Nintendo has always been at the forefront of the gaming industry, captivating players with its unique franchises and innovative gameplay. However, one aspect that has often divided opinions among gamers is the introduction of gacha games. In this article, we will explore Nintendo's relationship with gacha games and how it has evolved over time.

Nintendo's Gacha Game Experiment - A Tale of Growth and Change

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: A Turning Point

When Xenoblade Chronicles 2 first launched, it brought with it a unique gaming experience. Players were able to bond with memorable characters and explore vast open expanses filled with powerful beasts. However, one aspect that initially shocked many was the encounter with Core Crystals. This pseudo-gacha mechanic was a departure from the traditional gameplay that Nintendo was known for. But as the story unfolded, it became clear that Nintendo was approaching gacha in a different way. The absence of microtransactions in the eShop allowed players to enjoy the game without the urge to spend a single cent. Obtaining Rare Blades became an innocent joy, and for the first time in years, the author found themselves wholeheartedly enjoying gacha mechanics.This experience completely reframed how the author thought about Core Crystals and opened their bittered heart to the concept. It was a small step towards embracing gacha games, but it was a significant one.

Super Mario Run: A Premium Mobile Offering

In 2016, Nintendo released Super Mario Run, a premium mobile game that was exactly what the author had been hoping for. Boiling Mario platforming down to auto-runner mechanics may not have been groundbreaking, but it was simple fun under a single price tag. Many gamers were initially hesitant about the $10 price tag, but the author couldn't get enough. It was a taste of what Nintendo could do with mobile games and set the stage for future endeavors.

Fire Emblem Heroes: The Turning Point

In 2017, Nintendo released Fire Emblem Heroes, its first gacha game. Despite the author's deeply ingrained distaste for the business model, they decided to give it a fair shake. At first, it was difficult to enjoy the shrunken-down turn-based battles, but as they engaged with the game more, they began to appreciate the community and the daily doses of glee it provided.The events that portrayed the characters in seasonal costumes and gave them non-canonical roles kept the franchise fresh and gave the author a different flavour of nostalgia. It was through Fire Emblem Heroes that the author was able to fully embrace gacha games and boost their Fire Emblem fandom far beyond what any single mainline entry could achieve.

Intelligent Systems' Generosity

It's worth noting that Intelligent Systems is quite generous with the game's myriad currencies in Fire Emblem Heroes. This means that players can typically get what they want without having to pay. In instances where they do choose to pay, they never feel coaxed or preyed upon. This is a sentiment that the author has also noticed in the most recent Nintendo-adjacent mobile game, Pokémon TCG Pocket. It provides a free way to relive the childhood thrill of opening Pokémon cards and enjoy a franchise that hasn't had a game in a while.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp - A Mixed Experience

The release of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp was a mixed bag for the author. On one hand, it was a chance to engage with the beloved Animal Crossing franchise in a new way. On the other hand, the gacha-infused elements made it difficult for the author to resist the FOMO tactics. However, when Xenoblade Chronicles 2 launched and changed their perspective forever, it gave them the strength to let go of their disdain for gacha games.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Nintendo's journey with gacha games has been a rollercoaster ride. From initial disdain to eventual embrace, the company has shown that it can approach gacha in a way that is both enjoyable and sensitive to player needs. While there are still challenges ahead, such as the shutdown of many of Nintendo's gacha games, the author believes that Nintendo's presence in this space is essential.Even if the future of Nintendo's gacha games remains uncertain, the experiences they have provided have been valuable. Through games like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and a return to Fire Emblem Heroes, the author has been able to let go of their past and embrace the new. And who knows what the future holds for Nintendo and gacha games? Only time will tell.