A recent announcement from Namco Bandai has confirmed that the company has transferred 80 per cent of its shares in Monolith Soft to Nintendo, effective May 1st.

According to reports, the decision involves around the fact the company wishes to strengthen its relationship with Nintendo, in addition to expanding the growth of Monolith.

Monolith are perhaps best known for their work on the Xenosaga series, which was predominantly featured on Sony’s Playstation console. In the past, it has ported Xenosaga I&II over to the DS, and supported the Gamecube through Baten Kaitos.

Namco Bandai will still be involved with Monolith through its remaining 16 per cent share, however, and intends on making use of the studio in the near future.