Nintendo ‘Direct Mini’ Fan Backlash Exposes Next-Gen Flaws
It's surely time for Nintendo to know its fanbase better than it does ahead of the upcoming generational console switch. | Source: Behrouz MEHRI / AFP
- Nintendo recently revealed some new games from some of its development partners.
- The event was called a Nintendo Direct Mini and featured several new game releases, including a port of Shin Megami Tensei 3.
- Despite the fan backlash being over the top, Nintendo’s weak next-gen strategy makes it understandable.
The recent Nintendo Direct Mini has received an overwhelming reaction from fans . 50% of the viewers were stoked about the upcoming release of Shin Megami Tensei V. The other 50% of viewers are screaming about the lack of any big games.
It was pointed out before the event that this was for partners, so first-party titles probably shouldn’t have been expected. Even so, it is starting to look like the next few months for Nintendo could be a little barren.
With a next-gen console launch only a few months away for competing platforms PlayStation and Xbox, are Nintendo sure they know what they’re doing?
Was the Nintendo Direct Mini a Good Idea?
The Nintendo Direct Mini has caused a bit of a stir. In fairness to Nintendo, it’s not their fault. It was made clear that the event was small and featured games only from Nintendo’s partners.
But Nintendo should know their fanbase. Nintendo fans tend to get a bit overzealous. With the onslaught of marketing from Sony and Microsoft ratcheting up, it’s no wonder people are starting to get impatient.
The issue is that Nintendo doesn’t seem to have much of a next-gen strategy. There are some new games on the horizon supposedly, but are four unknown games going to be enough to rival a whole new generation of competition?
Fan Backlash Happens for a Reason, but Not Always a Good One
It must be said that this backlash is comical. I understand that people are tired of waiting, but it’s not like Nintendo didn’t try to manage expectations. It’s not like the PS5 reveal a situation that turned out just to be Mark Cerny spouting technojargon.
People were warned. This event was supposed to be short, featuring games from Nintendo’s partners. Despite this, people still whinged about ‘nothing of value’ being shown off as if every direct without Mario or Zelda is a crime against nature.
Perhaps the Nintendo Direct Mini was ill-timed. For fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series like myself, the news was pretty astounding, but not so much for everyone else. If it had been held after some more significant announcements from Nintendo, fans would probably have had fewer complaints.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
