Not satiated by Activision Blizzard purchase, Xbox wants to buy Nintendo too

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Hopefully this time Microsoft doesn't get laughed out of the room for wanting to buy Nintendo.

Phil Spencer CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
(Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft had hopes of purchasing Nintendo and may still want to buy the gaming company.
  • A leaked email from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer called "THE prime asset for us in Gaming."
  • The long-term strategy mentioned in the email suggests Microsoft is likely still interested in purchasing Nintendo.
  • Microsoft's last attempt approaching Nintendo for purchase didn't exactly go well, but that occurred over 20 years ago.
Massive Xbox leak

Xbox Cloud Gaming

(Image credit: Future/Bing Image Creator)

- Xbox Series X refresh details leak
- Microsoft's initial thoughts on PS5
- Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 under $100
- Panos Panay leaving Microsoft
- Leak gives glimpse of the future of Xbox

Well, this certainly wasn't the news we expected to see today. As part of possibly the biggest leak in Xbox history, it has been revealed through an email from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer back in 2020 that Microsoft is still targeting an acquisition of Nintendo. 

In the email, Spencer stated that "Nintendo is THE prime asset for us in Gaming...". He continued, explaining that "gaming is our most likely path to consumer relevance."

The information comes from Tom Warren on X (formerly Twitter) who posted several leaks today. The new Xbox Series X refresh coming next year is only one of the stories that dropped today.

Spencer talked about how Microsoft is the only US-company that has a chance of acquiring Nintendo and that numerous conversations have taken place with them about having tighter collaboration.

We have seen these efforts earlier than 2020 with Xbox and Nintendo working together to push cross-platform play. Not to mention Xbox having its network on games like Minecraft meaning you can unlock Xbox achievements whilst playing on your Nintendo Switch.

An email from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer discussed the company potentially purchasing Nintendo. (Image credit: Tom Warren - The Verge)

Spencer also made it clear in this email that he doesn't think a hostile takeover would be a good move and that they are playing the long game.  There seems to be games at play regarding stock purchases, which he hopes will open more opportunities in the future. 

Now, those of you that know your gaming history will be aware that Microsoft approached Nintendo for purchase before they made the first Xbox. This was back in 2000 and Microsoft was "laughed out of the room". It's safe to say a lot has happened since then, such as the two companies are certainly working together much more closely than they ever have. We'll have to see how Nintendo reacts to the news from this leak.

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Dan Rice
Dan Rice
Contributor

Dan is a tech contributor on Windows Central. A long time Xbox gamer and former partner on Microsoft's retired streaming platform Mixer, he can often be found crying into a cup of tea whilst thinking about Windows Phone. You can follow Dan on Twitter where you will find him talking about tech, Formula 1 and his latest victories in Battle Royale games.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • OpeOpeOpe
    There's no "hopefully" as far as I'm concerned. They should be laughed out of the room again. They can argue all they want that the ABK takeover isn't anti-competitive, but an acquisition of Nintendo absolutely is, and I don't support it.
    Reply
  • Junry
    OpeOpeOpe said:
    There's no "hopefully" as far as I'm concerned. They should be laughed out of the room again. They can argue all they want that the ABK takeover isn't anti-competitive, but an acquisition of Nintendo absolutely is, and I don't support it.
    Microsoft is all American. They might do business around the world but they are American first and foremost and they know and show that often.
    I support them buying Nintendo.
    Nintendo or Sony would not hesitate to shut them down the first chance they got.
    Look at the fit over starfield and Xbox having any exclusive games. All I seen for months was Microsoft should not have any exclusive games it isn't fair.

    But Sony and Nintendo have Dozens and a larger market share.

    Not cool. Microsoft go crazy In my opinion do what you want to survive.
    Reply
  • OpeOpeOpe
    Junry said:
    Microsoft is all American. They might do business around the world but they are American first and foremost and they know and show that often.
    I support them buying Nintendo.
    Nintendo or Sony would not hesitate to shut them down the first chance they got.
    Look at the fit over starfield and Xbox having any exclusive games. All I seen for months was Microsoft should not have any exclusive games it isn't fair.

    But Sony and Nintendo have Dozens and a larger market share.

    Not cool. Microsoft go crazy In my opinion do what you want to survive.
    I genuinely don't know what you mean about them being American. Not sure how that fits into your point other "Murica" but that's nothing.

    Microsoft's current net worth is $2.38 TRILLION. They just experienced an over 26% increase in net worth since last year. They're not in any danger of not "surviving."

    Buying out a direct major competitor, as opposed to their vertical merger with ABK (maybe), isn't going to help us - the consumers - one iota. It also isn't going to fly with regulators or our court system.

    That's not to say they don't create good products. They wouldn't be worth what they are without massive market share. But that doesn't mean they should own everything. Other people, other companies, with other cultural bases and management have good ideas too. They don't deserve to just be gobbled up and lose their uniqueness.

    Nintendo needs to stay Nintendo.
    Reply