Nintendo vs. Japanese Newspaper, It Continues!

February 3rd, 2010, 02:30 Posted By: wraggster

In early January, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata gave an interview with Japan's second largest newspaper The Asahi Shimbun. The printed article has been a source of dispute.

In the original article, the Asashi Shimbun quoted Satoru Iwata as stating the Nintendo DS successor will have "highly detailed graphics, and it will be necessary to have a sensor with the ability to read the movements of people playing".

Nintendo of America told Kotaku that the Asahi Shimbun had "misinterpreted" Iwata's remarks. "Mr. Iwata did not make any comments regarding the functions of Nintendo's future hardware systems," Charlie Scibetta, Nintendo of America's senior director of corporate communications told Kotaku. "The answer to the reporter's question was misinterpreted."

The Asahi Shimbun stands by its reporting and issued a statement to Kotaku Japan that read: "The article quoted Nintendo President Satoru Iwata's comment accurately." The actual quote in the article is a fragment of a longer sentence.

During a recent investors Q&A, Iwata was asked about new hardware. "Naturally, we are always developing new hardware," Iwata replied. However, Iwata says he is not in a position to talk specific details about upcoming hardware. The exec went on to address the issue with the Asahi Shimbun, asserting that the reporter stated, "The graphics for the next DS will be highly detailed and it will contain a motion sensor, right?" Iwata claims he then replied, "Those things are naturally being required. But do you think it would sell with just that?" Iwata emphasized that this last part was left completely out.

Now it seems as thought Nintendo is saying that these features (better graphics, motion sensor) are being viewed as basic requirements — and Nintendo is probably correct in this assertion. Most likely all future handhelds will have motion sensor tech and improved graphics. The issue here is whether or not Nintendo brought this up or the Asahi Shimbun is putting words in Iwata's mouth when the exec was speaking indirectly and not necessary divulging Nintendo's plans.

This is where a recording would be helpful! Perhaps the Asahi Shimbun has one, hence the paper issuing a statement that it stands by its reporting. Perhaps, it does not, but trusts its reporter's work.

While the Asahi Shimbun article did not touch on an HD Wii, Iwata also took the opportunity to clear the air, stating he has never mentioned an HD Wii. Speaking hypothetically, Iwata also mentioned that if he heard Wii getting HD, that it would need more than simply high definition to get new customers around the world to purchase the console. "I would ask, 'Can it be sold with just this? It needs something new." But what?

http://kotaku.com/5462023/nintendo-v...r-it-continues

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