Nintendo Switch proves Apple missed a perfect opportunity

[0lf]

Some though:
In early days of iPad, there was some ambitious and paid games.
Freemium have grown on android due to large user base and aversion to pay for a service, and then take over the app store as a more efficient model to make money.
Game controlers exist for iPad

 

[Appleaker]

Oh so you speak for Apple? You know what the purpose behind their creation of the IPad and what they want it to be? Well thank you for gracing us with your presence. Can you please tell everyone here what your plans are for Apple for the next 5 years? No? Well then lets stick to facts and not put our own beliefs on Apple as if we have any idea what Apple's intentions are.

Fact of the matter is that Apple missed a great opportunity in the gaming sector which is being realized by Nintendo. If you represent Apple, then surely speak up as to what their intentions are, if not then keep it to yourself.
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Same goes for you. You are taking a fact based discussion and putting your own beliefs in there thus negating any reasonable discussion.

You say it is a fact based discussion?

I have been strongly against the freemium model

I believe that when the iPad first came out, some of the best/most innovative games came out before freemium was a thing

I was discussing whether I thought Apple would have done it and if they would consider something like that now. The truth is that this would have never happened, gaming on iOS is something that developed over time, it was never expected to have console quality games.

The whole nature of this thread is not based on facts as sales numbers haven't been published, and the Switch hasn't been released so reviews are limited. You are talking about different time periods and in many ways different audiences.

It is your opinion that if Apple focused the iPad on gaming, it would be a successful and fill the place of the switch. It is my opinion that you are wrong.

If you don't like opinions then I recommend you don't post these ideas on a public forum.

 

[ericwn]

I enjoy games on my iPad a lot and the experience got even better once i added a nice joypad (Nimbus). I am not sure how Apple missed the mark here, they focus on providing a great platform, make good certification programs for additional accessories like joy pads etc.

 

[Badrottie]

I disagree. The Nintendo Switch is a Toy Period. The iPad and now iPad Pro is a Professional device on many levels.

Now you make me feel better knowing my 12.9 iPP is NOT a TOY!!

 

[TheRealAlex]

TLDR: Apple missed a perfect opportunity to make the iPad a phenomenal gaming device in addition to everything else it can do. Instead, other game companies have jumped in to fill the niche and Apple has already set down a road of freemium that is nearly impossible to reverse due to Pavlovian principles.

I have been strongly against the freemium model since it first appeared on iOS. I believe that when the iPad first came out, some of the best/most innovative games came out before freemium was a thing. Since the advent of freemium, it has been downhill and there are very few if any games that are considered full games on IOS. Game developers aren't even interested in releasing full games because very few people will spend $50 for a game on an iPad. The result of this Pavlovian "reinforcement" means that turning things around is nearly impossible.

Where does that leave us?

Nintendo literally develops an android based device similar in design with the difference being attachable/removeable controllers. From what early first hand reviewers are saying is that the device gets roughly 4-5 hours of battery life, is thicker than an iPad significantly and yet smaller screen. Games will be sold separately for roughly $50-60 each and the games coming out will be few and far between since Nintendo flopped big time with the Wii U and developers are slower to jumping on board to make games for the switch. However, the Switch is already sold out for preorders everywhere in the U.S. proving that Nintendo has done something right and people are interested.

What Apple could have done to beat Nintendo to the market
1. Get rid of freemium early on, promote quality games and create an expectation that console quality games will be developed for IOS rather than garbage games posing to be free that use research based psychology similar to what you see in casinos with micro transactions.
2. Design a console quality gaming control that is perfectly integrated with IOS and just works with every game requiring all game developers to use the controller when designing games.
3. Team up with big name game developers to put out high quality games like what Nintendo will be doing with the switch. Make IOS exclusives that can compete with Legend of Zelda etc.

THIS JUST IN.

The Nintendo Switch.

#1. Does not support Bluetooth Audio
#2. There is no Virtual Console at launch no word when it's coming or what games.
#3. No online multiplayer and No Details about Nintendos Online system.

I for one am glad to let everyone else Beta test for me.

 

[Cakefish]

If you're a child it's not, if you're an adult it is. Even if you like to play in public you have to concede that the older a person is the less likely they are going to be playing on a Gameboy, it's just something people grow out of. I suppose some people mature more slowly than others.

