Nintendo Highlights Strong Third-Party Relationships Ahead Of 'Switch 2' Reveal

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Chad

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Image - Nintendo Life

Nintendo has recently emphasized its strong relationships with third-party developers and publishers, which is seen as a strategic move ahead of the anticipated reveal of their next console, unofficially referred to as the "Switch 2". Here are the key points:

1. Improved Third-Party Support:
- Nintendo has made significant improvements in its development environment and support for developers.
- The company opened a 'Nintendo Developer Portal' to facilitate easier software development for the Switch.
- Various middleware, including popular game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, are now supported.
- More affordable developer kits have been provided to third-party developers.

2. Strong Partnerships:
- Nintendo claims its partnerships with software publishers are "stronger than ever".
- Major publishers like Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Epic Games are mentioned as key partners.

3. Sales Success:
- About half of the software units sold since the fiscal year ended March 2021 are titles released by third-party publishers.
- This figure doesn't include numerous download-only titles from these publishers.

4. Future Releases:
- Nintendo has reconfirmed several major third-party releases coming to Switch in 2025, including Dragon Quest I&II HD-2D Remake, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, Guilty Gear Strive, and Atelier Yumia.
- Microsoft has entered a 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty games to Nintendo platforms.

5. Backward Compatibility:
- Nintendo has confirmed that the successor to the Switch will be backward compatible with Switch software.
- Nintendo Switch Online service will also be offered on the new console.

6. Strategic Importance:
- This focus on third-party relationships is crucial for the success of Nintendo's next-generation console.
- It ensures a broader selection of titles and potentially addresses concerns about third-party support that have affected previous Nintendo consoles.

7. Financial Impact:
- The strengthening of these relationships has contributed to high levels of sales for both first-party and third-party titles on the Switch.

This emphasis on third-party relationships suggests that Nintendo is preparing for a strong launch lineup and continued support for its next console, learning from the success of the current Switch and addressing historical challenges with third-party support on its platforms.

https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/241106e.pdf