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The full episode, in writing.
Nintendo was founded on September 23, 1889, by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. Originally, Nintendo's business involved producing and selling playing cards known as "hanafuda." Hanafuda are traditional Japanese playing cards, and their popularity at the time helped establish Nintendo's early financial stability. As the company grew, it explored various business ventures, including a taxi service, a love hotel chain, and even a TV network.
In 1956, Hiroshi Yamauchi, the grandson of Fusajiro Yamauchi, took a pivotal trip to the United States to visit the United States Playing Card Company. Yamauchi discovered that the playing card market was limited, which prompted him to diversify Nintendo's operations. Under his leadership, Nintendo ventured into the toy industry. In 1966, Nintendo released the Ultra Hand, an extendable toy arm that sold over 1.2 million units. This success marked Nintendo's transition from a playing card company to a toy manufacturer.
The 1970s marked Nintendo's initial foray into the electronic entertainment sector. In 1974, Nintendo secured the rights to distribute the Magnavox Odyssey home video game console in Japan. The Magnavox Odyssey was the first commercial home video game console, and this deal introduced Nintendo to the burgeoning video game market. In 1975, Gunpei Yokoi, a pivotal figure at Nintendo, developed the "Game & Watch" series. These handheld electronic games featured simple LCD screens and were a significant commercial success, selling over 43 million units worldwide.
In 1983, Nintendo launched the Family Computer, or Famicom, in Japan. The Famicom was a cartridge-based home video game console that was later released in North America as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. This console revived the video game market following the industry crash of 1983. The NES introduced iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. By 1990, the NES had sold over 60 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consoles of its time.
Nintendo's success continued with the release of the Game Boy in 1989. The Game Boy was a handheld gaming device that featured interchangeable game cartridges. It became synonymous with portable gaming and sold over 118 million units globally. The inclusion of the game Tetris with the Game Boy was a significant factor in its popularity. Tetris was a puzzle game developed by Alexey Pajitnov, and its addictive nature captured a broad audience.
The 1990s saw Nintendo face increasing competition from companies like Sega and Sony. In 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64, a 64-bit home video game console. Despite its powerful hardware, the Nintendo 64 faced challenges due to its continued use of cartridges, which limited third-party developer support compared to Sony's PlayStation, which used CDs. Nevertheless, the Nintendo 64 sold 32.93 million units and introduced critically acclaimed games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
In 2001, Nintendo released the GameCube, which marked the company's transition to optical discs for its console games. The GameCube faced stiff competition from Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft's Xbox. Despite its technical prowess, the GameCube sold only 21.74 million units worldwide. Nintendo's focus on innovative gameplay experiences remained a hallmark of the company during this era.
Released in 2004, the Nintendo DS introduced dual screens and a stylus for touch-based controls. This handheld console was a commercial triumph, with global sales exceeding 154 million units. The DS's success was attributed to its innovative design and strong software lineup, including titles like Brain Age and Nintendogs, which appealed to a broad demographic. The DS solidified Nintendo's dominance in the handheld gaming market.
In 2006, Nintendo launched the Wii, a home console that emphasized motion controls through its Wii Remote. The Wii was a revolutionary device that attracted both gamers and non-gamers. It outsold competitors, with over 101 million units sold globally. The Wii's success was driven by its inclusive approach to gaming, offering titles like Wii Sports that encouraged physical activity and social interaction.
Despite its success with the Wii, Nintendo experienced a downturn with the release of the Wii U in 2012. The Wii U introduced a GamePad with a built-in touchscreen but failed to differentiate itself sufficiently in the market. With only 13.56 million units sold, the Wii U is considered one of Nintendo's least successful consoles. The failure of the Wii U led Nintendo to refocus its strategy on developing hardware and software with broader appeal.
The release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017 marked a turning point for the company. The Switch is a hybrid console that can be used as both a home console and a portable device. Its versatility and strong lineup of games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, contributed to its success. By 2023, the Nintendo Switch had sold over 125 million units, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
In December 2025, Doug Bowser, President and COO of Nintendo of America, retired after six years in the role. Under his leadership, Nintendo successfully launched the Nintendo Switch 2 and expanded into films and theme parks. Bowser's departure marked a significant transition within the company, as new leadership took the helm. Devon Pritchard succeeded Bowser as the first female President of Nintendo of America on January 1, 2026. Pritchard, with nearly two decades at Nintendo, aims to continue the company's legacy while expanding its audience.
Satoru Shibata, former head of Nintendo of Europe, assumed the position of CEO of Nintendo of America while maintaining his existing roles within the company. Shibata's appointment reflects Nintendo's strategic emphasis on global integration and leadership continuity.
The Nintendo Switch 2, released under Bowser's tenure, achieved significant sales milestones, solidifying its position in the gaming market. Details of its sales figures are anticipated in the upcoming earnings report, highlighting the company's sustained financial performance. The Switch 2 succeeded due to its enhanced hardware capabilities and an extensive library of exclusive titles.
Nintendo has also ventured into new game releases, such as "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book," an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Scheduled for release on May 21, 2026, the game features Yoshi alongside a magical encyclopedia named Mr. E. The gameplay focuses on exploration with unique mechanics like the Tail Flick ability, encouraging players to uncover hidden secrets.
In addition to "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book," Nintendo announced "Splatoon Raiders," a new title in the Splatoon series. With a treasure-hunting theme, "Splatoon Raiders" promises to expand the Splatoon universe with innovative gameplay. Further details about the game are expected as its release approaches.
Nintendo's diversification into films and theme parks represents a strategic expansion beyond video games. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward multimedia experiences. The company's investments in these areas aim to leverage its rich intellectual property and brand recognition.
Leadership changes at Nintendo, such as Bowser's retirement and Pritchard's appointment, reflect an ongoing evolution in the company's strategic direction. This transition period is characterized by a focus on maintaining Nintendo's core values while adapting to an ever-changing market landscape. The leadership team is tasked with navigating the challenges of expanding into new markets and sustaining innovation.
Nintendo's emphasis on innovation has been a consistent theme throughout its history. The company has repeatedly reinvented itself to stay relevant in a competitive industry. From its origins as a playing card company to its current status as a global entertainment giant, Nintendo's adaptability has been key to its success.
The integration of technology and creativity remains central to Nintendo's business strategy. By prioritizing unique gaming experiences and maintaining a strong connection with its audience, Nintendo continues to set itself apart from competitors. This approach has allowed the company to thrive in various market conditions and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
As Nintendo looks to the future, its ability to balance innovation with tradition will be crucial. The company's commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences is expected to drive its continued growth and success in the coming years. The challenge will be to maintain this balance while exploring new opportunities in the dynamic landscape of digital entertainment.