Overview

• Ken Watanabe told Bloomberg that Nintendo only creates new franchises when existing series cannot serve novel mechanics.
• He said teams build a new way to play first and then select whichever established brand best communicates those mechanics.
• Splatoon originated new characters after familiar icons failed to convey its ink-based movement and shooting clearly during development.
• Watanabe described a culture that encourages individual initiative, including staff quietly prototyping ideas that can become real products.
• Recent and announced first-party releases lean on legacy series, with GameSpot noting Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, Splatoon Raiders, plus new Mario Kart and Donkey Kong this year.