Nintendo Toys With Mobile Phones
But don't get too excited - there aren't any games coming anytime soon.
Many observers blame the downturn gaming has taken in Japan on the ever-increasing popularity of mobile phone gaming. As yet, none of the traditional portable gaming companies has given much attention to mobile phones, but Nintendo appears to be taking the first baby steps in that direction.
The company's has revealed a new service called Nintendo Mobility that makes all manner of non-game content available to Japanese customers. Nintendo will farm out all of its biggest brands, making wallpapers, sounds, ringtones and even games news available to anyone who wants in.
There is no indication that Nintendo is considering releasing actual games on mobile phones, though several of its software rivals, including RPG giant Square Enix, have already embraced the format.
Could a Nintendo-branded mobile phone with classic games be far away? It looks unlikely right now, but the company's glance in that direction this week gives the idea a spark of life.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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