Nintendo Semi-Annual Financial Results Briefing
Nintendo recently disclosed its financial results for the second quarter of 2016’s fiscal year, and shared more details about its results and plans in the usual briefing that follows.
You can find an outline of the financial results in this document and more data in this supplementary information.
Nintendo also issued an updated version of its upcoming release schedule and its million sellers list, which you can find in the gallery below.
Finally, you should take a good look at Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima’s briefing presentation, which covers the following topics:
– Recap of sales results for the first half of the fiscal year and most of October
– Wii U hardware and software sales, plus a decrease in shipping volume
– Nintendo 3DS and 2DS hardware and software sales
– The effects of Pokémon GO in 3DS and 2DS hardware sales and Pokémon software sales
– Amiibo sales
– Digital content sales
– Outlook for the year-end holiday season
– Plans and expectations for the releases of Pokémon Sun & Moon, Mario Party: Star Rush, Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome Amiibo, and Super Mario Maker 3DS, among other titles
– Attracting more children and women to 3DS, upcoming titles, and continued software development for the console
– Smart Device Business, Super Mario Run, and upcoming Miitomo updates
– The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Products
– Nintendo Classic Mini: NES and Famicom
– Nintendo Switch introduction, reception, and upcoming special presentation
I will probably post the Q&A next week, once it has been officially translated.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo has announced that a special Nintendo Switch Presentation will be held on January 12 at Tokyo Big Sight. Those in Japan will also be able to go hands-on with Switch on January 14 and January 15 at the same venue.
According to the new press release, it is “an event for invited media, financial analysts and trade partners in Tokyo that will be globally livestreamed”. It will unveil “the launch date and pricing for Nintendo Switch, as well as a look at the lineup of games currently in development”.
Also announced was that “Nintendo Switch sampling events for invited media, partners, and consumers will take place in the U.S. and Europe after the presentation at later dates”. The public will also be able to go hands-on with the system at “around the same time”. Details about this will be shared later.
The exact time of the Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 will be provided at a later time through the company’s social media channels.
Nintendo also clarified that the gameplay footage seen in the Switch trailer actually was just added in after, and doesn’t represent what the device is capable of. Nintendo explained:
“This video is all about explaining how the Nintendo Switch works. We wanted to convey in a self-contained video how Nintendo Switch represents a new era for video game systems enjoyed in front of a TV, by letting gamers play anywhere, anytime, with anyone they choose. It adds the mobility of a portable system to the power of a home gaming system.
“At a later date, before the March launch, we’ll be talking about things like exact launch date, and of course, the games. You shouldn’t assume what you saw on the video represents actual game footage and further specifics on first-party games will be provided later.”
Besides this, President Tatsumi Kimishima was interviewed by Bloomberg recently, both about the Switch and other Nintendo plans. That said, you should probably check out the Bloomberg Article and Q&A with him for extra details on how Nintendo plans to handle the Switch overall.
Meanwhile, interest on the Switch by 3rd Party developers continues to increase. Koei Tecmo’s Kou Shibusawa has confirmed that Nobunaga’s Ambition will be coming to the Switch, and other developers such as Kadokawa Games’ Yoshimi Yasuda, Square Enix’s Hajime Tabata, and Level-5’s Akihiro Hino have showed interest in creating experiences for the console if possible.
Retailers are also seem to be excited about the console, but still have questions about it like most of us, according to MCV’s interview with a few of them.
Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition
As the upcoming release of Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition draws near, Nintendo has continued to promote the mini system.
This week, the company shared a new clip from Ghosts ‘n Goblins which is part of the console’s lineup and you can watch below, and published another new interview on its Japanese website, this time with Yoshio Sakamoto about Balloon Fight. The interview had some interesting talk about how the game was made, memories of the late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, and a GBA hardware idea that was cancelled after making it to the mock-up stage. You can find an english translated version over here, thanks to Nick Mosier.
Yup, the Red Devils in Ghosts ‘n Goblins are just as tough to beat as you remember. #TBT #NESClassicEdition pic.twitter.com/lAY7sdwy5G
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) 27 October 2016
The latest episode of Nintendo Minute also featured Kit and Krysta taking a look at the Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition. You can watch it below.
Finally, Emio has confirmed it has two new controllers on the way for the NES Classic Edition. This includes an “Edge Gamepad” and “Edge Joystick”.
Here’s a rundown of the Edge Gamepad:
- The Turbo functions allow repeated button presses by holding the “Turbo” button. The turbo switch activates the turbo function on either A or B.
