Nintendo Raises Employee Base Salary by 10% in Talent Retention Push

Nintendo Boosts Employee Compensation Amid Industry Turmoil

Nintendo has raised its employees' base salary by 10%, according to CEO Shuntaro Furukawa during a recent shareholder Q&A. The move, initially reported as a new development, was later clarified to have taken place in April 2023, with further adjustments in 2026. The company is also expanding its workforce, adding over 300 permanent jobs in FY2026 to reach nearly 6,000 employees globally.

This salary increase is part of a broader strategy to retain talent and maintain a stable workforce, especially as competitors like Microsoft and Sony have conducted mass layoffs. Nintendo's approach stands in stark contrast to industry trends, where many companies are cutting costs and reducing headcount.

Details of the Salary Increase

During a shareholder Q&A, CEO Shuntaro Furukawa stated that Nintendo raised base salaries in Japan by 10% in April 2023. He also noted that the company has continued to review its compensation system, implementing further salary increases in April 2026, including adjustments to starting pay. The clarification came after initial reports suggested the raise was a new development.

Furukawa emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate salary levels, stating, "Salaries form the foundation of our employees’ livelihoods; if pay were to fluctuate drastically based on business performance, it would be difficult for them to work with peace of mind." This approach contrasts sharply with industry peers who have conducted mass layoffs.

Workforce Expansion and ESG Commitments

Nintendo's global workforce has grown to 5,938 permanent employees as of FY2026, up from 5,630 the previous year. The company added over 300 permanent jobs across key regions, including Japan, North America, and Europe. According to Nintendo's ESG report, the company employs 3,160 staff in Japan, 1,603 in North America, 1,151 in Europe, and 100 in Australia.

The expansion reflects Nintendo's commitment to long-term growth and game development, even as competitors like Microsoft and Sony have conducted mass layoffs. The company also reported that 100% of employees in Japan and Australia received regular performance reviews, while 91.5% in North America participated in similar evaluations.

Context and Industry Comparison

Nintendo's salary increase stands in stark contrast to industry trends. While Microsoft has raised Xbox console prices three times in just over a year and conducted layoffs, Nintendo has focused on employee retention and compensation. The company's approach aligns with its philosophy of maintaining a stable workforce to foster creativity and innovation.

Furukawa emphasized that salaries should not fluctuate drastically based on business performance, as this would undermine employees' ability to work with peace of mind. This philosophy is reflected in Nintendo's decision to raise base salaries even as competitors cut costs.

Workforce Expansion and ESG Commitments

Nintendo's global workforce has grown to 5,938 permanent employees, up from 5,630 the previous year. The company added over 300 permanent jobs across key regions, including Japan, North America, and Europe. According to Nintendo's ESG report, the company employs 3,160 staff in Japan, 1,603 in North America, 1,151 in Europe, and 100 in Australia.

The expansion is part of Nintendo's broader focus on diversity, workplace safety, and career development. The report shows 82 employees with disabilities at Nintendo Co., Ltd. in Japan, 162 at Nintendo of America, and 16 at Nintendo of Europe. Additionally, 100% of employees in Japan and Australia received regular performance and career development reviews, while 91.5% in North America participated in similar evaluations.

Context and Industry Impact

Nintendo's salary increase and workforce expansion stand in stark contrast to industry trends. While competitors like Microsoft have raised Xbox console prices three times in just over a year and conducted layoffs, Nintendo has focused on employee retention and compensation. The company's approach aligns with its philosophy of maintaining a stable workforce to foster creativity and innovation.

Furukawa emphasized that salaries should not fluctuate drastically based on business performance, as this would undermine employees' ability to work with peace of mind. This philosophy is reflected in Nintendo's decision to raise base salaries even as competitors cut costs.

Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry

Nintendo's salary increase and workforce expansion stand in stark contrast to industry trends. While competitors like Microsoft have raised Xbox console prices three times in just over a year and conducted layoffs, Nintendo has focused on employee retention and compensation. The company's approach aligns with its philosophy of maintaining a stable workforce to foster creativity and innovation.

Furukawa emphasized that salaries should not fluctuate drastically based on business performance, as this would undermine employees' ability to work with peace of mind. This philosophy is reflected in Nintendo's decision to raise base salaries even as competitors cut costs.

Conclusion

Nintendo's salary increase and workforce expansion represent a significant investment in its employees, setting a positive example for the gaming industry. By prioritizing talent retention and compensation, Nintendo is positioning itself for long-term success and innovation. The move also highlights the company's commitment to maintaining a stable and motivated workforce, even as market conditions fluctuate.