Nintendo is laughing, playing? Driving, wait no, camping? Whatever the means of transportation Nintendo likely at this point is excited to go to the bank. This time we’re not talking about the Switch, though yes, that is a moneymaker. Instead, the reference is to Nintendo’s mobile video games. In the five years since breaking onto the platform, they’ve raked in 1 billion dollars from player spending. In addition to the amount that players have spent over five years, Nintendo’s cost to make these titles and maintain them is likely far less of any console. It gets better, though, as mobile gaming isn’t going anywhere.
Fire Emblem is the MVP of Nintendo Mobile Games
“Mobile games made up 60% of revenue for the global video game market in 2019, generating $49 billion in revenue and a profit of $16.9 billion, a study by GoldenCasinoNews.com found. The mobile gaming market is forecast to grow 2.9% annually to hit $56.6 billion by 2024, per the research.” With an industry growing rapidly, it looks as though Nintendo mobile games got in the market just in time. The most surprising aspect of this is the title that is carrying their mobile flagship. No, it’s not Mario Kart Tour, Super Mario Run, Dr. Mario World, and not even Animal Crossing Pocket Camp. With a whopping 656 Million in player spending according to Sensor Tower, the title-holding the torch is Fire Emblem Heroes. Additionally, all three Mario titles were the second half tier of revenue.
What Franchise is Next?
The fact that Nintendo has made so much from a relatively new market and done so not on the back of its most famous plumber is truly a feat. With a market that is booming and growing, Nintendo will likely make a bigger priority than ever to secure its own piece of the mobile game market. The real question is what the next title is? Legend of Zelda, anyone?
Let us know what you think of Nintendo mobile games. Better yet tell us in the comments below which Nintendo franchise you’d love to see release a mobile game!