Topic: Multiplatform Nintendo: First Steps

This is something that’s been swirling in my mind for a while now. While both Sony and Microsoft are experimenting with multiplatform releases, I’m obviously not expecting Nintendo to start bringing Mario to all platforms tomorrow. That said, what would be the best first step? If Nintendo were to dip their toes into multiplatform releases, what would be the best, as well as most realistic, actions to take (i.e. Sony putting Lego Horizon on other platforms before actual Horizon)? Which IPs would you expect to make the jump first? Which platforms? I’m really curious to hear what people think!

Allowing the Bayonetta sequels ported to PC or giving Xbox the DKC games as a thank you for all the Rare NSO support.

The absolute closest possibility I can imagine them doing is making their games available on PC through their own closed client and heavy use of DRM; if they used regional pricing, it would be a boon for regions where most people aren't able to afford consoles.

I highlight that by "absolute closest possibility", I mean it's still VERY unlikely.

To a certain extent, it has happened with some of their games made with third-parties. Though granted those were re-releases by said third parties.

LEGO City Undercover (by WB Games; the Switch version retains the Nintendo references from the Wii U original except for the Mario cap red brick, while the other versions I believe removed them or altered them; Nintendo not mentioned in the copyright)

The Wonderful 101 (PlatinumGames via crowdfunding while the IP was still partially owned by Nintendo; Nintendo not mentioned in the copyright, not even when the Remastered was released)

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (by Koei Tecmo without the HW Zelda and Other M Zero Suit Samus costumes in all versions, Nintendo mentioned in the copyright)

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (by Koei Tecmo without the Luigi and classic Zero Suit Samus costumes in all versions, Nintendo mentioned in the copyright)

Baten Kaitos I&II HD Remaster (by Bandai Namco, Nintendo is mentioned in the copyright of the collection, implying they own part of Baten Kaitos Origins)

With that said, i don't know what they could do to do a multiplatform transition.

I guess another question to ask would be “what would be the best IP/game to start with?”

Nintendo will never go multiplatform besides having a few mobile games, simply because exclusive games is the main selling point of their consoles. If anything, the Pokémon games might start being on other consoles / PC if the Pokémon Company and Nintendo have a major feud (also unlikely)

I think this is close to the mark although I think it might make sense to instead make the NSO Classics themselves multiplatform. You still need the subscription and the account but the client is multiplatform

People run emulators on PC and mobile already of course. But having an official option I think could work pretty well. Especially if it extended to PlayStation and the like

Nintendo 1st party games are too closely tied to the hardware – it's capabilities and it's sales (unique value proposition) – to ever appear separate from it. They introduce they their IP to other platforms (mobile) or entertainment sectors (movies, theme parks) only with especially dedicated games/content and not in a way that will cut into / compete with their gaming eco system, but enhance it. Even giving access to NSO on other platforms would move people away from Switch and so it won't ever be happening as long as Nintendo stays in the console game. It might increase revenue and engagement with their IP short term, but it would dilute and undermine their overall business model in the long run. Only way I see it happening is through something like the Digital Markets Act in Europe that might require them to open up their closed system.