The death of Nintendo Power as we know it.
29 09 2007I received my monthly issue of Nintendo Power yesterday - the November issue on September 29th. I started reading it immediately as I usually do and most of the articles were informative and interesting, even though I could of just read them online for free I still enjoy the magazine. However… one article I wasn’t too happy about. Is this Nintendo’s way of slowly eliminating all the hardcore gamer elements? (First the forums… now the magazine…)
For nearly 20 years I have had what many people would consider to be the best job in the world. (No argument here) And the same thing could be said of my talented colleagues– the writers, designers, editors, and incredible support staff that have sweated the details every month to bring you the world’s first and best official game magazine. Nintendo has been our home, and our parent too, supporting and guiding us as we have tried to tap into our passion for both the games and the print medium to inform and entertain our loyal readers. But there comes a time when we all leave home and strive for even greater achievements, and that time is now for Nintendo Power. This issue is the final edition to be published by Nintendo of America. Beginning with Volume 222, Future US (one of the most accomplished magazine publishers on Earth) becomes Nintendo Power’s official publisher. Huge news, I know, but not discouraging. In fact, although some masthead names will change, I am convinced that Future’s new team is not only dedicated to carrying on with the traditions and quality you expect, but will deliver exciting new content and benefits, such as an annual holiday bonus issue. Subscribers will continue to receive NP monthly in the mail, and newsstand patrons will find NP in more locations than ever before. So please join me as I say welcome to the future, and to Future US.
Scott Pelland
Managing Editor
One thing I’m worrying about is whether or not Future US will be able to deliver the layout and content that I’ve always loved about Nintendo Power since my subscription started… a few months ago. I’ve bought it off the newsstand a few times, even with the horrible price of $7 there and the magazine is great. I’m just afraid this is yet another step in moving Nintendo to the casual market - by Brain Age, Big Brain Academy, Nintendogs, Carnival Games, Wii Play, Wii Sports… the closure of the official Nsider forums and the end of publishing Nintendo Power. *sigh*
I just bought my first Nintendo system (Wii) and now my daughter has hers (DS Lite). We are going to subscribe to Ninetendo Power and hope that it does, in fact, cater to the mass market, while still retaining the gamer traditions.
We love Big Brain Academy (on both systems) as well as Wii Sports and above all else, Madden 2008 (wow is that game fun!).
Walt D in LV
10/23/2007
Good choice. For the most part, Nintendo Power is a great magazine.