Nintendo’s decision to begin developing and publishing for the mobile platform has been a source of speculation for many. In a recent Q&A with investors, the company elaborated on its intentions for the mobile market.
During the session, Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning and Development Division director, Shinya Takahashi, and famous designer, Shigeru Miyamato, stated that the games they make for mobile are, in no way, intended to supersede their console and handheld efforts. Instead, the new games will be operating in a supporting capacity.
By making games readily accessible on mobile phones, Nintendo will effectively create a stepping stone that introduces new gamers to their IPs. Miyamato also sees this as an opportunity to spread their unique design philosophy, which often tries to fully utilize the individual capabilities of hardware, to the world. He explains:
“If we can expand to smart devices what we have been challenging ourselves with on Nintendo’s dedicated game systems by taking advantage of the unique characteristics of smart devices, we believe that Nintendo will be able to create a new style of games and spread them all around the world.”
Nintendo’s first mobile release will be a messaging app called Miitomo. It will be inspired by the StreetPass feature available on the Nintendo 3DS.
Source: Gamasutra