EA and Nintendo have had a rocky relationship for quite a few years, but the upcoming Nintendo Switch, with its unique concept, may finally bring the two companies closer. Speaking at the Credit Suisse 2016 Annual Technology Conference, the EA CEO talked about the new Nintendo console and the publisher's plans for it.
According to EA CEO Peter Moore, there's a major title from the publisher currently in development for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo has always been and will always be an very important partner in this industry. They have some of the best first party development studios in the world, and some of the most valuable intellectual properties in the world. We have announced publicly that we got a partnership with them on their new platform, the Switch, we haven’t talked in detail on what’s that about. You can imagine, as you heard, that a major game will be distributed on that platform.
If this major title will be followed by other high-profile releases, it's hard to say at the moment. Peter Moore praised Nintendo, stating that they're big fans of the Japanese company at EA, and their properties, but also added that they're gonna watch with interest what will happen after the console launches, taking a similar approach of other major publishers.
We’re huge fans. We have a relationship that goes many decades back. They’ve had some difficult times as if recently obviously, but never, ever, ever discount Nintendo in this marketplace, and their ability to leverage their superb game development opportunities. Their intellectual properties, whether it’s Mario, whether it’s Zelda, whether it’s Metroid Prime, we could go on forever about what they can do… obviously Pokémon, we’ve seen more recently.
We’re gonna watch with interest and you can rest assured that EA, just like every major publisher, is in regular conversations with Nintendo.”
One publisher that will be supporting the console with multiple titles is Ubisoft. Yesterday, we have reported that a new video released to celebrate the publisher's 30th anniversary dropped more hints for the rumored Mario - Rabbids crossover RPG.
The Nintendo Switch launches during March 2017 in all regions. More on the console and its launch titles will be revealed in January, so stay tuned for all the latest news.
