In a significant shift in its stance towards mobile gaming, Nintendo has announced a strategic partnership with Japanese mobile giant DeNA. The two companies will collaborate on creating new original games featuring beloved Nintendo characters for smartphones and tablets.
As part of this innovative alliance, only new, optimized games designed specifically for smart devices will be developed. This means that gamers can expect unique experiences tailored to the capabilities of their mobile devices, rather than simply porting existing console or handheld games.
This partnership is a significant step forward for Nintendo in its mobile app development journey, building on previous experiments like Pokémon Shuffle and upcoming releases like Mario-themed Puzzle & Dragons on 3DS. The collaboration will also result in a cross-platform service that seamlessly connects smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Nintendo's own devices, set to launch later this year.
In addition to the gaming partnership, Nintendo is investing in DeNA with a 10% stake, while DeNA is acquiring a 1.24% stake in Nintendo. This move underscores the companies' commitment to their joint venture and its potential for growth.
While this new partnership marks a significant shift for Nintendo in the world of mobile app development, it's not the only exciting news from the company. President Satoru Iwata also revealed that Nintendo is working on a brand-new console concept, codenamed NX, with a "brand-new concept." Although details are scarce, fans can expect more information to emerge next year.
The partnership between Nintendo and DeNA is poised to revolutionize the world of mobile gaming, bringing beloved characters and engaging experiences to a wider audience. With its focus on creating unique, optimized games for smart devices, this alliance is set to shake up the competitive mobile app development landscape.