Iwata-san: Wii "Most Unhealthy" Condition News

Since its launch the Wii has been heralded for its successes, quickly shifting over 50 million units and becoming the top selling home console in the process with its family-friendly image.

However, cracks have begun to surface and it seems all is not well at the Japanese hardware giant.  There has always been the issue that Nintendo has ditched its hardcore faithful in favour of a casual audience, however the fact that sales have been dropping across Japan and were recently overtaken by the PlayStation3, appears to be troubling Nintendo the most.

Comments attributed to Satoru Iwata in ABS-CBN News highlight the Nintendo's president pessimism over the format.

"The Wii is in the most unhealthy condition since it hit the Japanese market," Iwata-san said. "The current condition in the Japanese market is not the one we want."

"The speed with which people get tired of any new entertainment is faster in Japan than in overseas markets," Iwata-san said.

Yet despite the signs and reports that Wii manufacturing costs have been reduced by 45% since launch, Iwata-san appeared to rule out any impending price cut, stating:

"A price cut in a difficult economy cannot really excite the market and drive up sales. As of now I really don't think that a price cut is a good option for us."

Does the fact that gems are few and far between in the burgeoning Wii catalogue have anything to do with it; how about the fact that Wii titles are often played in small doses and don't develop a fanatical-like following?

Perhaps a consolatory hand to the hardcore might help, Nintendo?  Sure you've sold a lot of machines to a new 'softcore' audience, but turning your back so quickly on the faithful who made you a success in the first place, is a bit like re-inventing the wheel instead of evolving the tyre.

Blue Ocean Strategy? Bah!  We'd rather have Mario, Zelda, and a new Pilotwings.