why does nintendo recycle so much?

[Anarchist420]

generally sega would make two or three games in a franchise and be working on a new franchise at the same time they were making sequels, while all nintendo does is recycle.

and even if you didnt like sega's genesis (because you think pcm is universally and objectively better than FM), dreamcast (because you bought into the PoBS2 "hype" in '99), and saturn games (because you thought it was so cool that sony made a console) they were always high on ingenuity/originality other than an S-load of sonic games.

i will grant that yoshi's island was different, and super mario galaxy would've been cool if one wasnt forced to use the wiimote, but every zelda game is the same as the last one, they've made like 10 million mario games that are similar to each other, super metroid, metroid fusion, and metroid zero mission and metroid prime were excellent, but none of them were incredibly innovative.

does nintendo recycle so much because of the ip system or is it they really dont know how to innovate or i am just mad because sega no longer makes consoles or something else?

 

[KaOTiK]

They make shit that sells. It is the reason we have a reskinned COD each year, it sells.

 

[Doppel]

They make shit that sells. It is the reason we have a reskinned COD each year, it sells.

Yep, although to the OP's point it really seems like Nintendo is sitting on the same laurels it made decades ago.

 

[purbeast0]

http://www.vgchartz.com/platform/2/wii/
http://www.vgchartz.com/platform/42/nintendo-3ds/
http://www.vgchartz.com/platform/29/gamecube/
http://www.vgchartz.com/platform/47/wii-u/
http://www.vgchartz.com/platform/10/nintendo-64/

look at the majority of the top selling games. that's why.

 

[Soundmanred]

Nintendo Product Recycling

Video game products have a significant nostalgic value and are still fun to play and own even decades after they're first purchased. Unlike other electronics, such as cell phones, computers and televisions, video game systems are usually kept, resold, or handed down to family and friends. As such, we see very limited demand to dispose of video game products. Because video game systems retain significant value, Nintendo of America offers a number of options to maximize their continued use, while also offering recycling options to consumers and businesses that help minimize the waste disposal of video game products.

How Nintendo of America helps minimize the waste disposal of video game products:

• • Offers a free and convenient Take Back Program for consumers and businesses that would like Nintendo to recycle their products for them. The Take Back program uses a network of thousands of UPS locations across the country to ship the products in at no cost. We'll even recycle a competitor's home console for those consumers who have purchased a Nintendo system.
  • Offers reasonably-priced and convenient repair options to maximize continued use of current Nintendo systems.
  • Continues to offer repair support for Nintendo systems well after retail sales of new products have ended (for example, Nintendo GameCube systems).
  • Remanufactures or refurbishes retailer and consumer returns and utilizes them for repair and replacement programs, as well as for sales into some secondary markets.
  • Recycles close to 100% of the materials from any returned products or repair parts that can't be re-used, and partners with a certified recycler to ensure that responsible recycling practices are utilized*. (In calendar year 2012, Nintendo of America processed 357 tons of returned products (U.S. and Canada). Of that amount there is a 99% recycle rate, with almost two-thirds being reused in its original form, which is the most environmentally friendly recycling option.)

How to recycle or repair Nintendo products

1. • Repair
     If your Nintendo system is no longer working, a repair might be an option for you. We offer reasonably-priced repairs on many systems even long after they stop being sold new at retail. Click here for more information on troubleshooting and repairs.
   • Take Back Program - Free!
     We provide a free courtesy product Take Back Program for the recycling of Nintendo hardware, software, accessories, and rechargeable batteries. In addition, we will also accept a video game console, made by another company, from consumers who have also purchased a Nintendo console.
     Once your Take Back order is set up, complete instructions for packaging your shipment and locating a free and convenient UPS location will be provided. If a drop-off location is greater than 5 miles from your location, please call 1-800-255-3700 for free pick-up instructions.
     If you are interested in sending product to Nintendo for recycling, there are two options for you to choose from:
     • Use our convenient online Take Back Program form (U.S. only).
     • If you are a business sending in multiple systems, or are a US or Canadian consumer who would prefer to call to set up your product Take Back order, please call Nintendo of America at 1-800-255-3700. Representatives are available between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), seven days a week.
   • Recycle locally and responsibly**
     If you'd like to recycle your Nintendo products locally, there are a variety of programs available. Nintendo recommends that you use a recycler with a commitment to supporting environmental stewardship by handling the donated material in a responsible way.
     • U.S. Residents, please use the following link to find a recycler in your area:
       • http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm
     • Canadian residents, please use the following links to find recyclers in your area:
       • http://www.ec.gc.ca/education/default.asp?lang=En&n=A4F6B414-1
         
