Pokemon CEO Didn't Think the Nintendo Switch Would Succeed

Japan's current gaming landscape is dominated by mobile devices, but the Nintendo Switch found massive success in the region. One person surprised by the Switch's success is Pokemon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara who recently revealed that he didn't believe Nintendo would have much luck with the Switch.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Ishihara explained his initial reactions to the hybrid game console.

"I told Nintendo that Switch wouldn't be a success before it went on sale, because I thought that in the age of the smartphone, no one would carry out a game console. It's obvious I was wrong," said Ishihara.

However, once the console began selling out in markets, including Japan, Ishihara had to learn some new truths. "I came to realize the key to a successful game is quite simple: software with absolute quality leads sales of hardware," said the Pokemon Company CEO. "Playing style can be flexible if the software is attractive enough. Currently it's popular among the early adopters, but there needs to be one more step to attract a wider audience. I see more potential in Switch, but one shouldn't overestimate its potential."

Just because the Pokemon Company CEO didn't initially believe in the Switch doesn't mean the company isn't working for the platform. An untitled Pokemon game is currently in development for the system. Since Ishihara believes that the Switch is "really not that different from DS or 3DS in terms of connectivity," he hopes that the Switch title will offer a Pokemon experience "that goes deeper and with a higher level of expression."