Nintendo Co., Ltd. is the world's leading gaming console manufacturer, distinguished by its strong software development capabilities and commanding market presence across global markets. The company's financial performance is significantly influenced by dollar-denominated transactions and foreign exchange fluctuations.
Founded in 1889 as a playing card manufacturer, Nintendo began with the production of traditional Japanese hanafuda cards. In 1953, the company achieved a significant milestone by successfully mass-producing Japan's first plastic playing cards. Nintendo's transformation into a gaming company began in 1983 with the launch of its first home gaming console, released as the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan and later as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the United States. Since then, Nintendo has focused on the development, manufacturing, and distribution of dedicated gaming systems, creating both hardware and software for home consoles and handheld gaming devices for the global market. In 2017, Nintendo launched its current flagship gaming system, the Nintendo Switch, which has become the company's core product. The company plans to release its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, in 2025. Beyond gaming hardware and software, Nintendo leverages its valuable intellectual property, including iconic franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon, to expand into various entertainment sectors including video content, merchandise, and theme park attractions.