Nintendo to release free mini-games for smartphones
For the first time, Japanese gaming developer will release games for mobile platforms Android and iOS.
Update (30 Jan 2014):
Latest reports suggest that Nintendo is
actually interested in developing apps for mobile platforms. Don't get
too excited, it won't release Mario for Android or iPhone. Even though
Nintendo had confirmed that it won't make its games available on mobile
platforms, it would still make apps for smartphones. According to
CEO and president Satoru Iwata, Nintendo will use of smart devices
to “make connections with customers.” Nintendo will keep its games
exclusive to its own consoles.
Update (29 Jan 2014):
Nintendo has denied reports that it was going to release its "mini-games" on mobile platforms. The Nikkei Asian Review
had reported that Nintendo will soon release their games on iOS and
Android platforms. In a statement given to Engadget, NIntendo says,
"Nikkei's article contains information previously stated by Mr Iwata
during past press conferences, including statements which relate to
Nintendo's willingness to make use of smart devices to promote our
products. However during such past announcements Mr Iwata has also
stated that Nintendo's intention is not to make Nintendo software
available on smart devices and as such, we can confirm that there are no
plans to offer minigames on smartphone devices."
Original Story:
According to Japan's business daily Nikkei Asian Review,
Nintendo will soon come out with an official announcement about pushing
their games onto iOS and Android platforms. Nintendo will release
classic titles like PokeMon and Mario Bros. to these platforms, though
these won't be regular full titles. It will release the games as
"mini-games", which will be demos to their full version games of their
consoles and handheld devices.
Apart from the games, Nintendo will also
use the platforms for marketing videos. Despite moving to whole new
platforms, Nintendo maintains that its that its games are best played
only on Nintendo hardware.
These free mini games won't contain any
in-game purchases. Most likely Nintendo will turn to advertisements for
making money. Most likely these games are designed to drive new users to
Nintendo hardware. Consumers have been pushing the gaming giant to
release their classic titles for other platforms.
The official announcement is expected before the end of next week.
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