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Nintendo of America: Reggie Fils-Aime retires, Doug Bowser takes over

By Daniel George

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13: In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime debuts the groundbreaking Nintendo Switch at a press event in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. Launching in March 3, 2017, Nintendo Switch combines the power of a home console with the mobility of a handheld. It's a new era in gaming that delivers entirely new ways to play wherever and whenever people want. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Nintendo of America)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 13: In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime debuts the groundbreaking Nintendo Switch at a press event in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. Launching in March 3, 2017, Nintendo Switch combines the power of a home console with the mobility of a handheld. It's a new era in gaming that delivers entirely new ways to play wherever and whenever people want. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Nintendo of America) /
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After 15 years of being the president of Nintendo of America, Reggie Fils-Aime hangs up his Super Mario hat and retires this April. Doug Bowser will take over.

I can’t remember a Nintendo of America without Reggie Fils-Aime as its leader. The man behind the memes has been guiding the ship through thick and thin in North America, offering up a calming presence through the toughest times and a voice of exuberance at its best. 15 years later after starting at the company, the president and COO is set to say “let’s a go” to retirement.

As announced in a press release, Reggie Fils-Aime will retire from his position as of April 15. In a twist of ironic fate (although he’s been with the company for a few years now), senior vice president of sales and marketing Doug Bowser will take over as president of Nintendo of America following Reggie’s departure date.

Shortly after the news dropped, the Nintendo of America social media accounts posted Reggie Fils-Aime’s fond farewell to Nintendo fans in a speech that showed highlights of his time with the company, as well as setting up the next generation of NoA leadership. It includes many memes and references to Reggie’s most memorable moments, including his nickname as “The Regginator” and saying, “My body is ready,” ahead of him standing on a Wii Balance Board.

It will be a bit hard of a transition for Nintendo as even though I’m sure Doug Bowser will flourish in the role, rarely does a video game president resonate with its audience quite as Reggie did. Even though he’s a corporate suit for the American branch of a Japanese in theory, his ability to roll with the punches and embrace his status as an affable, goofy guy willing to be silly embodied the nature of video games made for kids and adults alike.

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Reggie said he would use this opportunity to spend more time with his family and friends, but we all know he’s just putting in more time in the lab so he can kick Hungrybox’s ass in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

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