Iwata-san discusses past third-party support on Nintendo consoles, and how Nintendo is trying to change this.

At the AGM held in Japan today, Iwata-san responded to a question regarding third-party support on Nintendo consoles, with a focus on the lack of software for Wii since the first half of 2009. Iwata answered by saying that it was important to work out how a steady stream of software can be released from both first-party and third-party developers, and also to work out how Nintendo can collaborate with third-party developers to achieve this.

Iwata went on to say that in the first year after launch for both Wii U and 3DS, it was difficult to get third-party developers to support their systems. He plans to change this to allow big software launches from third-parties in the first year of each console's life. Iwata said that they are doing this by sharing details about the new hardware earlier with certain third-parties, and then by working with them to make collaborative games. He summed it up by saying:

'...what we are aiming for with the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U is, platforms which have much more software and a wider variety of software than the former Nintendo DS or Wii. Therefore, we are thinking of creating an environment where software from other companies will become hits. Please understand that Nintendo is prepared to invest in order to make this a reality.'

Do you think that Nintendo's strategy is right, or should the third-parties be courted in a different way? Leave your comments below!