The mobile game market is huge and largely untapped by traditional console developers and publishers. Studios that find success with mobile apps are huge players in the industry, as seen by Take-Two Interactive’s $12.7 billion USD acquisition of Zynga; known for titles including Words with Friends, FarmVille, and licenced games like Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells. Nintendo has put in work translating some of its franchises into mobile games, but one surprising omission is Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
After years of handheld development from the Game Boy to 3DS, Nintendo’s first smartphone app was Super Mario Run in 2016. This auto-runner used the mechanics and art style of the New Super Mario Bros. series and opened the door to further ventures. The family company also put out Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Mario Kart: World Tour, and the now-defunct Dr. Mario…
