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NINTENGO

Nintendo has DOUBLED in value since launching Pokemon Go and is now bigger than rival Sony

Gaming giant was struggling until the launch of the game on July 6, which has gone to become a huge global hit

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NINTENDO has doubled in value since the launch of its mega popular Pokemon Go app– and is now bigger than fierce rival SONY.

The Japanese electronics firm’s share price shot up another 14.36 per cent on the Tokyo stock market yesterday, making it worth 4.5trillion yen (£32.4billion).

 The Japanese electronics firm’s share price shot up another 14.36 per cent on the Tokyo stock market yesterday
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The Japanese electronics firm’s share price shot up another 14.36 per cent on the Tokyo stock market yesterdayCredit: AP:Associated Press

It was struggling until the launch of the game on July 6, which has gone to become a huge global hit.

Last night Nintendo’s share price closed at 31,770 yen (£228.74) - a 121 per cent jump on its closing price of 14,380 (£103.54) yen on July 5.

Over that crazy fortnight, it has overtaken electronics rivals Sony (worth £29.5billion), CANON (£28.8billion) and PANASONIC (£17.6billion).

 It was struggling until the release of Pokemon Go, which has become a global sensation
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It was struggling until the release of Pokemon Go, which has become a global sensationCredit: Splash News
 However, there are fears the bubble could soon burst
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However, there are fears the bubble could soon burstCredit: Getty Images

But Neil Wilson, markets analyst at ETX CAPITAL, warned the firm’s meteoric share price rise could soon falter.

He said: “The increase in the firm’s market capitalisation - which has doubled to $42 billion - means it’s bigger than Hermes, Sony, Yahoo and Glencore.

“But we’re in bubble territory now - the stock’s vertiginous rally may not last. What goes up this fast usually comes down with a bump.

“Pokemon Go is a game-changer for Nintendo - a clear sign that it’s embraced the smartphone gaming revolution.”

He added: “The share’s bounce looks a little overdone and it’s broken so far clear of any support levels that a fall could be nasty for those who bought into the rally.”

Nintendo is also known for the Super Mario Bros franchise and its Wii games console.

This is the first time it has been worth more than direct rival Sony, maker of the PlayStation, since July 2014.

 This is the first time it has been worth more than direct rival Sony since July 2014
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This is the first time it has been worth more than direct rival Sony since July 2014Credit: Alamy
 Nintendo is also known for the Super Mario Bros franchise and its Wii games console
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Nintendo is also known for the Super Mario Bros franchise and its Wii games consoleCredit: nintendo

The Pokemon smartphone app was launched in the US on July 6, and in the UK last Thursday (July 14), the company’s first move into the mobile gaming market.

It is now available in 35 countries.

Players move around in the real world trying to capture and train virtual creatures known as Pokemon.

The app is free, but makes money by asking players to buy extra in-game content.

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