Really, thinking about the last year since he returned to work, he has put so much into motion. With the 15% survival rate even if caught early of this type of cancer, it really looks like he was planning everything to try and get Nintendo back on top form while he could.
He put NX into motion. Unified hardware is a huge thing.
The DeNA deal for mobile and to help bring Nintendo's online into the modern times with a whole new account system.
The shift in Club Nintendo to a more modern, global system.
The deal with Universal and other companies to bring Nintendo IP into a wider range of things including theme parks.
Increased R&D for games.
QoL being developed for additional revenue
Introducing Morimoto as a new host for the Nintendo Directs.
This stuff was all so rapid, and the latter one made people question what is going on. Now, we can see that it does look like Iwata was putting plans in place.
Maybe I'm just overthinking it and trying to make sense out of this. I hate things like this. Hate.