Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser commented on the company’s relationship with Microsoft. Speaking with Inverse about the Switch’s future, the topic of acquisitions and consolidation was brought up, with Bowser saying the two companies are on good terms.
“We have a great relationship with Microsoft,” said Bowser. “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.”
Since leaked FTC court documents revealed that Microsoft had internally talked about the concept of purchasing Nintendo, questions arose as to how the latter might react to this revelation. Inverse’s inquiry didn’t ask why that would or wouldn’t happen though, but rather, Bowser’s outlook on the increasing trend of acquisitions.
On consolidation
Regarding consolidation, he considers studio acquisitions as a “constant” within the industry. He also mentions that new studios are “popping up every single year” that make a variety of new 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,” Bowser clarifies. “In the end, that bodes well for the player.”
While Bowser’s statements are broadly true, I’m unsure how much this applies concerning Microsoft acquiring Activision. New studios may pop up all the time, but none so far have been to the magnitude of Activision and Bethesda, both now properties of Microsoft.
It’s a level of consolidation unseen in the industry. Some of its effects are already seen with titles like Starfield being Microsoft exclusive. Regardless of the magnitude, Bowser is at least confident in Microsoft’s and Nintendo’s future. Whether that stays the case remains to be seen as a potential new Nintendo platform looms.
