Iwata's appointment as President of HAL Laboratory at a young age demonstrated his leadership potential. He was tasked with rescuing the struggling company from financial ruin.

Iwata implemented strategic changes to revitalize HAL Laboratory. He focused on developing high-quality games, fostering a collaborative work environment, and making fiscally responsible decisions.

Iwata's appointment as President of Nintendo marked a significant turning point for the company. He was the first president who was not a member of the founding family, bringing a fresh perspective to the role.

Iwata championed the idea of expanding the gaming market beyond hardcore gamers. He believed in creating games that were accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience, including casual players and non-gamers. This vision led to the development of innovative consoles like the Nintendo DS and Wii.

Under Iwata's leadership, Nintendo achieved phenomenal success with the Nintendo DS and Wii. These consoles revolutionized the gaming industry with their innovative gameplay and broad appeal.

Nintendo faced challenges in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including increased competition from mobile gaming and evolving consumer preferences. Iwata led the company through these challenges, adapting to changing market conditions and exploring new business opportunities.

Iwata initiated new business strategies, including exploring mobile gaming through a partnership with DeNA and developing new intellectual properties. He sought to leverage Nintendo's strengths in new and innovative ways.

Iwata created the “Iwata Asks” interview series, directly connecting with developers and fans and displaying transparency about game development.