The Secrets of Longevity in Business from Nintendo (Century-Old Company Still Thriving)
Most companies die fast. Really fast.
The average S&P 500 company lived 61 years in 1958. Today? Just 18 years.
But Nintendo has survived 134 years. They started selling playing cards in 1889. Now they make billions from video games.
How did they outlast two world wars? The Great Depression? Countless technology changes?
They mastered the Nintendo Forever Method. Two simple strategies that keep companies alive through any storm.
The Forever Method Explained
Nintendo survived by mixing two proven ideas. They stay flexible but keep their core purpose.
Most companies do the opposite. They change everything when scared. Or they refuse to change anything.
Nintendo found the sweet spot. Change your strategy fast. Never change your purpose.
Why Companies Usually Die
Clayton Christensen studied 500 failed companies. He found the killer pattern.
87% of market leaders get knocked out by new technology. But not because the tech is better. Because they ignore it too long.
They love their current products too much. When smartphones appeared, Nokia dismissed them. "People want real keyboards," they said.
Nokia died. Apple thrived.
Nintendo learned this lesson in 1889. When playing cards became less popular, they didn't fight it. They jumped to new opportunities.
The Secret of Lasting Companies
Jim Collins studied companies that lived 100+ years. He found they all focus on one thing they do best.
But Nintendo proved something Collins missed. You can change what you focus on. Just keep your core purpose the same.
Nintendo's purpose never changed: bring joy through play. Their focus shifted from cards to toys to arcade games to home consoles.
Same purpose. Different strategies.
Your 3-Step Forever Plan
Step 1: Find Your Core Purpose
This isn't what you sell. It's the feeling you create.
Write one sentence: "We help people feel _____ by _____."
Takes 15 minutes. Guides every decision you make.
Nintendo's purpose: "We help people feel joy by playing." Whether it's cards or Switch games, joy stays the same.
Step 2: Spot Changes Early
Watch for three types of signals:
- New technology appearing
- Customer behavior shifting
- Young competitors making moves
Set up a 10-minute weekly check. Look for these signals online.
Nintendo spotted mobile gaming in 2007. While others ignored smartphones, Nintendo planned their mobile strategy. They launched mobile games in 2016. Made $1.2 billion the first year.
Step 3: Jump Before You Fall
When weak signals turn into clear trends, move fast. Don't wait.
Give 20% of your resources to the new opportunity. Do it within 30 days.
Nintendo jumped from arcade games to home consoles in 1983. They saw arcades dying. They launched the Nintendo Entertainment System. This move saved them billions.
What You'll See Happen
Week 1: Clear purpose guides your decisions
Month 1: You spot 2-3 potential changes coming
Month 3: You make your first smart pivot
Harvard studied 500 long-lasting companies. Businesses with clear purposes but flexible strategies survive 4 times longer.
Why This Method Works
The Forever Method seems simple. So why don't more companies use it?
Two fatal mistakes kill most businesses.
Mistake 1: They change their core purpose when scared. A restaurant becomes a food truck becomes a catering company. Customers get confused.
Mistake 2: They refuse to change strategy when technology shifts. Blockbuster kept opening stores while Netflix grew online.
Nintendo avoided both traps. They kept their purpose solid. They changed strategy six times in 134 years.
Like how Joe Rogan built his audience by keeping long-form conversations while jumping platforms. Same core. New strategies.
Real Business Examples
Kodak vs Fujifilm: Both made film. Digital cameras appeared. Kodak fought the change. Fujifilm embraced it. Kodak died. Fujifilm thrived.
Disney: Started with cartoons in 1923. Now they do movies, theme parks, streaming. Core purpose stayed the same: magical family entertainment.
Amazon: Began selling books online. Now they sell everything and run cloud services. Purpose never changed: make buying easy and fast.
The pattern works. Keep your purpose. Change your methods.
Start Your Forever Method Today
Nintendo survived 134 years using two simple ideas. Watch for changes. Keep your core solid.
You can do this right now.
Step 1: Write your core purpose in one sentence. The feeling you create for customers.
Step 2: Set a weekly 10-minute alert to scan for industry changes.
Step 3: When you spot a big shift, move 20% of resources to it within 30 days.
Companies using this method don't just survive change. They lead it.
Want more examples? Check out how Tony Hsieh built Zappos using happiness as his core while changing customer service strategies.
Your business can outlast any disruption. The Nintendo Forever Method shows you exactly how.
Start with your purpose sentence today. Write it now. Everything else builds from there.