Nintendo Patents Watch
@ninpatentswatch.bsky.social
Human-run account covering patents, tech, and business behind Nintendo products (任天堂特許ウォッチ; 任天堂专利追踪; 任天堂專利追蹤)
https://ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com
https://ninpatentswatch.wordpress.com
Foxconn Technology Co. (鴻準, Switch assembler) presented its R&D for Nintendo in the latest investor conference. The slide is virtually unchanged from last time.
The first 3 techs are used in Switch 2 console and controller, but “force sensing technology” remain unused. A new Ring Con perhaps?
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The first 3 techs are used in Switch 2 console and controller, but “force sensing technology” remain unused. A new Ring Con perhaps?
1/
November 26, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Foxconn Technology Co. (鴻準, Switch assembler) presented its R&D for Nintendo in the latest investor conference. The slide is virtually unchanged from last time.
The first 3 techs are used in Switch 2 console and controller, but “force sensing technology” remain unused. A new Ring Con perhaps?
1/
The first 3 techs are used in Switch 2 console and controller, but “force sensing technology” remain unused. A new Ring Con perhaps?
1/
Regarding recent The Duskbloods rumor, I cannot locate the Chinese source claimed by the YouTuber.
If someone who can read the language is unable to verify its veracity, did any VG outlets and influencers reporting this as a fact even attempt to check?
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If someone who can read the language is unable to verify its veracity, did any VG outlets and influencers reporting this as a fact even attempt to check?
1/
November 26, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Regarding recent The Duskbloods rumor, I cannot locate the Chinese source claimed by the YouTuber.
If someone who can read the language is unable to verify its veracity, did any VG outlets and influencers reporting this as a fact even attempt to check?
1/
If someone who can read the language is unable to verify its veracity, did any VG outlets and influencers reporting this as a fact even attempt to check?
1/
According to @bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net, Pokémon Tretta was discontinued in 2023. But for reasons unknown, on 2025-11-19 Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures jointly filed a “POKEMONTRETTA” trademark application in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
branddb.wipo.int/en/similarna...
branddb.wipo.int/en/similarna...
November 24, 2025 at 2:21 PM
According to @bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net, Pokémon Tretta was discontinued in 2023. But for reasons unknown, on 2025-11-19 Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures jointly filed a “POKEMONTRETTA” trademark application in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
branddb.wipo.int/en/similarna...
branddb.wipo.int/en/similarna...
At WePlay Expo in Shanghai, Akihiro Hino shared what’s new about Professor Layton and The New World of Steam:
• Unlike DS/3DS titles, UX designed for big screen with mouse and controller input
• More puzzles, longer story, and better graphics than ever
Source: weibo.com/tv/show/1034...
• Unlike DS/3DS titles, UX designed for big screen with mouse and controller input
• More puzzles, longer story, and better graphics than ever
Source: weibo.com/tv/show/1034...
November 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
At WePlay Expo in Shanghai, Akihiro Hino shared what’s new about Professor Layton and The New World of Steam:
• Unlike DS/3DS titles, UX designed for big screen with mouse and controller input
• More puzzles, longer story, and better graphics than ever
Source: weibo.com/tv/show/1034...
• Unlike DS/3DS titles, UX designed for big screen with mouse and controller input
• More puzzles, longer story, and better graphics than ever
Source: weibo.com/tv/show/1034...
I was asked about this video re: Ninendo v Colopl. It’s relatively well-researched and I appreciate that. A few points I’d like to add:
• The “code of honor” framing is uncommon. It was used by only one analyst in one talk, bordering on mythologizing (no wonder the video chose to go with it).
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• The “code of honor” framing is uncommon. It was used by only one analyst in one talk, bordering on mythologizing (no wonder the video chose to go with it).
1/
@ninpatentswatch.bsky.social
I have a question since you seem knowledgeable with the legal side of patents.
Is this video regarding Nintendo suing Colopl correct? Is there more you can add?
I have a question since you seem knowledgeable with the legal side of patents.
