It turns out Nintendo’s exit from the Brazilian game market is merely temporary, as the company reassesses how it will continue to do business in the country.
This follows earlier reports of said exit, but now with a complete and clearer translation.
As you may already know, Brazil’s high tariffs on imports, as well as Nintendo’s decision not to open local manufacturing in the country, have conspired to make doing business in the country unsustainable. They retain their contract with their local distributor, Juegos de Video Latinoamérica, but both Juegos de Video Latinoamérica and Nintendo will hold off distribution for now until they have figured out the best way to move forward.
Another issue that has come to light is Nintendo’s struggles in adapting to local banking regulations, which is the reason fans are unable to buy content on the 3DS eShop. The Wii U does not even have an eShop for Brazil.
While this is all still terrible news, it’s actually a step forward for Brazilian Nintendo fans, who have been left wondering about the lack of local eShops for too long. It’s also a reassurance that Nintendo will find a way to make things better for all parties involved.
Of course, this also brings something else up to light; that Brazil has not been a profitmaker for Nintendo for the past three years, a vital observation when they have been able to eke out hard to attain profits in markets like Japan and France. Much like China, when Nintendo reenters Brazil it will be like adding a new source of income.
