Iwata: Nintendo 3DS Launch Software 'Wasn't Strong'

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has admitted that the Nintendo 3DS launch software lineup wasn't very strong, noting that the company needs to think more carefully about the launch of the upcoming Wii U. During a Nintendo shareholders' meeting, Iwata was asked what steps would be taken if the Nintendo Wii U does not prove to be a hit, to which he replied that the company "will put in our best effort to increase our overall hit product rate." However, he stated that the publisher will be looking at the failings of the Nintendo 3DS launch and making sure the same does not happen with the new console. "We also must reflect on the fact that we were not able to launch Nintendo 3DS at a time when a sufficient number of strong software titles were ready," he explained. "In order to avoid the same thing from happening to the Wii U, we are considering details, such as what software is suitable for the launch, more carefully than ever before." Iwata also told the shareholders that although Nintendo's performance peaked around the same time that social games began their rise, the two phenomena are not necessarily linked directly.