Natsume has been one of the most ardent supporters of the Nintendo 3DS, with several Harvest Moon iterations appearing on the handheld. Despite Nintendo’s assurance that they remain committed to both the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Switch for now, this Japanese publisher says its customers have had enough of the 3DS as everyone is focusing on the Switch.
In a new interview the company’s CEO, Hiro Maekawa briefly discusses his company’s focus on the Switch with the upcoming title Harvest Moon: Light of Hope. This is the first game in the series that started with Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley that won’t appear on the Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo has now shifted their energy to Switch. At this point, I don’t think they are interested in 3DS titles. And our customers aren’t interested in 3DS titles either. They are losing their interest in 3DS titles as well, simply because of Switch. Everybody’s talking about Switch, Switch, Switch! So Switch will be not only the next big handheld, but also a console platform. Either way.
Despite Nintendo’s assurances that they’re focused on the Nintendo 3DS, I think Mr. Maekawa is definitely right. Nintendo can’t crank out the Switch fast enough to satisfy consumer demand, which will be through the roof this holiday season with Super Mario Odyssey. No one but the most die-hard Nintendo fans will end up picking up the 3DS games they showcased during the E3 Treehouse presentation, which didn’t even get time in the official Nintendo Direct.
The Nintendo 3DS is dead. Long live the Nintendo Switch.
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village – $29.99
