Microsoft shook the gaming industry by announcing the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, so many video games fans are wondering what else could Microsoft buy, and if it's possible Xbox could end up owning the Nintendo Switch.
There have been various rumors especially in 2020 about Xbox buying Japanese companies for the launch of the Xbox Series X/S to strengthen its position in Japan. None of these rumors have actually happened yet, but what if Microsoft bought Nintendo?
- MORE - Could Microsoft buy Sony?
Could Microsoft buy Nintendo?
From a pure market value standpoint comparing the two companies, Microsoft could technically buy Nintendo, however, it would be pretty much impossible due to various reasons.
The main reason is that Nintendo isn't "for sale". Even in the aftermath of a Wii U like situation, where the company would be extremely weakened after bad business decisions and losses. What would happen instead is Nintendo merging with other Japanese companies.
That's what has always happened in the past, with Bandai and Namco merging. Sega and Sammy merging. Squaresoft and Enix. Takara and Tomy, etc.
What could happen to the Nintendo Switch if Microsoft owned the console
It's also interesting to note that back in 2020, in a past interview with Gamestar, Phil Spencer commented on how he'd like an "Xbox ecosystem", like the Xbox Game Pass, on Switch. Spencer basically said Nintendo doesn't seem interested in having a full Xbox experience on Switch, but that he shouldn't speak for them.
The Switch is an already working formula, so it'll be pointless to reinvent the wheel. If Microsoft owned it, it's likely it would simply publish its games on it. While certain Switch exclusive IPs like Bayonetta would become cross-platform with Xbox Series. The same would happen with future exclusive games on an hypothetical Switch 2.
The Switch is one of the most successful consoles of all time in Japan especially, so simply owning it would give Microsoft the best position in Japan, ahead of Sony.