I think you need to update your 1980's attitude! There are many adults who play games too. Video games are not just for children anymore, the industry has matured. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm looking forward to playing the next Mass Effect game and I'm 24 years old. And working in a phone store has meant that I've seen people of all ages who have games installed on their smartphones, yes even the older generations.

 

[steve62388]

I think you need to update your 1980's attitude! There are many adults who play games too. Video games are not just for children anymore, the industry has matured. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm looking forward to playing the next Mass Effect game and I'm 24 years old. And working in a phone store has meant that I've seen people of all ages who have games installed on their smartphones, yes even the older generations.

Older generations playing something like a Nintendo Switch? I doubt it. Because that's what we're talking about here, don't try to subvert and twist the conversation into something I didn't say. Most of us already understand phones and tablets are a different market segment.

 

[Cakefish]

Older generations playing something like a Nintendo Switch? I doubt it. Because that's what we're talking about here, don't try to subvert and twist the conversation into something I didn't say. Most of us already understand phones and tablets are a different market segment.

True, most people of older generations do not use dedicated gaming consoles, I'll agree with that. That is gradually changing though as generations who grew up with games consoles are still playing them today (people in their late 30's and younger). And even those who didn't grow up with them in their childhood can still enjoy games consoles. For example, my uncle who is in his early 50's owns an Xbox 360.

And portability of the Switch has uses outside of just playing in public. For example, if you're visiting friends/family, or staying in a hotel, or perhaps even wishing to play at home yet away from the TV for whatever reason.

 

[TheRealAlex]

True, most people of older generations do not use dedicated gaming consoles, I'll agree with that. That is gradually changing though as generations who grew up with games consoles are still playing them today (people in their late 30's and younger). And even those who didn't grow up with them in their childhood can still enjoy games consoles. For example, my uncle who is in his early 50's owns an Xbox 360.

And portability of the Switch has uses outside of just playing in public. For example, if you're visiting friends/family, or staying in a hotel, or perhaps even wishing to play at home yet away from the TV for whatever reason.

I think younger generation look at Gaming and Social Media as career paths.

They want to be a Gamer, they will get paid to do so on Twitch, or in Sponsored leagues or Live Streams with Paid donations. Same with Social Media Youtubers have liveable incomes with 100k Subscribers and promotions and Instagram and Snapchat "models" have Patreons and GoFundMe pages so people give them money. And more

None of that to this level existed 5 years ago. And definitely not 10 years ago.

We will see and are already people Make a Career out of the Nintendo Switch. Just Link all your accounts together under the same Name on all Social Media Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube. Post some Unboxing videos and Gameplay Videos and in a year your at 100k Subscribers.

 

[Seed101]

Apple TV will probably be the competition...right price, some decent 3rd party controllers, some decent games...just needs more focus on the gaming side and some apple controllers...Maybe apple should get into game dev and make their own 'home' titles like Sony/Nintendo etc...

 

[Dannybiv]

Instead of Apple taking the reigns on making games in house, they should try to make a reach toward third party game developers. Get console-like versions of Madden, NBA 2K, Assassin's Creed, GTA V, etc. They'd have to change LOTS of things to make this happen, for example, increase app size limits from 4GB to something more substantial while at the same time offer Apple TVs with more dedicated storage...kinda goes hand in hand.

I really don't think that Apple wants to go toe to toe with the likes of Microsoft, Sony and/or Nintendo just to get a chance at tapping into the dedicated games market. You guys mentioned this above, but do you really think that most people who own iPads or Apple TVs would be willing to shell out $50-$60 for a more console-like experience? Probably not. I don't see it as a missed opportunity. If the Switch fails and doesn't meet expectations of the investors at Nintendo, then we're going to be living in a world where it's a real possibility that we could see console-like Nintendo software on something like the Apple TV, not the iPad.

 

[twinlight]

I thought Apple would go in and dominate the cheap games market with the Apple TV but that never happened. I have never even tried playing on my ATV.

Selling AAA games for $60 on ATV? Will probably be very hard. Nintendos Mario Run is probably at the very high end of what people is willing to pay. I remember seeing crappy games on my Ps3 that Sony wanted 20-30 dollars for but was available for 99 cents on iOS. I wonder how many they sold on the ps3

 

[Michael Goff]

Older generations playing something like a Nintendo Switch? I doubt it. Because that's what we're talking about here, don't try to subvert and twist the conversation into something I didn't say. Most of us already understand phones and tablets are a different market segment.

