Back in September, it was revealed via court document leaks that Microsoft wanted to buy Nintendo. Now, a month later, Nintendo is officially commenting on those leaks through Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser.
Nintendo was called the “prime asset” for Microsoft as far as acquisitions go by Xbox head Phil Spencer. However, he did admit that any deal like that was unlikely even with Microsoft’s support unless it came from a shareholder push.
“Without that catalyst, I don’t see an angle to a near term mutually agreeable merger of Nintendo and MS and I don’t think a hostile action would be a good move, so we are playing the long game,” Spencer said.
Bowser was asked about those specific comments in an interview with Inverse.
“We have a great relationship with Microsoft,” he said. “We consider them to be partners in many, many ways, and you only have to look at Nintendo Switch to see that partnership. Obviously, Minecraft is on Nintendo Switch, and we brought Banjo Kazooie to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. So, we’re looking forward to that partnership continuing.”
Bowser continued: “As far as consolidation in the industry goes, I’ve been a part of this industry for 16-plus years now. One thing that’s been constant is the acquisitions of studios. But the other constant is the fact that new studios are popping up every single year. Incredibly creative studios are making content, from indie-sized to AAA-sized games. So as consolidation happens, on an equal basis, we’re seeing these new studios, which really just speaks to the dynamic nature of the industry overall. In the end, that bodes well for the player.”
What do you think of Bowser’s comments on Nintendo’s relationship with Microsoft? For more Insider Gaming, check out the crazy thing Baldur’s Gate 3 speedrunners are attempting.
