Is Nintendo a Japanese company?

Yes. Nintendo originated in Kyoto, Japan, and Nintendo Co., Ltd. remains headquartered in Kyoto. Nintendo's corporate headquarters are in Kyoto's Minami-ku district.

Who makes Nintendo Switch games?

Nintendo Co., Ltd. develops and publishes Nintendo software, while some games are developed with external studios or other companies. Nintendo's published franchises include Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon.

Does Nintendo own Pokémon?

Nintendo is involved in the Pokémon business, but the Pokémon brand is associated with The Pokémon Company and its related owners. Nintendo's ownership of the Nintendo brand does not mean that every franchise sold on Nintendo systems is wholly owned by Nintendo.

Where are Nintendo products sold?

Nintendo products are sold in Japan, the Americas, Europe, and other international markets. Nintendo operates regional subsidiaries and offices, including Nintendo of America in Redmond, Washington, and Nintendo of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.

What did Nintendo make before video games?

Nintendo began by manufacturing and selling Hanafuda playing cards in Kyoto in 1889. The company later expanded into toys and electronic entertainment before focusing on video game systems and software.

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About Nintendo

What is Nintendo?

Nintendo is an entertainment brand that develops, manufactures, and sells home entertainment products. Nintendo Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and its business includes gaming hardware, software, accessories, and related services. Nintendo products include systems such as Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, along with software built around franchises including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pokémon, Metroid, Kirby, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, and Splatoon. Nintendo Co., Ltd. reported net sales of ¥1,164.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, and reported 8,205 employees as of March 31, 2025.

Who owns Nintendo?

Nintendo is ultimately owned by Nintendo Co., Ltd., according to Made O'Meter's ownership data verified on September 23, 2026. Nintendo Co., Ltd. is the Japanese corporate entity that oversees Nintendo's operations and owns subsidiaries including Nintendo of America. Nintendo Co., Ltd. is a publicly listed Japanese company engaged in the manufacture and sale of home entertainment products.

Where does Nintendo come from?

Nintendo originated in Japan. Fusajiro Yamauchi began manufacturing and selling Japanese Hanafuda playing cards in Kyoto in 1889. Nintendo was incorporated in November 1947. The company changed its name to Nintendo Co., Ltd. in October 1963. Nintendo released the Family Computer, known outside Japan as the Nintendo Entertainment System family, in Japan in 1983. Nintendo moved its headquarters to its current Kyoto location in 2000.

What products does Nintendo make?

Nintendo makes video game systems, games, accessories, and online services. Its hardware includes Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, Nintendo DS, Game Boy, and earlier home and handheld systems. Its software includes games from the Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pokémon, Metroid, Kirby, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, and Splatoon series. Nintendo also provides Nintendo Switch Online and distributes selected content through mobile applications and video.

Frequently asked questions about Nintendo

Is Nintendo a Japanese company?: Yes. Nintendo originated in Kyoto, Japan, and Nintendo Co., Ltd. remains headquartered in Kyoto. Nintendo's corporate headquarters are in Kyoto's Minami-ku district.
Who makes Nintendo Switch games?: Nintendo Co., Ltd. develops and publishes Nintendo software, while some games are developed with external studios or other companies. Nintendo's published franchises include Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon.
Does Nintendo own Pokémon?: Nintendo is involved in the Pokémon business, but the Pokémon brand is associated with The Pokémon Company and its related owners. Nintendo's ownership of the Nintendo brand does not mean that every franchise sold on Nintendo systems is wholly owned by Nintendo.
Where are Nintendo products sold?: Nintendo products are sold in Japan, the Americas, Europe, and other international markets. Nintendo operates regional subsidiaries and offices, including Nintendo of America in Redmond, Washington, and Nintendo of Europe in Frankfurt, Germany.
What did Nintendo make before video games?: Nintendo began by manufacturing and selling Hanafuda playing cards in Kyoto in 1889. The company later expanded into toys and electronic entertainment before focusing on video game systems and software.

Sources: nintendo.co.jp: index.html, nintendo.com: Corporate 625946.html, nintendo.com: Nintendo History 625945.html, de.wikipedia.org, nintendo.co.jp: index.html, nintendo.com: about, en.wikipedia.org, edinetdb.jp

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