Former PlayStation boss: Nintendo connects with its fans like no one else

Shawn Layden, former head of PlayStation , surprised everyone with a statement that resonates strongly in the industry: "No one is more in tune with their fans than Nintendo." Praise that comes from someone who knows the ins and outs of the gaming business like few others.

While many video game companies seek to expand their market with volume strategies, Nintendo relies on identity. Consoles with their own unique personality, timeless franchises like Mario, Zelda , and Pokémon , and an ecosystem designed for its fans.

That DNA has achieved what few brands achieve: trust and loyalty throughout generations .

In an interview with HipHopGamer , Layden acknowledged that not even the PlayStation, in its prime, had the same rapport with its community.

The former executive highlighted how Nintendo stood firm during the pandemic. While most companies were hiring massively to take advantage of the revenue boom, Nintendo resisted the temptation and stuck to its original plan.

The story is reminiscent of an old captain who, in the midst of a storm, keeps the helm steady toward his destiny , trusting his crew and his planned route. That was Nintendo in the midst of the pandemic: it didn't improvise, it didn't let itself be carried away by the waves, but rather it trusted its philosophy.

That approach meant that when the industry got back on track, Nintendo didn't have to face the same adjustments as other companies.

The Nintendo Switch , with over 130 million units sold, exemplifies this vision. And with the arrival of the Switch 2 , the company has marked the best console launch in history.

Layden acknowledges that this success is no coincidence: it is the result of years of cultivating an emotional relationship with the players .

• PlayStation : Go for graphical power, movie-themed exclusives, and a premium catalog.
• Nintendo : Focuses on accessible fun, nostalgia, and hardware innovation.

Both philosophies work, but, as Layden points out, the Big N has achieved something inimitable: communion with its fans .

In a market where everything changes rapidly, Nintendo demonstrates that consistency and respect for its community are the best strategy. That's why even rival voices like Layden's recognize its merit.