casuals thats not going to be increasingly available on their phone and they appear to have zero cloud capabilities. By the time their true follow-up is ready, the gaming industry is going to be pretty much immune to Nintendo's whole current thing.

Given that they've been so successful with the Switch, I can't wait to see how they prove me wrong.

 

[Papacheeks]

I think in hindsight, Nintendo were very clever with the Switch. One of the advantages of doing your own thing is you can take risks on growing trends.

One of the disadvantages is you occasionally make the Wii U.

In our little bubble here, it's easy not to see the woods for the trees and we're constantly surprised when anything that isn't exactly what Sony and Microsoft have done (and always done) is a success.

I still think Nintendo is in the weakest position of the three. Their success fluctuates wildly. They can't really offer much to casuals thats not going to be increasingly available on their phone and they appear to have zero cloud capabilities. By the time their true follow-up is ready, the gaming industry is going to be pretty much immune to Nintendo's whole current thing.

Given that they've been so successful with the Switch, I can't wait to see how they prove me wrong.

I think their biggest issue is not software, but time. They take too long to deliver software, the plus side though is everything they put out sells. But their online store is still shit, their online is still shit, their offering of services is non-existent, and features that have become somewhat of standard like party chat are nowhere to be seen.

Lots for them to improve on. Also it's weird that 3DS developers have not been able to be big enough to put out switch games?

I think switch is going to be their path for the next 10 years. Just we are going to see iterations in shorter intervals because of the chips nvidia has to make on different process. Right now what they are using is super old, and at some point they have to be moved over to newer chip because of how fabrication goes.

 

[joedan]

How come he didn’t mention his reaction when he first saw the Wii U?

 

[Mmnow]

I think their biggest issue is not software, but time. They take too long to deliver software, the plus side though is everything they put out sells. But their online store is still shit, their online is still shit, their offering of services is non-existent, and features that have become somewhat of standard like party chat are nowhere to be seen.

Lots for them to improve on. Also it's weird that 3DS developers have not been able to be big enough to put out switch games?

I think switch is going to be their path for the next 10 years. Just we are going to see iterations in shorter intervals because of the chips nvidia has to make on different process. Right now what they are using is super old, and at some point they have to be moved over to newer chip because of how fabrication goes.

Their software is consistently good, but I'm always a bit disappointed by what could have been. That's a me problem though, cause obviously people are buying this stuff by the barrelful.

I just can't foresee where they go from here. I know people have been predicting phones will kill off handhelds for years, but it's really only a matter of time.

Battery life and screen quality are going up every single year. Controllers - either dedicated or attachable - are becoming more normalised. The software is the biggest barrier, but arguably more capable hardware plus the cloud is eventually going to fix that.

The Switch Pro will appeal to some people, and will hopefully bring back a hardcore that hasn't been the focus since the Gamecube.

Then what?

 

[MagnesG]

Their software is consistently good, but I'm always a bit disappointed by what could have been. That's a me problem though, cause obviously people are buying this stuff by the barrelful.

I just can't foresee where they go from here. I know people have been predicting phones will kill off handhelds for years, but it's really only a matter of time.

Battery life and screen quality are going up every single year. Controllers - either dedicated or attachable - are becoming more normalised. The software is the biggest barrier, but arguably more capable hardware plus the cloud is eventually going to fix that.

The Switch Pro will appeal to some people, and will hopefully bring back a hardcore that hasn't been the focus since the Gamecube.

Then what?

What do you expect a successful Nintendo would do?

 

[Mmnow]

What do you expect a successful Nintendo would do?

I have no idea.

I suppose my first instinct - if their "mobile" angle stops being viable - is that they'd have to return to neutral and either try and outprice PS5/Xbox or try and beat them at their own game. Both are sticky, if only because who needs another box? Would Nintendo have the third party support to try for another Gamecube-style console at this point? Do they have what it takes to build up their online services to go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony?

I guess if they heavily lean into DLSS they might have an advantage graphically for a while, especially if there's no Pro version for the other consoles. Will it be viable in terms of cost and form? In half a gen, probably. But who knows where we'll be by then?

There's still an appeal for playing both on the move and docked, although the Switch doesn't entirely fill that need. The compromise on being portable is big. A Switch Pro might give them a few extra years on this format, so long as something like xCloud doesn't fill that niche in the mean time. But from there? There are just too many variables.

