Nintendo acquires Bandai Namco Studios Singapore: a strategic boost for its future games
Thu Nov 27 2025
Nintendo acquires Bandai Namco Studios Singapore: a strategic boost for its future games
Nintendo has just announced the acquisition of Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, a strategic move that will strengthen its internal development capabilities. The studio, specialized in creating graphical assets, will become Nintendo Studios Singapore starting in 2026.
Nintendo confirmed the news in a statement detailing the acquisition of 80% of the shares of Bandai Namco Studios Singapore (BNSS), with full ownership expected after a transition period. Established in Singapore in 2013, the studio does not develop complete games but is an expert in producing visual assets: 3D models, environments, animations… A skill set it has already contributed to Nintendo projects in the past, notably within the Splatoon franchise.
Why this acquisition?
Nintendo explains that it wants to reinforce its development structure. By integrating BNSS into its ecosystem, the company gains more direct control over a crucial part of the artistic production of its future games.
It’s a form of vertical integration: less reliance on external contractors, more visual consistency, and tighter control over asset quality.
It’s worth noting that this is absolutely not an acquisition of Bandai Namco as a whole, but only of one of its specialized subsidiaries based in Singapore.
What will this change?
Starting April 1st, 2026, the studio will officially become Nintendo Studios Singapore.
Its role will remain similar, but from now on it will work exclusively on Nintendo projects.
Even if the immediate financial impact is expected to be limited, this move could help Nintendo accelerate or streamline certain development steps in the medium term.
And for players?
For the general public, this acquisition won’t bring any visible change overnight.
But in the long run, it could improve the artistic coherence of Nintendo’s productions… and potentially reduce some development timelines.
At a time when many video game companies are refocusing their resources and internalizing their processes (sometimes at the cost of massive layoffs), Nintendo once again demonstrates its intention to control every creative step behind its flagship franchises.
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