Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, Announces Retirement

Doug Bowser, the prominent leader of Nintendo of America, is set to conclude his distinguished career at the end of 2025. Having guided the company through a period of significant achievement, including the record-breaking launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the global triumph of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Bowser's departure marks the end of an era. His successor, Devon Pritchard, an experienced Nintendo veteran, will assume the presidency, continuing the legacy of innovation and customer engagement that defines the brand.

Bowser's six-year term as President and CEO of Nintendo of America saw unprecedented growth and success for the gaming giant. Taking the reins from Reggie Fils-Aime, he oversaw the continued dominance of the Nintendo Switch in the console market, a platform that has consistently delighted players worldwide. Beyond hardware, Nintendo diversified its entertainment portfolio under his leadership, venturing successfully into theme parks and, notably, the film industry. The 2023 animated feature, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' stands as a testament to this expansion, grossing over $1.36 billion globally and becoming the first video game adaptation to surpass the billion-dollar mark.

A statement from Nintendo highlighted Bowser's pivotal role in fulfilling the promise of the Nintendo Switch, which revolutionized interactive entertainment. It also acknowledged his leadership in the recent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Americas, a device that has already achieved the status of the fastest-selling hardware in the company's storied history during its initial sales period. Bowser himself reflected on his lifelong passion for Nintendo, stemming from his early experiences with Donkey Kong, and expressed immense pride in the collective achievements of his team in both business outcomes and the memorable experiences crafted for consumers.

Devon Pritchard, who will step into the presidential role, brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having been a long-standing member of the Nintendo of America team. Concurrently, Satoru Shibata will join Nintendo of America as CEO, and Pritchard will also join the NOA Board of Directors and become a Nintendo executive officer. Pritchard conveyed her enthusiasm for the new challenge, acknowledging Bowser as a significant mentor and expressing her commitment to building upon the strong foundation he established. Her focus will be on upholding Nintendo's tradition of innovation and expanding its community of fans, encompassing both loyal enthusiasts and new players. Nintendo's global president, Shuntaro Furukawa, praised Bowser's contributions and voiced confidence in Pritchard's ability to continue the company's mission of bringing joy to people.

In summary, Doug Bowser's upcoming retirement from his leadership position at Nintendo of America in late 2025 signifies the conclusion of a highly successful chapter for the company. His tenure was marked by remarkable triumphs, particularly the sustained popularity of the Nintendo Switch and strategic diversification into new entertainment sectors. The appointment of Devon Pritchard and Satoru Shibata to key leadership roles signals a continued commitment to innovation and maintaining Nintendo's cherished legacy of creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for a global audience.