Nintendo has officially announced its plan to acquire a significant majority stake in Bandai Namco Singapore. This move will significantly change Nintendo’s global development setup. The main part of the deal involves Nintendo purchasing 80 percent of the studio’s shares, with the first transfer scheduled for April 1, 2026. This decision confirms months of speculation about the publisher’s interest in growing its internal development capabilities in the Asian market, outside of Japan. The company aims to use successful satellite studios to strengthen its creative output. The timing of the announcement indicates a clear shift in ownership and control.
After the first transfer is complete, the studio will be renamed Nintendo Studios Singapore. This name aligns the new studio with Nintendo’s main internal development teams worldwide. The remaining 20 percent of the studio’s shares will be transferred later, though the exact date is not yet specified. Internal reports suggest that this gradual approach is meant to give the team enough time to stabilize and integrate smoothly into Nintendo’s structure. Financially, an initial assessment indicates that the acquisition will have a minor impact on the current fiscal year earnings, showing a careful, phased financial plan tied to the deal.
Analysts see this acquisition as a strong sign of Nintendo’s long-term commitment to increasing its creative output across a wider range of intellectual properties. Bandai Namco Singapore has built a reputation for technical skill, making it a valuable addition to an organization that manages multiple projects for its hardware platforms. Official announcements noted that the deal is expected to create many opportunities in the future. This was pointed out in relation to the upcoming end of updates for the popular title Splatoon 3, suggesting that the new resources could be quickly used for new projects or the next iteration of established franchises that need focused support.
The creation of Nintendo Studios Singapore represents a strategic investment aimed at expanding the company’s development presence. By bringing an experienced team into its first-party structure, Nintendo is preparing for sustained delivery of high-quality content in the coming years. This acquisition reflects a growing trend in the industry, where major platform holders focus on developing their internal teams rather than relying on outside partnerships. This ensures closer creative control over important flagship products and secures key talent for future hardware launches.
