How Much Did Nintendo Sell Rare For?
In 2002, Nintendo made a significant decision that would shape the future of the gaming industry. The company sold its renowned game development studio, Rare, to Microsoft for a whopping $375 million. This move marked a turning point in the history of Rare, and its impact is still felt today.
Why Did Nintendo Sell Rare?
Nintendo sold Rare due to a shift in its strategy. The company was moving away from second-party developers and investing in first-party teams and collaborations with third-party companies instead. Rare, despite its impressive track record, was not seen as a crucial part of Nintendo’s future plans.
Rare’s Acquisition by Microsoft
The acquisition of Rare by Microsoft marked a significant milestone in the company’s history. Rare had been developing games for Nintendo consoles since the early 1990s, but with this new partnership, they would be focusing on creating games exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox console.
Donkey Kong: A Beloved Franchise
One of Rare’s most iconic franchises is Donkey Kong, which has been a beloved character in the gaming world for decades. The first Donkey Kong game was released in 1981 and has since become a classic. The franchise has undergone several iterations, including the popular Donkey Kong Country series.
Donkey Kong Country: A Critical and Commercial Success
Donkey Kong Country, released in 1994, was a critical and commercial success. The game received widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and memorable characters. It has since become one of the best-selling games of all time, with over 9.3 million copies sold worldwide.
Most Sold Donkey Kong Game
Donkey Kong Country is not only a critically acclaimed game but also the best-selling Donkey Kong game of all time. Its success can be attributed to its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and stunning visuals.
Cranky Kong: The Original Donkey Kong?
In the Donkey Kong series, Cranky Kong is often referred to as the original Donkey Kong. However, this has been a topic of debate among fans and developers. Some believe that Cranky Kong is indeed the original Donkey Kong, while others argue that he is simply an older, crankier version of the character.
Diddy Kong: Donkey Kong’s Sidekick
Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong’s trusty sidekick and has been a beloved character in the series. He was first introduced in Donkey Kong Country and has since become a fan favorite.
Are Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong Siblings?
According to Rare, Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong’s nephew. However, the manual for Donkey Kong Country states that Cranky Kong is the original Donkey Kong and grandfather of the titular character. This has led to confusion among fans, but ultimately, the exact relationship between Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Cranky Kong remains a topic of debate.
Why Is It Called Donkey Kong?
When developing the original Donkey Kong game, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto thought "Kong" meant gorilla in English. He wanted to use "Kong" as the last name and came up with "Donkey" as the first name, which he thought meant "stupid" in English.
Conclusion
The sale of Rare to Microsoft marked a significant shift in the gaming industry. The acquisition allowed Rare to focus on creating games exclusively for Microsoft’s Xbox console, while Nintendo continued to focus on its own first-party teams and collaborations. The Donkey Kong franchise remains a beloved part of gaming history, with its iconic characters and engaging gameplay. Whether Cranky Kong is the original Donkey Kong or simply an older version of the character, one thing is certain: Donkey Kong has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
Table: Donkey Kong Games Sales
| Game | Release Year | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Country | 1994 | 9.3 million |
| Donkey Kong 64 | 1999 | 5.5 million |
| Donkey Kong Jungle Beat | 2004 | 2.5 million |
| Donkey Kong Country Returns | 2010 | 2.3 million |
Bullets: Rare’s Most Iconic Games
• Donkey Kong Country
• GoldenEye 007
• Banjo-Kazooie
• Perfect Dark
• Conker’s Bad Fur Day