For years Nintendo has neglected to enter the mobile game landscape, until now. What can you and your business learn from Nintendo’s change of heart?
While the fairy tale (or horror story) ending has yet to be written, Nintendo’s late entry into the mobile world is a step in the right direction. Studies and statistics show that teenagers in the U.S. account for over 70% of smartphone uses. Recent successes of mobile games like Candy Crush Saga and Clash of Clans (companies earning billions as I write this) are great examples that mobile gaming currency is strong.
Check out this article by Mr. Andrew Hayward, Contributor of Macworld.com, titled “Nintendo making mobile games was inevitable, and it’s good news for everyone.”
Hayward goes on to describe how Nintendo’s shrinking revenues, the lackluster deployment of the Nintendo Wii U, and the continued popularity of mobile games made the decision to compete in the mobile commerce arena.
Perhaps Nintendo doesn’t need mobile income to continue producing innovative consoles and games. But there’s little reason to resist what’s proven to be an incredible revenue stream for games that often have a fraction of the heart, creativity, and precision gameplay design seen in Nintendo’s best.
So what can we learn?
It should go without saying that although Nintendo has resisted change and held unto aging 
technology to power its new gaming systems, entrepreneurs can learn that becoming a late entrant can lead to a big rewards.
Another lesson spotlighted through this article is that failure to identify your target market’s trends, especially when we speak about becoming mobile, can put you behind your competitors. Nintendo’s Wii U is currently ranked 4th, despite launching one year earlier than the more expensive Sony Playstation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One.
The Global Mobile Games Landscape is expected to grow to $23.9BN by 2016. In 2012 the revenue from both Tablets and Smartphones was $9.1BN. (NewZoo.com).
So What? I am not a gaming company, Why should I care?
You should care because in the new (term used loosely) world we consumers will continue to become even more mobile. Offer products and services your consumers can reach virtually, vs. only offering physical products and services.
What actions have you taken to help your business grow with a trend or what innovative approach have you taken to stand out on your own? Leave a comment below or reach me directly on twitter, using my handle @ajros02
Best regards!