Nintendo Wii Case Study

Wii – Nintendo’s Video Game Revolution
Problem Statement:
Nintendo’s George Harrison needs a solution to deal with chronic product shortages when unexpected demand exceeds supply despite the increase in manufacturing capacity. Preventing product shortages would also eliminate an opportunity for competitors to increase market share in a highly competitive electronic entertainment industry.

Objective:
To develop a product planning strategy to effectively deal with the 2007 holiday season and demand going forward to reduce product shortages. To develop a strategy that sees Nintendo maintain its market leader status once it is in the market maturity stage
Background:
Nintendo has been in existence since 1889, starting with cards and then expanding into toys and games Nintendo is the leading video game maker in the United States Nintendo has had phenomenal success with their recent launches of Wii and DS In 1992, Nintendo had captured 80% share of the market for video games
Forecast:1
Nintendo is forecasted to sell 14,000,000 hardware units of Wii during the next year, significantly up from their previous year in which they sold 5,840,000 units Nintendo is also projected to sell 55,000,000 software units, again significantly up from their previous year in which they sold 28,840,000 units Competitors such as Sony and Microsoft are not facing any shortage issues and are aggressively cutting down their console prices to
increase their respective market share
Situation Analysis:
S.W.O.T Analysis:
Strengths:
Nintendo is a well known and established brand with an excellent reputation Had phenomenal success with recent product launches (DS and Wii) Product priced lower than the competition
Nintendo games are easy to learn, but hard to master
Nintendo has the first motion-sensing controller in the video game industry Nintendo Wii, with its motion-sensing controller can help improve fitness
Weaknesses:
Not able to keep up with the demand of their latest console Wii Weaker graphics and processors as compared to its competitors Nintendo ignored trend changes in consumer’s preference to computer games in the past Nintendo players lack built-in DVD or blue-ray players
Opportunities:
Opportunity for Nintendo to increase revenue through online advertising on the Wii channel Games can be developed at 25 to 50% of the cost of games for the competition Games can be developed in a significantly shorter time than for the competition Nintendo consoles appeal to the older market that likes challenging non-violent games Demand is still high for Wii and DS
Threats:
Customers are willing to pay premium price for better function and graphics Competition has lowered the price of their console to compete Customers are more into complicated and hard to win games
Competition has started to introduce their own new games for casual users to compete directly with Nintendo Customers are starting to wonder if product shortages are intentional to keep them interested Suppliers for parts are unable to meet Nintendo’s demand
Retailers bundled up Wii with different peripherals, selling them for $350 and $600, pricing more than competitors
Conclusion:
Currently Nintendo has several opportunities and strengths it can take advantage of. It is going to need all these and more to stay competitive in this fast moving and highly competitive market. Its biggest problem is the product shortage which it needs to be rectified to stay competitive otherwise consumers may tire of waiting to purchase a Wii console and will purchase from the competition.
Market Analysis:
Video game consoles would be part of the specialty product class. These are items that a consumer really wants and makes a special effort to find. Typically these items are in high demand around the holidays and then demand will subside with small peaks throughout the year. This enables businesses to stockpile product for the next holiday season. Unfortunately this has not happened for Nintendo and demand has stayed high throughout the year which means they have not been able to stockpile for the upcoming holiday season. The product life cycle2 of video games can be pretty unpredictable but in general tends to be shorter due to ever changing technology. Nintendo has had great success over the past 20+ years in the market by coming up with unique products with differentiating marketing strategies. The latest evidence of this is the release of its handheld console called DS and motion-sensing controller for the Wii console, because of this Nintendo has become a leader in the market once again. But, Nintendo was caught off guard during the first life cycle, market introduction for its Wii. This is because traditionally sales are low during market introduction4 stage but in the case of Wii, Nintendo saw acceleration in demand after the first holiday season instead of a decline. This could be because some new-product ideas will move through the early stage of the life cycle more quickly when it has certain characteristics4 but even industry analysts such as Michael Pachter who said “I’ve never seen anything like this” and “Nintendo could not have expected this level of popularity” was shocked at the demand3. Nintendo is now in the market growth stage making big profits but its competitors are responding by lowering the cost of their consoles and developing new software to directly compete.
Segmentation Analysis:
In Appendix A you will find the Segment Analysis chart. We divided the market into four main segments young children, teenager/young adult, parents and senior citizens. With its easy to use and more simplistic family and fitness oriented games Nintendo currently has a large majority of the young children, parents and senior citizen market which makes up approximately 65% of the industry. As there are currently many games on the market that appeal to these groups, their efforts may be better served trying to obtain some of the teenager/young adult market by developing a few games that have higher graphics and speed and more violence.
