Nintendo Says “No” to PC Gaming

Nintendo is having a banner year with the launch of the handheld Switch. They have also successfully expanded into the mobile market with further plans for more titles. With the PC gaming market also increasing yearly, does the Japanese company intend to expand in this realm in the future? The answer is apparently a resounding ‘no’.

Nintendo Presient Tatsumi Kimishima made it known that they are aware of PC gaming’s popularity. However, the company’s roadmap does not include taking a turn down PC lane even in the slightest. The statement comes directly from Nintendo’s 77th annual shareholders general meeting translated into English.

PC Gaming Conflicts with Business Model

Kimishima emphasized that Nintendo’s success hinges on the continued synergy of their hardware-software business. The PC market involves many devices with various graphics capabilities. It also introduces complications in managing the software and art direction of the games. Nintendo has full control of their properties because they know what is possible inside and out. To them it is a story telling tool for a very well-controlled brand. Diversity of hardware means they lose much of that control.

Even when expanding to mobile devices, Nintendo was cautious. However, for now that is the only expansion they have plans for beyond within their own consoles. They are happy with the success of Super Mario Run with over 150 million downloads, but more importantly Kimishima adds, they are glad to see their IP reach new audiences.