Things are changing at Nintendo, but the name at the top of the video game company will look very familiar to fans of the company’s most popular game.
Reggie Fils-Aimé, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, announced on Thursday that he would retire in April. Fils-Amé was beloved by Nintendo fans for his willingness to interact with those who obsess about the gaming company, and his goodbye message the company shared on Thursday included some of the many fun things the president had done during presentations and videos over the years.
Nintendo fans, Reggie has a message for all of you. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/EAhaEl5oEJ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 21, 2019
Replacing Fils-Aimé is Doug Bowser. Yes, Doug Bowser, who is a real person and not just a Mario villain made into a human in some live action Mario movie.
Doug Bowser taking his place as president of Nintendo of America (2019) pic.twitter.com/f2Kh4KR8tb
— shobon 🔜 MIKU EXPO 2024 (@beat_shobon) February 21, 2019
“It has been my great fortune to work with and be mentored by Reggie for four years at Nintendo of America,” Bowser said according to Business Wire. “And rest assured, we will continue to build on his work to evolve and expand our brand, furthering Nintendo’s global mission of creating smiles. There are millions more of those to come.”
There were a number of fond farewells to the departing president, and a lot of people pointing out their favorite moments with him.
Thanks for having a sense of humor. pic.twitter.com/qxQ3yOh7xr
— Cheap Ass Gamer (@videogamedeals) February 21, 2019
But there were also plenty of jokes to be had about a new president whose name is also the company’s biggest game bad guy. Doug Bowser, though certainly a fine pick to lead the company into the future, is a super funny thing for the company that makes Mario to do.
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1098665374114082816
Doug Bowser takes over at Nintendo. Other candidates for the position included Tim Wario, Brandon K. Rool, and James Ganondorf
— phildzikiy.bsky.social (@phildzikiy) February 21, 2019
conspiracy theory: doug bowser was a mail room guy who legally changed his name, walked in to a corporate meeting, and was instantly awarded an executive position
— merritt k (@merrittk) February 21, 2019
Put Doug Bowser in Smash, you cowards
— Danielle Riendeau (@Danielleri) February 21, 2019
Doug Bowser pullin up to Nintendo HQ on his first day as president pic.twitter.com/dDdtIYt63m
— Mr. 🅿️asquale (@TheMrPasquale) February 21, 2019
This is just good work all around.
They’re ready for you in there, Doug.#nintendo #bowser pic.twitter.com/MTtseBw2Bz
— Action Kazimer (@ActionKazimer) February 21, 2019
Though this is, uh, a bit more terrifying.
Doug Bowser pic.twitter.com/wxEyIUtuyq
— 🦝 Greywaren the Ninth 🦝 (@Greywaren24) February 21, 2019
Good luck to Bowser on his ascent to Nintendo’s top spot. And good luck to anyone named Peach currently working for Nintendo.