Is this video regarding Nintendo suing Colopl correct? Is there more you can add?
The most EXPENSIVE Nintendo lawsuit
YouTube video by Thomas Game Docs
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 AM
I was asked about this video re: Ninendo v Colopl. It’s relatively well-researched and I appreciate that. A few points I’d like to add:
• The “code of honor” framing is uncommon. It was used by only one analyst in one talk, bordering on mythologizing (no wonder the video chose to go with it).
1/
• The “code of honor” framing is uncommon. It was used by only one analyst in one talk, bordering on mythologizing (no wonder the video chose to go with it).
1/
Published today, patent US20250352904 is for the basketball offensive moves in Nintendo Switch Sports:
1. Dribbling
…
1. Dribbling
…
November 20, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Published today, patent US20250352904 is for the basketball offensive moves in Nintendo Switch Sports:
1. Dribbling
…
1. Dribbling
…
Today Bandai Namco officially confirmed that Kirby Air Riders was built with BN’s in-house game engine SOL-AVES (ソルアヴェス; img 1). The trademark was filed on 2022-12-09 (img 2). Air Riders seems to be the first released title using the engine.
www.bandainamcostudios.com/products/%E3...
www.bandainamcostudios.com/products/%E3...
November 20, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Today Bandai Namco officially confirmed that Kirby Air Riders was built with BN’s in-house game engine SOL-AVES (ソルアヴェス; img 1). The trademark was filed on 2022-12-09 (img 2). Air Riders seems to be the first released title using the engine.
www.bandainamcostudios.com/products/%E3...
www.bandainamcostudios.com/products/%E3...
I saw several reports on how the region-locked PS5 came about, and wanted to provide some context:
• The source is a TV Tokyo segment named Journalist Insights, equivalent to a newspaper column.
• The “insights” were from the reporter’s own unnamed source(s), not Sony’s official disclosure.
1/
• The source is a TV Tokyo segment named Journalist Insights, equivalent to a newspaper column.
• The “insights” were from the reporter’s own unnamed source(s), not Sony’s official disclosure.
1/
Report claims Sony cut PS5 price in Japan to combat Switch 2 success http://gonintendo.com/contents/55027-report-claims-sony-cut-ps5-price-in-japan-to-combat-switch-2-success
#nintendoswitch
#nintendoswitch
Report claims Sony cut PS5 price in Japan to combat Switch 2 success
Battle for Japan
gonintendo.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:23 PM
I saw several reports on how the region-locked PS5 came about, and wanted to provide some context:
• The source is a TV Tokyo segment named Journalist Insights, equivalent to a newspaper column.
• The “insights” were from the reporter’s own unnamed source(s), not Sony’s official disclosure.
1/
• The source is a TV Tokyo segment named Journalist Insights, equivalent to a newspaper column.
• The “insights” were from the reporter’s own unnamed source(s), not Sony’s official disclosure.
1/
@gibbogame.bsky.social Not sure if you’re still on Bluesky, but may I ask you about the source of the following quote in your Nintendo 7974 report?
> カプコンによれば、一部のPS4ユーザーはPlayStation 5ではなくSwitch 2に買い替えているという。
I can’t locate it in Capcom’s Jul-Sep financial report, presentation, or Q&A.
> カプコンによれば、一部のPS4ユーザーはPlayStation 5ではなくSwitch 2に買い替えているという。
I can’t locate it in Capcom’s Jul-Sep financial report, presentation, or Q&A.
November 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
@gibbogame.bsky.social Not sure if you’re still on Bluesky, but may I ask you about the source of the following quote in your Nintendo 7974 report?
> カプコンによれば、一部のPS4ユーザーはPlayStation 5ではなくSwitch 2に買い替えているという。
I can’t locate it in Capcom’s Jul-Sep financial report, presentation, or Q&A.
> カプコンによれば、一部のPS4ユーザーはPlayStation 5ではなくSwitch 2に買い替えているという。
I can’t locate it in Capcom’s Jul-Sep financial report, presentation, or Q&A.
