Miyamoto Interviews> April 17th 1998, Famitsu

Famitsu: What is your take on the N64's performance in '96 and '97?

Shigeru Miyamoto: In regard to Nintendo, I think we can provide good stuff . But frankly speaking, I feel that there was a lack of variety, although I don't think there is a shortage of titles.

FM: Don't you think there are long intervals between releases?

SM: Last year, we couldn't release anything internally except Star Fox and Yoshi's Story. That was indeed a lack of games. If we could release Zelda 64 and F-Zero X this year, we can show our wide variety of games. I'm terribly sorry about that.

FM: In regard to Nintendo 64, it seemed to struggle.

SM: Indeed it wasn't selling well domestically. But it doesn't matter that much. I'm confident because it has sold well in the US with the current game lineup. Maybe this is not well known here, but the N64 has sold more than ten million units worldwide. From this year to next year, games will be released at fair intervals. We got used to it with two years of experience and finally we can release games faster. But I won't say what games will be out by this Christmas, because it may make me a liar later on. (laugh)

FM: Banjo & Kazooie the game is slated for a June release in the US but will not be released until the fall in Japan.

SM: This is one of the reasons Zelda got delayed. This game is so great and we have to compete.

FM: Could you explain in concrete terms what makes the game great?

SM: I try not to see the game.(laughs) If I see it, I may be affected by it. Graphically and technically it achieves high levels. It played fine last fall, but wasn't released. (laugh) They've developed it more. If you want to enjoy a 3D action title, this may be the best choice. If we have the momentum (in Japan), this will be dominant in the market.

FM: Can we write that you were "affected" by this one?

SM: Sure, you can. We and Rare are rivals. I'm not sure this character design will be accepted (by the Japanese audience), but this is fun.

<< Back to Miyamoto Interviews