In a groundbreaking move, Nintendo is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape by partnering with Japanese mobile giant DeNA to bring iconic games to smartphones and tablets. This unprecedented alliance marks a significant shift in the company's approach to mobile game development, as they look to expand their reach beyond console platforms.
The partnership, which involves reciprocal stakes between the two companies, will focus on creating innovative apps for smart devices and establishing a global membership service set to launch this fall. According to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, this new venture is not a departure from consoles, but rather an extension of their gaming universe. The company is also working on a new dedicated console code-named NX, with details to follow next year.
What sets this partnership apart is the creation of entirely new games, tailored specifically for mobile devices. These titles will feature beloved Nintendo characters, but won't be ported from existing Wii U or 3DS systems. The possibilities are endless, as all Nintendo intellectual property could be used in new game development by the alliance. Although a game lineup and availability have yet to be announced, the global online membership service is expected to integrate seamlessly across mobile devices, Nintendo consoles, and PC platforms.
Iwata's vision for the service is to reach hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The partnership's potential impact is evident in one slideshow illustration, which depicts the new membership service linked to tablets, smartphones, PCs, the 3DS, Wii U, and NX device.
This bold move represents a significant path forward for Nintendo, which has long struggled to find a way to capitalize on the lucrative mobile gaming market while maintaining its heritage and presence in video game consoles. With this partnership, Nintendo is redefining what it means to be a "Nintendo platform."
Industry observers were left stunned by the news, particularly given Nintendo's previously expressed hesitation about mobile games. "This is basically a bombshell, especially considering that Nintendo hasn't been really fond of the smartphone gaming market," said video game consultant Serkan Toto. "Nintendo is planning to go beyond consoles, which they have never done. They never even did anything on the PC before. So they just shook up the entire game world."
DeNA, a struggling partner in this alliance, has seen its profitability take hits in recent years. The partnership will make Nintendo the largest shareholder in DeNA after founder Tomoko Namba.
"Mobile gaming is a hit-driven business, and we believe our alliance with Nintendo will significantly increase the possibility of creating hit titles with Nintendo's beloved IP," said DeNA spokesman Tomoyuki Akiyama.
This article was updated with additional information from Akiyama and Toto.