How Would I Fix Nintendo Online?

This morning I saw a video posted by Madlittlepixel, where he discussed a job opportunity with Nintendo with the role of “fixing” the Nintendo Online service. Looking at the job post, I began to think; how would I fix the service if I had the opportunity.

Why should Nintendo listen to me? What’s my background?

I am not a programmer; I am an IT professional with a Bachelors and Masters degree in various niche markets within Information Technology.

I have experience in software testing, where I was a game tester during my college years. There are even a few games with my name in the credits. Boy was that a LONG time ago! I plan to talk about life as a game tester in a future video, so I will keep it minimal here.

So far, I do not have a single quality that Nintendo seeks. Take a look for yourself:

• Japanese language fluency highly desirable
• Six plus years of related program/project management, specifically related to managing a consumer product or service – subscription service experience highly desirable 
• One to two years of supervisory experience
• Enthusiasm for technology and gaming a plus
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence) and familiarity with reporting tools (e.g., Tableau).
• Proficiency with MS Office suite (including Word, Excel, Project, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

…then how could I make a logical argument for anything Nintendo? The answers are in a common sense approach and by listening to the customer-base.

What Nintendo Online currently does right.

At this time, the price is good and I love the ability to archive my saves online. I even like the method of communication for online games…as a parent. I can totally see why the “hardcore gamers” dislike talking through their phones. As a parent, I like being able to separate the online play from the child playing the game online, by simply denying the child the phone or tablet.

What would I change if I had my way. (Five Point Plan)

1. Grandfather-in early adopters
2. Split the service
3. Two communication options
4. Retro Consoles
5. Quality of Life: Freebies and Licenses

As I said in the associated video, located here:

The entire script needs to be flipped. The console began life with online access to games for free. Once the new service was released, the online play became a monetary item. I would split the plan to the Nintendo Online service that we currently pay for and grandfather early adopters into a “light” plan without a charge. The light plan would be ideal for people or are simply not interested in retro games. I can’t imagine such a thing, although I’m certain that there are people who think as such.

Communication

I contend that there should be two different methods:

1. Method 1 – in game communication using headphones via direct connection or bluetooth.
2. Method 2 – the existing method where children can use the online service and parents can (more) easily control whether they can communicate through the service.

Classic Console(s)

The NES and Super NES Classics should be added to the Nintendo Online experience; either by designated apps or included in the existing app. The Nintendo 64 (N64) release should be saved for the release of the PlayStation 5 and XBox One-Two-Three so Nintendo has something to offer as well. (I would like one earlier but this plan is a means to bolster the Nintendo Online service.) In order to mitigate costs, the focus can be on Nintendo-owned licenses of games, at least at the beginning.

Using the Virtual Console as a model, add non-Nintendo systems to the “retro” app(s), if possible. (This statement does contradict the previous statement, but if it is a possibility, then go for it!) The Sega Genesis may be a tad difficult to procure because of Sega’s upcoming “classic” console and the annual release of classics to each console. TurboGrafx/PCEngine would be a great addition. For example, “Castlevania: Rondo of Blood” was released on the Virtual Console and translated to English. Excluding the PlayStation Portable (PSP) release, this game had not previously been released to the United States, nor localized.

WiiWare games would be a great addition to the “retro” library of games. Call it something else, as needed.

Quality of Life (Freebies / Multi-Licenses)

It would be a good gesture to offer a freebie or two per month in a similar fashion to how Sony operates with PlayStation Network (PSN) Plus.

Share purchases with a family plan. Purchases made on PSN provide two active licenses for each game. My son plays my games, but because my Switch is the first, it is also the “primary.” That means when I load a game that he is playing, his is immediately paused. I have two Switches (three by the end of the year) on my account, with a family plan. Why can’t these licenses be shared?

If anybody else has an idea, please share it.