Nintendo buys distribution network JESNET ahead of NX launch

Platform holder Nintendo announced yesterday that it has purchased a 70 per cent share in Japan Entertainment Software Sales Network for $46.5m (35.2m).

JESNET is a production and distribution network, which has already been working with Nintendo for the past few years. As part of this acquisition move, Nintendo will also start to work with Japanese hardware distributor Ajioka.

The platform holder said in the official announcement: JESNET and Ajioka have been the largest-scale companies dedicated to handling Nintendo products in Japan for many years, selling mainly video game systems through their nation-wide distribution network.

This subsidiarisation and acceptance of assignment of business will unify Nintendo’s product development acumen with JESNET’s and Ajioka’s robust stocking and sales networks to form a supply structure that can meet consumer demand in a timely fashion. This means that Nintendo will have an integrated system from the development through supply of its products, allowing for rapid decision-making and an improvement in sales service. These steps are intended to strengthen the overall competitiveness of the Nintendo group and increase its corporate value.”

It seems that Nintendo is paving the way for the release of the NX, which was firstannounced in 2015. It was initiallyscheduled for a July 2016releasebut will finally launch next March alongside a pretty strong line-up, including the new Zelda, Breath of the Wild.