Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto comments on hardware performance console wars

Key takeaways

Nintendo aims to break free from the performance-driven console wars by focusing on unique experiences.
Miyamoto emphasizes Nintendo's differentiation, suggesting its future direction is to separate from competitors.

NintendoCreative partner Shigeru Miyamoto has commented on the current landscape of performance-focused console wars, saying that Nintendo wants to leave them. The current environment of console gaming is centered on the PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo, with the PlayStation and Xbox usually being discussed as the main competitors against each other. Nintendo, on the other hand, is generally in a different position than the other two because of how unique the consoles it produces are.

This can be seen in the vast differences between the eighth and ninth generations of video game consoles produced by the three companies. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S console families are focused on improving upon their predecessors in terms of performance as well as computing and graphics. Nintendo, on the other hand, goes against the grain with the Nintendo Switch, which is a hybrid console focused on giving gamers the chance to play their games on the go or on a TV at home without focusing on graphics or performance. Nintendo's own Miyamoto commented on the competition and the company's own position, saying it didn't want to “get dragged into” it.

In an interview with Famitsu (rough translation by NintendoEverything), Miyamoto discussed a variety of topics, including the opening of the long-awaited Nintendo Museum in Kyoto. One of the topics of discussion was Nintendo's next console and successor to the Switch, he said, hoping that the museum would give attendees an idea of what Nintendo is all about, drawing the company into discussions about high-end specs. and performance when comparing hardware. “I hope to get through this [the Nintendo Museum]People will refrain from dragging Nintendo into competitions such as the so-called 'console wars', which focus on high specs and hardware performance. Nintendo will continue to use the various technologies available today to create things that are unique to Nintendo. We are not limited to games; We will also be involved in movies and continue to create various entertainment content,” Miyamoto said.

Nintendo doesn't want to be a part of the console wars

Miyamoto followed this comment by explaining how Nintendo is not a company that focuses on the current video game console wars or cutting edge technology. He's heard analysts ask why Nintendo hasn't focused on things like networking, mobile gaming, or using the latest technology, pointing out that Nintendo is already working on things that can be seen on display at the Nintendo Museum. However, Nintendo usually waits for the best time to adopt such technology and commercialize it in their products.

I hope this through [the Nintendo Museum]People will refrain from dragging Nintendo into competitions such as the so-called 'console wars', which focus on high specs and hardware performance. Nintendo will continue to use the various technologies available today to create things that are unique to Nintendo. We are not limited to games; We will also be involved in movies and continue to create various entertainment content.

Miyamoto's opinion is perhaps not surprising considering his response earlier this year when asked about Nintendo's stance on using AI. Unlike most gaming companies using it, Nintendo doesn't plan to use it, which is another way the Japanese giant stands out from the crowd and its competitors. Nintendo's successor to the Switch will continue to take a different direction than what the PlayStation and Xbox are doing.