Translation guide
Nintendo is a Japanese video game company. In Japanese, it is simply 任天堂 (にんてんどう). When referring to Nintendo products or systems, the name is often used as-is or in compounds.
任天堂
Nintendo (the company)
Referring to Nintendo as a company or brand.
The standard Japanese name for the company. Used in all contexts.
任天堂は京都に本社があります。
Nintendo has its headquarters in Kyoto.
Talking about Nintendo consoles, games, or related items.
Use 任天堂の to mean 'Nintendo's' or 'Nintendo [product]'. Often the product name alone is enough if context is clear.
任天堂のゲームが好きです。
I like Nintendo games.
任天堂のSwitchを買いました。
I bought a Nintendo Switch.
In casual conversation, just saying the product name (e.g., スイッチ) is common when it's clear you mean the Nintendo version.
スイッチで遊ぼう。
Let's play on the Switch.
Referring to Nintendo's intellectual properties like Mario, Zelda, etc.
Use 任天堂の to attribute a character or franchise to Nintendo.
任天堂のマリオは世界的に有名です。
Nintendo's Mario is world-famous.
Often the character name alone is sufficient, as the association with Nintendo is assumed.
ゼルダの新作が出るよ。
A new Zelda game is coming out.