When it comes to the “Big 3” in gaming, there’s little doubt that each of them has thought of ways to “get rid of the other” in one form or another to help bolster their status in the gaming world. However, a leaked email from Microsoft showcased how, in 2020, Phil Spencer wanted the company to seriously consider buying Nintendo. Yes, this is real. And to be clear, it’s not just an email about a new “collaboration” or anything of the like. Microsoft wanted to buy The Big N, and you have to wonder what gaming would’ve been like if that happened.
IGN notes that Phil Spencer wasn’t just eager about it. He would call it a “career moment” to be able to do it:
“Nintendo is THE prime asset for us in gaming and today gaming is our most likely path to consumer relevance. At some point, getting Nintendo would be a career moment and I honestly believe a good move for both companies. It’s just taking a long time for Nintendo to see that their future exists off of their own hardware. A long time…”
As the proud host of the Nintendo Entertainment Podcast, I’m so happy that The Big N continues to stifle Spencer’s hopes on this subject. First of all, Nintendo has been THRIVING since 2020 while the Xbox Series X/S isn’t doing the numbers that some predicted. Furthermore, even Spencer admitted that Nintendo wouldn’t likely have to sell to them because they’re sitting on a “pile of money,” and that continues to grow.
While some will defend Spencer for just “speaking his mind,” you can’t help but feel that some of what he said was rather insulting to Nintendo.