Would it be so bad it Nintendo just made software?

[Kenryoku_Maxis]

Rpruett said:

Kenryoku_Maxis said:

On the flip side, ask yourself this. Could Sony or Microsoft ever survive in game development going software only?

Sony,  most definitely.  Microsoft that's debatable.  Sony has tons of high quality game developers and has proven to release multitudes of AAA games  through their developers.

That's the key.  Sony simply has multiple development groups like 'Team Ico' and Naughty Dog Studios.  However, if Sony no longer had a vested interest in gaming (aka, wasn't making consoles/handhelds), why would they need all those studios anymore?  It would be like owning a bunch of production contracts with noted film production groups that were making you a nice bit of money after you sold the Movie Studio they were making those movies under.

Nintendo is in somewhat of a different state.  Yes they own/have contracts with other companies much like Sony.  But they also make much of their own games internally.  Many games like Mario Galaxy, Zelda Wii and Metroid: Other M are designed by Nintendo itself and not a secondary company.  Often times made or produced by the very people who designed the console itself.