In an interview with Edge Magazine, Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto has announced that Nintendo is renewing its commitment to core gamers.

With the rise of Microsoft and Sony as a focus for traditional gaming, Nintendo has attempted to expand the gaming experience and attract casual gamers, focusing on providing a ‘living room’ experience focusing on group setting for families. However, while the Wii was something of a cultural phenomenon, the Wii U has not had the same success, struggling to make an impact. As of August 16, 2024, Nintendo’s latest home console is trailing behind the PS4 in sales with a total of 7 million units sold, compared to Sony’s 9.9 million - though reports suggest that it’s doing better than Microsoft’s Xbox One, thought to be around 5 million.

Miyamoto is now pushing Nintendo to retake its role as one of the premier gaming companies for core gamers, by shifting the direction of the Wii U from the casual gamer to a platform for dedicated gamers. He explained, “Their attitude is, ‘okay, I am the customer. You are supposed to entertain me.’ It’s kind of a passive attitude they’re taking, and to me it’s kind of a pathetic thing. They do not know how interesting it is if you move one step further and try to challenge yourself, with more advanced games.”

It’s an unusually outspoken statement from the legendary designer, who is known more for his fun-loving attitude than he is for speaking out about industry trends, but it’s not without precedent. In June, he was quoted complaining about the amount of shooters on show at E3, commenting that “the majority of what the other developers exhibited was bloody shooter software… this is a revelation of creative immaturity.”

Upcoming games for the Wii U include Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros. and a new installment in the Xenoblade series, as well as new Kirby and Yoshi games.