11. ''It Really Works!''

Looking back, we’ve talked about a lot more today than just graphics that leap off the screen.

Yes. That’s an important function, but Nintendo 3DS does a lot more.

Yes, there was much more to explore than I imagined.

Images that leap out are extremely important as the prime motivation for checking out Nintendo 3DS. Certain aspects of fun can definitely be increased by 3D, but I think the Nintendo 3DS system’s true characteristic lies in how, with 3D images front and foremost, it contains lots of elements that expand the structure of play. So when this goes out into the world, I’m looking forward to seeing what it will achieve that nothing before it ever has.

I don’t feel like the point to be surprised about here is how far technology has advanced. For example, when the Wright brothers flew the first airplane, I don’t think they wanted to proclaim what the power of science had done.

Right. (laughs)

I think they said, “We wanted to fly!” I don’t know what they actually said, though.

(laughs)

Yes.

In that respect, Yamauchi-san’s recurrent phrase “Can you make it jump out?” is really great. (laughs)

There is no doubt that part of his enthusiasm rubbed off on us.

That’s the same as the Wright brothers’ desire to fly. I think that’s much better for getting that point across than a long-winded explanation would be.

If we were to explain everything Nintendo 3DS does, it would indeed be long-winded. So it’s hard to be someone who has to explain it! (laughs)

And, um, considering how much it has, the exterior is fairly plain.

(laughs)

Yeah, sort of...

No, I know what you mean. It doesn’t have much of an edge. Nintendo DS, apart from all explanations of it, made you ask in puzzlement, “What’re the two screens for?!” even in a slightly upsetting way.

Right, right. Nintendo 3DS doesn’t have that.

When Nintendo DS was announced there were murmurs of “Has Nintendo gone crazy?” (laughs)

But in the end, both the two screens and the Touch Screen became firmly established.

And people said the Wii Remote would never work. They were like, “Um...hello?”

Yeah. (laughs)

And now four years later it’s been not only accepted but others are following in our footsteps.

Right. I wouldn’t tell you to spice it up, though. (laughs) I’m not saying that even at this late date you should change it!

(laughs)

Most of what you’ve shown me today is included in the hardware system itself.

Yes. Aside from Nintendogs + Cats, that is.

They’re functions that come with the system. You can really have a good time even if all you buy is the system.

Yes.

We want people who buy it to show it to everyone around them.

At the very least, you can guarantee that it’s a fun toy. A really fun one!

Yes, that’s right. You can experience enjoyment like you never have before. At first, more than anything, there is sure to be satisfaction in showing it to other people, talking about it with them, and having a good time playing it together.

Yes. It’s good simply to have one.

I think what people will say most often when they first try it out is “It really works!”

“It really works!” (laughs)

“It really works!” (laughs)

Yeah, “It really works!” And I feel like there isn’t a lot that we need to tell them.

Yes.

I think it’s important in this day and age to be careful not to say too much.

There certainly are a lot of things today about which too much is being said. Something complete in itself leaves no room for people to add to it, so there’s no motivation to talk about it.

Right. You just have to convey that sensation that “It really works!” - rather than a scientific explanation about how two lines of sight align to create a 3D image. (clapping hands together) When you clap your hands together like this and ponder which hand made the sound, you do it because you enjoy the thought process and that mysterious feeling you get from it, not because you’re looking for a scientific explanation.

Yes, that’s right. To be honest, Miyamoto-san and I were extremely interested in seeing how you would describe the peculiar appeal of Nintendo 3DS today. You really summed it up nicely.

Was it like you imagined?

Oh, well, you know! (laughs)

(repeatedly clapping his hands)

I do think almost everyone will say, “It really works!”

Well, “This really works!”

Everyone will say it.

Yeah! I can hear my wife saying it right now.

(laughs)

(laughs)

Sort of nasally. “Ahh, it really works...”