NINTENDO ANNOUNCES TWO PROMOTIONS AND HONORS TWO RETIREES; TWO OF NINTENDO OF AMERICA'S EARLIEST EMPLOYEES RISE THROUGH THE EXECUTIVE RANKS

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 2003--Nintendo of America Inc. recognizes two esteemed employees with promotions and honors two longtime executives upon their retirement. Don James has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations from Senior Vice President. Rob Thompson has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Consumer Services from Vice President. Phil Rogers, Executive Vice President of Operations, and Phil Borkowski, Vice President of Manufacturing, will retire Dec. 31 to pursue personal interests.

"Both Rogers and Borkowski have been instrumental in creating our corporate culture and championing our rise to a world-class gaming company," says Tatsumi Kimishima, president, Nintendo of America Inc. "We wish our retirees success in their new endeavors, and congratulate our executives on their well-deserved promotions."

James was one of Nintendo's first U.S. employees. He started work in August 1981 as Warehouse Manager, responsible for the assembly and shipping of coin-operated games. During the past 22 years, Nintendo has relied upon his extensive creative design skills, outstanding management ability and unique expertise with products, packaging design, promotions, trade shows and manufacturing requirements.

In his new role, James will oversee the Design Services, Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning and Procurement, Shipping and Consumer Service departments.

Thompson also joined Nintendo in 1981, and has been a driving force in establishing Nintendo's reputation for excellence in customer service. He began his career as a Service Technician and in 1986 moved to the Consumer Service Department, which at its peak had grown to more than 600 employees. As Senior Vice President of Consumer Services, Thompson will direct all consumer response programs.

Rogers joined Nintendo in June 1982, as Director of Development. Initially he helped complete the acquisition of Nintendo's Redmond Campus and pursued investments with profits generated by the company's thriving arcade video games. He expanded the Operations Division to more than 500 employees and eventually rose to become Executive Vice President of Operations. Rogers plans to pursue his interests in travel and real estate.

Borkowski joined Nintendo in October 1987, bringing with him more than 25 years of manufacturing experience. Through the years, Borkowski has proved invaluable in bringing licensee software manufacturing into the United States and leading the team to develop Nintendo's inventory system. Borkowski plans to spend his retirement tinkering with his classic Corvettes and keeping up with his four grown children, two stepchildren and six grandchildren.