More and more interesting details are emerging from court documents in the case between the US Federal Trade Commission and Microsoft. Among them was an internal letter from Xbox head Phil Spencer, in which he mentioned potential deals.
In 2020, Spencer considered the idea of purchasing companies such as Nintendo, Valve, and Warner Bros. Interactive. There were even negotiations with the latter, as well as with ZeniMax, which was eventually bought. As for Nintendo and Valve, the company has only yet considered this possibility.
In his letter, Spencer noted that the purchase of a Japanese platform holder would be the highlight of his career. In addition, he wrote that such a deal would be beneficial for both parties, since “Nintendo is taking a long time to realize that it may have a future beyond its gaming devices. ”
At the same time, acquisition is not possible at the moment – a special opportunity is needed that will allow negotiations to begin. According to Spencer, simply proposing a merger of such a large company, much less trying to aggressively absorb it, is a road to nowhere, since this will lead to a deterioration in relations.
The head of Xbox noted with regret that Nintendo is now doing well, and large reserves of funds have accumulated in its accounts – which means that it will be able to continue to adhere to its classic strategy for a very long time. But in the event of a weakening of positions, if the opportunity for a takeover opens up, both he and Microsoft management are ready to begin negotiations.
“ Unfortunately (or fortunately for Nintendo), Nintendo has a lot of cash on hand. But if it came down to a sale , I believe we are best suited as partners .”
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This isn’t the first time Microsoft has considered acquiring Nintendo. Before the release of the first Xbox, the company tried to buy many well-known studios and companies, including a Japanese corporation.
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft and Nintendo currently have an excellent relationship. Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, published by Xbox, were released on Switch. In addition, Nintendo supported Microsoft in its deal with Activision Blizzard, entering into one of the first 10-year agreements to release games on its console.
