December 31st marks the end of an era for Nintendo

Nintendo of America President and CEO Doug Bowser is officially stepping down from the top spot of the gaming juggernaut, with December 31st being his last day as president. Nintendo has seen a banner year throughout 2025, launching its newest home console to great success alongside a wide range of major first-party releases. The Switch 2's debut saw more than 3.5 million units sold within four days of the console's debut, setting the record as Nintendo's fastest-selling home console of all time. Now, Nintendo is saying goodbye to the man at the top of the US branch.

Following the departure of beloved Nintendo executive Reggie Fils-Aime, Doug Bowser took over as President of Nintendo of America for the first time in 2019. Bowser had been with Nintendo for four years when he took over as president, first joining Nintendo of America in 2015 as vice president of sales and marketing. Doug Bowser was also seen as a particularly fun choice for president among fans, with an abundance of jokes the new president shared with his last name. was killed the villain Now, Doug Bowser is leaving Nintendo of America with his next in-line already in place.

December 31st is Doug Bowser's last day at Nintendo

December 31st is Doug Bowser's last day as president and CEO of Nintendo of America, confirming that he will retire from the position. In an official statement from Bowser about his planned retirement, he calls leading NoA “the honor of a lifetime” and recalls his roots as a gamer playing the arcade version. Donkey Kong. Bowser cited the “next generation of leadership” as a major factor in his departure, realizing he was ready to hand the reins of the company to incoming president Devon Pritchard. Satoru Shibata will also move into one of Bowser's executive positions, with the former Nintendo of Europe president taking over as CEO.

Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser is retiring Image via Nintendo

Doug Bowser's replacement is someone who already has years of experience as a Nintendo executive. Devon Pritchard first joined Nintendo of America in 2006 through the company's legal department, working in several roles for the developer's US arm. Prior to assuming the role of president on January 1, Pritchard currently serves as Nintendo of America's executive vice president of revenue, marketing, and consumer experience. Pritchard follows the ongoing trend of Nintendo of America looking for sales and marketing departments for their presidents, both Reggie Fils-Aime and Doug Bowser to start sales.

Devon Pritchard is Nintendo of America's new president Image via Nintendo

Devon Pritchard takes over at an exciting time for Nintendo

Devon Pritchard will assume the role of president as Nintendo looks to maintain its strong momentum through 2025. The Switch 2's massively successful debut came with similar popularity for the console's flagship launch title. Mario Kart World Already sold more than 9 million copies. Nintendo followed up Mario Kart World With several big-name releases throughout the year, incl Donkey Kong Banana, Kirby Air Ridersand Pokemon Legends: ZAamong others. The console's launch has already seen a plethora of high-profile ports, including games like Cyberpunk 2077, Street Fighter 6and Man has no sky Hitting switch 2.

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Image via Nintendo

Nintendo and the Switch 2 should also have an exciting year in store for fans in the first part of 2026. The Switch 2 has some notable releases for January, rolling out the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Nintendo has also confirmed the new Tomodachi life The game will start in 2026, with a comfortable Pokemon spinoff with Pokemon Pokopia Set to debut in March. With Devon Pritchard taking over for Nintendo at the developer summit, many fans are excited about what lies ahead for the Nintendo Switch 2.

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