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Mario Mobile?: Nintendo plans to open all original IP up for mobile development

Looking to make games and apps for everyone

Mario Mobile?: Nintendo plans to open all original IP up for mobile development

Nintendo is looking to increase its involvement in mobile beyond its current partnership with DeNA, according to its directors.

Speaking in a general shareholders meeting, Tatsumi Kimishima, President of Nintendo, said that "in future support for smart devices, if we have a good plan, we will make active use of any of our Nintendo IP without restriction."

With Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem games already announced, this makes a Mario game more likely than before, as well potentially some of its lesser-known brands.

Not just games

"I think we will make applications, and not just action games, in consideration of what best embodies 'Nintendo-like' applications, including applications for everyone from children to seniors," added Shinya Takahashi, General Manager of Entertainment Planning and Development Division at Nintendo.

Making apps as well as games will probably work in Nintendo's favour - its first app, Miitomo, has hit ten million downloads since launching, and the company is looking to push it out to more markets soon.

It's also likely that any and all future games and apps from Nintendo will be free-to-play, like its current and announced games.

You can read the full transcription of the meeting on Nintendo's website.

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Ric is the Editor of PocketGamer.biz, having started out as a Staff Writer on the site back in 2015. He received an honourable mention in both the MCV and Develop 30 Under 30 lists in 2016 and refuses to let anyone forget about it.