- The Turbo function will give an edge over those using a normal controller by increasing button pressing speed significantly.
- Edge Gamepad comes with a 9′ cable, so you can play your favorite games from almost any spot in your room! You don’t have to worry about pulling the cable and disconnecting in the middle of a game.
- The Edge Gamepad includes the “B+A” button, making it easier to execute certain moves requiring the player to press both the A button and the B button. Execute “B+A” moves with more accuracy.
- The Edge Gamepad costs $14.99.
And an overview of the Edge Joystick:
- Turbo functions allow repeated button presses by holding the “Turbo” button. The Turbo knobs control the speed of the buttons, and the ON/OFF buttons activate the turbo function on A and/or B buttons.
- Joystick is a digital 8-way input with circular gate. Switch between the ball top and bat top joysticks (incl.). Brings the arcade feel home, and works specially well with games that use 8 directions.
- A and B are micro switches with higher end and long-lasting material. These buttons are the best choice for any fighting game enthusiast!
- The Edge Joystick includes “Slow” & “B+A” buttons. “Slow” button gives an edge over a normal controller by making the game go in slow motion. Easily and accurately execute “B+A” moves.
- Edge Joystick comes with a 9′ cable, so you can play your favorite games from almost any spot in your room! You don’t have to worry about pulling the cable and disconnecting in the middle of a game.
- The Edge Joystick costs $24.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo is soon going back to The Legend of Zelda’s roots with Breath of the Wild, so the company released a new article on its website to show how its new game compares in some aspects to the original. You can take a look at the piece “Hyrule: Then and Now” over here.
Nintendo also released a new batch of screenshots from the game in its Japanese blog, which you can find in the gallery below.
Last but not least, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was also featured in a recent Game Center DX episode in Japan. Check it out below for another 40 minutes of footage from the game and some talk with Eiji Aonuma.
Hyrule Warriors Legends
The final DLC pack for Hyrule Warriors Legends is now scheduled to release on October 31. It will include two new characters, those being Ravio, wielding a hammer, and Yuga, wielding a paintbrush. Both of them will be available for the Wii U and 3DS versions of Hyrule Warriors. The Legends version will also get a new Adventure Map, which features Ravio assisting the player, and 15 new costumes for My Fairy. The Adventure Map will unlock more powerful weapons for the new characters and pre-existing characters, as well as new costumes.
The official site also describes Ravio and Yuga’s fighting styles. Ravio uses a variety of weapons from his shop, including bombs, the boomerang, and the ice rod, while Yuga manipulates lightning and picture frames.
The 3DS version of the A Link Between Worlds Pack will cost $6.99, while the Wii U one will cost $4.99. You can also buy both for $9.99. If you have the Season Pass, you don’t need to pay anything as usual.
You can find a trailer and a new batch of screenshots and artwork dedicated to this pack below.
Pokémon Sun & Moon
The Pokémon Company has released another batch of information about Pokémon Sun & Moon during this week.
The company shared another 3 trailers, revealing several new pokémon and the Battle Tree. You can find the trailers, screenshots and artwork, and more details about this below.
MORE NEW POKÉMON AND FEATURES ANNOUNCED FOR POKÉMON SUN AND POKÉMON MOON!
Eight new Pokémon, new gameplay features and a special Z-Move revealed for upcoming Pokémon games.
