Nintendo Goes MobileNintendo Goes Mobile

Nintendo has entered into a strategic partnership with mobile game developer DeNA for game apps based on its IP and to launch a new multi-device gaming service.

In addition to the development partnership, the new long-term relationship also includes a capital alliance in which Nintendo will acquire a little more than 15 million of DeNA's treasury shares (equal to slightly less than 10 percent of its total outstanding stock) for ¥22 billion, and DeNA will simultaneously acquire 1.8 million of Nintendo's treasury shares (corresponding to 1.24 percent of its outstanding stock) also for ¥22 billion.

Both companies will develop and operate new game apps based on Nintendo's IP including its iconic game characters such as Mario and Donkey Kong. The new games will complement Nintendo's console offerings with original games optimized for smart devices.

Nintendo and DeNA also plan to develop an online membership service that will be available on smart devices, PCs and Nintendo systems such as the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U. The membership service will launch this fall.