Square Enix loves handhelds

by JC Fletcher { Jun 11th 2007 at 1:00PM }

Yoichi Wada, head of Square Enix, believes that handhelds are the way to go, at least until the next generation settles down somewhat. Wada told the Financial Times "There is a new breed of gamers in the market – we have to make games for all kinds of people." Which means, of course, the DS.

It should be no surprise that the company has a lot of faith in portable systems, since their flagship franchise has moved to the DS. Still, it is a little unusual for Wada to publicly speak against next-gen systems with so many important Square Enix games headed to the PS3. "There are too many specs – and you also need a high-definition TV, a broadband connection and a deep knowledge of gaming – these consoles are mismatched to today's environment. In a year or two years they will fare better."

Tags: dq, dq9, dqix, dragon quest, dragon quest 9, dragon quest ix, DragonQuest, DragonQuest9, DragonQuestIx, ds, enix, ff, final fantasy, FinalFantasy, nintendo, nintendo ds, NintendoDs, se, square, square enix, SquareEnix, wada

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

hvnlysoldr @ Jun 11th 2007 1:17PM

The DS prints money is Square Enix's new motto.

A Gupta @ Jun 11th 2007 1:27PM

what's that in the picture thar? doesn't look like a DS, unless it's a custom one...

JC Fletcher @ Jun 11th 2007 1:37PM

It's a WonderSwan Color, from another age of Square handheld support.

wukong @ Jun 11th 2007 8:43PM

Special Final Fantasy Edition Wonderswan Color, one of the few handhelds that managed something against Nintendo if only in Japan. It was made by Bandai. The creator was Gunpei Yokoi, same man who made Game Boy. The Wonderswan Color was the second version. Its successor being the Swan Crystal. Bandai eventually abandoned it due to Sqaure, being back on good terms with Nintendo, withdrawing support for the system. I actually wish I had one. They had some good games on it.

Almadi @ Jun 12th 2007 4:48AM

I have that special edition. Been trying to sell it for ages, but after Final Fantasy came out on the GBA, no one seems interested.

Which leads to an important question�

Many console games get remade years later. But this isn't a trend with arcade games (many of which are amazing). The DS would be a great platform for arcade games of the early 90's