Is Apple looking to snap up Nintendo?

Not too long ago Microsoft surprised the world by jumping into the console gaming market with the Xbox. After an iffy launch, it is now obviously a big part of Microsoft's growth strategy. Now comes an article from Cnet suggesting Apple might be about to jump in the same business. Rumors are flying around the Internet that Apple might be buying Nintendo.

It may sound outlandish at first. And perhaps there is nothing to the rumor. But it's fun to think about. This might, in fact, be a smart move by Apple. After all, Nintendo and Apple share very similar philosophies -- a focus on interfaces and making designs work while not being so obsessed with being the fastest. Both have smaller market shares, but are not looking to be number one. Instead they want to fully leverage their niche. Nintendo has said its new console isn't going to compete directly with the others, but be the console that is added to the spare TV. An interesting strategy.

Apple usually doesn't seem interested in stuff built outside Apple, which makes me resistant to getting too excited about this. But it would be a typical outside-the-box Apple move. Plus it would make sense that Apple would want to improve its brand with gamers, who've typically shrugged them off because of Apple's limited gaming features.

Apple buying Nintendo seems a bit of a reach, but one thing does seem to be buzzing around the Internet: some sort of major games-related development is coming from Apple. Now everyone is busy trying to figure out just what it is.

Interesting but highly unlikely.

Link

Buying NIntendo would cost an arm leg and a mortgage, doubt that's it. Probably just some Apple/Ninty fanboys wet dream rumour. Although no doubt Apple will try to head into gaming, probably not in the home console world. And iHandheld gaming device is more likely.

Because Apple can afford nintendo...

That has been established. What I find interesting is

but one thing does seem to be buzzing around the Internet: some sort of major games-related development is coming from Apple.

I don't buy this crap. Period. If Apple will buy Nintendo, the whole company will fall apart...

It's incredible what people will dream up as a result of Nintendo releasing some sexy-lookin', glossy white, ergonomic hardware. Fair enough, The Big N have taken a leaf out of Apple's 'iBook of Aesthetics', but so has every other MF on the planet!

However, if Apple were to ally themselves to any games company, it would be Nintendo. I could see them dipping toes into the pool of gaming perhaps by developing software for Wii - you know, just to get into the swing of it before unleashing 'iConsole' on our sorry asses

( Edited on 10.06.2006 22:16 by artmonkey )

I can see maybe a strategic partnership, maybe a partial buy, or even a shared project (combined GBA/ipod anyone...); but a total buyout is unlikely.

Why would apple ruin their business?

Or maybe the iWii....

Why would apple ruin their business?

How is expanding your business ruining it?

Actually, one of the most common causes of business failure is over-expansion.

Actually, one of the most common causes of business failure is over-expansion.

OVER-Expansion, not regular expansion

Shinji_Zooka said:

Actually, one of the most common causes of business failure is over-expansion.

OVER-Expansion, not regular expansion

Please tell me that wasnt supposed to be funny.

Why would Nintendo sell, they already make a profit as it is. I wouldn't be against Apple and Nintendo working more closely in the future though. Both are creative and innovative companies so them working with each other could only be a good thing.

RobTheBuilder said:
I can see maybe a strategic partnership, maybe a partial buy, or even a shared project (combined GBA/ipod anyone...); but a total buyout is unlikely.

A GBA iSP?

Shinji_Zooka said:

Why would apple ruin their business?

How is expanding your business ruining it?

With each expansion of a business any funds and man power you have becomes stretched out a bit more. Ergo financially it'd be far weaker and could cause major problems.

I foresee them having a place where you can download games, like gametap. An iTunes shop, but for games basically. It could work with nintendo consoles being able to download the games on to their system.
I dunno

Googled a bit. I think they're just going to try to get more games on the Mac. Sounds reasonable to me:
*clicky*

( Edited on 10.06.2006 23:59 by TAG )

Apparently japanese companies are very difficult to take over because they use a lot of defensive share ownership tactics. I can't see it happening.

Yay for japanese companies using lots of defensive share ownership tactics.

Apparently japanese companies are very difficult to take over because they use a lot of defensive share ownership tactics.

I can believe it, it's nigh on impossible to buy shares in a Japanese company from abroad. And this coupled with the fact there is no real reason for Nintendo to sell to Apple. NInty is doing wlel, regaining market ground and has been consistently making cash for a while now.

It would have to be a non-hostile take over, but Nintendo wouldn't do it.

Nintendo qould be too much risk. To take them over aple would also have to be vry hihly geared (if u dont know what that is google it), which is very bad and should not be above 50%.

Der SegaHund said:
It would have to be a non-hostile take over, but Nintendo wouldnt do it.

Exactly, hostile take over is impossible and non hostile won't be accepted. In other words, Nintendo is too big a takeover for Apple.

Anyway, I think we've successfully trashed that theory.

( Edited on 11.06.2006 01:11 by HazukiSan )

Anyway, I think we've successfully trashed that theory.

NEXT!

Also what happens to Apple when the iPod phase goes out which it inveitably will (its not a lasting brand like say GameBoy is) is it.

They'd better hope that publicity from the iPod gets people to delve into their pockets and buy some macs.