What game companies does Nintendo fully own in 2024?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As of 2023, Nintendo Co., Ltd fully owns over a dozen video game developers, publishers and media franchises keeping cherished Nintendo properties like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon exclusives selling systems for over 30 years and counting.

Nintendo‘s Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and Series

Here‘s the definitive overview of major studios, developers and intellectual properties Nintendo has direct ownership stakes in as of 2023:

Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD)

Nintendo‘s largest internal software division, EPD handles development oversight and coordination for Nintendo‘s biggest game franchises including:

  • Super Mario
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Splatoon
  • Animal Crossing
  • Nintendogs

And many more beloved Nintendo series across over 2000 employees in multiple studios like EPD Tokyo, Production Group No. 1 guiding Super Mario games and others.

Nintendo Platform Technology Development

This tech focused division designs and engineers Nintendo‘s proprietary console hardware, operating systems and network infrastructure including the Nintendo Switch.

Retro Studios

The American developer fully acquired by Nintendo in 2002 is best known for their work reinventing the Metroid series in first person with the Metroid Prime trilogy and 2010‘s Donkey Kong Country Returns crossing over 2 million sales.

Their upcoming Metroid Prime 4 set to release in 2024 remains hotly anticipated by fans. Retro Studios employs over 200 staff.

Next Level Games

Next Level Games entered a close partnership with Nintendo developing Super Mario Strikers on the GameCube in 2005. After crafting multiple acclaimed Nintendo exclusives like Luigi‘s Mansion 3 earning over 10 million in sales, Next Level Games was finally acquired fully by Nintendo in December 2021 for an estimated $100 million value.

The Vancouver based studio with around 145 employees continues expanding the Mario Strikers series in 2022 with Mario Strikers: Battle League for Nintendo Switch.

1-Up Studio

1-Up Studio assist in developing digital content and minigames for Nintendo including contributions across multiple franchises like Brain Age, Nintendogs + Cats, Pilotwings Resort and Steel Diver submarines games.

ND Cube

Formed in 2000, ND Cube develops party and mini game experiences tapping Nintendo IP including the highest grossing Wii Party raking in over $90 million to date. Their lighthearted focus continues with 2022‘s Nintendo Switch Sports.

Monolith Soft

Nintendo purchased the remaining stakes in Japanese developer Monolith Soft by 2007 cementing exclusive releases ever since including the acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series of JRPGs selling over 2.5 million copies total. Their assistance on 2017‘s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild helped the open world reinvention exceed over 25 million sales.

Mario Club

Mario Club works closely under Nintendo supervising quality control and supplemental development assistance across core Mario titles and spinoffs like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and more.

iQue

Nintendo‘s Chinese subsidiary handles distributing and localizing Nintendo‘s library for China including the iQue Player console and games modified for PC hardware.

SRD

A veteran but lower profile developer, SRD has assisted Nintendo across both hardware engineering and software for nearly 40 years though never in spotlight receiving main credit. Nintendo purchased the remaining SRD shares in 2022 valuing the contributions firm at roughly $85 million.

The Pokémon Company

And the crown jewel subsidiary driving billions annually, Nintendo has a 32% ownership stake in The Pokémon Company managing all aspects for the highest grossing media franchise ever including games, the card game, movies, merchandise and more Pokémon expansion carrying a majority $100 billion valuation.

Why Securing First Party Studios Matters

While rivals like Sony acquire major third party publishers like Bungie or Microsoft attempts buying Activision Blizzard outright for almost $70 billion, Nintendo‘s strategy remains laser focused on owning its most beloved mascot characters and game universes outright.

Locking acclaimed developers like Retro Studios or Next Level Games under their wing guarantees Mario, Donkey Kong and more icons stay exclusive moving systems and delighting fans for generations. Not even Minecraft or Call of Duty can ever replicate the timeless charm Nintendo‘s properties continue demonstrating.

And the value is clear from recent successes like Splatoon 3 selling over 10 million copies in under 2 months. Or the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games setting new records as the fastest selling Nintendo titles ever according to internal sales data.

With exquisite quality control and some of gaming‘s most talented designers solely focused on Nintendo‘s own ideas and worlds, the house that Mario built stands more sound than ever protecting the keys to its kingdom.

While risks from cloud gaming, mobile and shifting player preferences loom, Nintendo‘s growing arsenal of owned studios and brands keep them ready to innovate for many console cycles ahead.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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