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Microsoft gaming CEO and head of Xbox Phil Spencer seemingly has a desire to buy Nintendo. Or at least he did at one point. Details about the interest in purchasing one of the gaming industry’s most prolific companies has come to light this week. After a series of internal emails and documents pertaining to Xbox’s future plans were leaked on September 19.
First reported by The Verge, an email from Spencer to Chris Capossela and Takeshi Numoto mentions Nintendo as “THE prime for us in gaming.” That statement is a response to Numoto after he asked Spencer why acquisition targets like Nintendo weren’t more attractive to Microsoft as a means of increasing consumer exposure.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with the LT of Nintendo about tighter collaboration” said Spencer. He continued by saying that if any US company was to have a chance with Nintendo, Microsoft is probably in the best position to make the purchase. The email also mentions that Microsoft’s board of directors has seen the full write up on Nintendo. And that they’re “fully supportive” if an opportunity arises. Valve is also mentioned as a potential acquisition target which the BoD supports.
The Microsoft discussion to buy Nintendo is from 2020
It’s important to keep a few details in mind about Microsoft’s Nintendo interest. While yes this is a conversation that happened, Microsoft may no longer want to buy Nintendo. Or maybe it’s no longer actively trying to pursue such an acquisition. These emails were leaked as part of a larger leak that contained additional details on other plans Spencer has for the Xbox brand.
Which includes a cloud game hybrid Xbox console that was planned for a release in 2028. Xbox also (at one point) intended for the release of an Xbox Series X refresh. The console would come in a new cylindrical shape and come without a disc drive. It would also have 2TB of internal storage. Having said that, Spencer also took to twitter on September 19 after all the leaks to comment. Noting that it was disappointing to see Xbox’s plans leaked in this way after so much hard work. He finished off by saying Xbox would share its “real plans” when the time is right.
This at least partially suggests that some of the details in the email may not be what Microsoft is now working towards. Then again Spencer also does state in the email above that they’re playing “the long game.” So realistically who knows.