Nintendo’s bold new era is full of safe bets

Nintendo is entering a new era, expanding beyond its traditional video game roots into entertainment. The company’s senior managing executive, Shinya Takahashi, emphasized that Nintendo sees itself as an entertainment company, not just a gaming one. This shift is evident in ventures like theme parks, Hollywood films, and the upcoming Switch 2 console. The Switch 2, a follow-up to the highly successful Switch, retains the same form factor but features a larger screen, more powerful internals, and redesigned controllers. Nintendo’s strategy focuses on refining proven concepts rather than taking risks. This approach is also seen in its collaborations, such as the Super Mario Bros. movie with Illumination and the planned Legend of Zelda film. Nintendo’s theme parks, like Super Nintendo World, further reflect this safe, yet ambitious, expansion. Despite its cautious strategy, Nintendo continues to innovate within its comfort zone, ensuring its position as a leader in entertainment.