Korea Economic Daily reported that IT companies are entering “survival mode” due to runaway memory costs: www.hankyung.com/article/2025...
• 2GB DDR5 price +136.8% in 1 month
• 64GB TLC NAND price +14.21% in 1 week
• Nvidia & AMD are considering discontinuation of mid- to low-end GPU cards
2/
• 2GB DDR5 price +136.8% in 1 month
• 64GB TLC NAND price +14.21% in 1 week
• Nvidia & AMD are considering discontinuation of mid- to low-end GPU cards
2/
메모리 용량 줄이고, 중저가 모델 단종…'생존모드' 돌입한 IT기업
메모리 용량 줄이고, 중저가 모델 단종…'생존모드' 돌입한 IT기업, 천장 뚫린 메모리반도체 가격 PC용 D램, 한달 만에 137% 급등 모건스탠리 "메모리 탓 원가쇼크" 서버·PC기업 투자의견 '줄하향' 현실이 된 '메모리플레이션' 中오포·비보 스마트폰값 인상 이어 삼성도 印서 보급형 제품 10% 올려 메모리 원가비중 큰 게임용 ...
www.hankyung.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Korea Economic Daily reported that IT companies are entering “survival mode” due to runaway memory costs: www.hankyung.com/article/2025...
• 2GB DDR5 price +136.8% in 1 month
• 64GB TLC NAND price +14.21% in 1 week
• Nvidia & AMD are considering discontinuation of mid- to low-end GPU cards
2/
• 2GB DDR5 price +136.8% in 1 month
• 64GB TLC NAND price +14.21% in 1 week
• Nvidia & AMD are considering discontinuation of mid- to low-end GPU cards
2/
I’ll always choose a game w/o AI voice acting over one with. That said, Konami’s Shine Post: Be Your Idol! presents an interesting case study of *perhaps* justifiable use.
The Japan-only game is an NS2 launch title in which you manage idol groups and try to keep your agency afloat.
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The Japan-only game is an NS2 launch title in which you manage idol groups and try to keep your agency afloat.
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【6月5日発売！】「シャインポスト Be Your アイドル！」ゲームPV/ Nintendo Switch™ 2
YouTube video by 『シャインポスト』公式
www.youtube.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I’ll always choose a game w/o AI voice acting over one with. That said, Konami’s Shine Post: Be Your Idol! presents an interesting case study of *perhaps* justifiable use.
The Japan-only game is an NS2 launch title in which you manage idol groups and try to keep your agency afloat.
1/
The Japan-only game is an NS2 launch title in which you manage idol groups and try to keep your agency afloat.
1/
Patent US20250350898 seems to confirm that Switch 2’s 3D spatial sound is a home-grown solution by NoA, not a licensed product.
It’s the latest continuation of the original 2021 patent that describes techniques to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of an object-based audio spatializer.
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It’s the latest continuation of the original 2021 patent that describes techniques to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of an object-based audio spatializer.
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November 15, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Patent US20250350898 seems to confirm that Switch 2’s 3D spatial sound is a home-grown solution by NoA, not a licensed product.
It’s the latest continuation of the original 2021 patent that describes techniques to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of an object-based audio spatializer.
1/
It’s the latest continuation of the original 2021 patent that describes techniques to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of an object-based audio spatializer.
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These are the prior art cited for the summoning patent reexamination:
Konami 2002 (imgs 1-2) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Nintendo 2019 (imgs 3-4) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Are they similar enough to the Pokémon patent to invalidate it? Read them and judge for yourself.
1/
Konami 2002 (imgs 1-2) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Nintendo 2019 (imgs 3-4) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Are they similar enough to the Pokémon patent to invalidate it? Read them and judge for yourself.
1/
November 14, 2025 at 3:03 PM
These are the prior art cited for the summoning patent reexamination:
Konami 2002 (imgs 1-2) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Nintendo 2019 (imgs 3-4) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Are they similar enough to the Pokémon patent to invalidate it? Read them and judge for yourself.
