Nintendo is reportedly “deep in conversation,” with external studios to work on its first-party IP.
That’s according toGamesIndustry.bizjournalist Chris Dring, who claims the company is looking to find new partners for its next console.
“I also know thatNintendois actively meeting with independent developers to find new partners,” wrote Dring.
“Some of that is around publishing indie games, which Nintendo does from time to time, but it’s also seeking studios that could work on some of its IP. Nintendo regularly works with third-party teams, includingBandai Namco,Team Ninja,PlatinumGames,MercurySteam, WayForward, and Grezzo.
“But the company is looking to add to that roster, and I know of three studios that are deep in conversation around making games based on Nintendo brands.”
Platinum worked alongsideNintendo EPDto develop Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard. It would go on to developAstral Chainexclusively forSwitch, and later partner with Nintendo again to revive theBayonettaseries, bringing the third entry in the once multi-platform franchise only to Nintendo’s console.
Meanwhile, California-based WayForward worked on the recentAdvance Warsremakes, and Spanish studio MercurySteam has developed recent Metroid games.
Although the company is yet to comment publicly, Nintendo’s next-generation console is widely expected to launch this year, after VGC reported thatdevelopment kits are in the hands of developersas the platform holder prepares its plans.
According to Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based game industry consultancy Kantan Games,Nintendo’s Switch successor will launch this year and will likely be an iterationof the current hardware design, rather than a revolution.
Nintendo presidentShuntaro Furukawadeclined to comment on plans for the company’s next consolein November, as it announced Switch had cleared 132.46 million lifetime sales.
