Nintendo claims non-Mario games chosen for mobile launch to broaden appeal of brand

Many Nintendo fans were disappointed when the company chose to launch a new game Miitomo for its first move into mobile, rather than the popular Super Mario series. The company later revealed that it will be bringing existing Nintendo game franchises to iOS later this year, but again, no sign of Mario. Instead, we can expect Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem.

Engadget notes that Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima has offered some explanation for the decision.

[The decision was made] from the viewpoint of increasing the diverse types of consumers interested in Nintendo, and widening opportunities for gameplay.” Kimishima specifically noted that “The Animal Crossing series has been played by a wide range of consumers including children and women.”

Those of a more skeptical mindset might doubt the rationale, however. Super Mario was probably played by as many women and children as any other Nintendo game, so it would seem possible that the greater potential for in-app purchases in other games may have played into the company’s decision. It may also be that Nintendo didn’t want to risk a disappointing mobile version of its most iconic game. Or didn’t want to give away every reason to buy Nintendo hardware.

Kimishima gave few clues what we can expect from the new games, beyond saying that they will be “more accessible” and be “great value.”