       • http://earth911.com
     *Additional information on Nintendo of America's recycling efforts: Nintendo supports the goals of certifications such as R2 and e-Steward's, and we believe that a successful national recycling certification must be supported by government, business and affiliated associations. Nintendo partners with a R2 certified national recycler with a commitment to environmental stewardship that meets our Corporate Social Responsibility goals and values, and we require the following from our recycling partner:
     • Be certified in Quality, Health and Safety, and Environmental management systems (e.g. ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001), and R2 Responsible Recycling guidelines published by the EPA (http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/r2practices.htm.)
     • Specifically disallow the export of defective electronics for processing to non-OECD countries.
     • Operate a transparent and closed-loop recycling process.
     • Wholly support a zero electronics-to-landfill policy and utilize domestic processors for preparation of materials into smelters and refiners.
     Any products we receive through our Take Back Program that cannot be reused will be recycled responsibly. In calendar year 2011, Nintendo of America processed 548 tons of returned products (U.S. and Canada), of which 68 percent was reused and 30 percent recycled. We also offer a take back program for consumers with older products, rechargeable batteries, etc.
     
     Attn: Residents of the state of Illinois - All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in Illinois must be recycled. For more information about Illinois' electronic waste law, please visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency website at: www.epa.state.il.us/land/electronic-waste-recycling/index.html.
     Attn: Residents of the state of Maine - All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in Maine must be recycled. For more information about Maine's electronic waste law, please visit the Maine Department of Environmental Protection website at: www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/ewaste.
     Attn: Residents of the state of Maryland - Waste televisions, hand-held video game consoles, and other electronic products with display screens exceeding 4 inches generated by households in Maryland must be recycled at no cost to the consumer. Nintendo provides a free courtesy product Take Back Program - click here for the online form. If you require packaging, Nintendo will provide it for free when you contact us at 1-800-448-6797. For information about Maryland's electronic waste law, please visit "Recycling Resources for Residents of Maryland."
     Attn: Residents of the state of New York - All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in New York must be recycled. For more information about New York's electronic waste law, please visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website at: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html.
     Attn: Residents of the state of Vermont - All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in Vermont must be recycled. For information about Vermont's electronic waste law, please visit the Vermont E-Waste Recycling Program website at: http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/e-waste/.
     Attn: Residents of the state of West Virginia - Waste televisions, hand-held video game consoles, and other electronic products with display screens exceeding 4 inches generated by households in West Virginia must be recycled. For information about West Virginia's electronic waste law, please visit the West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board website at: http://www.state.wv.us/swmb/RMDP/EWaste/e-Cycle_WV.html.
     Residentes no Brasil - todas as baterias ou pilhas descartadas no Brasil devem ser recicladas. Para obter informações sobre o processo de reciclagem de baterias entre em contato com um ponto de coleta em sua cidade ou entre em contato com a HG Digital Service, telefone: (11) 3868-2658. Para obter maiores informações sobre a Lei de Reciclagem de Baterias no Brasil, por favor visite o website do Ministério do Meio Ambiente em: http://www.mma.gov.br/port/conama/legiabre.cfm?codlegi=589
     
     **Your personal information: If your Wii U, Wii, Nintendo DSi, or Nintendo 3DS is still functional enough to do so, remove any personal information from it before you sell, donate, or recycle it. For steps on doing this, use these links:
     Wii U Wii Nintendo DSi / Nintendo DSi XL Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo 3DS XL For consumer protection all items received through our Take Back Program are thoroughly dismantled and crushed prior to shipping them out to be shredded for recycling. In this way all consumer data contained on the system is permanently destroyed prior to leaving our facility.

