Top 5 Collaborations Between Nintendo and Other Developers

Nintendo's legacy in the gaming world is not just built on its iconic franchises, but also on its strategic collaborations with other developers. These partnerships have led to groundbreaking games that have defined genres, pushed technological boundaries, and captivated millions of gamers around the world.

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Ranking Nintendo's Top-5 Developer Collaborations

Let's count down the top five collaborations, showcasing the synergy between Nintendo and its creative allies.

5. PlatinumGames

Image: Bayonetta 2 | Nintendo

PlatinumGames, known for their fast-paced action titles, teamed up with Nintendo to develop games like Bayonetta 2 and Astral Chain. These collaborations have allowed Nintendo to diversify its portfolio with more mature content while still maintaining the quality and innovation that fans expect.

4. Retro Studios

Image: Metroid Prime Remastered | Nintendo

Based in Austin, Texas, Retro Studios collaborated with Nintendo to breathe new life into the Metroid franchise with Metroid Prime. This series transitioned Samus Aran's adventures from 2D side-scrolling into a 3D first-person perspective, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.

3. Square Enix

Image: Super Mario RPG | Nintendo

Square Enix's collaboration with Nintendo has resulted in a rich tapestry of gaming experiences that blend Square Enix's storytelling prowess with Nintendo's innovative gameplay.

Notable projects include the Mario & Luigi RPG series and Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, which beautifully married Mario's universe with Square Enix's RPG expertise. This partnership also extended to the development of games for the Nintendo Switch, such as Octopath Traveler.

2. HAL Laboratory

Image: Kirby and the Forgotten Land | Nintendo

HAL Laboratory is another developer that has worked hand-in-hand with Nintendo to produce some of the most endearing characters and games in the industry. Most notably, they are the brains behind the Kirby series and have had a significant role in the development of Super Smash Bros.

The latter is a crossover fighting game that has evolved into a celebration of video game history, featuring characters from various franchises and developers.

1. Intelligent Systems

Image: Fire Emblem: Awakening | Nintendo

Intelligent Systems, a close affiliate of Nintendo, has been instrumental in developing some of the most beloved franchises, such as Fire Emblem and Advance Wars. Their collaboration is a prime example of how deep integration between two developers can result in a series that not only defines genres but also garners a dedicated fanbase.

Fire Emblem: Awakening, in particular, revitalized the Fire Emblem series with its strategic gameplay, compelling story, and character development, cementing it's status as a pivotal title for the Nintendo 3DS.