London—27 October 2016— The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo showcased new information for the latest games in the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, coming to Europe on 23 November and available exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.The following new Pokémon have been revealed: Decidueye
Type: Grass/Ghost
The Arrow Quill Pokémon Decidueye is the fully evolved form of the Grass- and Flying-type first-partner Pokémon Rowlet. Decidueye attacks with astonishing speed, plucking arrow quills from its wings to send them hurtling towards its target with precise aim. This Pokémon is able to move about whilst completely masking its presence from others. Decidueye is the only Pokémon that can learn the move Spirit Shackle. This new Ghost-type move hits an opponent and makes it unable to leave the battle—it can’t flee or switch out.Incineroar
Type: Fire/Dark
The Heel Pokémon Incineroar is the fully evolved form of the Fire-type first-partner Pokémon Litten. As Incineroar’s fighting spirit increases, the flames it produces within its body burst from its navel and waistline. These flames resemble a championship belt, which it uses to unleash its moves. Incineroar is the only Pokémon able to learn the move Darkest Lariat. This new Dark-type physical attack allows Incineroar to deal damage to an enemy whilst ignoring the effects of any stat changes on that enemy.Primarina
Type: Water/Fairy
The Soloist Pokémon Primarina is the fully evolved form of the Water-type first-partner Pokémon Popplio. As Primarina dances, it releases balloons of water and controls their movement using the sound waves from its voice. Primarina uses some of these balloons to jump on and maneuver in battle whilst others explode when touched, which can trigger chained explosions. Primarina is the only Pokémon that can learn Sparkling Aria, a new Water-type special move which heals the burns of any target it strikes.Cosmog
Type: Psychic
The Nebula Pokémon Cosmog is extremely rare, known only to a select few across Alola. Named by the Aether Foundation, Cosmog is very curious, and its gaseous body is so lightweight that it’s sent flying when the wind blows. When light falls on the Pokémon, Cosmog can absorb it and grow bigger.Alolan Persian
Type: Dark
Alolan Persian is highly intelligent and doesn’t like to grow attached to its Trainer, making it something of a difficult Pokémon to have as a battle partner. The round face of Alolan Persian is a symbol of the rich Alola region, and it is held to be a Pokémon of great beauty. Its exquisite coat shines with the glow of high quality and enchants both humans and Pokémon. For this reason, it is a very popular Pokémon in the Alola region.Also unveiled were three Alola region guardian deities—Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu and Tapu Fini:
Tapu Lele
Type: Psychic/Fairy
Tapu Lele is the guardian deity of Akala island. This Pokémon scatters glowing scales that have physical effects on others—providing stimulation to their bodies and healing their illnesses or injuries. Tapu Lele has the Ability Psychic Surge, an Ability that no other Pokémon has previously had. With Psychic Surge, the field will be turned into Psychic Terrain, which boosts the power of any Psychic-type moves used by Pokémon on the ground and prevents them from being hit by priority moves.Tapu Bulu
Type: Grass/Fairy
Tapu Bulu is the guardian deity of Ula’ula Island. This Pokémon has the power to manipulate vegetation and cause it to grow. It can use this power to make its wooden horns change shape and grow larger. Tapu Bulu has the Ability Grassy Surge, an Ability that no other Pokémon has previously had. With Grassy Surge, the field will be turned into Grassy Terrain, boosting the power of any Grass-type moves used by Pokémon on the ground and restoring a bit of HP to them each turn. It also halves the damage taken from the moves Earthquake, Magnitude and Bulldoze.Tapu Fini
Type: Water/Fairy
Tapu Fini is the guardian deity of Poni Island. This Pokémon is able to attack by manipulating water. It does not like to risk being harmed during battle, so it creates a thick fog to disorient its opponents and lead them to their own destruction. Tapu Fini has the Ability Misty Surge, an Ability that no other Pokémon has previously had. With Misty Surge, the field will be turned into Misty Terrain, halving the damage taken by Pokémon on the ground from Dragon-type moves and preventing them from being afflicted with status conditions or confusion.All of the guardian deities can use the special Z-Move Guardian of Alola. When using this Z-Move, the Pokémon closes its shell and a huge avatar appears from the ground to attack the opposing Pokémon, dealing damage equal to 75 percent of the target’s remaining HP.
In previous adventures in the Pokémon series, the Pokémon League was always the ultimate stage for battle. The Pokémon League housed the Elite Four (four Pokémon Trainers with powerful Pokémon partners) and the Champion (who reigned as the region’s top Trainer), all awaiting challengers. In the Alola region, there is no Pokémon League yet—but it seems that there are plans to construct one at the peak of a certain mountain. After your major achievement in completing the island challenge, will the day come when you also take on the Pokémon League to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer?
Somewhere in Alola, you’ll find the Battle Tree. It’s a place where Trainers who have completed their island challenge, or who are strong enough to have done so, battle one another. You can scout an opponent you’ve won against so they can partner and fight alongside you in future battles. You may even see some familiar faces, including the Trainers Red and Blue from the Kanto region!
A new trailer that showcases the new Pokémon and characters can be found here: https://youtu.be/HXt9qUNmKdQ .
For more information, please visit Pokemon.co.uk/SunMoon .
Nintendo of Europe also posted Part 2 of an interview with Pokémon Sun & Moon director Shigeru Ohmori and producer Junichi Masuda, where they talked about featuring more expressive characters, where the inspiration for Z-Moves came from, the theme of relationships between people and Pokémon, and other topics. You can read the interview over here.
Finally, new Pokémon Sun & Moon plushies have been revealed. These are for Bewear and Mimikyu, both measuring 26cm, and launching in March.
