Nintendo of America is making headlines once again, this time with reports of significant changes in its testing department. According to Kotaku reporter Ethan Gach, around 120 contractor jobs are being cut as part of a restructuring ahead of the anticipated launch of Switch 2.
The exact breakdown of job losses versus the creation of new full-time positions is still unclear, but sources suggest that this move represents a major downsizing of Nintendo's Washington-based testing department. However, Nintendo has stated that this restructuring will result in the creation of "a significant number of new full-time employee positions."
One of the reasons cited for this shift is a current "lull" in activity within Nintendo's testing department, with no major first-party Switch games on the horizon. Additionally, there seems to be no insider knowledge of Nintendo's upcoming console, which was reported by VGC to be delayed to early 2025.
Speculations surrounding this delay include the need for Nintendo to bolster its first-party software lineup for the new console and to potentially avoid any hardware supply issues that could arise.
A spokesperson for Nintendo commented on the changes in the testing department, stating, "Nintendo of America (NOA) has reorganized its Product Testing functions to drive greater global integration in game development efforts. The changes will also better align NOA with interregional testing procedures and operations."
They continued, "For all assignments that are ending, the contractors' agencies, with NOA's support, will offer severance packages and provide assistance during their transition. For those contractor associates who will be leaving us, we are tremendously grateful for the important contributions they've made to our business."
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