Reggie Fils-Aime is Retiring From Nintendo, Bowser Takes Over

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime announced that he will be retiring as president and COO after more than 15 years at Nintendo. Doug Bowser, Nintendo's senior vice president of sales and marketing, will be replacing Fils-Aime as Nintendo of America's new president.

In a statement announcing his retirement Fils-Aime said, "Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever. It's a part that is filled with gratitude – for the incredibly talented people I've worked with, for the opportunity to represent such a wonderful brand, and most of all, to feel like a member of the world's most positive and enduring gamer community." Fils-Aime says retirement is "not 'game over'" for him but "leveling up" to spend more time with his wife, family, and friends.

Fils-Aime joined Nintendo in 2003 as executive vice president of sales and marketing, and became president and COO three years later in May 2006. Fils-Aime oversaw the launch of several Nintendo consoles including the GameCube, Wii, Wii U, 3DS and the Nintendo Switch. During this time he presided over Nintendo of America during its record-breaking run of the Wii and 3DS.

In the community, Reggie is known for the memes he's generated as Nintendo's president. From "My body is ready," to the fun skits he would preform with the late Satoru Iwata, Fils-Aime's presence looms large among Nintendo fans and gamers.

"I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo," said Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in a statement. "Inside and outside our company, Reggie is known as an exceptional leader. We are grateful that he is leaving the business in good shape and strong momentum."

Doug Bowser will be taking over Nintendo of America on April 15, Fils-Aime's last day. As vice president of sales since 2015 Bowser has overseen the launch of the Nintendo Switch and weathered jokes over his very real last name. It looks like Bowser will be in charge of Nintendo after all.