• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

MORE FROM SPONSORED

LIVE Web3 News

 

ARTICLE INFORMATION

Nintendo reaches a record market cap

Nintendo reaches a record market cap as Switch 2 launch nears

Fatima Al-Nouri

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.

ANOTHER MUST-READ ON ICN.LIVE:

Mythical Games’ $650M in transactions marks major Web3 gaming milestone in 2025

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.

SHARE

Why did Nintendo’s market cap hit a record high?

Nintendo’s record market cap of $100 billion is driven by multiple factors. The biggest driver is the success of the Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 130 million units worldwide. The hybrid gaming system allowed Nintendo to tap both console and portable gaming audiences, with massive hits like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Moreover, Nintendo expanded into physical experiences and media, including theme parks like Super Nintendo World and successful films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie. These ventures enhanced brand recognition and provided new revenue streams. Anticipation for the Switch 2 console and strategic manufacturing shifts also boosted investor confidence. Altogether, these moves positioned Nintendo as a diversified entertainment leader, enabling its market cap to soar.

What is market capitalization and how is Nintendo’s calculated?

Market capitalization (or market cap) is the total value of a company’s outstanding shares. It is calculated by multiplying the number of a company’s shares by the current market price of each share. In Nintendo’s case, as of May 5, 2025, its market cap hit 16.05 trillion yen, which equals roughly $100.48 billion. This valuation reflects investor confidence, future earnings potential, and the company’s overall performance. A market cap of this size places Nintendo among Japan’s top corporations, trailing only major players like Toyota. The Switch’s continued success, upcoming hardware launches, and Nintendo’s global reach contributed significantly to this valuation jump.

When is the Switch 2 releasing, and what are its prices?

Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Switch 2, is set to launch on June 5, 2025. The base system will be priced at $449, while a special bundle that includes Mario Kart World will be available for $499. This release aims to build on the success of the original Switch while offering upgraded hardware, new game experiences, and likely more robust online features. Early hype suggests strong demand. Accessories will cost slightly more due to U.S. tariffs, but core pricing remains steady. With this launch, Nintendo hopes to continue leading the family gaming market and attract new players.

How close is Nintendo to being Japan’s 6th biggest company?

As of May 5, Nintendo is valued at $100.48 billion, only about $2 billion short of Fast Retailing, the parent company of fashion brand Uniqlo. If Nintendo maintains its current momentum, especially with the Switch 2 launch, it could surpass Fast Retailing and secure its spot as the sixth-most valuable Japanese company. This would mark another major achievement in its already impressive history. The company’s consistent growth trajectory, product diversification, and strong global branding make this leap highly plausible. However, future movements will depend on global markets, competition, and the Switch 2’s performance.

FEATURED

EVENTS

Days
Hr
Min
Sec
 

ICN TALKS EPISODES