Nintendo blames puzzled public for 3DS sales shortfall
Punters not getting it, apparently
Nintendo has cited public confusion as the reason why 3DS sales fell short of its expectations.
The company forecasted sales of 4m 3DS units before the end of March 2011. In the end, just 3.61m consoles were shipped.
Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata this week blamed the public for a lack of understanding the console's value, claiming many people don't know how to use it, even when they get one in their hands, CVG reports.
"The value of 3D images without the need for special glasses is hard to be understood through the existing media. However, we have found that people cannot feel it just by trying out a device, rather, some might even misestimate it when experiencing the images in an improper fashion" he said, adding that people need to be taught to use the handheld's 3D depth slider. It's hardly rocket science.
Out of depth
Iwata also said the console's features aren't properly understood by users and "greater clarity" is needed.
"It is now clear that the combination of these new features is not necessarily easy-to-understand by just saying one word to those without experience… We have found that not all Nintendo 3DS users enjoy this software. There seems to be more than a few consumers who have Nintendo 3DS hardware but don't know about this software and possibly haven't had a chance to get interested in it."
The solution? More marketing, apparently. ®
COMMENTS
Not getting it, or not wanting it?
Are Nintendo in denial? New portable gaming platform launches in very tough economic situation, wonders why people don't rush out to buy it... personally if I didn't have a smartphone already it would be cheaper to buy a good Android hanset and get some of those very cheap games on offer. Oh, and the device does everything a 3DS does and more except... well it isn't 3D is it, but then...
(tumbleweed)
Good luck with that then!
True, So True
When the consumer doesn't "get" something by not purchasing what they feel they don't need, the seller makes less money. I wonder how many consumers reading this cretin's assessment realize they've just been called stoopid on a global scale?
It's the price, stupid
I love the look of the 3DS, and I understand the features. But I refuse to buy one until it comes down to a reasonable price. £150 with a free game. Then I'll buy it.
Not wanting it.
The 3D is the 3DS is a lame gimmick. Perhaps consumers are waking up to the fact that not everything that bears the Nintendo name is pure retail awesomeness...
I had a go an a 3DS and it was really crap. Perhaps that's the reason.... My next purchase is likely to be a Sony NGP
Oh look it's that attitude again
When in doubt, blame the consumer for your problems.