More about Nintendo of America and the environment
For additional information on Nintendo of America's efforts to protect the environment and better the community, please read our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Someone doesn't understand the context of the word recycle in this thread.

 

[KentState]

The thing is that Nintendo's success is built around their franchises and IMO the hardware is secondary. While the other consoles have had some good franchise games, so many are built almost as tech demos. Zelda, SMB3 and Metroid are some of the best games ever so why not build on them? Sonic was decent, but the controls sucked at times and the game was always gimmicky. Halo but might be the only other franchise to come close but it has so much competition and very little innovation.

 

[Soundmanred]

Someone doesn't understand the context of the word recycle in this thread.

"Someone" is tired of overused complaints. This discussion has been going on for years.
As much as people want to complain, Nintendo DOES innovate with their franchises. Someone saying all the Marios, Zeldas, and Metroids are all the same means they haven't played them, or just doesn't like Nintendo. (or a Sega fanboy, as the OP admits)

 

[cmdrdredd]

"Someone" is tired of overused complaints. This discussion has been going on for years.
As much as people want to complain, Nintendo DOES innovate with their franchises. Someone saying all the Marios, Zeldas, and Metroids are all the same means they haven't played them, or just doesn't like Nintendo. (or a Sega fanboy, as the OP admits)

Haha...it just means Nintendo is out of new ideas. Nintendo can't create new IP. That is fact. Rare did all the work for them on N64.

 

[mmntech]

Nintendo could learn from Sony as they did an excellent job creating new franchises and refreshing old ones last generation.

I think part of the problem is they try too hard to develop everything in house. While I respect Shigeru Miyamoto's genius, I think they tend to rely on his brain far too much. He was too much a prodigy, and they became dependent on him for ideas. However, he hasn't really created anything fresh in a very long time.

Nintendo is too Japanese. Not just the games but their corporate culture. They have a small number of in-house studios, all of which are based in Japan. What would really benefit them would be to take that Wii money and spend it on acquiring international exclusive studios. Not just in North America and Europe but emerging markets like Brazil. This is something Sony has done quite successfully. It's well known that Japan's game industry hasn't been doing so hot in the last few years.

In short, they need to get fresh blood developing games for them. As well as give them the creative freedom to do so.

 

[Dumac]

Haha...it just means Nintendo is out of new ideas. Nintendo can't create new IP. That is fact. Rare did all the work for them on N64.

Xenoblade
Project X
Bravely Default
Rhythm Heaven
Wonderful 101
Pikmin
Professor Layton
Pushmo
Golden Sun
Elite Beat Agents
Animal Crossing
Endless Ocean
Sin and Punishment
Brain Academy
Nintendogs
Wii Party/Fit/Play/Etc

Just because you don't like the IP doesn't meant it doesn't exist.

Nintendo's bread and butter (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid) will always be around, because they are the most critically acclaimed and best selling titles.

 

[raildogg]

It doesn't really matter. I know that right now, besides sports games, the games that I want to play on consoles are on the Wii and Wii U.

Having the latest graphics, the most realistic shooters, flashy gameplay does not lead to a good game. To showcase a point: I still play Return To Castle Wolfenstein, a game from 11 years ago. It's all about the gameplay.

 

[cmdrdredd]

It doesn't really matter. I know that right now, besides sports games, the games that I want to play on consoles are on the Wii and Wii U.

