Nintendo of America announced today that President and COO Doug Bowser will retire on December 31, 2025, after more than six years in the role. Bowser, who succeeded Reggie Fils-Aimé in 2019, guided the company through a period that included the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the opening of Nintendo theme park attractions, and the release of its first feature-length film.

The company confirmed that Devon Pritchard, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience, will succeed Bowser beginning January 1, 2026. Pritchard will also join the NoA board of directors and serve as an executive officer at Nintendo’s global headquarters in Japan.

Nintendo also announced that Satoru Shibata, a corporate director and managing executive officer at the company’s Japanese headquarters, will become CEO of Nintendo of America while continuing his existing responsibilities.

In a statement, Bowser reflected on his career with the company:

“One of my earliest video game experiences was playing the arcade version of Donkey Kong. Since that time, all things Nintendo have continued to be a passion for both me and my family. Leading Nintendo of America has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished in both business results and the experiences we’ve created for consumers.”

He added that it was “time for the next generation of leadership,” praising Pritchard as “an exceptional leader” and expressing confidence in her ability to guide the company to greater success.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa thanked Bowser for his leadership and said the company remains focused on its mission of “creating smiles.” Furukawa noted that Pritchard’s promotion reflects her proven track record and strategic contributions.eves Pritchard will uphold Nintendo’s mission of “creating smiles.”