Nintendo, best known for the "Mario," "Pokémon," and "The Legend of Zelda" franchises, is joining the smartphone race. Nintendo has had a change of heart about smartphones and will soon be releasing "Fire Emblem" and "Animal Crossing" for the mobile platform.
Tech Insider reports that Nintendo staunchly insisted in previous times that their games could never be released on other platforms. Nintendo reportedly wanted to keep all their games exclusive to their dedicated gaming system.
More #Nintendo apps are coming to smart devices, including Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing! pic.twitter.com/NO5JeEOyEG
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) 27 April 2016
The former president of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata, stated in 2011 that bringing Nintendo games to smartphones would change the thrust. Once Nintendo games become available on smartphones, the company would no longer be the same.
Satoru Iwata acknowledged that smartphones are proven cash cows for gaming companies and would be so for Nintendo. However, the former president said that Nintendo has a goal toward staying strong for the long haul.
One, two princes kneel before you. But only one will adore you. Which will you choose? #FireEmblemFates pic.twitter.com/30FbibPwyy — Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) 27 April 2016
The dip in Nintendo sales may have been a contributing factor for the company. Eurogamer points out that all of Nintendo's offering put together earns less than the Sony Playstation Network alone. Profit-wise, Nintendo made approximately £207 million while Playstation made £538 million.
Times quotes the Nintendo earnings reports management section. "For the purpose of maximizing the population that interacts with Nintendo IP, we have entered into the smart device gaming business."
We got 20K+ RTs for our Splatoon event! Inkling Boy & Inkling Girl Wigs are now available in #Miitomo until 29/5! pic.twitter.com/6n05HQ6j7k
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) 27 April 2016
"Mitomo" sprung from a collaboration between Nintendo and DeNA. Meanwhile, the "Fire Emblem" and "Animal Crossing" mobile app versions will be more game-focused.
Nintendo promised that their game apps will continue to bring the experience that the Nintendo gaming systems are known for. The mobile platform notwithstanding, Nintendo apps "Fire Emblem" and "Animal Crossing" will be about the game and not social interaction.