1/
Konami 2002 (imgs 1-2) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Nintendo 2019 (imgs 3-4) patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/de...
Are they similar enough to the Pokémon patent to invalidate it? Read them and judge for yourself.
1/
A new survey of Taiwanese gamers by MIC (產業情報研究所) indicates that console gaming slightly behind PC but growing fast, and Switch dominates the console market.
Mobile 83.9%
PC 26%
Console 24.4% (+7.2% YoY)
• Switch 69.8%
• PS 41%
• Xbox 28.8%
A lot more info here: mic.iii.org.tw/news.aspx?id...
Mobile 83.9%
PC 26%
Console 24.4% (+7.2% YoY)
• Switch 69.8%
• PS 41%
• Xbox 28.8%
A lot more info here: mic.iii.org.tw/news.aspx?id...
【遊戲消費者調查】81.4%臺灣網友玩數位遊戲 「只想玩免費遊戲」風氣興盛 逾八成玩家常玩手遊 常玩主機遊戲成長最顯著【遊戲消費者調查】81.4%臺灣網友玩數位遊戲 「只想玩免費遊戲」風氣興盛 逾八成玩家常玩手遊 常玩主機遊戲成長最顯著
新聞 資策會產業情報研究所（MIC）發布數位遊戲消費者調查，本次調查結果顯示，高達81.4%臺灣網友有遊玩數位遊戲的習慣，較前一年69%成長逾一成。整體玩家常玩的遊戲類型，以手遊（83.9%）穩居首位，且較前一年成長6.9%，也與第二名的電腦遊戲（26%）差距從52.4%擴大至57.9%。不過，第三名的主機遊戲（24.4%）成長最顯著，增加7.2%、第四名網頁遊戲（13.9%）小幅成長1.7%。比...
mic.iii.org.tw
November 13, 2025 at 1:42 PM
A new survey of Taiwanese gamers by MIC (產業情報研究所) indicates that console gaming slightly behind PC but growing fast, and Switch dominates the console market.
Mobile 83.9%
PC 26%
Console 24.4% (+7.2% YoY)
• Switch 69.8%
• PS 41%
• Xbox 28.8%
A lot more info here: mic.iii.org.tw/news.aspx?id...
Mobile 83.9%
PC 26%
Console 24.4% (+7.2% YoY)
• Switch 69.8%
• PS 41%
• Xbox 28.8%
A lot more info here: mic.iii.org.tw/news.aspx?id...
As of 2025-03, Capcom owns 1,164 patents and 6,343 trademarks. In last fiscal year alone, they issued 6,176 copyright infringement takedowns.
But somehow, it only seems to make the news when Nintendo files a patent or requests a removal.
But somehow, it only seems to make the news when Nintendo files a patent or requests a removal.
November 13, 2025 at 3:49 AM
As of 2025-03, Capcom owns 1,164 patents and 6,343 trademarks. In last fiscal year alone, they issued 6,176 copyright infringement takedowns.
But somehow, it only seems to make the news when Nintendo files a patent or requests a removal.
But somehow, it only seems to make the news when Nintendo files a patent or requests a removal.
Capcom’s 2025 annual report includes a section about RE Engine. It mentions the support for ray tracing, path tracing, and strand-based hair. Around 160 engineers are in charge of the engine development.
www.capcom.co.jp/ir/data/pdf/...
www.capcom.co.jp/ir/data/pdf/...
November 13, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Capcom’s 2025 annual report includes a section about RE Engine. It mentions the support for ray tracing, path tracing, and strand-based hair. Around 160 engineers are in charge of the engine development.
www.capcom.co.jp/ir/data/pdf/...
www.capcom.co.jp/ir/data/pdf/...
