Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Comments on Hardware Performance Console Wars

Nintendo‘s creative fellow Shigeru Miyamoto has commented on the current landscape of performance-focused console wars, stating that Nintendo wishes to be left out of them. The current climate of console gaming is focused on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, with PlayStation and Xbox typically being discussed as the main competitors against each other. On the other hand, Nintendo is usually in a different position than the other two simply because of how unique the consoles it produces are.

This can be seen in the vast differences between the eighth and ninth generations of video game consoles produced by the three companies. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S console families are focused on improving their predecessors in terms of computation and graphics, along with performance. On the other hand, Nintendo goes against the grain with the Nintendo Switch, which is a hybrid console that is focused on giving gamers the chance to play their games on the go or at home on a TV without necessarily focusing on graphics or performance. Nintendo’s own Miyamoto commented on the competition and the company’s own position, stating it doesn’t wish to be “dragged” into it.

In an interview with Famitsu (rough translation by NintendoEverything), Miyamoto was discussing a wide range of subjects, including the long-awaited opening of the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto. One topic of discussion was in relation to Nintendo’s next console and successor to the Switch, stating that he hopes that the museum gives attendees an idea of what Nintendo is all about, hoping that people will refrain from dragging the company into discussions about high-specs and performance when comparing hardware. “I hope that through [the Nintendo Museum], people will understand and refrain from dragging Nintendo into competitions like the so-called ‘console wars,’ which focus on high specs and hardware performance (laughs). Nintendo will continue to use the various technologies available today to create things in a way that’s unique to Nintendo. We’re not just limited to games; we’ll also be involved in films and will continue to create a variety of entertainment content,” said Miyamoto.

Nintendo Doesn’t Want to Be a Part of the Console Wars

Miyamoto followed up this comment with how Nintendo isn’t a company that is completely focused on the current video game console wars or cutting edge technology. He notes that he’s heard analysts ask why Nintendo hasn’t focused on things like networking, mobile gaming, or using the latest technology, pointing out that Nintendo has worked on those things already, which can be seen on display at the Nintendo Museum. However, Nintendo usually waits for the best time to adopt such technology and commercialize it in their products.

Miyamoto’s opinion isn’t likely that surprising, considering his response when he was previously asked about Nintendo’s stance on using AI earlier this year. As opposed to most gaming companies adopting its usage, Nintendo isn’t planning on using it, which is another way that the Japanese giant is standing out from the crowd and its competitors. Nintendo’s successor to the Switch will likely continue to take a different direction than what PlayStation and Xbox are doing.