Nintendo acquires video research/middleware company Mobiclip

Nintendo has acquired Mobiclip, a "Research and Development center specialized in the field of highly optimized software technologies" — one whose logo you probably recognize if you've played a lot of GBA, DS, or 3DS games. The company specializes in video compression, which is often used for video in handheld games.

Gamasutra reports that Nintendo actually purchased the company in October, with the deal only now being publicized. It would appear that Mobiclip (and Nintendo) are looking beyond the 3DS, as the company is currently hiring a "Console software engineer" (PDF link) to work on "Nintendo's new generation consoles." In the job listing, Mobiclip calls itself a "new Research and Development subsidiary." Compression and streaming technology is something that could come in really handy for, say, the connection between the Wii U and its WiiPad.