Nintendo: We're Battling "Ourselves And Our Sense Of Complacency"

In a recent Q&A with IGN, Denise Kaigler, Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs said the idea of "console wars" is one concieved by the media, and that Nintendo doesn't see the industry in such a way.

"Have your readers noticed that it's usually members of the media who love using terms like "console wars." Like "auto wars" or "cola wars," they conjure up strange images of corporate titans clashed in some epic battle, or masterminds and their henchmen wringing their hands as they plot world domination. So let's all take a deep breath and put it into perspective. It's not a war. It's entertainment, it's videogames ... it's fun!"

Furthermore, says Kaigler, the only war Nintendo's engaged in is a never-ending civil war.

"The problem with words like "wars" and "winning" is that they imply a sense of finality, an end. Yes, while Wii and Nintendo DS continue to do very well, there's never going to be a day when Nintendo looks at the sales numbers, kicks back and declares, "well, we're done." That's the challenge and the fun of the video game industry. We must constantly remember to push ourselves to try new things. If there's a battle going on, it's with ourselves and our sense of complacency. In this industry, if you think you have everything figured out, that's when you're really in trouble."

While its fair to say Nintendo has always been an innovator throughout its history--implementing shoulder buttons, force feedback, and motion controls just to name a few off the top of my head--many argue that the company has become complacent this generation, pointing to the Wii's underpowered hardware and lack of hardcore first-party titles as examples.

What do you think?  Is the Big N winning or losing its battle against their "sense of complacency"?  Let us know in the comments.