Author Topic: Bill Gates Wants Nintendo (Read 7625 times)

TheYoungerPlumber · « **on:** August 04, 2004, 05:33:34 PM »

The software powerhouse’s head honcho would like to buy Nintendo.

Members of the online community are in a frenzy over a half-rumor sparking images of Nintendo and Microsoft holding hands. German magazine Wirtschaftswoche reports that Mr. Gates would buy out Nintendo in a heartbeat, were Hiroshi Yamauchi willing to sell his majority stock in the company.

Bill Gates' expressed interest in Nintendo is nothing to get excited about, however. A few years ago, before the official Xbox unveiling, the industry ran rampant with rumors of Microsoft trying to buy out Nintendo or Sega. Microsoft is serious about the home console gaming industry, and although the Xbox has been fairly successful in the marketplace, the corporation is always looking to further improve its standing. Microsoft has a long history of purchasing smaller companies—who better to absorb than a profitable company specialized in that market?

Bill Gates' statement should be taken as wishful thinking; it goes against Yamauchi’s strong-fisted, traditional Japanese business methods to sell his stock to American competition.

edgeblade69 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2004, 08:14:39 PM »

In other news, the grass is green and the sky is blue.

Seriously though....if Gates likes buying stuff so much, why doesn't he just buy cars or homes or something? Heck he can always send me money, I don't mind taking it off his hands.

Windrunner · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2004, 08:37:16 PM »

Yea, pretty much Yamauchi is too much of a traditional Japanese hardliner to sell to an American company.

Of course, I realize that Gates could buy them himself, alone... but I'm not sure why he'd ever say Microsoft is interested. He's not exactly CEO of MS anymore...

GaimeGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2004, 11:28:07 PM »

Let's be serious, now: Who WOULDN'T want to buy Nintendo? They're the business entrepreneurs everywhere dream about owning.

Infernal Monkey · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2004, 01:11:26 AM »

I offered Nintendo four dollars via yelling out my window one day. All I got was bird poo down my throat.
"WHHOOOO'S NEEEELLLSSSOOOOON?"

CHEN · « **Reply #5 on:** August 05, 2004, 01:20:44 AM »

Old news. They've wanted Nintendo (and Sega, and Capcom, and Square) all along, since its launch. It's the way Microsoft does, but this is something else. Nintendo has a market value of approximately 20 billion USD.

Polemistis · « **Reply #6 on:** August 05, 2004, 01:59:31 AM »

I doubt Ninty will be bought, I just can't see it happening. But hell, you never know :\

RABicle · « **Reply #7 on:** August 05, 2004, 03:19:52 AM »

Something like this would probably be the only thing that might destroy the Playstation's untouchable market percentage.

But yeah, will never happen.

ABlueflameA · « **Reply #8 on:** August 05, 2004, 03:54:33 AM »

I dont even know if MS has enough money to buy Nintendo. Sure Bill COULD sell all his stock in MS (which is where almost all his money is) but then he would trade being largest shareholder in MS to largest shareholder in Nintendo. Frankly, I'd rather own MS than Nintendo simply because MS is a monopoly and Nintendo is fighting for its chunk of the market. Anyway, any price Yamauchi would offer MS would be HUGE, and I think that MS stockholders would Kill Bill hehe. A buyout of SEGA was more plausible until they got bought by Sammy, now thats rather unlikely as well.

Meh, all of this is moot, Yamauchi will NEVER sell (or die, he is invincible you know) and so therefore M$/Bill can't buy.

-Blue

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #9 on:** August 05, 2004, 04:12:21 AM »

You know I don't think Nintendo would ever be bought out. They aren't struggling so there is no reason to sell. Just like everyone is saying the Japanese will not give control of their companies to an American, period.

However, I would like to actually think about this for a second. Would Bill Gates buying Nintendo really be that bad? Why would Gates want Nintendo? Its obvious: No matter how big the Xbox gets it will never be successful in Japan. Sony and Nintendo just have that market wrapped up, and have very good relationships with all the Japanese developers.

If Gates buys Nintendo I don't see him re-organizing or changing anything with the Japanese side of the business. EAD and all of NIntendo's internal development house would be exactly the same.

What would change is perhaps the new found focus on Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe being able to step up and create games for our market. Bill Gates could easily revitalize the Nintendo name in America and bring us gamers the experiences Nintendo has been lacking to bring to the table.

What are your thoughts?

Bartman3010 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 05, 2004, 04:51:02 AM »

I think their idea is to attach a DVD player to the Revolution.

BigJim · « **Reply #11 on:** August 05, 2004, 04:56:03 AM »

This issue was mentioned on CNN. It was a joke. The German reporter took it out of context.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #12 on:** August 05, 2004, 05:09:17 AM »

This is how desperate the world is with 24 hour news sources. There just isn't enough news to actually support such a format, so people are just looking for the next scoop...even if it is Bill Clinton's cat is stuck in a tree. Reactions for the Fire department next.