Having the latest graphics, the most realistic shooters, flashy gameplay does not lead to a good game. To showcase a point: I still play Return To Castle Wolfenstein, a game from 11 years ago. It's all about the gameplay.

Yet Uncharted, Last of Us, God of War, Forza, Killer Instinct, Metal Gear Solid, Dishonored, Bioshock, Mass Effect, Skyrim all have fantastic gameplay and are critically acclaimed. None of them are available for any Nintendo system.

Nintendo could learn from Sony as they did an excellent job creating new franchises and refreshing old ones last generation.

I think part of the problem is they try too hard to develop everything in house. While I respect Shigeru Miyamoto's genius, I think they tend to rely on his brain far too much. He was too much a prodigy, and they became dependent on him for ideas. However, he hasn't really created anything fresh in a very long time.

Nintendo is too Japanese. Not just the games but their corporate culture. They have a small number of in-house studios, all of which are based in Japan. What would really benefit them would be to take that Wii money and spend it on acquiring international exclusive studios. Not just in North America and Europe but emerging markets like Brazil. This is something Sony has done quite successfully. It's well known that Japan's game industry hasn't been doing so hot in the last few years.

In short, they need to get fresh blood developing games for them. As well as give them the creative freedom to do so.

This is true. They would do well to branch out to the world more. I suppose they feel they don't have to but the gaming culture is changing around them and they are being left behind.

Nintendo still has a place, even Yoshida Shuihei said this. He said he doesn't view Nintendo as a direct competitor but a companion for bringing gamers into the fold. People may be interested in playing Mario because it is cute and family oriented and that's ok, but it also introduces people to gaming in general and when they are looking at the new games they may be interested in trying some other titles that are unavailable to them with only a Wii or WiiU. It also brings younger audiences into gaming with family friendly games. As a young player grows older they may also want more advanced experiences and competitive online play. So they may be interested in the Xbox or Playstation for the experiences they cannot get elsewhere. Nintendo is valuable to the industry to make gaming accessible to different audiences. More gamers in general means a bigger market to potentially sell to for everyone in the industry. I just personally think that the industry and the expectations of the core gamers, the ones who spend the most on gaming hardware and software especially, has changed and Nintendo hasn't changed with it which is starting to hurt them in the console market.

 

[shortylickens]

Give the customer what they want. Not what you think they should have.

Thats why Sega went out of business, and Atari too.
Its why EA is a powerhouse even though they turn out overpriced garbage every year. It has nothing to do with whats good. Its about whats popular.

 

[shortylickens]

Yep, although to the OP's point it really seems like Nintendo is sitting on the same laurels it made decades ago.

I dunno, I remember the switch from 2D to 3D. I didnt like it much.
Although I guess the main problem modern gamers have is current stuff is a little too much like the N64.

 

[Fox5]

Wait wait wait, so OP, you think Sega didn't recycle things like Nintendo?

On the Genesis, the biggest franchises are basically just level pack additions:
Sonic 1-3 + Sonic & Knuckles
Streets of Rage 1 - 3
Altered Beast - Not a franchise, but it was a pretty generic beat em up

And that's basically all the 1st party sega games that sold well.

I'm not going to make the argument that Nintendo was significantly more innovative, but Sega really wasn't at that time.

 

[Anarchist420]

Sin and Punishment

treasure made sin and punishment and they werent even a 2nd party if i am not mistaken.

And that's basically all the 1st party sega games that sold well.

true, and i guess i cant fault nintendo for wanting to make more money.

but there was sonic spinball (done one time), vectorman (twice), jewel master (once) was innovative for its day, comix zone (once), the ooze (once), ecco the dolphin (about 3 times), nights (twice), rez (once), shenmue (twice), mr. bones (once), and a whole ton of other games. the revenge of shinobi was pretty innovative for its time (sega took a risk with that). alex kidd in the enchanted castle was rather original (although there were plenty of master system games with alex kidd).

