The Japanese company will acquire 80% of Bandai Namco Studios Singapore in April 2026 and will integrate it as Nintendo Studios Singapore
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Nintendo announced the acquisition of 80% of Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, one of the creative centers that collaborated on titles such as Splatoon 3, Mario Sports Superstars and digital art projects for various company franchises. Starting in April 2026, the studio will be renamed Nintendo Studios Singapore, in a move aimed at expanding the internal development structure and consolidating its presence in Southeast Asia.
The decision is based on a sustained business relationship, the studio's solid technical capabilities, and the positive results achieved in joint projects. Nintendo evaluated the performance of the Singapore team, highlighting its contribution to major brand releases.
An agreement in two stages to ensure an orderly integration
Nintendo will initially acquire 80% of the shares on April 1, 2026, while the remaining 20% will be completed later, once the studio is fully stabilized under its new management.
This phased purchase scheme reflects the company's intention to ensure a smooth transition, respecting work methodologies and preserving the talent that already knows the Japanese giant's standards.
Impact for employees: continuity, resources, and more opportunities
For the employees of Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, the transition means formally joining one of the world's largest developers.
Many had already collaborated with Nintendo, which streamlines adaptation and allows ongoing projects to continue without interrupting creative processes.
Nintendo compra el estudio de Bandai Namco en Singapur y acelera su expansión global
Nintendo emphasized that it will prioritize retaining local talent and leveraging Singapore's growth as a technological and creative hub. The region is positioning itself as a strategic center for the global video game industry, and this acquisition aligns with that trend.
For players, the integration could result in the medium term in more titles developed directly in partnership with Nintendo. For now, there are no specific announcements about new projects related to this agreement.
What this operation means for Bandai Namco
Despite parting with the Singapore studio, Bandai Namco remains focused on its flagship franchises: Elden Ring, Tekken, Pac-Man, among others. The company clarified that this sale doesn't imply a withdrawal from the sector or a step toward a larger acquisition.
In fact, Bandai Namco recently strengthened its position with a deal close to 500 million dollars with Sony, related to a minority equity stake that bolsters its global presence.
It is important to remember that Bandai Namco Studios Singapore was also associated with the initial development of Metroid Prime 4, before production was transferred to Retro Studios in 2019.
Nintendo compra el estudio de Bandai Namco en Singapur y acelera su expansión global
A move that reflects a global trend in the industry
The integration of the Singapore studio confirms a deep trend in the sector: major companies seek to concentrate talent, accelerate development cycles, and strengthen their own ecosystems to compete in an increasingly demanding market.
With this operation, Nintendo strengthens its international structure and prepares for a new stage of creative and technological expansion, relying on teams with which it already has a history of collaboration.