Competition Analysis:
When Nintendo introduced the Wii they had obviously analysed their competitors to find a competitive advantage. They took advantage of this by developing a new easier to use motion controller that encourages people to be physically active while playing and their games appeal to everyone not just the hardcore gamers. Appendix B shows a competitive analysis for Nintendo and its main competition.
Even though the Nintendo Wii is currently in the market growth stage it won’t take long for it to get to the market maturity stage as both Microsoft and Sony have started to adapt their products to more directly compete against the Wii. It is important for a firm to have some competitive advantage as it
moves into market maturity. Even a small advantage can make a big difference and some firms do very well by carefully managing their maturing products1. Nintendo will have to keep this in mind if they want to stay the industry leader in game console sales as Microsoft and Sony continue to adapt their products to more directly compete against the Wii.
Financial Analysis:
Nintendo is forecasted to sell 14 million4 Wii’s and the profit on each hardware unit sold is $50. If Nintendo is able to keep up with the demand their total profit based on projected sales could be approximately 700 million. They are still the cheapest console in the market at $2495 as compared to its competitors (Sony and Microsoft). Nintendo can further increase its profits by bundling accessories and games with its console. Wii packages could be sold between $350 to $6006 which could further increase their revenues and profits. Nintendo could also make additional revenue from the advertising that it allows on its Wii channel. All of this indicates that Nintendo is financially sound and its latest offering (Wii console) is raking in big revenues and making decent profits. If Nintendo is able to keep up with the demand they could have another record breaking year in terms of sales and revenues.
Case Keys:
Opportunities:
Wii’s motion sensor technology is unique and first off a kind, it provides Nintendo with an opportunity to develop creative accessories, such as, electronic guitar, fitness matt etc. Online gaming, Nintendo’s Wii channel is a free service subsidised by online gaming and subscription fees. The Wii channel also included an art program to create an avatar and could use them in multiplayer games.
Key Success Factors:
Developed and introduced a product that was different than the competition Lowest priced game console in the market
Still the only motion sensor controlled game console on the market More games available for the Wii than the competition
Key Uncertainties:
Will Nintendo be able to keep up with product demand
May not be able to win over hardcore gamers
How soon will it be before Sony and Microsoft have motion sensor controllers Product life cycle can be very short if the product is not upgradable Nintendo needs to be responsive to changes in market trends
Competitors may easily replicate Nintendo’s users-friendly concept
Alternative Solutions:
1) Do Nothing: Nintendo could do nothing and continue to have possible shortages until the current component manufacturer increase production or provide enough components to fulfil demand.
Pros:
Will keep demand high
When demand levels off there will be no overstock issues
Cons
Customers could get tired of waiting and buy from the competition
2) Encourage stores to do advance online ordering: This would allow Nintendo to keep intact with the demand and allow customers to track their order and know the approximate shipment time.
Pros:
Nintendo will have an idea of demand in advance
Customers will know when to expect their product
Customers will not end of paying extra on grey market
Customers will not have to wait in long lines
Cons
May not be able to deliver product when customer was told
May not help with product shortage issues
3) Find manufacturers to make additional component parts: Finding additional component supplier would allow Nintendo to meet its demand as the required components for the console would be available sooner and faster.
Pros:
An increase in component supplies should allow Nintendo to meet consumer demand Another reliable supplier is a good source for comparing prices and quality Another reliable supplier is a good backup system, when one supplier cannot meet deadline Dependable supplier can work as partner with Nintendo in helping in the development of its hardware and software with faster turnaround
Cons
May not be able to find another supplier
Quality may not be as good as with existing supplier
Suppliers can steal the formula and try to manufacture its own device May be more expensive than current supplier
4) Increase price: Increase the current price of the Wii to be the same as the Xbox 360 or slightly higher. This would allow them to keep their revenues and profits at same level as before when they were selling their console at cheaper price.
