The primary reason that Nintendo can afford to spend 8-9 years on Tomodachi Life and Mario Kart World is exactly what some label them “greedy” for—long term financial stability. This management philosophy is well-documented.
Bloomberg report: “People familiar with the company say Yamauchi was determined to have sufficient reserves”
Hamamura via Bloomberg: “Because Nintendo has a lot of cash, people like Miyamoto can pursue bold challenges without worrying about damaging the [company]”
Furukawa via Nikkei Asia: “It is important to have a workplace where you can resolutely take on new challenges”
Furukawa via Nikkei Business: “It’s long been said that ‘gaming is volatile’. […] It is necessary to reserve a certain amount [of cash] for our next steps.”
Furukawa via Kyoto Shimbun: “to ensure that management isn’t hindered by short-term performance, building a robust financial foundation is essential.”
Kyoto Shimbun report: “[Miyamoto pointed out] engaging in price competition only amounts to strangling oneself”
Sources: Bloomberg, Nikkei Business, Nikkei Asia, Kyoto Shimbun 1, and Kyoto Shimbun 2
[Originally posted on 2026-04-14 Pacific Time]
