Should Nintendo and Microsoft Merge?
If such a merger occurred what would be Nintendo’s fate? Microsoft’s fate?
Would Nintendo still pour out its normal franchises? What holes could be filled in Microsoft and Nintendo’s lineups if a merger occurred? What would become of Nintendo’s exclusives deals?
Would Nintendo and Microsoft be able to defeat Sony?
In this editorial, well its more of an essay on the topic which I am discussing, I argue the questions mentioned above and state my opinions. The answers to the questions will be long and painted with lots of detail, so don’t worry. So, sit down, grab a drink, and be prepared to love or hate me for what I’m about to say. But first of all, I will discuss the actual occurrences relating to the topic
If you wish to read something on the situation read Mile’s editorial. Microsoft has switched to ATi who develops Nintendo’s chip and has agreed to work on the next Nintendo system. ATi has also received a large sum of money; 18 million dollars to be exact for an undisclosed project. Though, as Miles pointed it out, it isn’t necessarily what you may be thinking, wanting, or resenting respectively. There has no harsh attitudes between the two neighbors; both their US headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington. Both want the gaming market, Microsoft wants to dominate the world, and the big ‘N’, maybe their old glory?
If such a merger occurred what would be Nintendo’s fate? Microsoft’s fate? [This question pertains simply to management terms]
Nintendo and Microsoft would largely have the same basic fate, one way or another. Both would either have a new subsidiary, or become a subsidiary, or it could be a per say cooperate environment; the most likely out of all of them. Nintendo would most likely concentrate more on the gaming sections; Nintendo being the better developer of the two. But don’t think that Nintendo’s or Microsoft’s staff will be gone, I’m sure they wont boot anyone because of the merger, that they weren’t going to boot. With the increased size, why would they need to boot anyone?
Would Nintendo still pour out its normal franchises? What holes could be filled in Microsoft and Nintendo’s lineups if a merger occurred? What would become of Nintendo’s exclusives deals?
Why in hell’s name would Mario, Zelda, Metroid, the Super Smash Bros., or any Nintendo franchise be gone? Mario from its ingenious beginnings has always sold great (well SMS didn’t sell as great, or so it is said!). Mario 64 and its predecessors were games that appealed to the whole crowd, kids to your gramps (Sunshine still appealed to everyone, it was just a LITTLE more childish)! Microsoft needs that kind of title! The same applies to Zelda; though it is a harder series than Mario, some may say. Metroid is more of a teenager+ oriented title, and is in a genre of its own: FPA (First Person Adventure). Metroid could also add another fun science-fiction game. F-Zero would add an exclusive futuristic racing series, with an excellent track record from its Super Nintendo birth, and the new F-Zero? It’s going to be a killer! Or so it looks. Mario Party could be the party title that Microsoft has been looking for. Super Smash Bros. could replace what could come in Microsoft’s fighting arena, the already bad Tao Feng isn’t worthy of your time. It could also serve as yet another party game. Mario Kart could add to Project Gotham’s racing wonders, Mario Tennis and Mario Golf are yet two more “fun sports” titles that Microsoft could use. Animal Crossing would go perfectly into Xbox’s expansive online world. Golden Sun is by rumor coming to console grounds soon; adding another title, and an RPG to the table. Kirby among other [new] franchises could pack in even more depth to what could be a great lineup.
Now you must be asking would Microsoft could do for the big ‘N’? Halo. Well, that alone could do Nintendo a huge help! Its glory is a huge fan base; an intriguing story; and a game that got a platinum award from EGM. Woopy, so what? You wouldn’t be saying that if you even heard of this game. Project Gotham fills the slot for a realistic racer, while Microsoft’s football, basketball and baseball [under improvements] could prove worthy assets. With Microsoft’s money, they don’t need as many franchises; they’ll be able to buy developers, exclusives, etc.
What would happen to Nintendo’s exclusives? Most likely Nintendo (maybe with M’s assistance) would easily get them to bring the deals over to the merger, for the developers would get a larger audience!
Would they be able to defeat Sony?
We’re down to the final and most important question of them all, would they [Microsoft and Nintendo] be able to defeat the monstrous Sony? In my opinion, I think they would have a fair shot at such a thing! It certainty isn’t impossible, but it’s very probable. Now, first they’d have to merge, which is a lot less likely. Nintendo has a very dedicated and loyal fan base; it’s growing: maybe not fast enough, but it’s growing. Microsoft has its own fan base as well, and lets face it guys, in places outside of Japan they ARE number 2. Combine that with all the people who see this new console is better; or think it is, whichever of the two, and that’s pretty big. If Microsoft and Nintendo can churn out one great system with lots of great games, then they have Sony. Lets take Microsoft’s mind on the 3rd party world, though.