In a recent lecture at NYU, former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé revealed that Amazon once pressured Nintendo to engage in illegal practices. The request came during the Nintendo DS era, when Amazon sought "obscene" financial support to undercut rival retailers like Walmart, a demand that would have violated antitrust laws.
Fils-Aimé explained that Nintendo refused to comply and subsequently cut off sales to Amazon for a period. The two companies have since reconciled, but the incident highlights the intense pressure retailers can place on manufacturers for competitive advantages.
The revelation offers a rare inside look at the high-stakes negotiations between major tech companies and gaming giants.