Nintendo reaches a record market cap of $100 billion, marking a historic financial milestone for the iconic gaming giant.
This major achievement comes just a month before the highly anticipated Switch 2 console release. The company’s market capitalization has more than doubled since 2016, when it stood around $42 billion. The Switch console’s massive success, along with strategic expansion into theme parks and films, helped fuel this remarkable growth.
Founded in 1889, Nintendo started out by making cards for playing before becoming a pioneer in video games. Its first major breakthrough came in 1983 with the Famicom, which later launched in the West as the NES. Now, nearly 136 years later, the company stands among the top Japanese firms by market value.
The Switch effect and rising value
Much of this success is due to the Switch platform. Launched in 2017, it merged home and portable gaming into one system. Popular first-party titles like Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Mario Kart helped push hardware sales past 130 million units. Nintendo reaches a record market cap in part because of this sustained momentum across software and hardware.
In addition, Nintendo diversified its business model with attractions like Super Nintendo World and the hit Super Mario Bros. Movie. These expansions broadened Nintendo’s brand power beyond gaming.
The next chapter in Nintendo’s journey begins June 5 with the launch of the Switch 2. Priced at $449 for the base model and $499 with the Mario Kart World bundle, the new console is already generating massive anticipation. Nintendo aims to maintain its lead in family-friendly and innovative gaming experiences.
While U.S. tariffs affected the price of accessories by $5–$10, core console pricing remains unchanged. Nintendo has reached a record market cap despite trade pressures, thanks in part to the shift in production to Cambodia and Vietnam.
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Climbing the Japanese corporate ladder
Currently valued at 16.05 trillion yen ($100.48 billion), Nintendo is close to overtaking Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, to become Japan’s sixth most valuable company. Though still far behind Toyota’s $250 billion market cap, Nintendo’s trajectory signals growing dominance in digital entertainment.
With Switch 2’s release imminent and a strong brand foundation, the company’s momentum shows no sign of slowing.