Where Are 3DS's Casual Games?

During a recent investor Q&A;, the observation was brought up to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata that the 3DS has seen significant growth in popularity among those who classify themselves as "hardcore" gamers. The system's adoption among the casual audience, however, has been much slower, largely due to the relative lack of software that would appeal to that kind of player.

When asked why the company hasn't rolled out 3DS versions of popular Touch Generation DS titles (such as Brain Age, Art Academy, Picross, etc.), Iwata responded, "If the company was to simply port these 'Touch-Generation' titles to the Nintendo 3DS, there would be nothing fresh." He went on to explain that while the company hasn't announced anything publicly, it is "preparing several titles with which we will be able to aim to expand the entire gaming population."

These titles, rather than just being direct ports of old games, will be made specifically with the 3DS hardware in mind. "By releasing these titles in the market, and by linking them with other network activities of the company, by taking advantage of such communications among friends as "Swapnote" or interactions in public enabled by "StreetPass" communication, if we can beef up the joy of the software, and if we can communicate to consumers the brand-new experiences such software can deliver, I believe we will certainly make a change," Iwata said.

As for why such software hasn't yet been made a priority, Iwata cites the company's intention to first placate its hardcore fans before attempting to expand the market. "For the Nintendo 3DS, we have to first maintain the situation in which the current owners of the Nintendo 3DS will be satisfied," he said. "We cannot put too much priority on expanding the entire user demographic at present. It is important to maintain a good sense of balance here."

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