Nintendo Switch 2: Shigeru Miyamoto Reflects on Hiroshi Yamauchi's Legacy and Record Sales in New Q&A

Nintendo has published the official English translation of its recent financial Q&A session, offering rare behind-the-scenes insights into the company’s plans for the Nintendo Switch 2, upcoming first-party titles, and its growing entertainment initiatives.

The session, attended by senior management and analysts, largely covered familiar ground regarding Nintendo’s growth trajectory following the Switch platform’s sustained success.

However, a notable exchange shed light on the enduring legacy of former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi. During the Q&A, an attendee inquired how Yamauchi, who led Nintendo from 1949 until his retirement in 2002 and passed away in 2013, might react to the Nintendo Switch 2’s extraordinary performance.

As a pivotal figure who transformed Nintendo from a card-making business into a global video game powerhouse, Yamauchi’s views remain a subject of reverence in the gaming industry. Shigeru Miyamoto, renowned for his role in creating icons like Mario and The Legend of Zelda, responded with candor: Yamauchi, known for his ambitious leadership, might experience "a sense of envy" at the Switch 2’s unprecedented sales surpassing those achieved during his tenure.

Miyamoto further elaborated that, true to Kyoto business traditions, Yamauchi would likely advise caution and humility, reminding current leadership to "stay grounded and do the right thing." This sentiment underlines the measured approach that has guided Nintendo through decades of industry change. Since its launch in June, the Nintendo Switch 2 has reached new heights, with Nintendo confirming sales of over 10 million units globally.

The company has subsequently increased its sales forecast, now projecting up to 19 million units to be sold within the financial year—a testament to the hardware platform’s strong market appeal and enduring brand strength.

These milestones reaffirm Nintendo’s position at the forefront of the gaming industry, backed by a legacy of innovation and strategic stewardship. Hiroshi Yamauchi’s impact on Nintendo remains evident in the company’s corporate philosophy and product portfolio.

His transformation of Nintendo into a leader in interactive entertainment paved the way for landmark products such as the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo, and now, the Nintendo Switch family.

Miyamoto’s remarks serve as a tribute to Yamauchi’s forward-thinking spirit, while also highlighting the responsibility borne by present-day Nintendo leadership as it looks to expand on this foundation with the Switch 2 and its evolving ecosystem, including the Nintendo Direct showcase and eShop offerings. As Nintendo continues to break sales records and shape gaming culture, the enduring influence of figures like Yamauchi and Miyamoto remains central to its narrative.

Their guidance—celebrating success while encouraging humility—ensures that Nintendo’s future, anchored by the Switch 2, is informed by both achievement and reflection.

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