List of Nintendo development teams
List of Nintendo Development Teams
Nintendo, a prominent video game company, has a rich history of development teams responsible for creating some of the most iconic video games and franchises. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the various development teams within Nintendo, their roles, and their contributions to the gaming industry.
Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD)
Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) is the largest division within Nintendo, responsible for the development of games, software, and hardware. EPD was formed in 2015 through the merger of the Entertainment Analysis & Development (EAD) and Software Planning & Development (SPD) divisions. EPD is divided into several groups, each focusing on different aspects of game development.
EPD Group No. 1
EPD Group No. 1 is primarily responsible for the development of the Animal Crossing series. This group has been instrumental in creating the life simulation genre, allowing players to interact with anthropomorphic animals and build their own virtual communities.
EPD Group No. 2
EPD Group No. 2 focuses on the development of the Splatoon series. Known for its innovative gameplay mechanics and vibrant art style, Splatoon has become one of Nintendo's most successful new IPs in recent years.
EPD Group No. 3
EPD Group No. 3 is responsible for the development of the The Legend of Zelda series. This group has created some of the most critically acclaimed games in the industry, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo Platform Technology Development (PTD)
Nintendo Platform Technology Development (PTD) is responsible for the development of Nintendo's hardware and operating systems. PTD was formed in 2015 through the merger of the Integrated Research & Development (IRD) and System Development (SDD) divisions. PTD focuses on creating innovative hardware solutions that enhance the gaming experience.
PTD Group No. 1
PTD Group No. 1 is responsible for the development of the Nintendo Switch hardware. This group has been instrumental in designing the hybrid console, which can function as both a home console and a portable device.
PTD Group No. 2
PTD Group No. 2 focuses on the development of the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. This group has worked on various iterations of the handheld console, incorporating features such as glasses-free 3D and dual screens.
Nintendo Business Development (NBD)
Nintendo Business Development (NBD) is responsible for exploring new business opportunities and expanding Nintendo's reach beyond traditional gaming. NBD focuses on mobile game development, partnerships, and other ventures.
NBD Group No. 1
NBD Group No. 1 is responsible for the development of mobile games such as Super Mario Run and Fire Emblem Heroes. This group aims to bring Nintendo's beloved franchises to a wider audience through mobile platforms.
NBD Group No. 2
NBD Group No. 2 focuses on partnerships and collaborations with other companies. This group has been involved in projects such as the Nintendo Labo, which combines physical cardboard kits with interactive software.
Nintendo Software Technology (NST)
Nintendo Software Technology (NST) is a development studio based in Redmond, Washington. NST focuses on creating games for the North American market and has developed titles such as Wave Race: Blue Storm and Metroid Prime Hunters.
Nintendo European Research & Development (NERD)
Nintendo European Research & Development (NERD) is a research and development team based in Paris, France. NERD focuses on developing innovative technologies and software solutions for Nintendo's hardware. NERD has worked on projects such as the Nintendo Classic Mini series and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Classic Edition.
Monolith Soft
Monolith Soft is a subsidiary of Nintendo, known for developing the Xenoblade Chronicles series. Monolith Soft also assists with the development of other Nintendo titles, providing support for games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
1-Up Studio
1-Up Studio, formerly known as Brownie Brown, is a subsidiary of Nintendo. The studio has worked on titles such as Mother 3 and Fantasy Life. 1-Up Studio often collaborates with other Nintendo development teams to provide additional support and expertise.
HAL Laboratory
HAL Laboratory is an independent development studio closely associated with Nintendo. HAL Laboratory is best known for creating the Kirby series and the Super Smash Bros. series. The studio has a long-standing relationship with Nintendo and continues to develop games for Nintendo platforms.
Intelligent Systems
Intelligent Systems is an independent development studio that works closely with Nintendo. The studio is known for developing the Fire Emblem series and the Paper Mario series. Intelligent Systems also develops various other titles and provides support for Nintendo's hardware and software.
Game Freak
Game Freak is an independent development studio best known for creating the Pokémon series. Game Freak has a strong partnership with Nintendo and continues to develop new Pokémon games for Nintendo platforms.
Retro Studios
Retro Studios is a subsidiary of Nintendo, based in Austin, Texas. The studio is best known for developing the Metroid Prime series and the Donkey Kong Country series. Retro Studios is currently working on Metroid Prime 4.