Bounsweet (17cm) and Gengar (11cm) will also be getting new plushies.
You can take a look at the Bewear, Mimikyu and Gengar plushies below.
Pokémon X & Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
The Pokémon Company has now announced distribution details for Genesect in some of the major European countries as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.
You can visit the following stories during the distribution period to receive a download code for Genesect, which can be redeemed in Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire until February 28th 2017:
- UK: GAME, Novembers 1st – November 24th
- France: Micromania, November 2nd – November 24th,
- Germany: Gamestop & Toys ‘R’ US, November 2nd – November 24th
- Italy: Gamestop, November 1st – November 24th
- Spain: GAME, November 1st – November 24th
Pokkén Tournament
A new playable character will be revealed for the arcade version of Pokkén Tournament on November 1.
On the official Japanese website, Bandai Namco shared these news, saying the announcement will take place during a Niconico stream as usual.
News will drop around the following times:
– 4 AM PT
– 7 AM ET
– 12 PM in the UK
– 1 PM in Europe
It’s likely this announcement will reveal Empoleon as the new character, since it’s the only one left of the three characters leaked through the Wii U version’s coding, and Darkrai and Scizor have since been introduced.
While you wait, you can enjoy some more gameplay footage featuring Scizor, which was recently added to the arcade version of the game.
Pokémon GO
Niantic has released another couple patches for Pokémon GO.
Version 1.13.3 on iOS and 0.43.3 on Android, added in a low battery indicator for Pokémon GO Plus, and Pokémon type icons on the information screen.
Here’s the full notice from Niantic:
Pokémon GO is in the process of being updated to version 0.43.3 for Android and 1.13.3 for iOS devices. Below are some release notes and comments from our development team.
- Professor Willow discovered that Eggs have different patterns depending on the distance required to hatch them.
- Pokémon type icons have been added to the information screen for each Pokémon.
- Low battery indicator added for the Pokémon GO Plus.
- Minor text fixes
Besides that, the patch for version 1.13.4 and Android is 0.43.4 only fixed some minor bugs.
On the business side, data collected by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower indicates that Pokémon GO has returned to the top of the charts due to the recent Halloween event. It’s now number one again as the iPhone’s highest-grossing title in the United States.
Pokémon Generations
Episodes 9 and 10 of Pokémon Generations are now available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. You can watch them below.
Mario Party: Star Rush
The official North American website for Mario Party: Star Rush in now fully open, and you can access it over here.
Two new trailers promoting the game and the upcoming amiibo line that will be released at the same time were also released. You can watch them below.
Nintendo also stopped by the Starlight Children’s Foundation “Dream Halloween” event with Mario Party: Star Rush. Attendees were able to try out the game and “meet” Mario. YouTuber GhostRobo was also present at the event. You can find a few photos and their descriptions below.
Photo One
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, guests of Starlight Children’s Foundation’s “Dream Halloween” event on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles got to meet Mario – one of the stars of the Mario Party Star Rush game. Available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems starting Nov. 4, Mario Party Star Rush is packed with modes that players of all ages will love. The rapid-fire party game lets players think fast, play fast and have a blast.
Photo Two
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Zach D. of YouTube channel GhostRobo, plays a friendly round of competition in the Mario Party Star Rush game with guests at Starlight Children’s Foundation’s “Dream Halloween” event on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles. Available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems starting Nov. 4, the fast-paced Mario Party Star Rush is packed with modes that players of all ages will love.
Photo Three
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, actor Terrell Ransom Jr. plays a friendly round of competition in the Mario Party Star Rush game with guests at Starlight Children’s Foundation’s “Dream Halloween” event on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles. Available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems starting Nov. 4, Mario Party Star Rush is packed with modes that players of all ages will love. The rapid-fire party game lets players think fast, play fast and have a blast.
Photo Four
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, guests of Starlight Children’s Foundation’s “Dream Halloween” event on Oct. 22 in Los Angeles were treated to a sneak peek of the Mario Party Star Rush game prior to its Nov. 4 release. Available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, Mario Party Star Rush is packed with modes that players of all ages will love. The rapid-fire party game lets players think fast, play fast and have a blast.
Finally, according to Media Create and Dengeki reports, the game has sold less than 30,000 units in its first week in Japan. Dengeki also says that the game sold through just 20% of its initial shipment.
Super Mario Maker for 3DS
Nintendo has shared a new “Medal Challenges” trailer for Super Mario Maker for 3DS.
The game will feature over 100 new courses, and medals can be earned by completing certain objectives in each level.
