Nintendo announces plans to develop games for smartphones

Nintendo has announced plans to team up with online gaming firm DeNA to refocus its offerings and develop apps for smartphones.

The Japanese video games maker, which has already warned its annual operating profit would halve because of weak console sales, is venturing into new territory to boost revenue.

It is reportedly that existing games built for other Nintendo platforms will not be transferred, however all of Nintendo's intellectual property will be "eligible for development", including popular game characters such as Super Mario, Zelda and Pokemon.

The two companies also outlined plans to launch an online membership service later this year which will be accessible on mobile devices as well as Nintendo's existing Wii U console and the portable 3DS.