Key Highlights
- Nintendo now holds complete ownership of Monolith Soft, acquiring all 2,400 shares of the developer known for its popular Xenoblade Chronicles series.
- The gaming giant initially purchased an 80% stake from Bandai Namco back in 2007, subsequently increasing its ownership to over 96% by 2011.
- The remaining 80 shares, previously owned by Monolith Soft’s co-founders, were acquired by Nintendo sometime between February and November 2024.
Nintendo has effectively completed its acquisition of Monolith Soft, a developer renowned for its integral role in the creation of the acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series. This transition is not expected to drastically affect the studio’s operations, as Monolith Soft has functioned as a subsidiary of Nintendo for most of its operational history.
Founded in 1999 by the former SquareSoft designer Tetsuya Takahashi, Monolith Soft is celebrated for its expertise in role-playing games. As of 2023, the company employed approximately 264 individuals and has gained prominence through its titles, particularly the Xenosaga and Xenoblade Chronicles franchises. Initially, Monolith operated under Namco and more recently Namco Bandai (now known as Bandai Namco) for eight years before Nintendo acquired a controlling interest in 2007.
As reported by Automation West, Nintendo has now confirmed its full ownership of Monolith Soft via an update on the studio’s official website. This announcement marks the culmination of a gradual acquisition process that began in 2007 when Nintendo purchased 80% of the shares, which later rose to 96.66% by 2011. The recent acquisition involved buying the final 80 shares previously held by co-founders Tetsuya Takahashi, Hirohide Sugiura, and Yasuyuki Hanne, whose combined stake represented approximately 3.33%.
The Quiet Completion of Nintendo’s Acquisition of Monolith Soft
The exact timing of Nintendo’s purchase of the final shares from Monolith Soft’s co-founders is still somewhat ambiguous. Historical data reviewed by Game Rant indicates that Monolith Soft began listing Nintendo as its sole owner between October 1 and November 21, 2024. However, it is possible that the acquisition was finalized well before this public update, as Nintendo was still identified as a partial owner in the company’s annual brochure released in February 2024.
Evolution of Nintendo’s Ownership in Monolith Soft
| Year | Shares | Ownership Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1,920 | 80% |
| 2011 | 2,320 | 96% |
| 2024 | 2,400 | 100% |
With Monolith Soft having been a Nintendo subsidiary for 17 out of its 25 years in operation, this acquisition is unlikely to alter the studio’s daily routines significantly. Currently, Monolith Soft is busy developing Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a remaster of its original 2015 Wii U JRPG title, set to debut as a Nintendo Switch exclusive on March 20, 2025.
Beyond its original franchises, Monolith Soft has also been a crucial support player on numerous high-profile Nintendo projects. Its Tokyo branch notably contributed to titles like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, while the Kyoto team played a role in the development of Pikmin 2, Splatoon 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Tokyo 2nd Production Team has also been credited for their contributions to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, among other first-party Nintendo games.
Sources: Automation West, Monolith Soft (cached)
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