In a move to streamline Nintendo’s global operations, Satoru Iwata will take on the added responsibility of CEO of Nintendo of America from outgoing CEO, Tatsumi Kimishima, who will return to Nintendo Co. Ltd. Japan in the position of General Manager. The most published figure at Nintendo of America is Reggie Fils-Aime, who is the COO and he will continue on in that role.

While Nintendo talks of a streamlined global strategy, the much weaker than expected sales of the Wii U had to also be a factor in the decision. Nintendo did not realize their goal to move 5.5 million Wii U units, and instead had to settle for sales of much less than 3.5 million units. The reasons for the poor sales have been talked about over and over again, but the unit will need significant help from Nintendo if it is to be a player going forward.

Despite everything, when it was all said and done the company managed to turn a profit, and it still has significant money in the bank. The company says they expect things to get better as 3DS sales continue to be good outside the US, and the Wii U has a strong software lineup planned for the holiday season.