Bowser’s Retirement Means That Princess Peach Can Finally Rule in Peace

On Thursday, the current president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, will retire at the end of this year, as announced by Nintendo. Consequently, this move ends six years filled with lighthearted jokes about his famous surname. Following Bowser’s exit, the company named Devon Pritchard, a veteran with nineteen years at Nintendo, as his successor. What does this leadership change mean for the future of Nintendo in America?

Bowser’s Career Power-Downs

Currently serving as executive vice president of revenue, marketing, and consumer experience, Pritchard originally joined the company in 2006. Given her long tenure, she brings a deep understanding of the organization. Bowser recently made a statement, reflecting on his long-standing passion for Nintendo, which began when he played the arcade version of Donkey Kong. He expressed that leading Nintendo of America was the honor of a lifetime. Additionally, the team’s accomplishments were praised in both business results and consumer experiences.

After working at other major companies like Electronic Arts and Procter & Gamble, Bowser initially joined Nintendo in 2015. Following this venture, he took over the role of president and COO from Reggie Fils-Aime in 2019. While there, Bowser oversaw the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch console. Not only that, but he also guided the company’s expansion into new areas, such as theme parks and film production.

Now, he has chosen Devon Pritchard to take his spot, stating that her promotion is a testament to her strong performance and strategic contributions. For Bowser, Pritchard is the perfect person to guide the company to even greater heights, and he expressed full confidence in her ability to do so. So, how will Pritchard’s background in revenue and marketing shape Nintendo’s strategy moving forward?

A New Player One for Nintendo of America

In response, Pritchard stated that she feels humbled and excited to take on the new role, while acknowledging that Doug Bowser has been a fantastic mentor to her. Furthermore, she looks forward to building on the foundation he helped establish by focusing on continuing Nintendo’s legacy of surprising and delighting longtime fans. Additionally, she strives to welcome new players into the Nintendo family. In another significant update, Satoru Shibata will become the CEO for Nintendo of America while continuing his current executive positions in Japan.

For nearly two decades, Shibata served as the president of Nintendo of Europe, showing that he has the expertise for the position. Despite these significant changes, Nintendo fans can rest easy, as the other Bowser, the giant menacing turtle from the Mushroom Kingdom, isn’t going anywhere. While this information may not be entirely good news for Mushroom Kingdom’s hero, Mario, fans will be happy that his nemesis will continue his duties as Lord Bowser and King of the Koopas, a role he has maintained since 1985.