This is not a Game-Key Card apologist thread, only an explainer on the precarious status of Game Card:
1. Although never disclosed, there are evidences suggesting that the GC “ROM” is actually pre-programmed NAND. Due to the AI boom, NAND price is now in a “super cycle”. (img source: ADATA)
1/
1. Although never disclosed, there are evidences suggesting that the GC “ROM” is actually pre-programmed NAND. Due to the AI boom, NAND price is now in a “super cycle”. (img source: ADATA)
1/
November 12, 2025 at 9:02 AM
This is not a Game-Key Card apologist thread, only an explainer on the precarious status of Game Card:
1. Although never disclosed, there are evidences suggesting that the GC “ROM” is actually pre-programmed NAND. Due to the AI boom, NAND price is now in a “super cycle”. (img source: ADATA)
1/
1. Although never disclosed, there are evidences suggesting that the GC “ROM” is actually pre-programmed NAND. Due to the AI boom, NAND price is now in a “super cycle”. (img source: ADATA)
1/
Inventory data from Nintendo’s semiannual report, as of 2025-09:
• Largest total inventory and finished goods inventory since 2001-03 (possibly ever), likely stockpiling for Z-A release and holiday sales
• Work-in-progress inventory decreased to the usual range (pre-launch rush was over)
1/
• Largest total inventory and finished goods inventory since 2001-03 (possibly ever), likely stockpiling for Z-A release and holiday sales
• Work-in-progress inventory decreased to the usual range (pre-launch rush was over)
1/
November 12, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Inventory data from Nintendo’s semiannual report, as of 2025-09:
• Largest total inventory and finished goods inventory since 2001-03 (possibly ever), likely stockpiling for Z-A release and holiday sales
• Work-in-progress inventory decreased to the usual range (pre-launch rush was over)
1/
• Largest total inventory and finished goods inventory since 2001-03 (possibly ever), likely stockpiling for Z-A release and holiday sales
• Work-in-progress inventory decreased to the usual range (pre-launch rush was over)
1/
Isn’t this the 2nd time Mochizuki pushing this narrative? For a business reporter, he’s curiously inattentive to details:
• Digital NS2E games are counted as NS1 sales
• Digital only games (Welcome Tour, DxD) are not reported
• Furukawa Q&A: We plan to keep selling NS1 games to NS2 owners
1/
• Digital NS2E games are counted as NS1 sales
• Digital only games (Welcome Tour, DxD) are not reported
• Furukawa Q&A: We plan to keep selling NS1 games to NS2 owners
1/
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Isn’t this the 2nd time Mochizuki pushing this narrative? For a business reporter, he’s curiously inattentive to details:
• Digital NS2E games are counted as NS1 sales
• Digital only games (Welcome Tour, DxD) are not reported
• Furukawa Q&A: We plan to keep selling NS1 games to NS2 owners
1/
• Digital NS2E games are counted as NS1 sales
• Digital only games (Welcome Tour, DxD) are not reported
• Furukawa Q&A: We plan to keep selling NS1 games to NS2 owners
1/
Live2D Inc. announced Switch 2 version of Live2D Cubism SDK for developers (2D character modeling and animation tool)
Source: prtimes.jp/main/html/rd...
Source: prtimes.jp/main/html/rd...
November 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Live2D Inc. announced Switch 2 version of Live2D Cubism SDK for developers (2D character modeling and animation tool)
Source: prtimes.jp/main/html/rd...
Source: prtimes.jp/main/html/rd...
Sounds like Switch 2 now supports LE Audio/LC3 codec for low latency? The setting looks similar to Sony Sound Connect’s “Bluetooth connection quality” (image below):
• Sound quality (LDAC/AAC/high bitrate SBC)
• Stable connection (low bitrate SBC)
• Low latency (LC3)
1/
• Sound quality (LDAC/AAC/high bitrate SBC)
• Stable connection (low bitrate SBC)
• Low latency (LC3)
1/
November 11, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Sounds like Switch 2 now supports LE Audio/LC3 codec for low latency? The setting looks similar to Sony Sound Connect’s “Bluetooth connection quality” (image below):
• Sound quality (LDAC/AAC/high bitrate SBC)
• Stable connection (low bitrate SBC)
• Low latency (LC3)
1/
• Sound quality (LDAC/AAC/high bitrate SBC)
• Stable connection (low bitrate SBC)
• Low latency (LC3)
1/
I’m traveling today, and can only offer a brief intro for the following 4 new patents. Please click the links for details.
