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Super Mario Run has flown to the top of the App Store grossing charts, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo's shares stumbling on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

December 16, 2016

1 Min Read

Super Mario Run has flown to the top of the App Store grossing charts, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo's shares stumbling on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

As reported by Sky News, Nintendo's market value dipped by 5 percent following the launch of Super Mario Run. Although it did recover by 1 percent before trading closed. 

To put that in monetary terms, the launch of Super Mario Run effectively wiped $2 billion off the company's market valuation.

According to Niko Partners analysts Daniel Ahman, speaking to MCV, investors seem to be worried about the game's $9.99 asking price, while there are also doubts about the console maker's ability to monetise in the long-term. 

"The upfront cost is something rarely seen in mobile games today that are targeting a large player base, as Nintendo clearly is through the promotions on the app store and use of their most popular mascot. The spending cap is certainly being seen as an obstacle," explained Ahmad.

"The game is already the top grossing title in the UK (and the U.S.) which shows there is a willingness from many Nintendo fans to pay the $10 to unlock the full game. However, it remains to be seen if the wider mobile gaming audience will jump in and pay too."

Find out what we made of Nintendo's first big mobile gamble by taking a look at our five first impressions.

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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