After a more than successful product launch with the Nintendo Switch and 15 notable years at Nintendo of America, it comes as something of a shock as it is revealed that Reggie Fils-Aime will soon be retiring from the company. With almost 13 years under his belt as President and COO, Reggie has become something of a household name with gamers across the world and has led Nintendo of America through many important transitions throughout the years. His last day at NoA will be 15th April.

The appropriately named Doug Bowser will take over the reins from Reggie. Shuntaro Furukawa, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. had to say this on the transition:

I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo. Inside and outside our company, Reggie is known as an exceptional leader. We are grateful that he is leaving the business in good shape with strong momentum. While we will miss him and we wish him the very best in his retirement, we are also pleased to have such an able successor ready to step into that role. Doug Bowser and the rest of the team will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for Nintendo.

Incoming NoA president Doug Bowser
Image: Nintendo of America

Here's what Reggie had to say about this shock announcement:

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. As I look forward to departing in both good health and good humor, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends.

Incoming NoA president Doug Bowser added to this:

It has been my great fortune to work with and be mentored by Reggie for four years at Nintendo of America. 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.

It's a massive surprise that Reggie has chosen to retire at this stage of his career, but we at Nintendo Life wish him all the best with his future endeavours. We also congratulate Mr Bowser on his appointment, we're sure he'll continue to drive the business forward over the coming years and we look forward to all the inevitable memes.

Let us know what you think of this surprising announcement with a comment below.