Nintendo’s North American subsidiary is getting some fresh faces at the top. Satoru Shibata, a veteran of the company, is set to take on the role of CEO at Nintendo of America in a few months. Most gamers might not know who he is, but industry experts and fans in Europe are likely familiar with him. He’s known for his vibrant videos where he can be seen dancing, singing, and chatting about his beloved handheld games. Check out NoA’s new CEO belting out “Call Me Maybe” to promote Nintendo’s Karaoke games and busting a move to hype up Yo-Kai Watch. Shibata even got in costume to reveal Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.
The exec gained a reputation for shooting Swapnote messages directly to fans during his time leading Nintendo Europe. He also delivered unique Nintendo Direct updates to fans back in the early days of the 3DS and Wii U. Remember when he jetted off to a warehouse in Germany to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at where the games and consoles are boxed up and shipped out? And let’s not forget about his 3DS collection. Shibata admits he’s not the best at games and never finished Luigi’s Mansion 2, but he loves unwinding with a session of Professor Layton before hitting the hay. His handheld even housed thousands of Miis, including one belonging to the late Nintendo President Satoru Iwata.
Will this version of Shibata be unleashed in the modern Nintendo era? It’s doubtful. The company and the internet have both evolved. But hey, at least we have these nostalgic time capsules from the past. Nintendo’s business approach has always been a blend of ruthlessness and whimsy. Will we see more of the latter in the Switch 2 era? Shibata isn’t alone in this new chapter, with Devon Pritchard stepping into Doug Bowser’s shoes as President of Nintendo of America. Dive into the latest Kit and Krysta podcast for an insider’s take on Bowser’s retirement and the fresh blood at the helm.
As Shibata gears up to lead Nintendo of America, fans are curious to see how his unique style will mesh with the current gaming landscape. Whether he’ll bring back the same energy and charm from his past videos remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, Nintendo is in for an interesting ride with Shibata and Pritchard at the helm. So, buckle up and get ready for some exciting times ahead in the world of Nintendo.
