Since its inception in 1889 as a hanafuda playing card manufacturer, Nintendo (OTC: NTDOY) has progressed through every change in the gaming and toy industries. Today, it is a powerhouse in the consumer electronics and video game industries, relying heavily on both hardware and software sales.
Interested in investing in this household name? Start with our guide to learn how to buy Nintendo stock.
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The Kyoto-based tech giant developed into a video game company in the 1970s, and ultimately became well-known for its consoles like NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 and Wii. And don’t forget classic games like Super Mario Bros., Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda).
Nintendo at a Glance
Nintendo is also recognized in pop culture through characters which stretch beyond video games, including playing cards, animated series and mobile apps. Its dedicated fan base and innovative takes on video game consoles make the company a pioneer in the industry.
Since Nintendo’s founding, the company has:
- Developed playing cards for the Japanese population and even Walt Disney
- Transitioned to video game consoles and arcade games
- Released Donkey Kong in 1981
- Launched the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) along with Super Mario Bros. in 1985
- Debuted the Nintendo 64 in 1996
- Introduced the Game Boy Advance and GameCube in 2001
- Launched the Nintendo DS in 2004
- Released the incredibly successful Nintendo Wii in 2006
- Launched the Nintendo Switch in 2017
History of Nintendo Stock
Nintendo’s stock has weathered a series of ups and downs since it began trading several decades ago. While many of Nintendo’s video game consoles over the years have been successful, many have also been disappointments, which has led to fluctuation over time.
For example, if you had purchased Nintendo stock at the beginning of 2006 and sold one year later, you would be left with $4.60 for every dollar that you invested after the release of the Nintendo Wii NTDOY prices shot up to all-time highs. Meanwhile, if you had waited a few years longer, you might have been lucky to break even as Nintendo stock plummeted.
Should You Purchase Nintendo Stock?
Any stock purchase warrants your careful consideration. Weigh the pros and cons of purchasing Nintendo stock before you make your move.
Pros of purchasing Nintendo stock:
- The release of the Nintendo Switch has been successful and bodes well for the future of the company.
- The Nintendo 3DS, released in 2012, continues to perform with 94 million units sold through the spring of 2021.
- With the success of Pokémon Go and Super Mario Run, Nintendo plans to continue targeting the mobile gaming market.
Cons of purchasing Nintendo stock:
- While Nintendo seems to be headed in the right direction, the company mostly performs in cycles. When a cycle ends, the stock may dip before it recovers at the start of a new cycle.
- Because Nintendo is headquartered in Japan, its stock is only available on the Tokyo and Osaka exchanges.
- Nintendo’s early endeavors in the mobile gaming market have been promising; however, its mobile efforts are in the very early stages, making it hard to tell how much mobile gaming developments will contribute to the company’s growth.
How to Purchase Nintendo stock
Since Nintendo’s stock trades on the Tokyo and Osaka exchanges, U.S. investors may not understand how they can go about purchasing the company’s stock.
If you’re interested, there are a few steps you can take to get your hands on Nintendo stock:
- Choose between NTDOY and NTDOF.
NTDOY allows investors to more easily add and subtract their Nintendo shares as it only represents ⅛ of a share. Meanwhile, NTDOF is more expensive and requires investors to purchase or sell an entire share.
- Determine how much you want to invest.
Based on the current value of Nintendo stock and the amount of money you are willing to invest, you need to determine how many shares you’re able to purchase.
- Find a broker.
Find a broker that is licensed to trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Generally, larger brokerage firms, such as Fidelity Investments, will be able to handle international investments. Or, you can invest in American Depository Receipts (ADRs) through your broker.
- Place an order.
Your stockbroker will take the information you have provided them and place the order for you.
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Future Outlook for Nintendo
Though Nintendo has had a rocky history, it’s always proven itself capable of rebounding and regaining consumer trust. If Nintendo continues to experience success with its gaming consoles and mobile gaming applications, it’s likely the company will continue to grow.
Invest in Nintendo Today
Nintendo has proven its staying power through the decades. Invest in a classic today. Find your broker and buy Nintendo stock now. Choose one of the brokers recommended by Benzinga, diversify your portfolio and invest in a timeless corporation like Nintendo.
Ready to start investing but don't know where to start? Check out Benzinga's top picks for the best online brokers for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nintendo stock pay dividends?
Yes, Nintendo stock pays dividends twice a year in June and December.