10 Ways Nintendo Were Almost COMPLETELY Different
4. Microsoft Bought Rare
Rare was a British gaming company formed by Tim and Chris Stamper. When they became a second-party developer for Nintendo in 1994, they created the SNES game, Donkey Kong Country. After that, it seemed everything Rare touched turned to gold. After churning out gems like GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, and Diddy Kong Racing, it wasn't long before Rare was considered Nintendo's secret weapon.
That's why gamers were absolutely baffled when Microsoft contracted Rare to make exclusive games for their consoles. Even the Stamper brothers were surprised Nintendo didn't attempt to purchase their studio when they had the chance. Because of this acquirement, Rare only made one game for the Nintendo GameCube, Starfox Adventures. Other Nintendo projects that the Stampers were working on such as Donkey Kong Racing were cancelled. Considering the GameCube was the least successful mainstream console of its generation, it seemed unwise that Nintendo didn't fight for Rare.
Although gamers assumed Rare would help the Xbox triumph over its rivals, the studio was mishandled under Microsoft's tenure, causing the Stampers to step down from the company they created. If Nintendo acquired the studio 20 years ago, it's possible Rare would still be dominating the gaming industry today.