Nintendo on Thursday revealed that while it plans to launch mobile companion apps for its consoles, it still isn’t interested in bringing any kind of Nintendo games to smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, the company teased a “non-wearable” device that will offer some health and “quality of life” features, The Verge reports.
A few days ago, a Nikkei report suggested that Nintendo’s mobile app will bring exclusive videos and mini-games to mobile device owners, with the aim of increasing sales of its original hardware and exclusive games tied to it. However, Nintendo quickly shot down that report, reiterating its stance regarding mobile game launches.
During its investor meeting following a less than spectacular quarter, Nintendo said that it will indeed use mobile devices to “make connections with customers,” with CEO and president Satoru Iwata saying that existing games will not be launched on mobile platforms. Iwata believes that Nintendo would not be able to “show its strength as an integrated hardware-software business” in the mobile space. Iwata did reveal that the mobile apps will offer game purchasing features, allowing Nintendo console owners to buy games directly from mobile apps.
Apparently the company will not specifically restrict app developers from creating games or using the company’s characters, The Verge says, but the apps’ features will be destined to “attract consumer attention and communicate the appeal of our platform.”
As for the “quality of life” device, Iwata did not share many details, saying that the company will launch the product in its fiscal year 2015, after unveiling it this year. Nintendo did say that it will “leapfrog” mobile phones and wearable technology with a device that will offer a completely new experience on Nintendo devices that will make health monitoring “entertaining and engaging,” with potential expansion plans into education and lifestyle.