Pros:
If done right profits will grow as increase is pure profit
High price is an image of premium product and differentiated features Some users do not mind paying higher for what they want
Cons
Demand may lower too much
Competitors may drop their price leaving Nintendo with too high price in the market Customer may question about price increase for the same product with no upgrade Customers may critique that electronic market prices usually decline and not the other way round
Recommendation:
We recommend that Nintendo find another manufacturer to make the additional components for a faster turnaround. Currently Nintendo does not deal with too many software developers or hardware components manufacturer. Partnership with dependable suppliers means that they can increase their production capacity and eliminate or minimize the shortage of inventory to meet the demand of consumers on time. Finding an additional component supplier would allow Nintendo to spend more time on the core of the business and less time being worried about product shortages. They should divert their attention towards research and development of their next product as it won’t take long for Sony and Microsoft to catch up to the technology. In order for Nintendo to stay competitive they have to think long term and continually update their existing products or be working on the next big thing.
Action Plan:
Timing
Description
Person or Department in charge
Immediately
Meet with current supplier to discuss product shortage issue one more time
Decide which manufacturers to approach regarding making the component parts CEO or member of senior management
Senior management
July 2007
Approach manufacturers to see if they can produce component parts CEO or member of senior management
Aug 2007
Sign contract with chosen manufacturer
Start to stockpile the other parts required for the Wii
CEO and senior management
Company in general
Sept 2007
Start production at new manufacturer
Direct all suppliers as to which Nintendo’s facility to ship to
Speak to media to re-assure the public that we have increased supply New manufacturer
Procurement department
George Harrison and marketing department
Mid-Oct 2007
Start to ship extra game consoles to stores a little at a time Sales department
Oct to Nov 2007
Marketing to continue with promoting Wii through viral marketing and TV advertising George Harrison and marketing department
Jan 2007
Compile data to see where demand versus supply is and project short-term sales to see if extra consoles are still needed Finance and Sales departments
Contingency:
If the plan for outsourcing parts for manufacturing does not work, we will
then recommend for Nintendo to encourage stores to advance online ordering. Advance online ordering does have many benefits to customers who does not want to wait in long lines and does not like to get disappointed for not getting what they think they deserve. This also benefits Nintendo’s manufacturing department in scheduling their production accordingly since they know how many consoles that must produced not only based on the projected sales, but based on actual figures.
Appendix A
Segment name:
Young Children
Teenagers and Young Adults
Parents
Senior Citizen
Qualifying Dimensions
Who?
Males and females
Age 4 – 15
Males
Age 16-30
Males and females
Age 35-63
Males and females, Age 64 and up
What?
Games
Controllers, fast action ; high graphic games
Controllers, games and consoles
Controllers, games and consoles
Where?
From friends, television, in stores
From friends, television, in stores, internet
From friends, television, in stores, internet
From friends, television, in stores
When?
All year
All year
All year
All year
Why?
Exercise, educational, entertainment, socialize with friends Entertainment, socialize with friends
Exercise, educational, entertainment, socialize with friends Exercise, educational, entertainment, socialize with friends How do they buy?
Cash, debit or credit
Cash, debit or credit
Cash, debit or credit
Cash, debit or credit
Size of Segment
20%
35%
30%
15%
Trends/Potential in segment
Growing market as more educational and simpler games are developed Market has remained fairly consistent with most owning a game console Growing market with health conscious trend looking for physical activity Growing market with health conscious trend looking for physical activity Determining Dimensions
Benefits sought
Encourages physical activity, educational, fun and means to socialize Looking for high graphic fast paced games with lots of violence Encourages physical activity, brain stimulation, fun and means to socialize Encourages physical activity, brain stimulation, fun and means to socialize
Appendix B
Segment
Nintendo Wii
Microsoft Xbox
Sony Play Station
Target Market
Broad audience from young children to senior citizens
18 – 35 male core gamers
Same as Microsoft Xbox
Product
Simpler console to make
Games are easier and less expensive to develop
Uses a motion sensor control
Connects wirelessly to the internet and Wii channel offers classic video games Faster processor
Better Graphics
Online gaming with Xbox live
Has two products on the market PS2 ; PS3
Supercomputer-like power and performance
Built in Blue-ray DVD player
Place
Wholesalers and Retailers
Promotion
Trade shows
Viral Marketing (from company hosted events to malls to retirement meetings Advertising focused on users rather than game
Trade shows
Advertising emphasizing the technical qualities
Same as Microsoft Xbox
Price
$249
$279
$169 to $499
(Potential) Competitive Barriers
Product shortages continue
Some cases of injury due to control flying out of hand
To many game titles may confuse people
Games cost more to develop
Games not geared towards younger and older crowds
Controllers harder to use
Same as Microsoft Xbox
Most expense console in the market
Likely Responses
Will do better product planning to reduce shortages
Will develop games that deal to a wider audience
Will develop its own motion sensor controller
Same as Microsoft Xbox
Lower the price