Corporate Management Policy Briefing: Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2020

Nintendo’s corporate management briefing for the nine-month period ending December 2019 outlines a strategic focus on expanding the reach of its intellectual property (IP) while maintaining the growth trajectory of the Nintendo Switch platform. The company’s primary thesis is that by leveraging its unique entertainment DNA across diverse touchpoints—including dedicated hardware, mobile applications, theme parks, and film—it can cultivate long-term relationships with a broad, multi-generational consumer base.

Key performance indicators highlight the robust health of the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, which reached a global cumulative sell-through of over 48 million units by the end of 2019. Hardware sales in Japan, North America, and Europe showed significant year-over-year growth, bolstered by the introduction of the Nintendo Switch Lite. Software performance was equally strong, with first-party title sales increasing by 26% compared to the previous year. Notable successes included Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, which achieved 12.28 million units in sell-through within nine weeks, and Ring Fit Adventure, which surpassed 1.7 million units, demonstrating the platform's ability to attract diverse demographics, including families and female gamers.

The company’s strategy for 2020 emphasizes the continued expansion of the Nintendo Switch installed base through focused software development and the integration of new content, such as add-on updates for existing titles. Beyond hardware, Nintendo is actively diversifying its IP footprint through the development of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal theme parks and a feature film project with Illumination, slated for 2022. To support these long-term goals, the company is optimizing operational efficiency by consolidating its Tokyo offices and enhancing corporate governance through the establishment of a Nomination Advisory Committee, which increases the role of outside directors in leadership and compensation decisions.