GameChat safety patent 1: Server-side filtering of communications based on user age
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
GameChat safety patent 1: Server-side filtering of communications based on user age
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
November 7, 2025 at 6:35 AM
I’m traveling today, and can only offer a brief intro for the following 4 new patents. Please click the links for details.
GameChat safety patent 1: Server-side filtering of communications based on user age
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
GameChat safety patent 1: Server-side filtering of communications based on user age
www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-...
Hate to pour cold water on the dev acquisition talk, but that slide was presenting things *already* happened.
• Very precise number of “a” video company acquisition (Dynamo)
• In contrast, acquisition of “developers” being plural (Next Level, SRD, Shiver)
• All others are done or in progress
1/
• Very precise number of “a” video company acquisition (Dynamo)
• In contrast, acquisition of “developers” being plural (Next Level, SRD, Shiver)
• All others are done or in progress
1/
November 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Hate to pour cold water on the dev acquisition talk, but that slide was presenting things *already* happened.
• Very precise number of “a” video company acquisition (Dynamo)
• In contrast, acquisition of “developers” being plural (Next Level, SRD, Shiver)
• All others are done or in progress
1/
• Very precise number of “a” video company acquisition (Dynamo)
• In contrast, acquisition of “developers” being plural (Next Level, SRD, Shiver)
• All others are done or in progress
1/
Duskbloods will be jointly published by FromSoftware (Kadokawa subsidiary) and Nintendo. My guess is that the former will handle the domestic market, and the latter overseas.
Source: ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9468/ir_...
Source: ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9468/ir_...
November 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Duskbloods will be jointly published by FromSoftware (Kadokawa subsidiary) and Nintendo. My guess is that the former will handle the domestic market, and the latter overseas.
Source: ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9468/ir_...
Source: ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9468/ir_...
[New lore?] Before creating Pokémon Red and Green, Tajiri jokingly said to Miyamoto:
“To surpass Nintendo’s Mario, we’d have to sell two copies of [same] game to each customer.”
I’m sure that it was just a joke. Let’s be normal.
Note: Unofficial translation
www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2025/...
“To surpass Nintendo’s Mario, we’d have to sell two copies of [same] game to each customer.”
I’m sure that it was just a joke. Let’s be normal.
Note: Unofficial translation
www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2025/...
![代表取締役 フェロー 宮本茂：
[…]
その昔、「ポケットモンスター」のディレクターである田尻さんが、最初の「ポケットモンスタ一」のソフトをつくる前に、「任天堂のマリオを超えようと思ったら1人のお客様にソフトを2本売らないと超えられない」と私に冗談を言ったことがありました。それが『ポケットモンスター
赤・緑』が生まれた理由の一つでもあります。このように、「なんとか超えよう」と思う人がいるからこそ、また新しいものが生まれるのだと思います。](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:w2yyporceaqxdbzfupn5lcbt/bafkreie4qru2rf3a7revvccwjnctm3gj7wkcyr5yupfslkso4oi4aibj6i@jpeg)
November 5, 2025 at 10:47 PM
[New lore?] Before creating Pokémon Red and Green, Tajiri jokingly said to Miyamoto:
“To surpass Nintendo’s Mario, we’d have to sell two copies of [same] game to each customer.”
I’m sure that it was just a joke. Let’s be normal.
Note: Unofficial translation
www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2025/...
“To surpass Nintendo’s Mario, we’d have to sell two copies of [same] game to each customer.”
I’m sure that it was just a joke. Let’s be normal.
Note: Unofficial translation
www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2025/...