Content to let the Wii U continue languishing, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata today announced that the company will be releasing new machines for “emerging markets.”
The news comes on the heels of multiple internal developments from Nintendo, not the least of which is the confirmation of their own brand of toy-based games (a la Skylanders). Less promising is the report that both the Wii U and 3DS failed to meet financial expectations during the 2014 fiscal year, even after the company lowered their predictions for both. This suggests that, unsurprisingly, Iwata is looking to right the company and is willing to explore unconventional platforms to do so.
Whether those platforms include smaller markets such as China and Korea which are becoming more involved with interactive entertainment or the big players—North America, Japan, the EU, etc.—remains to be seen.
It may not do wonders for the Wii U, but expanding the company’s palette is a positive direction for Nintendo. Their refusal to commit to new platforms is partially responsible for their unflattering position, but even this development is no substitute for new titles. Fortunately, E3 2014—and the special Nintendo Direct coming with it—are just a month off, meaning a golden opportunity to build interest in their systems is coming for Nintendo.