Will Mario and Luigi Be Able to Keep Up?

This month Nintendo released a new version of its Wii game console to stores nationwide.  The new Wii, called Wii U, was released in the hopes of becoming a huge comeback for Nintendo games.  The Wii U looks like a combination of an iPad and a traditional console, with a touch screen in the middle.  Industry creators are starting to realize that younger generations of gamers favor a multi sensory gaming experience, with data accessible from their television, computer, tablet and cell phone. 

Since the arrival of mobile games such as Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Temple Run and other inexpensive games, Nintendo has suffered greatly in sales and popularity.  Additionally, as free Web and Facebook games become more popular people are becoming accustomed to cheaper entertainment alternatives.  More expensive, traditional games are no longer in high demand.  Traditional games also take minutes to get up and running after turning on all the necessary equipment.  A web or cell phone game is ready for game play within seconds of opening the application.  Game players are attracted to the immediacy of these new games.

To remedy this issue Nintendo could potentially license their beloved Mario characters to other operating systems such as the iPhone and gain revenue that way.  However, Nintendo has chosen not to sellout their original creations to other gaming platforms even if it is a missed financial opportunity.  Nintendo hopes that the Wii U will make up for this years revenue loss.

As multimedia technology advances in all areas, companies must stay relevant and be aware of present competition.  Hopefully Nintendo will be able to keep up with these changes so iconic game characters like Mario and Luigi do not disappear from the gaming world.