Perfect Cell · « **Reply #13 on:** August 05, 2004, 05:38:19 AM »

Billy Gates would like to buy Nintendo.... Id like to date Lana Lang from Smallville.. good to see even the Rich like Billy have dreams/

Seriously... you need to be carefull though how you write this story. You could make it sound like Bill gates is buying Nintendo (Not planetgamecube other nintendoish pages)

Jale · « **Reply #14 on:** August 05, 2004, 08:40:14 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Bartman3010
I think their idea is to attach a DVD player to the Revolution.

Innovative Idea! You should work for Sony!

Djunknown · « **Reply #15 on:** August 05, 2004, 02:29:42 PM »

Quote
However, I would like to actually think about this for a second. Would Bill Gates buying Nintendo really be that bad?

It would probably give Nintendo financial security in America and Europe, but I doubt their sincerity. Past examples of scooping up Shenmue II for the U.S at the 11th hour of its release, only to not advertise it a year later, as well as dropping Psyconaughts (Thank Mr.Shane Kim for that one) because if might not sell, show that Nintendo may not get the attention they need....

Interesting propisition, but I think many faithful would rather see Nintendo sink gracefully, than be another corporate cog. But I can only speak for myself

The Omen · « **Reply #16 on:** August 05, 2004, 03:27:58 PM »

This is so wishful thinking that I can't believe it s even a news story. MS has always wanted that 'in' for the video game market. I know, you think Nintendo games are scoffed at by non nintendo gamers. Not really the case. If MS had exclusive Nintendo games, all those hardcore 'M' rated gamers would be spouting off about how they now have the best games in the industry. But, Nintendo being run by a facist tyrant, a man after my own heart, he will never sell. Good for him. Nintendo is profitable, and MS is not. Walk on by , punk.

mouse_clicker · « **Reply #17 on:** August 05, 2004, 04:23:22 PM »

Quote
as well as dropping Psyconaughts (Thank Mr.Shane Kim for that one) because if might not sell, show that Nintendo may not get the attention they need....

So THAT'S what happened to Psyconaughts- I always wondered why it mysteriously fell off the radar. A shame, too, that game was looking really cool.

Mumei · « **Reply #18 on:** August 05, 2004, 05:28:37 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: CHEN
Old news. They've wanted Nintendo (and Sega, and Capcom, and Square) all along, since its launch. It's the way Microsoft does, but this is something else. Nintendo has a market value of approximately 20 billion USD.

I was under the impression that their current assets were valued at about 11 billion USD. CAn you confirm that number, please?

ssj4_android · « **Reply #19 on:** August 06, 2004, 12:13:13 PM »

Microsoft buying Nintendoo would rock! XBOX rocks, GCN rocks. Together, it would rock beyond words.

Mumei · « **Reply #20 on:** August 06, 2004, 05:12:21 PM »

Oh yes, Microsoft and Nintendo together would rock. Did you notice the sarcasm?

....

Hostile Creation · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2004, 11:28:47 AM »

Japanese people are crazy, but it's a good thing they are. Thank you, Mr. Yamauchi.

Aussie Ben PGC · « **Reply #22 on:** August 10, 2004, 03:17:20 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: mouse_clicker
Quote
as well as dropping Psyconaughts (Thank Mr.Shane Kim for that one) because if might not sell, show that Nintendo may not get the attention they need....

So THAT'S what happened to Psyconaughts- I always wondered why it mysteriously fell off the radar. A shame, too, that game was looking really cool.

Not quite - Psychonauts is still on schedule. As a matter of fact, it's been picked up by Majesco.

Double Fine are quite pleased about the whole thing, and rightly so. It was there for a few months without a publisher. Gamespot has an interview with Tim Schafer about the game.

seen33 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 10, 2004, 07:08:33 AM »

I think it would be a good thing. I mean if the next gen systems merged it would be great. We would have all the great marios zeldas and metroids mixed with halo and Xbox live. Imagine playing xbox live 16 player SSBM 3 were it keeps your stats and everything. that would be do amazing to describe.

besides... it would deffenitly give sony a run for its money (finally) and although competition is a good thing.... 2 systems is better then 3. this generation was killed. way to many exclusives for all 3 systems. Not very fair. And with most developers heading to xbox or ps2 only or just those 2 systems... nintendo was left out.

Go BIll!!! Buy Nintendo.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2004, 07:12:31 AM »

Oh, and it would be great for Microsoft to control exactly what kind of games Ninty could make, rite?

Oh, and the loss of respect/support of Japanese developers for Nintendo...

Anyone who thinks this is a good idea is a gaming newb, plain and simple...

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Author Topic: Bill Gates Wants Nintendo (Read 7625 times)