Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa Outlines Vision for Nintendo Switch and Global Brand Expansion

Nintendo’s leadership entered a new era when Shuntaro Furukawa, the company’s recently appointed president, delivered his inaugural message to investors and shareholders via Nintendo’s official corporate website.

Stepping into the role following the retirement of Tatsumi Kimishima in April, Furukawa’s vision is pivotal as Nintendo continues to capitalize on the Nintendo Switch’s phenomenal momentum and expand its reach across both hardware and digital ecosystems. Furukawa emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the ongoing success of the Nintendo Switch, stating that Nintendo remains committed to introducing even more consumers to the system’s unique appeal.

He highlighted the platform’s flexibility—"anytime, anywhere, with anyone"—as a foundational selling point and expressed Nintendo’s ongoing intention to diversify its software offerings to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

This multi-faceted approach aligns with Nintendo’s strategy of cultivating broad accessibility and family-friendly entertainment. "Within our dedicated video game platform business, we will continue our efforts to introduce an even wider range of consumers to the unique appeal of Nintendo Switch," Furukawa conveyed to stakeholders.

He further noted, "We will work to enhance our digital business and deepen ongoing relationships with our players, leveraging services such as Nintendo Switch Online." Furukawa inherits a thriving Nintendo, one that has achieved significant milestones under Kimishima's brief but impactful tenure.

The Nintendo Switch has sold over 125 million units globally as of March 2024, establishing it as one of the best-selling consoles in video game history.

Meanwhile, nostalgia-driven products like the NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition have demonstrated Nintendo's capacity to tap into multiple segments of the gaming market. Reflecting on the company’s past leadership, Furukawa’s message also pays subtle homage to the strategic direction set forth by both his predecessor Tatsumi Kimishima and the late Satoru Iwata.

Both leaders were instrumental in defining Nintendo’s focus on creating unique hardware experiences and embracing digital transformation, which Furukawa aims to continue and expand. Moreover, Furukawa reaffirmed Nintendo’s broader objective to increase the presence of its beloved intellectual properties in everyday life.

By seeking more opportunities for consumers to engage with iconic franchises in various forms—through games, digital services, and other media—Nintendo aims to solidify its brand as an integral part of daily entertainment worldwide. As Furukawa guides the company into its next chapter, his commitment to evolving the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, strengthening digital services such as Nintendo Switch Online, and broadening the reach of Nintendo’s IP underscores a strategic vision rooted in innovation, accessibility, and enduring global appeal. Source: Nintendo.co.jp

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Shuntaro Furukawa