Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto Comments on Hardware Performance Console Wars

Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto Comments on Hardware Performance Console Wars

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo aims to steer clear of performance-driven console wars, focusing on unique experiences.
  • Miyamoto emphasizes Nintendo’s distinction, suggesting its future direction diverges from competitors.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I wholeheartedly appreciate Nintendo’s unique approach to console development. Shigeru Miyamoto‘s words resonate deeply with me, echoing the spirit of innovation and creativity that has always set Nintendo apart from its competitors.


Shigeru Miyamoto, a creative mind at Nintendo, has voiced his thoughts on the ongoing competition between performance-driven console manufacturers. He expressed that Nintendo prefers to steer clear of this battlefield, as their consoles are distinctly unique compared to those of PlayStation and Xbox, often placing them in a category of their own within the gaming world.

The distinction between the eighth and ninth generations of video game consoles from the three manufacturers is evident. While Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S are geared towards enhancing their earlier versions in terms of processing power, graphics, and overall performance, Nintendo takes a different approach with the Nintendo Switch. This hybrid console allows players to enjoy games either on-the-go or at home on a TV without emphasizing graphics or performance as much. Nintendo’s legendary designer Miyamoto expressed that the company prefers not to engage too deeply in competition with its rivals.

During an interview with Famitsu (translation by NintendoEverything), Miyamoto shared insights on various topics, including the upcoming opening of the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto. One topic that came up was Nintendo’s next console and its successor to the Switch. Miyamoto expressed his hope that the museum would help visitors understand what Nintendo represents, suggesting that they avoid comparing Nintendo with other consoles based on high-performance specs (laughing). He emphasized that Nintendo will utilize contemporary technologies to develop unique content, not just games, but also films and diverse entertainment.

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

Miyamoto then responded by explaining that Nintendo isn’t solely engrossed in the ongoing console wars or chasing after the newest technology. He mentioned that experts have questioned why Nintendo hasn’t delved into areas like networking, mobile gaming, or leveraging advanced tech, but he highlighted that Nintendo has already experimented with these aspects, as evidenced by exhibits at the Nintendo Museum. Typically, however, Nintendo prefers to wait for the optimal moment to incorporate such technology into their products.

I’m hoping that by visiting the Nintendo Museum, individuals will grasp Nintendo’s distinct identity and avoid pitting it against other consoles in so-called ‘console wars,’ which primarily revolve around technical specifications (chuckles). Instead, Nintendo will leverage modern technologies to develop unique products, extending beyond games to include films and a wide range of entertainment offerings.

As a dedicated fan, I shouldn’t be too taken aback by Miyamoto’s viewpoint, given his previous statements this year about Nintendo’s approach towards AI. Unlike many gaming companies embracing it, Nintendo seems to be opting out, which just adds another layer to their unique identity and competitive edge. It appears that the successor to the Switch will continue to chart its own course, distinct from the paths taken by PlayStation and Xbox.

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2024-09-29 21:35