Nintendo takes on Pixar? - news - play.tm

Nintendo takes on Pixar? - news - play.tm:

In a move which may have been influenced by Square's dip into the animated movie business, Nintendo have revealed to the Nikkei Journal that they plan to create an internal studio dedicated to the production of animated movies. Certainly a daring move; but perhaps one rich in potential given the power of many of Ninty's top brands (Pokemon, Mario and Zelda, anyone?).

Former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi has been urging the company - somewhat bizarrely - to back an animated production based on the works of classic poet Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. However it appears the company are moving away from this favouring an animated picture based on one of their own creations. A release in 2006 is currently mooted. The formation of the new studio will give big N total control over the creation of films based on Nintendo properties, a contrast with past releases (most notably Pokemon), where an external company has driven the process.