Nintendo of America has officially announced a significant leadership transition, confirming that Doug Bowser will retire from his role as President and Chief Operating Officer on December 31, 2025.
This announcement marks the close of Bowser’s influential tenure, which witnessed transformative milestones such as the record-breaking success of the Nintendo Switch and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Americas.
Bowser will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, a 19-year veteran of the video game industry and a long-standing member of Nintendo of America’s leadership team.
As part of the transition, Satoru Shibata will join Nintendo of America (NOA) as Chief Executive Officer.
Shibata will continue in his roles as Managing Executive Officer and Corporate Director, as well as Board Member at Nintendo Co., Ltd.
(NCL) in Japan.
Additionally, Pritchard will assume a seat on the NOA Board of Directors and become an NCL Executive Officer, strengthening the collaborative leadership structure between the company’s regional and global headquarters. Bowser has been a central figure in Nintendo’s recent successes, guiding the Nintendo Switch to become one of the best-selling game consoles in history and leading the expansion into new entertainment sectors such as theme parks and films.
Under his direction, Nintendo Switch 2 launched in the American market to record-breaking initial sales, further cementing Nintendo's position as a leader in the gaming industry. Reflecting on his journey, Doug Bowser stated that his earliest encounters with gaming began with Donkey Kong in arcades, sparking a lifelong passion for Nintendo.
In a prepared statement, Bowser expressed immense pride in what the Nintendo of America team accomplished and described his role as the honor of a lifetime.
He highlighted the commitment to innovative experiences for a diversified player base as a hallmark of his leadership.
“Passing the baton to Devon is a decision rooted in confidence,” Bowser said, underscoring Pritchard’s strategic vision and dedication to company growth. Devon Pritchard, who has held key roles in marketing, business affairs, and publisher relations, most recently served as Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience at NOA.
Emphasizing her focus on Nintendo fans, Pritchard shared her excitement for the new role and acknowledged Bowser as a pivotal mentor.
She affirmed her commitment to enriching the connections consumers build with Nintendo’s beloved characters and expanding the brand’s outreach across video games, entertainment, and retail. NCL President Shuntaro Furukawa also recognized Bowser’s lasting impact, expressing gratitude for his efforts in bringing joy to Nintendo’s global audience.
Furukawa conveyed confidence that Pritchard would continue Nintendo’s mission of 'creating smiles' and fostering positive experiences for both existing and new players. This leadership transition signifies continuity for Nintendo of America, aligning the company’s regional strengths with its global vision.
With the ongoing success of the Nintendo Switch, the recent launch of the Switch 2, and expansion into entertainment initiatives, Nintendo stands poised for further growth under its refreshed executive team.
This announcement marks the close of Bowser’s influential tenure, which witnessed transformative milestones such as the record-breaking success of the Nintendo Switch and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Americas.
Bowser will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, a 19-year veteran of the video game industry and a long-standing member of Nintendo of America’s leadership team.
As part of the transition, Satoru Shibata will join Nintendo of America (NOA) as Chief Executive Officer.
Shibata will continue in his roles as Managing Executive Officer and Corporate Director, as well as Board Member at Nintendo Co., Ltd.
(NCL) in Japan.
Additionally, Pritchard will assume a seat on the NOA Board of Directors and become an NCL Executive Officer, strengthening the collaborative leadership structure between the company’s regional and global headquarters. Bowser has been a central figure in Nintendo’s recent successes, guiding the Nintendo Switch to become one of the best-selling game consoles in history and leading the expansion into new entertainment sectors such as theme parks and films.
Under his direction, Nintendo Switch 2 launched in the American market to record-breaking initial sales, further cementing Nintendo's position as a leader in the gaming industry. Reflecting on his journey, Doug Bowser stated that his earliest encounters with gaming began with Donkey Kong in arcades, sparking a lifelong passion for Nintendo.
In a prepared statement, Bowser expressed immense pride in what the Nintendo of America team accomplished and described his role as the honor of a lifetime.
He highlighted the commitment to innovative experiences for a diversified player base as a hallmark of his leadership.
“Passing the baton to Devon is a decision rooted in confidence,” Bowser said, underscoring Pritchard’s strategic vision and dedication to company growth. Devon Pritchard, who has held key roles in marketing, business affairs, and publisher relations, most recently served as Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience at NOA.
Emphasizing her focus on Nintendo fans, Pritchard shared her excitement for the new role and acknowledged Bowser as a pivotal mentor.
She affirmed her commitment to enriching the connections consumers build with Nintendo’s beloved characters and expanding the brand’s outreach across video games, entertainment, and retail. NCL President Shuntaro Furukawa also recognized Bowser’s lasting impact, expressing gratitude for his efforts in bringing joy to Nintendo’s global audience.
Furukawa conveyed confidence that Pritchard would continue Nintendo’s mission of 'creating smiles' and fostering positive experiences for both existing and new players. This leadership transition signifies continuity for Nintendo of America, aligning the company’s regional strengths with its global vision.
With the ongoing success of the Nintendo Switch, the recent launch of the Switch 2, and expansion into entertainment initiatives, Nintendo stands poised for further growth under its refreshed executive team.
