Part II: What Sega Means to Nintendo

Relations have never been warmer between Nintendo and Sega - these two age-old rivals have undergone a paradigm shift and are now entering an era of increasingly stronger ties. The previous section discussed which advantages Sega receives from allying with Nintendo - but it's not a one-sided deal; instead it's a completely symbiotic relationship, with both parties enjoying the fruits of partnership.

Why would Nintendo, who is one of the world's top developers and publishers need Sega? Obviously Nintendo can be self-sufficient with their own first and second party games, which is exactly how they've stayed afloat in the Nintendo 64 days, since third party companies weren't exactly beating down the door to develop games. But you see, Nintendo doesn't merely want to stay afloat; they want to soar above the competition, like they once did with the NES and SNES. They are actively and aggressively pursuing third party developers and publishers to offer support for the Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Cube. They know that with new development-friendly systems, that they can woo all of the major (and not so major) companies who will help sell games. They've been doing a good job too, since every important developer in Japan has a development kit, with the notable exception of Square. Nintendo of America Vice President of Marketing, George Harrison, commenting on which Japanese companies have hardware, put it best when he told IGN,

"I think all of the major ones except for Square and there have been some comments recently by Mr. Yamauchi which suggest that's probably not imminent."

While Nintendo boss Yamauchi is still mired in his stubbornness with Square, he obviously has a much different attitude towards Sega. He, and all of Nintendo, recognizes the beauty of having Sonic and Company aboard, though. If you're after the best software for your new system (and isn't fun games exactly what Nintendo is about?), then Sega is a perfect addition. If there is one company that rivals Nintendo in first (and second) party software, it is indeed Sega. From coin-op classics that port to consoles with ease like Crazy Taxi, Virtua Fighter, Virtua Cops, Fighting Vipers, Sega Bass Fishing, and more, to instant home hits like Burning Rangers, Sonic the Hedgehog, Jet Grind Radio, NiGHTs, Panzer Dragoon, and et cetera, Sega has incredible games that push the boundaries of innovation and fun. Sega has sold over 4 million Dreamcasts, thanks largely in part to their in-house developed software - what if those same games can help sell GameCube and Gameboy Advances?

For all of their past differences and rivalry, Nintendo knows that they are inherently similar to Sega. Both companies have the same aspirations: to create the best games in the world. They both understand that making games is an art, not some random process of throwing 1's and 0's together.

The most interesting thing to come out of their new partnership is the possibility of a Sega/Nintendo developed games. Of course, everything we've heard having to do with this long shot is strictly rumor, but stranger things have happened. For instance, just one year ago, who ever thought they'd see Sonic running around on a Gameboy? We'll just have to take each day at a time, and see how everything pans out.

While this whole business with Sega developing games for multiple platforms is only a couple months old, there is the distinct feeling that Sega is becoming closer to Nintendo than they are with either Sony or Microsoft. Perhaps they feel a certain kindred spirit type of thing with Nintendo, since they've both been in this crazy industry for so long - unlike Sony and Microsoft just waltzing in when they see the opportunity to make a killing.

When looking back into the past, we see Nintendo and Sega divided by a fierce schism created by intense competition. But, this is the dawn of a new era! Now, having a partnership based on the love of fun games and the previously mentioned shared history of competition, Nintendo and Sega are on the verge of becoming a fantastic team!

Feature written by Tony Sciascia