 

[dguy6789]

Xenoblade
Project X
Bravely Default
Rhythm Heaven
Wonderful 101
Pikmin
Professor Layton
Pushmo
Golden Sun
Elite Beat Agents
Animal Crossing
Endless Ocean
Sin and Punishment
Brain Academy
Nintendogs
Wii Party/Fit/Play/Etc

Just because you don't like the IP doesn't meant it doesn't exist.

Nintendo's bread and butter (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid) will always be around, because they are the most critically acclaimed and best selling titles.

This.

Nintendo keeps making Mario and Zelda games for the same reason Apple keeps making iPhones. It's not complicated.

 

[exdeath]

With the exception of Majoras Mask (and Skyward Sword?), every Zelda game is a completely new game built from ground up for the most part.

CoD is more like 15 versions of Majoras Mask when it comes to just blatantly reusing the same engine and assets over and over again. And at least Majoras Mask has unique single player gameplay.

There is a huge difference. Nintendo only reuses the IP, you rarely see them rehashing the same game. Majoras Mask is one of the few exceptions where they blatantly copy/pasted a game on a 6 month cycle. Super Mario 3D World != New Super Mario Bros U != Super Mario Galaxy != Super Mario 64.

Nintendo differs in that they take the time to make sure each game using one of those IPs is a polished masterpiece that differs greatly from previous releases. They are complete stand alone games with standard development cycles, that's why they take so long to make new games. They aren't just adding textures and levels to last years game. It wouldn't take them 2+ years per release if that were the case.

Nintendo is one of the few who do it right. Reusing IP is not the same thing as reusing actual games.

Square was another one. Used to be every Final Fantasy was a unique game ground up until they started this XIII-2 thing. IX and X = reusing IP and making new games. X and X-2 = blatantly copy pasting actual game content.

Huge difference.

 

[smackababy]

Nintendo continues to recycle because it is good for the environment.

 

[Dumac]

treasure made sin and punishment and they werent even a 2nd party if i am not mistaken.
true, and i guess i cant fault nintendo for wanting to make more money.

see

Sin and Punishment (罪と罰 ～地球の継承者～ Tsumi to Batsu: Hoshi no Keishōsha?, "Sin and Punishment: Successor of the Earth"), is a Cabal shooter developed by Treasure and published by Nintendo.

 

[Anarchist420]

With the exception of Majoras Mask (and Skyward Sword?), every Zelda game is a completely new game built from ground up for the most part.

i dont know about all that now. they all have dungeons with puzzles, they all have the same heart system, rupees, link, zelda, the same music and sound fx.

pretty much the only thing that changes is the art style.

Super Mario 3D World != New Super Mario Bros U != Super Mario Galaxy != Super Mario 64.

super mario world was similar to super mario bros 3 similar to super mario land 1-3 (or whatever the game boy ones were), and there is nothing radically different between each game in the "New" series. how many mario karts have there been? 20? how many mario parties? 10?

 

[cmdrdredd]

super mario world was similar to super mario bros 3 similar to super mario land 1-3 (or whatever the game boy ones were), and there is nothing radically different between each game in the "New" series. how many mario karts have there been? 20? how many mario parties? 10?

It was very similar. Overworld map, you progress from stage to stage and pick your path, you can skip certain stages if you unlock path B from that stage. You fight a boss on each world/island. You can skip worlds or islands by getting warps. The story is very similar as well(whatever story there is anyway). Bowser kidnaps the princess.

Sure the stages themselves change each time but it is the same formula over and over.

 

[artemicion]

Troll thread attracts all the trolls. Why does ***** game company recycle so much? Fill in the blank with any game company and you can probably come up with a list going back to the Atari explainin how their games are derivative of other games.

 

[lord_emperor]

Nintendo uses the same IP for a lot of games but they still innovate. There are new gameplay elements in every step from Super Mario Bros -> 2 -> 3 -> World -> 64 -> Galaxy -> 3D World.