Nintendo’s Key Development Studios: A Guide to Their Teams and Iconic Games
Mar 08,2025 | FUNLAB-Cheriko
An introduction to each of Nintendo's game development studios, including their main responsibilities and representative works
Nintendo’s success in the gaming industry stems from its innovative development teams and strategic partnerships. This guide breaks down Nintendo’s internal divisions and external collaborators, highlighting their roles and legendary titles.
Nintendo’s Internal Development Teams: EPD
The Entertainment Planning & Development (EPD) division is Nintendo’s core creative engine, housing specialized teams behind its most beloved franchises.
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EPD Group 1
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Focus: Supports RPGs like Xenoblade and Fire Emblem.
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Games: Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition.
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EPD Group 2
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Focus: Party and fighting games.
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Games: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Tennis Aces, Super Mario Party.
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EPD Group 3 (Zelda Team)
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Focus: Dedicated to The Legend of Zelda series.
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Games: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom.
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EPD Group 4 (Innovation Lab)
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Focus: Motion-control and interactive games.
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Games: Ring Fit Adventure, Nintendo Labo, 1-2-Switch.
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EPD Group 5
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Focus: Multiplayer and social games.
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Games: Splatoon 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 3.
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EPD Group 6
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Focus: Adventure and RPG support.
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Games: Luigi’s Mansion 3, Metroid Prime 4 (co-development).
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EPD Group 8 (Mario Core Team)
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Focus: Flagship Super Mario titles.
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Games: Super Mario Odyssey, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
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Mobile Division
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Focus: Smartphone adaptations.
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Games: Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.
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Nintendo’s Subsidiaries & Partner Studios
Beyond its internal teams, Nintendo collaborates with studios worldwide to expand its IP portfolio.
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Monolith Soft
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Focus: RPG specialists and support for major titles.
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Games: Xenoblade series, Breath of the Wild (world design).
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Retro Studios
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Focus: Action-adventure games.
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Games: Metroid Prime series, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
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ND Cube
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Focus: Party games.
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Games: Super Mario Party, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics.
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1-UP Studio
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Focus: Supports RPG and action titles.
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Games: Super Mario Odyssey (co-development).
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Game Freak
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Focus: Co-creator of Pokémon.
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Games: Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Project Bloom (upcoming).
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Sora Ltd.
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Focus: Directed by Masahiro Sakurai.
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Games: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
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Grezzo
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Focus: Remasters of classics.
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Games: Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Majora’s Mask 3D.
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Good-Feel
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Focus: Whimsical platformers.
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Games: Yoshi’s Crafted World, Kirby’s Epic Yarn.
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Intelligent Systems
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Focus: Strategy and RPGs.
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Games: Fire Emblem, Paper Mario.
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HAL Laboratory
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Focus: Kirby series.
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Games: Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
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Why Nintendo Dominates Gaming
Nintendo’s strength lies in its structured yet flexible approach. By combining internal expertise (EPD) with trusted partners like Monolith Soft and Retro Studios, it balances innovation with nostalgia. Teams like the Zelda-focused EPD Group 3 and Mario-centric Group 8 ensure flagship franchises evolve, while subsidiaries experiment with genres like mobile (Fire Emblem Heroes) or remasters (Grezzo).
For gamers, this ecosystem translates to diverse experiences—from Animal Crossing’s cozy social simulations to Splatoon’s competitive ink battles. For developers, it fosters creativity within a proven framework.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Nintendo’s development structure reveals why its games resonate across generations. Whether you’re a fan of RPGs, party games, or groundbreaking adventures, Nintendo’s studios deliver unforgettable worlds. Keep an eye on their upcoming projects, like Metroid Prime 4 and Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, to see this magic in action!
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