Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian believes 3DS's worldwide rollout over the next couple of months could pave the way for a new Wii console in 2012.
In a research note distributed yesterday, Sebastian cited "Google and (just maybe) Nintendo" as his picks for 2011's winners in the games space.
"We expect a strong 2011 launch for Nintendo's 3DS, which offers game-play and video playback differentiated from existing portable devices," he said.
"We believe that initial popularity of 3DS will offset recent steep declines in DS sales, and could also set the stage for a debut of a new Wii in 2012."
Sebastian continued: "However, we would also anticipate the adoption of 3D technology in Android handhelds in the future.
Fellow analyst Michael Pachter suggested last month that Nintendo has "completely blown it" with its Wii 2 strategy by waiting too long to launch a successor to the original console.
Comments
19 comments so far...
ste hicky on 1 Feb '11 said:
i've been saying for over a year that the wii 2 (or whatever it's called) will be out 2012.
so i guess i should say to the analyst: no s**t,sherlock.
Padua on 1 Feb '11 said:
An Android based game console in 2012 could really shake things up.
Why should only Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft share all the fun?
Beetle Bum on 1 Feb '11 said:
Hi said this about a year ago and i'll say it again. I predict Nintendo to announce a successor to the Wii at this years E3. I just sence its about time?
With the huge interest and love people are giving the 3DS, announcing a Wii successor soon will be another massive boost to Nintendo.
Izo on 1 Feb '11 said:
I don't see that happening tbh maybe an announcement but right now I think an early 2013 release is more likely for a Wii successor especially going from how the DS has gone, they'd most likely want to allow last minute games out the door first along with allowing Yuji Horii to release DQX so I can only see them announcing their next console in 2012.
Balladeer on 1 Feb '11 said:
Analyst in "Probably Right" Shocker!
mandlecreed on 1 Feb '11 said:
3DS as an optional controller for Wii 2? Permanent handheld/home console inter-connectivity? There's not been much use of it between the Wii/DS so far, and Four Swords/Crystal Chronicles showed how well it can work.
Nintendo could give away Pac-Man Vs for those who buy in, giving those of us yet to ruddy play it a go.
ricflair on 1 Feb '11 said:
Wii sales may have dropped off a lot, but they're still outselling the PS3/360. And looking at VG Chartz, wii games have five in the world wide top ten this week (usual possible VGchartz weekly totals aside!). Granted it's Just Dance, Wii Sports, Resort, Wii Fit and DKCR but they're all making money for Nintendo. Why would they release a new console when it's selling so well and they have so many customers to sell games to?
I would like to see a new Wii soon, but I can see why Nintendo is in no rush.
boskersrevenge on 1 Feb '11 said:
I'd certainly welcome it, but not sure what they could be offering with it.
This is Nintendo, so there has to be something. I doubt it would be a straight, more powerful HD, motion controlling console. Doubt it'll be 3D, but maybe it'll have the ability.
I'm left wondering what the selling point would be?
Cell Fish on 1 Feb '11 said:
Maybe the machine will be called Wii Too
Knight on 1 Feb '11 said:
Or Wii Poo?
Balladeer on 1 Feb '11 said:
I'm holding out for Wiitabix.
TOKEN on 2 Feb '11 said:
The wii 2 will spawn the new xbox late 2012.
boskersrevenge on 2 Feb '11 said:
..and yeyh, that shall begat the PSMOAR!
AJDarkstar on 2 Feb '11 said:
Do you think DS sales may have dropped due to the impending release of the 3DS? Let me gaze into my crystal ball... and considering Nintendo admitted the DS was partly a test for the Wii, the idea that the 3DS might be a forerunner for the Wii 2 isn't exactly a surprise.
As for 3D, the GameCube was actually capable of playing games in 3D, but Luigi's Mansion was the only game ever developed for 3D display. They've been trying to get 3D working for a long time, these folks.
Balladeer on 2 Feb '11 said:
Source?
boskersrevenge on 2 Feb '11 said:
It was on Iwata Asks... tsk and you call yourself a fanboy... the first ever 3D device they did (without glasses) was the GBA SP - we learnt that, too.
*shakes head in disappointment*
Balladeer on 2 Feb '11 said:
I'm not a very good fanboy...
(I say that like it's a bad thing.) That said, I challenge any of you to a Pokémon off. Except possibly Dannyhulse.
boskersrevenge on 2 Feb '11 said:
Hang on, you want an "off" with a Pokémon?
May I direct you to....
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/nin10dogirl/PikachuVagina.jpg
Balladeer on 2 Feb '11 said:
Not that sort of "off", silly!
Anyway I'd have to scrape the children out first.