As PlayStation seeks to expand its reach beyond its dedicated hardware, the company is looking to every possible market. While the PC market was an obvious first step, a more unexpected and potentially lucrative avenue lies in partnering with Nintendo. This strategic alliance, though seemingly unconventional given the historical rivalry between the two companies, could offer PlayStation a significant advantage.
PlayStation’s current first-party lineup predominantly targets older teens and adults, leaving a potentially vast family-friendly market largely untapped. Nintendo, with its understanding of early fan acquisition, excels in this space. Sony seems to be recognizing this gap and making efforts with games like *Astro Bot* and *Lego Horizon Adventures*, but the next logical step is to reach this audience where they already are – on the Nintendo Switch.
This partnership could act as a Trojan Horse for Sony, introducing PlayStation characters and franchises to a captive audience on the Switch. *Lego Horizon Adventures*, already confirmed for a Switch release, is a perfect example of a game that can appeal to younger audiences while also serving as a bridge to the broader *Horizon* franchise and PlayStation itself. This strategy can be extended to other family-friendly IPs like *Sackboy*, *Astro Bot*, and *Ratchet and Clank*, potentially reviving dormant franchises like *Sly Cooper* and *Jak and Daxter*.
Beyond the family market, this partnership offers additional benefits. The Switch’s accessibility and popularity could entice PlayStation fans to double-dip, while the Switch’s weaker hardware could allow PlayStation to maintain its platform as the optimal choice for its high-end experiences. Moreover, in an era where convenience and cost trump even the most impressive visuals, this move could cater to a wider audience without appearing to favor one platform over the other.
The current trend of diversifying exclusives highlights the need for PlayStation to rethink its strategy. Xbox, facing similar challenges, has already embraced PC and even PlayStation and Switch platforms. PlayStation, while holding onto its IPs for as long as possible, can no longer afford to be so precious. The Switch, with its immense popularity and growing influence, represents a crucial market that PlayStation would be wise to target. By embracing Nintendo as an ally rather than a rival, Sony can unlock new avenues for its first-party projects and secure a strong position in the future of gaming.
