Is Apple looking to snap up Nintendo?

Posted Jun 9th 2006 3:50PM by Tobias Buckell
Filed under: Rumors, Competitive Strategy, Microsoft (MSFT), Apple Inc (AAPL)

Not too long ago Microsoft surprised the world by jumping into the console gaming market with the Xbox. After an iffy launch, it is now obviously a big part of Microsoft's growth strategy. Now comes an article from Cnet suggesting Apple might be about to jump in the same business. Rumors are flying around the Internet that Apple might be buying Nintendo.

It may sound outlandish at first. And perhaps there is nothing to the rumor. But it's fun to think about. This might, in fact, be a smart move by Apple. After all, Nintendo and Apple share very similar philosophies -- a focus on interfaces and making designs work while not being so obsessed with being the fastest. Both have smaller market shares, but are not looking to be number one. Instead they want to fully leverage their niche. Nintendo has said its new console isn't going to compete directly with the others, but be the console that is added to the spare TV. An interesting strategy.

Apple usually doesn't seem interested in stuff built outside Apple, which makes me resistant to getting too excited about this. But it would be a typical outside-the-box Apple move. Plus it would make sense that Apple would want to improve its brand with gamers, who've typically shrugged them off because of Apple's limited gaming features.

Apple buying Nintendo seems a bit of a reach, but one thing does seem to be buzzing around the Internet: some sort of major games-related development is coming from Apple. Now everyone is busy trying to figure out just what it is.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-09-2006 @ 7:19PM

Bryan said...

That would be awesome.

6-09-2006 @ 10:47PM

akenseth said...

I do not think that this will happen, as Nintendo flat out rejected Microsofts offer to buy them, practically laughing in their faces.

6-09-2006 @ 10:52PM

tobias s buckell said...

I agree, I think it's a stretch! But it does int at something going on...

6-09-2006 @ 10:58PM

akenseth said...

Nintendo and Apple have been at each others heels for years - often replicating each others ad style (though it is usually Nintendo doing the copying). But its just coincidence, as many companies are taking on the 'i' branding. Heck, I'm suprised that Apple hasn't called their keyboards iType and their mice iPoint. Look at all the devices out there trying to copy the look of the iPod nowadays.

6-09-2006 @ 11:59PM

Willo said...

not going to happen. how would this purchase benefit either company?

6-10-2006 @ 12:13AM

jon said...

I dont want this to happen. I like the support for nintendo because last I checked I could still get support on the first game boy advance if i needed to. And if you try to call apple not that long after you buy the product you cant get support unless you bbought an extended warenty or decide to pay extra. Plus because of how apple normaly goes would we get any information about new games or consoles until probably a month before it comes out.

6-10-2006 @ 1:35PM

lizardsage said...

that would be cool...look at the i book... look at a DS light...notice any similaries?

6-16-2006 @ 4:14PM

Nintendo Fan said...

I think Nintendo would cost to much for Apple to buy....
MAybe a merge but nto a buy...
And Nintendo should stick on their own their doing fine....
But if it was to help both of the, i don't mind...
As you can see i'm 60-40 for the idea =/

6-18-2006 @ 11:34AM

blorgyguy said...

Apple will never be able to buy Nintendo. They're their own companies. Simmilarities? I think not!

6-19-2006 @ 11:05AM

phil weissburg said...

I would love to see Apple buy nintendo as it would give the stock a lift. The stock has been sinking like a submarine for the past two months and I am losing a lot of money.