Nintendo of America expanding beyond Redmond, possibly selling land to Microsoft

The Seattle Times reports that Nintendo of America intends to relocate about 80 people in its sales, marketing, and advertising teams from Redmond to either New York City or San Francisco. This is according to Jim Roberts, deputy planning director for the city of Redmond. So far NoA has declined to comment on the transfers.

The implications of this? Kim Peterson of The Seattle Times sees this as a good sign of growth for Nintendo, especially in light of the sales of its two video game platforms, the DS and the Wii.

What’s interesting about this is that the property NoA was reportedly going to use for expansion – located at Northeast 51st Street and 148th Avenue Northeast – was up for sale. It is said that the property is adjacent to some Microsoft buildings and it is speculated that Microsoft might be a possible buyer. Microsoft hasn’t commented on this.

As for Redmond, it was reported that they aren’t worried that the area might lose Nintendo’s corporate presence. It can be recalled that Nintendo of America moved to Redmond in 1982, and has maintained a strong presence in the region. The company is the majority owner of the Seattle Mariners. Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives comments that they’re basically just “proud to have Nintendo in Redmond.”

The Seattle Times reports that Nintendo of America intends to relocate about 80 people in its sales, marketing, and advertising teams from Redmond to either New York City or San Francisco. This is according to Jim Roberts, deputy planning director for the city of Redmond. So far NoA has declined to comment on the transfers.

The implications of this? Kim Peterson of The Seattle Times sees this as a good sign of growth for Nintendo, especially in light of the sales of its two video game platforms, the DS and the Wii.

What’s interesting about this is that the property NoA was reportedly going to use for expansion – located at Northeast 51st Street and 148th Avenue Northeast – was up for sale. It is said that the property is adjacent to some Microsoft buildings and it is speculated that Microsoft might be a possible buyer. Microsoft hasn’t commented on this.

As for Redmond, it was reported that they aren’t worried that the area might lose Nintendo’s corporate presence. It can be recalled that Nintendo of America moved to Redmond in 1982, and has maintained a strong presence in the region. The company is the majority owner of the Seattle Mariners. Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives comments that they’re basically just “proud to have Nintendo in Redmond.”