Sadly, it was only just a few moments ago that the world was shocked by the news of Reggie Fils-Aime stepping down as President of Nintendo America. Yeah, now some guy named Doug Browser will be calling the shots after April 15, 2019. So before Reggie hands Bowser the keys to the kingdom. I figured now would be a good time to look back at several of my favorite Reggie Fils-Aime moments in gaming.
Seriously though, we have nothing but respect for Doug Bowser. He’s well known in the Nintendo community, Reggie trusts him and we know he’ll keep the same passion that Reggie has provided for the foreseeable future.
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
Getting rekt in Super Smash Bros.
Reggie is a gamer, we all know this. But do you remember when he was challenged by Juan “Hungrybox” Debiedma during the Super Smash Bros. 2014 Invitational? Reggie declined but did set the stage for a future match, which did happen later on. The two would face off at the Nintendo World Championships, where Reggie was on the receiving end of a beat down.
After the battle, Hungrybox exclaimed to Reggie “for being the president of Nintendo of America you suck at Smash”. To which, Reggie being the master of quips, sniped back “I spend 16 hours a day running a company; you spend 16 hours a day playing Smash”.
Damn, I’m going to miss moments like this.
Reggie gets possessed by Yokai
Or that time he introduced the Yokai Watch. I know that Reggie always thought his body was ready. However, during this promo, I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say he most definitely was not. I always loved this video.
Reggie quits to go train and play games
This video is fitting, as Reggie calls it quits so he can play some games. Meanwhile names his successor, a young child named Tanner, who takes over. That is until Reggie realizes he made a grave mistake and asks for his job back. Oh and then he fires Bill Trinen (Not really).
The mean streets of Nintendo Muppets
What do you call a segment when Nintendo icons, Iwata, Fils-Amie and Miyamoto are turned into muppets? You call it badass, entertaining and easily one of the best gaming segments I’ve ever seen. I’m sure you’ll agree if you’ve seen this before. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
Standing Beside Phil Spencer and Shawn Layden at TGA 2018
Reggie provided us with plenty of highlights at The Game Awards over the years. From Cranky Kong memes to the self-depreciating Bayonetta 3 reveal, Reggie always delighted fans at the annual show.
His biggest moment came in 2018. Fils-Aime, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer, and Sony’s Shawn Layden kicked off the show together, united as one gaming community. Cheesy as it sounds, it very well may symbolize Reggie’s greatest achievement. Fils-Aime has played a huge role in bringing gamers together, both through his personality and his actions. Microsoft and Nintendo have started working more as partners than rivals in recent years, under Reggie’s watch. As President of Nintendo of America, he no doubt played a major role in orchestrating cross-platform play and now Xbox Live on Switch. Reggie always understood that Nintendo’s greatest rivals weren’t Sony and Microsoft, but rather other leisure businesses focused on winning your downtime. At The Game Awards, he showcased his lifelong commitment to gaming as a whole.
Remembering Satoru Iwata
I’m sure many of us still remember the day that Satoru Iwata passed away. Not only was he a gamer, but he was also a creator, a businessman who loved many things. He touched the world with his passion, his voice, and his vision. As such, Reggie was good friends with Iwata and during the Game Awards show, he delivered a message that hit home for many of us.
As for Reggie, he’s given us a lot of laughs, has headed steer the Nintendo of America ship for 15 years and he will be missed. Thanks for the laughs, thanks for your hard work and dedication. Enjoy your retirement, you definitely deserve it.
If there any Reggie moments that you feel should have made the cut, let us know in the comments.
