Iwata Asks is a series of interviews conducted by former Nintendo Global President Satoru Iwata with key creators behind the making of Nintendo games and hardware.



Iwata Asks Home

Nintendo 3DS



Volume 1 And That's How the Nintendo 3DS Was Made

"It Really Works!"

Itoi

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

Iwata

Yeah. That's an important function, but Nintendo 3DS does a lot more.

Itoi

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

Iwata

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.

Itoi

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.

Iwata

Right. (laughs)

Itoi

I think they said, "We wanted to fly!" I don't know what they actually said, though.

Miyamoto

(laughs)

Iwata

Yeah.

Itoi

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

Iwata

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

Itoi

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.

Iwata

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)

Miyamoto

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

Itoi

(laughs)

Miyamoto

Yeah, sort of.

Itoi

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 bit of upsetting way.

Miyamoto

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

Iwata

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

Miyamoto

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

Itoi

And people said the Wii Remote controller would never work. They were like, "Um…hello?"

Miyamoto

Yeah. (laughs)

Iwata

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

Itoi

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!

Iwata

(laughs)

Itoi

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

Iwata

Yes. Aside from nintendogs + cats, that is.

Miyamoto

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

Itoi

Yeah.

Iwata

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

Itoi

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

Iwata

Yeah, 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.

Miyamoto

Yeah. It's good simply to have one.

Itoi

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

Iwata

"It really works!" (laughs)

Miyamoto

"It really works!" (laughs)

Itoi

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

Iwata

Yeah.

Itoi

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

Iwata

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

Itoi

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.

Iwata

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.

Itoi

Was it like you imagined?

Iwata

Oh, well, you know! (laughs)

Itoi

(repeatedly clapping his hands)

Miyamoto

I do think most everyone will say, "It really works!"

Itoi

Well, "This really works!"

Iwata

Everyone will say it.

Itoi

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

Iwata

(laughs)

Miyamoto

(laughs)

Itoi

Sort of nasally. "Ahh, it really works…" (The End)