Nintendo San Francisco Store Offers Exclusive Merchandise, Says Doug Bowser in IGN Interview

Nintendo of America has expanded its retail footprint with the grand opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, marking it as only the second official Nintendo retail location in the United States.

Following the flagship Nintendo New York store, this San Francisco venue showcases a wide array of Nintendo merchandise, exclusive collectibles, and a unique shopping experience tailored for fans of the iconic game company and its beloved franchises, many of which are also celebrated on Nintendo Switch.

In a recent interview with IGN, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser discussed the company's merchandising strategies at the new San Francisco location, particularly in relation to exclusive products and fan-favorite collectibles like amiibo.

Bowser emphasized that certain merchandise will remain exclusive to specific retail outlets, creating an engaging experience for customers who enjoy discovering unique items at each Nintendo store. Bowser explained, "We intend to leverage our different retail locations—be it Nintendo San Francisco, Nintendo New York, or the My Nintendo Store online—to offer a substantial variety of merchandise to our consumers.

However, not all items will be available universally.

For example, some products found at Nintendo San Francisco will be unique to that location, just as the New York store will carry its own exclusives, and the same could apply online." This approach, Bowser said, is designed to encourage enthusiasts to embark on a ‘treasure hunt’, seeking out exclusive Nintendo products at different venues. Addressing questions about popular collectibles, Bowser also noted the notable selection of amiibo figurines at the San Francisco store, featuring some characters and editions that have been out of print in the U.S.

for several years.

"We wanted to offer visitors to Nintendo San Francisco a distinctive experience, allowing them to interact with our brand and find amiibo that might complete their collections," Bowser told IGN.

However, he clarified that there are currently no announcements regarding wider availability or restocks of these amiibo through other retail partners or online channels. Nintendo's selective merchandising strategy continues to reinforce the appeal of its physical retail locations, giving fans across the U.S.

a reason to visit in person.

The unique inventory at both Nintendo San Francisco and Nintendo New York, coupled with the online offerings of the My Nintendo Store, highlights the company’s focus on providing memorable experiences for fans of the Nintendo Switch and its celebrated franchises. The Nintendo San Francisco store stands as a new destination for collectors and gaming enthusiasts, offering exclusive items and a direct connection to the broader Nintendo universe.

As the company continues to innovate within both the retail and digital spaces, fans can expect curated experiences whether browsing in-store or online.

IGN Nintendo amiibo Nintendo of America Doug Bowser Bowser America Nintendo San Francisco