Sony to buy Nintendo DRAM manufacturing plant for ¥7 billion - rumour

Sony is reportedly in the final stages of acquiring the semiconductor plant that currently produces Nintendo's DRAM chip, currently found within Wii U consoles. The deal is said to be worth ¥7 billion.

It follows reports that Nintendo is gearing up to take its first step into mobile gaming. Hit the link for details.

Reporting on an NHK story, DualShockers notes that the rumoured take over of the plant - based in Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture and currently owned by Renesas Electronics - has been expected for some time.

After acquiring the plant, Sony is expected to invest a further ¥20 billion into the operation, and will reportedly absorb some existing staff as part of the deal. At present, the plant manufacturers several components, including the Wii U's DRAM chip, but reports suggest that Sony will us the site to boost its CMOS smartphone sensor output by 30%.

Nintendo is yet to comment on the reported acquisition, and hasn't confirmed a new manufacturing partner as yet, but alleged stockpiles of the DRAM chip are said to act as a buffer against any shortage.

We'll have confirmation of the above as soon as we hear it. With Sony and Nintendo's financial reports looming, we may hear sooner rather than later.

What do you think?