See the movie, play the game: How Nintendo is pulling out all the stops to sell the Switch 2

Core Viewpoint - Nintendo is leveraging its iconic intellectual properties (IPs) to expand its market presence across various sectors, including movies, merchandise, and theme parks, to boost sales of its flagship Switch 2 console and key games [2][4]. Expansion of IP Footprint - Over the past five years, Nintendo has intensified efforts to broaden the reach of its franchises and characters [7]. - Universal Studios opened Super Nintendo World in Osaka in 2021, and other locations followed suit, enhancing brand visibility [8]. - The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed over $1 billion in 2023, with a sequel planned, and a Zelda movie is also in development [8]. - Despite the expansion, IP-related revenue was 54.5 billion Japanese yen ($347.7 million), accounting for nearly 3% of total sales in the first nine months of the fiscal year starting March 2025 [9]. Impact on Core Gaming Products - The movies and theme parks serve to attract fans to Nintendo's core gaming products and draw in new players [10]. - The success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie provided a short-term profit boost, extending the life of the original Switch console, which has become Nintendo's best-selling device [11]. Nostalgia and Accessibility - Nintendo's long history since entering the home console market in 1983 has fostered nostalgia among multiple generations of players [12]. - The company effectively harnesses nostalgia and accessibility, allowing new audiences to engage with its characters easily [13]. Focus on Switch 2 Sales - The Switch 2, launched in June, has sold over 17 million units, with "Mario Kart World" being the best-selling game [16]. - The challenge lies in continually reinventing its franchises to avoid potential fatigue among gamers regarding its beloved characters [17][18].