Splatoon
Nintendo has announced it will be hosting the Splatoon Showdown Series throughout November.
This is an opportunity for fans of the game to battle in open, online tournaments and win prizes.
Separate events for Turf War, Tower Control, Splat Zones, and Rainmaker are planned. You’ll need to gather three teammates along with any backups and sign up on Battlefy. On the day of the tournament, show up early and use the check in button. After the bracket is seeded, you can set your game up with opponents via Battlefy’s Private Match Chat.
You can find more details on Battlefy.
Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon!!
Nintendo recently opened up the Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon!! website, which contains a few details about what to expect from the new 3DS game.
Interestingly, according to the official website, Devil’s Third developer Valhalla Game Studios is working on the game.
The latest issue of Famitsu shared the same details about the game too, so here’s a roundup of information from them.
The basic rules of the game involve the players becoming the president of a railroad company, moving between stations based on the dice numbers rolled, and aiming to become the first one to arrive at the designated destination. However, it is also important to gather fortune by buying things sold at other stations as well.
Various events can occur when you stop at different spots, and these range from advantageous events (like receiving extra money or getting extra movements) to disadvantageous events (like getting your money stolen). There are also various helpful cards with usable effects that are obtained from events or by purchasing them at certain spots. There are 130 kinds of cards, including brand-new ones. You can basically consider this to be like a Monopoly game with a Japanese twist.
All the character illustrations are renewed this time around. The main characters you’ll see are Momotaro the navigator, Yashahime the navigator and assistant, Kintaro the reporter, and Urashima the studio caster.
CPU characters are also renewed. Series creator Akira Sakuma himself will also appear as CPU character, as always. You can also encounter kaiju monsters or historical people who can either give you an advantage or disadvantage depending on the species you got.
Momotaro Dentetsu 2017 has two modes: the usual Momotetsu (100 years) and Momotetsu Three-Year Decisive Battle. Stand Up Japan!! (Tachiagare Nippon!!) refers to a new event in which you work to restore regions like Tohoku, Kyushu and Hakone. In Tohoku’s case, it references the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. At first the spots in Tohoku will be inaccessible with no railroads connecting to it, but as you experience multiple playthroughs, the region will be gradually be rebuilt. Eventually all cities in the region will be restored and connected, and the citizens there may even gift the player powerful cards.
When Momotaro Dentetsu 2017 launches on December 22 for 3DS, there will also exist a free-to-play versus-only special version that will be released on the eShop. It offers the Momotetsu Three-Year Decisive Battle mode with another player who owns the full game. Finally, there’s also a versus multiplayer mode that can be played with just a single 3DS.
You can find some screenshots from the game in the gallery below.
Miitomo
Miitomo has once again been updated with new content for Miitomo Drop and Miitomo Shop.
You can find a list of the newly added items below.
Career change! Dream Jobs #2
– Police officer hat (set)
– Police officer uniform (set)
– Motorcycle officer helmet (set)
– Motorcycle officer uniform (set)
Career change! Dream Jobs #3
– Train conductor hat (set)
– Train conductor uniform (set)
– Train conductor pouch (set)
– Train outfit
Dinosaurs! Prehistoric Posh
– Tyrannosaur hood (set)
– Tyrannosaur suit (set)
– Stegosaurus plates
– Archaeopteryx necklace
– T. rex skull
– Fossil tyrannosaurus suit
– T. rex tailbones
– Pteranodon pal
– Triceratops hat
– Dinosaur mesh cap
– Big dinosaur tee
– Dino-clawed pants
Miitomo Shop Items
– Flared trench coat
– Mixed-bead barrette
– Varsity jacket
– Vintage tennis sweater
– Checkered skirt
– Cuffed bermuda shorts
– Nubuck boots
– Baron von Bones pin
Nintendo has also shared that an update will soon be coming to Miitomo during or after December, and once that happens you won’t be able to continue experiencing the app on iOS 7. Nintendo said the move is being made “in order to continue improving our service and your experience”.
You can find the full message below:
Thank you for using Miitomo.
Until now, Miitomo has supported devices running iOS 7 or newer. However, in order to continue improving our service and your experience, the following changes will take effect with an update on or after December 2016.
[Current]iPhone/iPod touch/iPad running iOS 7 or newer
[After December Update] iPhone/iPod touch/iPad running iOS 8 or newer
Note: iPhone 4 is not supportedWe apologize to all users who are currently using iOS 7. We recommend that you upgrade your OS at the soonest opportunity.
We hope you continue to enjoy using Miitomo.