Older generations playing Nintendo games is at least 60% of their market, I'd wager.

 

[steve62388]

Older generations playing Nintendo games is at least 60% of their market, I'd wager.

It sounds like they're really targeting that mature market with cow milking. /s

 

[mr.bee]

missing a perfect opportunity means Apple would care. They don't (which is very sad).
same with the pro software market for iWork (I'd love to see them kill Excel)

they aim for crap TV, "creating TV content" these days, yuck, assuming they can create high margins...

It's frustrating and very annoying I know

 

[Michael Goff]

It sounds like they're really targeting that mature market with cow milking. /s

It seems like you're really obsessed with one mini game on one game. Is that really the only argument you have? Making fun of one mini game? Sad.

 

[steve62388]

It seems like you're really obsessed with one mini game on one game. Is that really the only argument you have? Making fun of one mini game? Sad.

Mentioning it once = obsessed? Is that really the only evidence you have to prove such a claim? It doesn't sound like you are capable of being objective. Sad.

 

[Michael Goff]

Mentioning it once = obsessed? Is that really the only evidence you have to prove such a claim? It doesn't sound like you are capable of being objective. Sad.

Okay. I'm going to sit here and wait for any other points you have that Nintendo doesn't cater to older, nostalgic, gamers. Go ahead. I'm waiting.

 

[steve62388]

Okay. I'm going to sit here and wait for any other points you have that Nintendo doesn't cater to older, nostalgic, gamers. Go ahead. I'm waiting.

Because you have avoided my question and chosen to change tack I'll assume you have conceded the point.

 

[Michael Goff]

Because you have avoided my question and chosen to change tack I'll assume you have conceded the point.

You're right, I shouldn't have used the word obsessed. My bad. Now will you admit you have no clue about Nintendo's audience?

 

[Timothy Leo Crowley]

How could a device that hasn't even been released "prove" anything.

The whole premise is nonsense.

You're confusing devices. the Ipad is not a game platform. It's a portable computer that happens to play games. Apple hasn't missed an opportunity here at all. Apple and Oranges.

 

[nordique]

Nintendo literally develops an android based device similar in design with the difference being attachable/removeable controllers. From what early first hand reviewers are saying is that the device gets roughly 4-5 hours of battery life, is thicker than an iPad significantly and yet smaller screen. Games will be sold separately for roughly $50-60 each and the games coming out will be few and far between since Nintendo flopped big time with the Wii U and developers are slower to jumping on board to make games for the switch. However, the Switch is already sold out for preorders everywhere in the U.S. proving that Nintendo has done something right and people are interested.

Switch Isn't Android based. Nintendo has their own custom OS running. And on more demanding games like Zelda, its closer to 2.5 hours battery life.

Apple isn't a video game company. Nintendo is. Switch is a dedicated game machine...it seems like an awesome idea and good for Nintendo to do what they do best in trying something unique.

Switch makes sense for Nintendo, it doesn't make sense for Apple.


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How could a device that hasn't even been released "prove" anything.

The whole premise is nonsense.

You're confusing devices. the Ipad is not a game platform. It's a portable computer that happens to play games. Apple hasn't missed an opportunity here at all. Apple and Oranges.

Exactly! Well said.

 

[0928001]

They aren't competing with Nintendo nor do they have any intent to. Moot point.

 

[TMRJIJ]

Mentioning it once = obsessed? Is that really the only evidence you have to prove such a claim? It doesn't sound like you are capable of being objective. Sad.

All it takes is a simple google search, Twitch or even going to a Gamestop and looking at the customers and game ratings to find evidence. The people who played Super Mario or Zelda are still playing them. Heck, The NES Classic edition sold out in minutes and I'm pretty sure 16-year olds or younger don't know what the heck an NES was.
The Average Gamer is 31. Younger Generations tend to not play actual games (except GTA and Call of Duty), just stupid Candy Crush Saga on their phones.

 

[Zaft]

All it takes is a simple google search, Twitch or even going to a Gamestop and looking at the customers and game ratings to find evidence. The people who played Super Mario or Zelda are still playing them. Heck, The NES Classic edition sold out in minutes and I'm pretty sure 16-year olds or younger don't know what the heck an NES was.
The Average Gamer is 31. Younger Generations tend to not play actual games (except GTA and Call of Duty), just stupid Candy Crush Saga on their phones.

They are missing out on the Epicness that is Battlefield 1.