Nintendo of America welcomed its new President and Chief Operating Officer, Devon Pritchard, during the 15th Annual New York Game Awards. Pritchard made her first public appearance in this role through a pre-recorded video message. She was introduced by former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé and New York Times columnist Harold Goldberg.
In her message, Pritchard took the opportunity to celebrate the New York Game Awards and the nonprofit initiative Playing With Purpose, which aims to enhance journalism and game narrative writing in schools across New York.
Pritchard expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Hi everyone, it is great to be here. My name is Devon, and before anything else, I want to celebrate the New York Game Awards. Fifteen years of supporting the games industry and in doing so lifting up the voices, stories, and dreams of so many.” She highlighted the importance of community in gaming, stating, “This show connects people who are united by a shared belief that every dream matters and that everyone deserves a chance to do meaningful and creative work in games and storytelling.”
This new leadership role comes as Pritchard steps in for her predecessor, Doug Bowser, who concluded his tenure at the end of 2025. Pritchard’s responsibilities will include guiding Nintendo through the development of its next-generation console, the Switch 2, which is already generating excitement among fans. Although the console has launched successfully, concerns regarding pricing and the future of Game-Key Cards remain prevalent.
Pritchard encouraged aspiring creators during her speech, stating, “The ‘Playing With Purpose’ programme supports the creators, the coders, the writers, and anyone else dreaming big to join this community and bring all that makes them unique.” She emphasized the importance of perseverance, likening the journey of creators to that of video game characters. “Like any good video game character, you’re on an adventure, and every step you take matters. There’s some gnarly bosses, sure, but also many good friends along the way who will support you, and powerful rewards for those who persevere.”
Her vision for Nintendo appears ambitious, focusing on fostering creativity and innovation within the gaming community. As she embarks on this new chapter, Pritchard aims to connect with fans and creators alike, creating a vibrant environment that nurtures diverse storytelling in the gaming industry.
As Pritchard settles into her role, the gaming world will be watching closely to see how she shapes the future of Nintendo and addresses the challenges that lie ahead.
