The rumour was confirmed, Nintendo will directly distribute their products in Portugal. Laurent Fisher as well as Spanish and Portuguese involved parties comment.

It's now official, Nintendo of Spain will open the Portuguese office on the 1st of March 2009 which will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution of Nintendo products, with Concentra's distribution contract ending on the 28th of February.

Laurent Fisher, Nintendo of Europe's PR and marketing director comments:

"Nintendo had a long and beneficial relationship with Concentra, which did an excelent job in marketing and distibuting our products in Portugal since 1991. However, following Nintendo's expansion in the Spanish market the last few years, we decided it's the right time to strengthen our commitment to sales in the Portuguese market, so now it makes sense for Nintendo to have a direct intervention in Portugal."

"Opening a delegation in Portugal shows our commitment to this market right now and for the future." adds Luciano Pereira, Nintendo of Spain's director."We already have a strong position in the Portuguese market thanks to Concentra's hard work the last 17 years and now we're ready to build on that and turn Portugal into one of main growth markets."

Pedro Feist, Concentra's president also comments:

"Concentra is one of the oldest Nintendo partners in Europe and we feel honored to have contributed to the brand's growth in Portugal the last two decades. In the following months we'll work hard with Nintendo to guarantee a smooth transition in distributing their products in Portugal. We wish Nintendo and its new Portuguese team success in the future."

So there you go Portuguese fans, the baton will officially change hands next March!