 

[SantaC]

Nintendo is better off without him.

Dude was nuts and refused to bring over good games like xenoblade

 

[AJUMP23]

I look forward to listening to this podcast. Reggie is a great marketing leader and has done amazing things with it.

 

[GymWolf]

To this day i still don't know what the ape man ever did of important for nintendo except being a public figure in interviews or vg shows like the e3...did he had any decisional power when it comes to what games to make or what hardware to put inside the console or any other important aspect of nintendo consoles?!

Sincere question from an ignorant.

 

[Woopah]

To this day i still don't know what the ape man ever did of important for nintendo except being a public figure in interviews or vg shows like the e3...did he had any decisional power when it comes to what games to make or what hardware to put inside the console or any other important aspect of nintendo consoles?!

Sincere question from an ignorant.

He was head of Sales and Marketing in the Americas basically. He was responsible for translating and selling games, but didn't have much input on hardware/software development (I'm sure he gave insight on how he thought things would sell in the Americas and that may have impacted some things).

 

[TheContact]

reggie was a good boss
so was jack tretton
man those were the days

 

[Kagoshima_Luke]

Reggie and Iwata were both amazing. There doesn't appear to be anybody there across any major video game company to replace them, when it comes to engagement, presence and ability.

And to think Reggie walked into the industry from Pizza Hut. Props to him for going all in and making a difference.

 

[Alan Wake]

Easy to say now. He is the guy who said Nintendoland would become the new Wii Sports.

 

[Beer Baelly]

Reggie is that shit I don't like

 

[MagnesG]

I have no idea.

I suppose my first instinct - if their "mobile" angle stops being viable - is that they'd have to return to neutral and either try and outprice PS5/Xbox or try and beat them at their own game. Both are sticky, if only because who needs another box? Would Nintendo have the third party support to try for another Gamecube-style console at this point? Do they have what it takes to build up their online services to go toe-to-toe with Microsoft and Sony?

I guess if they heavily lean into DLSS they might have an advantage graphically for a while, especially if there's no Pro version for the other consoles. Will it be viable in terms of cost and form? In half a gen, probably. But who knows where we'll be by then?

There's still an appeal for playing both on the move and docked, although the Switch doesn't entirely fill that need. The compromise on being portable is big. A Switch Pro might give them a few extra years on this format, so long as something like xCloud doesn't fill that niche in the mean time. But from there? There are just too many variables.

Hmm I don't think XCloud or anything cloud related services is capable on releasing what Nintendo have. Nintendo would also only strutted behind because the mass market is not ready yet to accept it either its financial viability or accessibility for the most part. They've purposely targeting $300 price point for example because that's how a healthy market could thrive in traditional sense.

Do you believe that they still wouldn't jump on the bandwagon as soon as the market starts rolling with the clouds?

 

[Kenpachii]

Funny i would say that the switch portability is handy for kids because it removes the need for a television at home. I can't see anybody dragging that thing with them.

 

[D.Final]

Funny i would say that the switch portability is handy for kids because it removes the need for a television at home. I can't see anybody dragging that thing with them.

I agree

 

[Marvel14]

Their software is consistently good, but I'm always a bit disappointed by what could have been. That's a me problem though, cause obviously people are buying this stuff by the barrelful.

I just can't foresee where they go from here. I know people have been predicting phones will kill off handhelds for years, but it's really only a matter of time.

Battery life and screen quality are going up every single year. Controllers - either dedicated or attachable - are becoming more normalised. The software is the biggest barrier, but arguably more capable hardware plus the cloud is eventually going to fix that.

The Switch Pro will appeal to some people, and will hopefully bring back a hardcore that hasn't been the focus since the Gamecube.

Then what?

They could integrate phone and console power into a new unique user interface for the next big thing with the home version incorporating 3d, advanced haptic, sensory and AR systems and the phone morphing into a portable old school switch...

 

[Calverz]

Yea but lets be honest here reggie. The switch is a repurposed wii u with less functionality.

 

[Alan Wake]

Funny i would say that the switch portability is handy for kids because it removes the need for a television at home. I can't see anybody dragging that thing with them.

I don't know what you mean.

