Square Enix Going Into The Hardware Biz?

In the second half of his two-part interview with Nikkei Business Online, Yoichi Wada, the president of Square Enix and chairman of the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), hinted that Square Enix might be gearing up for an entry into the hardware biz.

In the interview, Wada said that in talks between Square Enix and Taito, the possibility of releasing actual physical hardware has come up. Taito, a company that produces physical hardware (along with arcade hits like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble), was acquired by Square Enix in August 2005.

While Wada refrained from disclosing more information about the company’s plans, his reference to the Nintendo DS and the iPod during the interview leads us to believe that if Square Enix were to make a move into the hardware market, the company would be aiming for a new handheld gaming device. Releasing a new console is far too risky and would lead to friction between Square Enix and established console manufacturers that hold exclusive rights to their big-name franchises.

This is an interesting development, though. If it pushes through, the ripples that will spread throughout the videogames industry will no doubt be pretty darn big.

Opinions? Thoughts? Leave a comment.

In the second half of his two-part interview with Nikkei Business Online, Yoichi Wada, the president of Square Enix and chairman of the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), hinted that Square Enix might be gearing up for an entry into the hardware biz.

In the interview, Wada said that in talks between Square Enix and Taito, the possibility of releasing actual physical hardware has come up. Taito, a company that produces physical hardware (along with arcade hits like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble), was acquired by Square Enix in August 2005.

While Wada refrained from disclosing more information about the company’s plans, his reference to the Nintendo DS and the iPod during the interview leads us to believe that if Square Enix were to make a move into the hardware market, the company would be aiming for a new handheld gaming device. Releasing a new console is far too risky and would lead to friction between Square Enix and established console manufacturers that hold exclusive rights to their big-name franchises.

This is an interesting development, though. If it pushes through, the ripples that will spread throughout the videogames industry will no doubt be pretty darn big.

Opinions? Thoughts? Leave a comment.