Nintendo has officially announced a major move to strengthen its internal development structure by acquiring the Singapore based entity Bandai Namco Studios Singapore. Following the completion of the deal, the studio, which is known for its strong expertise in creating in game art assets, will be renamed Nintendo Studios Singapore Pte. Ltd. and become a direct subsidiary of the Nintendo Group.

A Strategic Acquisition for Development

The decision to acquire the studio stems from its strong and ongoing business relationship with Nintendo. Bandai Namco Studios Singapore has notably contributed to the development of key Nintendo titles, including the popular Splatoon series and the 2021 game New Pokémon Snap. Nintendo stated that by purchasing the shares, they are ensuring the continuity of this valuable expertise and bolstering their overall development capabilities for future projects.

Details of the Deal

Nintendo has entered into a share transfer agreement with Bandai Namco Studios for the acquisition. The deal is planned to close on April 1, 2026, with Nintendo initially acquiring 80% of the studio’s shares. The remaining shares are expected to be acquired at a later date, once the operations of the new subsidiary have successfully stabilized. Nintendo notes that while the acquisition is strategically important for long term development, it will only have a minor effect on the company’s financial results for the current fiscal year.

The Studio’s History

Founded in 2013, Bandai Namco Studios Singapore has served as one of Bandai Namco Group’s overseas development hubs. Beyond their work on Nintendo franchises, the studio has also contributed to major Bandai Namco titles such as Tekken 8 and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Their transition into Nintendo Studios Singapore marks an important step in Nintendo’s strategy to expand its creative footprint outside of Japan, securing proven development talent in the Southeast Asia region.