 

[Mmnow]

Hmm I don't think XCloud or anything cloud related services is capable on releasing what Nintendo have. Nintendo would also only strutted behind because the mass market is not ready yet to accept it either its financial viability or accessibility for the most part. They've purposely targeting $300 price point for example because that's how a healthy market could thrive in traditional sense.

Do you believe that they still wouldn't jump on the bandwagon as soon as the market starts rolling with the clouds?

I don't think Nintendo are capable of it. Look at their only services, look at how sheepish they've been over their own subscription. PS+ and Gold are both very successful services and have been, in Gold's case, for 15 years.

Nintendo have mostly ignored online play. When they have done it, it's a bit spotty even today. Mario Kart and Smash still have issues.

Now that focus is for better or for worse, that's not a judgement. But it also means you can't flip a switch and suddenly have a state of the art platform just because they need one.

I dunno. I think they'll try and stay their own thing, but I can't see what that might be.

They could integrate phone and console power into a new unique user interface for the next big thing with the home version incorporating 3d, advanced haptic, sensory and AR systems and the phone morphing into a portable old school switch...

I thought this, but there's too many pitfalls. How locked down would a Nintendo phone be? I can imagine the headlines when some kid looks at porn on their new Nintendo Go, and you can scale the level of outrage from there.

I also can't see them teaming up with a phone maker to make it happen.

It's a nice idea, and it'd solve one of their problems. But could they compete on that front?

 

[Marvel14]

I don't think Nintendo are capable of it. Look at their only services, look at how sheepish they've been over their own subscription. PS+ and Gold are both very successful services and have been, in Gold's case, for 15 years.

Nintendo have mostly ignored online play. When they have done it, it's a bit spotty even today. Mario Kart and Smash still have issues.

Now that focus is for better or for worse, that's not a judgement. But it also means you can't flip a switch and suddenly have a state of the art platform just because they need one.

I dunno. I think they'll try and stay their own thing, but I can't see what that might be.


I thought this, but there's too many pitfalls. How locked down would a Nintendo phone be? I can imagine the headlines when some kid looks at porn on their new Nintendo Go, and you can scale the level of outrage from there.

I also can't see them teaming up with a phone maker to make it happen.

It's a nice idea, and it'd solve one of their problems. But could they compete on that front?

My thought was compatibility with both android and apple OS with a minimum phone spec rather than a Nintendo patented phone...

 

[Mmnow]

My thought was compatibility with both android and apple OS with a minimum phone spec rather than a Nintendo patented phone...

Ah, I see. I'm still not sure Nintendo would allow it, but it'd certainly solve an issue.

Are you picturing a cloud situation, where you buy the console then just download an app?

 

[MagnesG]

I don't think Nintendo are capable of it. Look at their only services, look at how sheepish they've been over their own subscription. PS+ and Gold are both very successful services and have been, in Gold's case, for 15 years.

Nintendo have mostly ignored online play. When they have done it, it's a bit spotty even today. Mario Kart and Smash still have issues.

Now that focus is for better or for worse, that's not a judgement. But it also means you can't flip a switch and suddenly have a state of the art platform just because they need one.

I dunno. I think they'll try and stay their own thing, but I can't see what that might be.

I also don't expect Nintendo to suddenly becomes good with their online services. But they'll come at some point just like how Nintendo comes in on HD era late. Also their online play is not that bad currently, and that would improve too over time.

Cloud is still far though imo for majority market use, I think VR mass breakthrough will come first which Nintendo will join in, and then cloud.

I could see some of their games or demos for example on cloud services in the future, and there are a couple of third party games already functioning on cloud services on Switch (RE7 in Japan, Control, Hitman 3).

If they're not viable anymore then I think they'll make themselves viable, even with they're a generation late

 

[Heart_Attack]

Call me crazy, but i don't buy that Reggie just "retired". I feel that he was forced to retire. There has to be something more behind the scenes. He was killing it.

 

[Majmun]

I always liked him. I just wished Iwata could see how great of a success the Switch is. He went away during fuking WiiU era.

 

[Hulk_Smash]

Funny i would say that the switch portability is handy for kids because it removes the need for a television at home. I can't see anybody dragging that thing with them.

I can attest. We have a 65 in tv with surround sound and my kids would rather play the switch on that tiny screen because it’s easier and because mom doesn’t complain nearly as much.

Off tv play was the secret sauce of the WiiU and it has continued with the switch.